Mature Lifestyles April 2012 Southwest

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 2

Dear Readers,

If you’re a Florida transplant, there’s

a good chance you’ve suffered from some sort of Zone Denial as I have. I first heard of “Zone Denial” in Texas. I was in the process of buy-ing some Antique Roses to bring back with me when a fellow traveler, an avid gardener herself, said, “Aren’t you in Zone Denial?” It seems Zone Denial is rampant everywhere gardeners are found. It’s a malady for Floridians that comes about when you live in west central Florida and deny the fact that, for gardening purposes, we are in Hardiness Zones 10, 9a or 9b, but we buy something that grows best in another growing zone. The Hardiness Zone Map by the USDA is a way for gardeners to compare their garden climates with the climate where a plant is known to grow well. The antique roses, for example, were for zones four, five and six. I had a bad case of Zone Denial! The 2012 zone map reflects a new reality: Many areas of the U.S. are designated as warmer by about five degrees. For a gardener, that means plants which in the past wouldn’t thrive here (given the 1990 map) might well survive beautifully now. Let the plant-buying begin! It’s the first time since 1990 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has revised the official guide for the nation’s 80 million gardeners, and much has changed. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are in warmer zones.

Zone Denial history The first year I lived here, I was an avid flower and vegetable gardener wannabe who, in reality, needed a support group to report to. “Hello, my name is Janice. I just planted tulips.” Or English peas. Or crocuses.

I laughed the first time our lawn here sprouted clover-looking weeds (Oxalis) all a-bloom with little purple flowers. I had paid $6 to have a shamrock plant like those shipped to my Kansas house one winter years ago. The shamrock bloomed on my kitchen windowsill, and I thought it was magnificent. Now, I was in Florida and it was blooming all over the yard! Amazing! A few years after the Kansas shamrock plant, I paid $5 for a straggly little split-leaf philodendron plant in late summer. It had to be re-potted twice that first winter as it thrived in a south-facing window. On the move to Florida, “Philly,” as we called it, rode in the back of a pickup, roughly stuffed inside a wicker clothes hamper.New neighbor Marti advised us to put Philly outside in the ground. Reverse Zone Denial set in—this was a houseplant. It couldn’t just be plopped in the ground and never dug up again! But, by rough estimate, Philly is 38 years old now and has a lineup of 13 siblings across the back fence.

Avant-gardening Only in the last few years have enough trees been cut from our one-third acre yard to create sunny spots for vegetable gardening. Dear Husband asked where I wanted a vegetable garden. We picked a spot in summer’s full sun, and he constructed two 8’ x 8’ garden boxes of landscape timbers. Compost, top soil and DH’s sweat equity—tomato and broccoli plants went into the ground

in early February. Then we waited. And waited. And waited. The plants were there, but nothing happened. One day I stood and looked at the pitiful plants and realized that as the sun goes lower on the horizon for the winter (right over there behind the neighbor’s beautiful old live oaks), our garden spot never ever had full sun. Plotting more carefully, DH moved the two garden plots 100 feet across the yard where they now get full sun half the day. And we’re enjoying tomatoes, broccoli, onions and squash. DH is a compostaphile – to rot or not to rot? Rot, of course. An ordinary, over-grown corner of the yard now boasts three piles of matter in various stages of decay. Then he found a “recipe” for garden-ing which has produced amazing results in a short time. From the St. Pete Times (now Tampa Bay Times), July 10, 2004: “Choose an area 6 feet by 6 feet in full sun; spread a 25 pound bag of cheap dry dog food nuggets, a 20 pound bag of cheap clay cat litter and half of a 50 pound bag of alfalfa pellets. . . Once everything has been applied, use a shovel to turn the soil. Water deeply, then cover the site with overlapping layers of cardboard boxes… Mulch…ripen for two to four weeks…” (You can also find the recipe at baysound-ings.com/fall08/stories/grow.asp.) We planted in February, David watered regularly and God gave the increase. Squash plants grew six inches in a week. Tomato and pepper plants shot out of the ground and are full of blooms. No more Zone Denial here. We’ll just accept Florida exactly as it is. You can see the Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

How I Overcame Zone Denial and Changed to Avant-Gardening

Janice Doyle, Editor

Janice Doyle and the “fast-growing” squash.

Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles

Hot Off The Press!Announces their new name:“Lifestyles After 50!”

Look for it in upcoming editions!

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Published monthly by

News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Corporate Advertising Offi ce:P.O. Box 638

Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher of

ATTENTION READERS:The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily refl ect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the May 2012 issue is April 15, 2012.

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Fridays Lee County ShuffleboardClub at North Ft. Myers

Community Park. Noon to 4 p.m. Call Wally at (239) 690-9920.

Through 15 Wicked—The UntoldStory of the Witches of Oz. 1 p.m.

Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. Bbmannpah.com or (239) 481-4849.

8 Easter Sunrise Service. City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Avenue,

Fort Myers. 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. Free. Cof-fee and pastries served. (239) 332-8423.

12 Senior Fun Fest sponsored by this publication. Live ‘50s

and ‘60s music, free Bingo, health screenings, more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cultural Center, Port Charlotte. Call 1-888-670-0040 for information.

13 – 15 Creative Coast Weekend on Pine Island. Shops, galleries,

classes, live music. (239) 283-0888.

14 Florida Yards & NeighborhoodsIntroductory Class. Learn the

nine principles to having a Florida Friendly Yard. 9 a.m. – noon. Eco-Living Center, Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers. $8/household. Register at lee.ifas.ufl.edu.or call (239) 533-7514.

15 Balloons Over Paradise Festival at Seminole Casino

Immokalee. 30 hot air balloons. Food, live music, artists, much more. 6 a.m.to 4 p.m. Immokalee Regional Airport.Info: seminoleimmokaleecasino.comor call (239) 658-1313.

17 Self Protection seminar by Cape Coral Police Dept. Juniper Vil-

lage, 4920 Viceroy Court, Cape Coral. 2:30 p.m. RSVP to (239) 542-3121.

19 Low Tide Loafing at Sunset,naturalist guided walk at

Bunche Beach. Bring bug spray, drinking water. 6 p.m. 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers. Information– call Belinda at (239) 229-7356.

20 – 29 Sand Bash, Master Sand Sculpting Exhibition, Holiday

Inn, Ft. Myers Beach. Sculptures, movies of past sculpting. $5/person; $18/family of four. Kids under 5 free. Wine Tasting $20/person. See complete schedule at sandbash.comor call (239) 463-5711.

21 Earth Day with the Sierra Club at Koreshan State Historic

Site. Music, food, demonstrations.3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call (239) 992-0311 for more information.

21 Earth Day Celebration at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge,

Sanibel Island. Call (239) 472-1100for more information.

21 Sons of Norway Gulf Coast Vikings meeting and pot luck.

Breckenridge Golf & Tennis Club-house, 20091 Wimbledon Ct, Estero. $5/members and guests are welcome. All people of Scandinavian heritage invited. Bring a dish to share; soda and coffee provided. BYOB. 5 p.m. Get gate info from Maxine: (239) 405-4026.

28 Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon at Tony Rotino

Senior Center. $15/person. 1 p.m. Call for reservations: (239) 574-0807.

28 First Annual Artists’ Studio Tour sponsored by Alliance

for the Arts. Self-guided tour to visit nine area studios and homes of artists from painters to potters and metal workers. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $45/person at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers. Info at (239) 939-2787.

29 Taste of Fort Myers Beach featuring 20 local restaurants’

fare. Under the oaks at Bay Oaks Recreation Center, 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach. 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.Information at (239) 454-7500 or tasteoffortmyersbeach.com.

Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please 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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SCORE Volunteers Make a DifferenceBY JANICE DOYLE

Success is counted in different ways by different people. One SCORE

volunteer said, “Success is when you help people achieve a lifetime dream to become an independent business owner.” SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is made up of both retired executives and former (or current) business owners whose backgrounds and experience can help small business owners be successful. Dale Johnson, Chapter Chairman for SCORE Chapter 219, is one of the 22 volunteer counselors who assist area small business owners in starting and continuing their business dreams. “All of the volunteers have different backgrounds. We have CPAs, bankers, engineers, marketing, manufacturing, you name it. We bring knowledge and experience and all of us made a million mistakes.” Mistakes they hope to help others avoid making.

SCORE volunteers may be mentors for clients, working one-on-one with individuals who start and build a business. Some volunteers have full-time jobs and provide workshops or have specialized knowledge in newer technical areas. The volunteers’ expertise is used in different ways. Johnson recognized the need for a task force to bring bankers and small business owners together for more effective financing interaction. Clients coming to SCORE may need to start at the beginning, developing an effective business plan. Others need help creating strategies for business growth. They may have a few specific questions and meet only once with a mentor while other clients are looking for long term mentoring that may last for years. A client may meet with one volunteer—say for initial financing advice—but later with other volunteers who have different areas of expertise.

Free workshops bring the knowl-edge of volunteers to groups. A recent morning workshop sponsored by Chapter 219 was based on a vol-unteer’s expertise in the import/ex-port business. An afternoon seminar focused on optimizing the internet for business, a necessity today. Today’s business world is chang-ing. “You can never get ahead of technology so you have to keep growing with it,” said one Florida SCORE volunteer. It has meant add-ing business technology workshops and counseling on subjects like creating a website, marketing on the internet, using Quickbooks, etc. Johnson said, “I’m bringing in younger people” to help with the technology needed in today’s business world. SCORE can help an older person who wants to sell a business, like an artist for example, which involves pricing the inventory and tools, doing necessary paperwork, etc.

Another area of assistance is for the client who plans to buy out a business he’s been working for. An electrician may not realize that there’s more than just taking care of the trade part, and may think it looks easy to run the business since he knows the work. Asked what the biggest misconception people have about going into business is, Johnson said, “People do not understand basic accounting. I often tell them to buy a high school accounting book and go through it chapter by chapter and learn the basics. They have to know the language of accounting.” If you’re a retired executive or are any age and own or have owned a successful small business, you may want to give back to the community through SCORE. Website: score219.org; Email: [email protected];Phone: (239) 489-2935.

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BY DAVID LALMOND

Beyond the beaches and amuse-ment parks, Florida’s vineyards

and wineries open up an opportu-nity to learn an interesting part of the state’s agricultural history—and to taste some unique wines. Florida is home to the original American wines—native grapes were used for winemaking three centuries before California became a state. But Florida growers faced hot, humid summers which produced diseases other areas did not have to combat. In 1923 a breeding program was initiated at the University of Florida that has resulted in the development of numerous disease-resistant grape varieties suited to Florida’s soil and climate. And for winemaking. Florida wineries utilize native Muscadines and local fruits for wines. How about orange or mango or blueberry wine? Trivia: In 2009, nearly two million gallons of wine were produced in Florida. Only fi ve states produced more than Florida.*

Using I-75 as your main path, follow a wine trail through Florida this summer as the harvest season runs from May through September. Enjoy the unique sights, tastes and aromas of Florida vineyards and wines at these locations: Dakotah Winery near Chiefl and is a family-run business. Since 1985, the Rittgers family has been cultivating Muscadine grape vines. Today there are over 6,000 vines, including 30-plus varieties of Muscadines which begin ripening in August. Not only can you taste authentic Florida wine, you can also take a therapeutic walk over the grounds and see the vines, sheep (which keep the area mowed) and geese (which help prune the vines). (352) 493-9309.

Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery in Spring Hill is Florida’s newest certifi ed “Florida Farm Winery.” Here you’ll fi nd traditional oak-fermented red wines as well as characteristically Southern wines. They offer tours of the vineyard and processing areas plus tastings. (352) 799-7612. Tangled Oaks Vineyard in Grandin is just east of Gainesville. Think Italian wine here—the vineyard was started by the DaCasto family with roots in Italian winemaking country. (386) 659-1707. Trivia: Muscadines are a Southern specialty, not found anywhere else in the world. Their tough skins make them wonderful for children to squish with their feet, which they can do on special weekends at Lakeridge Winery. Just 25 miles east of I-75 near Clermont is Lakeridge Winery, Florida’s largest. Its buildings and setting make it look for all the world like a small winery in the south of France or California’s Napa Valley. The winery is popular for its tours, which reveal 5,000-gallon stainless steel tanks, crushers, state of the art harvesters, a large tasting room and much more. Lakeridge Winery is a des-tination for weekend events, specials on wine, daily complimentary tours and wine tasting. 1-800-768-9463. Florida Orange Groves Winery in St. Pete began with packing and shipping citrus and evolved into Florida’s original tropical fruit winery (garnering numerous awards along the way). If you think you can’t make wine out of oranges, think again! These are not fusion or blended grape wines, but 43 varieties of 100% pure tropical fruit wines. (It can take upwards of nine pounds of fruit to produce enough juice for just one bottle of wine.) Try their Mango Mama, which just won “Best of Show Florida Fruit” contest at the 2012 Florida State Fair. 1-800-338-7923.

Trivia: Florida Orange Groves Winery has been invited to the EPCOT Wine Festival nine continuous years. Keel and Curley Winery near Plant City (10 miles east of I-75 on I-4) began when the owner needed to fi nd new ways to use an oversupply of fresh blueberries. The winery now produces three types of blueberry wines as well as fusion wines, made by blending grapes with fruit juices. Try their Peach Chardonnay or Key West Key Lime, for example. (Tast-ings: 11 Wines for $6. Weekend vine-yard tours: $5/ person or $10 com-bined with tasting.) (813) 752-9100. Located near Bradenton, the Rosa Fiorelli Winery is based on expertise the family brought with them from Sicily. They pride themselves on their ten acres of grapes and with over 100 awards under their belts, it’s still a small, friendly family place for a vineyard and winery tour and tasting ($10). (941) 322-0976.

Eden Vineyards and Winery, 10 miles east of Fort Myers near Alva, was

planted in the ‘70s with cuttings from the original hybrid vines at University of Florida research sites. Since 1986 they have produced six wines on this, the furthest south winery on the west coast of Florida. Tastings are held every day. (239) 728-9463. Trivia: Eden Winery is the oldest operating Florida Farm Winery in the state. Their wines have been featured at Disney’s Grand Floridian,the Palm Beach Breakers Hotel andthe Ritz Carlton.

For more information and other wineries, see Florida Grape Growers Association at fgga.org or individual vineyard and winery websites. *(Information from Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.)

Winemaking is Three Centuries Old in Florida

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Keel and Curley Winery

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Mothers have always been known for their willingness

to sacrifice financially if it meant their children could have what they needed. Now, a MetLife Mature Market Institute study shows that boomer women are also placing a strong emphasis on self-reliance and providing for themselves. Here are some results ofthe study:

• Boomer women (in fact women across all generations) desire to be able to give more financially to children or grandchildren.

• Boomer women agree that they need to prepare for retirementto avoid depending on familymembers later in life.

• Boomers feel that they are more financially se-cure than the other generations of women today.

• If given the choice between spending money to enjoy retirement versus saving with the intent to leave an inheritance, boomer women feel it is important to stay focused on enjoying retirement and giving small gifts to children.

• As women get older, they indicate they’ve contributed significantly to their children and that the time has come to focus on their own needs for both enjoyment and independence.

• Boomer women generally would be reluctant to accept financial help from their children.

• Although they felt they would give

financial help to parents and/or in-laws in times of financial difficulty, most boomer women wouldn’t want to accept financial help from their adult children, even if they needed it.

• Among women, life insurance is viewed as a key component to

ensuring their family’s financial security. As one respondent to the study said, “I couldn’t imagine not having life insurance. I just can’t imagine there being that added stress for my family.”

• Over half of boomer women said life insurance is to support their spouse if they die prematurely, followed by having money to cover funeral costs. • Few boomer women feel aresponsibility to support a grandchild’s education.

“What’s apparent from this study is that having a plan for independence is important for family financial security, especially for women as they age; many clearly don’t want to rely on their families,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute.

Boomer Women Have Focus on Self-Reliance

Senior Hunger at Crisis Level in Southwest Florida

There are now 10,000 baby boom-ers turning 65 every single day,

and this will continue to occur for the next 15 years. Baby boomers were planning to spend their golden years in Florida at the beach or playing golf, but many are unable to do so. Not only are they not swinging clubs, but many do not have enough money for food. In October 2011, Senior Friendship Centers in partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Comfort Keepers In-home care had the first of its kind—Senior Hunger Summit at Florida Gulf Coast University. Over 100 organizations throughout Southwest Florida that provide senior services were in attendance and agreed that they were seeing more and more seniors that had to choose between rent, medication and food. Many, especially homebound seniors, are isolated and either do not

know of resources available or do not want to become a burden on the community; so they remain hidden. Seniors who are hungry are likely to have poor overall health and more limitations in activity levels, concentration and social life. If these elders do not receive help, they will begin a downward spiral through depression and increased illness, and most likely end up in hospitals and nursing homes. Armed with this information, the Senior Hunger Task Force was formed with volunteer representatives of many in attendance that day. Strategic plan-ning has begun with goals of increasing “senior friendly” food options to homebound seniors and improving senior access to food pantries and to SNAP (Food Stamp Program). Community collaboration and com-munity awareness through education

are two more of the needs that are being addressed. With our community coming together, we will be prepared for the future and will be able to face this epidemic head on with solutions. For more information on being a part of the Senior Hunger Task Force or providing resources, including donations for food, please contact Nancy Green-Irwin at (239) 275-1881 or [email protected].

Edna Baker, 90, is one of many seniors aided by DeSoto County Dining Sites.

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How Do Flea Markets Do in This Economy? Quite Well!

A flea market fan could make an entire vacation—summer or

winter—right here in west central Florida flea markets and probably never visit the same booth twice. In fact, the combination of the weak economy and television programs that showcase auctions, pickers and re-sellers have driven the public’s interest in flea markets to their high-est level ever as people look for both great deals and hidden treasures. Whether it’s a roadside table full of a family’s castoffs or a covered building with lighting and concrete fl oors; whether it’s a man’s second job to feed the family or the retiree’s hobby, fl ea market outings can provide unlimited wandering and maybe, just maybe, the big “fi nd.”

Webster—an early tourist attraction Flea markets—”swap meets” they’re called out west—actually have a long history in Florida. In the ‘70s, before Disney and Busch Gardens-type attractions, Sumter Farmer’s Market, or Webster Flea Market as it is commonly called, was the 8th biggest tourist attraction in Florida.

According to Webster Flea Market’s General Manager, Mark Harrell, the original farmers market started in 1937 when local farmers needed a place to sell their surplus produce. And it’s done nothing but grow ever since. During the winter months, as many as 50,000 people make their way through the fl ea market every Monday. Bus groups come from as far away as Orlando to check out the merchandise. Besides being so huge, Webster Flea Market has made a name for itself be-cause it’s only open on Mondays, while most fl ea markets are weekends only. New merchandise, used items, an entire wholesale area and every specialty market imaginable fi ll building after building of stalls. One entire building is for produce. Across the street from the fl ea and farmers market area is Webster West-Side which showcases antique and collectible dealers. Want a 1920’s Lone Ranger lunch box? Coke collectibles? Militaria? All the many other things your mom threw away? They’re there! Many vendors have spent decades selling at Webster on Mondays, chang-ing their merchandise to meet new needs. Harrell said one mistake novice vendors make is not fi nding a “niche” market. “If you sell what too many others are selling you won’t last long.”

Wagon Wheel Flea Market Harold Huntley started the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park 43 years ago and has over 2,000 vendors in winter and 1,000 in summer. Huntley understands both his vendors and his customers. “A good vendor has to use common sense, have a good product and be friendly with the customers.” Internet sites and trade magazines also help vendors know what’s hot and what’s not.

“When I started 43 years ago, most everything people brought to sell was used,” Huntley said. “Gradually there was less and less used stuff out there and more new, overstock merchandise. Our customers didn’t like it. They wanted to see

the used stuff, so for a few years in the ‘70s or ‘80s, I gave free space to people who would sell used items.”

He continued, “It’s funny because if there’s a table that has disorganized used stuff on it, people will buy because they think it’s a bargain.” Do fl ea market owners become shoppers? “I love the shopping part of being here,” admitted Huntley who has turned most of the management of Wagon Wheel over to his son. Babe Wright has been a part of the Oldsmar Flea Market since 1980. Have fl ea markets lost their popularity, I asked. “We have been busy, very busy, all winter. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the economy, but I’m glad.” She helped get it started, she said, “Be-cause a lot of people in this area like to have a little business, something to do, but if they pay big rent they don’t have much left. Here they don’t have utilities or upkeep to worry about either.” She encourages people to visit Oldsmar Flea Market. “Here you can have a beer and look around until you fi nd what you want.” Some area fl ea markets:

Belleview: The Market of Marion, 12888 SE. U.S. Hwy 441 (352) 245-6766

Belleview: Flea City USA, 12180 Hwy. 441 (352) 245-3532

Bonita Springs: Flamingo Island Flea Market, 1902 Bonita Beach Rd. (941) 948-7799

Bradenton: Red Barn Flea Market, 1707 First St. E. (941) 747-3794

Bradenton: Roma Flea Market, 5715 15th St. E. (941) 756-9036

Clearwater: Forty Niner Flea Market. 10525 – 49th St. N. (813) 473-3367

Dade City: Old Timers Flea Market. N. Hwy. 301 (352) 567-5085

Fort Myers: Fleamasters, MLK Hwy., exit 138 (239) 334-7001

Ft. Myers: Ortiz Avenue Flea Market, I-75 mile marker #24 (941) 694-5019

Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N. Racetrack Rd. (813) 855-5306

Palmetto: The Country Market, Hwy. 301 & 41 (941) 723-6000

Pinellas Park: Wagon Wheel Flea Market, 7801 Park Blvd. (727) 544-5319

Port Charlotte: Sun Flea Market, U.S. Hwy. 41 & 776 (941) 255-3532

Tampa: Big Top Flea Market, 9250 E. Fowler Ave. (813) 986-4004

Webster Farmers Flea Market, Hwy. 47 N. (352) 793-2021

How to shop at a fl ea market: If you know what you want, locate the office and ask the staff. They’ll know who sells what you want, from canvas awnings to wooden zebras. No specific item on your radar? Wander and enjoy!

Don Esbenshade (79) has been a vendor at Wagon Wheel Flea Market for 35 years. His specialty now is colorful Murano glassware although, like many long-time fl ea market vendors,

over the years he has followed several trends in products.


How Much Do You Love That Doggie in the Window?Americans love their pets to the

tune of spending $60 billion (Yes, Billion!) per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So you get a pet. There are the adoption fees, spaying/neutering, collars, litter boxes, cages, carrier

bags, aquariums, training classes, etc. Those are the initial setup costs. What happens after those costs? The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) breaks down the annual costs of pets this way. Cost per year by pet:

Think about it. How much do you love that doggie in the window?

Fish: $35 Small dog: $355 Medium dog: $470 Large dog: $650

Cat: $495 Hamster: $300 Guinea pig: $635 Rabbit: $730

Armchair Travel at Its BestEnough with the road less

traveled. “The Europe no one knows about” has become a tediously familiar destination in modern travel writing. Europe On Five Wrong Turns A Day: One Man, Eight Countries, One Vintage Travel Guide by Doug Mack is straight-up, cliché-ridden tourism. It’s a journey firmly on the beaten path and an exploration of how the path got so beaten in the first place. Mack stumbles on an inspired idea when he picks up a 47-year-old edition of Arthur Frommer’s classic travel guide Europe on Five Dollars a Day.

He decides to go where millions have gone before but with a hope-lessly outdated guidebook nearly a half a century old. The result is a funny and fascinating journey into a new (old) world and a disarming reflection on the ways this experi-ence has and hasn’t

changed in the last generation. Spanning eight countries and spending far more than five dollars a day, Mack delivers a unique version of armchair time travel with Frommer—who is much like a character out of Mad Men—in tow. It’s travel, it’s history and it’s funny. Doug Mack is based in Minneapolis with a digital home at douglasmack.net.

Volunteer OpportunityFlorida’s Long-Term

Care Ombudsman Pro-gram needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facili-ties and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’

concerns. Special training and certification is provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term

care facility residents—who often have no one else to advocate for them—are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Titanic Museums OpenIf you’ve always been fascinated

by the story of the Titanic, now there’s a musical toenjoy and museums filled with memorabilia. Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants open April 14 in both Branson, Missouri

and in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The date is the 100th anniver-

sary of the night the ship struck an iceberg on its

maiden voyage. Tickets for the unique historical

tribute are available now by calling (800) 381-7670.


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Knee Arthroscopy Offers Faster Recovery, Less PainBY JOHN C. KAGAN, M.D.

In the past few decades, the advance of minimally

invasive surgical procedures like arthroscopy has revolu-tionized orthopedic surgery. For people with chronic or acute knee pain, this high-tech procedure offers numer-ous benefits over traditional surgery, including less trauma to the body, faster recovery and reduced pain. When physicians suggest “scop-ing” the knee to determine the cause of pain, they are referring to arthroscopy. During an arthroscopic procedure, only tiny incisions are made in the body, just large enough to insert small tube or scope about five millimeters in diameter. A fiberoptic light source and a video camera attached to the scope transmit images of the inside of the knee to

a large monitor, making it possible for the surgeon to see the structures

clearly enough to both diagnose and treat any medical problems without opening the knee joint. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine re-ports that some 4 million people around the world undergo knee-related arthroscopy each year. The most common reasons

for the procedure include removing or repairing torn

cartilage (meniscus tears); reconstruct-ing a torn ligament (ACL tear); trim-ming torn articular cartilage; removing loose chips of bone or cartilage; and removing inflamed synovial tissue. For more info about arthroscopic surgery for the knee or other joints in the body, including the hip and shoulder, please contact John Kagan, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Fort Myers at (239) 936-6778 or visit www.kaganortho.com.

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Over the years, technology has made the waywe live easier, safer and more convenient. Inmany cases, it’s even made many productsmore affordable… (remember how much thefirst VCRs used to cost?). Unfortunately, thecost of hearing aids never seemed to comedown. Now, a new alternative has been invented… it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.

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Veterans CornerBY JANICE DOYLE

Q: Is there extra V.A. Help for veterans who are housebound

or can’t care for themselves?A: A low-income veteran with war-time service who is unable to care for himself or is disabled and housebound might be eligible for V.A. Aid & Atten-dance (A&A) or Housebound benefits, which can be paid in addition to a low-income, wartime veteran’s basic pension. A veteran must qualify for a low-income veteran’s basic pension in order to also get either A&A or House-bound benefits. A veteran can receive either A&A benefits or Housebound benefits, but not both at the same time. How to determine eligibility: A veteran eligible for a low-income pension may also be eligible for A&A benefits if at least one of the following conditions applies:• The veteran requires assistance from another person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, eating, dressing, using the toilet, getting in and out of a bed or chair, walking, taking medication.• The veteran is bedridden, meaning that his condition requires that he remain in bed other than during prescribed convalescence or treatment.• The veteran resides in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.• The veteran is blind (corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes). A veteran eligible for a low-income pension may also be eligible for Housebound benefits if at least one of the following conditions applies:• The veteran has a single, permanent 100 percent disability (as determined by V.A. disability rules) and is there-fore substantially and permanentlyconfined to his residence.• The veteran has a single, permanent 100 percent disability, plus another dis-ability or disabilities evaluated by the V.A. as 60 percent or more disabling.

How to apply: A veteran applies for A&A or Housebound benefits at the regional office that processes the veteran’s pension benefits. If the veteran is just beginning the low-income pension application process, he can apply for the basic pension as well as A&A or Housebound benefits at any V.A. regional office. For more information on applying for low-in-come V.A. pension benefits, see “Does the V.A. have a pension for senior or disabled low-income veterans?”

Q: Does the V.A. pay for family as a caregiver when they take care of a veteran’s that is in need of care?A: The Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit can be used as a source of money to pay family care-givers to provide care at home. This benefit, under the right circumstances, can provide up to $1,949 a month in additional income to pay family members to provide care at home. Getting veterans benefits for paid family caregivers is not an easy task. There must be a caregiver contract in place and services for care must be initiated and thoroughly documented before application can be made. In addition, state and federal tax requirements must be met. Getting these applications approved requires an understanding of the documentation requirements. You can visit the National Care Planning Council website for more information. Questions and answers taken from lawguru.com/answers and caring.com.

Questions about Veterans Care


The Many Faces of DepressionDepression isn’t a one-size-fits-all

illness. Just like a rash or heart disease, depression can take many forms. As you’ll see, there’s a cluster of symptoms that are typically present, but one person’s experience of de-pression often differs from another’s. Definitions of depression—and the therapies designed to ease this dis-ease’s grip—also continue to evolve.What is major depression? Major depression may make you feel as though work, school, relation-ships and other aspects of your life have been derailed or put on hold indefinitely. You feel constantly sad or burdened, or you lose interest in all activities, even those you previously enjoyed. This holds true nearly all day, on most days, and lasts at least two weeks. Signs of depression include changes in appetite and/or sleep, slowdown in activities or heightened restlessness, feeling tired and/or worthless, feelings of guilt and thoughts of suicide. What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder always includes one or more episodes of mania, characterized by high mood, grandiose thoughts and erratic behavior. It also often includes episodes of depression. During a typical manic episode, you would feel terrifically elated, expansive, or irritated over the course of a week or longer. Symptoms may include grandiose ideas or pumped-up self-esteem, urgent desire to talk and great distractibility. It can include a pleasure-seeking urge that might get funneled into sexual sprees, overspending or a variety of schemes, often with disastrous consequences. Coping with a Loved One Like a pebble thrown into a pond, depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder create ripples that spread far from their immediate point of impact. Those closest to people who have these illnesses often suffer alongside them. But you can do a lot to help a loved one and yourself handle this difficult period.Encourage him or her to get treatment and stick with it. Remind the person

about taking medication or keeping therapy appointments. Don’t ignore comments about suicide. If you believe your loved one is suicidal, call his or her doctor or therapist. If neither is available, call a local crisis center or emergency room.

• Care for yourself. Being a caretaker is a difficult job. You may want to seek individual therapy or join a support group. Numerous mental health organizations can provide you with information on the illness and treatments.

• Offer emotional support. Your patience and love can make a huge difference. Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Try not to brush off or judge the other person’s feelings, but do offer hope. Suggest activities that you can do together, and keep in mind that it takes time to get better. Remind yourself that a disease is causing your loved one to act differently or perhaps be difficult. Do not blame him or her, just like you wouldn’t if it were chronic physical pain that caused the person to change in certain ways.

• Try to prevent reckless acts during manic episodes. It’s all too common for a person to make poor decisions when manic, so it’s a good idea to try to prevent this problem by limiting access to cars, credit cards and bank accounts. Watch for signs that a manic episode is emerging. Disruption of sleep patterns can trigger an episode, so support your loved one in keeping a regular sleep schedule. Consistent patterns for other activities such as eating, exercising, and socializing may also help.Information from Harvard Health Letter


Planning for Long-Term Care is so important. Learn all you can about something that can jeopardize the

financial future of your entire family.

Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 18 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist. She brokers with many fine insurance companies and can find the right company to suit your needs.

For a FREE packet of information call today...

“SPRING” into Action With A Long-Term Care Insurance Plan BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSALong-Term Care Insurance Specialist

Long-term care insurance is asset protection. It is designed to pay

for care when we get older and need some assistance with our daily lives. It pays for all levels of care in the home, in an Assisted Living Facility and—as a last resort—Nursing Home Care. Without a private plan, you and your family are at risk for costs of upwards of $80,000 per year. This is a totally avoidable future expense that can be taken care of with a reason-ably priced policy. The sooner you investigate this the less you will pay for it, and hopefully the easier it will be to qualify for coverage. Here are a few important mistakes to avoid:

1. Waiting too long to start planning. We can’t make any of you younger than you are, but however old you are, today is a good day to start. You don’t have to buy insurance protection today; but at least fi nd out what a policy will cost. The premiums are totally fl exible and depend on the benefi ts you select combined with your age and health.

2. Believing it won’t happen to you. Denial is the most common reason not to plan. The government statistics currently published say one in two people age 65 and over WILL need some type of Long-Term Care help. Even a short use of a Long-Term Care Plan (like recovery from a stroke

or a broken hip), can reimburse you thousands of dollars in claims.3. Counting on government programs. If you are 50 or older, are you really ready to count on Medicare and Medicaid being able to pay for the care you want in 15 or 20 years? Don’t be mistaken. With the baby boomer generation aging, today’s current government programs for seniors will be reduced, NOT ENHANCED.4. Not working with a Long-Term Care insurance professional. Costs and discounts vary between insurers, and acceptable health conditions vary. You want to work with an experienced and knowledgeable professional who stays current and can get you the best coverage for the best price. You deserve it and it does not cost any more to do it this way. Call today for a free packet of information. Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 18 years, brokers with only the fi nest insurance companies in the industry and is contracted with EVERY company offering a product. She is a Certifi ed Senior Advisor and Past President of the local chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters. She is a member of the Bonita and the Estero Chambers, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero. She can be reached at (239) 274-6678 or at her website: longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

Front Door Improvementsfor Aging in Place

A good place to start making your house

comfortable for aging in place is the front door. Here are four tips:• Lighting: Increase lighting along pathways and entryways. Motion sensors and timers light the way without the hassle of remembering to flip the switch.• Pathways: Make sure walking surfaces are kept smooth and obstacle-free. If stairs are the only option, be sure to include handrails on both sides. Make the transition at the door threshold as smooth and even as possible to avoid trips and falls.• Resting place: Install a small bench or shelf next to the front door to hold packages or supplies to free up hands when opening the door.

• Keys: Use Kwikset’s Smart-Code deadbolts and handle sets which allow for easy, keyless entry with the touch of a button. SmartCode allows

for several codes to be programmed and changed easily, a convenience to allow neighbors and caregivers access without duplicating keys. Kwikset also offers handle sets and levers that make it easier to open and close doors no matter your dexterity. Planning ahead can mean the difference between staying in your own home for years to come.

Medicare AnswersDear Marci, I have been an inpatient in a hospital for a week and am being transferred to a skilled nursing facility for admis-sion. Will Medicare cover the cost of my ambulance transport? —Larry

Dear Larry, Medicare will pay for ambulance transport only if

you are confined to your bed or your health requires transport by an ambu-lance. Your trip from the hospital to

the skilled nursing facility (SNF) is considered a non-emergency ambulance service because your health is not in immediate danger. For all information about Medicare and ambulance service, log on to medicareinteractive.org Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114.


In the Mouth, Smoking Zaps Healthy BacteriaBY MAUREEN LANGLOIS

According to a February 2012 study by Ohio State University, smok-

ing causes the body to turn against its own helpful bacteria, leaving smok-ers more vulnerable to disease. Despite the daily disturbance of brushing and flossing, the mouth of a healthy person contains a stable ecosystem of healthy bacteria. New research shows that the mouth of a smoker is a much more chaotic, diverse ecosystem—and is much more suscep-tible to invasion by harmful bacteria.

As a group, smokers suffer from higher rates of oral diseases—especially gum disease—than do nonsmokers, which is a challenge for dentists, according to Purnima Kumar, assistant professor of periodontologyat Ohio State University.

“The smoker’s mouthkicks out the good bacteria, and the pathogens are called in,” said Kumar. “So they’re allowed to proliferate much more quickly than they would in a non-smoking environment.” The results suggest that dentists may have to offer more aggressive treatment for smokers and would have good reason to suggest quitting smoking, Kumar said. She likens a healthy biofilm to a lush, green lawn of grass. “When you change the dynamics of what goes into the lawn, like too much water or too little fertilizer,” she said, “you get some of the grass dying, and weeds moving in.” For smokers, the “weeds” are problem bacteria known to cause disease. “When you compare a smoker and nonsmoker, there’s a distinct differ-ence,” said Kumar. “The first thing you notice is that the basic ‘lawn,’ which

would normally contain thriving populations made of just a few types of helpful bacteria, is absent in smokers.” The team found that for nonsmokers, bacte-rial communities regain a similar balance of species to the communi-ties that were scraped away during cleaning.

Disease-associated bacteria are largely absent, and low levels of cytokines show that the body is not treating the helpful biofilms as a threat. “By contrast,” said Kumar, “smokers start getting colonized by pathogens—bacteria that we know are harmful—within 24 hours. It takes longer for smokers to form a stable microbial community, and when they do, it’s a pathogen-rich community.” Smokers also have higher levels of cytokines, indicating that the body is mounting defenses against infection.

Clinically, this immune response takes the form of red, swollen gums—called gingivitis—that can lead to the ir-reversible bone loss of periodontitis. In smokers, however, the body is not just trying to fight off harmful bacteria. The types of cytokines in smokers’ gum swabs showed the researchers that smokers’ bodies were treating even healthy bacteria as threatening. Although they do not yet understand the mechanisms behind these results, Kumar and her team suspect that smok-ing is confusing the normal communica-tion that goes on between healthy bacte-rial communities and their human hosts. Practically speaking, these find-ings have clear implications for patient care, according to Kumar. “It has to drive how we treat the smoking population,” she said. “They need a more aggressive form of treat-ment, because even after a professional cleaning, they’re still at a very high risk for getting these pathogens back in their mouths right away.” (From Newswise)

Health

To Use Generics or Not to Use GenericsQ. My doctor says I should switch

to the generic version of Lipitor, but is it really the same as Lipitor?

A. Many of my patients are asking the same question. My answer to them and to you is pretty much the standard advice: the generic version of Lipitor, called atorvastatin, is highly likely to be just as safe and effective as Lipitor, and also cheaper for you, because of lower co-pays, not just for the insurance company. A generic drug contains the same chemical as the corresponding brand-name drug. The FDA is legally required to determine that generics are “bioequivalent” to brand-name drugs, which means they produce similar blood concentrations of the same chemical. Independent researchers

have also concluded that generics are just as safe and effective. A Harvard colleague of mine, Dr. Aaron

Kesselheim, came to that conclusion after analyzing 47 studies of various heart medicines, including statins. Many generics are produced in other countries, and overseas manufacturers do make mistakes, but that’s also true of U.S.-based

manufacturers. The FDA does regulate the manufacture of all drugs sold in the United States, which is reassur-ing. So I can’t give you an absolute guarantee that generic atorvastatin will be equal to brand-name Lipitor. But I can tell you this: I take Lipitor, and I’ll be switching to generic atorvastatin, so I will be following my own advice (something my wife has suggested that I should do more often).— Anthony Komaroff, M.D.


The Best ofCharlotte County

Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County

April 2012

Fun Events In Charlotte County

Charlotte County!

13 Singer/Guitar-ist Michael Hirst

performs from 5 – 9 p.m. on the center stage.

21 National FISH EARTH DAY!

Hook Kids on Fishing Program, 10 a.m. – noon. Clinics on fishing, con-servation, fishing safety, knot tying. Pre-registra-tion required. To register, call King Fisher Fleet at (941) 639-0969.

22 Fine Arts & Crafts Show, 12 – 6 p.m. Free admission.

Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call (941) 575-3007 for details.

10 FREE Blood Pressure Check at the Cultur-

al Center lobby, 9 - 11 a.m.

11 Polish Luncheon, 11 – 2 p.m. $12. Sau-

sages, saurkraut, pierogies, cheeze blintzes and more.

15 The Two Piano Group plays Pops to

Classics, 3 p.m. Tickets: $5.

22 Restoration Community Church

Service, 8:30 –11 a.m.

28 Bonsai Club,10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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

21 Charlotte County Earth Day. Shop

for recycled arts and crafts, jewelry, Easter/Spring items, photog-raphy, Earth-friendly or “green” products and ser-vices, and bring the family to enjoy children’s activi-ties, food, entertainment and demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charlotte County Fair-grounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. Admission is free. For more information, please call (954) 288-7203.

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

• Senior Fun Fest! April 12 at the Charlotte Cultural Center. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, free bingo games, free health

screenings. Great information, free coffee and snacks, prizes, giveaways and more! Call 1-888-670-0040 for details.

Dragon Boat Festival - War on the Peace, Apr. 14. See 30+ teams race to victory in colorful dragon boats. 9 a.m. – first race starts. 3 p.m. – awards ceremonies, live music and Chinese Drag-on Dancers. Food/drinks for purchase. Admission is free. Laishley

Park, 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda. (941) 639-3720

• Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival. Apr. 14 and 15. Find fishing and diving equipment, new and used boats for sale, nautical antiques, arts and crafts, fish taxidermy, marine acces-

sories and more. Enjoy delicious seafood and live music by local musicians. Parking is free. Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333

El Jobean Road. Call for more information:(954) 265-7813

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

• Meals on Wheels/Friendship Cafe Dining Sites: (941) 255-0723.• Elder Helpline of Southwest Florida: 1-800-398-4233.

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

• Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida: (239) 652-6901 or aaaswfl.org.• O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): (941) 235-4500 or ocean-fl.org.

• Charlotte County Council On Aging: (941) 627-2177 or charlottecoa.org.

FEATURED EVENTS

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Word Search Apr. 2012In 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, 2012.)

MYSTERY PRIZE!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

Word Search Answers

From March 2012

Elvia Cacciatore is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

&

Change Gmail Default Font and Other Hot Tips

When I compose a Gmail message, I have a choice of colors, fonts and

other formatting for that one message. I’d like to make Verdana my default font for all messages. How can I do that?

In Gmail, go to Settings > Labs (or select Labs under Quick

Links) and enable Default Type Styling. Be sure to click Save at the bottom. Next, return to the General tab on the Settings page and use the font drop-down menu to change to your desired font type, style and size from the list of available fonts.

How can I tell if I have a USB 2.0 port? I need that for a

new external drive I purchased?

Any computer purchased after 2005 is going to have USB 2.0,

but XP users can check by right-clicking My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager button, then scroll down to Universal Serial Bus Controllers and click the little plus (+) sign. If you’re using Vista or Windows 7, go to Start > Search and look for “Device Manager.” Type “Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller.” The exact wording may vary, but the key is the word Enhanced. If it’s Enhanced, it’s USB 2.0.

My HP printer always prints the last page first. How can I change

that so it prints the first page first?

Many users, myself included, have their printers configured to

print in last-page-first mode because it avoids having to manually sort multi-page documents. If you prefer first-page-first printing, there is a setting within some (not all) printer software that allows you to change this. The precise steps will vary, but generally click Start > Settings

> Printers or Start > Printers and Faxes, depending on the version of Windows that you’re using. Right-click your printer and select Properties > General tab > Printing Preferences. Click the Features tab and look for the “Start printing from last page” option. Click to remove the check mark from that selection and click OK twice to save your changes and exit.

I’m a recent subscriber to your weekly computer-help newsletter,

which I really appreciate. Thank you for such a valuable service. Can you tell me how I can save my Favorites to a jump drive? I’m using Vista.

Start by inserting your jump drive, which is also called a flash,

thumb or USB drive, into a USB port on your computer. When the AutoRun menu appears, select “Open folder to view files,” then drag that window to the side of the screen for the moment. (If AutoRun doesn’t appear, use Windows Explorer to access the drive’s content.)

Next, click the Start button, then click your username. A window will open that contains your user folders, including your Favorites. Position this second window so that you can see the content of both open windows on screen. (Note: You can manually drag them into position or press and hold the CTRL key, and click the two open windows icons on the Taskbar. Release the CTRL key, right-click and select “Show Windows Side-by-Side” or “Tile Vertically.”) Drag the Favorites folder from your user window to the flash-drive win-dow. When the copying is completed, close both windows. Before you remove the flash drive, make sure you click the “Safely remove hardware” icon in the System Tray, near the time display on your Taskbar. This will prevent any damage to your data.

For answers to your questions by e-mail, or to subscribe to Mr. Modem’s award-winning weekly newsletter, visit www.MrModem.com.

Mr.Modemby Richard Sherman

&Insurance Discounts For Mature Drivers

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

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Orlando Hotels Offer Luxury with Pleasant TwistsBY YVONNE CURLEY

When it’s time to get away for a luxury experience with

some pleasant and innovative twists, make your reservations at the Grande Lakes Orlando. Two properties comprise Grande Lakes—a JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. The two hotels are connected by an enclosed walkway and guests are free to take advantage of both proper-ties. For example, if you enjoy art and antiques, stroll through the Ritz public areas even though you may be staying at the JW Marriott. Ritz Carlton guests can enjoy phenomenal breakfast buf-fets at the Marriott’s Citron restaurant. Florida fresh twist Giving everything a nice Florida twist is the citrus theme that begins with citrus-infused water offered in the lobby. A sticky twist (though you won’t get it on your fingers) is the recent addition of honey from a new on-site apiary. The citrusy honey will be found on the restaurant menus and in offerings at the eco-friendly Ritz-Carlton Spa where guests can take full advantage of the natural skincare benefits of honey with the signature Grande Lakes Honey Treatment. For fine dining, look no further than the on-site Primo restaurant with its twist on offering fresh local ingredi-ents, often from the Marriott organic garden. “What we offer is absolutely terrific food with what we call an Italian sensibility,” said Chef Kelly, a 1999 recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award. Guests can take a walk through the chef’s herb garden where each plant is identified by name. The Bodega Cafe offers organic snacks and local products for breakfast and lunch. Other restaurant offer-ings in the resort complex include an eclectic sushi bar, sandwich areas and several bar areas. The twist on activities Here’s a twist for beating the Florida heat as well. The large outdoor swimming

pool flows into the Lazy River and meanders in and out of

several smaller pools, all surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls. You can grab a swimming tube and a cold drink and float down the river, stopping along the way to get out and sit awhile or refresh your drink at several available stops. It all flows right back to where you started—a lovely way to spend mornings, sunny afternoons, late moonlit evenings. If you happen to have the grandchildren along, they’ll spend hours in the area. Now here’s a new twist. The Grande Lakes Orlando offers Fly Fishing, including lessons to learn to fly fish Grande Lake for trophy largemouth bass. Another activity option is the Eco Tour, a guided canoe or kayak tour of Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. For golfers, the Ritz Carlton course winds its way through Florida’s natural surroundings, where you might even spot a gator. No wor-ries—he’ll be sunning and can’t be disturbed by the likes of golfers. You might want to try beach volleyball, bikes or even Bocce ball on the properties as well. The rooms No twists or surprises here! The room details are elegant yet modern with soft and restful decorating tones and state-of-the-art technol-ogy. Note that although free wifi is available in the public areas, a daily fee applies in-room. Go ahead. Go online now for your reservations and be sure to check for special package rates. For more information, visit grandelakes.com.

BRIDGE BITESFrom The

American ContractBridge League

Smarter Than A Second-Grader?

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

We learn to count in first and second grade, but somehow

this basic skill deserts many bridge players in the heat of battle.

West leads a low Heart and East (correctly) inserts the Jack. Two more Hearts are cashed, followed by a trump shift. “Rats!” mutters Declarer, who had been planning to cross-ruff the entire hand, scoring all nine trumps separately. Those ruffs, plus the ♦A, would be enough to fulfill the contract. But, after the trump return, the cross-ruff leaves Declarer a trick short, so it’s time for Plan B.

Our Declarer’s (faulty) Plan B was to set up Dummy’s Diamonds. He won the trump return in hand, cashed the ♦A, then Club ruff, Diamond ruff, Club ruff, Diamond ruff. This line of play required good breaks (such as Spades 2-2 and Diamonds 3-3, or failing that the doubleton ♦K). But Declarer’s luck was out and, as the cards lie, it was im-possible to enjoy those long Diamonds. Our second-graders need no luck, instead they’ll do some counting: N-S have 23 HCP, so the other guys have 17. In the Heart suit East showed up with five of those 17 missing HCP. West opened the bidding and surely has the remaining 12 HCP. Once Declarer realizes that West has the missing high cards (obviously including the ♣A and ♣Q), it’s routine to win the trump return in hand, and take ruffing finesses against West’s high Clubs. Declarer leads the ♣K which is covered by the Ace and ruffed. Back to hand with a trump. Then the ♣J is led, and run around if West declines to cover. When the dust has cleared, De-clarer will have scored five trumps in his hand, plus two Club ruffs in Dum-my, plus two Club tricks, and the ♦A. Ten easy tricks for the second-graders! Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email [email protected]. To find a bridge club in Florida, goto district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm.Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club:stpetebridge.org.

From Your Friends At


Even Eggs Have Changed Over the YearsA “bad egg” is not necessarily a

bad egg any more. Twenty years ago, we were told to avoid eggs if keeping our cholesterol in check was a health concern. Guess what? Read this statement: Recent nutritional data from USDA researchers indicates the yolk of a large egg contains 41 IU of Vitamin D which is 64 percent more than in 2002. Cholesterol is down 14 percent to 185 milligrams from a previous level of 220 milligrams.

It really does say that eggs have changed over the years. And here’s the latest from the 2010 Dietary Guide-lines for Americans: Independent of other dietary factors, evidence sug-gests that one egg (i.e., egg yolk) per day does not result in increased blood cholesterol levels, nor does it increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy people. Consuming less than

300 mg per day of cholesterol can help maintain normal blood cholester-ol levels. Consuming less than 200 mg per day can further help individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. All said, watch what you eat in general and enjoy the occasional egg. Here are some ways:

Baked Eggs and Spinach

1 10 oz. pkg frozen, chopped spinach, defrosted, squeezed dry

4 eggs¼ cup chunky salsa¼ cup shredded Monterey

Jack cheese

Divide spinach evenly among four greased 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups. Press an indentation (about 2-inch diameter) into center of spinach with back of spoon. Break and slip an egg into each indentation. Top evenly with salsa, then cheese. Bake in 325°F oven until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, 20 to 25 minutes. From incredibleegg.com

Skinny Omelet Wrap

2 large eggsSalt, pepper Chopped chivesDollop of pestoGoat cheese or fetaH andful of mixed

salad greens

Beat the eggs and pour in a thin layer in largest skillet. Sprinkle with chives. Let eggs set—15 seconds to one minute. Remove to cutting board, spread with pesto; sprinkle on cheese and salad greens. Roll up and enjoy. (This lends itself to many additions besides the greens—asparagus, mushrooms, etc.) From 101cookbooks.com

Recipe

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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.





The Courteous Sidestep Explained

BY MARK PILARSKI

Dear Mark: I enjoyed your infor-mation recently regarding sports

wagers but you haven’t mentioned parlay bets. For one small wager you get to bet multiple teams with a decent payback if you win. Did you acciden-tally ignore this wager? —Justin B.

I purposely snubbed it for two reasons: Primarily because the reader did not inquire about a parlay wager, and, more to the point, because the exorbitant house edge on parlay bets stifles any rational enthusiasm. A parlay bet is a way of simultane-ously betting multiple football games with a hope of a much larger payoff than offered by a straight single-contest bet, that is, if you hit them all. Each game generally has the same point spread as straight bets off the board. With parlays, if one game does not win, or at least tie, you can say goodbye to your entire bet.

If one of the games is a tie, then that game is ignored and you are paid according to games you did win. The corresponding house edge, based on the number of games and what the casino typically pays is as follows: Three teams pay 6 to 1, with a house edge of 12.50%. Four teams pay 10 to 1, with a 31.25% casino advantage, and five teams pay 20 to 1, with a house edge of 34.38%. Your cost—the house edge—on any sporting bet where you wager $11 to win $10 is just 4.55%. Big difference,

Justin; besides, don’t you think it’s tough enough to win one game against the spread, let alone five?

Dear Mark: Where I live, Hooters does reasonably well as a restaurant but their casino in Las Vegas is in bankruptcy. Any reason you can think of for that. —Bruce T.

The convenient answer is casino saturation, competition from Indian casinos in Southern California and declining revenue resulting from the economic downturn. However, here’s something to mull over: I don’t know who makes the decisions in your household on hotel reservations, but at the N. Michigan compound, it’s my wife, and I hardly think she will book Hooters for a weekend getaway.

Dear Mark: I have memorized the basic strategy charts for video poker and I believe I play at, or near, an expert level. My wife, who plays next to me, just wings it. Unless she gets lucky and hits a couple more four-of-a-kinds than I do on any given night, I typically come home with more money, or lose less than her. What percentage advantage does the casino have over the novice player versus someone using basic strategy? —Jake R.

Recalling from working slots during my Green Felt Jungle days, without your wife learning a strategy for the video poker game she’s playing, the casino is contentedly holding at least an additional three to four percent advantage over your happy-go-lucky wife compared with someone like you playing at an expert level.Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “The single biggest problem for most intelligent and successful people who want to gamble in a casino is that the moment they walk into the casino, they lose their intelligence. They throw away everything that has made them successful in the first place.” —Wayne Allyn Root, “The King of Vegas’ Guide to Gambling.”(SENIOR WIRE)

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Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

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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 the laststraw was when my car broke down, and I was stuck by the highway foran hour before someone stopped to help. But when I went to the cellphone store, I almost changed my mind. The phones are so smallI can’t see the numbers, much less push the right one. They all have cameras, computers and a “global-positioning” somethingor other that’s supposed to spot me from space. Goodness, allI want to do is to be able to talk to my grandkids! The peopleat the store weren’t much help. They couldn’t understand whysomeone wouldn’t want a phone the size of a postage stamp.And the rate plans! They were complicated, confusing, and expensive… and the contract lasted for two years! I’d almostgiven up when a friend told me about her new Jitterbugphone. Now, I have the convenience and safety of being ableto stay in touch… with a phone I can actually use.”

Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easilyin my pocket, and it flips open to reach from my mouthto my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I 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 simply push “0” 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 thephone is ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlikeother cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should I pay forminutes 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 time or subject to termination fees. The U.S.–based customer service is second to none, and the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the country.

Call now and get a FREE gift when you order. Try Jitterbug for 30 days and if you don't love it, just returnit1. Why wait, the Jitterbug comes ready to use right out of the box. If you aren’t as happy with it as I am, you can return it for a refund of the purchase price. Call now, the Jitterbug product experts are ready to answeryour questions.

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screenimages simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes.Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage.If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2012 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2012 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

Monthly RateOperator Assistance

911 AccessLong Distance Calls

Voice DialNationwide Coverage

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$14.9924/7

FREENo add’l charge

FREEYes

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$19.9924/7

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50 100Monthly Minutes

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More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.

Call now and receive a FREE giftjust for ordering. Hurry…this is a limited time offer. Call now!

Jitterbug Cell PhoneCall today to get your own Jitterbug phone.Please mention promotional code 44106.

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JBUG_47526_44106_10x9.8125:JBUG-47526_10x9.8125 3/26/12 8:51 AM Page 1


MEET OTHER SENIORS

Meet friends the old-fashioned way. Write letters to get to know

each other. Try it – it works!

Seniors Getting TogetherTO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write 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.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN4120 WANTED SLIM ROMANTIC FEMALE nonsmoker who’s tired of being alone to relocate to new home, share new life, love, companionship, each other. I’m 68, 5’8”, 150 lbs. Send photo with description.

Attention SGTers!Screen respondents carefully. Always

meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home

address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel

threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and

your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMEN SEEKING MEN4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.4127 WIDOW, 69, SLIM, ATTRACTIVE,financially secure, non smoker. Many diversified interests, enjoys dining, dancing, travel, seeking companionship. Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, Ft. Myers, Sarasota.

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):

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.

Getting Pious with a Little Help from Social Network and Church

Friendships forged at church seem to play a major role in people’s

religious activities and beliefs—even when it comes to their views about how exclusive heaven is, according to a national study from Baylor University. “Although church-based friendship networks seem to bolster religiosity across the board, the effect of how enmeshed people are in congregational friendships is stronger on their reli-gious behavior than on their beliefs. “This makes sense—church-goers may not necessarily chat about the finer points of theological beliefs, such as the existence of demons, but they do seem to talk about things like prayer requests or upcoming church events, things that

more directly lead to an effect on reli-gious behavior,” said Samuel Stroope at Baylor. “Also, friends at church can see behavior. Beliefs are harder to monitor.” The study also found a weaker but consistent link between church friends and various religious beliefs. People with no friends at church held fewer supernatural beliefs than people who reported that some or more of their friends attended their church. Meanwhile, when it came to the view of the Bible, drawing a greater propor-tion of one’s friends from church was associated with increased odds of affirming that the Bible “should be taken literally, word for word on all subjects,” Stroope said. (Newswise)

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

Lifestyles news, contests, the latest information and

fun events in your area. Share your comments with us!

Find our Facebook page by clicking on the Facebook icon on seniorconnectionfl .com

Or visit us on Twitter at twitter.com/MaturLifestyles

(without the “e”)

Mature Lifestyles is now on

and

Check Us Out Online!

Monthly Plan premiumson BlueMedicare RegionalPPO and HMO** plans!

Eligible for Medicare?

LookwhatBluehas for you.

Y0011_31372 0112 File & Use 01252012BMRPPO, BMHMO, BMPDP

*You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B Premium unless paid by Medicaid or another third party.** In select counties.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Health Options, Inc. (HOI) is a Medicare Advantage organizationwith a Medicare contract and Medicare approved Part D sponsor. These contracts are renewed annually andavailability beyond the end of the current contract year is not guaranteed. Exclusions and limitations may apply.The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

• Prescription Drug, Dental, Hearing and Vision coverage included• Large Network of participating doctors, hospitals and pharmacies• Exclusive member discount programs and online coupons for popular products

We’ll help you find a Medicare Regional PPO,HMO, or Rx plan that’s right for you

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Call toll-free 1-800-876-2227,8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

TTY users dial 1-800-955-8771.

bluemedicarefl.com Visit us at a Florida Bluecenter. floridablue.com

Contact your local agent.

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Mature Lifestyles April 2012 Southwest

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