Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast, Pinellas, West Pasco Edition, December 2019

Pinellas, West Pasco

SuncoaSt ~ December 2019

Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication Since 1989

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 2

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The first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, is now 41.

TIME magazine once called her birth “the most awaited birth in perhaps 2,000 years.” Today in vitro fertilization has become a common practice, and artificial uteruses are on the verge of becoming a reality—though I’m not sure pregnant grandmas, or grandpas for that matter, are a good thing.

So, as we begin this new decade, let’s not listen to the naysayers who want to convince us that the world and humanity are unraveling. Let’s continue to show the same optimism for our future as we have in the past.

Science, technology, and our entrepreneurial spirit have always managed to solve our problems. Americans, in general, are educated, productive and hard-working. And we are fortunate to have a new generation of young people entering the workforce who are smart, talented, and equipped to bring new ideas to the table.

In the meantime, the turn of a decade is an ideal time to get out your cookie tins and make your own time capsule—something to be opened by you or your family members in decades to come. Show ‘em how great you think the world will be.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and plenty of optimism for all the new years to come.

SEEING

H

ere we are, facing not only the end of the year but also the birth of a whole new decade. It will soon be (drum roll please) 2020, a year that not so long ago I viewed as the very distant future.

In 1985, our family created a time capsule filled with objects, along with our predictions for the future.

With this column in mind, I figured it was about time to dig that vintage cookie tin out of the attic and see what kind of seers we were. A little slip of yellowed paper with handwritten notes detailed our foretelling: By now, we saw ourselves hobnobbing around the Earth’s atmosphere in space cars. At home, our robotic servants would perform a multitude of tasks, such as massaging our feet and preparing delightful meals designed to meet our daily caloric requirements and nutritional needs.

The Moon would be home to thousands of long-term residents, and stardust would provide us with a new form of sustainable energy.

When our body parts wore out, we’d simply grow new ones.

Test tube babies floating in artificial uteruses would produce a generation of pregnant grandmas.

Well, we haven’t quite reached all the above milestones, but we do have access to autonomous cars and robotic devices that run our “smart homes.”

NASA is planning to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon within the next decade, one that will lay the foundation for a lunar economy. And while we haven’t yet harnessed the power of stardust, wind and solar are providing clean and sustainable energy.

Organs grown in the lab aren’t available yet. Darn it. I could really use a new layer of wrinkle-free skin. But there is hope.

Today scientists are using human cells to grow muscles, blood vessels, skin, and even bladders. If they do well in clinical trials, well, facelifts will be so yesterday.

Terri Bryce Reeves

Suncoast Edition Published monthly by Lifestyles After 50 Volume 30, Issue 12

Publisher Ed Graves Ed.Graves@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Terri Bryce Reeves Terri.Reeves@lifestylesafter50.com Website Coordinator Allie Shaw Allie.Shaw@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution Nancy Spencer Nancy.Spencer@lifestylesafter50.com Questions/Customer Service 813-336-8247 Press Releases Editor@lifestylesafter50.com Advertising Sales Fred Gericke: 727-542-4466 fred.gericke@lifestylesafter50.com Kendra Gale: 727-458-5915 Kendra.Gale@lifestylesafter50.com Patricia Hincher 813-580-1879 pat.hincher@lifestylesafter50.com Event Sales Ed Graves: 731-267-1532 Ed.Graves@lifestylesafter50.com

__________________________________

Our other editions:

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Terri Bryce Reeves, Editor

To learn more, call 813-336-8247

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 Fax: (813) 331-2634 www.lifestylesafter50.com

“

You know you’re getting older when I start looking younger than you.

”

~Santa Claus

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

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

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 3

local events around town • december 2019 Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Military Order of the World Wars Lunch Jan 7 11:30 a.m.

Cost of Lunch

Place: Belleair Country Club Address: One Country Club Lane Belleair, 33756 Phone: 727-786-5578 Website: www.moww.org Event:

Annual Giving Tree Campaign Date: Through Dec 16 Time: 10 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost: Unwrapped Gift Place: East Lake Community Library Address: 4125 East Lake Road Palm Harbor, 34685 Phone: 727.773-2665 Website: www.eastlakelibrary.org

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Holiday Tour Of Homes Dec 7 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $25/$30

Place: Northeast St. Petersburg’s Address: Allendale and Snell Isle Neighborhoods, 33762 Phone: 727-254-1176 Website: www.fogsp.org/

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

First Night St. Pete 2020 Dec 31 4 p.m. $12 Adult, $5 Child

Place:

Downtown St. Pete/ Williams Park Address: 2nd Ave N., 33731 Phone: 727-823-8906 Website: www.FirstNightStPete.com

Matinee Opera Players Holiday Show Date: Dec 15 Time: 3 p.m.

Cost: Suggested Donation $10 Place: Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center Address: 4951 78th Ave. N. Pinellas Park, 33781 Phone: 727-518-4576 Website: www.pinellas-park. com/161/Performing-Arts-Center

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Duke Energy Center For The Arts Address: 400 First St., South St. Petersburg, 33701 Phone: 727-300-2000 Website: www.themahaffey.com

Florida Orchestra Concert Dec 21 2 - 3 p.m.

FREE Community Congregational Church Address: 6533 Circle Blvd.

New Port Richey, 34652 Phone: Visit Website Website: www.facebook.com/ events/407558043373858/

Event:

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Event:

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Date: Tuesdays Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cost: FREE Admission Place: Gulfport’s Scenic Waterfront District Address: 3000 Beach Blvd., Gulfport, 33707 Phone: 727-278-4285 Website: www.visitflorida.com

The Family Blessing Dec 21 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. $25 and up

Place:

Harvey Dec 5-15 2 & 8 p.m. $26

Place: Francis Wilson Playhouse Address: 302 Seminole St. Clearwater, 33755 Phone: 727-446-1360 Website: www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org

Event: Date: Time: Cost: Place:

Fitness in Sims Park Dec 28 10 - 10:45 a.m.

FREE

Place: Sims Park Amphitheater Address: 6341 Bank St. New Port Richey, 34652 Phone: 727-841-4560 Website: www.facebook.com/ events/2364919800397719/

send your event news to Info@lIfestylesafter50.com by the 15th of each month for publIcatIon In the followIng month's Issue.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 5

Holiday Head-Scratchers

By RANDAL C. HILL

Whether by yourself or with friends or family, take a break from all the pre-Christmas activity, pour a cup of apple cider, grab a pencil, sit down, and see just how many of these puzzlers you can get right.

1. The best-selling Christmas single ever is a. Jingle Bells b. Here Comes Santa Claus c. White Christmas d. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

7. Frosty the Snowman’s eyes were made of a. coal b. buttons c. carrots d. sliced cucumbers

13. What Christmas song was written for Thanksgiving? a. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire b. Deck the Halls c. Jingle Bells d. Santa Baby

19. What magic item of clothing brought Frosty to life? a. hat b. pair of boots c. scarf d. pair of gloves

2. In It’s A Wonderful Life, what happened every time a bell rang? a. It snowed. b. A guardian angel appeared. c. An angel got his wings. d. Bert and Ernie showed up.

8. The father of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a. Donner b. Smokey c. Comet d. Blitzen

14. Scrooge’s dead business partner in A Christmas Carol is a. Jacob Marley b. Bob Marley c. Bob Cratchit d. Charles Dickens

20. An advent wreath should have how many candles? a. two b. four c. six d. eight

3. The movie Home Alone 2 features a cameo appearance by a. Bill Gates b. Warren Buffett c. Steve Jobs d. Donald Trump

9. What does Lucy want most in A Charlie Brown Christmas? a. a baby brother b. real estate c. a new dollhouse d. a magic wand

15. Coca-Cola began using Santa Claus in ads during the a. 1910s b. 1920s c. 1930s d. 1940s

21. The proper holiday greeting for Kwanzaa is a. Happy Kwanzaa b. Joyous Kwanzaa c. Merry Kwanzaa d. Blessed Kwanzaa

4. In The Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooge is played by a. Michael Caine b. Al Pacino c. Bernie Sanders d. Christoph Waltz

10. What was the first children’s toy to be advertised on television? a. Red Ryder BB gun b. Lone Ranger doll c. Mr. Potato Head d. Etch-A-Sketch

16. The custom of putting up a Christmas tree comes from a. Holland b. England c. Germany d. France

22. Which one is not a gift to baby Jesus from the wise men? a. gold b. silver c. frankincense d. myrrh

5. Whose last words were “I’ll be back again someday”? a. Arnold Schwarzenegger b. Macaulay Culkin c. Santa Claus d. Frosty the Snowman

11. Here Comes Santa Claus was written by a. Irving Berlin b. Jerome Kern c. Roy Rogers d. Gene Autry

17. The most popular Christmas Day dinner in Japan is a. roast duck b. prime rib c. salmon d. KFC fried chicken

23. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of a. Latkes b. Lights c. Passover d. Seder

6. On what department store was the Miracle on 34th Street based? a. Bloomingdales b. Macy’s c. Gimbels d. B. Altman

12. What does Alvin the Chipmunk want for Christmas? a. yo-yo b. hula hoop c. new bicycle d. Frisbee

18. The cartoon character most watched

by Swedes on Christmas Eve is a. Donald Duck b. Bugs Bunny c. Woody Woodpecker d. Mickey Mouse

24. What “spy” hides in the house and judges who’s naughty or nice? a. Spy Barbie b. Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer c. The Elf on the Shelf d. Sean Connery

ANSWERS: 1–c; 2–c; 3–d; 4–a; 5–d; 6–b; 7–a; 8–a; 9–b; 10–c; 11–d; 12–b; 13–c; 14–a; 15–b; 16–c; 17¬–d; 18–a; 19–a; 20–b; 21–b; 22–d; 23–b; 24–c.

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 6

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 7

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2019 HOLIDAY MOVIE GUIDE T

raditionally, December rolls out some of the best films of the year.

Between the perennial Christmas-themed releases, classic books made into must-see movies and late-blooming Academy Award hopefuls, this month provides moviegoing fans with some refreshing options.

Here are our top four picks of family-friendly movies:

By RANDAL C. HILL

Saoirse Ronan (Jo) and Timothée Chalamet (her love interest) in Little Women

LITTLE WOMEN

Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age masterpiece novel, initially published in 1868, follows the lives of the four irrepressible March sisters as they individually navigate from childhood to womanhood, all the while struggling against poverty and social expectations in Civil War-era Boston. Its timeless message of women striving to live on their own terms seems especially pertinent today.

The book has been performed in a variety of genres – as a play, silent film, musical, television miniseries, and even an anime offering.

Here director Greta Gerwig offers us a heartwarming adaptation, with the sisters portrayed to perfection by a topflight cast that includes Saoirse Ronan as Jo (the author’s alter ego), Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy and Eliza Scanlen as Beth. Laura Dern and Meryl Streep oversee the girls’ lives as mother Marmee March and Aunt March, respectively.

In theaters December 25; PG.

Taylor Swift as Bombalurina in Cats, the movie

CATS

The first generation of Cats was born as a 1981 musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who based it on T. S. Eliot’s 1939 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Webber’s opera/ballet plotline revolves around the Jellicles, a tribe of felines that meets to find out which one will die, ascend to Heaviside Layer and be reborn as a whole new cat.

This musical adaptation of the Broadway icon employs a cuttingedge combination of motion-capture and CGI (computer-generated imagery) effects that turn the stars – Dame Judi Dench, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Ian McKellen and Rebel Wilson – into many oddball creatures.

Most should find this new “digital fur technology” to be catnip worthy of a trip to the big screen.

In theaters December 20; PG.

In Farmageddon, Shaun the Sheep and Lu-La, the adorable alien, seek fun and adventure while fleeing from a ruthless organization.

A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON

Pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) and scientist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) find themselves in an epic fight for survival in a gas balloon.

Shaun the Sheep welcomes a new friend – an alien with strange powers – when she crash-lands near Mossy In 1862, daredevil hot-air balloon Bottom Farm. Together the quirky pair must flee from a ruthless organization pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) that seeks to capture the intergalactic teamed up with meteorologist James visitor, all the while having plenty of Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) to fly higher than anyone in history and gain alien-powered fun and adventure.

This flick is the latest high-chuckle a better knowledge of the weather. offering from the UK’s Aardman Along the way, they confront physical Animators, stop-motion masters of and emotional challenges as their clay animation. For years, they’ve been harrowing ascent became a fight for delighting audiences with such kooky survival. The visually wondrous British but irresistible flicks as Chicken Run, film, inspired by real events, unspools Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the a compelling, action-saturated yarn of Were-Rabbit and the first Shaun the two very different aviators who explore unexplored areas of the scientific world Sheep Movie.

In theaters December 20; PG-13.

In theaters December 13; PG.

THE AERONAUTS

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 9

Where in the World Have You Been?

TAG, YOU’RE IT!

H

ave you climbed a glacier, walked the Great Wall of China, visited Rome’s Coliseum, or ridden a camel through the Sahara Desert? Maybe you’ve braved a giant roller coaster at Busch Gardens or parasailed at the beach. Whatever destination you’ve checked off on your bucket list, we’d love to see your best photo and share it with our readers. Send your Bucket List Photo along with a 200-word summary of your trip to Terri.Reeves@LifestylesAfter50.com. Please ID persons in the picture (left to right) and include your name, city of residence and phone number. Photos will run on a space-available basis.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 10

I

don’t recall exactly when it was that I first encountered an acrochordon.

It was not at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. and certainly not at Dinosaur World off of I-4 near Plant City.

The scientific name for the acrochordon is fibroepithelial polyp, but you may know it by its more popular moniker, skin tag.

These small flaps or stalks of tissue are usually found near the neck, chest, eyelids, groin or armpit. They appear most often in women and yes, in those of us that are of advanced years.

Skin tags are generally painless, nonirritating and noncancerous, but they should not litter up our otherwise perfect bodies.

Therefore, we want them gone!

There are several remedies for the removal of these pesky little blemishes ranging from garlic slices to apple cider vinegar as well as a product heartily endorsed by the wealthy entrepreneurs of Shark Tank. Your dermatologist’s office is probably the safest bet.

However, before you act, I just discovered something amazing about these seemingly pointless pieces of hanging flesh.

I recently examined one of them with a magnifying glass because it seemed to have words written in a tiny Times New Roman font. As I drew the glass closer, the remarkable words became clear: Made in the USA. My friends began similar self-examinations and they too found words on their own tags: Made in Taiwan, Made in Hong Kong, etc.

I’m now reflecting on the money my wife could have saved by not sending her saliva sample to Ancestry.com. All she had to do was read her tag: Made in Ireland.

Several weeks ago, I found a new tag on my upper arm, and without thinking, I gripped it between two fingernails and tore it off. Only then did I take the time to read the tag: Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law. For the past seven days, I’ve been languishing here in the Mulberry Jail with barely enough light to complete this article. And if the guy in the next cell plays his off-key version of, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry one more time, I’m going to be up on a much stronger charge, and for a longer period of time. Otherwise, I expect to be released in time for the January issue.

Mike should be out of jail by Dec. 30 (or Dec. 15 if he can maintain good behavior). Just in case he can’t, please send a chocolate cake with an embedded hacksaw-blade to the Mulberry Jail or reach him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

Just Say “No” to The Florida Keys in 2020 Give the coral reefs a break, travel website urges.

By LAUREN REEVES

F

odor’s Travel (www.fodors.com) has just released Bali and the Galapagos Islands were among 12 its “Go” and “No” travel lists for 2020, and the other locales that made the 2020 No List. Stressors from the madding crowds are so great there, Florida Keys have received thumbs down. governments are considering adding tourist taxes.

It’s not the “bah humbug” one might think, but a plea for travelers to respect the fact that the precious Other no-go places include Barcelona, Spain (too coral reefs in the Keys are sick and need some time many tourists for the size), Big Sur in California (tourists harming the natural mountain beauty), to heal, the site says.

“Every year we use the No List to highlight issues and the Cambodian temple complex of Angkor – ethical, environmental, sometimes even political Wat, where the 900-year-old structures are being – that we’re thinking about before, during, and long damaged. after we travel,” the website states. “But ultimately, Some places landed on the list because of lurking we know that our readers – all you globe-trotting danger. Climbers are falling off the Matterhorn in world citizens – will continue to make up your own the Alps. There is rampant crime in Cape Town, Boaters fish, swim and revel off the coast of the Florida Keys.

South Africa. And some resorts in Mexico and minds.”

With declining coral reefs a major concern, Fodor’s Travel website If tourists comply, smaller numbers of visitors Costa Rica have served booze that contains lethal added the Keys to their “No List.” to the coral cay archipelago will mean fewer gasdoses of methanol. powered boats and their anchors busting up the reefs. Reduced tourism will mean Reconsider elephant-riding in places such as Thailand, the site urges. Animal welfare experts there found the elephants in captivity “suffering in terrible less sunscreen in the waters, another coral-killer.

More than a quarter of all coral reefs have been depleted over the last 30 years, conditions.” and Fodor’s recommends those that do travel to the Keys stick to land-based As for their Go List, Fodor’s Travel recommends 52 places around the globe, activities. including the Bahamas.

Apparently, the globe-trotting masses unwittingly threaten quite a few places “This archipelago nation needs your support after Hurricane Dorian hit two with their garbage, litter, pollution and occasional bad manners. islands but left the rest open for business,” the website states.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 11

Happy Birthday to those born in December!

Judi Dench 85 on Dec. 9

Julianne Moore 59 on Dec. 3

Jeff Bridges 70 on Dec. 4

Jamie Foxx 52 on Dec. 13

Brad Pitt 56 on Dec. 18 December’s birth flower is: Narcissus

December’s birthstone is: Turquoise

Jane Fonda 82 on Dec. 21

acation Bucket List: Go Ziplining “What was I thinking?” asked Lil Cromer, 72, of Belleair. “It sounded like a good idea flying through the air over tree canopies above the Nantahala gorge in western North Carolina.”

Before making reservations, Cromer asked if this was an adventure suitable for an overweight, older woman. She was told that if she wasn’t afraid of heights and could climb steps, she was good to go.

“We suited up, had a practice zip, then walked 200 yards straight up a steep hill to the first line. This should have been my tipoff to turn around and head for the brewery,” she said.

Her biggest problem?

“I couldn’t properly apply the brakes, which amounted to laying my gloved hand flat on the cable and putting pressure on it. When my glove met resistance, I grabbed the cable – big mistake!

I spun around like a whirling dervish, let go of the cable and crash-landed on the platform. Out of 13 zip lines, I only landed smoothly twice.”

What Cromer would later learn is there are two categories of zipline brakes: active and passive. Active, as in her case, requires the rider to initiate the braking process; this can increase the risk of a mishap. Passive brakes work automatically.

“I would definitely advise seniors who want the ziplining experience to choose a business that offers the passive braking method,” she said.

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 12

2020 VISION I

don’t claim to have magical of invention, science will finally ppowers or to own a crystal unlock the secret of using stem ball, but I figure now that I’m in cells to grow a pointed index finger. the third phase of my Rounded digits are so Goddess cycle, (which yesterday when it comes is another way of to rapid texting or signing one’s name saying that I’m on electronic old), I can own signature pads that the wisdom look like an Etchthat’s supposed to come with so A-Sketch. many candles on Fashion: I the cake. predict that the And since anhot color for spring other holiday season 2020 will be puce is upon us and we’ll and its true nature at soon be welcoming a last defined. Watch for New Year, I’ve decided it during Fashion Week to channel some of this when top designers age-related wiswill resurrect this dom and join the I want to wish all of you a much-maligned seers who make reddish-purplepredictions about joyful holiday season and a gray-brown (and happy, healthy New Year. sometimes putrid what may lie I hope 2020 will be good green shade) from ahead in 2020.

Below I offer to you, even if none of my the sewer.

Nutrition: my shortlist of predictions come true! breakthroughs to Move over kale (swirls and sparkles) occur next year. and quinoa, and Note that I have make room for excluded politics. I’ll leave that to the superfood of 2020 – the Indian the pundits on your favorite cable Gooseberry. Said to be useful for controlling cholesterol and news channel. persistent heartburn, it should be Space Travel: NASA will launch taken in moderation to avoid the a spaceship commanded solely overwhelming desire to join a flash by female astronauts headed to mob dance or star in a Bollywood a previously unexplored planet, movie. while a spacecraft piloted by males Technology: Is the world ready will be launched to another. If these for the new and improved Roomba, missions are successful, the world that robotic vacuum cleaner that will discover, once and for all, if scurries throughout your home? The men actually do come from Mars latest version will not only be able and women from Venus. to empty itself when it becomes full, Medical Breakthroughs: If but also take out the garbage, walk necessity is indeed the mother the dog and water the plants.

Susan Goldfein’s newest book, How to Complain When There’s Nothing to Complain About, is available at Amazon.com. Read her blog at: www.SusansUnfilteredWit.com. Email Susan at SusanGoldfein@aol.com

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he Better Business Bureau (BBB) has identified the top scams of the season, as listed below. To be safe, verify the legitimacy of any company in question with the BBB. If you feel like you are a victim of a crime, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/default.aspx) 1. Grandparent scams – In this cruel con, scammers target seniors and claim their grandchild has been in an accident, arrested or hospitalized. The thief will usually ask for money, credit card numbers or gift cards to resolve the situation.

2. Santa letters – Be wary of unsolicited emails offering personalized letters from Santa. While some legitimate businesses provide this service, other copycat scammers are merely looking to gain credit card and personal information from unsuspecting parents and grandparents.

3. Fake websites – Con artists often put up websites that look like the real thing in an attempt to steal your personal information or to download malware. Never click the email’s link; instead, go to the official website of the business. Only enter sensitive information on a site that begins with “https” as the “s” means it’s secure.

4. Puppy scams – See a cute picture of a puppy for sale at a too-good-to-be-true price? Do an image search online and if multiple websites popup, it’s probably a scam. Buy only from reputable breeders.

5. Social media gift exchange – Purchasing one gift and receiving several in return may sound like a harmless way to give and receive presents, but this seasonal scam is a pyramid scheme and illegal.

6. Romance scams. Be wary of those who seem to fall in love very quickly but resist talking on the phone or meeting you in person. If they ask for money, run. Always meet in a public place.

7. Temporary holiday jobs –Never follow a link on a job website; go directly to the company website instead. Be wary of anyone asking for personal information or who offers a “paycheck” before you have met in person.

8. Free gift cards – If you get an email offering free gift cards, don’t click on any links or share personal information.

9. Holiday e-cards – Don’t open an email where you’re asked to enter personal information or if it includes an attachment that ends in “.exe” as it could download a virus.

10. Phony charities – Phony charities are ubiquitous this time of year. Verify a charity at Give.org before contributing.

11. Unusual forms of payment – Be wary of anyone asking for forms of payment such as prepaid debit or gift cards, wire transfers, or transactions that involve third parties.

12. Travel scams – To avoid these “bargains,” be cautious of email offers and never wire money to someone you don’t know.

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 13

‘Tis The Season For Bookgiving

By KATHY MEGYERI

Books make perfect gifts as they won’t break the bank, are easy to wrap, can be customized to tastes and don’t require fittings.

Here are a few of our favorite picks to help you find a unique gift for a friend or perhaps that needy coffee table in your own home.

For the passionate traveler ~ THE BUCKET LIST: 1,000 ADVENTURES BIG AND SMALL,

by Kath Stathers, 496 pp.

It’s never too soon or too late to pursue one’s wanderlust and this guide features a continent-bycontinent listing of 1,000 exotic and eye-popping destinations. In addition, the book contains advice on how to achieve other popular bucket list goals such as directing a movie, learning to play an instrument, making pottery, protecting endangered species or naming a star.

For the greatest of grannies ~ IRIS APFEL: ACCIDENTAL ICON, MUSINGS OF A GERIATRIC STARLET,

by Iris Apfel, 176 pp.

This famous septuagenarian – businesswoman, interior designer and Insta-granny fashion icon – proves that aging is not a destination but an art. Her book contains an eclectic mix of candor-filled musings, witty anecdotes and 180 photos and illustrations. Readers will surely agree that being 98 never looked so good or was so much fun.

For the dog lover ~ UNDERWATER DOGS,

by Seth Casteel, 144 pp.

Try not to smile as you peruse this book packed with more than 80 photos of man’s best friends splashing into swimming pools in pursuit of toys. Underneath the surface, it’s a chaotic ballet of bubbles, bulging eyes, sharp teeth, paddling paws and googly expressions. The result is an energetic testament to the roughand-tumble joy that dogs bring into our lives.

For the photography enthusiast ~ ANNIE LEIBOVITZ: PORTRAITS 20052016, by Annie Leibovitz, 312 pp.

One of America’s most influential photographers, Leibovitz was designated by the Library of Congress as a “living legend.” Through her engaging and unique style of portraiture, she documents some of the most compelling figures of the last decade in creative, insightful and intimate ways.

For the foodie ~ SALAD FOR PRESIDENT: A COOKBOOK INSPIRED BY ARTISTS,

by Julia Sherman, 272 pp.

The creator of an immensely popular salad blog presents a fresh, veggieobsessed compendium of more than 75 salad recipes with contributions and interviews by artists and other creative professionals. Sherman encourages her readers to consider salad a healthy everyday indulgence that can include everything from soups to dinner party entrees.

For the cat devotee ~ CATS: PHOTOGRAPHY, 1942-2018,

by Susan Michals, 296 pp.

Walter Chandoha, best known for his artistic feline portraiture, is honored with this tribute book; he passed away this year at 98. Chandoha was a prolific cat photographer – his photos have appeared in more than 300 magazines and thousands of advertisements. He once said, “Cats are my favorite animal subject because of their unlimited range of attitude, posture, expression, and coloration.”

For the artist wannabe ~ HOW TO DRAW WITHOUT TALENT,

by Danny Gregory, 128 pp.

This isn’t your traditional coffee table book, but we liked it so much, we included it anyway. This book will bring grandkids and grandparents alike to the kitchen table where they will learn to create art with easy lessons and basic techniques.

Gregory, a bestselling author and the co-founder of the popular online Sketchbook Skool, touts drawing as a skill that anyone can learn.

For fashionistas ~ VOGUE AND THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART COSTUME INSTITUTE: PARTIES, EXHIBITIONS, PEOPLE, by Hamish Bowles, 256 pp.

Showcasing the history of the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s exhibitions, this book is truly a spectacle of art, fashion and celebrity.

With photographs from the lavish displays, the Vogue photo shoots they inspired, and party pictures from the galas, it’s an insider’s pass to what is deemed to be the Oscars of fashion.

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 14

Largo Team Member Wins First Place at International SWANA Road-E-O Competition

Shauwn Clark wins national “gold medal” in front loader category.

LARGO – Shauwn Clark of the City of Largo’s Public Works Solid Waste department brought home the “gold medal” from the 2019 SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) International Road-E-O competition.

This year’s competition was hosted by the Arizona SWANA Chapter in Glendale, Arizona on October 24-25. Clark won first place in the front loader category, beating out 12 other drivers from across the country.

Sweeps National Awards Lifestyles After 50, a boomer and senior publication distributed on Florida’s West Coast for over 30 years, has been honored with seven national awards for excellence in journalism by the North American Mature Publishers anBadck to 1969 the first ma n on the Association (NAMPA), a non-profit international platform of boomer/senior publications.

Winners were announced in October at NAMPA’s 2019 national convention held in LADY LIBERTY’S NEW M USEUM Memphis, Tenn. Entries were judged by the prestigious University of Missouri’s School of Journalism.

FREE Lifestyles After 50 was presented with awards in the following categories: General Excellence Phil COLLINS Book Reviews ~ Kathy Megyeri LOOK Senior Issues ~ Michael Wright and Susan Goldfein HANG ON TO YOUR HAT!up Hurricane season is about to heat Editorial ~ Terri Bryce Reeves How-To Feature ~ Randal Hill Topical Issue ~ Randal Hill Florida’s Most Read

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 15

Seasonal Safety is No Accident

by RANDAL C. HILL

W

hether you are getting up in years or are taking care of someone who already is, here are some holiday hints to ensure that the Christmas season is a happy and safe one for all concerned.

Decorating. One in four Americans over 65 suffers a fall each year; many of these injuries arise from Christmastime decorating mishaps. If you’re going to need a ladder, have someone stabilize it for you. Consider downsizing to a smaller, easily managed tree and keeping decorations at eye level or below.

Trees. Every natural Christmas tree, especially a dry one, is a potential fire hazard, so keep them watered. LED lights don’t get hot to the touch and are more energy-efficient than the incandescent ones.

Cooking. Many golden-agers enjoy fixing meals and desserts during the holidays, but cooking accidents are the No.1 cause of fires during these festive times. Keep a close eye on food cooking on the stove, in the oven or on the grill. Have a fire extinguisher handy. Turkey fryers are not recommended for home use, since they cause many burns and injuries.

Food preparation. To avoid food poisoning, make sure to wash hands frequently when handling raw food, and use separate cutting boards for raw meat. Meat should be cooked to the proper temperature with the aid of an oven thermometer. Be sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of being served.

Lighting. Never overload outlets with too many extension cords. Make sure pathways are well-lit at night.

Adult In Home Assistance Seniors Helping Seniors

wwwseniorcareeastpasco.seniorshelpingseniors.com/

Assisted Living Love To Know Seniors Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

www.seniors.lovetoknow.com www.npaonline.org/

Food, Clothing, Personal Care, Household Goods Meals on Wheels www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org Trinity Cafe www.trinitycafe.org Feeding Tampa Bay www.feedingamerica.org Daystar Life Center www.daystarlife.com Metropolitan Ministries www.metromin.org Education Eckerd College (St. Petersburg)

www.eckerd.edu/olli

Employment Florida Department of Elder Affairs www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) www.doleta.gov/seniors/ Retirement Life Matters www.retirementlifematters.com Work Force 50 www.workforce50.com Financial Services National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up Women’s Institute For A Secure Retirement (WISER) BBF Capital Advisors

www.benefitscheckup.org/ www.wiserwomen.org/ www.bruceficken.com/

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 16

Walkways. Keeping pathways free of boxes, cords and decorations will significantly reduce the likelihood of tripping.

Shopping. As the season approaches, parking lots become more crowded—and potentially more dangerous. When driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians, small children and distracted drivers. The ideal time to shop (especially with the elderly) is earlier in the day during the week, before the crowds arrive.

Be sure to stow purchased packages out of sight in the car trunk, and always lock your vehicle.

Traveling by car. Highway accidents abound during the holidays due to increased traffic, people driving too fast and impairment due to drugs and alcohol. Make sure to designate a sober driver after a party, and tuck the cell phone away until you arrive. Leave early so you don’t rush.

Relaxing. Heart attacks and other heart-related issues spike during the holiday season, so it’s a good idea to consider scaling back on activities that may overwhelm some seniors. Encourage younger family members to help out around the house. Everyone, oldsters included, should remember to keep making healthy food choices, stay hydrated and go easy on the booze.

Gifts. Thinking of some practical presents for those special family folks?

Consider plug-in night lights, non-slip mats, slippers with sole grips and bathroom handrails.

Government and Senior Community Resources Administration for Community Living (ACL) www.acl.gov/ American Association of Kidney Patients www.aakp.org American Red Cross www.redcross.org American Association of Retired Persons www.aarp.org/tampabay The ALS Association Florida Chapter www.webfl.alsa.org Area Agency on Aging (Elder Help Line) www.youragingresourcecenter.org Department of Business and Professional Regulation www.myfloridalicense.com Florida Information Locator www.stateofflorida.com Hills County Dept of Aging www.hillsboroughcounty.org Internal Revenue Service (Seniors & Retirees www.irs.gov/individuals/seniors-retirees Medicare www.medicare.gov National Parks www.NPS.gov Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) www.seniorsinservice.org Ronald McDonald House Tampa rmhctampabay.org/ Senior Connection (Hillsborough) www.agingcare.com Senior Games www.flasports.com/florida-senior-games Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org Social Security Administration www.SSA.gov U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development www.UD.gov Health & Medical Services Addiction Center www.addictioncenter.com American Association of Kidney Patients www.aakp.org Dementia www.dementia.org Florida Medical Clinic www.floridamedicalclinic.com/ Melanoma Research Foundation www.melanoma.org National Stroke Association www.stroke.org Senior Home Improvement Program (SHIP) www.thecentre.org/programs services-for-older-adults National Institute of Senior Health www.nihseniorhealth.gov Insurance Consumer Advocate Legal Services Bay Area Legal Services Tax Counseling for the Elderly

www.consumersadvocate.org/ www.bals.org www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-counseling-for-the-elderly

Pet Services Consumer Advocate TLC Pet Snip (non-profit)

www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance www.tlcpetsnip.org

Preplanning Final Expenses Aging Care Retirement Living LCB Senior Living Transportation Florida Department of Elder Affairs ITN Suncoast Travel and Leisure Florida Orchestra Gaylord Palms Orlando Players Theater (Sarasota) Straz Performing Arts Center (Tampa) Tampa Bay Rays

www.agingcare.com/articles/funeral-planning www.lcbseniorliving.com

www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us www.itnsuncoast.org/

www.floridaorchestra.org www.gaylordhotels.com www.theplayers.org www.strazcenter.org www.mlb.com/rays

Add your business to our new web directory.

Your company name and website link will be published in all editions of Lifestyles After 50 and on our website: lifestylesafter50.com contact your Account executive today at 813-336-8247

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Keep Christmas classical with The Florida Orchestra

by Kelly SmiTh

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anta on the beach? Lighted palm trees?

Nah, not this year. When you’re longing for a classic Christmas, there’s no place like The Florida Orchestra, sparkling with holiday magic you can’t find at the mall.

Holiday Pops: The annual favorite is a jolly good time for the whole family. This year’s concert is a sleighload of classics you know and love, including Sleigh Ride, The Nutcracker, Winter Wonderland and a holiday sing-along. Concerts are Dec. 13-15 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, with two matinees that won’t spoil anyone’s bedtime. Daniel Black conducts, with Vanessa Thomas on vocals. Tickets start at $18, in the Raymond James Pops series.

Handel’s Messiah: For nearly 300 years, one work has brought audiences to their feet in the ultimate celebration of holiday joy: Handel’s Messiah, with its divine “Hallelujah” chorus. Michael Francis leads the orchestra and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay in three special performances: Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz (Dec 19), the Mahaffey Theater (Dec. 20), and Indian Rocks Baptist Church (Dec. 21). Tickets start at $18 at the Mahaffey; $30 general admission at the churches.

Holiday Brass: TFO’s incomparable brass and percussion sections perform festive favorites in the exquisitely renovated historic Tampa Theatre. Daniel Black conducts arrangements for brass and percussion ensemble, including Sleigh Ride, Ave Maria, The Nutcracker, Messiah’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” and classic carols. Dec. 19; $20 general admission If you go: The Florida Orchestra performs regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tickets for Masterworks and Pops concerts start at $18, plus fees. See FloridaOrchestra.org.

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 17

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s we approach the year’s end and the December 31 deadline, older clients are always asking about strategies for taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from their retirement accounts. While there are no ways to avoid taking an RMD (and paying the subsequent taxes), there are some creative ways to deal with this obligation.

To review, under current tax law, anyone with a balance in an account funded with pretax dollars is required to take a distribution from that account starting at age 70½. This includes Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, 403(b)s and other similar plans.

While it may not apply to everyone, one way to delay taking a distribution from a 401(k) is to keep working. Under current law, if you are still working beyond age 70½, and do not own more than 5% of the company you work for, you can avoid taking RMDs from your current employer’s 401(k) until you retire.

The benefits of this strategy are maximized when individuals roll any old 401(k) balances into their current 401(k), assuming the existing plan allows this. Please note that this employment “exemption” only applies to balances in the current 401(k), not to balances in any IRAs. For those who are charitably inclined, taking Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) is another common strategy. This entails transferring money directly to a qualified charity, whereby the amount of the QCD—which can be your entire RMD (up to $100,000)—does not show up as taxable income. Even if you cannot itemize deductions, QCD’s, made permanent in 2015, are far preferable to the old method of taking the RMD and then donating the funds to the charity.

Keep in mind that RMDs can be taken “in kind,” meaning you may transfer securities directly from your IRA account to your taxable account. The fair market value on the date of transfer is used to determine the amount of the distribution. The benefits of doing this are maximized when asset values are depressed, or if you anticipate meaningful future growth in the asset(s) you are transferring.

Finally, if you are especially concerned about tax rates increasing in future years, consider converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. While this strategy essentially accelerates the taxes due (rather than delaying or avoiding them), some take the view that it is better to pay a known rate now (which is low by historical standards) than a potentially higher rate down the road.

David Novak, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ at Novak & Powell Financial Services in Pinellas County.

Please note: he is not an attorney and this article should not be construed as one offering legal advice.

For information about investment decisions and financial planning, contact him at (727) 451-3440.

Holiday Traditions to Break If You Want to Help the Planet

by TERRI bRYCE REEVES

D

ecember is especially hazardous for the environment as Americans toss out 25% percent more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That’s about a million extra tons of garbage each week, according to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), a Washington, D.C.based nonprofit group devoted to environmental education.

The commercialization of Christmas has whet our collective appetites for more gadgetry, new clothing, the latest toys and other gifts, all wrapped up in fancy paper and bows. Ultimately, the manufacture of these products generates more waste, consumes more natural resources, and pollutes the environment.

So let’s give Mother Nature a well-deserved break and opt for some sustainable and smarter alternatives.

For starters, here are a few Christmas traditions we suggest you break: Buying toys. Almost 70% of toys are abandoned shortly after the holidays, says Toy Library founder Christie Jacobs, and a quarter of parents toss playthings months later when their children lose interest.

Instead, give a subscription to a toy rental company.

This new way-to-play offers rotating selections of toys,

thereby keeping children engaged and cutting down on the manufacture of plastics. Or start your own toy swap with neighbors and friends.

Purchasing manufactured items. Nearly half of us return a gift after Christmas, according to Optoro, a company that tracks returns for retailers. Others are kept, rarely used, then tossed, and the cycle of needless manufacturing and wastefulness continues.

Rather than buying “stuff,� consider giving homemade gifts or experiences. Create memories with trips to a special restaurant or the theatre. Gift a massage, facial, house cleaning service or small tree for the yard. Gym and museum memberships are also thoughtful ideas, as well.

Home-baked cookies, knitted scarves, and artwork are one-of-a-kind presents that are appreciated more because they come from the heart.

If you do buy a product, choose one from a local, sustainable and ethical maker.

Wrapping gifts. This holiday tradition is one of the most wasteful things we can do. And each year, Americans discard enough ribbon to wrap around the planet, according to NEEF. Gift bags and cookie tins are great alternatives

because they can be used again year after year. If you must wrap, consider doing so with recycled paper or new towels for later use. Rather than using ribbons and bows, tie your package with sustainable yarn or twine.

Sending holiday cards. Billions of trees worldwide are cut down each year for paper, some of which will be turned into holiday cards.

Break the holiday tradition by making phone calls to your friends and loved ones instead. Chances are, this gesture will be very much appreciated. Consider a donation to the many conservation organizations that plant carbon-capturing trees.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 19

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Seven years without a cold?

Power Puzzle CROSSWORD PUZZLE #5130

Last Month’s Answers 36.

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53.

54.

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Enter To Win!

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CongrAtuLAtionS!

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33583 Alta Taylor 41. Resident’s suffix I want information on: Insurance Personal Health 42. One married by Travel / Cruises Elder Law / Financial & Fitness Friar Lawrence 43. Capital Recreation / Leisure Housing Options Homecity Improvements 44. To be in Madrid Entertainment / Events Reverse Mortgages Automobiles 45. Summers abroad 46. Window covering 48. Peruse Name 49. Bridge term 50. Stationed 53. Tiny particle Address 54. N.L. or A.L. employee 57. Accomplice 60. Hamelin’s visitor 62. Niños’ mamás: abbr.

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9. Beverage Doug Cornell invented the 10. Boxed 11. Tell __; prevaricate device in 2012. “I haven’t had a 12. Coward, for one New research: Copper stops colds if used early. single cold 13. Hardy heroine since then,” he says.

19. NoisyPeople dive were skeptical but EPA used to get colds after crowded flights.

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27. Liver 28. Wipe out copper.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when 29. Egret or stork That’s why ancient Greeks and people are sick around her she uses 30. Urbanites on a ranch 31. No longer fashionable Egyptians used copper to purify water CopperZap morning and night. “It saved 32. Soap plant and evergreen: heal wounds.

They didn’t know me last holidays,” she said. “The kids 33. Small Sp. 35. Ready forviruses combat and bacteria, but now we about had colds going round and round, but 38. Animal classes do. amount not me.”

39. Slightest 40. Schwarzkopf, for short Scientists say the high conductance Some users say it also helps with 46. __-pitch softball of copper disrupts the electrical balance sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had 47. Trailer 48. Della __ in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in a 2-day sinus headache. She tried 49. Eyelid troubles: var.

CopperZap. “I am shocked!” she said.

50. Big party seconds.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 20

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58. Stupid person 59. __ whim; capriciously 61. Wrath

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN GREAT PRIZES

E-mail

More and more people are

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23 “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The 26 cold never got going.” It worked again 31 32 33 every time.

36 He asked relatives and friends to try it. They 40 said it worked for them, too, so he patented CopperZap™ and put it on 43 the market.

46 47 Now tens of thousands of people have tried it. Nearly 100% of feedback 54 55 stops 56 said the copper colds if used within 3 hours 60 61 after the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder 64 than usual and they feel better.

67 Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more colds for me!”

Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.” Now thousands of users have simply stopped getting colds.

People often use CopperZap preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci

Copper can also stop flu if used early and for several days. Lab technicians placed 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found alive soon after.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams confirming the discovery. He placed millions of disease germs on copper.

“They started to die literally as soon as they touched the surface,” he said.

The handle is curved and finely textured to improve contact. It kills germs picked up on fingers and hands to protect you and your family.

Copper even kills deadly germs that have become resistant to antibiotics. If you are near sick people, handling it may keep serious infection away.

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Sudoku #305

SUDOKU

Last Month’s Answers Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

Trivia Palooza!

Play & WIN!

The object of the game is to fill all the Last Month’s Winner blank squares with the correctisnumbers.

Rhonda Treppe, Tampa

QuestIoN: WheN WAs ChrIstmAs deCLAred As A federAL hoLIdAy IN the uNIted stAtes? your ANsWer: _____________________________________

Answer This Trivia Question To WIN a Prize!

Each row of 9 numbers must include all CongRaTuLaTions! digits 1 through 9 in any order.Go od d o o GEach column of 9 numbers must include Luck!

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Deadline for entries: December 20th

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Last month’s answer: The Netherlands

The more you play the better chance you have to win!

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Go to LifestylesAfter50.com and click on the Trivia Palooza icon to play each week.

Word Search

Last Month’s Winner is Luci Bradley, Belleville

CongratuLations!

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Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win.

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

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WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

MYSTERY PRIzE!

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

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 21

Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 22

Seniors getting Together Women Seeking men 5384 - neeD A QUALiTY SingLe mAn. Age 55+ for LTR. Tall/Medium built, healthy and financially secure.

From Cuba, Puerto Rico or white.

Island woman. Tampa Bay. 5383 - LAST CHAnCe FoR ComPAnion. SWF, 75, NS, C, SOH, ND, R, FF, 5’5”, Avg., attractive I’m told.

Loves animals, parks, good company, short trips. Hoping for gentlemen, 7580, 5’8” + with same. Zephyrhills.

5379 - WDWF, 70, iSo W mALe. Age prefer 60-70. Tall, xtra pounds. I’m not HWP. I use to follow a saxophone player and vocalist. Kept me busy. I need a friend. Tampa Bay area.

5376 - WW, W, nS, nD, LTR. I am 69 and looking for Mr. Right. I go to church, am a country girl, listen to country music, folk, gospel, 50s and 60s, like slow dance, wildlife, taking walks, art work, travel, going to movies, easy going, out to eat. Name and phone on letters. Duette area.

68-72, interested in dating, maybe possible LTR. 4119 Seeking HoneST genTLemAn. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises.

Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

men Seeking Women 5381 - 58. Wm. meRRY CHRiSTmAS. Holiday role play? Santa & workshop.

Mrs. Claus and Elf. Looking for Holiday surprise? I might be your fantasy gift.

Send me your wish list. LTR possible.

Tampa area preferred. N. Tampa.

5380 - SingLe. Wm. 60. HAPPY neW YeAR. Tired of hanging mistletoe? I’m tired of hot chocolate and cookies.

This holiday, let us be the treat. Can be discreet. Send a note. LTR possible.

Happy Holidays.

5385 - Looking FoR mALe FRienD. To enjoy things together. I’m 70’s, 5’5”, 128 lbs., slim, active, DWHF, likes dancing, exercise, travel. Important you like the same. Fit. Healthy. SOH. Clearwater area.

5378 - Looking FoR ComPAnion.

SWM, 80ish, 5’11”, financially & emotionally secure. Christian, college degree, East Tenn. bred. New to Florida.

Seeks SWF for close friendship and adventure. Tarpon Springs area.

5367 – i Am Looking FoR mR. RigHT. I’m a WW, 76 yy, 5’5”, blue eyes, white hair, NS, ND, NDrg, healthy, SOH, like to dance to 50’s & 60’s country music, take walks, just enjoy life. I am a caring, loving person. Would like to meet a SWM, same age or older, taller than me. NS, ND or SD, NDrg, healthy SOH. Port Richey, Hudson area. Send name & phone number.

5386 - oUTDooR TYPe ReTiReD SWm. Sierra Club member. 6’, HWP. Likes boating, fishing, travel, State and National Parks. ISO SWF. Lane Bryant type, NS, healthy, romantic, LTR possible. Write me. Sincere only.

Seminole

5368 – Seeking SinCeRe, HoneST genTLemAn. I’m young 70’s, SWF, 5’8”, slim, attractive, blonde and physically fit. I love anything outdoors. Enjoy travel to Tenn mountains in summer, cruising, small local trips. Send phone number. Largo area.

5357 – 70+ YoUng, VeRY ACTiVe, love dancing, beach, travel, gardening, concerts. 5’4”, 125#, W,H, ISO bilingual, tall, good dancer, white, adventurous, emotionally & financially secure,

5369 – Looking FoR mS RigHT. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police Officer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, selfcaring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred.

Clearwater area.

5370 – WHeRe ARe YoU LADY? Country gentleman ISO country lady for LTR, intimate relationship, possible live in. Sharing adventures in our golden years. Friends first. Tell me what you want & enjoy. St. Pete.

5371 – TiReD oF LoneLY nigHTS? So am I. Retired SWM, healthy, ISO NS

romantic SWF with varied interests.

Must love life, trust in God. Age/size open. Just be healthy and caring. St. Pete area.

5372 – Looking FoR ComPAnion.

SWm, 80 yrs young, 5’11”, 215#, active, independent, financially & emotionally secure, looking for same type of woman for local events, day trips. Gulf Port area 5359 – Looking FoR W LADY. 62-76. I am 68, 5’11”, 200 lb. I am a good-looking man looking for a good woman. Love to snuggle, day travel, relaxing at home, like movies, speak English. Tampa 4955 - 70 Yo mAn LookS YoUngeR, hair on head, down to earth, doesn’t do drugs and drinks socially only.

Seeking slim, small breasted brunette for hot tubs and good times. Please no baggage, drama or drunks.

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

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

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

Seniors Getting Together

Personal Ad Placement only $6 per month!

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

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

Ad Copy ••• PLeASe PrinT neATLY ••• 30 Word Limit TITLE:

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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).

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Email: Make checks payable to: Lifestyles After 50 Mail to: PO Box 638, Seffner, Fl 33583 Lifestyles After 50 • Suncoast • December 2019 • page 23

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