Lifestyles After 50 Southwest May 2014 edition

www.lifestylesafter50fl.com • Southwest • FREE

Vol. 25 • May 2014

Mothers Do Make A Difference

• Late Bloomers • Happiness Matters • Angels of Bataan

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 2

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G M AY 2 0 1 4

T

hursdays Parkinson’s Exercise Class. Free for people with the disease and their caregivers. 11 am. N. Fort Myers Park Recreation Center.

Call for information: 239-985-7727.

T

hrough 11 “Heart Song” at the Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St., Fort Myers. $25 to $45 tickets. 239-332-4488.

T

hrough 24 “The Music Man,” classic, fun musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. “76 Trombones,” “Goodnight Ladies” and more. $35 to $55 tickets: 239-278-4422.

T

hrough 23 Gallery showing of Movement of Aleatoric Modern Artists or MAMA at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Info: ArtInLee.org or 239-939-2787.

8

Hurricane Preparation Seminar at Lakes Regional Library by Emergency Management of Lee County.

2 pm. Information about Emergency Management: 239-533-0622.

10

“Stamp Out Hunger,” the national letter carriers’ food drive.

Food collected is distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank and other agencies. Drop off food at any post office or Uncle Bob’s storage areas, 3780 Central Ave., 3111 Cleveland Ave., 4400 Solomon Blvd., or 6600 Industrial Drive, in Ft. Myers; 1347 N. Tamiami Trl., North Ft. Myers; or 800 Abrams Blvd., Lehigh Acres. For info or monetary donations: 239-3347007 or harrychapinfoodbank.org.

10

Turtle Trot 5K run/walk at Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach. Cross three barrier islands on hard-packed shell. Refreshments will be served and awards presented. $30/adult registration advance; $35/race day. Registration 7 am; race at 8. Call 708-359-0466.

15

Lehigh Acres Edible Gardening Exchange monthly meeting.

Learn, share, give back gardening skills. Veterans Park Craft Room, 7 pm.

One-time $10 fee. 239-206-3373.

15

Greeters Club Luncheon welcomes new and potential members. Third Thursdays at 11:30 am, Colonial Country Club, 9181 Independence Way, Fort Myers. $20. Email your contact info to greetersclub@gmail.com for all details.

16

Downtown River Walk, a monthly (3rd Friday) event featuring live bands, shops, patios, bars and restaurants. For more information contact 239-645-6457.

16

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Golf Tournament at The Colony Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs. Proceeds support the Harry Chapin Food Bank. 1 pm.

Registration at 11:45 am. $125 per player. Register at 239-334-7007, ext. 100. Information and registration forms also are available online at harrychapinfoodbank.org.

19

Goodwill Golf Classic; proceeds benefit Goodwill help for the disabled and disadvantaged. 1800 NW 28th Ave., Cape Coral. 8 am.

Details at goodwillswfl.org/golfclassic.

22

and every Tues. and Thurs. morning: Learn to play Pickleball at Estero Gym. 9 am to noon. Call Donnasue for info: 239-498-0415.

29

– June 21 “Mid-Life The Crisis Musical” at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. A comic look at the middle years. $35 to $55 tickets.

239-278-4422 for tickets or info.

30

through June 28 Juried Art Show at Alliance for the Arts.

Gallery opening reception May 30, 5 pm. Details at artinlee.org/events.

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. May 10 for June event.)

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 3

Foster Mother: One of the Many Faces of Motherhood

Dear Readers,

M

otherhood can have many faces. I am an adoptive and a biological mother, a mother-in-law Janice Doyle, and a grandmother.

Editor At one point, I mothered three students from Estonia.

Four years ago I became a stepmother when I re-married.

But before any of those, I became Foster Mother to Christy—a relationship that has lasted over 45 years.

My first husband and I were just 26 when we were asked if we would consider taking a 15-year-old girl into our home. We were told she was very bright. She was responsible for the care of seven siblings, five of whom were under the age of six.

“She needs to be where there are no small children and she can just be a teenager,” the case worker friend said.

Christy, angry and suspicious, arrived in a shapeless gray sweatshirt with a scowl on her face. Tom passed her the butter that first night at supper and when she reached for it, he pushed it forward so her thumb went into the soft butter. She looked up to see him smiling broadly at his playful welcome and she started laughing.

She laughed and laughed—and would later tell us it was the first time she’d really laughed in months.

who live interesting, successful and Being foster parents was not challenging lives like Christy’s. always easy, but we had the We are close friends, Christy and privilege of giving her the space I, and we both realize not all foster she needed to gain her footing for parent/child experiences result in what became an extraordinary life. a bond like ours. At the same We offered her family, extended family, a church family, neighborhood time, we feel blessed to have this incredible extension to our lives. relationships, conversations, canoe trips, books, trips, security and the freedom to be a part of a peer group. And I think we laughed a lot!

Christy has what iconic author Gail Sheehy has called “the spirit of survival.”

She went to college and then moved to California over 30 years ago; for some years, we had random communications Editor Janice Doyle and her foster daughter Christy before settling into a enjoy a 45-year-long relationship. close adult friendship.

In this issue, you will read about Christy earned two masters degrees, some Florida women who choose worked for the Los Angeles Times being foster mothers as their lifestyle. and married a wonderful man.

They get up daily and deal head on Two years ago, I went to Los with children of adults who could Angeles for her 60th birthday party. not make life work out to sustain Ten women each told of the gracious, family life physically and emotionhappy and loving friend, companion, ally. We honor them this month of counselor and confidante Christy has been to them. In the group were fellow May for the lasting changes they may bring to even one child. artists, a college dean’s wife, a poet, a librarian, an internationally recognized ukulele player, a sister-in-law, a Bon Apetit magazine editor—all women

Lee, Collier & Charlotte 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 Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Nancy Spencer nancy@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution (941) 284-2930

Advertising Sales Lee/Collier and Charlotte Nancy Kuehne: (239) 822-6150 Sarasota/Manatee Dave Tarantul: (941) 284-2930 Customer Service (941) 284-2930 dave@lifestylesafter50.com

News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (813) 653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50fl.com Our other editions: Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Hillsborough Edition: Hillsborough County Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040

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 June 2014 issue is May 15, 2014. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 4

Seniors are Sweet on Pickleball W

hile it was something of an underground sport for decades, pickleball’s time has finally arrived.

A sport that’s been described as being played with an oversize pingpong ball on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, pickleball is a hybrid of those sports, with aspects of ping-pong and volleyball mixed in, too. A pickleball court is much shorter than a tennis court and the net is positioned lower, plus the serving is done underhand, so it’s easier on the joints and “tennis elbow” isn’t a problem. Fast-paced and easy to learn, pickleball doesn’t require a big financial investment: just some paddles and balls. Those who’ve tried it call the sport “addictive.”

Pickleball was invented 1965 and gained popularity quietly and gradually for decades. But the number of active pickleball players has nearly doubled in the country since 2010.

According to the USA Pickleball

Association, there are currently 1,900 places to play pickleball in the US with more courts being added each month. It’s popular with players of all ages, but seniors in particular are sweet on the sport as an alternative to tennis because it’s less physically taxing. Some players who’ve been sidelined from other sports with bad knees or feet find that they can play pickleball pain-free.

In West Central Florida, there’s a strong pickleball community. Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has introduced the sport to some local recreation centers and offers free lessons several days a week at selected locations. The Sun City Center Pickleball Club is one of the area’s largest and Kings Point, Meadow Pointe in Wesley Chapel and Valencia Lakes have pickleball clubs and courts of their own. Pickleball is consistently the biggest event at the Tampa Bay

Senior Games (held each October) according to event organizers.

In addition to being an easy sport to learn (some say it takes only five minutes), pickleball is a very social sport. Some clubs allow those with physical limitations to join as social members and each club typically has an active social schedule. The social nature of the sport in part accounts for its rapid spread. Before the US Pickleball Association was formed in the 1980s, the sport spread primarily through word of mouth. The association now has over 20,000 members.

Wondering where to get started in learning about pickleball? PickleballChannel.com is a new website that just launched, aimed at providing resources for both novice and experienced pickleball players. The channel’s Executive Producer Rusty Howes says that with the lightning-speed growth of pickleball, there was a need to provide exciting digital content online to serve the sport’s growing fan base. Each week, the channel will debut new video content, and they’re always looking for new players, teams and organizations to feature. The site offers advice on anything from what shoes to wear for play to game techniques, as well as insight into the people who play pickleball.

It may have a funny name, but pickleball is gaining a serious following that looks like it’s here to stay.

If you’ve got a great pickleball story to share, email share@pickleballchannel.com. For more info on pickleball, visit usapa.org/what-is-pickleball.

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Available at: Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 5

House Repairs Needed! Who ‘Ya Gonna Call?

BY CATHY CUTHBERTSON

I

t was cold and drizzly that November when Phil Ruggieri awoke in his Lehigh Acres home, barely able to speak above a whisper. “I thought he was having a heart attack,” said his wife Barbara “Bobbie” Ruggieri, a registered nurse.

“I monitored him constantly until I figured out that wasn’t the problem.”

At the hospital, the prognosis was gloomy. Phil’s lung had collapsed. A part of it would have to be removed.

A lengthy hospital stay and long recovery lay ahead, and on the home front, life was taking a messy turn. The kitchen roof had sprung a leak that was getting worse by the day. Mold was creeping into the drywall. It was hard to breathe. Pots and pans were strewn around the kitchen to catch water.

The Ruggieris were never needy.

Phil, 74, had been a contractor. They worked hard. They volunteered. They tried to save money for roof repairs.

“We were always on the other side of things,” said Bobbie, 72. “But after his surgery, he couldn’t work anymore. We didn’t know where to turn or what we were going to do.”

But help arrived, by the truckload.

“It was like angels descended on this place,” recalls Bobbie. Instead of floating down aglow in halos and robes, this battalion came in trucks and cars, with hammers, nails, donations and the spirit of generosity. Meet Builders Care, the non-profit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association.

Walls were torn down and replaced.

A new roof was nailed down, kitchen cabinets, crown molding, painting, and plumbing were added or repaired. And all of it was donated by members of Builders Care, every last nail, every product and man hour, valued in excess of $25,000.

The Ruggieri’s gratitude is eternal.

“The Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA) founded Builders Care

Recipients of a much-needed new roof said thank you to Builder’s Care.

in 2005 to provide no-cost emergency home repair and renovation services to needy elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners,” explained Heidi Taulman, APR & Executive Director of the organization. “The program gives local builders a way to work together on worthwhile community service projects while providing critical housing repairs for our neediest neighbors.”

Recipients are referred to Builders Care by local social service agencies, churches and community members, Taulman explained. Each request is evaluated by staff and governing board members to determine eligibility.

“We have about 120 people on a waiting list,” Taulman explained. “We try to serve the highest emergency needs first, people with leaking roofs or medical emergencies.”

Construction funds come from financial donations, grants, donated services and materials from area builders, subcontractors and construction-related businesses, churches and community groups, and the annual BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraiser held every spring. Builders Care completes about 30 projects a year, and has provided more than $1.9 million in construction services since 2006.

Interested donors and supporters who want to help should contact Taulman at 239-938-0056 or visit www.LeeBuildersCare.org.

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We Honor Foster Mothers Who Pick Up the Pieces of Children’s Broken Lives

BY JANICE DOYLE

“L

ife is so complex out there. It’s gotten so rough for some of the children,” says Bobbi of St. Petersburg, a foster mother with 31 years of experience.

Today’s foster kids come with lots of mental and emotional abuse.

“We give them something they haven’t had before. And when they are in my home, they are mine.”

Wendy and her pastor husband in Fort Myers have been married 40 years and have raised five kids of their own. Now they are foster parents. She says, “The difficulty comes because the kids all come with some history which may be drug or abuse related. That means they are very scared and very hurt and it takes a while to work through it.”

Peggy in Ocala has been a foster mom 23 years. She says, “You don’t do it for the money, you do it for the kids who need love and care.”

She’s seen older kids come in from parents who have taught them to do the wrong things and the kids don’t want to change. Peggy gives a hearty laugh and says, “But the little ones are still okay. I’ll take the little ones peein’ and poopin’ any time.”

“You have to love them unconditionally so they can heal. They have all been through some sort of trauma and need to heal.

We can help that process,” says Joy in Leesburg.

“I would say the most important challenge is getting to know and understand each child and what they’ve been through and how it has impacted them,” says Victoria from Ocala. “One of the biggest mistakes we made in the beginning was to have the same expectations of foster kids as we did with our own biological kids.”

These women are all foster mothers Eckerd’s Director of Licensing And so, we honor these and around or beyond the age of 50.

Laurallyn Segur says, “The older all foster mothers, who know that When their phones ring, they may be foster mothers bring experience and every day really is Mother’s Day asked to provide a safe place to live wisdom. They’ve raised families. when you’re making a difference for children who have been removed They understand parenting and in the life of a child. from their family just minutes or love children. Many have a lot to hours before. Many foster children offer and don’t want a house without have major physical issues. children in it. They’re ‘lifers’ as Experienced foster moms keep stashes far as children are concerned.” of clothes and child care supplies in closets and drawers for children who arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their needs include support, encouragement, reassurance, self-esteem, selfworth and most importantly, love. Oh, and Victoria from Ocala food, schooling and her family. and toys, too.

Foster moms have access to an array of counselors, therapists, Foster mom Bobbi What They Said: doctors and specialists— from St. Petersburg. all a part of the system which • “It’s very fulfilling and I’m never lonely.” tries to pick up the pieces of the broken • “Let it be fun, enjoy them; they will bless your socks off!” lives of families. And at the core of the system is the need for foster mothers.

• “Successes come when there’s an adoption that goes well.

The last infant I had was adopted, and I see him on Facebook all the time. I’m seeing him grow up.”

• “With five kids, the real challenge here is making sure that each child gets quality time in the evenings. And then on the 8th day …God created bedtime!”

• “Every single day, you have to make sure these kids know they are loved and that you are committed to helping them walk through their challenges.”

• “When I have a child at home I’m more organized and stay on schedule.”

• “We have a young lady we had in foster care for two years when she was 9 to 11 yrs old. She’s come back to us at 22 and wants to be part of our family! She never forgot the influence we were in her life!”

Wendy and her husband.

Ft. Myers.

To learn more about being a foster parent, google the words “foster parent” with the name of your city or county and follow the links.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 7

Men and Women

A flower vendor was normally successful at unloading his last few bunches of flowers. Appealing to a businessman who was walking by on his way home, the vendor said, “How about a nice bunch of roses to surprise your wife?”

“I don’t have a wife,” the businessman replied gruffly.

“Well then, how about some beautiful carnations for your girlfriend?” suggested the vendor without missing a beat.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” snapped the businessman.

“You lucky fellow!” the vendor said as he broke into a big smile.

“Buy both bunches to celebrate!”

Favorite Flower

Older Americans Month Recognized

S

ince 1963 the nation has celebrated May as Older Americans Month. Each year the President signs a proclamation in celebration of the achievements and contributions of the nation’s older persons. This year, we are focusing on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today.

Healthy Tomorrow.

Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of the population.

Unintentional injuries to this population result in millions of medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year.

With a focus on safety during Older Americans Month, the Administration for Community Living plans to use Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 8

A middle-aged woman convinced her husband to attend a couples retreat.

At the first session the facilitator said, “The fact is, no matter how long we’ve been married, there are many things we don’t know about each other. For example, how many of you husbands can name your wife’s favorite flower?”

The husband smiled knowingly, put his hand on his wife’s knee and said, “It’s Pillsbury All-Purpose, right honey?”

Q and A

What do you call a flower that grows in between your nose and you chin?

Tulips What did the bee say to the flower?

Hello, honey.

What are the bees’ favorite flowers?

Bee-gonias this opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue. By taking control of their safety, older Americans can live longer, healthier lives.

So, this month, take a fresh look at your surroundings and look for ways you could reduce the risk of accidents. It will help make sure you have the healthiest possible tomorrow.

Trivia Questions

See answers at bottom of page.

1. Which unusual northern flower is pollinated by gnats and the larvae of thrips?

Pussy Willow Jack in the Pulpit Wood Anemone

2. Which flower is symbolic of the first emotions of love?

Purple Lilac Orange Lily Yellow Jasmine

3. Which flower does Prince Charles collect as rent for the Isles of Scilly?

English Rose Iris Daffodil 4. Which flower has varieties that include triumph, fringed and parrot?

Tulip Rose Lily 5. Which state chose the dogwood as its state flower?

South Carolina North Carolina Virginia 6. Where does the hyacinth get its name?

Someone’s grandma A Greek myth The Dutch word for star

7. Native Americans use this flowering plant as an antiseptic to treat wounds.

Wood Anemone Spirea Allium

8. Why do gardenias inspire romance?

They smell good They stand for secret love They are aphrodisiacs when eaten Answers: l. Jack in the Pulpit 2. Purple lilac 3. One daffodil 4.

Tulip 5. North Carolina 6. Greek myth 7. Wood anemone 8. They stand for secret love

P

repare yourself for a full crop of bud-busting trivia and fun. First, some jokes:

Medicare Basics: What You Need To Know

O

ver the years, Medicare has gotten increasingly complicated and can be a bit perplexing. However, it is very important to understand your Medicare coverage choices and pick your coverage carefully. How you choose to get your benefits can affect your quality of care substantially.

For some help on Medicare basics, let’s run through the different types of coverage the program provides, including Medicare’s two original components, Part A and Part B. The first, known as Part A, helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long term care), hospice care services and home health care services.

Medicare Part B helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment and other medical services. Part B also covers many preventive services and helps cover the cost of services related to health care, such

as wheelchairs and scooters, oxygen tanks and ambulance services.

In addition to government-provided Parts A and B, Medicare Part C is optional private insurance, better known as Medicare Advantage Plans.

Medicare Advantage Plans vary greatly both in cost and in scope of coverage, so you have to look closely at all your options to make sure they fit what you want from a plan.

Finally, Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Like Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D plans are offered through private insurance companies, and the coverage that different policies offer can vary widely from insurer to insurer and from plan to plan. In fact, many Part C Medicare Advantage Plans include Part D options within a single package.

To learn more, contact Sam Harmon for a free consultation of your senior benefits and the different options that are available to you, at 239-822-0185 or samrharmon@aol.com.

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The Rays Celebrate “Super Fan,” Age 99

B

ill Wehner, resident games this season, he now of Bentley Village in watches, with his daughter Naples, is a go-getter with Donna, on a big screen TV many passions: his late in his room, decked out wife of 75 years, Ruth; his in his blue Mohawk wig, family of five children, 15 his number one Tampa grandchildren and 18 great Rays finger, his Rays cape grandchildren; the Lord; and his own Tampa Rays his good friends, and golf. At jersey of Evan Longoria, 99 years of age he still goes third baseman and his fato the Bentley Fitness Center vorite player on the team.

Bill Wehner, Tampa with his caregivers each day, Bay Rays “Super Fan.” When he learned they does a 45 minute workout, would be coming to enjoys lots of hugs from the ladies and Bentley Village to celebrate with him partakes in cookies and conversation. in person, he began counting the days But one of his most enduring with anticipation. When they visited, passions has been baseball. He has the experience was complete with followed the Tampa Bay Rays since “Raymond,” the Rays 7-foot mascot, and their early days as a rookie team. Weh- the Ray Girls, the team’s cheerleaders. ner appears to be not only the Rays He loves the Rays because the team oldest fan, but their number one fan; is full of young, energetic talent, and the Rays Management refers to him as he says that he “loves how they play their “Super Fan” and his loyalty has with spirit.” Bill thinks that the Rays garnered him many artifacts from the have a chance to go to the World team, sent by the Rays as tokens of his Series this year and if they do, he long devotion. Unable to travel to the hopes to throw out the first pitch.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 9

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 10

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Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer

BY PATRICIA FINN

I

am returning to college. I have advised my adult son of that so he can put SHE GRADUATED on my tombstone. When my peers are retiring, I will be entering the job market.

I am learning that if you wait long enough, school becomes fun. Last semester, I sat in a classroom for the first time in thirty years. I loved it.

The procedure is so simple. You are given information, you learn the information and then you are given a reward called a grade. You pay money for this, a lot of money.

I am pleased to scream from the rooftops that I am an A student. I have heard it said that nontraditional students may have acquired time management skills that traditional students

lack. My best time management skill has been to take one class at a time. I am taking philosophy. I have become very thoughtful, contemplating such thoughts as: If life is one big school, who is the principal? Am I in trouble?

Am I late? Where’s the nurse’s office?

A senior student, not to be confused with a graduating senior, does not have to worry about ruining their future.

This is the future. So go ahead, mess up, it is too late to ruin your life. You might even be surprised and earn an A. Once I have my AA, I will get a BA, an MA and then a Ph.D. Unless I get a RIP. I could be teaching in a university when I am in my seventies.

Another secret to my academic success is the undeniable parallel between age and the progressive

decline in one’s ability to have wild fun. This is very helpful. I have a definite advantage over the twenty-year-old sitting next to me with her head on her desk.

I am paying for my books by selling t-shirts printed with “Late Bloomer / Baby Boomer” with a picture of a turtle kissing a hare. I draw heavily from preschool influences.

I have advice to give to other baby boomers who return to college. We tend to talk a lot. Don’t monopolize the classroom discussions. My next fundraiser is a discussion guide for “Baby Boomers: When Putting Your Foot in Your Mouth Is No Longer Possible.”

Older is wiser. Anyone can be a Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer and return to school. Apply, register, do the process. Be proud, stand tall. Order and wear your Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer t-shirt. A senior student, not to be confused with a graduating senior, does not have to worry about ruining their future. This is the future. So go ahead, mess up, it is too late to ruin your life. You might even be surprised and earn an A. You can reach the author at patriciafinn12@yahoo.com.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 11

Why Happiness Matters

BY HENRY S. MILLER

A

lthough some would have you think otherwise, the uniquely human pursuit of happiness is not merely some frivolous idle-time activity for the fortunate few. Far from it. Instead, it is a serious pursuit—a duty and responsibility for each of us.

Being in a positive, optimistic and happy frame of mind seems to be what allows some humans to be more successful than others in obtaining life’s essentials: food, shelter, social support, even a mate. So it has always been and so it continues today. And if you still doubt the seriousness of pursuing a happier life, consider your loved ones. Fulfilling the duty of being happy benefits not just yourself but also those closest to you.

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Take Your Mature Driver Course On The Internet!

If you have a Florida Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor vehicle accident prevention course that will allow you to receive a mandatory reduction on your insurance rate for three years.

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or call 1-800-771-2255 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 12

• Socially. Happy people have more friends, richer social interactions, correspondingly stronger social support and experience longer and more satisfying marriages.

• Work. In addition to bringing all their positive personal attributes to work, happy people have been proven to be more likely to perform better, achieve greater productivity and deliver a higher quality work product. They tend to receive a higher income as a result.

• Physical health. Happy people experience less pain, are often in better health, are more active with more energy and even, not surprisingly, live longer. They have lower stress levels and stronger immune systems that fight disease more effectively. By comparison, stressed and depressed people are more vulnerable to various illnesses.

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self-confident, more forgiving, more charitable, more sociable, and more loving. Compared to unhappy people, happier people are more trusting, more loving, and more responsive. They have greater self-control, can tolerate frustration better, are less likely to be abusive, are more lenient, and demonstrate enhanced coping skills.

The Benefits Most of the benefits of living a happier life are familiar, yet they are powerful and seemingly endless—and they far outweigh the costs and work needed to achieve this state:

• Success. Overall, happy people are more successful across multiple major domains of life including work, social relationships, income and health. In addition, the relationship between happiness and success seems to be reciprocal: not only can individual success—whether in love or at work— contribute to feelings of happiness, but happiness also results in more success.

• Personally. Happy people more frequently exhibit characteristics such as being strikingly energetic, decisive and flexible. They are more creative, more helpful to those in need, more

• Mental health. Happy individuals construe daily situations and major life events in relatively more positive and more adaptive ways that seem to reinforce their happiness. They are also less likely to exaggerate any criticism, however slight, that they may receive, as opposed to unhappy individuals who react to life experiences in negative ways that only reinforce their unhappiness.

What’s at Stake Remember that one day, you will be sitting on that proverbial rocking chair on some front porch or veranda, maybe overlooking the ocean, and a stranger will sit down beside you and politely ask: “So, what did you do in your life?”

What will you say?

The stakes are high. The price of unhappiness is steep. And life is short.

(Excerpted from the book The Serious Pursuit of Happiness: Everything You Need to Know to Flourish and Thrive)

May 2014

T

his Summer Summer Weight Loss Competition. Free month at fitness salon; weekly weigh-ins, awards. Register now at the fitness salon.

11

Mother’s Day Buffet.

Noon – 2 pm, conference center. $18. Menu/ tickets at 941-625-4175.

16 31

Friday Night Dance.

7 – 10 pm. $7.

Celebrating Queen.

Tribute to the rock band’s greatest hits. $25.

7:30 pm. 941-625-4175.

All events at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Tickets, times and info: 941-625-4175.

The Best of Charlotte County FEATURED EVENTS • Key Lime Festival. May 17, 10 am – 6 pm. Fun activities for the entire family! Shops, Boutiques & Restaurants will feature samplings of Key Lime treats and products. Enjoy contests, live music, kids activities and tarot readings by Pamela. Free. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade #57A, Punta Gorda. 941-575-3067.

• Gran Fiesta. May 17, 8:30 am Golf Scramble; 6 pm Gran Fiesta with Mexican food, mariachi band, pinatas and a margarita bar.

Benefits local charities and community organizations. Location: St. Andrew’s South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda.

For more information, call 941-627-2222.

• Memorial Day Events. May 26. 1st Annual Memorial Day Veterans Run. 5K and 10K races start at Fishermen’s Village at 7:30 am. 1 mile “Honor Walk” scheduled. Award Ceremony to follow race. For more information, contact Roy Borrego, 941-628-2820. Memorial Day Ceremony. Music at 11 am; ceremony at noon, Center Stage.

Presented by Military Heritage Museum. 941-575-3067.

10 17

Fishing Tackle and Boating Supply Sidewalk Sale. 10 am to 6 pm. Dock A. 941 639-2628.

his Month King Fisher Fleet is celebrating May as Military Appreciation Month by thanking all active duty service members, members of the reserve components and all veterans. Military Members and Vets can cruise free all month.

9, 10 and 11 Moms Cruise Free; choose from morning, afternoon and sunset cruises.

Cruises leave from Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade #57A, Punta Gorda. For destinations, times, info and reservations for all cruises, call 941-639-0969.

Join Us For Our June 2014 Edition!

Memorial Day, Flags and Fathers!

Helping Hands 50’s – 60’s Oldies night with the Doo Wop Crew, 5 – 9 pm, Center Court. Contests, fun photos and more. Details: 941-575-3067.

T

Take A Cruise!

• R.S.V.P. (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program): 941-613-2299.

• Meals on Wheels/Friendship Cafe Dining Sites: 941-255-0723.

• Elder Helpline of Southwest Florida: 1-800-398-4233.

Senior Centers and Resources • Senior Friendship Centers: 941-255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org.

• Senior Choices of Southwest Florida: 1-866-413-5337 or www.aaaswfl.org.

• O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): 941-235-4500 or ocean-fl.org.

23 26

Punta Gorda’s own Jim Morris performs Trop Rock music, 5 – 9 pm, Center Stage.

Veteran Motor Car Club of America Car Show, 11 am – 2 pm, Fishermen’s Village Parking Lot. Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call 941-639-8721 for details.

Charlotte County!

Call for Special Rates and Marketing Packages for the Best of Charlotte County!

888-670-0040

Lifestyles After 50 Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 13

sz

Free InFormatIon ServIce

10 Tips for Glowing Skin this Summer

• SPF-rated clothing offers protection from the sun and the freedom of not having to reapply sunscreen in the covered areas.

Lifestyles After 50

for information please return completed form to:

News Connection USA, Inc. • P.O. Box 278 • Laurel FL 34272-0278

• Reapply sunscreen every two to four hours.

Name: Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Age:

• Just one blistering sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Zip:

E-mail: o Single o Married o Are you a Group Leader?

Please contact me by: o Mail o Phone o E-mail SEND INFORMATION ON AREA(S) CHECKED BELOW pERSONAL HEALTH: FINANCIAL/ LAW: o Hospitals o Document Preparation o Physicians o Retirement planning o Dentists o Trusts o Eye Care o Estate planning o Orthopedic o Funeral Planning o Pharmacies o Senior Topic Speakers o Home Health INSURANCE: o Prescription Drugs o Medicare o Hearing o Health o Cancer Treatment o Long-term care o Medical Supplies o Auto HOUSING OpTIONS o Home o Independent o Life o Assisted Living LEISURE TIME: o Senior Apartment o Golf o Continuing Care/LifeCare o Biking o Theater o Dance RESIDENTIAL LIVING: o Flea Markets o RV Resort o Consignment/Thrift Shopping o Apartments o Jewelry o Villa/Condo/Single Family o Gambling o Golf Community TRAVEL: o Cruises o Land Tours o Hotels/ Resorts o Local Attractions o Getaway Packages

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octors at the Skin and Laser Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Center says there is no such thing as a safe tan.

Any tan is a result of DNA damage.

Dr. Gmyrek recommends the following guidelines to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Use sunscreen labeled SPF30 or higher and that is labeled Broad Spectrum.

• Apply sunscreen generously to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside and after swimming or sweating.

• Seek the shade, wear hats and sunglasses and use umbrellas when appropriate.

• Use tanning creams instead of tanning beds to get a safe summer glow.

• Most sun damage occurs in the teenage years.

• Developing freckles may be a sign of sustained sun damage. They generally develop in sun-exposed areas such as the face, chest and arms.

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BY VICTORIA SCHMIDT

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osing someone you love is devastating. You have grief, pain, sadness, bewilderment and, even with the comfort of family and friends, you may feel very much alone. But, you are not alone.

There are those you can call on to help you through the four stages of life that lead you to peace and solace…or you may undertake them on your own.

Stage One The First Hurdle: The Shock and the Grief – Grieve. Cry. Talk…a lot.

Grieve more. Grieve as long as it takes.

Don’t punish yourself. Then, let go of your grief. Laugh, a lot. Evangelist Billy Graham, says, “Sometimes we need to be alone with our grief and memories.

We just need to guard against making this our only response, for it’s not healthy.”

Stage Two The Renewal – Prepare for your life without your lost loved one. Identity crisis? Learn to know yourself. Go slowly. Set goals. Have a plan. If you are alone, enjoy the unexpected gains of life alone: exercise, meditate, relax, be kind to yourself. Attain financial security.

Stage Three The Bridge…The Passage – Have you achieved emotional and physical renewal along with financial security?

Are you prepared to move on? Or should you repeat some of the steps in Stages One and Two to assure you are empowered to take charge

of your life? Not to worry. The time it takes is different for everyone.

Stage Four New Life Options…

Adventures – If you are ready to move on there are limitless options to consider: Single?

A new significant other or a different type of relationship.

Unconditional Love? Adopt a pet.

Volunteer work, a new job, your dream job. Pleasurable pursuits, travel, new friends, take in the arts. Pursuits with a purpose, helping others. Pack up and move, when the time is right.

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Conference on Aging. The event will be held at the Bonaventure Hotel in Weston, Fla. Winners will receive an awards package valued at over $400.

The four awards categories include: • Public Service • Service to Seniors by an Organization • Senior Vision Media Award • Dr. Carter Osterbind Outstanding FCOA Member Award To nominate someone, or for details, visit fcoa.org or call 850-222-8877.

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Experiencing even some of the steps of the Four Stages of Life is, in itself, a distraction from your loss and sadness to help you move on. While you handle your grief, achieve renewal and undertake one or more of the adventures, you may come to realize and accept why it is you who are still here. You have happy memories to cherish, wonders in the world to enjoy and rewards from reaching out to help others.

You will find solace and peace. It is just a matter of dedication and time!

Calling Nominations For Senior Awards

ave you ever witnessed a person or organization making a positive impact on older Floridians? Now you can do something...recognize them!

Nominations are being accepted electronically through May 9 for an annual statewide awards program that honors the efforts of those who work to improve the quality of life of seniors.

Winners will be recognized on August 5 at the 2014 Quality Senior Living Awards Luncheon at the Florida

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 15

LAW OFFICE OF

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Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

NEED HELP NAVIGATING MEDICARE? LET US BE YOUR GUIDE! FREE, Confidential, and Unbiased Help With: • Medicare Eligibility, Enrollment, and Coverage Options • Long-Term Care Planning • Prescription Assistance Resources For assistance or to become a SHINE volunteer, call

1-866-413-5337 WWW.FLORIDASHINE.ORG 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. WE DO NOT SELL INSURANCE OR REPRESENT ANY INSURANCE ENTITY.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 16

Keep Your Swing Strong In Spring

A

ccording to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 11,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms for golf-related injuries in people over the age of 65 in 2011. While golf has often been considered a lower level physical activity without a whole lot of risk for injury, many injuries can be caused by playing golf.

Injuries to the ankle, knee, hip and wrist are common and could cause limitations in a golfer’s ability to enjoy the sport. To keep your swing strong this spring, a number of exercise techniques are available to help build your muscles and help avoid common golf injuries.

Leading the list of injuries in golfers is the “golfer’s elbow.” Technically known as medical epicondylitis and sometimes also referred to as tendinitis, golfer’s elbow consists of an inflammation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the end of the arm bone in the elbow area. A tight grip on the golf club and frequent repetitive motions over time can cause the forearm muscles and tendons to become damaged from overuse. The result is pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.

One of the most successful ways to avoid golfer’s elbow is to strengthen the muscles in your forearm and slow your golf swing so that the arm will absorb less shock when the ball is hit. Try the following exercises from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for best results:

• Squeeze a tennis ball. Squeezing an old tennis ball for five minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.

• Wrist curls. Use a lightweight dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers and then curl the weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift the weight an inch or two higher.

Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, and then repeat with the other arm.

• Reverse wrist curls. Use a lightweight dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down.

Using your wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, and then repeat with the other arm.

In addition, it is essential to do some simple stretching exercises before your golf game is played. Focus on your shoulders, back and legs.

Stretching before your golf game will help to best promote a fluid and full golf swing. Once you have warmed up and stretched, practice hitting a few golf balls on the driving range to not only help your game, but also help you stay healthy and hopefully injury-free in the long run.

With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center (AORC) is devoted to providing the highest level of quality care and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves. AORC specializes in total joint replacement, fracture care, sports medicine, hand surgery, neurology, podiatry and general orthopedics. For more information, call 239-936-6778 or visit www.bone-fix.com.

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Team physicians for the Everblades, Miracle baseball, Minnesota Twins and several local high school football teams.

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239-368-8277 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 17

Frantz Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery Dr. Frantz takes Cataract Surgery to the Next Level with Area’s First VERION™ VERION creates a “fingerprint of your eye” and tracks it from the planning stages to your actual cataract procedure, working together with the laser and other advanced technology to give you the best possible procedure for your unique eyes.

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Our Area’s First and Most Experienced Laser Cataract Surgeon

To schedule your cataract evaluation call 418-0999 or visit

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 18

Frantz EyeCare Now Offers Testing for Ocular Allergies

The eyes are particularly sensitive to airborne allergies, which cause irritation and discomfort. any patients with Medications, like antihistaocular allergies mines, mask the symptoms but may not be aware that do not identify the underlying allergies are causing their problem. Allergy testing will symptoms. They come in help us rule out whether a to our office looking to patient’s ‘itchy red eye’ is due us as their eye doctor to ocular allergies or some to diagnose and treat other disorder of the ocular their eye condition. surface. If a patient has itchy, With an estimated 25 to 40 percent of patients Dr. Jonathan Frantz dry irritated eyes that are not relieved by initial forms of therapy, having symptoms of ocular surface allergy testing will be recommended. disease, we recently implemented a For more information, call our diagnostic test for ocular allergies, main office at 239-418-0999 which lessens the confusion around or visit BetterVision.net. the patient’s allergies. The test is Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is named in covered by major medical insurance.

The Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists. He Many people suffer for years before and his team of doctors at Frantz EyeCare offer a being tested or even realizing that broad spectrum of patient-focused comprehensive ocular allergies are the issue. Allergies care from eye exams and eyewear to bladeless laser cataract removal, treatment of eye diseases, interfere with their day-to-day life bladeless iLASIK laser vision correction, and eyelid and can result in loss of productivity surgery with office locations in Fort Myers, Cape and an overall poor quality of life.

Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres, and Naples.

BY JONATHAN M. FRANTZ, MD, FACS

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Medicare Answers D

ear Marci, Does Medicare ever cover dental care? —Betsey

Dear Betsey, for the most part, Medicare does not cover dental care by law. In general, Medicare does not cover routine dental care or dental care that you need primarily for the health of your teeth. For example, Medicare will generally not cover routine checkups or cleaning.

However, Medicare will pay for dental services in very limited circumstances if the services are required to protect your general health or if you need dental care in order for a Medicare-covered health service to be successful. For example, Medicare will pay for dental services if: • You have a disease like oral cancer that involves the jaw and you need dental services for radiation treatment;

• You need dental splints and wiring as a result of jaw surgery; or

• You need surgery to treat jaw or face fractures.

Note that while Medicare may pay for initial dental services for the reasons mentioned above, Medicare will not pay for any follow-up dental care after the underlying health condition has been treated. For example, if Medicare paid for a tooth extraction as part of a procedure to repair a facial injury you had, Medicare will not pay for any other dental care you need in the future due to the loss of your tooth.

Keep in mind that some Medicare Advantage plans may cover limited dental care, depending on the plan’s specific benefits. If you get your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan to see what dental services may be covered. —Marci

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Veterans Corner

Introducing the Angels of Bataan: Heroic WWII Nurses

BY JANICE DOYLE

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(CSI) is Florida’s largest registryof skilled and compassionate caregivers enabling persons of all ages to maintain independence at home and ensuring your peace of mind.

Fun Fest Was A Hopping Good Time!

T

he 19th annual free Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest! at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County was a big success. The event featured exhibitors with information on local services, lifestyles, health and wellness, travel and free coffee and goodies throughout the day. The Easter Bonnet contest put a little bounce in everyone’s step.

Free health screenings included hearing, blood pressure, Gender did not stop the bone density and crowd from choosing our eye checks.

1st place easter bonnet. (R) There were live Activities of the day Maurleen Buttery took 2nd (L). performances on included free Bingo games stage all day with ‘70s and ‘80s music for prizes, fabulous door prizes and by the Fabulous Jimmy Maaz and the Prize-A-Palooza with chances to Denise Looney, “The DJ with a Twist!” win $100 in cash throughout the day.

Guests enjoyed the Veteran Motor Keep in touch with Lifestyles Car Club of America SWF Chapter’s After 50 events: visit us online at great display of cars and memorabilia. www.LifestylesAfter50FL.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 20

oday American women serve alongside men in the military and are trained to face combat. In 1941, that wasn’t the case, but 79 Army and Navy military nurses did face combat and near death. They were left behind when MacArthur was forced to retreat from the Philippines. Taken prisoner by the Japanese and subjected to hunger, disease and repeated bombings, the women survived and were saved when the American liberators arrived.

Mary Cronk Farrell’s book, Pure Grit, pays tribute to the heroism and determination of these extraordinary women who cared for the sick and wounded while facing their own illness, lack of food and supplies, and the knowledge they might never return home.

The stories of the individual women make for fascinating reading. For example, Ethel Thor arrived for duty in 1940 in heels, stockings and gloves. When young Frankie Lewey signed up, she told her mother, “If ever there is a war, I hope I get right in the thick of it.”

Peggy Nash had been supervisor of surgery at US Naval Hospital in Guam and was preparing to leave to get married. In October 1941 she was transferred to Manila and became one of the eleven naval hospital nurses incarcerated in Santo Tomas Internment Camp. Maude Denny Williams ended up leaving her soldier husband behind as a patient in Hospital #2 in Bataan when nurses were evacuated to Corregador. Her husband did not survive to come home.

Millie Dalton, an Army nurse from Georgia, said, “There was no way in the world we were prepared for war.”

Frances Nash, who learned life and death nursing at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, was told to “prepare to be taken prisoner.” She continued working, destroying paperwork to keep it from enemy hands.

When she did get orders to flee, she took enough morphine pills to provide nurses with lethal doses if needed.

Maude Davidson refused to leave the Filipino nurses behind when the Americans were ordered to evacuate Manila for Corregidor. Sally Blaine managed her hospital ward lying down on her cot suffering from malaria. The nurses ate meager rations and dealt with discomfort, pain and disease.

When their clothes wore out, they made some from what few supplies were at hand.

Through it all, they never forgot that they were nurses and made the comfort and care for any of the patients of utmost importance even after supplies and medicine were gone. Their attitude was always “I was just a nurse doing my duty.”

When events much larger than they could control took over their lives, they chose to summon pure grit moment by moment… and finally were liberated in February 1945.

When the nurses returned home, they began rebuilding their lives. However, there wasn’t the type of counseling or antidepressants needed to help recover (from what today is known as PTSD), so most suffered emotionally in silence the rest of their lives.

The book is filled with photos and details based on research and interviews.

Editor’s note: This book is written for young people. However, I found it fascinating reading myself and a great book to share with young people.

Crystal Cruises— Legendary Luxury!

BY KAREN PICKRUM, CTC, DS Director of Marketing

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or a record-breaking 20 years Crystal Cruises has been recognized as the World’s Best among discerning travelers. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazine continually vote Crystal as the best in their annual polls. Southwest Floridians must feel the same way as Crystal continues to be one of the most popular cruise lines.

Preferred Travel clients and cruise consultants have been sailing Crystal in record numbers. Preferred Travel was the only Southwest Florida agency invited to attend the prestigious annual top producer 2014 gala aboard the Crystal Serenity sailing from London to Rome in April.

Senior cruise consultants Donna Christensen and Lillian Rudd just returned from a 14-day voyage aboard the Crystal Symphony sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong. Both of them had sailed with Crystal in the past prior to the “All-Inclusive” changeover. They loved the new amenities. The ship had a more social atmosphere and it was easy to meet with new friends anywhere on the ship.

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Lillian and a friend left their husbands at home and took a “Girls Getaway” cruise. They enjoyed the entertainment and music. In particular, they enjoyed the dancing since Crystal is one of the few cruise lines that provides Gentlemen Hosts for the guests.

Lillian and Donna both agreed the music and entertainment were outstanding.

From the local talent brought onboard in port to perform, the ship musicians and singers to the Mozart Tea with servers in costume, they enjoyed it all.

In order to earn the continuous accolades, the two ships are constantly redone and refreshed. In the last ten years, the Crystal has invested 132 million dollars in ship makeovers. The Crystal Serenity completed her last refresh in 2013. This fall, the Symphony is scheduled for dry dock in order to complete another major refresh with lots of exciting changes. Some of the additions are fresh herb gardens for the chefs, redesigned public rooms, new menus and dining areas and refreshed staterooms.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 22

From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen – it’s now 22 inches. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from Email and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part?

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From Apricots to Computer Chips:

California’s Silicon Valley

STORY BY ANDREA GROSS; PHOTOS BY IRV GREEN

A

life-size model of a cosmonaut floats near the ceiling. A few feet away a green Statue of Liberty holds aloft a plasticized chocolate sundae.

And sitting next to me are two men who might, just might, be making a deal that will change my life.

This is Buck’s of Woodside, a restaurant in the hills surrounding California’s Silicon Valley. It’s a place known for comfort food, quirky décor and big deals, like the ones that resulted in funding for Hotmail, Netscape and PayPal.

Travel

This transformation from a region of bountiful orchards to one filled with some of the world’s most renowned high tech companies began just a few miles from Buck’s in a small garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto.

In 1939, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and David Packard pooled their life savings ($538) in order to start a small electronics company.

Today Hewlett-Packard ranks 43rd on Fortune’s 2013 list of the world’s largest companies, and the small garage is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sign out front dubs the garage the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” My husband dubs the $538 a good investment.

“The Valley,” as it’s generally called, is centered in the fertile farmland between Palo Alto and San Jose. “This area was paradise back in the Sixties,” says Phil Consentino, who owns J & P Farms, the last commercial orchard in San Jose. Since then, the valley’s population has increased six-fold, and flourishing fruit trees have been cut down to make room for middle-class homes and apartments.

Comfortable shoes are a necessity here where workplaces are not clustered in high-rises but sprinkled across “campuses”—a word that connotes low-slung buildings interspersed with large open spaces and youth and conviviality. Some companies provide their employees with bicycles.

Except for the Apple store, the buildings are closed to visitors, so we move on to Castro Street in the town of Mountain View.

The Google Maps Exhibit lets visitors to the Computer History Museum find their own house on a giant screen.

The Google campus is so large that the company provides bikes for its employees.

Stanford University was the incubator for new technology.

Another Silicon Valley landmark, the house where Steve Jobs lived from the mid-1990s until his death in 2011, is a few blocks away at 2101 Waverly Street. The two-story brick home, which sits on about a half acre, is fairly large but at the same time unpretentious and casual.

People walk with purpose in the The garage where Bill Hewlett and Silicon Valley, but the suits of Mad David Packard started their small electronics company has been dubbed Men have morphed into the jeans of geniuses. During our week in Silicon the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.”

Valley, we see only four men in sports coats, none in ties. (The dress code for women is more liberal. The only rule: save the stilettos for after-hours.)

Unlike Buck’s, which is the restaurant where people make deals, Castro Street is filled with eateries where folks hatch ideas. Here, over salads and stir-fry, lattes and scones, ideas are floated, debated and often massaged into “the next great thing.”

In the Red Rock Coffee Company we find a packed crowd taking advantage of the café’s free wi-fi. Most people are in baggy shorts, sandals and look to be about nineteen years old.

Finally we set out for the geeky part of our expedition—a visit to three Silicon Valley museums that will, we hope, give us a layman’s overview of high tech wizardry. They succeed beyond our wildest expectations.

At the Computer History Museum we see everything from ancient

abacuses to the first 1976 Apple computer to an interactive display that explains how street-mapping works. At the Intel Museum we learn about semiconductor technology, and at the Tech Museum, which is not as much about how things work as it is about how much fun you can have when they do work, we train like Olympic contenders by virtually bobsledding down a virtual hill.

We spend the final day of our visit strolling among ancient redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park. It’s a delightful as well as humbling experience, reminding us that nature predates even the oldest man-made wonders.

On the plane ride home, we reflect on what makes Silicon Valley so different from other places. Our conclusion: Silicon Valley is a state of mind as well as a geographical entity, a place where optimism and creativity are as much a part of the environment as buildings and museums.

Tip: Silicon Valley lodging can be pricey. By luck we happened upon a modest B&B in a perfect location.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 23

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y the time the Country Music Cruise docked in Fort Lauderdale this past January, passengers had taken to calling it the greatest fan fest on the high seas. They were surprised, and then some, that their weeklong cruise through the Caribbean wasn’t just back-to-back concerts, perfect days by the pool and visits to postcard-perfect island towns. Already the stuff vacation dreams are made of, the Country Music Cruise turned out to be seven days of getting up close and personal with country superstars who dropped by cooking seminars, classes on songwriting, guitar playing and jewelry making, line dancing lessons, and even each other’s concerts.

“The level of interaction between our guests and the country stars was amazing,” explained Mike Jason, Senior Vice President of Live Entertainment, StarVista Entertainment/ Time Life and Executive Producer of The Country Music Cruise.

“We’re so excited about it that we’re planning even more events for the 2015 cruise, with special meet and greets, autograph sessions, photo opportunities, panels where artists share their stories in front of audiences and live interviews. At last count, we had 30 events scheduled and are still developing more.”

That’s music to any country fan’s ears, who will get to sail with Martina McBride, Charley Pride, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, Asleep At The Wheel, Restless Heart, Wade Hayes, Bryan White, The Roys, Canadian newcomer Brett Kissel and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys when the Country Music Cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on January 18, 2015.

Lorianne Crook of the long running “Crook and Chase” television show will return as the special cruise host.

“To be able to have this many country stars in one place and to really get to sit down with them and talk to them about old times and memories that we’ve shared together is incredible,” said Crook about the star-studded cruise.

“It’s great to be in such an intimate environment and so close to the audience,” added Martina McBride, who is planning something special for fans during her performances on the cruise. “We are incorporating some of the hits into the new show. They will be slightly different arrangements, but of course still recognizable. Me and the band are looking forward changing it up a little bit.”

blue water, this wonderful ship, the great events, the fabulous food, old friends, new friends, what could be bad about that? I love it.”

The 2015 Country Music Cruise will sail from January 18 through 25 with concerts that quite literally fill the days and nights. With more than 50 shows in all, the “floating Nashville” is topped off by a Gospel Hour and a surprise tribute to a country music legend that will bring many of the Country Music Cruise artists together on stage for one all-star performance. Fans will hear 62 number 1 hits and 164 Top 10 smashes, and will have fun guessing which of Charley Pride’s 29 number 1’s he’ll be packing in his suitcase.

The karaoke club, pool parties, trivia and dance contests, country music-themed films and documentaries and the nowlegendary Corn Hole Tournament keep the party—and the fun—going. And the food never stops coming, capped off by a Red, White and Blue Barbeque Martina McBride and special southern food selections at every meal.

Charley Pride This year guests will enjoy a special exclusive afternoon on the private island of Half Moon Cay with its white sand beaches, glittering ocean bay, tropical fare and spirits.

Holland America’s m/s luxurious Eurodam ship will travel from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (Bahamas), St. Thomas, St. Croix and Half Moon Cay before returning to Fort Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Lauderdale. Cabin rates start at just The Gatlin Brothers had such a $2,150 per person, and include tickets great time on January’s cruise that to every single concert, all meals they’ll be coming back to perform and a wide selection of activities. on the 2015 voyage. “When I was Cabins on the Country Music a little boy and they told me ‘we’re Cruise 2015 can be booked going to pay you to sing’—I knew by visiting the website www. that was a good deal,” Larry Gatlin CountryMusicCruise.com or by joked. “When you throw in all that calling (toll-free) 855-332-6868.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 25

Word Search May

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?

Word Search Answers From April

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

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The first correct answers selected from the drawing on May 21 will win. Good luck!

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

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 26

Nancy Granert is last month’s winner!

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I’m Talkin’ Quick Draw McGraw Fast!

BY MARK PILARSKI

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ear Mark: I attend free slot tournaments when invited and wondered if there are any tips you can give to do well besides hitting the button quickly. —Wayne S.

Gambling Wisdom of the Month: “I’m confident that sooner or later, most race tracks will have a special section reserved for degenerates.”

—John Gillehon, A Gambler’s Bedside Reader (1998).

om Ra Ro fro t m

es

The gist of any slot tournament, Wayne, works like this: Players either congregate in a specific room of the casino, or at the site on the casino floor holding the tournament. Players are then assigned to a specific slot machine, given a set amount of time to play, and the person with the highest number of credits (points) won at the end is the winner.

The tournament format that you were probably playing in is one that uses timed sessions with machines in free-play mode, meaning, you don’t have to put any money in the machine to play. The up-front entry fee, in your case, FREE, is your total cash outlay. Now if the tournament includes a FREE chuck wagon buffet, you just broke the bank.

A typical format when playing free-play tournaments is to give each player 1,000 credits, and 20 minutes to play them, per round. Each time the player taps the spin button, three credits are deducted from their starting credits, and credits that they win are shown on a separate meter. When time has expired, the machine locks up to end play.

As a slot tourney player, you have probably noticed more paying combinations when playing in tournaments than you get with normal play. That is because most casinos have a distinct

slot tournament chip that is used in the machine, one that increases the frequency of winning combinations.

So, Wayne, as your question implies, the real and only trick here is to get your fingers moving at lightning speed, because the more those reels are spinning, the more you give yourself a chance to accumulate points. The faster you get at tapping the max coins button when the reels stop spinning, the better your chances are of winning a slot tournament.

Likewise, it is important to note that the machine will not spin until the winning credits have been tallied and displayed on the screen. Therefore, timing, Wayne, is everything.

You need to be prepared to initiate the spin button INSTANTLY after your credits have been computed.

Also, because any credits that you have not played when the time is up will be lost, you lessen your chances of winning because the players who are super-duper fast at hitting the spin button will have more spins than you, hence, more likely with a tourney chip to have more points.

The bottom line is that in a slot tournament there is but one simple strategy: Get in as many spins as you can. Just keep your fingers on the spin button and get skilled at pushing it with split-second military precision.

Oh, and one other tip. Concentrate on your play, and your play only. Don’t gawk at the scores of the other players. A few precious seconds here or there can sometimes be the deciding factor on whether or not you advance to the next round. (SENIOR WIRE)

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Seniors Getting Together attention sgters!

Screen respondents carefully. Always meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMen seeking Men 4119 seeking christian gentleMan Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare.

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4372 seeking friendship first Single 5’4”, 110 lbs., 58 YO lady looking to meet gentleman for FF, possible LTR and/ or marriage later. I am a NS, SD, sports fan, enjoy movies, cooking, dining out, power walking, art, good company. Fort Myers.

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.

Men seeking WOMen 4340 appreciate, f, free, self, conscious, bliss, being, non state, NS. WM 65, youthful, 6” 165 lbs., long brown hair, short beard. Organic gardener, canoeist, bicyclist, movies, art, music, yoga, swim, friend, partner, abide synchronicity.

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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 P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

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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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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 28

Alfred Hitchcock did not have a belly button.

Humphrey Bogart was seventh cousin to Princess Diana.

When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart.

Only 7 percent of the population is left-handed.

40 people are sent to the hospital every minute.

The average person over 50 will have spent five years waiting in line.

The average housefly lives for one month.

40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

A wire coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.

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Call 1-800-738-2460 and ask for 49377EDA or order online at www.OmahaSteaks.com/dad20 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 29

Wherever you live in Northern Lee & Charlotte Counties there is a Walgreens store nearby

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL Open 24 Hours 805 Cape Coral Pkwy., Cape Coral, 33990 ................ 239-945-1076 1800 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 33948 ................. 941-625-4847 22449 Edgewater Dr., Port Charlotte, 33980.............. 941-625-4346

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f it’s not too late already, try looking at just the N-S hands and decide how you are going to play that Spade suit. Where’s the lady?

Other Stores - Call For Hours 4 N.E. Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, 33909 ................ 239-242-2231 6 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, 33990 ....................... 239-458-2204 2710 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, 33904 ................. 239-574-1932 1606 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, 33990 ................. 239-458-7427 2409 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 33914 .......... 239-458-8576 611 Burnt Store Rd., Cape Coral, 33991 .................... 239-690-4939 1534 Cape Coral Pkwy., Cape Coral, 33914 .............. 239-541-2035 17970 N. Tamiami Trail, Cape Coral, 33903............... 239-599-3005 16000 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers, 33903 ... 239-656-3419 13501 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers, 33903 ... 239-997-4332 6370 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers, 33917 ............ 239-658-1424 3795 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, 33950 ................... 941-505-8882 1930 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte, 33980 ............... 941-764-8444 3001 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 33952 ................. 941-235-6399 Ask About: • Our durable goods product lines: lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers • Our “Go 90” prescription program • Our prescription savings club • Our exclusive savings for AARP members • Our prescription “auto fill” program • Our Balance Rewards Card

Shingles shots now recommended for adults 50+

That 1NT opening showed 15 – 17 HCP, after which the auction inches its way up to 4♠. West leads the ♦Q, which is won by your Ace. You have one loser in each of the side-suits, so to make your contract you must avoid losing a trump trick.

Cherchez La Femme

In the play of the Spades you could choose to finesse against West, or to finesse against East, or to play “for the drop” (hoping that the suit is 2 – 2 or the ♠Q is singleton). The general rule, when holding a 9-card fit, is to play for the drop, all things being equal that is about a 58 percent chance.

But why settle for 58 percent when you can have 100 percent? Yes, it’s time for some counting. N-S have a combined 22 HCP, that leaves E-W with 18.

West has already played the ♦Q, leaving precisely 15 or 16 HCP in the East hand. As East has already advertised 15 – 17 he must have all the missing high cards with the possible exception of one of the missing Jacks. So at Trick 2 you lead a Spade to Dummy’s Ace and then, when East plays low on the second round, you finesse the Jack with complete confidence.

That’s 10 tricks for those who count, but only 9 for the rule-followers.

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org /D9Clubsmap.htm. Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club: stpetebridge.org.

Can You Hear Me Now? New Senior Center Opens in Collier County

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mplicom™ USA offers a new line of amplified telephones and accessories to offer the hearing loss community the newest in quality, functionality and versatility.

The new PowerTel 7-Series collection includes more than 20 different configurations of phones, accessories and special features including cordless and corded phones, answering machines, handsets, wireless shakers, Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 30

Bluetooth connectivity, DECT and voice navigation. The series, which can be purchased according to the user’s needs, offers the same induction level, low distortion (vs. conventional amplified phones), along with customization.

Products are compatible with both hearing aids and cochlear implants. Visit AmplicomUSA.com for more information.

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ewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) of Southwest Florida recently celebrated the grand opening of Collier County’s first senior center! The new 4,000+ square foot facility includes a computer skills center, a weekly congregate lunch program, a café and classes on a variety of topics including arts, music and performances.

In addition, Collier County’s nonprofit agencies will deliver important

information on Medicare, senior safety and health in two offices specifically designated for Community Partners, where such non-profit agencies as the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Area Transportation (CAT), and SeniorChoices will extend additional support.

The new center is located adjacent to the JFCS offices at 5025 Castello Drive in Naples. To learn more, visit jfcsswfl.org or call 239-325-4444.

Healthy Ways to Spice Up Your Summer BBQ

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n old-fashioned summer cookout is not always a healthy affair, but you can convert a fatty-food blitz into a healthy and tasty menu:

Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

It is not every day that you get a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that also boasts a healthy dose of antioxidants. Try it with beef, chicken, pork or grilled shrimp.

• Throw some unexpected foods on the grill, like peaches, asparagus or even bread.

• Incorporate veggies into your BBQ menu by making kebabs instead of burgers.

Recipe • Cut the calories in your potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni salad by using mustard, vinegar or lowfat yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

• Chicken gets a fresh burst of flavor when you cut back on salt and season it with fresh or dried herbs, vinegars or citrus juices.

1 Tbsp canola oil 1 small red onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped 1/2 c bourbon 2 c fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries 1/2 c ketchup 1/3 c cider vinegar 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp molasses 1/8 tsp ground allspice Cook onion in oil over medium heat 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno, stirring and cooking, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bourbon, increase heat to high and bring to a boil; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in blueberries and remaining ingredients; return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

May be made ahead and refrigerated.

Asian Barbecue Sauce

1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp rice-wine vinegar 2 tsp minced fresh ginger 1 1/2 tsp chile-garlic paste

Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl. Brush on meat before grilling.

May be made ahead and refrigerated.

Download Magazines at Your Library! Lifestyles After 50

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ou’ll find hundreds of magazines are accessible in print at each library and online for downloading and reading anywhere and anytime. Leelibrary. net provides access to more than 250 popular magazines with both current and past editions with a Lee County Library card. The Lee County Library System subscribes to Zinio, an application that allows patrons to download magazines to any internet enabled device. Once downloaded the magazines are available on your device until you delete them. There is no limit on the number of magazines you can download at one time and they do not expire.

Available titles range from Audubon to Hot Rod to Readers Digest to Shape and everything in between.

To find the Zinio app and portal to the magazines go to leelibrary.net/esources.

Read Zinio user’s guide, download the app and subscribe to your magazines. You will have access to all editions from that point forward, so if you want past editions be sure to begin the subscription with the oldest edition that you want to read. For more information on the service call Telephone Reference at 239-479-info (4636).

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Call Nancy Kuehne at (239) 822-6150 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 31

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THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAM OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. LIC# DN12560