Senior Connection Hillsborough edition April 2011

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 4 HILLSBOROUGH APRIL 2011

The Cupid in Your Computer

• Get A Job ... Your Age Can Help! • Parkinson’s Foundation Helps Families• Question About Social Security • Mom Always Loved You Best!

The Wild Side of Quebec

Senior Connection • April 2011 • page 2

BY JANICE DOYLE

Dear Readers,

Because of mod-ern technology,

we are tied to the rest of the world through instant visual images. As I observed the devastation caused by the tsunami in Japan, I couldn’t help thinking that thousands of those shown in shelters were my peers, people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s whose desire for the comforts of home are very much like mine. Now they are without food, water and their own homes. Most have lost family members. All are suffering greatly. I have lived in Japan. It is a unique country in all ways, from geography to architecture and from art to the customs and personal discipline which make it “work” in spite of the dense population in such a small geographical size. One day I entered a middle school gymnasium to be a part of a program. The entire student body was being seated as I arrived. As the several hundred students came in, class by class in order, they each stopped quickly and quietly to remove their shoes. They weren’t kicking them off into random piles, either. As the first classes entered, they turned so the heels of their shoes touched the wall, toes pointed forward, until the wall was lined. Subsequent classes created lines of shoes in front of that, finally reaching several feet out into the gym. All the shoes were black and similar in style, yet at the end of the program, each pair was quietly claimed without a single problem. Last week I read that in the shelters in Japan all the shoes are lined up inside the door. It was easy for me to imagine. It would not have occurred to them to have done otherwise. And no one would have argued. A picture in the March 19 Wall Street Journal shows a group of

seniors in a shelter lined up doing stretching exercises. It is an integral part of their society to take care of the little things (like shoes and daily stretching exercises) with self discipline and then look after the big things as they arise. Big things —like recovering from a tsunami. In 2004, Hurricane Charley wreaked havoc on communities here in Florida. Some of our readers could detail from that experience the immediate frustra-tions the Japanese seniors face (except that the Japanese are cold instead of hot). Many of you could walk them through the decisions they have to make as they rebuild their lives.

Nuclear threat What Floridians didn’t face is the ra-diation from the nuclear power plants. All Japanese people know family stories of health problems from radiation exposure after the WWII bombings. They know the diseases well. They know what might happen. I have visited both Nagasaki and Hiro-shima. I have seen the museums which tell the stories of August 1945 and the results of the bombs. The people of Japan made the transition then, quickly and boldly, from weapons of destruction to rebuilding their homes and communi-ties. They will do it again, going from this natural disaster to rebuilding. Sometimes now, years after living in Japan, a sight, a smell or a sound takes me back in my mind to the community in southern Japan which I knew best. Because of that familiar-ity, I can picture the communities destroyed by the tsunami—the shops, the signs, the children, the food. One afternoon, my friend and I stopped to watch some boys about 10 or 11 years old playing baseball in a small corner of a park. Soon

they offered to let us take a turn at bat, and so we became a part of an American-Japanese baseball game, laughing with them as we ran bases, caught fly balls and pitched to them. Children having fun, like many caught up in the tsunami. But as I write this, I also remember the Buddhist temple I passed every morning and evening on my way to and from work, with its huge iron bell just inside the door. As the months passed, I witnessed people making daily offerings, and I was also witness to occasional weddings and funerals. Although I didn’t understand the words at funerals, I often stopped to sit on the steps and listen to the chanting of the sutra and smell the incense. It was such a contrast to my familiar Christian traditions.

Rebuilding Life’s changes are often marked in cultures through religion. Although most Japanese claim no religion today, many of the living will help the country’s dead pass on to the afterlife in Buddhist temples. For the older generation of Japanese—my peers—the pain will be intense, the feeling of loss overwhelming. But they will find comfort in the familiar chants, in the burning of incense and in the deep, resonant ‘bong’ of the temple bell. Then they will begin to rebuild. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Our Peers in Japan—Their Suffering and Comfort in the Tsunami Disaster

Janice Doyle, Editor

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco Published monthly by

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Straz Center Programming Holds Something for EveryoneBY JANICE DOYLE

“If we build it, they will come” was the mantra in 1987 when

the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center was built. More than 10 million guests later—and now named the David A. Straz, Jr. Center—a full schedule of programming continues to thrill area residents who make their way downtown. “This year has been really great,” said Program Director Aaron Zimmerman. “We have a variety of programming for everyone. And we’re expanding our programming in what we bring to the Straz Center and Tampa in general. We’ve been successful in working with the Tampa Theatre, the Ritz, and Opera Tampa (Straz Center’s opera company) is bringing Andrea Boccelli to the St. Pete Times Forum December 4.” This year in addition to Broadway, opera, comedy, music and dance performances, “The Straz” hosted a

National Geographic lecture series and TV’s “Pawn Stars Gold & Silver Road Show” will be on the stage in May. Big numbers yet to come include Broadway’s Hair and Mama Mia and family offerings Shrek and Madagascar. To develop the Straz Center’s programming, the staff travels to see shows, stays in touch with agents around the country and develops ideas on their own. They keep several things in mind, said Zimmerman who works on the more contemporary side of things. “Judith Lisi’s focus is the Broadway and she’s always checking the educational component which we can share with the community through the Patel Conservatory and Blake Performing Arts High School.” After they all put their ideas on the table, Zimmerman says, “There’s the negotiating. Our performances not only have to be considered monetarily, but they also have to make sense with our mission statement of creating

diverse programming for Tampa.” The marketing department also takes part, bringing in the financial side before decisions are made. The Board and staff are always aware of the desire to give back to the community as well, especially for students, he added. “The biggest thing last year for us was that we produced Wonderland here, and it is now about to open on Broadway,” Zimmerman says. “That was brought together by Judith Lisi (Straz Center President and Chief Executive Officer).” “Club Jaeb is one of the best offerings in the area,” Zimmer-man said. Once a month they feature a big name guitar singer-songwriter-type series. It’s kind of like Americana storyteller acts for $25. (April 11 and May 2 shows) As Zimmerman and the staff at the Straz Center wrap up programming for next year, he can hardly maintain the secrecy. “I promise the fall is going to be great. I’m excited. Okay, here’s my

tip for what’s coming,” he said. “Celt-ic Thunder will be the first show of the fall. And there’s Bocelli coming.” The Straz Center—they built it and people will keep coming.

If ticket prices seem high, take some tips from my friends: Rose buys special senior-price tickets when available—half price the day of the performance at the

box office only. Call to check. Jan saw West Side Story by buying $20 “obstructed view” tickets and got Jersey Boys tickets for about $30. Judy bought Billy

Elliott tickets through a Groupon BOGO offer. Watch the website. And the wonderful volunteers

get to see the performances when they work at the theater.

Save Money at The Straz


The Cupid in Your Computer“When it

comes to dating, the internet has broadened and widened the playing field and deepened the pool,” says Dr. Joy Browne, author of Dating For Dummies®, 3rd Edition. Some of her “rules” for venturing online:

• Be precise. “Think about who you are and what makes you unusual, and list both your successes and your fail-ures,” says Dr. Browne. “Don’t allow yourself to wander into abstracts or use trite phrases. No moonlight strolls, walks in the park, or, ‘I’m a true ro-mantic’; these descriptions of yourself are meaningless, overused and silly. Remind yourself that a focused intent is time-saving, practical and useful, so be thoughtful and specific. You want your ad to be honest, compelling, eye catching, reflective of who you are.”

• Use a fairly recent picture and avoid flattering glam shots because you want very little discrepancy between the picture and what you really look like. It’s much smarter to elicit a comment such as, “My goodness, you’re much better looking in person!” instead of, “Oh my God, is this what you really look like?” • Don’t even think about using a picture of yourself with your arm around somebody of the op-posite sex (duh). A picture with a friend is also a mixed message. • Be careful about using props like a dog or a fancy car. This is about you, so it should be a good headshot of you alone. • Women, don’t be tempted to be too sexy in your picture or you’re going to send the wrong message. And guys; keep your shirt on. Watch for more of Dr. Browne’s tips in future issues.

Passion Betrayal

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Call for details, all prices subject to change.


Through May 31 “Bugging Out” at MOSI plus IMAX film “Bugs! A

Rainforest Adventure.” Regular adm. plus $3. MOSI.org or (813) 987-6300.

9 “Caring for Our Community” Celebration. Dinner, dancing,

comedy competition. $100 donation. 7 – 10 p.m. Wyndham Hotel, 700 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa. Proceeds to Communication Access. Contact (813) 814-7736 or [email protected].

12 AARP Driving Course at Oldsmar Senior Center, 127

State St., Oldsmar. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.$14/ non-AARP members. Call (813) 749-1155 to register.

16 Poet John Foster will read and discuss selections from his

latest book, “Where There’s a Quill.” SouthShore Regional Library. Call (813) 273-3652 for information.

16 – 17 Festa Italiana in Centennial Park, Ybor City. Bocce Ball

Invitational Tournament, Italian Idol competition, a Homemade Vino competition and tasting, Italian food. See festaitalianatampa.com or call (813) 342-3630.

17 Tampa Bay Symphony concert under the direction of Dr. Jack

Heller, 4 p.m. Straz Center, Tampa. Tickets at door/$20. Call (727) 522-8459 or visit tampabaysymphony.com.

19 “National Geographic Live! My Wild Life” with Mireya

Mayor, wildlife conservationist at Straz Center For The Performing Arts. Call (813) 222-1275.

20 The Tampa area Parkinson’s Disease Group meets

from 1 – 3 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene, Himes Avenue (between Sligh and Hillsborough). Info at (813) 931-1235. Directions: (813) 932-6902. No dues required.

21 Easter Bonnet Luncheon with the Brandon Christian

Women’s Connection. Lunch, speaker. 11 a.m. $12. Reservations and details at (813) 740-0098.

21 White Elephant Sale by Brandon Homemakers Club at Brandon

Community Center, Sadie Street. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: (813) 689-6265.

22 Orangutan Egg Hunt at Lowry Park Zoo. 11 a.m. Included with

Zoo admission (seniors (60+) $21.95). Daytime admission includes unlimited amusement rides. Parking is free. For information, visit LowryParkZoo.com.

25 – 29 The American Victory Ship Mariners Museum invites

the grandkids over spring break. 12 and under free with one paid adult entrance. Seniors $8/adults $10. Visit americanvictory.org.

27 Norse Mythology Luncheon and speaker.

Scandinavian Club of Sun City Center at 11 a.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church. $12/ person. (813) 642-0989 for reservations.

28 Mah Jongg Club Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public

Library. 1 – 2 p.m. Call (813) 273-3652 for information.

30 Taste the Best of Tampa Bay at the Straz Center. Sample

food and drinks from the Tampa Bay area’s best restaurants and caterers. Live entertainment. For info and tickets, call (813) 222-1275.

30 Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races. Starts

in Fort Brooke Park, the Marriott Waterside. First race. 9 a.m. witha heat running every 10 minutes. The International Beer and FoodFestival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (813) 223-3700 for details.

30 March of Dimes Fundraiser Walk. Starts at Plant Park at

8 a.m. For info, call (813) 287-2600 x 28 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida. Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. April 10 for May event.)

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“Well, I finally did it. I finally decided to enter the digital age and get a cell phone. My kids have been bugging me, my book group made fun of me, and thelast straw was when my car broke down, and I was stuck by the highway for an hour before someone stopped to help. But when I went to the cell phone store,I almost changed my mind. The phones are so small I can’t see the numbers, much less push the right one. They all have cameras, computers and a “global-positioning” something or other that’s supposed to spot me from space. Goodness, all I want to do is to beable to talk to my grandkids! The people at the store weren’t much help. They couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t want aphone the size of a postage stamp. And the rate plans! They were complicated, confusing, and expensive… and the contract lastedfor two years! I’d almost given up when a friend told me about her new Jitterbug phone. Now, I have the convenience and safetyof being able to stay in touch… with a phone I can actually use.”

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind.The phone fits easily in my pocket, but it flips open and reaches from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, soI can actually see who is calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simplypush one for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reduces background noise,making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know the phone is ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlike other cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense.Why should I pay for minutes I’m never going to use? And if I do talk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign – so I’m not locked in for years at a timeor subject to termination fees. The U.S. – based customer service is second to none, and the phone gets service virtually anywherein the country.

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BY ANN THOMAS

Clowns are supposed to be funny, aren’t they? They work to en-

tertain us, often by silly antics that make us laugh. An unbelievable number of them emerge, center ring, from a tiny car. They squirt water from a flower in some unsuspect-ing person’s face. They trip and fall, although it appears nothing is in the way. This is the humor of the un-expected that we knew and loved from the time we were children. But the idea of clowns in Nursing Homes puzzled me. Surely, in that setting, those unexpected behaviors would be inappropriate, maybe even dangerous. Nursing home residents are at an entirely different stage of life, often preparing for death. It’s hard to see what’s funny about that. It turns out that therapeutic clowns behave differently from those who entertain in the circus. Shobi Dobi, a world-renowned caring clown, author and teacher, explains the difference this way: “The circus…clown directs and entertains…the (therapeutic) clown listens to the (person) and then acts accordingly. The focus is on the connection. (Clowns) can be found sitting, quietly listening to a patient…whatever is needed at the moment.” According to Clown Patty Wooten who is also a nurse, author and leader in the fi eld of therapeutic humor, clowns in nursing homes are there because people need to know

that someone cares about them. Everyone needs a safe space where they can relax and feel nurtured. Therapeutic clowns are able to provide this safe space

partly because they have no other agenda. They are

not responsible for medications, meals

or laundry. They are free of the “rush” and “fuss” that come with those other jobs. They are not there to “fi x” the person. They are there only to connect in a caring and loving way to wherever that person is at the moment. In this way their purpose seems to be similar to other caring visitors, including those of the four legged variety. So then, why are they in clown costume? Why go through the extensive training and expensive perfecting of costume when it seems it could be done in everyday clothes without training? The answer is that the costume changes things, both for the clown and the patient. The costume helps the clown move outside of their ego. They, like any actor, become someone else and are able to put aside personal needs and assume an open vulner-ability, an open heart. And, for the patient, there is an instant recognition that the clown is not part of the staff and therefore not someone who either requires something of them or is intending to do something to them. The visual recognition says, without words, that the clown is someone who understands play and therefore, like anyone who knows how to play, is able to

stay fully absorbed in the moment. With a clown by your side, you are no longer alone on your path. And, with a clown by your side you may, for the moment, step away from any regrets of the past, fears of the future and

pain in the moment. From the moment when

you nod yes, inviting into

your room that clown who is shyly peeking around the door, you are engaged in a “now-time” heart to heart connection

that might, perhaps, put a twinkle in

your eye or even a smile on your face.

So, please, Send In A Clown.


They, like any actor, become someone else and are able to put aside personal

that someone cares about them. Everyone needs a safe space where they can relax and feel nurtured. Therapeutic clowns are able to provide this safe space

partly because they have no other agenda. They are

not responsible for medications, meals

or laundry. They are free of the “rush” and “fuss” that come with those

stay fully absorbed in the moment. With a clown by your side, you are no longer alone on your path. And, with a clown by your side

your room that clown who is shyly peeking around the door, around the door, you are engaged in you are engaged in a “now-time” heart a “now-time” heart to heart connection to heart connection

that might, perhaps, that might, perhaps, that might, perhaps,

you are engaged in a “now-time” heart to heart connection

that might, perhaps,

He’s a clown, an actor, a

juggler and a friend who makes it his mission to bring

about the laughter that causes healing to the body, spirit and soul.

He’s Charlie Chaplin, a unicyclist and a four-legged man who keeps seniors laughing wherever he goes.

Fritzy, the one-man circus, is a regular at the Fun Fests and Senior Extravaganzas hosted by this publication. He says, “I’ve never met a senior I didn’t like. Seniors are never concerned about being the fi rst one to laugh, and they also love to be hugged!” Once at a Fun Fest, he said out loud, ‘Free hugs today!’ and seniors “actually started a hug line. Don’t tell any of them, but it’s me who really needs all the hugs! They love attention and I’m just

the guy to give it to them.”

“I love them all!” says Fritzy, the clown who creates laughter that “does the heart good like medicine.”

Visit Fritzy’s website at fritzybrothers.com.

else and are able to put aside personal else and are able to put aside personal needs and assume an open vulner-ability, an open heart. And, for the patient, there is an instant recognition that the

The visual recognition says, without words, that

who understands play and therefore, like anyone who knows how to play, is able to

else and are able to put aside personal healing to the body, spirit and soul. healing to the body, spirit and soul. He’s Charlie Chaplin, a unicyclist and a four-legged man He’s Charlie Chaplin, a unicyclist and a four-legged man

who keeps seniors laughing wherever he goes.who keeps seniors laughing wherever he goes.

Fritzy, the one-man circus, is a regular at the Fun Fritzy, the one-man circus, is a regular at the Fun Fests and Senior Extravaganzas hosted by this publication. He says, “I’ve never met a senior I didn’t

the guy to give it to them.”the guy to give it to them.”

“I love them all!” says Fritzy, the clown who creates laughter that “does the heart good like medicine.”

Visit Fritzy’s website at fritzybrothers.com.

ENTE

RTAIN

ER LOVES M

AKIN

G PEO

PLE LAUGH

Luis Campaneria of A-1 Magic

has entertained with magic and balloons full time for

the past 22 years. “At last count, I can make about

1000 different balloon animals, not to mention how many balloon hats

and many other types of balloon creations,” Luis says. “The smiles on seniors’ faces makes it worth every balloon that popped while learning this art. When I meet a new event coordinator, I love to hear them

comment, ‘Balloons? Does he know there aren’t going to be

any kids here?’ All I have to say is, ‘watch!’”

Visit his website at A1magic.com.

Photos by Tina Brunner


Long-Term Care and the New Health Care LawBY RON POLLACK, Executive Director, Families USA

If you’re doing some financial planning, you will want to include

long-term care needs you or your spouse might have in the future. You also need to consider the new Af-fordable Care Act—the new health care law signed into law in 2010.

Long-term care is expensive and Medicare does not cover the costs. And there are other reasons to plan ahead, to learn about your options for care before you need help. That way, if you need care suddenly, you and your family won’t have to scramble. Equally important, you won’t end up in a nursing home just because no one knew alternatives were available.

Long-term care isn’t only about nursing homes. There are many options for care and support that can help you stay at home longer or even avoid a nursing home altogether. The “home- and community-based services” that can help you stay at home range from homemaker help, such as help preparing meals, to care provided by health professionals like nurses, and a lot in between: personal at-tendants can help you with daily activities and adult day services and respite ser-vices can give family caregivers a needed rest. You may want training to learn new skills if, for example, you start having vision trouble, or perhaps home modifica-tions can help you get around your house better so you can keep living at home. What services are available will depend on where you live. Many seniors rely on state programs, like Medicaid, for their care. In states whose Medicaid programs invest more on home- and community-based services, there are generally more of these services available

for everyone-even for people whodon’t use Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act The good news is that the Affordable Care Act-the new health care law-in-cludes several new programs that will help people who need long-term care stay at home longer. New programs will give states financial incentives to expand the home- and community-based services they offer. Educational grants will ensure that there is an adequate, and adequately trained, workforce to provide home care as the population ages. Starting in 2014, the spouse of someone receiving care at home will be protected from having to spend all the couple’s assets in order for their husband or wife to qualify for Medicaid; today, that protection exists only if the person needing care is in a nursing home. The law also includes a new volun-tary federal long-term care insurance

program, Community Living Assis-tance Services and Supports (CLASS), that will help pay for care. CLASS will be available to working adults, regardless of age or health, probably in 2013. To be eligible for benefits, you’ll first need to be enrolled for five years. After that, if you need long-term care, the program will provide an average benefit of at least $50 a day ($18,250 a year), adjusted for inflation. You can use that money to pay for assistance or other things you need to help you stay in your home. The program pays as long as you need care. You still need to do your home-work – plan your finances and learn what’s available where you live. The Administration on Aging’s ElderCare Locator, at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.gov, can help you find services in your community. You can learn more about the new op-tions in the long-term services section of Families USA’s website, familiesusa.org.

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of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earn-ings record of the insured worker. SSI is a needs-based program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrange-ment requirements and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supple-mented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources. To learn more about SSDI and SSI disability benefits, visit socialsecurity.gov and click the links along the top of the page for Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

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Veterans CornerTampa Woman Remembers Her Black Army Unit’s WWII Job: Sorting Mail

BY JANICE DOYLE

A Tampa WWII veteran became a staff sergeant sorting mail.

That’s right. In fact she helped sort out two and a half years’ worth of mail—millions of pieces—and get it where it belonged. Evelyn Johnson was part of the only unit of African Americans in the Wom-en’s Army Corps to serve overseas dur-ing World War II, the all-black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In March, Johnson was a special guest when the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg hosted “In the Mood,” a concert of music from the 40s. The 855 women of the 6888th were given the task of sorting through mil-lions of undelivered cards, letters and packages destined for the seven million American troops serving in Europe. The massive backlogs were piled from floor to ceiling in warehouses and airplane hangars. When they finished in Birmingham, England, they were sent to Rouen, France, where they found millions more pieces to sort. Led by Major Charity Adams Earley, the first African-American woman officer, the women worked around the clock in three shifts sorting mail. Problems they encountered included poorly labeled mail (things like “Buster Smith, Army, England”) and the constant mobility of the troops—soldiers often were on the way to another location by the time their mail caught up with them. Johnson said the biggest thing she learned in the military was “to listen!” Like others who have served in the military, training and service differed. She said, “When I crossed the ocean, I was a trained medical clerk. I didn’t know anything about the postal service. But I learned.” Dressed “to the nines” for her March outing to the Mahaffey, it was easy to believe Johnson when she talked about the uniforms in the 40s. “I love

fashion,” she said. “My mother saw to it that I wore the right kind of clothes and clothes that would make a statement. When military women came to our town (before she joined the WACs) in their uniforms, I was impressed. They were well tailored and well fitted. I liked them.” When she returned home to Buf-falo, New York, after the war, she found that she was treated well, unlike the experience of many black women from the South. “My mother had taken my letters to the NAACP, my church, my friends. So they knew what I’d been doing.” Johnson said, “I’m an honorary, charter, lifetime member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington.” She’s also a member of AmVets and the Tampa WAC Veterans group. After the war, Johnson used the GI Bill to train as a dental hygienist. In the 60s and 70s she was a professional model, at times posing with the Eiffel Tower and other French landmarks as a backdrop. Today, in her 90s, she is still very active. “I go wherever I’m invited. I exercise. I’m always plant-ing or digging in my yard. I do exer-cises in the house and dance to music on the radio. I’ve gotta keep moving.” The National Postal Museum offers a brief history of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion on its website: postalmuseum.si.edu.

Army Unit’s WWII Job: Sorting Mail

Womens Army Corps Veteran, Evelyn Johnson.

From Your Friends At

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This Artist’s Signature Is on EyesBY JANICE DOYLE

His patients have includ-ed babies as young

as a week old, Vietnam veterans and a show horse. Frank Tanaka is an ocular-ist—he makes artificial eyes. Other patients have had eyes shot out by BBs or eyes removed because of diseases. Whatever caused the loss, Frank is an artist and the eyes he creates are exact visual replicas of the remaining “good” eye. Not long ago a veteran came in with an eye he’d had over 40 years, although he couldn’t remember who had made it. When Frank removed the man’s eye and looked at it, he recognized it as his own work. It was an eye made 47 years ago when he was a beginning technician in Chicago. “It’s my signature. I’d know my work anywhere,” he told me. Charles, another veteran, came to Frank’s Tampa office with a 40-year-old

prosthetic eye in place. He had lost one eye, parts of his hand and most of both legs in Vietnam. The Haley VA Hospital recently replaced his heavy wooden legs with new lightweight titani-um ones, and a doctor there referred him to Frank for a replacement eye as well. Frank kept up a lighthearted conversa-tion with the patient and his friend. After removing the artificial eye (which Charles admitted he hadn’t taken out in over five years), Frank commented on the red and irritated socket. “It didn’t

hurt you because there are no nerve endings in the socket,” he commented. “If it had been your throat, you’d have been in

the emergency room!” The old eye also had rough spots on the surface from long exposure to body enzymes. Now legally blind, Charles’s other eye had clouded over as he lost sight in it as well. Frank said, “What color eye do you want?” He can make the iris any color Charles wants. “Only in the movies are

glass eyes round,” Frank said. “In reality the plastic eyes are shaped more like a curved button so they can go through the buttonhole formed by the eyelid.” When the eyeball is surgically removed, the surgeon inserts an orbital implant. The prosthetic eye fits over the ball insert; they are held in by the eyelid, and they don’t just “pop out” on their own. Frank said, “Nothing works better than the process I’m using now,” and that’s

the same process he learned 47 years ago. His is not a fast-growing business since doctors don’t remove eyes that often and the plastic lasts long enough that an eye seldom needs replaced. Chil-dren who need artificial eyes must be fitted regularly to keep up with skeletal growth, infants as often as once a week. I asked Frank if people ever think they’ll be able to see out of their new eyes. He said yes, but if they don’t accept the fact that they are completely blind in the eye, he won’t take them on as patients. They must be convinced they’re blind, otherwise they may think “what I did had something to do with their becoming finally and completely blind.” There was his show horse patient, too. Once its cancerous eye was removed, Frank made a replacement eye for the horse and “the shows went on.” And that’s what he does best: He lightheartedly helps people get on with their lives, his signature eyes giving them look the most natural possible.

Frank Tanaka meets with a patient (left) and hand-paints a prosthetic eye (above). Right: a replacement eye created for a show horse.


Global GrayingInvesting In An Aging WorldBY JEFFREY SEWARD, JD, Ph.DSenior Vice President, Trust Services M&I Wealth Management

In the majority of the world’s countries, people are having fewer children

and they are living longer. Even in the least-developed parts of the world, for the past 20 years fertility rates have been steadily declining while life expectancies have been on the rise. Although the financial markets are influenced by many forces, especially over short time periods, demographic forces can have a powerful pull on long-term market performance. Understanding how the three trends below may influence the performance of various investments may help you maximize your portfolio.

Trend 1: More people around the world are in their prime earning years. Right now, the world median age is about 29, though it’s close to 40 in developed countries1. Middle-aged people in their prime earning years are more inclined to save than the young or old. Result: A large and growing number of people are socking away money for retirement. As populations age, the supply of capital is likely to continue to grow, helping tamp down interest rates and support prices of financial assets.What you can do: You may find it challenging to earn acceptable returns in a low interest rate environment. Step up your savings while you can in the highest-yielding investments with which you’re comfortable.

Trend 2: People are living longer. The average life expectancy worldwide now stands at almost 68 years. In developed regions, it’s about 77 years. Result: Many people are postponing retirement and working longer. That, along with shaky public pension and healthcare programs, may motivate people to seek investments that retain the buying power of their money over time, even if it means taking on greater risk.

What you can do: Despite the poor performance of the past decade, equities have historically outpaced inflation more consistently than other investments. There’s a strong case for maintaining a portion of your assets in equities, even after retirement.

Trend 3: The retiree segment is growing. Not only is the world getting older, but the population of older persons is itself aging. Among those 60 years or over, the fastest-growing segment is age 80 and over.Result: Most people have an in-nate desire to minimize risk, and that tends to grow more acute in retirement when they start utilizing their savings and investments to maintain their lifestyles. A secular shift toward greater risk aversion would likely favor bonds over stocks.What you can do: Diversification and innovation are likely to become more important in coming years. Consider balancing your stock/bond portfolio with investment products that provide guaranteed income.

While it’s good to be aware of the demographic trends that may affect the markets, don’t let them dictate your plan. Stay focused on your objectives and work with a financial professional to identify strategies most likely to help you achieve your personal financial goals.

1The source for the statistics cited in this article is the United Nations World Population Database. This article provides insights from M&I Wealth Management that may be useful to you in assessing risks and opportunities in the current environment related to your financial and wealth planning needs. The information contained herein should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice, and readers are encouraged to consult their tax, legal and investment professionals with specific questions applicable to their own financial situ-ations. Past performance is not neces-sarily a guide to future performance.

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COFFEE CONCERTSAlastair’s ChoiceFeaturing Verdi’s Forza del Destino Overture, Gliere’s Russian Sailors Dance, and Piazzolla’s Tango No. 2, Alastair Willis conducts this morning Coffee Concert, with complimentary coffee and donuts served before the performance. Don’t miss the pre-concert conversation in the concert hall one hour before the performance.

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POPSTotally Awesome 80sFrom the decade that brought us MTV, big hair, and Michael Jackson’s sequin glove, it’s a salute to some of the best-loved pop and rock artists of the 1980s with your orchestra playing music by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper, and more. Sarah Hicks conducts.May 20 - 22

Brahms’ Violin ConcertoAcclaimed by The New York Times as “a brilliant violinist,” Augustin Hadelich performs Brahms’ Violin Concerto on a program overflowing with gorgeous music: Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict Overture, Barber’s symphonic prayer Adagio for Strings and Stravinsky’s lyrical Pulcinella Suite.Larry Rachleff conducts.

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BY DR. JOHN DRAKE

Finding a job in today’s economy is tough; it’s even tougher for the

50+ crowd. While age discrimination is illegal, younger job competitors outnumber us and often are favored. Like it or not, age bias is prevalent in the job marketplace. The good news is that seniors have assets that younger job seekers often lack: broad work experience, maturity, strong work ethic and often a history of company loyalty. Seniors also bring stability to the job. “If seniors don’t let their age trip them up, most of them can make a good case for being hired,” says John Drake, co-author of Finding A Job When Jobs Are Hard To Find. Here are some actions you can take to reduce age bias:

1. Overtly display energy and vitality. You will need to back up statements about your energy level by mentioning (in cover letters, applications and resumes) your participation in activi-ties such as the sports you play, gym workouts, volunteer work. During job interviews, weave in comments about your activities and ability to work long hours (if that is true about you). Look vital. Sit erect and, without being “gushy,” express enthusiasm and excitement about the job in question and about the organization. For exam-ple: “I am really excited about the chal-lenges this job offers” or “I can’t wait to get started on a project like that.” Practice in front of a mirror creating a more positive image by smiling more often and emphasizing thoughts via use of hand gestures. 2. Become computer/electronics savvy. You should be at ease with MS Word and Excel. If not, take a few computer classes. If you don’t have one, get a smart phone. Be conversant

about popular apps and be skillful in using them. You don’t want to appear to be rooted in outdated technology.

3. Don’t draw attention to your age. Be careful about numbers used in resumes, applications and during job interviews. Specifically: Don’t provide the years of your graduations, list only jobs from the past 15 – 20 years and try to avoid providing your driver’s license number.

4. Capitalize on your contacts. By far, the biggest slice of your job searching time should be spent on networking.

5. Psychologically prepare for your in-terview. Your interviewers will often be significantly younger than you and may come across as disrespectful of your age and/or achievements. By expecting such behavior and gearing yourself to “go with the flow,” you will be able to minimize any defensive responses.

6. Overcoming the “generation gap.” An issue of concern for many interviewers is your ability to fit in

with a much younger work group. You can counter this concern by subtly weaving into the interview how you are in touch with current lifestyles via your high school/college age children, your participation in groups comprised of younger members—civic, church, etc. and situations in which you successfully adapted to a quickly changing job demand or environment. The bottom line is that by making your job search your full time job and by thinking positively about your age and maturity, you can get ahead of the pack. Keep in mind that your age is not a handicap but rather an asset that brings with it strengths that younger candidates cannot offer. Author John Drake was CEO of the world’s largest outplacement firm and is co-author of “Finding a Job When Jobs are Hard to Find.” Dr. Drake is also author of the best selling “The Perfect Interview: How to Win the Job You Really Want.” Copyrighted 2011 by John D. Drake. All rights reserved.

Senior Job Seekers…Your Age Is An Asset

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Type 2 Diabetes: From Old Dogmas to New RealitiesBY HOPE WARSHAW

Many old dogmas about type 2 diabetes prevail even though

recent research has led to new understandings and treatment options. The new reality? Take action early and often. Don’t delay; don’t deny. Here are four old dogmas dispelled and the new realities explained:Old Dogma: Type 2 isn’t the serious kind of diabetes. Typically diagnosed later in life, people just need to follow a healthy eating plan, lose a few pounds and perhaps over the years, they’ll need a “diabetes pill.”New Reality: Recent research underscores that type 2 is a progressive disease and the pro-gression is typically kicked off nearly a decade before diagnosis. Insulin resistance due to excess weight mixed with a positive family history is the common culprit. By the time of diagno-sis, most people have already lost half

to three quarters of their insulin-making pancreatic beta cells. Expert guidelines now recommend starting individuals on a medication to treat the insulin resistance right out of the starting gate. It’s now known that insulin production will dwindle further over time. Most people will need a progression of blood glucose-lowering medicines over the years. The good news: research shows early, aggressive management to control blood glucose can slow this progression. Healthy eating, losing a few pounds and being physically active will always offer an assist.Old Dogma: Blood glucose control is goal number one.New Reality: Having type 2 diabetes, it is said, carries a risk factor equivalent to having had a heart attack or stroke. The most common complications of type 2 are heart and blood vessel diseases, not eye or kidney disease, as is often thought. Focus squarely on the ABCs: A for glucose control,

B for blood pressure and C for cholesterol. Three quarters of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.

Old Dogma: Losing weight will always rapidly control blood glucose. The dogma people hear from their providers that, if you’d only lose weight, your blood glucose would be lower.

New Reality: Research shows that the greatest impact of weight loss on blood glucose is in the first few years after diagnosis. In fact, the biggest bang per pound is in the prediabetes phase (when most people don’t know they have prediabe-tes). With loss of 5 – 7 percent of body weight and 150 minutes of physical activity, research has shown people can prevent or delay the progression to type 2. Once insulin production is on its dwindling course, weight loss will have less impact on glucose control. The reality is that if blood glucose is out of control, it’s time for medication.

Old Dogma: People with type 2 diabetes must follow a low carbohydrate diet.

New Reality: Nutrition recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association and other health authorities echo the recently unveiled U.S. 2010 Dietary Guidelines for carbohydrate consumption: about 45 to 65 percent of our daily calories should come from carbohydrates.

To get and stay healthy with type 2 diabetes means facing the diagnosis promptly, taking action immediately and continuously tracking and controlling blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Don’t delay; don’t deny. Hope Warshaw, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, is the best-selling author of eight books in-cluding Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Real Life Guide to Diabetes and Guide to Healthy Restaurant Eating. Learn more at hopewarshaw.com.


sis, most people have already lost half on the ABCs: A for glucose control, out of control, it’s time for medication. Learn more at hopewarshaw.com.


Healthcare is Not Cheap!Insurers and consumers spent $52.2

billion on prescription drugs in 2008 for outpatient treatment of metabolic conditions such as diabetes and elevated cho-lesterol, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Re-search and Quality (AHRQ). Metabolic medicines were the class of drugs with the high-est level of spending in 2008. According to data from the federal agency, purchases of metabolic drugs by adults age 18 and older accounted for 22 percent of the nearly $233 billion spent overall to buy prescription medicines in 2008. Ranked by total spending, here arethe four remaining top therapeuticclasses of outpatient prescriptiondrugs in 2008:

• Central nervous system drugs, used to relieve chronic pain and control epileptic seizures and Parkinson’s

Disease tremors—$35 billion. • Cardiovascular drugs, including calcium channel blockers and diuret-ics—$29 billion. • Antacids, anti-diarrheals and other medicines for gas-

trointestinal conditions—$20 billion. • Antidepressants, antipsychoticsand other psychotherapeutic drugs—$20 billion. Overall purchases of these five therapeutic classes of drugs totaled nearly $156 billion, or two-thirds of the almost $233 billion that was spent on prescription medicines used in the outpatient treatment of adults. (From Newswise)

2008 for outpatient treatment of metabolic conditions

epileptic seizures and Parkinson’s Disease tremors

• Cardiovascular drugs, including calcium channel blockers and diuret-ics—$29 billion. • Antacids, anti-diarrheals and other medicines for gas-

How a Local Lady Podiatrist can Stop Your Foot and Joint Pain Now!Dr. Bonnie Sanchez breaks from

convention and says NO! to surgery and NO! to drugs. Most foot, ankle, knee, hip, back and even neck pain is caused by how you walk and stand. If you walk and stand with better posture, you can get rid of most of your pain. Your body is like a machine—a system of pulleys and levers—and good posture is the result of proper alignment. So, when the arch in your feet is out of alignment, you cannot develop the biomechanical “windlass effect,” also known as “the spring in your step.” A misaligned foot and arch makes your ankles, knees, back and neck overcompensate and rotate to different angles. These joints have to adjust to keep you from toppling over. This is right up to the highest joint in your body at the base of your skull. Misalignment strains your joints and wears them out, leading to joint damage, pain and injury. And without your feet in proper alignment, no amount of knee, ankle, hip, back or neck surgery will

ever have you in proper alignment. To realign your foot you need a biomechanical corrective supportive insert. A cushy gel insert will not help correct your problems. You need to realign and support your feet in your God-given ideal arch position for each individual foot throughout its gait cycle. In my practice I use the most cutting-edge specialized 17 point methodology along with decades of experience to cap-ture your ideal therapeutic arch position during your complete gait cycle. I have the only doctor-owned-and-operated lab using only the most advanced Space-age polymer technology to manufacture the finest Orthopedic Orthotics in the United States. This gives my patients complete support with the proper amount of flexibility and cushion for comfort in the insert while keeping the Orthotics’ corrective realignment func-tion. I find this helps my patients walk with little or no pain, stand taller and improve their health and quality of life. Call (727) 824-5100 or (813) 645-1993.

BAYSHORE PRESBYTERIAN APARTMENTSIdeally located adjacent to Hillsborough Bay in beautiful South Tampa, Bayshore Presbyterian Apartments is operated by a not-for-profit corporation that strives to meet the housing needs of the elderly population by providing quality, affordable housing in a caring atmosphere. Come see for yourself what makes Bayshore Presbyterian Apartments a wonderful place to live.

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Improving MemoryHave you become more

forgetful over the years? Rest assured that the minor memory lapses that occur with age are not usually signs of a serious neurological disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but rather the result of normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. Want to keep your brain sharp? Keep learning and stay physically and mentally active. Those strategies boost your “brain bank,” improving the brain’s capacity to withstand damage associated with disease or injury. Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. In people whose brains are being damaged by the disease, some continue to function normally while others suffer severe memory loss and other problems. Two components help explain the difference. The first, called brain reserve capac-ity, is the number of nerve cells and nerve-to-nerve connections (synapses) in the brain. In theory, a person who has

more brain “hardware” is able to maintain memory and thinking skills even when some of the hardware is damaged.

The second element, cognitive reserve, reflects the brain’s ability

to develop and use alternative nerve pathways or thinking strategies when disease or injury damage parts of the brain. People whose brains have alternate networks or cognitive strat-egies are less likely to experience disruption in their mental processes. Many things can reduce brain reserve capacity, including strokes, injury and toxins, and there is little you can do to rebuild this genetically determined brain feature. But you can influence cognitive reserve. The bottom line: Virtually any activity that stretches your brain can bolster your cognitive reserve. Engaging your brain with intellectually stimulating activities will afford your brain greater protection down the road.

Medicare AnswersDear Marci, My sister

and both of my parents have had glaucoma, and my doctor thinks I should get screened. Will Medi-care pay for it? —Clayton

Dear Clayton, Yes. Medicare covers 80 percent of the cost of an annual (every 12 months) glaucoma screening if you are at high risk for glaucoma, after you pay your annual Part B deductible. The screening must be performed or supervised by an eye doctor who is licensed to provide this service in your state. If you are in a Medicare private health plan, you should contact your plan to see what rules and costs apply. In addition to people with a family history of glaucoma, those at high risk for the disease include people with diabetes or high blood pressure, Afri-can-Americans age 50 and older and

Hispanic-Americans age 65 and older.—Marci

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail [email protected].

Hispanic-Americans age 65 and older.Hearing Loss by the NumbersNearly two-thirds of white

Americans age 70 and older have hearing loss, com-pared to one-third of those of black race, according to a new study led by Johns Hopkins and National Insti-tute on Aging researchers. Researchers found hearing loss ranged from mild to se-vere and that older males were

more likely to have hearing loss or more severe hearing loss

than younger or female sub-jects. Despite the number of older adults with hearing loss, the study found that only one-fifth use hearing aids, with only three

percent of those with mild hearing loss taking advantage

of these devices. (Newswise)

Hearing Loss by the Numbersearly two-thirds of white

older have hearing loss, com-

loss ranged from mild to se-vere and that older males were

more likely to have hearing loss or more severe hearing loss

than younger or female sub-jects. Despite the number of older adults with hearing loss, the study found that only one-fifth use hearing aids, with only three

percent of those with mild hearing loss taking advantage

of these devices.

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Foundation Supports Parkinson’s Disease Patients and FamiliesParkinson’s Disease is a chronic

and progressive brain disorder named after the British physician, James Parkinson, who first accurately described its symptoms in 1817. Very simply, Parkinson’s is caused by a lack of the chemical messenger do-pamine in the movement centers of the brain. Besides a lack of dopamine, PD can be aggravated by genetic factors, exposure to pesticides or industrial toxins and the process of aging itself.

The four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s are tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slow-ness of movement; and postural instability or impaired balance and coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking, talking or completing other simple tasks.

The disease is both chronic and progres-sive. Parkinson’s is not usually inherited. Early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually. Typically symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease begin on only one side of the body, although later they appear on both sides. Often the patient manifests slowness and difficulty of movement at first, then perhaps notices tremors in his hand when it is relaxed but which go away when he moves. Amanda Smith, Creative Director of the Parkinson Research Foundation in Sarasota, notes that there is no cure for the disease which affects as many as a million people in the U.S at this time. The newest method of treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s is DBS or Deep Brain Stimulation. This is a

surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neuro-stimulator—similar to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch—that delivers electrical stimu-lation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremor

and PD symptoms. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Smith says, “What sets us apart from other Parkinson’s Disease organizations is that we provide tools and resources for our patients who live with the disease. Michael J. Fox gives the disease a lot of exposure, but we work to help the patients.” The Foundation sponsors two cruises a year for patients and their

families and/or caregivers. Smith says, “We take experts in the field like neurologists and we invite patients and families. The best part is to see patients who when they have a tremor in the grocery store might be looked at funny, but on our first cruise we had 125 patients so when they all had a tremor no one even noticed. We see them come alive.” Presentations at sea, classes like yoga and voice aerobics, caregiver sessions and doctor availability make it a unique experience. Smith says, “It’s a strictly physical disorder and the mind is not affected. So they have great spirits and are eager to learn. We love providing them with a unique way to have access.” One Parkinson’s patient who thought his traveling days were over, said, “This cruise has given me back hope for the future.” Parkinson Research Foundation in-formation at (941) 870-4438 or online at parkinsonresearchfoundation.org.

battery-operated medical device called a neuro-

of a stopwatch—that delivers electrical stimu-lation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve

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Home Health Mates...Question & AnswerTake The Guesswork Out of Finding the Best Home Health Care

I would encourage you to e-mail me at [email protected] or send your questions to: News Connection, USA, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33584, Attn. Editor – Home Health Mates. I will answer all questions you may have, including the ones that we do not feature in Senior Connection magazine.

BY BRUCE MUENTER

I received many inquiries over the past month on how to

select home health care and the questions that need to be asked to make an informed decision. Joe from Sun City asked; “I am bombarded with information, but all any agency seems concerned about is selling me services. In many cases, I am not sure what to ask.”

Joe, believe it or not that continues to be the question that the majority of readers need answered. In an attempt to trim the information down, here are the top fi ve questions any prospective client should be asking:

1. Is your agency licensed and accredited? Licensing and accreditation are the nucleus of any home health agency. Without licensing, they would cease to operate. Ask if they have had any violations, and what were the reasons. You should also go to the AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) for Florida. Here, you can look up past performance issues and see if they have been corrected. Accreditation is a little trickier as this has historically been an optional quality approval in Florida; but in 2010 it became mandatory for all new agencies. Regardless of whether the agency had to or not is irrelevant. Any agency concerned about quality will be accredited by one of three agencies: CHAP (The Community Health Accreditation

Program), ACHC (The Accreditation Commission for Health Care) and JCAHO (Joint Commission). If they said this is not really important, then they just told you enough about their concern for quality.

2. Is your plan of care supervised by a Director of Nursing? Your plan of care should be assessed in the beginning and evaluated monthly by a RN with no extra charge. If they charge you for this service, then you have not done your shopping.

3. Do you have hourly minimums? You should not pay for service that is not needed. If the agency tells you that a minimum amount of hours is needed for their services, then you have not shopped around for the right agency. Don’t buy more than you need.

4. How do you hire employees, and are they your employees?

What is their process for hiring (experience of minimum one year in home health care). Licensed? Bonded? Insured? Ask to see the certifi cate of insurance. Do they work directly for the agency or are they contract employees? Private caregivers also increase your liability…in other words, if they fall in your house while working, then you’re personally liable.

5. What separates you from other agencies? What is their customer satisfaction rating? Do they even know? What percent of their customers end up in the hospital or rehab with the agency’s care? Does the agency let you meet the caregiver free of charge prior to the initial visit? Do you have a choice?

These fi ve steps will allow you to make an informed decision. As always, feel free to call me at 813-884-5040 if you have any questions, or visit my website at: www.homehealthmates.com/tampa.php. Have a great month!


Choose Healthy SnacksFoods with a high glycemic index

are digested more quickly than foods with a low glycemic index. Rapidly digested foods can flood your bloodstream with sugar. A quick surge of insulin to clear the sugar can leave your blood sugar too low after just a few hours, and when this happens you feel hungry; you’re apt to overeat and possibly gain weight. Fiber slows diges-tion and therefore lowers a food’s glycemic load. By increasing the bulk of foods and creating a feeling of fullness, fiber may also help you avoid overeating and becoming overweight. Snacking and eating healthfully needn’t be mutually exclusive. There are plenty of healthy foods that are quick and easy to eat such as fruits, veggie sticks and moderate amounts of nuts. Because typical snack foods like

chips, candy and crackers have a high glycemic load, these foods won’t keep

you feeling sated for very long. So you run the risk of overeating. Here are some tips for choosing foods with a low glycemic load:• Look for non-starchy, non-sugary foods like raw vegetable sticks, bean dips and fruits such as apples, pears, peaches and berries.• Low-fat yogurt is another good snack

choice, but avoid yogurt with “fruit on the bottom,” which is basically sugar syrup. Add your own fruit instead.• When choosing grain-based snacks, look for whole-wheat crackers and natural granola. Think before you choose a snack and stay healthy.

Treating Leaky Bladders Can Help Improve Women’s HealthMillions of women suffer from stress

urinary incontinence (SUI), the leakage of urine when laughing, cough-ing or other activities. What many don’t realize is that SUI isn’t just an annoy-ance—it’s a medical condition that, un-treated, can have serious consequences. Isolation, anxiety, and depression are some of the many health risks that can be associated with SUI. The condition can also limit a person’s participation in enjoyable activities. Leaky bladders make exercising difficult, which can lead to weight gain. Wet skin due to constant leakage may be associated with skin rashes and infections. SUI can also in-crease the risk of urinary tract infections. The health impact of SUI is often great enough that effective treatment can make a real difference. Sometimes, special exercises/lifestyle changes are suggested, but these options may not be enough. And many women don’t want the risks/long recovery time associated with surgery. A new non-surgical treatment called Renessa® may be an option.

With Renessa, a small device is inserted into the urethra to gently heat small areas of tissue at the base of the bladder. This heating causes natural collagen in the tissue to become firmer, which can decrease leaks. Treatment can be performed in a doctor’s office in about an hour, and women can safely resume activities the same or next day. Treatment effect is typically seen within 60 to 90 days. Overall, about 75 percent of patients are improved. “My patients have been very happy with the treatment,” said Dr. David Jacob, a local physician. “Their symp-toms are improved and they are able to return to their busy lives quickly.” Side effects of Renessa are typically mild and temporary and most resolve shortly after treatment. “The Renessa treatment changed my life,” said Evelyn R*, a 67-year-old Tampa resident. “Don’t wait. Get treated.” For info, visit www.Renessa.com or call Dr. David Jacob at (727) 248-0671. *Patient names have been changed.

Volunteers Needed To Help Feed The HungryVolunteers are needed to deliver

hot, nutritious meals to the home-bound in the Clearwater area. If you have 1� hours, midday, to help in your own neighborhood, you could make a real difference in someone’s life. Currently, we have a desperate need for volunteers to deliver in the Clearwater area. Meals are picked

up at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Neighborhood Family Center (1201 Douglas Ave, Clearwater) and deliv-ered to the homebound in that area (maps and directions are provided). Please call Pat Hazell from Neighborly Meals on Wheels at (727) 573-9444, ext. 4190 to start helping your community today.

Call Today to Learn More:

(727) 248-0671David Jacob, M.D., FACSUrology Specialists of West Florida

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“I had my leaky bladder treated in a doctor’s office

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Risks: Adverse events (complications) are typically mild and temporary and most resolve shortly after treatment. Reported complications include dysuria (discomfort during urination), hematuria (blood-tinged urine), urinary tract infection, and urine retention (inability to empty the bladder). Infrequently, worsening incontinence symptoms have been reported.


2011 Senior-Friendly Business of the Year AwardsThe West Central Florida Agency

on Aging (WCFAAA) has announced the winners of the 2011 Senior-Friendly Business of the Year Awards, with Publix Supermar-kets taking the large business award and Home Instead Senior Care of Tampa/Brandon receiving the small business award. “We created this award as a way to recognize those businesses that go out of their way to treat seniors well,” said Patty Suarez, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for WCFAAA and coordinator of the awards process. “Our community has some shining examples of how business can and should be done as it relates to older workers, customers and clients. Publix and Home Instead have stellar records in all these areas.” Highlights of the Publix nomina-tion included their dedication to older workers, rewarding longevity

of service, preparing employees for retirement and supporting charities that serve older adults, includingthe Polk Senior Games. Home Instead Senior Care’s mission is to enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their homes. The company also recruits older adults for employment, making whatever accommodations are needed for their social security allowances or their allotted hours. Home Instead’s nomination out-shone others due to their hiring practices for older workers and for spearheading the “Be a Santa to a Senior” project, where they collected and delivered gifts to 500 lonely and isolated seniors during the holiday season. For more info about the Senior-Friendly Business of the Year Award and other WCFAAA initiatives, call Patty Suarez at (813) 676-5616.

Quick Facts About AgingWalk Faster, Live Longer

The speed at which you walk

could determine how long you live, says a new study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh. Researchers looked at nine studies of 35,000 seniors and discovered that just 19 percent of the slowest 75-year-old male walkers lived 10 more years, compared to 87 percent of the fastest walkers. For women, the figure was 35 percent of the slowest walkers versus 91 percent of the quickest. The study results may lead some physicians to incorporate walking speed into a routine assess-ment since it can provide many clues about vitality. (“Your Walking Speed May Predict Your Life Span” The Boston Globe)

Working in Retirement As the New Normal Today, one in five workers age 50+ has retired from a previ-ous career and has what is aptly called a “retirement job.” A report released by the Families and Work Institute in 2010 found that work-ing in retirement is a new career stage. The majority of working retirees are full-time and enjoy what they do and 75 percent plan to keep working. The motivating factor was not necessarily the money, but rather making a contri-bution, being productive and keeping active. (“Working in Retirement: A 21st Century Phenomenon” Families and Work Institute)

An Aging Population Prefers to Age in Place Older adults who wish to remain in their homes as they age are getting help from senior “villages” which are cropping up around the country. With 55 existing and another 120 planned, these communities provide their mem-

bers with medical, shopping, social services and activities. These villages are aimed at keeping people in their homes into their 70s, 80s, and possibly 90s. By 2020, the 55+ age American households are expected to reach 45 percent. (“Senior Villages Take Root As Movement Matures” usnews.com)

Beatitudes Nursing Home: A Blessing for Alzheimer’s Patients There is no effec-tive medical treat-ment for dementia, but at the Beatitudes Nursing Home in Phoenix, Arizona, the Alzheimer’s patients receive a good dose of unconventional, non-pharmaceutical care that calms them and can even make them smile. This seemingly revolutionary caregiving solution is giving them what they want. New research suggests that positive emotional experiences can di-minish stress and behavior problems. The nursing home allows patients to eat what they want when they want it, take baths in the middle of the night and engage in activities that they did before they became ill. (“Giving Alzheimer’s Patients Their Way, Even Doses of Chocolate” The New York Times, Jan. 1, 2011)

Still Collecting a Paycheck in Her 90s Five hours a day, 98-year-old Rosa Finnegan reports for work on the production floor of a manufacturing company, Vita Needle in Needham, Massachusetts, where close to half of the employees are well past retirement age. Rosa says she didn’t expect she’d need a paycheck at this stage of life, but after becoming a widow in her 80s, she needed a new life plan. Along with her paycheck, working at Vita Needle has given her a new sense of community. (“In Their 90s, Working for More Than Just a Paycheck” NPR “Morning Edition)“Quick Facts About Aging” is from Met Life Mature Market Institute.

Quick Facts About Aging

could determine how

new study conducted As Movement Matures” usnews.com)

Doses of Chocolate” The New York

Paycheck in Her 90s

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BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

BY DR. NORMAN

Photoaging refers to the damage that is done to the skin from prolonged

exposure (over a person’s lifetime) to UV-ultraviolet radiation. Most of the skin changes that occur as we get older are accelerated by sun exposure. Examples of skin changes from photoaging include hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, poor elasticity, broken blood vessels, leathery skin and skin cancers. The three approaches to counter photoaging are as follows:1. Avoid the midday sun.2. Practice prevention by using photoprotective agents such as sunscreen and clothing. 3. Use skin rejuvenation treatments.What about allergic reactions tothe sun? Sometimes even after only a short time of sun exposure, allergies to the sun can develop and may present in several

different ways. Some people have prob-lems with rashes, bumps, hives, blisters or red splotchy areas. Certain beauty products and soaps may also make you more sensitive to the sun, including perfumes, cosmetics and hair dyes. Although there is a long list of drugs that may make you more prone to a sun allergy, some of the more common ones include the following: antibiotics such as tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, sulfonamides and chlorpromazine, depression medications, arthritis medications and blood pressure medications. You should always check with your doctor and pharmacist when you receive any new medication to see how it may interact with what you’re already taking and whether or not you should be extra careful when in the sun or if you should avoid it completely. We offer excellent treatments for photoaging and allergic reactions, many of which are covered by your insurance. Call us today at (813) 880-7546 for an appointment.

What Is Photoaging?

The Centenarian Will Serve You Now

Retirees make up the major-ity of volunteers at Meals on

Wheels, a nationwide program that serves close to one million Ameri-cans. In Orange County, Florida, an organization called Seniors First counts on 350 delivery people, most of whom are in their mid 60s. One retired Florida volunteer, Irene Johnston, with a keen memory and passion for helping others has been helping out for years. Only her age sets her apart from most other volunteers. She is 100 years old. From Orlando Sentinel, January 24, 2011.


Ask Boyette: Poisonous SubstancesBY DR. CLINTON COTTEN

I read that grapes are poisonous to dogs. Are there other foods that

are poisonous to dogs and cats?

Yes, there are human foods, ingredients and other common materials that are poisonous to dogs and cats. There are text books full of poisonous materials, so I will cover a few of the most common poisons.1. Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in sugar-free gum, mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products and baked goods. Xylitol is well tolerated in many species of animals, but not well tolerated in dogs. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, acute liver necrosis and liver failure. The most common first sign of xylitol toxicity is vomit-ing, followed by collapse and death.

2. Sago Palm: Sago Palm is a spiky-leafed member of the Cycad family. Traditionally a southern palm, in recent years miniature versions have appeared as house plants in northern states. The palm tastes good to dogs and cats, so they will readily eat the leaves and nuts. The nuts are the most toxic part of the plant, but the leaves and bark are toxic as well. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure and death.3. Cocoa Mulch: Cocoa mulch is the by-product of chocolate production. The toxin in mulch is methylxanthine. The mulch is sold as landscape mulch and has an attractive color, texture and flavor. The toxic signs of cocoa mulch include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.4. Methylxanthine: In addition to mulch, this toxin is also found in chocolate, caffeinated sodas, stimulants, coffee and tea. The toxic signs are the same as above, but the

mulch is 10 to 15 times more toxic. The toxicity of chocolate depends on what type of chocolate is ingested (i.e., milk chocolate, unsweetened chocolate). The toxic signs of choco-late appear 1 – 4 hours after ingestion. There are many more toxins other than the ones listed above. They can be found in household items, insecticides, rodenticides, over the counter medications, metals and prescription medications. If you have any questions about an item your pet may have ingested or contacted, please call your veterinary provider as soon as possible.

Caring For Your Pet

Ask BoyetteDo you have a topic you would like to know more about? Send us your questions and we will answer them

in this column. E-mail us at ask [email protected], or mail us at Ask Boyette c/o Boyette Animal Hospital, 10931

Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33569.

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Office Hours By AppointmentMon. – Thurs. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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Lots of great photos were sent to Senior Connection magazine for the latest Grandkids Are The Greatest Photo Contest. Check out the winners

that were selected at the Senior Fun Fest last month. The judges had a lot of fun looking through all of the photos and it was tough to pick the winners.

Thanks to everyone who shared their memories with us!

Senior Fun Fest, St. Petersburg ColiseumWinners!

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First Prize“Happy Kid”Submitted by

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Mom Loves You Best: Siblings and Estrangement in Midlife

BY CATHY JO CRESS, MSW

We are all Shakespeare, and our family is our stage. Sisters

and brothers are characters on that stage, acting out their lives. As years go by we become playwrights recounting life events through family stories. Most sibling tales are good yarns, but in some stories bad things happen. Some of those unhappy memories become “I Hate You” stories for midlife siblings. Siblings can be divided into several types. By going through this list, you can both tell what kind of relationship you have with your sibling and whether you just might be the type to have a sibling with an “I Hate You” story.

Beloved Siblings care deeplyabout each other, see each otheroften and regularly and think of each other as best friends.

Buddy Siblings are like beloved siblings, but the caring between you is feet deep instead of yards deep. You don’t see them every day but you really like them. They are not your best friends.

Reliable Siblings are close but usually live far way. You do not see or make contact with each other frequently. You have strong family bonds, and this sibling connection can be clamped into place in a family crisis and then released when things go back to normal. Reliable siblings are like an air mattress. They can be blown up at any time.

Listless Siblings have little interaction with each other as adults and are indifferent to each other. If there were a traffic light for siblings, they would be the blinking yellow. You do not show much interest in each other and are not sure exactly how to feel. You suspect something happened in your past to make you so uninvolved.

Seething Siblings are full of anger. You have a childhood hurt from a sibling that you feel deeply. You ignore him or her and don’t have much contact except perhaps on required holiday visits. You are not physical or violent with your anger, but it sometimes seethes inside.

Irate Siblings have a bone to pick with a sibling about something that happened when you were younger. It may have involved aggression or violence. Cain and Abel come to mind. Brothers and sisters who experienced sibling rivalry can fall into this category if violence and aggression and even sexual violence may have come into play.

If you believe that you and one of your siblings are one of the last three types—Listless, Seething, or Irate—you probably have an “I Hate You” story. Even uninvolved or listless siblings can have extremely negative feelings toward a sister or brother. A listless sibling thinks about the sibling and feels something is the matter but can’t pinpoint the reason. If you have any of these last three sibling relationships, you can get to the bottom of your sibling story by forgiveness. Then, as you face the aging-parent-care stage in midlife, you’ll be able to field a family sibling team to solve a parent’s prob-lems. This is a critical family step. Plus, reuniting with an estranged sibling gives you the rest of your life to spend with the longest, deepest relationship of your life.


Simple Steps to Staying SafeIf you are a woman

who travels alone frequently, there are a few simple steps you can take to help ensure your safety on the road and to protect yourself in a dangerous situation.

Selective parking: Whether it’s an outdoor parking lot or a covered garage, make sure the lot and space you are parking in are well lit. Avoid parking away from other cars and be aware of parking beside commercial vans without glass side panels, where potential attackers could be hiding. When you return to your car, quickly survey your surroundings.

Have your keys in hand: Before you leave the store, take the time to find your keys and have them in hand as you walk to your vehicle. Time spent rummaging in your purse when you

get to your car may leave you open to a potential attack. The keys in your hand can also be used as a weapon.

Avoid playing Good Samaritan: While your heart

might be in the right place, it’s not a good idea to stop to help someone when you are by yourself. Call 911 and let the dispatcher know the location of the person who is stranded.

Have a plan if trouble arises: If you are approached by a person in or around your car, drop any bags, run and make a lot of noise that will draw attention to you. Do not go with the person to another location regardless of promises that you won’t be hurt. If you feel you’re being followed by another car, call 911 and drive to a police station or hospital. (NAPSA)

There’s No One ThereBY ANN G. THOMAS

I don’t pretend to understand the logic of the business world, but

I’ve always counted on the fact that the people who worked for any company I did business with would be helpful if I needed help. Although that’s been my experience in the past, it seems it’s no longer true. One company after another appears to have replaced their Customer Service Department staff with disembodied voices. My most recent inter-action with a disem-bodied voice occurred when an unordered nationally known newspaper appeared at my door—well, actually it was thrown into my driveway. I assumed it must be a mistake, even though it came with an address sticker with my name. I told myself this must be a trial offer and after a ten-day-introduction the paper would go away. I was wrong. It was clear I had to do something. I found a phone number for their subscription desk. Their 800 number led to a disembodied voice offering a series of seven choices, one of which was for starting and/or stopping a subscription. I pushed that number, only to have eight new choices, which led me to another smorgasbord which finally led to instructions to enter my zip code followed by a number on the address label. Next I was instructed to push 2 if I wanted to cancel or suspend the subscription. I pushed the 2 although I’ve always understood the word ‘suspended’ to have a temporary flavor. I wanted the ‘cancel’ choice but there was no way to let them know, so I had to hope for the best. It took me 42 minutes to conduct this two-minute transaction, but I guess they felt they had handled the situation in an efficient and frugal manner. After all, the forty-two minutes were my time. My subscription did stop

but resumed after a week, letting me know that the voice had by-passed cancel in favor of suspend. I’m not really picking on this newspaper or their distributor, however, because the no-customer-service-employees rule appears to be widespread. It seems that everywhere, a message blocks access to a real person. Most of these mes-sages also give multiple options. The ones I like best are the ones

that instruct me to “listen carefully to the following

choices because they have been recently changed.” I always wonder how many callers memorized the previous list of nine options and would push a wrong button if they weren’t listening carefully. Since their options are all new to me, I pay close atten-tion, push the button that sounds closest to what I had in mind. I am frequently told,

“Please hold. We are experiencing a high volume of calls but will be with you shortly.” I hold, and hold and hold until a different recorded voice comes on to say, “If you would like to make a call, please hang up and try again.” I explore my other options and decide writing a letter may be a better idea. As I’m writing, the phone rings. A real person I’ve never met is on the line, calling me by my first name or asking to speak to my long deceased husband in order to sell us something I neither want nor need. I keep answering the phone, how-ever, hopeful that someone from that newspaper will give me a call. “No thank you,” I say to the caller, “but do you by any chance know who delivers The Wall Street Journal in my neigh-borhood?” No luck so far, but at least it’s good to know that some of those real people are employed somewhere. Ann Thomas can be contactedthrough her website online at: www.dr-annthomas.com.

mistake, even though it

I told myself this must be a trial offer and after a ten-day-introduction the

that instruct me to “listen carefully to the following

choices because they have been recently changed.” I always wonder how many callers memorized the previous list of nine options and would push a wrong button if they weren’t listening carefully. Since their options are all new to me, I pay close atten-tion, push the button that sounds closest to what I had in mind. I am frequently told,

BRANDON HEARING CENTERS You’ll hear the difference!

Patty takes pride in her service to the community, celebrating more than 45 years in Brandon and Sun City Center.

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Patty takes pride in her service to the community, celebrating more than 45 years in Brandon and Sun City Center.

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Celebrate the Grand

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Leave Well Enough AloneBY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorneywww.fl willstrustsprobate.com

A reader asks: My husband recently died. Since our attorney was hold-

ing our original wills for safekeeping, and knowing that the law requires that a person’s will be deposited with the court after death, I contacted my attorney and advised him that my hus-band had passed away. Unfortunately, my attorney mistakenly deposited my will, not that of my late husband. When the error was discovered, my attorney apologized profusely and immediately deposited the correct will.

When I inquired about getting my original will back from the courthouse my attorney suggested that doing so really wasn’t necessary. I’m now having misgivings about this. Could leaving my original will at the courthouse cause future problems?

Answer: Undoubtedly your attorney was extremely embarrassed by his mistake about which one of you actually died. Surprisingly though, depositing the wrong will occurs more frequently than one would think. At least your attorney corrected the error by immediately depositing your late husband’s will. Although I’m sure the primary reason your attorney recommended leaving your original will where it is is because he didn’t want to go through the time and trouble of retrieving it. I still agree with your attorney’s advice. After all, I can think of no safer place to keep an original will than at the courthouse. I would suggest, however, that you make a notation on your copy of the will as to its now permanent location. And should you decide to change the terms of your will, the fact that your original will is held at the courthouse is not a problem as any will you might make in the future would supercede and revoke the previous will. And should

you die residing in a different county, or even a different state, and a probate of your estate was required, obtaining a certified copy of your original will for this purpose would be fairly simple. Mr. Mumbauer, a fifth generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. He takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a participating attorney in the AARP Legal Services Network. He is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

The Law And You

Silverliners to Meet

The Silverliners, former flight attendants of Eastern Airlines,

will meet on Saturday, April 16, atnoon at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant, 2425 Rocky Point N., Tampa. This is the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Eastern Airlines Silverliners. Former flight attendants from other airlines are also invited to become members. Florida Gulf Chapter has adopted Southeastern Guide Dogs as their local philanthropy. The national or-ganization has been responsible for a cabin at Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang” Camp in Connecticut. Hillsborough County Silverliners may get information from Adrienne Love at (813) 677-2909. Pinellas residents may contact Barbara Bukata at (727) 785-3546.

attendants of Eastern Airlines,

Rusty Pelican

Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

William R. Mumbauer, P.A.205 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon

• Free, no obligation consultation.

• Single will $150

• Husband and wifewills $200

YRS30

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written informa-tion about his qualifications and experience.

Costs, if any, extra

• Pre-Planning Available• Cremation• Local Burial• Out-of-State Burial/Transfer• Anatomical Donation• Grief Counseling/Grief Support• Spacious Chapel and Family Rooms• Children’s Play Room• Conveniently Located in Sun City Center• Hearing Impaired Service Available• Golf Cart and Wheelchair Accessible• Sponsor of Toys for Tots Program• Member of Apollo Beach, Riverview,

Ruskin and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce

• We Accept all Insurance Funded Pre-Arrangement

1851 Rickenbacker DriveSun City Center, FL

(813) 634-9900 or 1 (877) 346-5600

Automobile AccidentsWe provide prompt,

aggressive representation for victims of

automobile accidents.


Rachmaninoff to Rockin’ Latin Dance Rhythms

At the next morning Coffee Con-cert, Alastair Willis conducts The

Florida Orchestra in a “A Musical Tour of Vienna” featuring Principal Clarinetist Brian Moorhead perform-ing highlights from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The program also includes such Johann Strauss, Jr. favorites as Tales from the Vienna Woods and music by Beethoven, Gluck, Suppé and Brahms. Enjoy a pre-concert talk one hour before curtain time, complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts prior to the concert and commentary about the music throughout the performance. April 6 at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, and April 7 at 11 a.m. at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. The Raymond James Pops offers a sizzling salute to New York’s famed hot spot The Copacabana: “Hot! Hot! Hot! A Night at the Copa.” Featuring award-winning ballroom dancers Andrzej and Jennifer Przybyl,

Grammy Award-winning arranger Victor Vanacore and the orchestra will heat up the hall in a night of Latin dance rhythms. In the lobby prior to the concerts, dancers from the Fred Astaire Studios will be sharing fancy footwork for a variety of Latin dances. April 8, 9 and 10 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. At the next Masterworks concert, the orchestra and Music Director Stefan Sanderling are joined by Russian pianist Lilya Zilberstein in Rach-maninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius—En Saga and his Symphony No. 7. To find out more about the composers and stories behind the music, join Stefan Sanderling in the concert hall one hour before curtain time for a pre-concert conversation. April 15, 16 and 17 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. For tickets and info, call 1-800-662-7286 or visit floridaorchestra.org.

Summer in the Berkshires?How refreshing.

Welcome to Jiminy Peak, the 4-season resort in the Northern Berkshires of Massachusetts. Each summer, we host lots of people who are looking for a great New England summer vacation. We offer short or long-term lodging – including 2-4 bedroom condos. The Berkshires is home to world class arts & culture, history, outdoor adventures and more. It’s more than a breath of fresh air. It’s a whole summer of it.

Call us at 1-800-882-8859 or go to jiminypeak.com

JP040 MatureLifestyle_qtrSQ.indd 1 12/21/10 5:30 PMFishermen’s Village Presents

3rd Annual Southwest Florida

Bridal Show & ExpoFree Admission!

Brides Can Register:In Person at

Charlotte BridalLocated in Bell Plaza

2395 Tamiami Trail, Port CharlotteOr Online at

CharlotteBridal.biz

Brides-To-BeRenewal of VowsSecond Time Around

Sunday, April 10th, 201112 noon – 5:00 p.m.

FEATURING:Informal Modeling by ShopsAt Fishermen’s Village and Charlotte Bridal Boutique

Visit With Experts In The Bridal Industry

Catering Service, Photography, Makeup, Invitations, Decorations,

Music & More!

Event Sponsors:Fishermen’s Village

Charlotte Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear

LarGlo Travel & Cruisesitravel4less.bizDo-All Rental

Visit Us Online at www.FishVille.comOr Call 941.639.8721Join Us At Fishermen’s Village1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Join the official Seniors Fan Club of the Tampa Bay Rays for only $25!Season Ticket Holder Price $15 (excludes ticket vouchers)

All Rays fans 55 and older can join the Golden Rays and receive:

• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt

• Official Golden Rays Tote Bag

• Golden Rays Membership Card

• Coupons for merchandise and concession items

• Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events

• Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games

• Get 2 ticket vouchers to use for your choice of the games listed:

April 21 vs. CWS

June 27 vs. CIN

August 22 vs. DET

May 3 vs. TOR

August 9 vs. KC

August 24 vs. DET

One ticket for voucher #1 One ticket for voucher #2

GRRG


Taco Bell Creates Healthy Mexican ChoicesIn 2008 the Taco Bell Fresco

line (freshness) made the “run for the border” eating place a favorite for those wanting fast food without high calories. The book Eat This, Not That by David Zinczenko says, “After all these years, the Taco Bell warhorse, the hard-shell taco, is still the best option on the menu, especially now that it’s available Fresco-style.” The hard-shell variety weighs in at 450 calories for three tacos, 21g fat and 750 mg so-dium. A close runner-up is the Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Tacos at 340 calories, 8g fat and 1,480 mg sodium. Running just a few more calories but less sodium is the half pound Beef Combo Burrito, and the lowest calorie menu item to fill you up is the Steak Gordito Supreme (just 290 calories, 13g fat and 55 mg sodium). Other good menu choices for those counting calories, fat and sodium include the following: Nacho Cheese Chicken Gordita and

a Soft Chicken Taco (500 calories); two Fresco Rachero Chicken Soft Tacos (340 calories); the Pintos ‘n Cheese (180 calories). The danger at any restaurant—fast food or not—are the sauces and dressings. Avoid them if you can. For example, at Taco Bell, the Zesty Dressing on the Border Bowl can be replaced by an extra dose of salsa to save a whopping 240 calories. Do it!

At Taco Bell, the secret is to skip the nachos, which are deep-fried tortilla chips, taco meat and a covering of nacho cheese sauce. The problems lie in the fried chips, of course, but also in the fact that their cheese sauce is made with partially hydrogenated oil. Skip it! Taco Bell is quite a good place to enjoy fast food if you stick to the two-item combos, which are usually below 600 calories and 25 grams of fat.

Need a New iRon?It all began with

an iPhone...

March was when my grandson celebrated his 15th birthday and I got him an iPhone. He just loved it. Who wouldn’t? I celebrated my birthday in July and my wife made me very happy when she bought me the iPad I wanted. My granddaughter’s birthday was in August, so I got her an iPod Touch. September came, so for my wife’s birth-day I bought her an iRon. It was around then that the fight started. What my wife failed to recognizeis that the iRon can be integratedinto the home network with theiWash, iCook and iClean. This unfortunately activated the iNagapp. Which led me to the iHospital and iGet out Thursday.

loved it. Who wouldn’t?

Hey

Seniors!Join Us .... June 30th

For the 3rd Annual

At the Strawberry

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Plant City

9 am – 2 pm2202 W. Reynolds St. • Plant City, FL

and

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9 am – 2 pm9 am – 2 pm2202 W. Reynolds St. • Plant City, FL

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and Lots More!


FELD ENTERTAINMENTJob No.:

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TO168312 TAMPA, FL 4.5” x 6”

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SAVE $5 on Tickets!++Excludes Rinkside Dining and VIP seats. Valid for select performances. No double discounts.

MAY19 - 22

Presented locally by:

There are 3 ways to redeem your savings: 1. Bring this ad in person to the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office 2. Call at 1-800-745-3000 and mention code SAVE 3. Log on to Ticketmaster.com and enter code SAVE

For full show schedule and to buy tickets,go to www.disneyonice.com

WEEKENDS • Now through April 17 • Weekends & Friday, March 11th 10 AM – 6 PM • RAIN OR SHINE!FREE PARKING! • 800-779-4910

Visit us at: www.BayAreaRennaissanceFest.com

Golf Club for SinglesThe Tampa Bay Chapter of the

American Singles Golf Associa-tion (ASGA) is a golf organization dedicated to getting single people together both on and off the course! Members range in age from 40 – 80 years with the majority being in their 50s and 60s. Most members have handicaps ranging from 10 to 40. A golf tournament is held once a month on weekends at different courses throughout the bay area and social ac-tivities are planned on a regular basis. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month except December.

Meetings are held at Crabby Bill’s, 7700 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. Call (813) 281-0397 for direc-tions. Cost at the door is $3, which includes one raffl e ticket. Food can be ordered from the menu and a cash bar is available. Happy hour is at 6 p.m.and the meeting begins at 7 p.m.Details attampabaysingles-golf.com.

Fun Activities in Central Florida8 – 9 Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival on

Lake Dora in Tavares. See long skinny boats with Chinese dragon heads and tails with as many as 20 paddlers per boat. Race is the 9th at 9:15 a.m. Info: cfdragonboat.org or (352) 343-2531.

9 Spring Jazz Stroll at Harry P. Leu Gardens, Or-lando. Live jazz, candlelit walkways. Bring picnic

meal and blanket or chairs. Lawn seating only. Cost: $15 – $20. Info: leugardens.org or (407) 246-2620.

22 – 24 Free Easter Weekend Open House tour of The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of

American Art, the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world. Info: morsemuseum.org or (407) 645-5311.

24 85th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Free admis-

sion, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. 60-bell carillon and Lake Wales Chorale. Easter buffet served in the Blue Palmetto Café for an additional fee. Admission: Free. Info: boktowergardens.org or (863) 676-1408.

30 Concert under the Stars. Take your picnic and enjoy a moonlit evening with the

Imperial Symphony Orchestra and carillon. Info: boktowergardens.org or (863) 676-1408.


Journey Through The Wild Side of Quebec

BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

Quebec is a province where culture and nature are inseparable.

Glacier-carved fjords, maple forests and arctic seas teeming with marine life coexist with cities powered by wind and water, where people delight in the arts and celebrate the connection between man and the environment. If you’re traveling by RV or only visiting for a week, Gaspe peninsula and the shores around the Gulf of St. Lawrence are great places to experi-ence the natural beauty of Quebec.

Perce I started my journey in the coastal town of Perce (French for “pierced”), which gets its name from an arched lime-stone formation just off of the mainland. Ferries make regu-lar trips around Perce Rock as well as stops on Bonaventure Island, home to the largest colony of gannets in the world. After about a 45-minute trek across the island up a gentle incline, I was met with a rau-cous sea of birds. White-col-ored gannets with black-tipped wings and patches of light orange on their heads swooped by, landing only a few feet away from me. When summer is over they head back to the Gulf of Mexico, where they can be seen fl ying solo off the coast of Florida. Stay: Hotel-Motel Le Mirage. Dine: Maison du Pecheur.

Exploramer Next, I headed northwest along the coast to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. This drive is part of the Quebec Light-house Trail, and I couldn’t resist stop-ping by the town of La Martre to see North America’s last working

non-automatic lighthouse. I felt like a kid again as I climbed the narrow stairs of the red wooden lighthouse, listening to the gears turn and seeing the town far below through faceted lenses. In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts you’ll fi nd Exploramer, an interactive aquarium and museum. Visitors can get hands-on with the marine life in the Gulf of St. Lawrence by taking a sea excursion or exploring touch tanks. Inside, I saw creatures uniquely adapted to life in the arctic, explored an undersea garden and lounged in a beanbag chair while ocean

images fl oated overhead. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Blue Fork—a res-taurant specializing in sustain-able seafood—offers creative dishes with ingredients like sea urchin and sea cucumber. Stay: La Maison William Wakeham, in Gaspe. Gaspe is a great base point for most of the destinations on the peninsula.

Dine: Brise Bise Restaurant.Matane Reserve A short drive from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is the Matane Wildlife Reserve, a 60 sq. kilometer conservation park that is famous for its moose. This is one of those rare places where you can travel

for miles without seeing another living soul. The cabins there are spacious and comfortable, and being so far from civilization meant zero noise and light pollution—nights were fi lled

with the stillness of the forest and countless stars. At dawn, I traveled by kayak down a nearby stream in hopes of spotting a moose, and later on I climbed an observation platform on one of the many trails and heard a female calling her calf a few feet away. Stay/tour packages offer a host of guided treks, programs and activities; plan to set aside a few days to truly explore this wonderful reserve.

Reford Gardens Continuing along the coast to the southwest will bring you to Grand Metis, home of the Reford Gardens. Created in the 1920s, the gardens are unique for their success in adapting rare species to Quebec’s climate. I visited in June and was treated to a rare sight: Blue Poppies in bloom—a fl ower that is usually only found in the Himalayas. At the Estevan Lodge Restaurant, Chef Pierre-Olivier Ferry uses fl ora from Reford Garden in his dishes. I tried a “Flowering Spoon”—a small salad of begonia, lemon basil, pansy and other fl owers and herbs with a touch of sea salt and honey. It was like a bite of Spring.

Whale Watching After taking the Rimouski-Forestville ferry across the St. Lawrence River, blue signs with white whales on them began appearing on the side of the road—clear markers that I was on the Whale Route. The town of Tadoussac, overlooking the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Conservation Area, is a famous desti-nation for whale watching. I stopped by the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center to get a better idea of what I’d be seeing. The plankton-rich waters of the estuary draw all types of wildlife, from grey seals and seabirds to hump-

back whales and dolphins. Dressed in warm layers, I climbed aboard one of Croisieres AML’s zodiacs and was amazed by what we were able to see in a single excur-sion. Minke whales breached beside our boat, rolling over to display their pink bellies before dipping back beneath the waves. A pod of white beluga whales followed in the wake of a nearby ship, and a

fi n whale—the second largest whale in the world—surfaced just beyond the zodiac to exhale a plume of air and sea-water before arching its long body into a dive. It was a sight I’ll never forget. Stay and Dine: Hotel Tadoussac.

Jardin Des Glaciers Northeast of Tadoussac in Baie Comeau was the last stop on my journey. Jardin Des Glaciers, a new state-of-the-art science and exploration center, tells the story of

the ancient geology and peoples of Quebec in an immersive multimedia presentation. It’s worth spending a couple days here—you can see how fossils are excavated from an ancient seabed or zipline through the Adrenalin Zone. A must-see for natural history and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Stay: Le Grand Hotel. Dine: Hotel Le Manoir dining room.

To learn about more outdoor experi-ences, visit quebecmaritime.ca./en.

tried a “Flowering Spoon”—a small

back whales and dolphins. Dressed in warm layers, I climbed aboard one of Croisieres AML’s zodiacs and was amazed by what we were

beside our boat, rolling over to display their pink bellies before dipping back beneath the waves. A pod of white beluga whales followed in the

Travelimages fl oated overhead. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Blue Fork—a res-taurant specializing in sustain-able seafood—offers creative dishes with ingredients like sea urchin and sea cucumber. Wakeham, in Gaspe. Gaspe is a great base point for most of the destinations on the peninsula.

Photo by Croisieres AML

Photo by quebecmaritime.ca


Seniors Getting Together

TO RESPOND TO AN ADWrite a letter to the person you want to

contact. Place that letter in a stamped en-velope and write the ad number on the bot-tom 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 Together1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584

TO PLACE AN ADSend 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.

little, movies, 68 to 70s. Maybe live together in your home or mine. Only God will know!3983 SEEKING COMPATIBLE GENTLEMAN 63 – 75 I am 69yo, 5’3”. 140 lbs. H, W, C, NS, SD, FF. Attractive, honest and loving, looking for someone to share life, travel, exercises, music, etc. Recent photo would be nice.3989 SWF RED HEADED “LEO SEEKING LEO” I’m 86 yrs, old. 5’6”, 140 lbs. Italian from Miami via Brooklyn, NY. Love crosswords, plants, NASCAR, horse races and the “Dolphins.” ISO good-looking gent, 70s, mustache a plus. Photo/phone.3991 SEEKING 75ISH YO NEAT GENTLEMAN SWM, NS, SD(ok), SOH. Would enjoy a good friend, maybe more. I enjoy movies, cards, games, most activities, dining out

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

1038 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess & model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exer-cises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Fort Myers. 3981 CHRISTIAN W F Attractive, petite, ISO honest gentleman, NS, LTR, SOH, likes dancing a

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHERPersonal Ad Placement

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

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

Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

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

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

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: E-mail:

MAIL TO: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Only $6 to place an ad!

Title (First 4 Words):

City(No Charge):

and in, good conversation, slow dancing and travel. All answered.3993 SEEKING INTELLIGENT RE-TIRED GENTLEMAN with a sense of humor who has seen a bit of the world. Age not important—health is. No smokers. Social drink—ok. I am 5’2”, normal weight, good health. Some say good looking, adventur-ous white woman. St. Petersburg.3997 I WANNA DANCE SBF, 57, new to south Hillsborough. Would like a NS gentleman dance partner to attend festivals, concerts, other social/cultural events. Dutch treat. Straight/gay/race not important. 3999 SEEKING INTELLIGENT NEW FRIENDS ‘70’s Lady, feminist, loves books, writing, politics, movies, art, theater, concerts, cats, cooking/bak-ing and libraries; no baggage. F, WW, W, C, NS, ND, NDrg, SOH, P, FF. Tampa.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

3992 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN I am looking for a

woman in her late 50s or early 60s. Going for walks, movies, going out to eat, staying home watching tv. Send phone number. Pasco County.3994 52, 5’10” 182 LBS. NATUROPATH SBM ISO a full-fi gured SWF between 50 – 62 for LTR. Must be a NS and a very light drinker. I enjoy fl ea markets, cooking, weight lifting, working, fi shing, camping, cud-dling and the Dallas Cowboys. “How ‘bout dem Cowboys?”3996 QUIET, CLEAN MALE, RETIRED loves the water, seek-ing a white female, fair hair, blue eyes between 49 to 69 yrs young for LTR in St. Pete or around.4001 SEEKING A SLIM, ROMANTIC FEMALE ISO slim, romantic blonde w/green eyes for LTR. I am 64 years old, psychotherapist, works with prisoners. I have a car and a home on the water. Photo please. St. Petersburg.

Commonly Used Abbreviations:F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, 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,

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.

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!

Happy Passover!


Last Month’s Answers

Enter To Win!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Name

Address

City State Zip

Age Phone

E-mail

Sendyouranswersforadrawing.Firstcorrectanswersse-lectedfromthedrawingonApril19willreceive$20cash!

Sendto:News Connection USA, Inc., 1602 S. Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584

I am interested in: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

LEARN HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR PETS IN AN EMERGENCY

The SPCA’s brochure "Our Best Friends Deserve Better Plans" has allthe latest information on Estate Planning for Pets and Florida's PetTrust Law and it is FREE! This brochure helps pet owners plan for theirpets in case of an emergency or in case their pets outlive them. Use thisorder form to order your free materials.

Send Me Information! Clip and mail this coupon

Name: Address:

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E-mail:

� I/We have included the SPCA in my/our estate plan.

Please send me the following information� Best Friends Deserve Better Plans brochures� Pet Alert Wallet Card� In-Case-Of-Emergency Window DecalInformation and notices on Estate Planning for Seminars� Including the SPCA in my will or codicil.� Giving my paid up life insurance policy to the animals at the SPCA� Making the SPCA the beneficiary of my retirement plan

Mail your order form to SPCA,9099 – 130th Ave N, Largo, FL 33773. Or order on line at SPCAFL.org under Estate Planning or call 727-581-3249

Enter to Win!

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

Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511Email address:

I am interested in:� Travel / Cruises� Recreation / Leisure� Entertainment / Events

� Insurance� Elder Law / Financial� Housing & Senior

Lifestyles Options

� Personal Health & Fitness

� Home Improvements� Automobiles

NameAddressCity State ZipAge Phone SC/Hills

This month’s

winner is

Myron L. Guisewite

Congratulations !!!

Last Month’sAnswers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!SC/HillsandSun

This Month’s Winner Is

Florence GeidaCongratulations!

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Apr. 21 will win. Good luck!

Mystery Prize!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES

1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!(Sudoku must be received by April 21, 2011.)

April Sudoku

Last Month’s Answers March SudokuDora Grober and Phyllis Frantz are last month’s

winners! Congratulations!

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selected each month Good Luck!

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Call 1-888-670-0040 or visit www.srmagazine.com


Bright House Networks would like to thank everyone who participated in our Bright Stars Senior Talent Shows this year. All proceeds from ticket sales from the Regional Shows went to benefit local senior non-profit organizations.

Bright House Networks was pleased to assist the following organizations that do so much for our seniors each and every day:

Pinellas ticket proceeds went to benefit Good Life Games 2011Tri-County ticket proceeds went to benefit CARES Adult Day CareManatee ticket proceeds went to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS

Hillsborough ticket proceeds went to benefit Tampa Bay Senior Games

Be sure to tune in to Tampa Bay On Demand Channel 340 in late April to see Bright House Networks Tampa Bay Senior Idol 2011 show again! The Tampa Bay Senior Idol will receive $500 from Bright House Networks and will choose the charity of their choice

to receive $500. Then tune in to find out who the audience will select as the Tampa Bay’s Senior Idol.

Thanks to Humana for being our Senior Idol Sponsor!

The winners from each of our regional shows have been chosen to perform at the Bright House Networks Senior Idol Show:

April 6, 2011 - 7:00 pm • Ruth Eckerd Hall1111 N. McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759 • 727-712-2759

Tickets - $6 each General Admission

Twelve terrific acts will be performing, Jen Holloway and Virginia Johnson will host the show culminating with the selection of one performer who will be named Tampa Bay Senior Idol 2011.


Word Search Answers

From March 2011

Wendell Strelesky is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

&

Word Search Apr. 2011In 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?

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

SENIOR CONNECTION or MATURE LIFESTYLES

1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584

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

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

(Puzzles must be received by Apr. 21, 2011.)

MYSTERY PRIZE!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

Help Centers and Support Groups

Featured Organizations

Support Groups

SHINE Provides educational materials and free unbiased insurance coun-seling to Florida elders, caregivers and family members. 1-800-963-5337.

West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging Volunteers and professionals work closely with seniors, their families and caregivers

to identify and locate the services they need. (800) 336-2226.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals daily to home-bound seniors. 550 W. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa. (813) 238-8410.

Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services Respite ser-vices, in-home care, caregiver support and more. Bart Banks, Director

County Center, 25th Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa. (813) 272-5430

Mondays Living Healthy Program at Brandon Senior Center, 612 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (813) 635-8064.

Mondays Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Classes. Gold’s Gym, 689 W. Waters Ave., North Tampa, 1 – 2 p.m. (813) 844-4547.

Monday – Fridays Free blood pressure testing at Ruskin Senior Center, 905 6th St. SE, Ruskin. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (813) 672-1106.

Every First Tuesday Mental Health Support Group at James A. Haley VA Hospital, Bruce B Downs, Rm 1C-104, Tampa. 6:30 – 8 p.m. (813) 273-8104.

Every Third Wednesday Caregivers Support Group Meeting at The Oaks at Riverview Senior Center, 101 E. Kirby St., Tampa. 1 p.m. (813) 272-6827.

Tuesdays Cancer Support Group at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive (fifth floor), Tampa. Caregivers: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Patients:

1 – 2 p.m. (813) 745-8470 ext. 8407.

Thursdays Grief Recovery Support Group. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1210 Del Webb Blvd., west Sun City

Center. (813) 634-2539.

Every First Thursday Alzheimers Support Group at USF Alzheimer’s Center, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. First floor conference room. 2 p.m. (813) 974-4355.

Every First Saturday Diabetes Support Group at the Tampa General Hospital Health Education Center, 740 S.Village Circle, Tampa. 2:30 p.m.

(813) 844-8091.

Every First Saturday Comprehensive Health Screenings. Fees vary from $5 to $25 depending on the screening. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at University

Community Hospital, 3100 E. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa. Info: 1-877-482-4362.

Featured Organizations


Worried about High Gas Prices?

Would you like to receive FREE Gas? Did you know that

16 major oil companies are giving away FREE $200 Gas Gift

Cards to thousands of Americans EVERY MONTH? Go to http://www.cnicards.com to discover how you can receive your FREE

$200 Gas Gift Cards!

OZZIE’S BUFFET BAR & GRILL“Great American Home Cooking” You’ve tried the Rest

Now try the Best

Best Fried Chicken in townBest Jamaican Jerk Chicken

3074 E. COLLEGE AVE. PH. (813) 641-1300 Located at Sun Port Plaza

American • Caribbean Italian • Oriental

Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available

Welcome Back Friends!Evening Entertainment!

starting at 6pm Tuesday – Saturday

Healthy Choices

AvailableSENIOR

DISCOUNT

LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET NOW SERVING

Crab Legs & Whole Lobster Specials

Lobster or Crab Dinner $10.99 + tax

with 2 sidesBuffet not included

HoursMon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m

Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Breakfast$7.95 + tax

Children $4.89 + taxLunch

$8.25 + taxSenior $7.96 + tax

Children $4.95 + taxDinner

$9.99 + taxSenior $9.69 + tax

Children $5.95 + tax

Ruskin, FLoff 674

✦ Featured on Nationwide TV✦ Reasonable rates✦ Huge windows on

tropical gardens✦ Vet on call✦ Soft music, lots of

loving & petting

15501 Boyette Rd.Riverview

Unique Vacation Hotel for Cats Only!

American Legion Hall

BINGOPost 26

Plant City, FLBaker & Woodrow Wilson

Every Sat. night6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Public Welcome

(813) 752-8608

u212

We Seniors!We Seniors!CUT GRASS ONLYONCE A WEEK OR ONCE A MONTH

FOR $25, ANY LAWNCall Mike (813) 475-2136 Anytime

Do You Have Something to Sell? If you have something such as antiques,

crafts, collectables or general stuff, consider leasing you own little store inside our big store here in Brandon.

The rental in our store is quite reasonable and all you need to do is stock your little store, price-tag each item and you are done. Our staff will, sell your wares,

handle sales taxes and credit card costs and settle up with you at the end of the

month. Our store will receive a 15% commission on all items we sell for you.Our store is open seven days a week, so drop by and see if one of our little

stores will work for you.The Curiosity Shoppe is at

1335 West Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, FLWe enjoy a car traffic by our store of approximately 48,000 cars per day.

Or call: (813) 294-2581

“Follow” us or “Like” us to keep up with Mature

Lifestyles news, the latest information and fun events

in your area. Get your “Smile for the Day!” or share

your comments with us!

Find our Facebook page by logging on to facebook.com

and searching for “Senior Connection

and Mature Lifestyles.”

Or visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MaturLifeStyles.

Mature Lifestyles is now on

and

Check Us Out Online!

Insurance DiscountsFor Mature Drivers

Have a Florida’s Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older?

Take Your Class Online!• Study at your leisure, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.• Simply read the course materials online and then answer a few quiz questions.• There is no need to attend boring classes or listen to long lectures.• After completion, of course we will issue a state-certifi ed certifi cate for you to

turn into your insurance company to receive your discount for a three year period.

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.

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Approved Course

To Register go to:www.seniordriverclass.comor call 1-800-771-2255

For Mature Drivers

• Study at your leisure, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

MARK YOU CALENDAR FORSENIOR FUN FEST

JUNE 30THPlant City, FL

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• Doctor Recommended• Customized Programs aligned to your Genetics• Enjoy Regular Grocery Store and Restaurant Food• Private, One-on-One Counseling• Programs for the Entire Family, Kids Join FREE with an Adult• 20 Weight Loss Centers conveniently located in Florida

“Results Weight Loss accommodates my real life; I can go to a restaurant and order off the menu or I can cook at home. And there’s no type of food I can’t have – no matter what I’m craving there’s something in my program to satisfy me.”

Senior Connection Hillsborough edition April 2011

Documents

Transcript of Senior Connection Hillsborough edition April 2011