Mature Lifestyles Southwest Jan. 2011

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 1 SOUTHWEST JANUARY 2011

Michigan: Snow, Wine & Chocolate

• Army Women: A Legacy of Patriotism

• FDA’s Assault on Salt

• Saving Money on Senior Care

• Keep Blood Sugar Healthy

Visit our website at:

www.srmagazine.com

So Many Places to Go and Things to See!

First Wave of Baby Boomers!

Mature Lifestyles • January 2011 • page 2


BY JANICE DOYLE

Dear Readers,

This month’s travel page features two

well-known tourist spots in Michigan. Both stories men-tion the fudge shops. Yes, what would a tourist town be without fudge shops on the main street? Fudge and tourists seem to go together. Name a popular tourist town and I’ll bet there are fudge shops on the boardwalk or along the main street. Michigan’s Mackinac Island alone has 16 fudge shops which sell 10,000 pounds of fudge every week. All summer! But, why do we buy fudge when we’re tourists, I wondered. Here’s what I’ve learned. What fudge shops sell is “slab fudge.” Slab fudge is made by cooking sugar, cream and chocolate together in a copper pot to 234° F and then pouring the mass onto a 750-pound Vermont marble slab for hand creaming. Fudge shops in tourist areas place their marble tables in the front of the shop where tourists wander in to watch the creaming, or kneading,process with appropriate oohsand aahs. It’s not just fudge like Mama used to make any more, either. Shops offer turtle, strawberry, peppermint, cappuccino and dozens more varieties of fudgy temptations.

Fudge is personal. Mothers and grandmothers made fudge on the stovetop the old fashioned way. It’s not a manufactured product. Watching it being made in the shops is part of slowing down on vacation, going back in time, re-membering how things used to be. Fudge shops might thrive in tourist towns because of the traveler’s philosophy that “I’m on vacation; I can indulge.” I’m personally very familiar with that reasoning. It explains eating forbidden foods like, well, like fudge, when I visited Atlantic City—and Branson—and Gatlinburg—and Myrtle Beach. You get the idea. There’s science to con-sider, too. It’s the tiny microcrystals in fudge that give it its firm tex-ture. The key to success-ful fudge (with perfect microcrystals) is in the cooling, not the cooking. The recipe calls for heating the ingredients and then allowing it to cool undisturbed to approximately 110° F. When the fudge has cooled, the stirring begins and continues until the candy becomes thick and dense with lots of tiny crystals, which make for thick, smooth candy. Because of this (and unlike regular chocolate candy—think Hershey), fudge can endure extremes of temper-ature. So you can pack fudge in your suitcase, store it in a hot car trunk,

switch it to a sub-freezing airplane luggage compartment, back to a hot car trunk and still give it to someone or eat it without much product change. And fudge is exotic. Most adults can only eat so much fudge, much less than they can of, say, Dove chocolates. So it’s special and we’re willing to pay the exorbitant prices to have a few pieces. Mackinac Island is so well known

for its fudgy ways, it rates a book titled “Oh, Fudge.” Author Lee Ed-wards Benning writes that fudge shops there date back to the 1880s. When the city’s wealthiest folks got to the island, they found the cool weather along with low humidity perfect for fudgemaking. In the 1960s a man there named Harry Ryba began making candy, not in the back room, but

in the front window where tourists could watch it. Then he used fans to direct the aroma into the street. And the rest of the story can be found in shops from Big Bear Lake, California, to Atlantic City, New Jersey. I think the fudge shop and tourist link is being spoiled. No longer do you have to be on vacation to find fudge. It’s hitting the malls. A compa-ny called The Fudgery now has 29 lo-cations, many in Tanger Outlet Malls. That’s not fair! Ordinary, everyday outlet mall shopping shouldn’t be mixed with the allure of dark choco-late cooling on a marble slab, waiting to become the perfection that is fudge

Tourists and Fudge Just Naturally Go Together

Janice Doyle, Editor

Bookworms For someone who loves history and/or dogs, we’ll be giving away the

DVD War Dogs of the Pacific. In 1942, in a desperate attempt to try anything to find the hidden enemy, commanders began using dogs. Nobody anticipated how effective they would be. If you would like to have this DVD, send your name, address and phone number to News Connection U.S.A., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33584, Attn: Bookworms. Or e-mail [email protected] (Subject line: Bookworms). Drawing Jan. 17.

Congratulations to Margaret Valletta of Belleview, Florida,

last month’s Bookworms winner!

philosophy that “I’m on vacation; Mackinac Island is so well known for its fudgy ways, it rates a book titled “Oh, Fudge.” Author Lee Ed-wards Benning writes that fudge shops there date back to the 1880s. When the city’s wealthiest folks got to the island, they found the cool weather along with low humidity perfect for fudgemaking. In the 1960s a man there named Harry Ryba began making candy, not

ture. The key to success-

The Florida State Fair, the “Best Time of the Year,”

takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds Feb. 10 – 21. For more details on tickets, rides, food and free entertainment, visit floridastatefair.com.

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Published monthly by

News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Corporate Advertising Offi ce:P.O. Box 638

Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

Send press releases to [email protected]

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 reflect 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 February 2011 issue is January 15, 2011. Magazines

are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

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Hillsborough Edition

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Suncoast Edition

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Advertising Information: (941) 375-6260

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Tuesdays Horse Shoes at Estero Community Park. 4 to 6:30 p.m.

For information, call (239) 947-0071.

Saturdays Southern Extreme Water Ski Show Team free

performance at The Fountain Lake, Miromar Outlets in Es-tero. One-hour show. Please call (239) 494-2774 for information.

7 – 22 “Frank Lloyd Wright” one-man show about the architect’s

life. At Alliance for the Arts Theater, 10091 McGregor Blvd. For tickets and details, call (239) 939-2787.

7 and 8 “When Swing was King” concert by Southwest

Symphony Orchestra. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Call (239) 418-1500 for tickets.

10 “Tales of a Travel Journalist” with Rudy Maxa , host of

“Smart Travels” and “Rudy Maxa’s World” on PBS, and “The Savvy Traveler” on public radio. 7 p.m. Shell Point Village, (239) 466-1131.

13 Meeting of Cape Coral Social Club at Yacht Club,

Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. 9:30 a.m. Speaker: “Do the Right Thing” project. Info at (239) 549-6162 or capecoralsocialclub.org.

14 – 15 Creative Coast Getaway Weekend in Matlacha on

Pine Island. Art and music, live performances, nature. Free Song-writer’s Concert Friday night. Call (239) 283-0999 for information.

14 – 16 Food and Wine Weekend, Gasparilla Inn and Club

at Boca Grande. Celebrity chefs, wine. Info at (941) 964-4500.

15 American Association of University Women meeting

at Royal Palm Yacht Club, Ft Myers. 11:30 Luncheon and Lecture (“Social Differences Between the U.S. and Europe”) $18. (239) 437-4570.

15 – 16 Bonita Springs National Art Festival at The Promenade,

Bonita Springs. Over 200 artists. For information, e-mail: [email protected] or call (239) 992-1213.

15 Surf and Song Festival, down-town Ft. Myers. All day music,

fun. $20 tickets. Call (239) 896-2847.

15 through Feb. 19 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

performance at Schoolhouse Theatre, Sanibel Island. Call (239) 472-6862.

22 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival along the Caloosahatchee

River. Celtic music, food, vendors. 11:30 a.m. Bring lawn chairs. Admis-sion: $5. Call (239) 321-7530.

28 – 30 Naples Winter Wine Festival, a charity event.

Information at (239) 514-2239.

Send Around Town news to Mature Lifestyles 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. January 10 for February event.)

Around TownW H A T ’ S H A P P E N I N G J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

A Lee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program will begin January 7, 2011, and con-tinue every Friday through April 22. Call Claudia at (239) 533-7514 to register to be one of the volunteers who learn garden and yard care. After graduation, the volunteers help people in the area solve their outdoor problems. 3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers.

Become A Master Gardener

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For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 • www.biria.com


New Year’s Resolutions That Make a DifferenceAt the stroke of midnight

on New Year’s Eve, millions of Americans vow to change their lives in the coming year. Most New Year’s resolutions aim to improve daily lives in ways such as: • losing weight • exercising more • improving nutrition • reducing stress • ceasing smoking • becoming financially stable • achieving an education goal • landing a job • finding the perfect mate Some of these goals are attain-able; others are beyond control. “Taking control of your life through healthy habits is a perfect new year’s resolution,” said Dr. Anil Hingorani,

M.D. “Only you can control your health and set realistic goals for yourself. Then, one day at a time,

you’ll see the results.” As a vascular surgeon and

a member of the Chicago-based Society for Vascular

Surgery, Dr. Hingorani has witnessed first-hand the benefits of good health. “I

have seen improvements in diabetes, high blood pressure and high choles-terol when patients have entered into a regular routine of exercise and healthy eating. These diseases are among the most common causes of limb loss, stroke, heart attacks and death.” To launch a 2011 new year’s resolu-tion, tell a friend. The buddy system is a proven method of staying on track when implementing a wellness program. Tell Facebook friends, too. This is a great way to publicly an-nounce a 2011 self-improvement goal.

t the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve,

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New Year’s resolutions

M.D. “Only you can control your health and set realistic goals for yourself. Then, one day at a time,

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No Cost Lunchesfor Seniors…Really?

BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ, Director of Community Engagementand Nutrition Services

Maybe one of the best kept secrets in the world of seniors is the

many “Friendship Cafés” scattered throughout Lee County that are oper-ated by Senior Friendship Centers (SFC). In fact, SFC provides lunch in 12 different neighborhoods in Lee County, Monday – Friday, for no cost to any person over the age of 60—and there are no other requirements! These Friendship Cafés offer seniors a chance to visit with their peers, participate in activities and enjoy a healthy meal at lunchtime. While donations are respect-fully encouraged, everyone is served a meal regardless of their personal ability to make a donation to the program. How is this possible? It is all funded with Federal Older Americans Act nutrition program monies. These funds are designed specifically to help seniors age in place in a community setting,

and vital aspects of healthy aging are balanced diets, staying active and remaining connected to other people. Ok, so how do you sign up? SFC requests that prior to your first visit you make a reservation 48 hours in advance to ensure we have your preferred menu choice available for you. When seniors make their reservations they are given our three daily menu options. SFC Cafes recently underwent a “redesign” and menu options now include a hot meal program (served buffet style), a T.V. dinner style frozen dinner option, or a meal from the new “Soup, Salad or Sandwich/Wrap” line. Menu items include foods such as Chicken Florentine, Three Bean Chili, Shrimp or Chef Salads, Mediterranean Spinach Wraps and an assortment of additional salads, sandwiches and soups. So, there really is a place where you can enjoy the friendship of others, participate in activities and have a no-cost meal. To find the Friendship Café closest to you, call (239) 275-1881!

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Learn New Things or Make New Friends through Meetup GroupsBY JANICE DOYLE

If you’ve ever wished you could find people with an interest like

yours, I think your time has come. The online “Meetup” is the world’s larg-est network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. Meetup’s home website says its mission is to revitalize local com-munity and help people self-organize. The site provides an easy-to-use format whether you’re looking for a group or organizing one. With more than 79,000 local groups formed around 46,000 topics, there must be something out there for you! Unlike more traditional event calen-dars, information is all given via the internet – phone numbers not included. A Meetup Group Organizer pays organizer dues (as little as $12 a month) and typically shares this cost with their members through

minimal dues. This provides a uniform website for conveying news, meetings and question/response format.Suppose you want to practice your photography skills and get feedback from other novice (or advanced) photographers. A Meetup Group might be just the thing for you. Start by Googling “Meetup.” Then under “interest” type in “photography” and your location. Choices come up with a short description and you can click on any that sound promising. Meetups are not clubs in that there aren’t officers, na-tional affiliations, etc. They are like clubs in that you – Meet. Here are a few local Meetup Groups that caught my eye.

• The Conversationalists say they form a relaxed environment where avid readers can discuss literature, though they are not a traditional book club where everyone reads the same book the same month. The group meets at

the Barnes and Nobles book store in Ft. Myers (next posted Meetup is Jan. 16).• The Welcome, Naples and Bonita Springs Singles Meetup Group urges singles to mingle with other members “for fun, friend-ship…and maybe more.” • Cape Coral Coffee Lovers was started by a small business owner wanting to find those who feel it’s good to patron-ize other small businesses in the area. • Project Innovation Through Collaboration describes itself as a group of forward thinking, open minded, creatively generous people who gather to share skills, talents, knowledge, goods, creative actions, ideas and inspirations through music, lectures, workshops and more. • A seemingly very practical Meetup Group for the independent craft person or artist is the Vendor and Crafters Venues Group which shares venues, ideas of where to sell products,

where past events have been and how they turned out and more. • On a more social note you might want to Meetup with the SWFL Dinner & A Movie Group who…well, eat together and go watch a movie. • Meet fellow travelers at the SWFL Cape Coral Travel Club Meetup Group. Organized by a former travel professional, it’s an opportunity to find news, companions and stories of travels. • Single Baby Boomers of Ft. Myers Area Meetup Group makes no bones about having the purpose of getting people out and about and supporting local entertainers and businesses – and sharing activities. • The organizer of the Fort Myers Writers Meetup Group is a former professional and offers a meetup group where people can bring their writing to share or just listen to others. Start looking at Meetup.com.

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Veterans CornerArmy Women: A Legacy of PatriotismBY JANICE DOYLE

The Women’s Army Corps Vet-erans’ Association held its 64th

Annual Convention in Tampa. Made up of current, former or retired women members of the Army, members of the Association from across the U.S. met to enjoy time sharing their military experience stories, conduct business and enjoy outings in the Tampa area. The convention’s closing banquet was highlighted by speaker LTC (Ret.) Amicita Maloon-Gibson of Melbourne. Charming and articulate, Maloon-Gibson told her story of 26 years in the military service. She told the group of about 100 women that they each had a story. Then she challenged the WACs: “Share your story. It is history. Get it documented.” Concluding her speech, she said, “I am glad I had the opportunity to serve this nation. When you see a veteran, give them a hug. Thank them.” The women pictured below were WACs who served during WWII.

For over 60 years, Helen Simar of Pennsylvania (standing, second from right) has stayed in touch with Mar-ian Cole of Largo, Florida, (seated, second from right). They were WACs in India during WWII. Helen was secretary to a British general and Marian worked in public relations.

History of the WACs The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) began as the women’s branch of the U.S. Army, created as an auxiliary unit (WAAC) in May 1942 and converted to full status as the WAC in 1943. The first training manual begins by naming the responsibility of the women: “Your Job: To Replace Men. Be Ready To Take Over.” About 150,000 American women served in the WAC during World War II, releasing the equivalent of seven divisions of men for combat. General Douglas MacArthur called the WACs “my best soldiers,” adding that they worked harder, complained less and were better disciplined than men. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that “their contribu-tions in efficiency, skill, spirit and determination were immeasurable.” The WAC as a branch was disbanded in 1978 when women converted to whatever Military Occupational Specialty they were working in. Since then, women in the U.S. Army have served in the same units as men.

Each local WAC chapter carries out the program laid down by the National Organization, with emphasis being placed on VA Hospital volunteer work and community service both locally and nationally.


Vision Loss: “You Have to Find Someone to Help Cope With It”BY JANICE DOYLE

Ed Brock connects to the world through technology as his

choroidermia (a genetic disease) takes his sight. He uses a guide dog, has customized his home of-fice to include good lighting, a large screen and reading software which magnifies what he sees. “It was hard at the beginning,” he said. “I was slow, but slow is better than not having access to the world.” In Florida, about 216,000 people over age 64 are known to have vision loss, which includes not only those legally blind but also those who have serious dif-fi culty seeing, even with glasses. What happens when macular degen-eration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopa-thy—the three main causes of vision loss—take your sight away? Bonnie Truax, 81, said, “You have to fi nd someone to help you cope with it.” Most people fi nd help through one of the several agencies which serve the blind. Sheryl Brown, Rehabilita-tion Services Facilitator at Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind said, “A lot of times patients come to us after their doctors suggest they come to our store to fi nd magnifi ers and adaptive devices. They get here, look around and talk to our staff and then we talk to them about our services.” Independent Living Skills classes at Lighthouse for the Blind can “teach them to do everything they need to live independently except drive a car,” said Brown. “And we’ll teach them to use a white cane and the bus system so they can have transportation.” These free services are funded through United Way and the Florida Division of Blind Services (which is a part of the federal Department of Education). Clients who take the Independent Living Skills Program are picked up in a van and taken to the facility for classes four days a week.

From writing checks using adaptive methods to putting raised, colored markers on the stove and washer, independent living is the goal. They may learn that with low vision, contrasts provided by colors help. Safety concerns, shopping tips, kitchen organization, matching clothes up and how much toothpaste is on the toothbrush are just a few of the areas covered in the class. They learn about Talking Books and a radio reading service.

Even after William Earl Tucker, age 61, had six months of training behind him, he was apprehensive about going out in public knowing people would stare at him. “I got the shock of my life on my fi rst trip to the mall,” he said. “People kept asking me if I needed help. Get out,” he said. “You’ll like it.”

Reacting to low vision or vision loss “People react to loss of vision like they’ve reacted to things all through

their lives,” said Brown. “The fi ght-ers fi ght and the others hand it over to someone to take care of them.” She explained that vision loss is “like any other loss in that at fi rst, you have shock, denial and anger. You have to get to a point where you say ‘I’m ready to do something about it.’” A family member who insists someone take the classes in that early “shock” stage may not realize that it’s too much too soon for the person.

“You have to have time to process it. And if you get depressed about it you may need medication to help calm you down and accept it,” Brown explained. She noted that others just face it and learn to adapt. Vision loss is a disability, she said. “And no one expects to have a disability. You get ready to retire and you don’t expect to have something like vision loss happen. It is a loss.” The ones that have the hardest time are those who are fi ercely

independent. They may have the hardest time getting over the loss, but once they get with the program, they are usually successful because they gain back that independence.

Computers Computers have opened life up for seniors with vision diffi culty. Some use magnifi cation software ($300 – $600) providing capability to do banking, order from websites, read the news and much more. Other—more expensive—programs include speech software for com-puter systems and optical character recognition (OCR) software. Stargardt disease (also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy) is juve-nile macular degeneration and leads to adult legal blindness. Diagnosed with the disease at age 12, Ruth Carmichael Ellinger of Brandon has become an award-winning Christian fi ction author. She was recently awarded the “Artist of the Year” award for “Excellence in the Arts” by the Brandon (FL) Arts Council despite the challenges presented by her visual handicap. She began her writing career using a manual typewriter and a magnifi er. A personal computer and classes with Lighthouse for the Blind opened the way for her to be a “blind writer.” Claude Wood was 100 when macular degeneration caused things around him to look fuzzy and he stopped driving. He said, “If you’re blind, that’s not the end of the world.” (For stories of seniors who have learned to cope with low vision or blindness, visit the American Federa-tion for the Blind’s Senior Site.)

Visually Impaired Persons of Charlotte County, 22107 Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte: (941) 625-8501.

Visually Impaired Persons of Southwest Florida, 35 West Mariana Ave., N. Fort Myers: (239) 997-7797.


Bring Inner Peace Home This YearReceiving rave reviews and being

featured in magazines around the country is Leonard Szymczak’s latest book, The Roadmap Home. In this book, the author blends his thirty-five years as a therapist with his own personal challenges faced in life, which results in an inspiring guide to steer readers through their own spiritual awakening. A childhood filled with constant turmoil due to his father’s mental illness, domestic violence and parents who constantly pointed the finger of blame taught Szymczak that sometimes the greatest gifts come out of our deepest wounds. He believes the gift he received as a young boy was a quest to find “home,” and his journey showed him that “home” is within us—we just have to learn how to get there!

The author covers the gamut from personal growth and spirituality to guidance for those needing help in

their quest for inner peace. Whatever the reason you may feel lonely or regretful of days past, Szymczak shows how we can use our ever-present GPS (“Guiding Power of Spirit”) to light up our road to love and contentment. Szymczak uses personal stories and experiences, examples, exercises and self-

mastery tools to transform pain and problems into opportunities for personal growth by answering ques-tions of who we are and where we are heading, showing how we get there with the help of our ever-present GPS! For more information, please visit Szymczak’s interactive website at: www.theroadmaphome.com.

country is Leonard Szymczak’s latest

personal challenges faced

an inspiring guide to steer readers through their own

his father’s mental illness,

guidance for those needing help in their quest for inner peace. Whatever the reason you may feel lonely or regretful of days past, Szymczak shows how we can use our ever-present GPS (“Guiding Power of Spirit”) to light up our road to love and contentment. Szymczak uses

mastery tools to transform pain

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Will FDA Approve An Assault on Salt?Help may be on the way for cutting

back on salt in a way your taste buds won’t notice but your heart and arteries will appreciate. In a study and report commissioned by Congress, the Institute of Medicine has recommend-ed that the FDA decrease the amount of salt in commercially prepared food.

The proposal aims to rein in the over-abundance of sodium (which is one of two components of table salt, along with chloride) in the American diet. Too much sodium helps usher in high blood pressure and damages arteries at a cost of at least 100,000 lives a year. The proposal isn’t a Big Brother approach to watch how much salt you use at home. For most people, that’s under 25 percent of daily salt intake. Instead, the institute recom-mends that the FDA take a step-down approach that would gradually lower

the amount of salt in prepared foods in the next 10 years (through 2020). Such a move could make a big difference, since most of the salt in the American diet is put there by someone else—a food company, chef or cook.

How much is too much? Every day, the average American takes in about 1½ teaspoons, or 8,500 milligrams (mg), of salt—which translates to about 3,400 mg of sodium. That’s double what the American Heart Association recom-mends (3,800 mg of salt, or 1,500 mg of sodium) for older people and those with heart-related diseases. Most of this is “hidden” salt—break-fast cereals (1 cup of Raisin Bran, 354 mg of sodium), a tuna sandwich (1,300 mg), a cup of cottage cheese (900 mg), prepared cookies (three Oreos, 190 mg). Salt plays many roles in food, from acting as a preservative or a binder to helping yeast rise. It is also a cheap way to make food tastier.

Some companies have a head start The Institute of Medicine’s proposal would codify a move that some food companies began voluntarily several years ago. Campbell’s, for example, has slowly reduced the amount of sodium in its regular V8 drink by one-third since 1992. Sales during that period held steady, suggesting that consumers didn’t notice the change. If efforts like this work, why bring in the FDA? Because most of the food industry has gone in the other direction, gradually increasing the amount of salt in prepared foods. The more salt we eat, the more our taste buds get used to it, making low-sodium foods taste bland.

A little is good, a lot isn’t The assault against salt comes after decades of scientific bickering about whether too much sodium in the diet is harmful and whether cutting back is beneficial. The con-sensus today is yes and yes.

No one is looking to ban salt. It oc-curs naturally in many foods, and the human body needs some sodium to make muscles contract, to help nerves conduct impulses and to maintain a healthy balance of fluids in the body. Instead, the Institute of Medicine and other public health organizations just want to reduce salt consumption to a less harmful level. Targeting prepared foods is one way to do this. Whether the FDA adopts the Insti-tute of Medicine’s proposal remains to be seen. In the meantime, find ways to reduce your own salt intake.

Will FDA Approve An Assault on Salt?Some companies have a head start

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New Year’s HumorTwas the Month after Christmas

‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house,Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste,At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared,The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”

As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt,And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.

I said to myself, as I only can,“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”

So—away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished,‘Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won’t have a cookie—not even a lick,I’ll want only to chew on a celery stick.

I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore,But isn’t that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

— From the website Humor Matters

‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house, So—away with the last of the sour cream dip,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”

As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt,And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.

“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”


Low Vision SeminarLearn bout the latest

research and news on treatment options for macu-lar degeneration at a seminar by Retina Health Center and the Foundation Fighting Blindness on Saturday, January 22 at the Hyatt Re-gency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. There will be two identical sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 and from 2 to 5 p.m.

Local low-vision device vendors will be exhibiting their products and services.

Admission is free, but registra-tion is requested as seating is limited. To register, call 800-455-0060. For more information on the latest studies or to make an appointment, call (239) 337-3337 in Fort Myers or (239) 793-5200 in Naples, or visit online at retinahealthcenter.com.

lar degeneration at a seminar

Local low-vision device

Admission is free, but registra-

Fort Myers Beach Woman Can Live with Confidence

BY KELLY ANN PACKARD

Dorothy Morton uses a walker every time she gets up to walk—

even for just a single step. So when she had a fall in August 2010 and was hospitalized, she did not hesitate when asked if she wanted to sign up for the Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service. Lifeline provides simple, fast access to help 24/7. “I live alone, so I decided it was a good thing to have,” says 82-year-old Dorothy. It was a Friday when she signed up for the service. The following Wednesday, Dorothy decided to forego using her walker to take the three or four steps between her kitchen table and the refrigerator. Before she could reach the refrigerator, she fell backward, landing hard on her hip. “Before I could press the button on my Lifeline pendant, a woman’s

voice came on and asked if I was OK,” Dorothy says. The AutoAlert feature automati-cally detected Dorothy’s fall and alerted Lifeline personnel. Emergency medical service professionals arrived at Dorothy’s home within minutes. She was brought to HealthPark Medical Center for X-rays on her hip and ankle and a CT scan on her head. “There were no broken bones,” Dorothy says. “Just a few bumps and bruises, and I was back at home within a few hours.”

Learn more by attending “Helping you Live Independently

at Home” at 10 a.m., Jan. 17. Call (239) 656-7760 to register.

SHARE Club North, 5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers.


Keep Blood Sugar Healthy with GreensIt’s soup season. And whether

you get yours from a can or find the time to whip up a clas-sic, there’s a soup ingredient your blood sugar will love: greens. That’s right. Winter greens like kale and chard make great soup add-ins. And a recent review of scientific studies revealed that people who ate roughly a cup of cooked greens a day were somewhat less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Good Things in Greens Cooked or raw, most greens are a great source of magnesium. In studies, higher intakes of this mighty mineral have been linked to a lower risk of diabetes. Greens also contain a variety of disease-fighting antioxidants that help protect the body in myriad ways. As a food group, leafy greens include a wide range of good-for-you

vegetables, including lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and edible herbs like dill and parsley. Try some in soups:

Bean Soup with KaleIngredients1 tbsp. olive oil8 garlic cloves, crushed or minced1 yellow onion, chopped4 cups chopped raw kale4 cups low-fat, low-sodium

chicken or vegetable broth2 (15 ounce) cans cannelloni

or navy beans, undrained4 plum tomatoes, chopped2 tsp. dried Italian herb seasoningSalt and pepper to taste1 cup chopped parsleyOptional: sliced kielbasa

Directions In a large pot, sauté garlic and on-ion. Add kale and sauté, stirring, until wilted. Add 3 cups of broth, 2 cups of beans, and all of the tomato, herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. In a blender or food processor, mix the remaining beans and broth

until smooth. Stir into soup to thicken. Simmer 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with chopped parsley. One variation: Instead of the kale, add the following:1 bunch Swiss chard, roughly chopped 1/2 bunch escarole, stemmed

and roughly chopped 1/2 pound dried bowtie pasta (cooked)1/4 pound baby spinach

Recipe Photo: Kana Okada; Styling: Sara Quessenberry

lettuce, kale, spinach,

Photo: Kana Okada; Styling: Sara Quessenberry

Erectile Dysfunction Clinic OpensLocal Doctors Restore Men’s Sex LifeBY CHIP ALDRIDGEMen’s Health Consultant

A team of local physicians is part of a new medical clinic

that opened recently in Ft. Myers, specializing in only one unique, niche area – men’s sexual performance. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation have long been a problem for millions of men nationwide. In spite of recent medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, many men either are not helped by these medica-tions or cannot take them due to medi-cal conditions and adverse side effects. The U.S. Male Clinic employs several local physicians, including Dr. Argyle. “We successfully help almost every patient we see here,” according to Allen Thomas, Clinic Director, “and we’ve treated men from as young as twenty-one to as old as ninety-seven. Men with diabetes, heart conditions, bypass surgery, high blood pressure,

prostate problems and surgery—you name it and we’ve treated them. Re-gardless of age or medical condition, our results everyday are amazing.” All medications are FDA approved and no surgery is involved. “Our doctors can adjust the dosage for a man’s performance to 45-minutes, an hour, 90-minutes or longer,” according to Allen, “and we offer a simple guarantee: ‘If you don’t respond to our medication on the first visit, it’s free.’” With that guarantee, local patients have nothing to lose. Patients are assured of utmost privacy and professionalism with private waiting rooms and an all-male staff. Further information is available by calling (239) 693-5200. U.S. Male Clinic, 12650 World Plaza Lane Bldg. 72, Ste. 2, Fort My-ers, FL 33907. Website: www.TheUSMaleClinic.com.


Learn How To Receive Up To $1,949 A Month From VA

It is surprising that roughly 1/3 of people over the age of 65

in this country have a potential for receiving a benefit. Howev-er, only 5 percent of potentially eligible veterans are actually receiving benefits. This benefit can help you pay anyone, including your child, for home care. It can also be used to help you pay for profes-sional care in the home, for assisted living, or even for a nursing home. “Most veterans are not aware of the eldercare benefits available,” says David Casterioto, a volunteer for the Veterans Support Center. “We can often find funding through veterans health care, through state veterans homes, through home renovation grants (HISA Grants), or for two disability income programs called Compensation and Pension.” One particular program called Veterans Pension—or more commonly

known as the “Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit”—can provide money to pay for home care for veterans. Aid and attendance can also be used to pay for assisted living for a veteran or the veteran’s

spouse, and for nursing home care for a veteran or the veteran’s spouse. A veterans benefits consultant helps veterans understand avail-able VA long term care benefits, including information on veterans health care, state veterans homes and disability income benefits. Veterans Support Center helps vet-erans’ families in Southwest Florida understand long term care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information or to get an immediate answer to see if you qualify for benefits, please call David at (239) 344-9852 or visit www.vetsupportcenter.com.

t is surprising that roughly 1/3 known as the “Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit”—can provide money to pay for home care for veterans. Aid and attendance can also be used to pay for assisted living for a veteran or the veteran’s

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.

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How to Save Money on Senior CareWith America’s popula-

tion aging, billions of dollars are spent each year on senior care expenses. But with economic worries affecting many families, cutting costs has become more important than ever. With a little creativity, seniors and their families can save a substantial amount of money.

Compare Prices Family members and caregivers can help seniors out by com-parison shopping for goods and services online. Changing hom-eowner’s insurance policies alone can save hundreds of dollars each year. Review all bills and find out if it is less expensive to bundle services like phone and cable.

Take Advantage of Existing Services The fall prevention alarms advertised on television can be a great tool to help seniors prevent serious injuries from falls and other medical emergencies, but most of them come with a costly monthly monitoring fee. Look for a personal alarm system that can connect directly to 911 and charges no monitoring fees and has no service contracts.

Consider Home Care In 2007 the average an-nual rate nationally for a private room in a nursing home was $77,745, and it has gone up each year. The annual base rate for an individual residing in an assisted living community is more than $35,628. The average annual cost of home care can be half the cost of nursing home care.

Home care organizations provide a cost-effective alternative to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Reverse Mortgage Many senior citizens have owned their homes for decades and can take

advantage of a reverse mortgage—a loan that allows a homeowner to convert a portion of their equity into cash. Unlike a traditional mortgage, repayment of a reverse mortgage is not required until the borrower no longer uses the home as their principal residence. Buy in Bulk Seniors often use the same products, such as personal care items or incontinence supplies, month after month. Purchasing such nonperish-

able items in bulk online or from a warehouse store can save a great deal of money. Also, consider signing up for automatic monthly delivery for health and personal care products. (Courtesy of ARAcontent)

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LTC Insurance is Alive and Well BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSALong-Term Care Insurance Specialist

Truly educated readers know that you cannot always believe what

you read in our daily newspapers. As in the past, since things always seem to cycle around, Long-Term Care Insurance has recently been in the negative press limelight. But I am here to tell you that after 18 years in the business, I have seen all kinds of press. Not long ago annuities were the “bad guys” and the public was frightened into thinking they should be taboo. Before that, the scare in the press was over Universal Life Insurance and the message…“Buyers Beware.” In my professional opinion, every product has a purpose. It is only when the product is offered for the wrong purpose that it becomes an unsuitable sale. In other words, life insurance has its purpose and satisfi es a very important need in people’s lives. Annuities have added value over the CD market because they provide more opportunities and better growth without annual taxation. And Long-Term Care Insurance, when purchased at the right age and with the right benefi t package, is an absolute must for protecting against the future and living too long. Each product does a good job when sold appropriately. According to a statistical study recently published by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the average household risk with out-of-pocket Long-Term Care expenses could exceed $295,000 and in some cases, $516,000. Even when you have amassed what you’d think is a signifi cant “nest

egg,” if you haven’t planned with these fi gures in mind, you and your family will be faced with diffi cult decisions. Long-Term Care Insurance has been around in one form or another for 20 years. The policies sold today are very fl exible and allow for every kind of care you might need, including total at-home care. When I meet with folks to educate them about how these plans work and what they offer, I fi nd that most people have had some very wrong misconceptions, and are very pleased at what they learn. There are over 8 million policies in force today. For example, one carrier, John Hancock, has recently reported paying over 1.5 million dollars per day in claims. These are real numbers that tell us how important it is to make every effort to become better educated about the policies and how they work. Planning ahead can save you and your family fi nancial headaches and assure that while the emotional stress of caring for a parent will still be present, at least the fi nancial part of it will be covered. Make an effort to learn more about this. I welcome all questions and always offer a free consultation to help individuals and families to become a bit smarter about this reality. Rosemarie Hurley, president of Senior Insurance Solutions has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 17 years and brokers with only the fi nest insurance companies in the industry. 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, current Past-President of the Rotary Club of Estero. Please visit her website: www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

Medicare AnswersDear Marci,

My income is slightly higher than the limit for Medicaid. Could Istill qualify? —Charlie

Dear Charlie, If you need Medicaid coverage and your income is above the Medicaid income guidelines in your state, there are several ways you may still qualify for Medicaid coverage. If you are above the limit but need the help, you should still apply. Depending on the Medicaid program and the rules in your state, certain income and assets may not be counted. If you have high medical expenses, you may qualify for a Medicaid spend-down or “medically needy” program. The spend-down program is also referred to as Medicaid’s “Excess Income Program.” Not all states have Medicaid Spend-Down programs.

In some states, trusts are a way for you to qualify for Medicaid if you are over the income

or asset eligibility guidelines. These trusts, such as Miller Trusts and Supplemental Needs Trusts or Special Needs Trusts, allow people who have higher income or assets than the Medicaid eligibility guidelines to place a portion of their income or assets into the trust. Rules about how these trusts work vary greatly by state. If you are interested in participating in a trust, you

should contact an elder law attorney. Some states offer the Medicaid Buy-In program, which allows people who are under age 65 and have a disability to work (as little as one hour a month) and still get Medicaid benefits. —Marci

For more help, please call (800) 333-4114 or e-mail [email protected].

or asset eligibility guidelines. These trusts, such as Miller Trusts and Supplemental Needs Trusts or Special Needs Trusts, allow people who have higher income or assets than the Medicaid eligibility guidelines to place a portion of their income or assets into the trust. Rules about how these trusts work vary greatly by state. If you are interested in participating in a trust, you

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

financial future of your entire family.

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The Key Question—Seniors and DrivingBY GARY BARGEditor-in-Chief, “Today’s Caregiver”

At Fearless Caregiver Conferences it is obvious that many caregivers

are challenged by getting a loved one to stop driving when they are becom-ing a danger to themselves and others. We have heard some really ingenious methods that caregivers employ when faced with the driving issue.Here are some of them:

• Don’t make your decision solely on age-based concerns. A driver’s age is not reason enough to revoke their license.

• Find out what the laws in your state allow in these instances; sometimes you can make an anonymous call and the driver’s bureau will call your loved one in for retesting.

• Enlist your loved one’s doctor or the local police department. This news is always better com-ing from the professionals.

• Give them a set of non-working car keys and always offer to drive. One caregiver says that if you take the car key to the dealer, they can make a duplicate key which will turn when placed in the ignition, but will not engage the motor. Her husband would go out to the garage for an extended period of time trying to get the car started with this dummy key and finally come inside asking her to drive him. He was too embarrassed to tell her that he could not start the car.

• Once agreement is made about driving, put a large note in the windshield reminding your loved one that they agreed not to drive.

• Sell their car (although people in more than one city have reported that their loved one simply bought a new one.)

• If you talk with your loved one with other family members in the room, rehearse what is to be said. It is much better when everyone is on the same page.

• Remember to put yourself in your loved one’s shoes when the time comes to take away the keys. His or her driver’s license was a key to independence they received in their

youth. We must recognize their fear that taking away this key feels like the beginning of the end to them. How would you feel?

• Many times, people know when they can no longer drive; they are just looking for a way to keep their dignity when they give up their license.

• If you are thinking it is time to finally have that talk with your loved one,

do it as soon as possible. You probably should have had it six months ago.

Remember, it could be worse.One caregiver told us she was relieved that her 92-year-old father just had his license revoked by the state—his pilot’s license.For more information, please call 1-800-829-2734.

The Key Question—Seniors and Driving

• If you talk with your loved

youth. We must recognize their fear that taking away this key feels like the beginning of the end to them. How would you feel?

• Many times, people know when they can no longer drive; they are just looking for a way to keep their dignity when they give up their license.

• If you are thinking it is time to finally have that talk with your loved one,

Retirement Living

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BY DOUG HEINLEN, AARP Florida President

On Jan. 1, 2011, the first wave of Baby Boomers—2.8 million

of them in this one year alone—will begin turning 65. The U.S. Census Bu-reau reports that almost 8,000 people a day will celebrate that significant birthday, and it’s a process that will continue through 2039 when the last of the 78 million Boomers reaches 65. The months leading up to this milestone birthday are fraught with decisions about retirement, health care and lifestyles. But none are as important and long-reaching as choices about Medicare. In the months preceding their 65th birthdays, Boomers will receive their Medicare cards for the

first time. Although most Boomers are not eligible for full Social Security benefits until age 66, they are eligible for Medicare at age 65. The questions being asked by this generation are significant: Do I sign up for Medicare? When must I enroll? And, most importantly, where can I find accurate informa-tion about my Medicare choices? It’s best to seek out accurate and trustworthy information on Medicare when trying to sort out what’s best for you. A great place to start is the Medicare Rights Center at www.medicareinteractive.org or the U.S. Government’s Medicare site at www.medicare.gov. You may also want to contact your local SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteer. Operating under the auspices of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, SHINE’s statewide network of vol-unteers can help you sort out some of

the more complex issues surrounding Medicare. Contact the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-926-5337 (1-800-92 ELDER) for more information. Enrolling in Medicare offers another set of choices. If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement pensions, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and B at age 65. If you are not receiving benefits from these pension programs, however, you must actively enroll in Medicare. You will have a 7-month period to complete your enrollment, which begins three months before your 65th birthday. Don’t postpone your decision because if you miss the initial enrollment period, you could face an additional charge called a delayed enrollment penalty. If you have adequate health coverage (called “creditable coverage”) through your workplace, you can delay enroll-ment in Medicare without incurring

a penalty. The same is true if you or your spouse work for an employer with more than 20 employees. Another choice you’ll have to make involves prescription-drug coverage under Medicare Part D. What kind of coverage you need can take some thought. One excellent resource is AARP’s “doughnut hole” calculator at http://doughnuthole.aarp.org/. This useful tool can help you figure out if, and when, you might fall into the dreaded Medicare Part D coverage gap. Once you successfully navigate through these Medicare decisions, you will definitely want to celebrate your big day. And there’s good reason to celebrate. I know. I and my family will save about $9,000 a year on health care coverage costs now that I’m enrolled in Medicare. You’ve earned this benefit...so go ahead and party, in that inimitable Boomer-generation style!

The Boomer Generation at 65 Faces Health and Retirement Choices

Take Time to RelaxThe oil spill in the Gulf of

Mexico never hit Florida’s west coast area, and now’s a good time to enjoy the beautiful coastal area around Steinhatchee, Florida. About two hours north of Tampa, Steinhatchee Landing Resort is ideally situated on the shady banks of the Steinhatchee River in North Central Florida. It’s just three scenic miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. The 35-acre resort is made up of nearly 40 cottages in a wooded river setting, capturing the charm and beauty of a 19th Century Southern village, complete with a wedding chapel, gift shop featuring hand stitched goods and an unusual koi pond shaded by a Pergola. To enjoy Florida’s outdoors, plan to fish (freshwater, saltwater and fly), scallop (in season July 1 – September 10), paddle, croquet, cycle and play tennis. On the property, you’ll find a 55-foot swimming pool, indoor swim

spa and sauna, fitness center and com-plimentary daily continental breakfast served in the Welcome Center. Destination weddings, vow renewals and small ceremonies can be held in the 125-seat Dancing Waters Chapel or as a tented affair on the riverfront croquet lawn. The resort’s villa-style honeymoon cottages rival any luxury resort and are perfect for a quick romantic getaway. Bring along your four-legged friends, free of charge. Visit www.steinhatcheelanding.com for details.

Stay in a secluded woodland cottage at Steinhatchee Landing Resort.


It’s Pure Michigan for Winter or Summer Vacationing

BY JANICE AND DAVID LALMOND

You know you’re on Mackinac Island, Michigan when you hear

the clip clop of horses’ hooves, see dozens of bikes on the street and smell the aroma from 16 fudge shops. Well, there’s that other aroma as well—the kind created by the 600 island horses. Ironically, in the state that mass-produced the automobile, this community is the only one in the U.S. never to repeal its ban early in the 20th century on the newly invent-ed automobile. So, no cars or trucks! Located where the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan meet, both visitors and locals arrive on Mackinac Island by ferry.

Island choices You’ll want to take a horse-drawn Mackinac Island Carriage Tour to get an island overview. The island’s central attraction is the iconic Grand Hotel built in 1884. At the Grand, you can sit on the world’s longest front porch, take a tour, have afternoon tea or choose from casual or elegant dining rooms. Then you may want to rent a bike, a saddle horse or a buggy by the hour to enjoy the streets and trails that wind through the woods of Mackinac Island State Park. Tour the restored Fort Mackinac, built by the British Army in 1780-81. Also on the Island: Sail on the charter sailboat Mackinaw Breeze; fi sh with a guide on an E.U.P Fishing Charter; catch a Shepler’s Lighthouse

Cruise. Or just sit and enjoy the views. You might even see the UPS deliveries being made all over the island from a horse-drawn dray. The island offers many lodging choices. We stayed at the charm-ing Victorian-style Windermere Hotel which overlooked the water and was just a few steps from everything downtown. Meals where everything is brought in by ferry vary considerably in price. For upscale dining, we enjoyed the hilltop Inn at Stonecliffe, arriving by horse-drawn taxi for dining with a view of the Straits of Mackinac. And for casual fare downtown, we loved Mary’s Bistro. Oh, yes. All that the horses naturally leave behind on the streets is cleared away by “pooper scoopers” every 10 or 15 minutes all day, and early every morning the streets are com-pletely hosed down. It all becomes a very endearing part of a visit! A visit to Mackinac Island is a step back to simpler, quieter, gentler times. Enjoy! For “Pure Michigan” travel information, go to Michigan.org.

Make Ours Quaint: Mackinac Island with Horses, History & Hospitality

❆ ✷

Let It Snow! Just Give Us Chocolate, Wine & Winter Sports

BY DENA AND CHUCK BINGHAM

Ask us about winter in Michigan’s Grand Traverse area and you will

hear three things: chocolate, wine and winter sports. Combining the three makes a trip to Traverse City—espe-cially in winter—a choice destination for outdoor snow sports or enjoying the natural beauty from the warmth and comfort of upscale resorts. So go ahead; be brave. Pull out the parka and boots this winter and enjoy the snow in upper Michigan.

Outdoor activities abound We stayed in a resort that offers all winter sports from a central location. Shanty Creek Resorts offers three distinct villages within 4,500 acres of pristine landscapes. Available sports include downhill or cross country skiing, snow boarding, snow tubing and snowshoe hiking. Snow tubing turned out to be our fa-vorite (imagine sliding down a moun-tain on a giant inner tube!) Any age can enjoy this great fun without much physical exertion since a tow rope

takes you back to the mountain top. Everyone in our group, from age 7 to age 86, enjoyed two hours of fun. We also went miles into the forest on a guided snowmobile tour at Blue Sky Rentals in Traverse City. They provided helmets, suits, jackets, boots and gloves.

Great wines Our group spent a day sampling wines in this region where the unique microclimate happens to be the ideal

environment for growing varietal wine grapes. The lakeside location holds the summer heat in check, while preventing temperatures from drop-ping too low in the winter. The result is a short, but virtually frost-free, 145-day growing season perfectly suited for the production of some of Michi-gan’s fi nest wine-destined grapes.

Indulge your sweet tooth If chocolate is the food of the gods, well . . . the gods certainly have smiled on Traverse City. A Chocolate Stroll is just made for the vacationer’s taste buds: Chocolate Exotica, Kil-wins, the Chocolate Den and Morsels. So, if you’ve been considering an adventure vacation (with or without the grandkids), think Traverse City, Michigan, for a snow country vaca-tion. Opportunities abound, whether you want to enjoy outdoor sports, great dining, or just sitting by the fi re with fi ne chocolates and coffee.

Where to stay? • The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa (on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay; features on-site dog care and casino transportation) • The Shanty Creek Resort • Chateau Chantal

Ski, snow tube and more at Shanty Creek Resorts.

Take a carriage tour of Mackinac Island.

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It’s Winter in Florida! Take in the Fairs, Festivals and Expos!It’s that time of year when suddenly

you can’t find enough days in the week to do all there is to do in Florida! With all the fairs and festivals, shows and expos around, you’ll need to keep this page handy to know which one is coming up next. We’ve rounded up the latest information about the major events on the west coast of Florida for January and February – and we plan to see you out there.

Senior Expo Sometimes it’s just easier to be able to talk to someone to get your questions answered. That’s what will happen at the Senior Expo and Health Fairs Jan. 11 and 12 in downtown Fort Myers at the Harborside Event Center and on Jan. 18 and 19 in the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Investment question? Looking for travel opportunities? Wondering where to live, work out or have fun? Vendors at the Expos will be happy to talk with you or set up appointments so you can get more information. Each day you’ll find drawings for prizes, entertainment and the big AARP/ Walgreens bus will make a stop in each location to provide health screenings and services. There’s also a grand prize trip to Key West being given away. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free ad-mission and parking. 1-800-265-3200.

Senior Fun Fest Great things are happening at our Senior Fun Fest this month! At 9:15 a.m., join us for a one-mile Senior Fun Walk. (Register at 8:30 a.m., $3.). Doors open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where exhibitors will have information about wellness, travel, retirement living and more. The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour offers free health screenings and the AAA Senior Driver Expo can test your driving health. Country, Swing, ‘50s and ‘60s hits and more are performed live on stage. Win prizes at Bingo and the Senior Friendly Sports Center, or enter to win a two-night stay at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Also, check out the “Grandkids are the Greatest” Photo Contest—winners will be drawn in the afternoon. Perkins will provide free cof-fee and muffins, and a Senior Frendly Lunch will be available for purchase. Admission is free; parking is $3. Jan. 20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Hwy 301 N., Tampa. 1-888-670-0040.

Snowbird Extravaganza This convention will showcase products and services that promote healthy, fulfilling lifestyles with hundreds of exhibits, speakers, free giveaways, interactive feature areas and live entertainment. Highlights include a Technology Centre, Internet Café, RV Feature Area; Sports Central, Gourmet Gallery, Automobile Showcase, Cana-dian Tourism Center; Bingo, Healthy Lifestyle Center, Animals of the Wild, refreshments, games and more. The main event — Stars of Snowbird Extravaganza—and other special guests will perform twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Youkey Theatre. The Snowbird Extravaganza will be held at the Lakeland Center, 701 West Lime St., Lakeland, Florida on Jan. 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit snowbirdextravaganza.com or call 1-800-265-3200.

Florida State Fair If you prefer your fun in the biggest, brightest, most-diversified way pos-sible, get to Tampa for the Florida State Fair Feb. 10 through 21 for this year’s “Best Time of the Year” fair. At the fair you’ll find world-class entertainment like the Blues Brothers, the annual Elvis tribute contest, the huge Midway area full of rides for all ages and, of course, food special to places like state fairs. Every year, headliner entertainment draws music lovers from all over to the stages on the grounds. With a minimum

and we plan to see you out there.

It’s Winter in Florida! Take in the Fairs, Festivals and Expos!

Snowbird Extravaganza

mission and parking. 1-800-265-3200.

of three shows on the main stage every day, you can select your favorites. You’ll want to visit Cracker Country, a living history museum reliving rural Florida’s early 1900s past. The agriculture exhibits and typical state fair competitive works by cooks, craftspeople and kids make state fairs special places to visit. One special day to note is Feb. 17 which is Salute to Veterans Day as well as Senior Fun Day with special admission prices and shows. For more information, call 1-800-345-FAIR or visit online at floridastatefair.com.

Strawberry Festival It’s that time again, when the weather is cool and the strawberries are ripe. You’ll find strawberry shortcake, strawberry pizza and strawberry shakes among other fair food favorites, as well as rides, games and attractions on the Midway. There are some big names on stage this year: Kenny Rogers, The Judds, Ray Price and Lady Antebellum, to name a few. Favorites like the Paul Bunyan Lum-berjack Show and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs return to thrill audiences, and at the Neighborhood Village you can find homemade arts and crafts, baked goods and creative competitions. Don’t forget the parade and the crown-ing of the Strawberry Festival Queen! The 2011 Strawberry Festival will be held Mar. 3 – 13 at the Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 North Lemon St., Plant City. Visit flstrawberryfes-tival.com or call (813) 752-9194. So, if you are ready to go out and start the new year right, take advantage of some of these fairs, festivals and expos. Find the best fit for your energy level and pocketbook. Take a friend; make it a party. We’ll see you there!

Senior Fun Fest

Florida RV Supershow This year’s theme is “Join The Fun!” If you have an RV or are considering

extended travel, there is plenty of information available to get you on the road. Hundreds of RVs will be on display along with exhibitor booths and camping accessories. Check out seminars like “Choosing an RV; A Logical Approach;” see eco-friendly RVs and discover the best places to camp. Spend time with other enthusiasts at the Super Rally and enjoy food and live entertainment. The $10 admission gets you in for two days. The Florida RV Supershow will be held Jan. 12 – 16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa. Visit frvta.org or call (813) 741-0488


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Last Month’s Answers December Sudoku

Pedro Hernandez is our winner for last month’s

Sudoku. Congratulations!

Jan. Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic

skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must

include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from

the drawing on Jan. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and

telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION

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SEFFNER, FL 33584

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Word Search Answers

From December 2010

Sharon Boyle is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

&

Word Search Jan. 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:

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1602 S. PArSonS AVe. SeFFner, FL 33584

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on January 21 will win.Win! Win! Win! GreAt PriZeS!

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Mystery Prize!

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Will Drinking Help My Heart Or Harm My Health?BY HARVEY B. SIMON, M.D.Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch

Q. I am a 57-year-old man with a dilemma. I understand from

your articles that moderate drinking may help me avoid a heart attack like the one that killed my brother. But I’ve just been diagnosed with hypertension, and I was told that alcohol can raise my blood pressure and stress my heart. So I need to know if drinking is likely to help my heart or harm my health.

A. Your question itself holds the solution to your quandary; it’s the word moderate. In moderate amounts, alcohol does appear to reduce the risk of heart attacks, particularly in men who are middle-aged and older. And while heavy drinking will raise blood pressure and cause many other health problems, moderate drinking

does not lead to hypertension. In both cases, a moderate “dose” amounts to one to two drinks a day, counting 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1½ ounces of liquor as one drink. A Harvard study makes the point. The subjects were 5,164 male physicians who had hypertension but no other cardiovascular diseases when the study began in 1982. The scientists tracked the men over the next 26 years. During that time, moderate drinking was associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks, even in these hypertensive men. As compared with their non-drinking peers, men who averaged five to seven drinks a week experienced a 22 percent lower risk of heart attacks, while men who averaged over eight drinks a week enjoyed a 43 percent lower risk. It represents enormous progress—as long as you include the word “moderate.”


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If you worry about falling every time you step into the bathtub you probably need to give David Murabito, owner of DJM Renovations Inc. a call. David will give you a free, no-obligation estimate on converting your bathroom into a safe envronment instead of a danger zone. For senior adults or those who have mobility challenges, David recommends a popular tub to shower conversion which allows you to enter and exit with ease. Since 60 percent of all household injuries are from getting in or out of the bathtub, David says this option is a wise choice for senior adults.

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Scams That Will Steal Your New Year Cheer

While most cyber scams target your computer, “smishing” or

“vishing” scams target mobile phones using text and voice messaging (vish-ing also targets land-line phones). “Smishing” or “Vishing” takes place when criminals set up an automated dialing system to text or call people in a particular region or area code, some-times using stolen customer phone numbers from banks or credit unions. The victims receive a text message or an automated phone call saying: “There’s a problem with your bank ac-count” or “Your ATM card needs to be reactivated.” The message then directs you to key in your account informa-tion, PIN or credit card number or directs you to log into a website using your “smart” phone in order to fix the problem. If you respond to these

messages you are likely to have money withdrawn from your account, or you could download malicious software. Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:• Do not respond to text or voice messages from unknown or blocked numbers on your mobile phone.• Don’t download anything unless you trust the source.• Contact your financial institution using the official website or phone number located on the back of your bank card or statement.• Remember that banks or credit unions will NEVER text you to notify you of problems with your account. To report a fraud to find out if that phone call, e-mail, letter or the person at your door is trying to scam you, contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line at 239-477-1242.

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• Restaurant-style dining with menu options• Weekly housekeeping• Social, recreational, spiritual and educational activities• Trained staff available 24-hours a day• Service plan meetings with resident and family• Two-week respite stays available• Medication assistance and more!That special warmth and comfort is what you can expect and what you’ll receive. For more information, please call:

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Country Two-Step ClassLearn or review the two-step

dance Sat., Jan. 8 at 1st Danz Studio, 6340 Techster Boulevard, Suite 2, Fort Myers. Beginner class at 7 p.m. followed by open dancing at 8 p.m. with Two-Step, West Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Waltz, Night Club 2, Hustle, East Coast Swing. $10/ person with or without the lesson. The dress code is casual. Call Joe Tassia (508) 473-9797 or e-mail [email protected].

Florida Yards ClassJoin a Florida Yards and Neigh-

borhoods introductory class and learn the nine principles that guide Florida-friendly land-scaping in Lee County. Taught by Lee County Extension Master Gardeners, you learn plant selection and placement, efficient irrigation, proper mulching and more.

Class is Saturday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. at the Eco-Living Center at Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd., Fort

Myers. The cost is $8 per household. For more information, call (239) 533-7514 or

visit their website at lee.ifas.ufl.edu.

Senior Center Opportunities

Lake Kennedy Senior Center are offering the following classes:

• Wednesdays, 1 p.m. “Natural Golf” classes with Joe Tranchida. $6/non-members.• Mondays, 10 a.m. Beginner Bridge classes. $24/members.• Mondays, 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Guys and Dolls Dance classes. $3/members.For information, call (239) 574-0575.

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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.

3954 DESIRING A RELATION-SHIP with a Christian/Messianic Jewish Carpenter. 59yo,+. Enjoys nature, pets and quiet times. I’m petite, with long hair and SOH and a healthy lifestyle. I also enjoy carpentry and would love to start a garden in the spring and with your help I know it will be a success. Hillsborough.3961 SAILOR, BOAT PERSON WANTED. I have a small sailboat but need rigging help and someone to start the motor. Just like to get out in the water for a couple of hours every week or so.3966 MATH AND MUSIC CA-REERS PASSÉ. Time to check out the roses and other neat stuff. A spunky lady of class and denim ISO relationship that grows with the throes and thrives of life’s adventures. No games. 70 – 88.

Attention SGTers!Screen respondents carefully. Always

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

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

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

your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

1038 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy & exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Fort Myers.3952 DO YOU ENJOY ART SHOWS or does music brighten your day? Perhaps you might introduce me to other ven-tures that kindle the essence of your be-ing. Maybe a LTR could be a plus. NS, SD.

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.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN3953 SEEKING SLIM ROMANTIC FEMALE for LTR or cohabitation with retired SWM, 5’7”. I50 lbs. Non smoker, easy going, new home, new life. Send photo, description with letter. All answered – Gulf Coast, Venice area.

MEET OTHER SENIORS Over 2,000 seniors have met

through Seniors Getting Together. Send in your ad today!

Fantastic Cruise Vacation!Publisher Kathy Beck and

her husband Bill were lucky enough to go on Royal Carib-bean’s New ship The Allure of the Seas inaugural cruise. The Allure offers 26 dining options, Aqua Theater, a full Broadway Show Theater and an Ice Show Theater…and so much more. The Allure is sailing off Ft Lauderdale now. Call your travel agent or visit RoyalCaribbean.com.

her husband Bill were lucky

Fiona of “Shrek” took a moment to pose with Kathy and Bill after enjoying the Move it! Move it! parade that took place on the Royal Promenade Deck.

January Events

Wednesdays Worden Farm’s Greenmarket. 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. Organic fruits, vegetables and flowers; seafood from Peace River Seafood, culinary cook-ing demos by Charlotte Vo-Tech. Call (941) 637-4874 for more information.

21 Father/Daughter duo “Magen & Mike” from 5 to 9 p.m.

22 Fine Arts and Crafts Show 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free

admission. Info at (352) 344-0657.

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

10200 Cypress Cove Drive

Fort Myers, FL 33908

www.cypresscoveliving.org

Say “Yes” to Southwest Florida’s best value in retirement living! Feel positive about your financial future, with powerful asset protection. Feel secure about your health care, surrounded by the highest-rated team. Feel appreciated in a community famous for our at-your-service staff. See why we’ve earned an 11-year reputation for senior living with dignity and distinction.

Call 877-437-4424 today, because now is the best time to say “Yes!”

Cypress Cove is sponsored by Lee Healthcare Resources, a non-profit support organization

to the Lee Memorial Health System, one of Southwest Florida’s most well-respected

providers for nearly 100 years.

Availability is Limited!

Is this a place for

independence for life? Yes!3

wellness? Yes!3

keeping cool? Yes!3

excitement? Yes!3

Yes!3#1 rated Life Care?

CYP100074-YES ad 10x9 [MAY]MECH.indd 1 5/19/10 3:42:43 PM

Mature Lifestyles Southwest Jan. 2011

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