Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast October 2013 edition

Lifestyles

www.lifestylesafter50fl.com • Suncoast • FREE

AFTER 50

Vol. 24 • October 2013

• Local Softball Leagues • The Book on Weight Loss • Visit to the POW Museum

New Sport “FootGolf” Comes To Largo

BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

T

here’s a new game in town—think golf with a kick. Fans of the sport are donning shorts, brightly colored argyle knee socks and good sneakers and heading out to the golf course— not with clubs, but with a soccer ball.

The sport is called FootGolf, and it a nutshell, it’s golf played with a regulation #5 soccer ball. The origin of the sport is still up for debate with several individuals laying claim to its invention. But it has been gaining popularity in Europe and South America for years and has only recently come to the states in the form of a professional league: the AFGL (American FootGolf League). Now FootGolf courses have been appearing alongside local golf courses across the states.

So how do you play? The game follows traditional golf rules with little modification. Rather than a tee, players stand near brightly colored markers, line up their shot and kick

soccer-style to a large hole at the end of the green. The length between each hole is shorter to accommodate foot power rather than club power, and cups are 21 inches in diameter.

Bogies, Birdies and Eagles are still around, though they refer to the number of kicks instead of strokes. Expect the usual obstacles—sand traps, water, rough areas on the edges of the green—and yes, the “play it as it lies” rule is still in effect, which may mean some fancy footwork.

Jason Wilson works at Largo’s first FootGolf course—the only one in Florida outside of Miami and the eighth official FootGolf course in the

United States—and he recommends the game for players of all ages.

“It’s very easy; anybody can go out and kick a ball. We really encourage people who have never played before to try it,” he says. “It’s a great game for exercise; you can walk or ride as you go. And you don’t have to have a lot of golf experience, we just ask that you follow golf etiquette.”

By that, he means being respectful of other players on the course and wearing proper attire (no golf cleats or soccer cleats, please). They also recommend that you bring an easily identifiable ball, so don’t be afraid to go crazy with the colors.

Wilson says that the sport has generated some interest in people who might otherwise shy away from golf.

“We’ve had some people say ‘well, my wife doesn’t play golf, but she might like to come out to a beautiful green space for an hour or two, and she can kick a ball around with me,’” Wilson says. Regulars on the

course range from young adults to a group of gentleman in their 70s.

Chris Price, 57, of Largo is a newcomer to the sport. “Golf clubs are expensive,” he says. “I like this because all I need are my feet. It’s fun. You get your whole body into it. Sometimes your body and the ball don’t go where you tell them to,” he laughs, “but that’s part of the challenge. Your body is the golf club, so you really have to aim and put just the right amount of force behind it. Like regular golf, it takes practice.”

Largo’s FootGolf Course is par 71 and spans 2400 yards, and it is located alongside its traditional golf course on 12500 Vonn Road. On Oct. 5, they will be holding an open house so anyone can try out FootGolf for free and enjoy refreshments and music, starting at 1 pm. On Oct. 6, they will host the Tampa Bay FootGolf Open tournament with registration starting at 11:30 am. To learn more or to register for the tournament, call 727-518-3024 or visit footgolf.net.

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 2

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Mute Buttons, Hide Clicks and Caller ID: The Real Magic of Modern Technology Dear Readers,

A

July article in the Wall Street Journal pointed out that millennials in their 20s and 30s are the first generation Janice Doyle, to hit the workforce Editor with fully tech-savvy parents. “Most baby boomers are using the same smartphones, tablets and laptops as their children, making daily communication with Mom easier and more open-ended than ever,” wrote Lindsay Gellman.

Chatting online—as long as the computer’s sound effects are on mute—is silent. Texting means sending a message without the phone ringing and the ensuing one-sided conversation for all to hear.

Here’s how it plays out. Texting is “all in a day’s work” for baby boomer wife, mother and grandmother, Julie S., age 56. Although she never phoned or saw her daughter last Tuesday, she did send Heather 16 text messages from her work cubicle. Heather, age 28, sent 15 texts to her mother.

Their texts, said Julie, involved messages about the weather, lunch, a new blouse, Heather’s husband’s fishing trip and “a Publix BOGO we don’t want to forget about.”

I’m comparatively tech-savvy myself; at first it was because I had to be in the world of work. I’ve done a great deal of kicking and screaming along the way. And I said to many

of those younger people who helped me along the way, “Don’t tell me to JUST do it. At my age I don’t JUST do anything with a computer.

Show me and let me try it.”

Now I want to keep up with technology so I can interact with my grandchildren, although I still do a lot of sighing and grunting when I’m presented a new gizmo to learn.

For today’s child, the computer holds no mysteries, no wonder, no under-the-breath-words such as I’ve experienced. It reminds me of the little train story. I say—as the little train did—“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” My grandchildren say, “Of course it can, of course it can. Let me show you.”

Each area of life which I adapt to with technology leads me to say, “Wow. That’s so cool.” E-mail, of course, has become the accepted tool for communication with everything from friends and family to churches,

clubs and work.

Texting? Once I wondered why I would ever need to text anyone. Now I know to text when I want someone to get a message without having to interrupt both of us with a phone call. It’s so simple.

A text message is unobtrusive and the response is often just a “yes” or “no” or “Thx.” Similarly, a chat message keeps a conversation on the computer and is less disruptive to a work cycle than having to stop to converse on the phone.

Facebook? I’ve loved Facebook for years for keeping up with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and old friends in faraway places.

The ones who share too much of their lives, like daily baby pictures and potty training reports?

Well, here’s the thing about technology. The solution is just one click away. I can actually hide from people. No bullying; just quiet, simple rejection when I choose—modern high tech stuff!

It’s as handy as the mute button on my iPhone, the caller ID display on the landline or a vacation to a far place. Ah, technology.

Pinellas/Pasco Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc General Manager Dave Tarantul dave@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Janice Doyle janice@lifestylesafter50.com Accounting/Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Customer Service 1-888-670-0040

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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 the Nov. 2013 issue is Oct. 15, 2013. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 3

AN EVENING WITH

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN “THE AMBASSADOR OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK”

SATURDAY

OCT. 19

8:30 P.M. FERGUSON HALL

STRAZ IT’S CENTER MORE THAN JUST A SHOW. Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Group Sales: 813.222.1016 or 1018 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3

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uesdays Join the Palm Harbor Community Chorus. Sing at assisted living facilities in Dec., sharing music and good cheer. No audition to join. Rehearsals at 7:30 pm at Crystal Cove Community Church, 6900 County Rd. 95, Palm Harbor. 727-939-2951.

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Las Vegas Casino Night Fundraiser. 6 pm to 10 pm at Armed Forces History Museum, 2050 34th Way North, Largo. Dinner buffet, games and tournaments. Tickets: $40 for casino and $80 for the Texas Hold ‘em Tournament. Available at armedforcesmuseum.com or 727-539-8371.

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“Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Sunset Beach, Tarpon Springs.

9 pm. $5 admission. Refreshments for purchase. 727-942-5628.

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Educational lecture on puppy mills.

Learn about this animal welfare and consumer rights issue and what can be done to help dogs at these facilities.

Free, open to the public, 7 pm at St. Petersburg College Veterinary Technology Center, 12376 Ulmerton Rd., Largo.

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“Intro to Plant Identification” class with master gardeners, 2 pm and 6:15 pm at Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor. Free; register at 727-582-2603.

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SPCA Tampa Bay 3K Pet Walk.

K-9 obedience and agility demonstrations, parade of adoptable pets, pet costume contest, food, music and more. 9 am at Vinoy Park, St. Pete. www.3kpetwalk.org or 727-586-3591.

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Decorating for the holidays class. Learn how to make holiday wreaths and centerpieces at 9:30 am at the Safety Harbor Museum, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd. Public welcome, refreshments served, plant exchange.

For more info call 727-726-6159.

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and 20 Folkfest St. Pete. $5 donation at the gate.

Art, music, family area and food to benefit Creative Clay. 10 am to 6 pm at Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg.

More info at folkfeststpete.org.

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 4

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Florida Orchestra in the Park.

Fireworks! Free concert at 7 pm, fireworks at 9 pm. Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. 727-892-3331.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

8 am to 12 pm at Albert Whitted Park. 3-mile stroll along the waterfront. Info/registration at www. alz.org/flgulfcoast or 727-578-2558.

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– 25 2013 World Shuffleboard Singles Championship, 9 am – 6 pm at Mirror Lake Shuffle Board Complex, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St Petersburg. Details at world-shuffleboard.org.

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Happy Hour with the Baseball Historian. An evening of wine, words and wisdom. 6 –8 pm at St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.$5 donation. Info: www.spmoh.org.

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Cooking class with Rita Fabula. Learn how to make “fun and funky” Halloween treats. 1:30 pm at Beach Library, 69 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach. 727-562-4970.

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Wildflower Festival: Honey beehive exhibit, butterfly tent, wildflower scavenger hunt, presentations and wildflowers for sale. 9 am to 4 pm. Free. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800.

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35th Annual Country Jubilee. Flea market and book sale, craft and artisan vendors, live music, tours of historical homes, living history activities, food and more. 10 am to 4 pm. at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St., N., Largo. 727-582-2123. Free admission; $2 donation welcome.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection. com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

October 10 for November event.)

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BY JANICE DOYLE

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is nephew might call him an “old duffer,” but when John Young walks up to bat on the softball field, his friends in the dugout only call out encouragement and friendly advice. After all, many of them have had knee replacements too.

Senior softball players, like John, smile and laugh a lot—at themselves and at each other. They still feel the euphoria of getting a hit or catching a fly ball. The chatter in the dugout has changed topics since they played as teens, but they still hand out the typical baseball field trash talk as

teams move around the dugouts and the field.

All through west central Florida hundreds of senior men and women play ball and form fast friendships.

They share tales of former glory days, and they often Raul Lafitte, 82, solve the world’s still a good hitter. problems over lunch after a game.

The teams keep score, but the game is about a whole lot more than scoring points.

Why play?

Al Youmans of the Bradenton Senior Softball League says, “Our players are activity oriented. Most have been former athletes or lifelong athletes and want to stay in shape. We enjoy competing, like all red-blooded American guys.” His league for age 60+ includes 19 men over age 80.

“Playing softball makes me feel young, brings back my youth. I didn’t play for 40 years and when I got back out on the field it washed away all

Kids and Kubs

The Granddaddy of all senior softball teams is the Kids & Kubs team in St. Pete—the Three-Quarter Century Softball Club of St. Petersburg, Florida. They’ve been around for over 80 years and have provided a sports team for over 1,000 players and spectator pleasure over half a million fans. The club started out to be a social club but turned into an iconic softball club for seniors and athletics. In 2012 there were 62 members.

Four teams played the regular home season as well as many games against teams throughout Florida and other states.

Freedom Spirit

Clearwater’s Freedom Spirit 70+ Women’s Softball team is made up of a majority of players from the Tampa Bay area.

They’ve played together since 1997. One of the women told a reporter, “We’re not little grannies out there. We’ve got some ladies that can really play.” For them, like men playing softball, it’s about fun, support and comaraderie— and that good-natured competition. Five members of this team are in the National Softball Association Hall of Fame.

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 6

troubles, all stresses and brought me right back to when I was young,” says Joe Madia, President of the Cape Coral 50 Plus Softball League.

Here’s the thing about senior softball.

The rules are modified for safety just in case someone forgets he’s not as young as he used to be. There’s no sliding into home plate, for example.

Youman says, “We want to avoid collisions, so players run to an outside base at first. Recently there’s a trend of protecting the pitcher by putting

up a screen because with high-tech aluminum bats the balls just come flying and can be very dangerous.”

Many older players can still hit and catch, but running is a problem. So, teams with older players may say that if you can hit the ball and get to first base, a pinch runner can go in for you. Youman says, “We also have a line in the outfield, and if a player can hit the ball over that line, you can’t put him out at first base.

That keeps the older guys playing.”

Raul Lafitte, 82, still plays in Cape Coral. Madia says, “To see a man that age athletically compete on a field with men in their 50s is truly inspirational. He still hits and throws well and plays first base.”

Want to join?

What you need to know if you want to play: there are all kinds of leagues, including ability leagues.

Also, it’s never too late to play.

Beginners often work hard and can still enjoy being one of “the boys of summer” all year round in Florida.

Pitcher (and league treasurer) Howie Spry, 80, just released a high arcing curve.

“You don’t stop playing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing.” —Senior Softball Association’s philosophy

Here is contact information for local senior softball leagues: Clearwater: Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex, 2998 Drew St. 727-562-4802 x 3839; Women: Freedom Spirit Softball, Tues and Thurs , Ages 60/over; Men: Three Score Softball, Mon, Wed and Fri, Al Corcoran, 727-725-2982 St. Pete: Woodlawn Complex, 19th St & 13th Ave., Three Quarter Century team, Mon, Wed, Fri at 9 am. 727-393-9777 or bill5233@verizon.net or Bo Fike, 727-367-8366.

Dunedin: Thurs Night Seniors at Vaneck Park, Dunedin.

Contact Chris Hoban at 727-433-1583. Clearwater, contact Richard A. Dion, 727-743-6674 or rdion@tampacatholic.org.

Monday nights.

Largo: Play Wed 9 am. Contact Brian at 727-365-0044 or bharter@largo.co If we missed your league, let us know and we’ll get the word out: janice@lifestylesafter50.com.

Make Life Interesting: Diversify Your Experiences one’s expiration date, all of life is a wager. I say the time for taking action on those ideas—usually o matter your politics, religion relegated to dayor lifestyle, the maxim “all of dreams—is now.” life is a wager” is a reliable one, says If you’re feeling Marshall Chamberlain, a self-delike a drone, scribed recluse and, by many stanChamberlain ofdards, modern-day Renaissance man. fers the following “It seems to me that most people tips on the way live in a state of inertia and pursue Author and adventurer only the most prescribed avenues.

Marshall Chamberlain to becoming a true adventurer: To me, the world is much too rich not to sample what life’s buffet • Parlay your strengths into new has to offer,” says Chamberlain, adventures. With a period of his life who has experienced life as a invested in the USMC, Chamberlain businessman, an officer in the U.S. became accustomed to a largely Marines, husband (and divorcee), physical, Spartan-like existence. father, world traveler, boat dweller, After his divorce, he decided to writer and all-around adventurer. simplify the needs of his everyday “Spend your days putting off your life, so he became self-sufficient, dreams, and the time to realize those dreams can easily slip away. Consider- living aboard a 30-foot sailboat for ing time and the unknowable nature of the better part of 10 years. He also

N

traveled the world, participated in activities communing with nature and pursued his passion to become an author of adventure-thrillers.

• Make a list of what’s really important to you; trim the fat soon after. To put it simply, most of us will not know in advance of our death.

We know one thing: we will one day die. With a finite amount of time to wager, we simply don’t have the time to watch the same bad movie every Friday night. Go big! Lose 20 pounds of fat and gain 20 pounds of muscle, or take a chance with that crush you’ve been nursing for six months, or buy a guitar and learn how to play it!

You don’t have time for a banal life.

• Become fluent in a second language (literally and figuratively).

Indeed, become familiar with Spanish, French, Italian or some other language. More importantly, become fluent in a new language to approaching life. Start saying yes to ideas

that you’ve harbored for a long time.

One thing leads to another; perhaps in learning Italian you’ll develop a passion for the language’s rich culture.

This could lead you on a trip to Italy.

Who knows? The important takeaway is not to fear a new kind of fluency.

• Confront your fears. Are you sick and tired of the sheer predictability of your existence? Nothing shrugs off the dreary residue of the daily commute than jumping out of a plane to put things in perspective. If you have a fear of heights and skydiving is too overwhelming, consider going to the top of the tallest building near you. Confronting fear not only fills you with adrenaline… you will also likely walk away filled with confidence. But don’t let the adventure stop there! Let this be a lesson in affirming life’s exciting potential; keep the adventure going by testing your limits.

Chamberlain is author of the Ancestor Series of adventure-thrillers.

Go to marshallchamberlain.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 7

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Fall Festivals

– 12 Oktoberfest. Festival highlights include a parade and keg tapping ceremony, authentic German folk dancers and lots of food and beer.

5 pm at German American Society of Pinellas County, 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. $6. 727-238-8201.

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Haunted Hike Through Historic St. Petersburg. 6:30 pm. Meet at 13th Ave. and 13th St., St. Pete for a 1-hour, 1-mile tour with ghost stories and entertainment. Tours every 15 minutes. $7/adult, $3/child. 727-823-0393.

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– 13 Mad Beach Harvest Festival. Artisans, craftsmen, market vendors, children’s activities, contests, live music, food, beer and more. Free admission. 10 am to 5 pm in Downtown Madeira Beach, 15004 Madeira Way, St. Pete Beach. 727-322-5217.

Heroes, Villains and Vixens.

A chic Halloween themed cocktail party featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and a freaky fashion strut. Benefits Goodwill Industries.Price: $75. 7 pm at Kapok Special Events Center, 923 N. Mcmullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-523-1512, ext. 1050.

Autumn Harvest. Enjoy an oldfashioned fall celebration and farmer’s market with hayrides, bobbing for apples, sack races, pumpkin carving contest and other fun events.

Free admission. 10 am to 4 pm at The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-893-7234.

Halloween Spooktacular. Bring grandkids and costumes and join the fun with family activities like an enormous trick-or-treat path, petting zoo, ropes course, entertainment, DJ, inflatables and games.

12 pm at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. Cost: $7.

Parking: $5. 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 9

Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens

Come See How Much Fun Being Over 50 Can Be!

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oin us for the 2nd annual Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest, Oct 11, 2013 at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center.

More than 60 Senior Friendly exhibitors will provide information on travel, finance and local services. Take the opportunity to receive important information on health care and receive free health screenings during the event.

Nestle’s Boost nutritional health drink will be giving away free samples and valuable prizes throughout the day.

Entertainment will include the popular Denise Looney, the “DJ with a Twist,” and our favorite country singer William “Duece” Hulett. Be sure to watch for the hilarious antics of Fritzy the “One Man Circus.”

Enjoy free Bingo, putting green and beanbag toss games for prizes and giveaways. Plus the all new PrizeA-Palooza with chances to win $100 throughout the day.

Free admission!

Free parking! Enjoy a delicious Senior Friendly lunch for only $5, or bring your own lunch. Free coffee and goodies will be provided by Lifestyles After 50.

Pose for a free caricature of yourself by Art Pressman.

Come on out...bring a friend and enjoy the day inside the air conditioned center, located at 6630 Van Buren St,. New Port Richey. Doors open at 10 am and close at 3 pm.

Call 727-841-4560 for directions.

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 12

Veterans Corner

Andersonville National POW Museum Is Worth the Trip

POW Day of Remembrance He and other park ric Leonard, Public staff members joined Information Officer thousands of visitors at Andersonville Naand the surrounding tional Park, has a pascommunity for National sion for military history, POW Recognition Day even the haunting parts on the third Friday like the prisoners of war. of September.

Andersonville is home The annual presidentialThe Avenue of Flags at to the National POW ly declared day included Andersonville National Museum which means he the Avenue of Flags. This POW Museum and rangers in the park is the display of a multalk about the tragedy of POWs every tiplicity of U.S. flags arrayed on both day. Leonard said, “We address the sides of the principal drive that leads fact that this is the most famous of from the main entrance or gate into the 150 military prisons across the pancemetery. Leonard said, “The cemetery orama of American military history.” is a beautiful, haunting, moving place Andersonville National Historic Site any day of the year. The Avenue of in Georgia comprises three distinct Flags brings those feelings up a notch.” components: the former site of Camp About 1,000 motorcycles called Sumter Civil War Military Prison, the “The Ride Home” rode into the area Andersonville National Cemetery and to honor and remember all former the National Prisoner of War Museum, prisoners of war. They escorted the which opened in 1998 to honor all Vietnam moving wall to the campus U.S. prisoners of war in all wars. of Georgia Southwestern University The military prison site began as a in Americus and brought in about stockade built about 18 months before 100 POWs from WWII, Korea and the end of the U.S. Civil War to hold Vietnam for recognition and honor.

Union Army prisoners captured by The time of recognition continued Confederate soldiers. Designed for when Former POWs spoke at a a maximum of 10,000 prisoners, at convocation held on the GSW its most crowded it held more than campus. One speaker was Iraq War 32,000 men in horrific conditions.

POW Shoshana N. Johnson, the first As a national cemetery for veterans African American female POW. and their spouses, Andersonville has about 200 burials a year. (By compariSeveral anniversaries this year son, Arlington averages 200 per week.)

This is a busy year for remembering The National POW Museum is yet POWs. Leonard said, “It is the 60th another facet. “Part of our story here is anniversary of the 1953 Korean War that no matter what conflict you were armistice and the release of Americans involved in, the emotions are hauntheld by the Chinese and Koreans. ingly the same,” said Leonard. In the Last spring marked Operation National Park System alone there are Homecoming, the 40th anniversary over 12 POW museums, but this is the of the return of our Vietnam POWs, place most talked about. “We’re the and coming up is also the 10th famous one, but not the only one.” He anniversary of the release of the notes that the museum is a reminder POWs taken early in the Iraqi War.” that the cost of POWs is a tangible Admission to the park is free. consequence of any conflict, including For more information, please call our present Middle East involvements. 229-924-0343 or visit the site online.

BY JANICE DOYLE

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 13

Are You On Information Overload?

BY GEORGE H. SCHOFIELD, Ph.D

T

here’s so much information out there: practical, impractical and everything in between. There are so many modes of delivery: email, TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media, word of mouth...

How can you sort through the flood of information to find enough of what you need to make great choices?

• (Tip: Don’t wait until you have every possible piece of information to begin moving toward your goals and dreams. Otherwise, you’ll never get anywhere.)

Here are eight simple approaches you can use to find the information you need, so you can create the life you want and handle the expected and unexpected challenges that are part of life after 50.

1. Unplug. Take a periodic break from

the news (a media fast). Watchdog

groups have analyzed the mainstream media and found some disturbing information: for every 13 negative news stories, there is only one positive story.

2. Seek information from sources and perspectives that: a) you trust b) provide a variety of perspectives c) help you analyze the information and arrive at your own conclusions.

If you are only getting information from one source or perspective you will probably only be able to draw conclusions that confirm what you already think you know.

This will limit your possibilities, knowledge and wisdom.

3. Keep asking yourself: “What’s the point?

“How does this help me?”

“Who else benefits if I adopt this information, belief or perspective?”

4. Stop consuming

information from any source that uses tactics like these: • us vs. them / fear, doom, and gloom / righteous indignation / blame • attacking a person’s integrity instead of trying to understand • making one perspective totally right and all others totally wrong

5. Take a break from your trusted

sources for at least 72 hours. When you come back, listen with a fresh ear.

6. Write down the most important

things you are learning that can affect your life. Choose what to do about them. Respond rather than react.

7. Pay attention to the information

you see and hear most often.

Separate the hype from what is most useful to you and the people you care about.

8. Speak (regularly) with one person

you know well and with one person you don’t know well (and may not agree with) to get two additional perspectives.

Find more of the author’s insights about living life after 50 at New Bright Life website: newbrightlife.com.

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Multivitamins: To Take or Not To Take

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f you’ve taken daily multivitamins for years, you’re not alone—about 40 percent of Americans do. In 2009, we spent $27 billion on multivitamins, and today we probably spend even more.

A recent Cleveland Clinic study concluded with these findings: • Multivitamins won’t prevent heart attacks or strokes. If you are a healthy adult, taking a multivitamin won’t lower your risk of heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease.

• For men, multivitamins won’t prevent common cancers. Taking a multivitamin may lower your overall risk of cancer if you’re a man. But it won’t lower your risks for the most common male cancers: prostate, colon and lung cancer. And taking a multivitamin will not lower your risk of dying from cancer.

• For women, multivitamins won’t help you live longer. The women’s study found that those taking multivitamins did not survive as long as those who did not.

• Taking a multivitamin won’t replace healthy habits. Taking a multivitamin is no substitute for healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating healthy foods from a balanced diet.

Who should take multivitamins?

Anyone who is malnourished or who has a nutritional deficiency needs to take a multivitamin. For the rest of us, the most important thing to ask yourself is, “Am I doing everything possible to optimize my overall health before taking a multivitamin and/or supplement?”

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He Wrote the Book on Weight Loss

BY EVELYN MACKEY

What he did to lose He learned to lose one or two pounds a week. “I was eating 4500 calories, so to get Philip Hamrick before... down to 200 pounds I had I had gained 10 pounds and then to go down 20 pounds and then I got up to 300 to eating only pounds,” Hamrick says. In his 40s he 2000 calories weighed 350 pounds, then went over a day.” First he 440 pounds, and his health suffered. ...and after! cut 1,000 calories a day At 57, he started his own weight-loss and began to lose. It took him three program. Hamrick says he turned years to get to the weight he wanted. himself into a foodaholic in that He began to exercise but says, “ The he thought about everything that older you get the harder it gets. Pain had to do with the food he ate. felt good when I was younger. At 60 Dieting today is hard, says Hamrick. pain hurts and it takes longer to get He mentions buffets, social lives over it. I’ll never bench press 460 built on food, larger portion sizes, pounds again, but I’m lifting 150 to fast food. “I had to learn to eat and 170 which tones and burns calories.” enjoy but control myself.”

“I

struggled for over 50 years with my weight problem, from just being overweight, to obese, to severely obese,” says Philip Hamrick. The retired information management specialist is living proof that you don’t have to spend money for dieting and diet-related products to lose weight and keep it off.

Health Hamrick, who lost 220 pounds in recent years, says, “My weight gain was from mismanagement of eating habits.” In his early years, he played sports, including weight lifting, and as long as he was exercising he could maintain his weight.

When he got into heavy lifting, he had to get his weight up. He stopped weight lifting but didn’t change his eating habits.

He also went from an active to inactive job. “The next thing I knew

He also does isometrics like chinups for muscle tone. Hamrick’s routine is one hour in the weight room three times a week and a five-mile walk three days a week.

“The hard part is still keeping it off!”

At 218 pounds, his pulse is normal, his sugar levels and cholesterol are good, he can move easily, stand longer and walk regularly.

Hamrick’s 9-to-5 career days had included much documentation, so when he went on the diet, he documented what he ate and did. That led to his book, The Easiest Weight Management and Smart Eating Program which is a guide for others.

What he does: I eat anything so I don’t have cravings, but I control portion size.

I’ve had a couple of breaks, but I catch myself and get back on track the next day.

I recognize that every day is a battle.

The Easiest Weight Management and Smart Eating Program for Weight Loss by Philip Hamrick.

ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

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That plan is Simply Healthcare.

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Our plans have a wide variety of benefits that may include: • Up to $552 yearly giveback on your • $0 copay for enhanced dental Medicare Part B premium benefits (including dentures) • $0 or low copay for prescription drugs • Up to $1,000 for hearing aids every year • $0 copay for doctor office visits • Up to $200 for eyewear every year

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Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., a Medicare-contracted coordinated care plan that has a Medicaid contract with the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to provide benefits or arrange for benefits to be provided to enrollees. Enrollment in Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits may vary by plan and county.

Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pa pay your Medicare Part B premium. For full-dual members the Part B premium is covered. Premiums, copays, and coinsurance may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details by calling, Member Services toll-free at 1-877-577-0115 (TTY 711). From October 1 to February 14, we are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Eastern. From February 15, we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. H5471_SHPM01K2027 Accepted 9/26/2013 Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 18

Kicking the Sugar Habit

O

ur sugar-laden diet is literally killing us. That’s the conclusion of a study reported at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association this year. Sodas and fruit drinks aren’t our only sources of sugar. The average American eats between 22 and 30 teaspoons of added sugar each day, according to the AHA. “The harmful effects of sugar are primarily due to the weight gain from added sugar in the foods we eat and sugar-sweetened beverages,” says Dr. Michelle Hauser of Harvard Medical School.

How much sugar do we actually need? According to AHA guidelines, women shouldn’t get more than 100 daily calories (about 6 teaspoons) from added sugar. In reality, “You don’t need any added sugar,” Dr. Hauser says.

Sugar aliases Sugar comes in many forms—including honey, brown rice syrup, corn syrup and molasses. You want to limit all of them. By and large, all types of sugar have the same effect on your body—with one exception.

Researchers say that fructose, but not glucose, alters blood flow in areas of the brain that stimulate appetite.

“When we take in high-fructose corn syrup and fructose, it stimulates appetite and causes us to eat more,” Dr. Hauser says. So you want to especially limit foods containing high-fructose corn syrup (such as sodas and sweetened cereals).

Always read labels. You can control the amount of extra sugar you spoon onto your food, but sometimes it’s hard to spot sugar hidden in presweetened packaged and processed products.

Are artificial sweeteners better?

Artificial sweeteners, which are sugar-free and typically lower in calories than sugar,

might seem like healthier options, but that idea is controversial. There’s also evidence that eating these sweeteners, which are generally hundreds—or even thousands—of times sweeter than sugar, can make you crave sweets even more. You undermine the benefit of using artificial sweeteners, for example, if you use a glass of diet soda to justify having a bowl of ice cream.

However, if artificial sweeteners can help you cut back on calories in a meaningful way, then they can be helpful in controlling weight and blood sugar. “For people who are trying to make small changes to their diet, artificial sweeteners are sometimes a good stepping stone, but they’re not a permanent fix,” Dr. Hauser says.

You may wonder which artificial sweetener is best. All of the sweeteners on the market today are considered safe. Prior reports linking saccharin to bladder cancer in rats were overturned in later studies which didn’t find any evidence of the same effect in humans. Aspartame being linked to cancer has also been disproved.

Still, if you’re concerned about the safety of your artificial sweetener, Dr. Hauser suggests using sucralose, which has not been linked to any adverse health effects.

Break the sugar addiction If you’re “hooked” on sugar, don’t try to eliminate all sugary foods at once. Eat a healthy diet made up of more satisfying foods—whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils and lean protein. “When you get used to eating fewer super-sweet things, you crave them less,” Dr. Hauser says. “You become more satisfied with less sweet things.” You also won’t feel guilty on those less frequent occasions when you do splurge.

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SHINE Can Help with Medicare Choices

A

ct now! SHINE can help with your Medicare Enrollment decisions. SHINE is a Florida Department of Elder Affairs program operated in partnership with your local Area Agency on Aging to provide information and assistance with Medicare. All services are free, objective, and confidential.

They are not an insurance company and there is no cost for their services. This is the time to:

• Choose a plan that covers your medications in 2013.

• Switch Prescription Drug Plans or Advantage Plans.

• Enroll for the first time if you are new to Medicare or if you did not enroll when you were first eligible.

The Area Agency on Aging is here to help you through the process. Please call us for assistance or more information: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 19

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Changes Expected T

he Medicare annual open enrollment period begins Oct. 15. This year’s Medicare season crosses calendars with the rollout of the Health Insurance Marketplace, so it’s important Medicare-eligible beneficiaries understand the differences between the two government programs.

During the Medicare annual enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, all Medicare beneficiaries have the option to change their Medicare plans for the coming year to better match their needs. This includes anyone using original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans.

This year may be confusing for Medicare beneficiaries who falsely think they have to enroll in an exchange plan to avoid penalties. Medicare is separate from the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

Another potential area of confusion is for those individuals turning 65 during Medicare annual enrollment.

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 20

Because some seniors become Medicare eligible during this time period, they need to look at their Medicare selections for coverage that takes them through year-end 2013, as well as coverage that will begin Jan. 1, 2014.

During the Medicare annual period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, all Medicare beneficiaries have the option to change their Medicare plans for the coming year to better match their needs.

What to Expect: Medicare Coverage 2014 Medicare is not part of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Anyone with Medicare is considered covered and won’t face penalties for being uninsured under provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Medicare recipients reaching the drug donut hole will benefit from

lower costs. The gap in prescription drug coverage starts when someone reaches the initial coverage limit, estimated at $2,850 in 2014. It ends when they have spent $4,550, when catastrophic coverage begins. (These are reductions of $120 and $200, respectively, from 2013.) During the donut hole, all costs are covered by individuals out of their own pocket. In 2014, those who reach the donut hole can receive a 52.5 percent discount on brand-name drugs and 28 percent discount on generic drugs (an increase from 21 percent in 2013).

Medicare Part B premium changes are expected. The 2013 monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) was $104.90, but watch for changes.

Prescription drug Part D plans will see slight changes in deductible and premiums. The Part D initial deductible decreases by $15 to $310 and are predicted to remain relatively stable, at $31 for a basic prescription drug plan in 2014.

Changes anticipated for Medicare Advantage plans.

Not all plans change every year, but common changes include costs, such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays, and changes to covered procedures, tests, medical facilities and other provisions. Some plans may be eliminated, which means beneficiaries will need to select a new plan or default to original Medicare Part B

Above information collected by Allsup Medicare Advisors, which is an affordable, flat-fee based service for Medicare-eligible individuals.

Here are other places for Medicare advice: • SHINE (free assistance) 1-800-963-5337 • Medicare Plan Finder Tool (online tutorial from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) • 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) • Medicare Rights Center’s Toll-Free Helpline: 800-333-4114 (Mon. through Fri.)

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 21

Discover The Springs South Pasadena’s Hidden Treasure

Welcome to The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, located in beautiful South Pasadena on the campus of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. We’re not your typical skilled nursing facility.

We are a 109 bed Medicare certified Rehab Center offering a variety of health care services: • Skilled Nursing • Wound Care • Social Services • Full scale beauty salon • Individualized activities • State-of-the-art Rehab.

We offer Customized Rehab programs 7 days a week both in-patient and out-patient including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy.

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New Breast Cancer Treatment Options Offer New Hope

BY ANITA JOHNSON, M.D.

N

ew and often cutting-edge treatments give women with breast cancer today the hope and courage they need to help manage or overcome the physical, mental and emotional challenges of breast cancer, and in many cases, beat the disease altogether.

• One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Routine mammograms and clinical breast exams are so important; regular screening helps detect cancer early.

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 2000 to 2009 the incidence of breast cancer in the U.S. decreased by 0.9 percent per year, while mortality decreased 2.1 percent annually. That means breast cancer is decreasing at more than twice the rate

of incidence—meaning that women with breast cancer are living longer.

In the 1970s, less than 75 percent of women with breast cancer survived more than five years in the 1970s.

In 2005, more than 90 percent did.

• Advanced treatment technologies available today: genomic testing, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and advances in chemotherapy treatments, such as targeted therapy With so many options available to treat breast cancer today, treatments can almost be tailored to the individual based on factors such as her genetic profile, location of the tumor, the type of tumor and whether the cancer has spread, among others. However, which treatment a woman ultimately chooses is a very personal decision best made in collaboration with her family, personal physician and oncologist.

At 75, Would Popeye Still Take on Bluto?

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 22

f Popeye were to age naturally like the rest of us, he would need more than just big muscles to stay independent during his senior years. When it comes to muscles and aging, the important thing is quality, not quantity, as shown by the findings of a new study.

“…the important thing is quality, not quantity.”

Men and women who maintain better muscle quality (the ratio of strength to muscle mass) have better functional reserves, which helps maintain independence.

Women with lower muscle quality had a three to six times higher risk of developing functional impairments

such as difficulty walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs.

Many seniors, whom we often perceive as frail and fragile, can surprise us by their muscle strength.

Although inevitable, normal agerelated muscle loss should no longer be seen as a sign of weakness. Get into a fitness program that includes toning those muscles! (Newswise)

Health Fair in Pinellas Park T

he public is invited to a free health fair on Nov. 7 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N., courtesy of the Pinellas Park Medical District.

Sponsored jointly by HCA Northside Hospital and WellCare Health Plans, the health fair features a cross-section of members of the Pinellas Park Medical District, including orthopaedic surgeons, chiropractors and hearing care specialists, as well as banking centers, home health care providers, assisted living residences, fitness centers and medical researchers.

A variety of health screenings will be available including hearing, vision, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Participants can learn about risk factors for breast cancer, stroke and heart disease, and listen to presentations about a wide range of health issues.

Walgreens will be on hand to offer affordable flu shots.

“Our Medical District focuses attention on the diversity and quality of health

care options in our community,” said Medical District chairwoman Lan Pratt.

“Our goal is to strengthen the quality of the health care system in the mid-county area by fostering the development of medically-related businesses in our community.

“In addition,” says Pratt, “one of our founding members, St. Petersburg College/Caruth Health Education Center, is preparing our next generation of health care providers with the leading edge skills and understanding they will need to continually improve the standard of care provided to our community.”

Reservations are now being accepted for exhibit space in the Health Fair.

Current members of the Pinellas Park Medical District can reserve a table for $25. Non-members will be charged $320, which includes membership in the Pinellas Park/ Gateway Chamber of Commerce and the Pinellas Park Medical District.

For further information, contact Lan Pratt at 727-641-9149.

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Community Health Fair!

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 23

Hear What You’ve Been Missing

BY CHUCK BINGHAM, Lifestyles After 50

Y

ou’ve seen all of the ads:

• The husband has the TV so loud that his wife has to cover her ears.

• Grandpa has difficulty hearing his grandchildren.

• You can’t hear what someone is saying when you’re in a crowd.

To some degree, all of that was me. Increasingly I found myself donning a pair of headphones connected to the TV so that the volume didn’t overwhelm my wife. The higher pitch of my young grandson’s voice meant I was asking him to repeat himself. And, with friends on Friday nights, I had to lean in close to hear conversations above the busy sounds of a local restaurant.

At one of our recent Fun Fests, ENT Associates was performing free hearing screenings. As the event drew to a close and the last of the many seniors headed for home, I approached the ENT Associates booth.

Increasingly I found myself donning a pair of headphones connected to the TV so that the volume didn’t overwhelm my wife.

With a smile, Licensed Audiology Assistant Shawna Renella seated me in an open chair. After completing a brief survey she explained the screening procedure and placed a pair of headphones on me. After the screening, and based upon my results, Shawna suggested a more thorough exam was in order. The next day I called ENT Associates and made an appointment for the following week. In order to expedite my upcoming visit, I was asked to go online and fill out a secure

Huh…? What…?

and confidential new patient profile.

It was easy and straightforward.

I arrived at the Countryside/McMullen Booth location (they have eight clinics throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties) and was promptly greeted. Because I had preregistered online, there was virtually no waiting for my appointment.

In short order I was introduced to Dr. Faisal Merchant, certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, who explained the testing procedure and asked questions about my symptoms.

Within minutes I was greeted by the warm smile of Dr. Stephanie DavisFoster, Doctor of Audiology, who led me to an exam room that contained a sound-proof booth. Once inside the booth, a very comprehensive series of tests was conducted, spanning almost a half hour. As I pointed to my left or right ear I heard various sounds ranging from high pitched beeps to low frequency tones. I was also asked

to repeat selected words to determine the scope of my hearing issues.

Upon completion, Dr. Foster sat with me and explained the computer graphs of my tests. Dr. Foster also explained the recent and substantial advances in hearing aid technology.

Acting as a consultant, Dr. Foster spelled out my options. But, because my hearing fell into the low end of “normal,” it was agreed that a hearing aid right now was not essential. I was pleasantly surprised that there was absolutely no pressure to purchase a hearing aid. In fact, it was pointed out that if I should decide on a hearing aid, ENT Associates would allow me a risk-free 30-day trial (paying only for the initial deposit of the device).

Since my visit to ENT Associates I now have the peace of mind that my hearing loss is manageable and that, in the future, I have options regarding my hearing health.

Thank you, ENT Associates.

Ear, Nose and Throat Associates would like to help you hear all that is important to you!

ENT Associates has 10 Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians known as Otolaryngologists and 8 Doctors of Audiology on staff. Together, your Otolaryngologist and Doctor of Audiology will determine the exact nature of your hearing loss. In some cases, minor surgery, ear wax removal or some other treatment can solve the problem. If not, we’ll recommend a hearing aid, device or system that fits your budget and lifestyle. ENT Associates is dedicated to your hearing healthcare needs now and in the future.

When considering a hearing aid…

Shouldn’t you see a hearing doctor first?

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 24

A Doctor of Audiology, AuD has 8 years of specialized training in the assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders including the dispensing and fitting of hearing aids.

Please call or visit our website today!

(727) 791-1368 • www.ENTflorida.com

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 25

Pay for Long-Term Care With Life Insurance

BY CHRIS ORESTIS

W

• Don’t go straight to Medicaid.

If your first thought is skipping right to Medicaid, the government’s health-care safety net for the very poor, then you may be heading for a trap. Once you have Medicaid paying the bills, you and your loved ones have little say in how you’re cared for and by whom.

• Think again before tapping other assets. It costs more than $80,000 a year on average to pay for a loved one’s stay at a nursing home, according to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care. And, $178 billion is spent out-of-pocket by individuals and families, accounting for 22 percent of the money spent on nursing homes, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This can lead down a costly path of tapping other forms of wealth, or even seeking loans. Before doing this, consider utilizing a life insurance policy first.

Conversions include provisions for funerals, and whatever money is not spent on care goes automatically to policy beneficiaries.

The author is a senior healthcare advocate and is CEO of Life Care Funding, which created the model for converting life insurance policies into protected Long-Term Care Benefit funds.

The insurance policy conversion option allows you to live in a place where you’re comfortable, and it saves taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

• Consider what you’ve already paid for. The practice of converting a life insurance policy into a Life Care Benefit has been an accepted method of payment for private duty in-home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and hospice care for years. Instead of abandoning a life policy because your loved one can no longer afford the premiums, policy owners have the option to take the present-day value of the policy while they are still alive and convert it into a Life Care Benefit – Long Term Care Benefit Plan. By converting the policy, a senior will remain in private pay longer and be able to choose the form of care that they want but will be Medicaid-eligible when the benefit is spent down. (lifecarefunding.com)

IND

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e don’t often think of living a long life as a problem, especially for those we love. But what happens when Mom, Dad, a spouse or another beloved family member are in need of regular health care yet are apparently short on finances?

Actually, paying for care may be well within your loved one’s means, says insurance expert Chris Orestis.

“It’s a secret the life insurance industry has managed to hide for decades: Your policy can be used to pay for long-term health care such as home care, assisted-living or nursing home expenses,” says Orestis, a former insurance industry lobbyist.

“Many people who need long-term care can’t afford it, so they drop

the life insurance policies they’ve been paying on for years in order to qualify for Medicaid. The life insurance companies profit from the fact that they get all those years of premiums and never have to pay out a death benefit.”

Orestis says seniors can instead sell their policy for between 30 and 60 percent of its death benefit value. The money can be put into an irrevocable fund designated specifically for their care.

He offers more tips for paying for a senior’s health care:

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 26

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Flu Shots No Longer One Size Fits All

T

he next flu shot season will include several new vaccine options for consumers, according to doctors at Mayo Clinic. Fearful of needles? There’s now an influenza vaccination just for you. Allergic to eggs? It won’t stop you from getting a flu shot. The new choices move influenza vaccinations closer to the personalized approach long sought by immunologists, but they may also prove bewildering to patients.

What’s really going to be confusing to patients and to doctors and nurses is that we’ll have seven different choices this year. The new influenza vaccine options available for the upcoming flu season include:

• A shot with four strains of influenza rather than the traditional three strains.

• Nasal sprays with four strains rather than the usual three strains.

• A high-dose vaccine for the elderly, to boost their immune response and protection.

• For those with egg allergies, two new vaccines without egg proteins.

T

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• For the needle-phobic, a new vaccine delivered by a tiny needle called a micro-needle into the skin, rather than by a regular needle under the skin.

Instead of ‘one size fits all,’ this is a very real example of the incredible advances happening in medicine, where there’s not one choice for everybody, there’s a best choice for each individual.

Act Now! Don’t Lose Your 2013 Diabetic Shoe Benefit

he Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill provides proper footwear and inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. Each calendar year, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost of one pair of shoes and three pairs of heat-molded inserts specifically approved for the diabetic foot, and the remaining 20 percent that Medicare does not pay may be covered by your secondary insurance.

“This program was designed to help prevent complications such as lower limb ulcers and amputations for individuals who suffer from diabetes,” says Lauretta Fernandez, licensed board certified pedorthist and owner of Foot Solutions. “And you’ll appreciate the variety of stylish and comfortable shoes that qualify under this program.”

Ask your doctor to complete and sign the appropriate paperwork and give you a prescription for one pair of approved shoes and three pairs of diabetic inserts;

MLF u TOWERS

Foot Solutions can provide you with the right forms. Then return the Statement of Certifying Physician Form and the prescription (both completed by your physician), along with your doctor’s notes, when you schedule your fitting.

Remember that this benefit expires Dec. 31. You must take advantage of it before the end of the year or you will lose it. Do not wait until the last minute. Your ordering physician may be too busy to complete the necessary paperwork in time for us to serve you before year’s end.

“Hurry,” concluded Fernandez.

“Call Foot Solutions in Largo while there is still time for your doctor to complete the necessary paperwork and for us to fit you properly.”

Foot Solutions in the Largo Mall is a board accredited Medicare provider. Please call 727-474-8299 or visit TampaBayFootSolutions.com for more information.

Call (727) 823-1575 • 1-800-955-8771

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540 Second Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701

HURRY! DON’T LOSE 2013 BENEFITS ACT NOW! Don’t risk losing your benefits because your doctor is too busy to provide the Medicare required paperwork at the last minute.

diabetic and have Medicare Part B?

Are you or a loved one

The Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe Benefit may provide those with Medicare Part B one pair of approved extra-depth shoes and 3 pairs of arch supports per calendar year.

Foot Solutions carries a wide range of products for people with Diabetes: stylish comfort shoes • custom arch supports diabetic socks • foot care items Foot Solutions in Largo Mall is a board accredited provider for the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program.

Call 727-474-8299 for an appointment or check www.TampaBayFootSolutions.com for more information.

LARGO MALL • 727-474-8299 10500 Ulmerton Road Open Monday-Saturday 10-6

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 27

The Florida Orchestra Season Opens

T

The Florida Orchestr a

Upcoming Concerts 2013 / 2014 Season Tampa Bay Times Masterworks

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 The Master Chorale joins the orchestra in this performance of Stravinsky’s solemn and baroque-intoned Symphony of Psalms together with Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 9 with its life-afrming “Ode to Joy.” Evan Rogister conducts.

OCT 11-13 Rock Concerts

Classical Mystery Tour Join Classical Mystery Tour and The Florida Orchestra for a night of 30 Beatles’ hits, including Penny Lane, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, Strawberry Fields Forever, I Saw Her Standing There, and many more, all in a show hailed for spot-on mannerisms, note-perfect arrangements, and Fab Four vocal harmonies. Martin Herman conducts.

OCT 18 • ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY! Raymond James Pops

Cirque de la Symphonie Cirque de la Symphonie returns with a new program of breathtaking and seemingly impossible acts by some of the world’s premiere cirque artists, including aerial yers, acrobats, contortionists, and more, all accompanied by The Florida Orchestra in a broad selection of symphonic favorites. Jeff Tyzik conducts.

OCT 25-27 • MATINEE ADDED!

Tickets Now On Sale!

727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286 www.FloridaOrchestra.org Tampa • St. Pete • Clearwater

he Florida Orchestra kicks off the 2013/2014 season on the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series with Beethoven’s glorious Symphony No. 9 and its beloved “Ode to Joy” carried on the 150 voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Guest conductor Evan Rogister takes the podium to lead this concert, which also includes Stravinsky’s solemn and baroqueintoned Symphony of Psalms. Concerts are Oct. 11, 12 and 13 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

The orchestra’s Rock Concert series opens with the return of the spot-on Beatles tribute band, Classical Mystery Tour. The concert is Oct. 18 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

Stuart Malina is the conductor and host of the first morning Coffee Concert, “From Russia with Love,” featuring popular works by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Glinka and Borodin, all

Macbeth with a Halloween Twist J obsite Theater keeps their Halloween tradition alive this season with a tale of ambition, greed and murder under the watchful eye of otherworldly beings in this unique treatment of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Oct. 30 – Nov. 24 in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center, where Jobsite is the resident theater company.

This new cutting of Shakespeare’s text promises to be a razor-sharp

n October 18, the season begins again for the the St. Petersburg Half-Century Softball Club. The “Boys of Winter” have a rich history in St. Petersburg, all the way back to 1933.

Ages 49 – 74 play a modified fast pitch game, nine innings long. The four-team league play features a 60 game schedule. Games occur every Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 10 am and

9/13/2013 10:06:12 AM

treatment that focuses on the very different ways that two families respond to power, both real and phantasmal.

Apart from the four central characters in this cutting—Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, and Lady Macduff— the rest of the roles will be performed by four actors who are representative of primordial, elemental forces.

For tickets and more info, visit jobsitetheater.org or call 813-229-7827.

Opening Day: St. Petersburg Half-Century Softball Club

O

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 28 TFO-Lifestyle-After-50-October.indd 1

on Oct. 24 in St. Petersburg. Enjoy free coffee and doughnuts before the show.

The Raymond James Pops series begins with the return of Cirque de la Symphonie, a troupe of internationally-renowned acrobats accompanied by The Florida Orchestra in a selection of symphonic favorites. The evening concerts are Oct. 25, 26 and 27 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

The orchestra also has free Pops in the Park Concerts on Oct. 19 at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg and Oct. 20 at River Tower Park in Tampa.

From October through May, the orchestra performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

For a free season brochure or to order packages or tickets, visit florida orchestra.org or call 1-800-662-7286.

11:30 am at North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Dr. NE., St Petersburg.

New players are always welcome.

Immediate tryouts are available for men and women ages 49 – 74. Information and applications are available at www.stpetehalfcentury.com. Persons interested should contact President Joe Hannah at 727-420-8102 for additional information. Play ball!

Chips Ahoy!

Tell us in 260 words or less.

What’s Your Lifestyle After 50?

BY MARK PILARSKI

YOU BELONG AT THE BEAU

If your kitchen table game sees

How do you spend your Lifestyle 50? you What plentyAfter of action, willmakes appreciate bucking up for quality and your life fulfilling, your day fun, your grandkids smilequanand ear Mark: I plan on purchastity.

Have your crew pitch ing your a newneighbors set of poker jealous? Each month we will select a in a top-of-the-line, 1,000 chipswrite-up for, as youtosopublish often putin Lifestyles Afterfor 50 magazine, true clay chip set online. that are

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it, our weekly kitchen-table 39 mm in diameter and 14 poker game. We currently grams in PlanFL: on use aThis cheapwas plastic set.in Be-by our reader Lil Cromer sent ofweight.

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About a month ago I problem days are gratefully at an walked end up usedperson. in lieu ofThe hardbiggest currency. blackjack table husband while the dealer withpurchasing aging is routine; absolutely to —amother-in-law, When a set of chips, was shuffling.

I placed $100 debilitating thingkeep and mother — I’m free as cash on therethe aremost two things you should the table for chips.

A lady seated at the we can do. Keep imagination in mind: quantity and quality.

As the proverbial bird. Whether table said, tutoring “He can’tortake it, he’s shufwithalive, most hold things,onyou for quality, to pay a sense of traveling, mentoring, fling.”

I said I would wait, the money and adventure I recommend buying the highest and preserve a I find myself with people who won’t walk away.

She said, “No, take quality chip set your budget allows. willingness to learn new things itare on NOW!” an exciting journey. back I said “gladly,” havTheare vast majority of authentic casino strategies that work for me. ing no desire to play with the bossy chips are “clay” chips, although they My biggest fear is being are more accurately described as com- lady, and went to another table.

Like many baby boomers who cooped upmade in my with as I certainly thehouse right decision, pression molded chips. The chips used have watched their parents no new challenges, no new I did very well at the other table. But, in North American casinos typically age in less than perfect health, new vistas Iconversations, later wondered ifno I violated some unweigh about 10 grams, but can range known etiquette, not that doing so would I’ve realized that being active to explore.

That thought far anywhere between 8 and 14 grams. justify the lady’s —Gary M. single outweighs anynasty fearstone. traveling As is forprobably quantity, the a good rulemost important aspect to aging solo in a strange land might of thumb is as follows: This should not have been an ‘Aha! well.

Fortunately, I’ve found present.

3 – 4 players: 300 chip set will suffice. Gotcha’ moment, Gary. Plenty of the perfect two-part recipe for 4 – 6 players: 400-500 chip set will do. objects are not allowed on a blackjack living well after fifty; a plan that Friends are prone to comment table, but your hard-earned money, 6 – 8turns players: 500-650 chipme and me on, inspires how am being single at anylucky given Itime, is not one of them. set would be a minimum. makes me happy. The first is and free to do as I please.

My Sure, no dealer will stop mid-shuffle 8 – 10 players: AtOver least the 1,000 plus chips. mentoring. years I’ve retort: Luck is good planning to convert cash into chips, but no table volunteered Big Brothers/ carefullythat executed, butofwith Although this is afor suggested amount etiquette I am aware states you Big Sisters, school based wiggle room for change. required, you really cannot have too can’t put money on the layout while the reading programs, many chips, only too few.as So,well buy dealer is shuffling cards. Of course, I the amount you can afford and purcan’t discount the possibility of some chase more down the road if you need goofy house rule where you play. them. Many chip resellers mainThe funniestAfter thing I50? have seen allowed Need a Hard Copy of Lifestyles tain anGet openastock of their chips, so on the layout was a chocolate-colored year’s subscription to Lifestyles After 50 for only toy you should be able to obtain chips poodle, good-naturedly sitting alongside $12.

Send your name, address and subscription fee to: matching what you already own. the player’s chips, barking every time Currently, there are literally the player NewsthouConnection USA, yelled Inc. “Snapper” when he sands of sets on eBay, so expect to pay got a blackjack.

Attn: “My Lifestyle After 50” The player was a whale around $50 for a set of 300 (14-gram (big hitter), and a George (big tipper), P.O.ABox 638, Seffner, 33583 composite, 3-tone chips). similar so I amFL sure some rule was undoubtedly set of 300 clay chips will cost about suspended that For more information, email usnight. at: I won’t mention $20 to $30 more. An injection-molded the pit boss on duty by name, but his info@lifestylesafter50.com plastic set can be had for far less. initials were M.P. (SENIOR WIRE)

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 29 9/18/13 4:37 PM

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year in sunny Florida!

November 23, 2013 – January 5, 2014 Make it a Christmas to remember at Gaylord Palms, where two million twinkling lights, lavish decor and an amazing 54-foot majestic Christmas tree create a holiday atmosphere like no other.

Delight in fine dining, eclectic shopping and festive entertainment, including ICE! — more than two million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice slides and sculptures featuring Frosty the Snowman. It’s a holiday celebration you’ll never forget.

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Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 30

If You’re So Smart, Prove It!

eep that good mind sharp with some fun word puzzles.

Determine three rhyming words associated with each group of clues.

Example: sightless, intellect, good-hearted Answer: blind, mind, kind 1. male title, skin swelling, a sibling 2. gulp, come next, empty inside 3. spirit, cook in oven, brag 4. combat, correct, after dark

5. tied, raised earth, circular 6. imperial, work, dirt 7. grieve, bugle, a grain 8. trench, connect, throw Answers:

1. Mr., blister, sister 2. swallow, follow, hollow 3. ghost, roast, boast 4. fight, right, night 5. bound, mound, round 6. royal, toil, soil 7. mourn, horn, corn 8. ditch, hitch, pitch

K

Last Month’s Answers

September Sudoku Karen Costantine is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Oct. 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 Oct. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by ocT. 21, 2013

Oops!—Word Search Answers Dear Readers:

Word Search October

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?

We know how much you look forward to the Word Search each month, which is why we sincerely apologize about last month, when we mistakenly ran the previous month’s Word Search next to its own answers!

Thanks to all of our loyal readers who called in to let us know.

Fear not—we once again have a brand new Word Search this month. To everyone who played last month and sent in their Word Search answers, we still accepted all submissions and randomly selected a winner for our monthly prize.

Congratulations to September’s winner, Angela McElroy!

Thank you for playing—look for more games and puzzles in the months ahead.

Sincerely, Tracie Schmidt – Associate Editor, Lifestyles After 50

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

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

Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by Oct. 21, 2013.)

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 31

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 32

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(24 hours, 7 days a week)

between 8am and 6pm to be transferred to a live agent.

October 1, 2013 to February 14, 2014, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., February 15, 2014 to September 30, 2014, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Optimum HealthCare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid program. Enrollment in Optimum HealthCare depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. (1) You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. (2) Limitations, cop-payments and restrictions may apply. (3) Amount varied by plan and county. A sales person will be present with information and applications (enrollment begins Oct 15th); For accommodations of person with special needs at sales meetings call 1-866-245-5360. TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771. This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact our customer service number at 1-866-245-5360. TTY/TDD: 1-800-955-8771. Esta infomación está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Por favor llame al departamento de servicio de miembros al 1-866-245-5360, TTY/TDD: 1-800-955-8771 para mas información. 1 de Octubre de 2013 al 14 de Febrero de 2014, 7 Días de la Semana - 8am a 8pm. 15 de Febrero de 2014 al 30 de Septiembre de 2014 - Lunes a Viernes - 8am a 8pm. 1 de Octubre de 2014 a 31 de Diciembre 2014 - 7 Días de la Semana - 8am a 8pm.

H5594_14NP2Evt_CMS Accepted Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 33

SIGN UP TOD AY!

Presents the 9th annual...

A F T E R 50

HONOR OUR VETERANS

One mile “FUN” Walk around Largo Central Park Walkers Receive: T-Shirt to first 100 walkers registered by mail, Continental Breakfast, Sponsor “Goodie” Bag & GRAND PRIZES to the Winners!

November 13, 2013

Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Dr. • Largo, FL 33771 Registration begins at 8:45 am • Free Parking

Warm Up by Silver Sneakers Walk starts at 9:15 am, $4 minimum donation for Meals on Wheels Please make checks payable to: News Connection USA, Inc.

After the us Walk Join at the...

FREE!

Nov. 13, 2013 10 am – 3 pm Largo Cultural Center

Join the Fun! SEND This Walk Form Today!

LARGO

Fill out ths form and mail it with your $4 donation to: News Connection USA Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583-0638

How the Actor Does It!

TARTS YES! I would like to join the Fun Walk WALK S AM 5 :1 9 MAIL IN DEADLINE Nov. 8 or Register at the AT

Largo Cultural Center 8:45 am, November 13, 2013

Age

Name Address City Phone

Zip E-mail

Signature

Date

In consideration of our acceptance of this entry, I for myself, my heirs, devises, executors, administrators and assign hereby waive, release, discharge any and all claims against Largo Cultural Center, or anyone sponsoring or conducting this event or thier employees, representatives or successors for any and all damages or injuries I may suffer. I hereby, grant permission for the free use of my name and pictures in any broadcast or account of this event.

Sponsored by...

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 34

Premier Sponsor:

7

4-year-old actor George Hamilton has spent 60 years in Hollywood and offers these tips to living a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat organic, hormone-free meat without antibiotics in moderation.

Eat salmon!

• Eat plant-based products and more vegetables and fruits

• Earthing – take off those shoes and walk! Feel the grass between your toes.

• Exercise 11 minutes a day…yes, that’s it!

• Take your vitamins! Nutrients in foods are depleted more than ever before.

First 500 guests will receive a small complimentary flag Premier Sponsor:

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Join the Fun! One mile “walk” around Largo Central Park, November 13, 9:15 am, $4 minimum donation to Meals on Wheels. Enjoy...Continental Breakfast, T-shirt, & Prizes! Call 1-888-670-0040, go to www. lifestylesafter50fl.com (MAIL DEADLINE 11/8/13) or sign up, Nov. 13 at 8:45 am.

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Denise Looney William “Duece” Hulett Richie Merritt “DJ With a Twist” “Best in Country Music” “Of the Marcells””

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Make a difference.

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Neighborly Care Network.

Betsy Verdier “Country & Yodeling Fun”

Russell Cortese “Elvis”

Fritzy “The One Man Circus”

Free Fun! Caricatures

By Art Pressman

Fab-’TAT-stic Art by “A-1 Magic”

Information & Directions Call: 1-888-670-0040 wwwlifestylesafter50fl.com

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 35

Seniors Getting Together Women seeking men

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.

4287 sWF, 54, sexy, sWeet childless 54-yr-old seeks gentleman who likes to take their lady out and spoil them a little. Clean shaven only. Please be 56 – 70 and healthy.

Caucasian or hispanic. Eastern Hillsborough.

4299 active White Female 70’s, ISO active “outdoor type” SWM 70 – 80s for LTR. Must enjoy kayaking, hiking, cycling, camping, yard sales, playing cards. NS, NDrg. Largo.

4305 sWF, slender, attractive, educated, kind senior, 70s, seeking quality fun-loving, outgoing, active gentleman for companionship. I’m a diamond in the rough. Pinellas, St. Pete.

4308 looking For ltr with sincere gentleman. 75 yrs, 5’6”, blond hair, avg. weight.

I like to dance, travel, play cards, cooking and just having someone to do something special together. Pinellas, St. Pete.

4310 seeking christian gentleman, ns, ND, understanding, honest, fun-loving. No couch potato. I’m 67, look like 40 Christian woman. Still working, eat right, take good care of myself. Love traveling, cooking, gardening. 65 – 70 okay.

men seeking Women 4286 intelligent christian companion, partner Former police officer, 66, WM, 6’, 180, grey, blue, D, C, NS, SD, romantic, active, no couch potato, not mattress minded. Tennis, golf, nature. ISO close friend, LTR, HWP, C, for mutual TLC. Clearwater.

4296 man seeking Woman SWM, 53 YO, 5’7”, blond, blue eyes, looking for a romantic, kind lady who enjoys Florida’s great outdoors. Someone that is outgoing, enjoys spending time together. Largo.

4298 active, Well-traveled guy, 79 NS, W, C, SOH, ISO lady, NS SOH for companionship, day trips, somewhat adventurous, young at heart, race unimportant, tats/piercings fine. Hudson.

4302 sBm naturapath ISO SW full-figured female for LTR. Ages of 55 – 65 ok. I’m 55 years young, enjoys weight

lifting, fishing, cooking, gardening, flea markets, travel. Don’t drink or smoke.

4303 man seeking special lady SWM, 70’s, 6’, 228, NS, ND, ISO WF, dine out, movies, outdoors, walks, fun, togetherness, loveable. TLC. Brandon.

4304 i am a male, 65 years young seeking a female, white, petite, for a LTR. Someone who loves yoga and the Eastern philosophy.

4313 secure, healthy, intelligent man W,C,S, HWP, SOH, SD, P, NS, ISO active, slender, romantic 70’s lady who dresses young. Let’s dine, hug, stroll, travel. SOH, LTR. Please write with photo.

I’ll do same. Thank you. Holiday.

commonly used abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOHSense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

to respond to an ad

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

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

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

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

Only $6 to place an ad!

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

www.lakeneccudah.com Mayor Chuck Bingham invites you to: Take a Video Tour • Read the Weekly Gazette Check Our Community News for Gossip

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

Title (First 4 Words):

Gasparilla Inn & Club

City (No Charge):

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

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

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State: E-mail:

Zip:

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

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 36

T

he Gasparilla Inn & Club in the heart of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island opened in 1913 with 40 rooms and only a few of the many amenities that shape today’s flawless resort guest experience. The Gasparilla Inn & Club’s 100th Season begins on October 10 and continues through July 2014.

The National Historic Landmark property is the largest surviving wooden hotel in Florida and one of the original resorts in the state. Notables who have stayed there include Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, the Biddles, the duPonts, and the George H.W. Bush family.

Visit the www.gasparillainn.com.

EXCITEMENT

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BOOK A SHOW FOR YOUR NEXT OCCASION OR EVENT!

Call: 727-785-7947 or 727- 455-1237

e-mail: Russell.Elvis@yahoo.com • website: www.russellelvis.com

October Jazz T

he Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society will sponsor two October concerts:

Thursday, October 24, Bobby Tess and the Dixie Chaps will play from 7 to 9:30 pm at the Bilmar Beach Resort, Treasure Island.HOW $8. Call 727-522-6877.

LEARN TO PLAN FOR

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OnYOUR Sunday, October 27, Jane and Friends PETS INCampedelli AN EMERGENCY will play from 1 to 4 pm in the Crystal Sands Ballroom The SPCA’s brochure Friends Deserve Better Plans" has all of the Bilmar Beach "Our Resort,Best Treasure Island. $10/15. the latest information on Estate Planning for Pets and Florida's Pet Call 727-596-7142.

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Ukulele Festival Coming

T

Send Me Information! Clip and mail this coupon

teach you how they do he ukulele used to be considered it. Enjoy workshops, a toy or a tourist trinket, but no Name: jamming sessions more! One ukulele video had nearly 4 Address: and vendors with the million views. (See Jake Shimabukuro uke of your dreams.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps.)

City: State: Zip: The event will be held at the November 1 and 2 is your Home Phone: Work Phone: Holiday Inn St. Petersburg chance to find out why E-mail: North, 3535 Ulmerton Rd., when the Tampa Bay Clearwater.

To learn more, call Ukulele Getaway will I/We have included the SPCA in my/our estate plan.

727-577-9100 or visit online at feature ukulele artists TampaBayUkuleleSociety.com. performing and they will Please send me the following information Best Friends Deserve Better Plans brochures Pet Alert Wallet Card In-Case-Of-Emergency Window Decal

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Oct. 19 will receive $20 cash!

Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

Sun

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

50 • October 2013 • page 37 Send your answers for a drawing. First correctLifestyles answersAfter selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

Healthy Living with Houston, We Have a Problem: My Wound Won’t Heal presented by Jeffrey Danetz, MD – Vascular Surgeon

Chronic Knee Pain?

A Balancing Act

presented by David Braun, MD Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Specialist

presented by David Hobbs, MD – Family Practitioner

Wednesday, October 9 • 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, October 2 • 11:30 a.m.

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

What is Interventional Radiology & How Can it Help You?

Can Breast Cancer Be Found Early? presented by David Samuelson, MD – Radiologist

presented by Lee Friedman, MD – Interventional Radiologist

Wednesday, October 2 • 12:00 Noon

Thursday, October 10 • 11:30 a.m.

St. Petersburg General Hospital Auditorium 6500 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Trust in Our Spine Care!

Osteoporotic Fractures

presented by Paula Jewell, Florida Spine & Neuro Center Representative at Largo Medical Center

presented by Suzanne Johnson, DO – Family Practitioner

Thursday, October 10 • 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 2 • 11:00 a.m.

presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital.

Lake Seminole Square • 8333 Seminole Blvd, Seminole

Hampton Inn • 1200 34th Street N., St. Petersburg

Tuesday, October 22 • 11:00 a.m.

Holiday Inn Express • 975 Broadway St., Dunedin

Solutions For Your Hip Pain!

Total Joint & Arthritis

presented by Pat Kosiba, RN – Florida Knee & Orthopedic Pavilion Representative at Largo Medical Center

presented by Thomas Mixa, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

Thursday, October 10 • 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, October 3 • 11:30 a.m.

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Friday, October 11 • 12:00 Noon

Friday, October 4 • 12:00 Noon

presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital YMCA/Jim & Heather Gills Campus • 3200 1st Avenue S, St. Petersburg

Are You at Risk for Heart Attack or Stroke? presented by Tim Carlson, MD – Family Practitioner

Wednesday, October 16 • 11:30 a.m.

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Friday, October 4 • 12:30 p.m. presented by Edward White Hospital.

YMCA/Jim & Heather Gills Campus 3200 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg

Put Your Trust in Our Treatment of Your Knees!

From Your Hips to Your Knees: Relieving Joint Pain

Wednesday, October 16 • 11:00 a.m.

presented by Pat Kosiba, RN – Florida Knee & Orthopedic Pavilion Representative at Largo Medical Center Largo Medical Center • 201 14th St. SW, Largo

Sick of the Flu??

presented by Rafat Nashed, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

Tuesday, October 8 • 12:00 Noon Northside Hospital Auditorium • 6006 49th St. N., Suite 230, St. Petersburg (located in the Medical Office Plaza on the north end of campus)

presented by Meenaksi Jain, MD – Gynecologist presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital.

West St. Pete Community Library, Room LI 101 at St. Petersburg College 6700 8th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Shoulder Arthritis presented by Matthew Galloway, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

Thursday, October 24 • 12:00 Noon Northside Hospital Auditorium • 6006 49th St. N., Suite 230, St. Petersburg (located in the Medical Office Plaza on the north end of campus)

If You Have Osteoporosis and/or Sudden Back Pain, You May Have a Spinal Fracture presented by Howard Sharf, MD – Spine/Orthopedic Surgeon

When You Are Told You Have Cancer presented by Syed H. Abid, MD, FAC – Hematologist & Oncologist

Tuesday, October 29 • 12:00 Noon St. Petersburg General Hospital Auditorium 6500 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – Can the Pain in Your Legs Be Vascular? presented by Ronald Walsh, DO – Interventional Cardiologist

Tuesday, October 29 • 12:00 Noon Largo Medical Center • 201 14th St. SW, Largo

What’s Going on Down There?

GYN Robotic Assisted Surgery Can Help presented by Jennifer Hayes, DO – Gynecologist

Tuesday, October 29 • 6:00 p.m. presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital.

St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater • 12600 Roosevelt Blvd N, St. Petersburg

All About A-Fib

Thursday, October 17 • 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, October 30 • 12:00 Noon

Freedom from an Enlarged Prostate

Tuesday, October 8 • 6:00 p.m.

presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital Main Card Room, Five Towns of Terrace Park 7950 58th Ave N., St. Petersburg

presented by Syeda Rizvi, MD Internal Medicine/Geriatric Medicine Specialist presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital Freedom Square 7800 Liberty Lane, Seminole

Is Your Bladder More Active Than You Are?

Thursday, October 24 • 10:30 a.m.

St. Petersburg General Hospital Auditorium 6500 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg

presented by Robert Sanchez, MD – Cardiologist

presented by Giovanni Baula, MD – Internal Medicine Specialist

presented by Larry Eberle, RRT, RPSG – Registered Respiratory Therapist Registered Polysomnography Technologist

Monday, October 28 • 12:00 Noon

presented by Kurt Hirshorn, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

Transforming a Better You Through Weight Management

What is Keeping You Up at Night?

Noise, Light or a Sleep Disorder?

Wednesday, October 30 • 11:00 a.m.

Breaking A Hip Won’t Leave You Fractured

Northside Hospital Auditorium • 6006 49th St. N., Suite 230, St. Petersburg ( located in the Medical Office Plaza on the north end of campus)

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Holiday Inn Express • 975 Broadway St., Dunedin Hampton Inn • 1200 34th Street N., St. Petersburg

Disco Can Save Your Life!

Cardiac Arrest – What You Need to Know

Wednesday, October 23 • 11:30 a.m.

presented by Robert Sheppard, MD – Cardiac Electrophysiologist Northside Hospital Auditorium • 6006 49th St. N., Suite 230, St. Petersburg (located in the Medical Office Plaza on the north end of campus)

Ankle, Foot & Joint – An Orthopedic Review

presented by Shaw Zhou, MD – Urologist

presented by Matthew Swick, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

Thursday, October 17 • 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 31 • 11:30 a.m.

Northside Hospital Auditorium • 6006 49th St. N., Suite 230, St. Petersburg (located in the Medical Office Plaza on the north end of campus)

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Surgical Weight Loss: Put a Healthier You Back Into That Favorite Pair Of Jeans This Fall!

What is COPD?

presented by Tiffany Jessee, DO – Bariatric & General Surgeon Florida Bariatric Institute at Largo Medical Center

presented by Fadi Saba, MD – Internal Medicine Specialist

October 18 • 11:30 a.m.

Friday, October 11th • 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 8 • 6:00 p.m.

Edward White Hospital Auditorium Office Building 2299 9th Ave. N., Suite 1-G, St. Petersburg (One-story office building on the east side of hospital)

Knowledge is power! Don’t miss this annual event!

Largo Medical Center • 201 14th St. SW, Largo

All Educational Seminars are FREE Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 38

Reservations Required. Call 1-855-422-2228

3rd Annual Ortho Smart at Largo Medical Center Largo Medical Center • 201 14th St. SW, Largo

Complimentary Refreshments Served.

I

f you have ever traveled to New Orleans, eating great seafood was probably high on your ‘to do’ list.

Chef Gisele Perez, a New Orleans native, loves to showcase the delicacies of her home town. Here are two of her favorite salads that bring together the best of New Orleans food. You can make them at home as well.

Both recipes feature a key ingredient found in many New Orleans dishes: Ravigote, a French-Creole sauce traditionally used with cold seafood, particularly crab and shrimp.

Recipe Crabmeat Ravigote Stuffed Tomatoes

1 lb lump crabmeat 1/2 c of Sauce Ravigote (recipe follows) 4 large ripe beefy tomatoes

Shrimp and Tortellini Salad with Sauce Ravigote

1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled slightly 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, split in half

Drain excess water from the crabmeat, and pick through it for bits of shell. Add the Sauce Ravigote, mixing gently with a wooden spoon, so as not to break the lumps. Using a sharp steak knife, core the tomatoes and remove the meaty part. Fill with the dressed crabmeat. Garnish with minced parsley and/or basil chiffonade.

1 small bunch asparagus (8 – 9 spears), roasted and cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, roasted, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice 1/2 c Ravigote Sauce

Combine together the tortellini, shrimp, asparagus and roasted pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix in the Ravigote. Garnish with snipped herbs.

You can mix in whatever vegetables you have on hand— artichoke hearts and roasted cherry tomatoes would be excellent!

Sauce Ravigote

1 egg Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 c Creole mustard 2 c vegetable oil 1 tsp prepared horseradish 1/2 tsp hot sauce 2 Tbsp capers 4 scallions, chopped Chiffonade of 2 – 3 large basil leaves 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped Pinch white pepper Put egg in bowl of food processor; pour lemon juice over it. Let stand one minute, then add the mustard. Turn on the food processor, and dribble the oil in slowly through the feeder tube. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Recipe: Copyright Gisele Perez – PainPerduBlog.com.

Seniors in the Doughnut Hole Save on Prescriptions!

Up to 85% off!

Call for prices: CAN USA Meds at:

1-877-469-9619

Reference Member ID: 87678

SAVING MEMBERS $$ since 2001

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SEFFNER Schembries Auto Serv...... 813-685-5654 SUN CITY Killingsworth Automotive .. 813-645-7220 TAMPA John Erb’s ......................... 813-908-3333 Storm Automotive ............. 813-469-0055 Atlantic Automotive ........... 813-936-1510 BNB Automotive ............... 813-416-8711 Franklin Car Care ............. 813-882-4230 Tony’s RamTech................ 813-877-6642 Xtreme Powersports ......... 813-626-6060 Mad Hatter ........................ 813-933-4179 Mad Hatter ........................ 813-374-9230 Mobile Auto Serv. ............. 813-892-3603

If you or your business would like to get AMSOIL products at Wholesale CALL 941-586-3853

Lifestyles After 50 • October 2013 • page 39

0

$

Zero Monthly Plan Premium*

A new generation of plans for your generation.

BlueMedicare

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Call toll-free 1-800-876-2227 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET, every day (Oct. 1 - Feb. 14) or 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET, Mon. - Fri. (Feb. 15 - Sept. 30)

(TTY users dial 1-800-955-8771), visit BlueMedicareFL.com or contact your local agency for Florida Blue.

Florida Blue is Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. *You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium. The Zero Monthly Plan Premium only applies to the HMO and RPPO plans. Florida Blue is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

A Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Florida Blue is a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Y0011_74946 0113R2 CMS Accepted