Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast Edition, August 2015

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Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 2


Dear Readers,

As I’m writing this, I’m surrounded by

boxes. Boxes of every size, filled with dishes and office supplies, toiletries and pantry items, gadgets and linens. Some boxes are labeled “fragile,” packed with any of my memories that happen to be breakable. Most are labeled “books, books, books.” Harvey, my orchid, is safely cushioned in my car and awaiting new digs and sunnier windowsills. I can’t help but share his enthusiasm, if a plant can be said to have such a thing. For most of my adult life, I’ve lived in one apartment after another, never settling in one place for more than a year or two. A first house is an exciting and terrifying thing; I’ve never been so broke and so optimistic at the same time. But my husband and I are finally putting down roots, planning for a family, a garden and other things that grow with time. Working at this magazine, I know more than a few people who are going through a similar process, but with a marked difference. They’ve hit retirement and are preparing for an entirely new lifestyle. For some, this means downsizing and transitioning to a smaller residence. It’s no small feat, going through a lifetime’s worth of possessions and the memories that go along with them, trying to decide what you can take with you. I’m watching my parents go through this process as the last of their kids leaves the house. They are paring down the clutter and finally getting to some projects they weren’t able to get to before.

In this issue, you’ll find some helpful downsizing tips on how to do the same. They come in handy if you have trouble making decisions or letting go of certain things, like I do. (But I need all of those kitschy coffee mugs.) This month’s issue is all about retirement living. Experts at Kiplinger lay out the pros and cons of renting versus buying, as well as some of the top places to retire, based on their value and healthy, active communities. (Guess which state made the list!) We also talk about some of the new trends in retirement living that are popping up around the nation—from communities that offer subsidized housing in exchange for volunteering for families in need; to seniors who are starting their own “Golden Girls” houses and having the time of their lives.

On retirement Retirement is not just a chance to enjoy some well-deserved leisure time, but also an opportunity to use the freedom and any funds you’ve saved up to start a new career, reinvent yourself or do something you’ve always dreamed of, if you so choose. In this issue, we share the stories of four retirees who have done remarkable things with their “second act.” I’m learning that a retirement full of purpose is not just a goal to strive for, but a necessity. Barbara Morris, speaker and author of anti-aging journal “Put Old on Hold” (PutOldonHold.com) shares why:

“Retirement has deeper ramifications than most people realize. It is closure on a lifetime of work into which you poured your heart and soul. It’s a reminder that the end of life is getting closer. Because

Tracie Lukens,Editor

Moving On Upthe brain is no longer required to perform at a consistent peak level, cognitive abilities begin to atrophy. The cliché, “Use it or lose it” becomes reality. “Even more tragic is the loss to society of a lifetime of acquired wisdom, skills, ex-perience and education—a treasure trove of precious assets abruptly abandoned as valueless and discarded in the pursuit of alifestyle dedicated to leisure. “Assuming health is good, age 50 (if not before) is a good time to plan for a productive second life. Keep in mind that your age at retirement—whatever it is, is not old. Disregard the ignorance of a backward culture that continues to propagate the myth that age 60 is old, or worse, elderly. Those who buy into that nonsense handicap themselves, preventing realization of their full potential. “Many, and perhaps even most people, do not spend their work years doing what they really enjoy, and chances are you may be one of those people. If there is a dream job or career that interests you, now is the time to start planning to make it happen. Remember, you have a second life ahead that, at this point, is a blank canvas. You are in control of the kind of picture that gets painted on it.”

Lifestyles After 50 wants to know: how are you planning to spend your retirement? What will you do, see or create? Where will you live or travel? Email a sentence or two to editor@lifestylesafter50 magazine and we’ll share them with our readers.

Your second act is just starting; may your retirement be everything you dreamed it would be. —Tracie Lukens

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Question: What are the two flowers that represent July?Your Answer:

Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize valued at $25 or more each month. Deadline for entries Aug. 16, 2015. Drawing held Aug. 20, 2015.

Click on the Trivia Palooza button and answer a Trivia question each week for a chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

Last month’s answer is “Julius Caesar” Elaine Evans from Englewood is last month’s winner!

Play more trivia online and win more prizes at www.lifestylesafter50.com

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Email PhoneMail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583

By Tracie Lukens

When you think of Tarpon Springs, the

city’s bustling sponge docks, Greek restaurants, markets, bakeries and shops come to mind. But the community is also a destination for arts and entertainment, with the Heritage Museum and other venues bringing new concerts, theater, opera and more to the scene each month. On Aug. 20, Tarpon Springs has the honor of hosting opera legend Sherrill Milnes for one night. This famous Verdi baritone and Palm Harbor resident is celebrating his 80th birthday this year, as well as the 50th anniversary of his Metropolitan Opera debut. Born in Downers Grove, Illinois, Milnes grew up in the golden age of opera. He got his start at the Opera Company of Boston in 1960 and toured small towns across America with the Goldovsky Opera Theater. After his Met debut as Valentin in Faust, his career took him to major opera houses around the world.

Known for his high range, powerful stage presence and versatile acting ability, Milnes has taken on the roles of both villains and heroes from Iago and Scarpia to Rigoletto and Hamlet. “I was lucky in the beginning of my career to sing with great, older artists like Bergonzi, Tucker, Corelli, Gedda, Karajan, Böhm, Bernstein, Leinsdorf, Solti, Giulini…that ilk,” Milnes told Classical Singer magazine. “They had knowledge and solidity that are tough for a young person to have. There were things to learn from all of these giants. They all brought something special. I took that and

made it mine—and now I pass it along.” He’s passing it along by coaching the next generation of aspiring singers. In 2000, Milnes and his wife —soprano, producer and stage director Maria Zouves—started the VOICExperience Foundation, a teaching program where professional

opera staff work closely with young singers to “move them to a higher level of vocal beauty, interpretation, body energy and pizzazz. The only way to find your gifts is through hard work,” Milnes said. “We try to give inspiring, but realistic, feedback.” On Aug. 20 at the Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Ln., at 7 p.m., see Milnes share his craft with talented singers at The Sherrill Milnes Master Class. Admission is $18. To learn more, visit tarponarts.org. Looking for more entertainment? Here’s what’s playing in Tarpon Springs this month:

7 American Folk Singer Rod MacDonald. 7:30 p.m. at Heritage

Museum. $12. 727-937-0686.

14 – 23 “Boeing – Boeing.” How does American playboy Bernard

Lawrence juggle affairs with three different flight stewardesses? Find out in this non-stop comedy. 14, 15, 21 and 22: 8 p.m.; 16 and 23: 2 p.m. Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. $16. 727-937-0686.

15 Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest. Featuring a VW Bug Show,

vendors, food and beer, live music, raffles, giveaways and more. 5 – 10 p.m. at Sponge Docks and Tarpon Ave. Free admission. 845-661-5518.

22 “Alice Ryley, a Savannah Ghost Story.” This exclusive musical

journey tells the story of Alice Ryley, an indentured servant in the 1700s, accused of murdering her master with her lover, Richard White. 6 - 7 p.m. reception; 7 – 9 p.m. performance and discussion,. Heritage Museum. $50. 727-937-0686.

30 Greek Music in America Concert: Songs of Love and Loss. 7 – 10

p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 26 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Free! 727-937-0686.

Opera Master Comes to Tarpon Springs

L: Sherrill Milnes, present. R: Milnes as the Conte di Luna in Il Trovatore, 1970.


**This offer is subject to availability and management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to gamble and enter and remain in a NJ casino and participate in any Harrah’s Resort promotions. Resort fees of $27 per room per night are not included and paid upon hotel departure. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No ST39092. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

Aug 1-Aug 4Aug 12-Aug 15Aug 23-Aug 26Sept 1 - Sept 4

pp$24900only

Tuesdays SCIPS 50+ Singles meets for weekly dinner at Kally

K’s Restaurant, Dunedin. For more information call 727-278-8872. SCIPS 50+ Dance Party on August 8 at 6:30 p.m.., Colreavy Hall, Clearwater. Call 727-544-3735 for more information.

Saturdays O.S.C.A.R.S. Paint, craft and socialize! Learn step-by-step

how to create your own masterpiece using a variety of mediums, from acrylic paints to various ‘found objects.’ $3/$4.50 Supplies included. 12 p.m. Oldsmar Senior Center. 813-749-1155.

6 Silver Sneakers Pilates. A non-impact, non-aerobic mat workout

class designed to strengthen the body’s core. $3 per class/$20 for 10 classes. 8:30 a.m. CARES Elfers Center, New Port Richey. 727-847-1290.

10 Adult Exercise Class. A low-impact exercise class that

focuses on strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. Participants may choose to sit in chairs throughout the class. $4. 9 a.m. Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, Dunedin. 727-298-3299.

12 Lifestyles After 50 Sun City Center Fun Fest. Denise “DJ

With a Twist!” 60s and 70s music, trivia, sports area, dancing, prizes, free Bingo with prizes, free coffee and snacks. Free admission/parking. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. King’s Point Clubhouse, Sun City Center. 813-653-1988.

13 Succulents. This class will provide an overview of succulents

and cacti plants, including maintenance, pests and diseases. Free. 2 – 6:15 p.m. Palm Harbor Library. Registration required at 727-582-2603 or online at growpinellas.eventbrite.com.

14 – 30 “The Nerd.” Willum’s friends have gathered for a

quiet dinner party for his birthday. The evening quickly turns insane and slapstick when a man shows up claiming to have saved his life during Vietnam. $19. 8 p.m. West Coast Players Theatre, Clearwater. 804-405-2770.

15 Gulfport’s Art Walk. Enjoy sculpture and paint mediums,

jewelry, photography, folk art, upcycled

items, handmade/designed clothing and accessories, body products and more. Free admission. 6 – 10 p.m. Gulfport Waterfront Art District. 727-322-5217.

21 Music Series. Free street festival, live music. 6 – 10 p.m. at the

John Wilson Park gazebo and local venues throughout town. Main Street in Downtown Safety Harbor. 727-724-1572.

22 DNA: 102 Understanding and Using Test Results. Learn how to

interpret what DNA is trying to tell you and how to make contact with others to figure out relationships. Free and open to the public. 2 – 4 p.m. Palm Harbor Library. RSVP required: 727-791-1983.

27 Cinema. In this film, a mousy magazine editor accidentally kills

one of her coworkers, then proceeds on a crime spree. Carol Kane and Molly Ringwald are part of the cast. Cash bar. Lite snacks. Free. 6:30 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667.

28 Poets Point and the Old Time Players. Skit performance and

poems read by local poets. Free. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Downtown New Port Richey Art Gallery. 727-848-6500.

30 Greek Music in America Concert: Songs of Love and Loss. Held in

conjunction with the Greek Music in America exhibit. Free. 7 – 10 p.m. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. 727-937-3540.

Sept. 1 MOWW social and luncheon. Active duty, retired or former

military officers and their spouses or widows are invited. 11:30 a.m. Belleair Country Club. RSVP: 727-786-5578.

Sept. 5 Explore the Park. Visit the newly restored Endicott House, the Log

Cabin, General Store, Blacksmith, Print Shop and more. Free admission/parking. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7326.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 oremail [email protected] must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. August 10 for September event.)

Around TownW H A T ’ S H A P P E N I N G A U G U S T 2 0 1 5


Lifestyles After 50 • August 2015 • page 7_R

By Tracie Lukens

Aging isn’t a straight line. We all age in different ways, with different needs

at different times. And as more boomers begin to hit retirement age and beyond, many are rethinking traditional one-size-fi ts-all retirement communities. They’re demanding new solutions to the rising costs of care and housing. Creative minds are championing initiatives that will help give retirees more choice and control over their housing and lifestyle. As part of a year-long project that looks at 50+ living trends, Next Avenue (nextavenue.org) explores some of the newest models that are revolutionizing retirement:The Technology Model “My patients were telling me, ‘Don’t you ever think of putting me in a nursing home,’” said Dr. Allan Teel, a family physician and author. “But there were not very many options for these very fragile but very proud people.” He realized that some of his elderly patients could avoid moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home if they had the right support at home. To help meet this need, he founded Full Circle America, a for-profi t telemedicine program. Full Circle America provides patients with user-friendly home health monitoring equipment and covers any healthcare and living needs with a combination of paid staff, family and volunteers, reducing the daily hours someone needs for personal care and supervision from 24 to just two, with 22 hours of monitoring via webcam and volunteers, Teel claims. According to FullCircleAmerica.com, the program (of technology and paid caregiving) costs $100 – $400 a month depending on the level of monitoring, plus a start-up $500 for equipment. The telemedicine service is an additional $200 per month. Compared to the $2,500 and up monthly cost of an assisted living facility, however, Teel believes this model may be a more appealing option to those who prefer to age at home with as much independence as possible. The Village Model A village is a not-for-profi t organization of older adults in a community who join resources to help one another stay in their neighborhood as they age. Each village member pays a yearly fee that the village uses to provide support and services, such as social clubs, weekly exercise classes, transportation to doctors’ offi ces and grocery stores, access to reduced-fee home medical care and

home repair services. Villages rely on volunteers and paid staff members help them access the services they need to age in place. Beacon Hill Village in Boston, established in 1999, was one of the pioneer village communities, as is Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill Village (CHV). To give you an idea of the membership cost, CHV charges an annual fee of $530 for individuals ($800 per household) to tap into the services provided by the village, with fi nancial assistance programs for those who qualify. “I don’t want a so-called expert determining how I should be treated or what should be available to me,” 72-year-old Susan McWhinney-Morse, one of Beacon Hill Village’s founders, told The New York Times. “The thing I most cherish here is that it’s we, the older people, who are creating our own universe.” Over 200 similar villages are part of a nationwide organization called the Village to Village Network. Find a village near you at vtvnetwork.org.The Purpose-Driven Model In Rantoul, Illinois, a community named Generations of Hope (generationsofhope.org offers its senior residents subsidized housing to live in a community that needs their help. They pair families raising foster children with older residents who volunteer at least six hours per week doing such things as babysitting, tutoring, gardening or serving as a crossing guard. The strength of this model is that the families with children who have special needs get extra support, while the older residents who choose to live in the community benefi t from a greater sense of purpose and connection. “It’s fi guring out what’s in our hearts and translating it to workable models,” says Mark Dunham, external affairs counsel for Generations of Hope. The model is gradually expanding to other states. The Niche Model Some retirees are joining communities established by people who share a common identity, such as sexual orientation, labor union membership, artistic inclination or religious faith. The appeal comes from the unity of like-minded retirees—a place to pursue one’s interests and lifestyle with other enthusiasts, free of censure. There’s a niche community out there for almost every interest. Stargazing parties abound at Chiefl and Astronomy Village

in Chiefl and, Fla., where light pollution is low. Spruce Creek Fly-In, just south of Daytona Beach, is a haven for aviators. Nalcrest, near Orlando, is one of the more unusual communities—composed mainly of retired mail carriers and their families (and no dogs allowed!) Meanwhile, university-based retirement community residents like those at Oak Hammock in Gainesville, (oakhammock.org) can take advantage of campus events like concerts, sports and arts programs, or sit in on classes at low or no cost. Senior artists colonies like the one in Burbank, California (seniorartistscolony.com) provide apartment rentals where artists, writers, musicians and dancers can hone their crafts in open studios, take workshops or perform for their neighbors. “The instructors are very professional,” artist colony resident Nailah Jumoke told USA Today. “We do yoga; we do meditations. I’m learning I am also an artist. I ask myself, where did this talent come from? I’m always fi nding out more and more about myself at this beautiful age at 64.”

The “Golden Girls” Model Shared housing has been growing in popularity among boomers. In this model, two or more unrelated retirees live together for lower costs and companionship; sometimes called “Golden Girls” housing (from the hit TV show). There are different arrangements: Some singles live in separate suites but share common spaces for group meals and gatherings; some own/lease and manage a property equally, while others live in a landlord/tenant arrangement. When a divorce left Bonnie Moore, now 70, living alone in a newly remodeled home in 2008, she searched for and found four roommates to fi ll the empty bedrooms. “Living with others at this stage in my life has been so much more fun and rewarding than I ever imagined,” said Moore. “In addition to contributing rent that makes my mortgage affordable, my roommates have become an important part of my life. We throw parties together, get to know one another’s friends, and help each other out.” The success of this model depends on how well roommates communicate, so choosing the right one is important. Resources like goldengirlsnetwork.comand nationalsharedhousing.org offer shared housing tips and roommate fi nders. What’s next for retirement living? As technology and social support networks grow, communities that are run by senior residents rather than businesses are on the horizon. Retirees are sharing costs, pursuing passions and giving back to their communities like never before. Boomers have more choices about how to spend their retirement, and where this enterprising generation goes, others will follow.

The Retirement Revolution

Feature or Service Independent Living Assisted Living Nursing HomeApprox. Monthly Cost $1,500 – $3,500 $2,500 – $4,000 $4,000 – $8,000

Meals Per Day Meal Plan Options 3+ 3+

Medication Management No Yes Yes

Personal Care No Yes Yes

Mobility Assistance No Yes Yes

Accepts Wheelchairs Varies Varies Yes

Alzheimers/Dementia Care No Varies Varies

On-Site Nurses No Varies Yes

Transportation Most Yes Most Yes Yes

Incontinence Care No Yes Yes

Housekeeping Varies Yes Yes

Senior Housing Options: How Do They Compare?

Source: APlaceForMom.com

Brenda Krause Eheart, Generations of Hope founder.


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Thrifty After 50: 8 Career and Learning Savings TipsBy Kerry Hannon, AARP Jobs Expert

Thinking about going back to school or getting more from your career

later in life? These tips can help you save at work, increase your earnings and get the education you need to change or further your career without taking a chunk out of your savings.1. Know what you’re worth. Find out the typical pay for the job you seek, or before asking for a raise. Government salaries are posted on the Office of Personnel Management’s website. Private-sector pay rates are found at PayScale and Salary.com.2. Track your miles. The business rate for 2015 is 57.5 cents per mile. Use sites like MapQuest to calculate the distance for even short business trips and get reimbursed by your employer.3. Let your job send you to school. Around half of employers offer college education assistance, and you might not even need to be studying something directly linked to your work. Generally, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the first $5,250 of assistance.4. Check out the American Association of Community Colleges’ Plus 50 Initiative. It’s designed to help students 50-plus train for new jobs. (http://plus50.aacc.nche.edu)5. Sign up for a free or mostly free MOOC (massive open online course) through portals such as Coursera (coursera.org), Khan Academy

(khanacademy.org), Class Central (class-central.com), edX (edx.org), and apps like iTunes U. Often offered by elite universities such as Duke, Stanford, Yale and MIT, MOOCs offer free online classes or bargains on courses from their instructors. You can learn at your own pace, and most sites have interactive quizzes and ways to connect with other students and the instructors. 6. Negotiate for a fast-track degree. You may be able to reduce tuition by getting the college to waive some required courses because of your work and life experience.

7. Snap up an older-student grant, scholarship or fellowship. Some groups and foundations offer them, though it may take some sleuthing to track down. Start your search at Fastweb.com and FinAid.org.8. Get free or discounted college tuition. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. colleges and universities let older students take classes either tuition-free or at rock-bottom prices. Inquire about specific residency, age and other requirements at schools in your area.


Buy, Rent or Retirement Community?It’s the downsizer’s dilemma that many

face after retirement. Which option will give you more for your money or best meet your changing needs? Here’s the breakdown:

Renting Pros• Flexibility: Renting may be the better choice if you’re not sure where you want to settle long term. You avoid the hassle of buying and selling a home every three to five years and the added costs of closing and real estate broker fees. It also makes it easier to take extended trips, or to leave if the housing situation doesn’t work out.• Limited upkeep costs: Renting means less money spent on ownership-related expenses, such as remodeling, repairs and home/lawn maintenance.• More liquidity: If you sell your house and move to a rental property, you can add the extra capital from the house sale to your investments, which tend to grow at a faster rate than home value appreciates, according to Rich Arzaga, chief executive officer of Cornerstone Wealth Management, in San Ramon, Cal. “For example, if you pull out $300,000 in

equity from a home sale and it’s invested at 6% a year, that’s $18,000 in earnings the first year. Even after taxes, that can go a long way toward rent, he says.

Mortgage Pros• Stability: It’s a renter’s market right now, which means landlords can afford to charge more and be more selective about their tenants. With a mortgage, you can avoid the unpredictability of rent hikes or fluctuating prices. The housing market is just starting to rebound, and there are still good deals on homes to be found.• Ownership: Your decision will depend a lot on nonfinancial, emotional issues as well. If you buy, you have the satisfaction of owning your own place and fixing it up the way you want.• Long-term asset generation: Arzaga ran some calculations for Kiplinger’s Retirement Report. He looked at a hypothetical 65-year-old couple in the 25% tax bracket who sold a five-bedroom house this year and cleared $550,000 after expenses. He ran three scenarios: buying a $230,000 three-bedroom house with cash, buying that

house with an 80% 30-year mortgage and renting a comparable three-bedroom house for $1,250 plus utilities. Arzaga assumed that the couple’s investments—$100,000 in a traditional IRA and $100,000 in a taxable account (before the sale)—would grow at an annualized rate of 6.9% before inflation, and factored in ownership-related costs and annual rent increases. The analysis showed that renting was a better financial option for the first ten years after downsizing. If the couple rented, they would have $576,202 in total assets (home sale proceeds and investments) 10 years later. If they bought the house with cash, they would have $542,800 (home equity and investments). The couple with a mortgage would end the 10 years with $572,071 (home equity and investments). However, buying with a mortgage is the better option generally after 10 years. In year 11, the couple who bought with the mortgage had more in total assets than the renter—and the gap widened as the years went by, Arzaga says, “due to the tax-free growth of equity in the house, whereas the investment account is likely to be taxed every year.”

Keep Your Needs in Mind Buying may be the better plan if you are in good health and have a long retirement ahead of you. But if you think you might need assistance sooner, renting or moving to a retirement community may offer you more flexibility. Independent living averages at $2,500 a month, while assisted living runs around $3,500. Though retirement communities are costlier than renting a standard apartment or making mortgage payments, the convenience of included services like meals, activities, health care or assistance with daily tasks can make it worth the price tag if it means extending one’s independence. Certain residences, like continuing care retirement communities, offer different levels of care and payment models that give you the option of transitioning to a different level of care within the same community, rather than relocating altogether. There is a lot to consider when moving later in life. Weigh your finances, wants and needs carefully; only you can determine the best fit for you.(Info from Kiplinger)

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What’s Next? Creating Your Second ActReaching retirement age doesn’t mean

it’s time to slow down. Once people hit midlife and beyond, they are filled with valuable insights and life skills with significant time to dedicate themselves to a project. Currently, 9 million of those age 65 years or older have already moved into “encore careers,” which are second acts made up of equal parts social impact, personal fulfillment and additional income. Here are four individuals who transformed their lives in their second act.

Innovation It’s never too late to pursue your passion of becoming an inventor. At age 84, George Weiss created and designed the board game Dabble in his Brooklyn, N.Y. home’s basement work-shop. The fast-paced word game aims to improve a child’s vocabulary, spelling and quick thinking, according to its website. “This may be my first real success,” Weiss said. “All through the years I never stopped inventing. Although, I never

really became successful.” Today, the game is available in 50 stores around the country as well as for mobile devices and as a computer game.

Business Monica Stynchula of St. Petersburg, FL was a medical social worker and administrator who decided to retrain in electronic health record (EHR) technology as an encore career. As a long-distance caregiver for her parents, she saw a need for better communication between loved ones and health care professionals. She worked to develop a web platform for a virtual support network that others like herself could use, and REUNIONCare was born. (reunioncare.com) “We can synthesize our collective experience and apply them to new industries. Longevity gives us the time and energy to solve social problems, leaving behind a legacy for generations after us to embrace. Younger generations

need to see our involvement as collaboration, not competition.”

Volunteering “I taught school for about 36 years. Then it was, ‘Oh, what a delight! Retire, read, watch movies and shop.’ I got bored in two weeks,” said Judy Weiphert of Tom’s River, NJ. She decided to look into volunteer work at a local food pantry, and noticed a homeless man in need of good socks. “So every Wednesday, I came (to the pantry) loaded with white socks. Then I started volunteering nearly full time and that was it. I was in,” she said. Weiphert has been at the food pantry and clothing center—now a nonprofit called the Tom’s River Community Church Outreach—for over 14 years, providing food, clothing, transportation and other services for anyone in need. “My volunteering gives back for all the times that people helped me earlier in my life,” Weiphert says. Someone will ask me:

‘Can I pay you for that?’ And I say, ‘Pay it forward to someone who needs assistance.’ I would say to other older adults—don’t fear retirement. I’m having a great time.”Pursuing Passion “When I found out that 34 men in my senior community were WWII veter-ans, my film career was started,” said Michael Rothfeld of Elkton, FL. Since his retirement in 2000 from teaching Special Education for 35 years in a Brooklyn High School, he formed a nonprofit called Any Veteran to produce documentaries about local veterans. He recorded their stories, sent them to the Library of Congress and premiered the WWII documentary at the Flagler College Auditorium to over 800 people. “Older workers often have more life skills, background information and knowledge history. Given a chance, the older generation will surprise many with what they do to better educate the community.” (Info from Bobby Grajewski, President of Edison Nation Medical; and Encore.org)

August Horoscope: Leo and VirgoLeo (July 23 - Aug. 22): Your horoscope predicts that this month will be spent with family and friends. Career, finance and

professional decisions will be put on the back-burner by the Lions in August.

Virgo: (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Your horoscope foretells a changeover from career issues to domestic and spiritual

concerns. You will spend money on personal luxuries and on enjoying

life to the fullest. You will spend lots of energy in improving your personal appearance. This month, you have to review your past achievements and make strategies for the future. This might be a month of pleasures and enjoying good food and excellent wine, but you need to start saving right now for the rainy day. (sunsigns.org)

For more horoscopes, visit our website at lifestylesafter50.com.

More Events11 Establishing A Home-Based

Business Seminar. Thinking of starting your own business? Visit the Tarpon Springs Public Library at 7 p.m. and the trusted counselors of SCORE (The Service Corps of Retired Executives) will show you the ropes and how to avoid common mistakes! Registration required at 727-943-4922.

12 Artists Challenge Group. Artists in all mediums are

invited to come and take the challenge at the Downtown New Port Richey Art Gallery, 6231 Grand Blvd. New Port Richey. 4 – 6 p.m. Free. Info: 727-848-6500.

28 Poets Point and the Old Time Radio Players. A free evening

enjoying a skit performance and poems read by local poets. 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Downtown New Port Richey Art Gallery. 727-848-6500.


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The 5 Best (And Worst) Places to Retire in the U.S.Where are the best places to retire in

the U.S., and how does your home state rank? Kiplinger rated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on health care, activities, cost-of-living, taxes, crime rate and the presence of a robust retirement-age population. Here are their top five:Top 5 Places to Retire1. Delaware: The First State is tops for retirees. Delaware’s population includes a great number of residents who are 65+. Delaware levies no sales tax and modest income taxes, from which Social Security benefits are exempt. City of choice: Milford.Total population: 908,446Share of population 65+: 14.9%Cost of living: 6.4% above U.S. averageAverage income for 65+ households: $47,860

2. Florida: Warm weather and beautiful beaches may not hurt the state’s appeal, but the tax picture is the main attraction. Florida has no state income tax, estate tax or inheritance tax, and it doesn’t tax Social Security or other retirement income. Cities of choice: Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Vero Beach, Gainesville, Tampa. Total population: 19.1 millionShare of population 65+: 17.8%Cost of living: 4.6% above U.S. averageAverage income for 65+ households: $45,1443. West Virginia: For retirees hoping to explore the outdoors, West Virginia is almost heaven with its Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River. If that’s not enough to get you singing “take me home,” perhaps the low cost of living can entice you. For homeowners age 65 and older, the median home value is just $91,400, tied with Mississippi for the lowest in the nation. Rental costs are also rock-bottom for retirees. City of choice: Morgantown.

Total population: 1.9 millionShare of population 65+: 16.5%Cost of living: 2.0% below U.S. averageAverage income for 65+ households: $37,7884. Pennsylvania: Though the overall cost of living is above average, housing for people 65+ is reasonably priced. The median home value is $149,300 for this age group, or $15,100 below average, and crime rates are safely below average. Plus, Pennsylvania’s tax laws help offset some costs for retirees: Social Security benefits and payouts from 401(k)s, IRAs, deferred-compensation plans and other retirement accounts are all tax-exempt. Cities of choice: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.Total population: 12.7 millionShare of population 65+: 15.8%

Cost of living: 14.8% above the U.S. averageAverage income for 65+ households: $43,3565. South Dakota. Safety and affordability are two good reasons to retire here. Crime rates are low, and the median home value for residents age 65 and older is just $111,300, about one-third less than the U.S. median. Lifetime health care costs for an average, healthy 65-year-old couple in South Dakota are expected

to total nearly $25,000 less than the national average. A favorable tax environment with no state income tax adds to the attractiveness. Cities of choice: Sioux Falls and Rapid City.Total population: 825,198Share of population 65+: 14.5%Cost of living: 0.1% above U.S. averageAverage income for 65+ households: $37,1025 Worst Places to Retire The following states might be great places to work, raise a family or visit, but they hold the least appeal when judged strictly as retirement destinations, with taxes and above-average living costs that can strain fixed incomes. 1. District of Columbia2. California3. New Mexico4. New York5. Minnesota To learn more, visit www.kiplinger.com.

A Word From Our ReadersIn the editorial last month, Lifestyles After

50 asked for your thoughts: What makes Florida great? What is your favorite thing about living in or visiting the Sunshine State? We heard back from Kathleen Walzl of Lady Lake, FL.: “Florida has the best of the old and new. Both wonderful beaches and winding roads through wooded countryside beckon. The exceptional Florida State Parks offer not only outdoor enjoyment but also the interesting heritage of the state’s eventful and colorful past. Lush vegetation and beautiful flowers abound under blue skies and Florida sunshine! Busy or laid back, whatever your style, it’s all here in Florida!”

Lifestyles After 50 Wants to Know:What Was Your First Car? In 200 words or less, tell us the make, model, year, how you came by it and why you love it! Include your name and city if you desire, along with a hi-res photo of your car and email it to [email protected] so we can share it with our readers!


Simple, Satisfying Summer SaladsThese quick and healthy salads are

perfect for picnics and cookouts. Find more great recipes at HealthHub (http://health.clevelandclinic.org).

Watermelon, Tomato and Herb Salad With Feta This salad takes advantage of two of summer’s best produce options—watermelon and tomatoes! Served with fresh herbs, red wine vinegar, sliced almonds and feta cheese, the unlikely combination is full of flavor and low in calories.Ingredients6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed4 cups fresh tomatoes, cubed1 tsp coarse salt (such as kosher or sea salt)3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil1.5 Tbsp red wine vinegar¼ cup fresh basil, chopped2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped¼ cup sliced almonds½ cup feta cheese

Directions Combine watermelon, tomatoes, salt and toss to blend. Let stand for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, olive oil and basil, then pour over the watermelon and tomato mixture. Top with sliced almonds and feta cheese. Serve chilled.

Fresh Mediterranean Bulgur Salad This salad offers the fresh taste of grape tomatoes, cucumbers and dill in an olive oil, lemon and vinegar dressing. Kalamata olives give it zing and whole grain bulgur makes it satisfying.Ingredients1 ½ cups uncooked bulgur1 seedless (or deseeded) cucumber,

peeled and chopped1 cup grape tomatoes, halved½ cup kalamata olives, halvedA few tablespoons of fresh dill

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegarJuice of ½ lemonSalt and pepper, to tasteDirections Heat a large skillet over medium heat; spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Add the bulgur and toast it for about 5 minutes. Remember to keep the grain moving the whole time to prevent burning. Add about 3 cups of water to the bulgur and cover it with a lid or some aluminum foil. Let the grain simmer for around 20 minutes or so, or until the bulgur is soft. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, grape tomatoes and olives. Add the vinegar, lemon juice, about 2 Tbsp of olive oil, and some salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors marinate for a few minutes. If there is any excess water left in the bulgur in the skillet at this point, drain it, then fluff the bulgur with a fork. Combine bulgur with vegetables and dressing, then garnish with fresh dill. Stir and let the flavors meld for an hour or so in the fridge. Serve cold.

RECIPE

Downsizing Made SimpleBy Elle Layne

If you’re faced with the daunting task of moving an entire lifetime of memories

and, well...stuff...to a smaller place, like me, you may be wondering where to start. These seven tips can help you cut the clutter fast and take the stress out of downsizing. Keep calm and move on!Start now. Moving is hectic enough without the pressure of deciding at the last minute which of your most precious possessions you must part with. If you sort everything out ahead of time, you’ll have the instant benefits of less clutter and less to take care of (and maybe even some extra money in your pocket!) But most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind—especially if you’re ever faced with an emergency and have to relocate quickly or trust others to do it for you.Break it up. A whole house is overwhelming. Take it room by room, starting with the one that contains items of the greatest sentimental value.(These are the tough decisions.) Make four piles—keep, donate, give to family

members and trash. Give yourself a few days for each room and keep a layout of your new residence handy as a guide for how much you can bring with you.Let it go! Ask yourself these questions: Is it stained, damaged, worn or disfunctional? Is it replaceable? Can someone else get more use out of it than me? If the answer is yes to any of these, throw it away or put it in the donate pile if it’s in decent condition. If you haven’t used it (or even looked at it) in the last two years, send it on its way. Multiple items? You only need so many pots and pans! Take the items you use the most and discard the extras. Try to avoid “maybe” piles. Handle an item once and make your decision—it will keep you from second-guessing yourself.Keep the memory, not the material. There may be years of memories in that collection of items, but if there’s no room to bring it all with you, try saving three to five of your favorite items and taking a photo of the rest to display. If you have stacks of old photo albums, home videos or important documents, digitizing services can help you scan,

save and preserve them on discs or online to help you save space. If it’s meant to be a gift or legacy, think about giving it now. You lose clutter and you get to see the recipient enjoy it! Involve your family. Do they even want the item? You may be holding on to something that will only be sold or discarded later. If you have items of particular monetary or sentimental value, giving them away yourself can help curb conflicts later on and ensure they get to the right person.Donate or sell. Choose your charity wisely. Furniture, clothing and household items in good condition can be donated for tax deductions to organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army and ReStore. Other items, like computers or historical memorabilia, may be better received by schools or museums. Consider appraising antiques or larger items before selling them yourself, or use an auction house to get the highest price for your items. For junk: services like Bagster (thebagster.com) or 1-800-GOT-JUNK will help you collect and dispose

of materials at your house. For everything else: yard sale!Get help. If the project is too much to take on yourself, a senior move manager might be an option. For a fee, professionals can help you through the entire downsizing, packing and moving process, stress-free. Visit www.nasmm.org to find a move manager near you.




Tech Talk Giveaway: Lenzcase

Welcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the

latest apps, products and websites that make life a little easier. This month, we’re giving away a Lenzcase—an iPhone 6 case that comes with a spring-loaded, built-in, backup set of reading glasses. Just a fingertip touch to the spring-loaded readers snaps them halfway open for a quick ten second read, or you can withdraw the lenses for hand-held normal reading. When you’re finished, just slide the lenses back in until it locks home for safe and secure holding until next time. The Lenzcase comes with a set of four

reading glasses at different strengths: + 2.0, +2.5, +3.0 and +3.5. The Lenzcase will be available soon; preorder at www.lenzcase.com. To enter the giveaway, just email [email protected] or snail mail us at:

Send us your name, address and phone number by August 19. The drawing will be held on August 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the next issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

Attn: Lenzcase GiveawayNews Connection USA, Inc.P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Congratulations!To last month’s winner:

Sandy Brand of WimaumaThey won the

Solar Shield Sunglasses!


Higher Education Options For VeteransBy Benjamin Albright

In 2010, 84-year-old Florida resident and World

War II veteran Jack Slotnick felt something was missing. His accomplishments were manyfold: he earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in service in the U.S. Army’s 66th Infantry Division. He was aboard the S.S. Leopoldville as it carried soldiers toward the Battle of the Bulge when it was sunk by a German U-boat’s torpedo on Christmas Eve, 1944. Around 800 of his fellow soldiers didn’t make it. He struggled with PTSD, survived prostate cancer, traveled the world and became a successful businessman, but there was one thing he’d never finished. He attended night classes at Brooklyn College following the war, but never completed his degree. Slotnick decided it was time to go back, so he applied to Lynn University in Boca Raton. He was interested in psy-chology and wanted to put his degree to good use counseling to young veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. “I think I can relate better to a return-ing veteran than somebody who has no concept of what being a soldier is,” Slotnick told the Palm Beach Post. “Evidently, there is more stress or strain on the soldiers of today than when I was in the war. There is something drasticallywrong with the amount of suicides [among] the current group of soldiers.” He completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology in a year and a half, and received his master’s in 2013. “There’s nothing you can’t do if you really want to do it,” he told City and Shore magazine.Going Back to School Many veterans decide to further their education after military service. Whether you recently left active duty or it’s been many years since you served, juggling the demands of school with the stress of civilian life can be challenging. Here are a few tips from veteran supportinitiative “Make The Connection” (maketheconnection.net):• Reach out to other veterans on your campus for social support.• Be prepared for questions about your service. Remember, you can respectfullydecline to talk about things that make you uncomfortable. “It bothered me when people would ask about my military experience in passing and then quickly become distracted with something else,” one veteran commented.

“Learning to say things like, ‘I’d love to tell you about it another time, over

a meal or drink one day’ helped me to avoid situations that upset me and make sure that I was spending time with people who really wanted to listen.”

• Get to know your new professors. Tell them you’re a veteran, and ask for advice on how you can be successful in the classroom.• Participate in student activities to break down barriers and become part of the campus community. “I was older than most of my classmates and didn’t see how any of them would ever be able to understand where I was coming from or what I had done. I really had to make an effort to explain how my experience changed my outlook on col-lege,” one veteran told the organization.Funding for Further Education If you’re thinking about going back to school but need financial aid, the federal government provides some funding—primarily to veterans who served post 9/11. Those who served in the military before Sept. 11, 2001 still have a few options:• Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty• Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve• Reserve Educational Assistance

Program (REAP)• Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational

Assistance Programs (VEAP) Through these programs, the VA helps pay for tuition and fees and other educa-tion expenses for colleges, universities,trade schools, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and flight schools. Eligibility depends on when active service started, how long the veteran served and the discharge status. With REAP and VEAP, the service member made contributions during active duty. Learn more at www.benefits.va.gov. The GI Bill Comparison Tool (https://department-of-veterans-affairs.github.io/gi-bill-comparison-tool) can help you check out schools and programs as well as calculate any benefits you are elegible for. Veterans can find further opportunities through private grants and scholarships. Military.com and Schoolsoup.com are two of many comprehensive online scholarship finders. Higher Education For Military Veterans: (www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/higher-education-for-military-veterans) is another helpful guide to financial aid options, educationaland social resources for any veteranthinking about returning to school.

VETERANS CORNER

Dogs Could Be Called Wonder DrugsDogs can provide people with many

things. Protection, friendship, and unconditional love top the list, but they may also provide health benefits, too. A new study finds dogs can lower a person’s blood pressure, improve your psychological health, and even get you to exercise more.

“That dog can’t walk itself, so you have to get out and walk the dog. And by the nature of just walking—these people were moving for an hour a day. We know that walking an hour a day is going to have health benefits,” says Dr. Scott Bea, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. Researchers at the University of Missouri’s Research Center for Human-

Animal Interaction looked at the benefits associated with having an animal companion. For 12 weeks, people were encouraged to walk on an outdoor trail for one hour, five times a week. Results show the older people who walked their dogs improved their walking capabilities by almost 30 percent compared to

people who walked with a friend. Researchers say they also had more confidence on the trail and increased their speed. Human walking buddies tended to discourage each other and used excuses, such as the weather, to avoid the walks. The results show only a four percent increase in their walking capabilities. Researchers say many of the same benefits can apply to other pets, too. Dr. Bea agrees.

“Human-animal interactions are full of good feelings. Animals respond to humans with a kind of unconditional acceptance; we don’t get that all the time from other human beings, so we see that it has a tension-reducing aspect to it. Just repetitive acts like petting an animal has tension-reducing properties,” he says. (Cleveland Clinic)



August 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. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on August 20 will win. Good luck!

Mystery Prize!

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

NEWS CONNECTION USA, INCP.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!(Sudoku must be received by August 20, 2015.)

Last Month’s Answers July Sudoku

Marky Wineland is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

WordSearchAnswers From July

Adele Walteris last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Word Search AugustIn 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:

NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on August 20 will win.

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

(Puzzles must be received by August 20, 2015.)

MYSTERY PRIZE!

MYSTERY PRIZE!


By Andrea Gross; Photos by Irv Green

I’m standing on a narrow footbridge, surrounded by moss-laden trees and

listening to the rumbling sounds of Oregon’s Multnomah Falls. Looking up, I peer through the mist to see more than a thousand gallons of water per second cascading down the 620-foot falls that many consider to be the most beautiful spot in the entire 80-mile Columbia River Gorge. Officially the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which parallels the river from The Dalles in the east to the outskirts of Portland in the west, consists of 292,500 acres in southern Washington and northern Oregon. It’s possible to speed through it in an afternoon—a quick look here, a photo stop there—but it’s better to explore it more leisurely, whether cruising on a paddlewheeler like those that plied the Columbia River 150 years ago, or by driving along the aptly-named Historic Columbia River Highway.

From either vantage point, water or road, the views are magnificent—4,000-foot tall cliffs, towering mountains, abundant vegetation and more waterfalls than in any similarly sized area of North America. Why, there are more than seventy waterfalls just on the Oregon side of the river. My husband and I stand on the bridge and consider our options. Do we want to see more waterfalls? If so, we have our choice of at least ten trails that will lead us through forests dotted with falls. Or do we want breathtaking views? In which case, we can undertake the seven-mile trek to the top of Larch Mountain. A woman at the visitor center suggests we drive. “That way you can see the views, hike around the mountain top and drive back down,” she says. This strikes us as a brilliant solution and is exactly what we do. It’s a clear day and, as the song goes, we can see forever. There, across the river, are the two highest mountains in Washington: Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Here, on this side of the river, we can see Oregon’s two tallest peaks, Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, as well as Mount St. Helens, which is easily recognizable because it has no peak at all. St. Helens quite literally blew its stack in the spring of 1980 when a massive eruption sent 1300 feet of mountaintop into the valley below. More than 200 square miles of vegetation were scorched, turning once lush forest into a barren moonscape. Today, thanks to extensive salvage and recovery efforts, green again covers the hills. While all of these mountains are active volcanoes, it’s been 150 years since Mount Hood erupted, and the U.S. Geological Survey says an explosion is not imminent. Thus reassured, we cross our fingers and rent a rowboat so we can enjoy one of the mountain’s fish-filled lakes. We return in late afternoon, wet, sunburned and without a single fish.

To see fish we go to Bonneville Lock and Dam, a complex that includes a fish hatchery and fish ladder as well as a spillway dam, powerhouse and navigation lock. Taken together, the center improves navigation along the Columbia, provides electricity to the Northwest and supports a fish production program that helps maintain the population of fish that would have otherwise been reduced by the construction of the dam. But Mount Hood does more than provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. It also creates a protected environment for agriculture, blocking much of the rain that would otherwise destroy the fruits that make the nearby area one of Oregon’s most fertile regions. We stop in The Dalles, which is a major producer of the Royal Anne Cherries that are transformed into maraschinos. Try as we might, we can’t find a sweet shop that will make us an old-fashioned sundae topped with a bright red, decadently sweet cherry. Therefore, we head over to the tasting room of Barnard Griffin Winery. There is more than one way to enjoy the fruits of the Gorge’s agricultural region!

We intersperse our outdoor activities with visits to the numerous museums and interpretative centers that line the Gorge. We learn about Gorge geology and step inside a mock volcano at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, see Indian artifacts and a raptor show at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, learn about Oregon Trail pioneers at the Wasco County Historical Museum and visit a Lewis and Clark outpost at Fort Clatsop.

We had come to the Gorge because we’d heard it was beautiful, and it is. But we left having learned that it offers much more than a place to ogle and hike. It’s a place where we could glimpse the geologic forces and historic events that have made the Northwest what it is today. That’s a lot to accomplish in only eighty miles.

For more info, visit traveloregon.com.American Cruise Line offers eight-day trips through the Gorge on their 120-passenger paddlewheeler, Queen of the West. Visit americancruiselines.com to learn more.

The Uniquely Gorgeous GorgeTRAVEL

Mount St. Helens has undergone an extensive program of reforestation.

Oregon is among the top five wine producing states in the U.S.

A great horned owl stars in the raptor show at the Columbia

River Gorge Discovery Center.

Multnomah Falls is one of the highest year-round waterfalls in the United States.

Booneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia to connect

Oregon and Washington.

Today, cruise companies operate paddleboats reminiscent of those that

were used on the Columbia 150 years ago.


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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.

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Seniors Getting Together

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Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

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If you or your business would like to get AMSOIL products at Wholesale CALL 941-586-3853

A Self-Inflicted Wound

By Brian Gunnell and the American Contract Bridge League

In last month’s Bridge Bite, the defense prevailed by forcing Declarer

to ruff repeatedly, causing him to lose trump control in the process. This week’s Declarer suffered a similar fate but in this case he had no excuse, his defeat was entirely self-inflicted. Against 4♥, West led the ♦K, won by Declarer’s Ace. Assuming that Clubs were breaking 3-2, and by taking a Diamond ruff in Dummy, Declarer could count 10 tricks (5 trump winners, ♦A and a Diamond ruff, and 3 Clubs). The only losers would be a Spade, the ♥K, and a Club.

A pretty simple hand, eh? Well, not exactly! Declarer won the Diamond opening lead, ruffed a Diamond in Dummy, and cashed the ♥A. Declarer needed to get back to hand in order to draw trumps, and that would have to be done with a ruff. So he lost a Spade, ruffed the Diamond return, and played the ♥Q, driving out East’s King. With West showing out of Hearts on the second round, and with East returning

yet another Diamond, Declarer’s goose was cooked. He could ruff the Diamond and draw East’s remaining trumps, but then would be out of trumps himself. When he later lost the third round of Clubs, the defense would cash a Spade for down one. Where did Declarer go wrong? At Trick 2 he should have ruffed the Diamond with Dummy’s Ace! Now he can play a low Heart from the board, overtaking in hand if East plays low. This avoids the need for one of those ruffs, trump control is thereby retained, and 10 tricks roll home.

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

BRIDGE BITES


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