Mature Lifestyles Mar. 2012 Southwest edition

• Travel: Callaway Gardens• Surviving the Unimaginable• Baby, You Can Drive My Car• Help Me Stop Smoking

Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 2

Dear Readers,

“It shouldn’t be this much fun

to keep happy healthy chickens in your own backyard… but it is!”(from the online blog: Chicken Keeping Secrets) These days if I wonder where Dear Husband is, there’s a good chance he’s out back on a “tour de coup.” Our mixed-breeds “girls”—hens named Katarina and Ophelia (blacks), Click and Cluck (reds) and Dominique (black and white)—require some sort of checking on five or six times a day. Reality? Nothing much changes in their coop or attached chicken yard during any 24-hour period. We find it fun, however, to just go out and watch their antics. Or toss them some (quite expensive) cracked corn. Or just stand and talk to or about our girls. How we became suburban chicken ranchers is one of those marriage things. I said: “I always loved chickens growing up on a farm.”DH heard: “Janice wants chickens.”The new-aluminum-porch-salesman said: “Hauling away the old wood is included in the cost.”DH heard: “We’re planning to take cedar 4 x 4s and 2 x 8s to the dump! Some of it is past using, but the rest…”A day later I asked: “What’s yournew book?” DH replied: “Raising Chickensfor Dummies.” And that’s how DH became Facilities and Maintenance Director for our little chicken ranch and I became Acquisi-tions and Distribution Manager. His hand sketches and lists of supplies were free. Wire fencing, nails, hinges and locks were definitely not. He was “man, the provider” as

he flashed his credit card at Home Depot and wielded his power saw on boards stretched over sawhorses. The man and his tools be-came a thing to behold. And then one day our pleasant chicken king-dom was completed. Our future girls would go in and out from coop to yard on a clever ladder; their covered yard fence would allow no predators. A wire floor on the raised coop area offered the Maintenance Director easy cleanup for the anticipated six or seven pounds of manure each chicken is predicted to provide each year (think flower beds here). We took DH’s credit card and made our way to the Tractor Supply store in Plant City to shop for supplies. Wa-terer? Check. Feeder? Check. Grower mash? Check. Magazines for backyard chicken people like us? Check. It was time to find our first girls. From ads on Craigslist, we finally chose four babies and settled in to get connected in a small way to the earth, to the reality of food sources, to nature. Cliches based on chickens cometo mind. “Pecking order”: Katarina and Ophelia were—and still are—at the top of the pecking order. Guess what? They’re just a family of siblings who’ve had to work out how to live together, as one writer said. We added Dominique recently and discovered that our girls didn’t want a stepsister and the pecking became real. She now has her own little coop next to the bigger yard, and Cluck sometimes still rushes the fence trying to henpeck her. Ophelia was “mad as a wet hen” when we carelessly left the nest box door open and she “flew the coop.” I found her circling the chicken yard, rushing headlong at the fence every few feet trying desperately to get back

with the other girls. To say “sounds like a bunch of old hens” makes sense as we listen to their universal sound of braaaaap, braaaap. A good alpha rooster tells the world when the sun is about to rise and then crows again when the sun has followed up on the statement. We don’t think our neighbors would enjoy that information, so

there will be no alpha rooster on our ranch. That means no fertilized eggs. I never explained that to Katarina, and she recently tried to “brood,” sitting on a nest day and night like a good “moth-er hen.” We didn’t leave her “nest egg” under her (lest it become “a bad egg”). You get the picture. We have fresh eggs which I, as Distribution Manager, figure are now costing us about $5 each considering expenses to date. Because of the girls’ mixed heritage, one red hen lays dark brown eggs, the other lays large cream-colored eggs, and our little black hens lay small creamy white eggs. For us – empty nesters that we are – raising chickens has become a point of conversation, a joint endeavor we created together. The fresh eggs? Well, they’re really all they’re cracked up to be. And, if this makes you homesick to have chickens, it’s cheaper to watch a flock live on hencam.com. I’m not kidding! Someone put a webcam on their backyard flock. We’ll not be doing that.

Tending Our Little Flock—It’s All It’s Cracked Up To Be

Janice Doyle, Editor

Katarina

Correction In the ad “Great Senior Events” that ran in last month’s edition, the date for the Senior Fun Fest at the

St. Petersburg Coliseum was incor-rectly listed as March 28. The event

will be held on March 27, 2012.

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Published monthly by

News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Corporate Advertising Offi ce:P.O. Box 638

Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

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

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

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

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Through 18 Tru, a glimpse into the mind of Truman Capote. $40

Tickets. Florida Repertory Theatre. 2267 First St. Call (239) 332-4488.

Through 31 Brigadoon at Broadway Palm Theatre. Tickets

and information at (239) 278-4422.

9 – 10 Bonita Blues Festival charity fundraiser at Riverside

Park in Bonita Springs. Two Day Pass in advance: $30. For more information, visit bonitablues.com.

10 “March in the Park” plant and garden art sale by the

Garden Club of Cape Coral at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. Garden items, food, music. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Club meets second Wednesday of month, Epiphany Episcopal Church, Cape Coral at 7 p.m. For more information, visit GardenClubOfCapeCoral.com or call (239) 540-7988. Email contact: [email protected].

10 Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade. Shrimp

dinners, entertainment. 10 a.m. Sat. parade. Info at (239) 765-0202.

10 MozART GROUP concert, a musical cabaret of music and

joy, at Village Church, Shell Point Retirement Community. Tickets are $35. To purchase, visit shellpoint.org/concerts or call (239) 454-2067.

11 Irish Music by Lee County Community Band. 3 p.m. Mariner

High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd., North, Cape Coral. Free. More info at leecountyband.org or (239) 995-2097.

14 Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra concert at BIG

ARTS, Sanibel Island. Tickets: $20 to $60 at (239) 418-1500.

16 and 17 Sanibel Captiva Arts & Crafts Fair,

Community House and Park, Sanibel Island. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

17 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Authors, activities,

book signings. Schedule online at [email protected]. Call (239) 337-7323 for more info.

17 Irishfest with food, drink, dancers, music, more. Bailey

Center, 2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. (239) 472-1516.

22 “How to Approach a Parent about Assisted Living” Presen-

tation by Director of Assisted Living at The Springs, Shell Point Community. 6 p.m. Free. Details at (239) 454-2077or online at Shellpoint.org/events.

28 Day Trip to West Palm Beach – Zoo (1400 animals), Diva Duck,

BB King’s Blues Club. $72/member plus Dutch lunch. Pre-registration required at (239) 574-0575.

30 – 31 Surf & Song Festival at Centennial Park,

downtown Ft. Myers. Jazz, blues, country, rock. (239) 321-7530.

April 1 BBQ, Bands & Brew at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 Mc-

Gregor, Ft. Myers. $10 general admis-sion. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (239) 939-2787. Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. March 10 for April event.)

Around TownW H A T ’ S H A P P E N I N G M A R C H 2 0 1 2


BY EVELYN MACKEY

“When all is said and done, it’s not the shots

that won the championship that you remember, but the friend-ships you made along the way.” Seniors universally know that regu-lar exercise, along with a good diet, good medical care, good genes and a bit of luck, can postpone getting to that place called “old.” And today’s seniors are redefi ning “sports” as they accommodate damaged knees or hips—or as their bodies just plain say “slow it down, buddy.” The thing is that they want to be outside living the sporting life be-cause they still enjoy competing. An added bonus is that they don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore as they adapt to less strenuous sports. Here are some of the sports enjoyed in Florida:

Paddling Kayaking has become the favorite water sport for senior paddlers. Kayaks are faster, easier to steer (because of the low profi le) and easier to manage in strong wind than canoes. SOTs (Sit On Top) kayaks even come with a small wheel mounted under the stern to make it easy for one person to pick up and walk it to or from the water. Paddle boats are yet another type of kayak propelled by your feet on pedals much like a cyclist would pedal—especially good for those with arm or shoulder problems who can’t wield the conventional paddle.

Lawn Bowling The sport of lawn bowling takes on the look of a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby with people dressed in white moving gracefully around a green court. It’s a fun lawn or court game where the objective is to roll slightly asymmetric balls so they stop close to a smaller ball (or bowl). Here in Florida it’s an outdoor sport which draws dozens of people who enjoy it as a low impact, therapeutic form of exercise.

Pickleball Pickleball is a court sport, sort of a combination of tennis and ping pong. It’s played with lightweight paddles and whiffl eballs with four players per court. Look around for a local group.

Shuffl eboard Now being considered a “retro” sport by a younger generation, shuffl eboard is a peaceful sport.

There’s a soothing, quieting effect to the gentle scraping sound of the pucks on the court. Players use broom-shaped paddles to push weighted pucks down a narrow and elongated court hoping they’ll come to rest within a marked scoring area. Of interest: The world-famous St. Petersburg Shuffl eboard Club is experiencing a surge in popularity by turning the club into a complete Friday night experience for all ages. Hundreds attend for food, music, dance and a feeling of acceptance. Trivia: In its heyday of the ‘30s through the ‘60s, the St. Pete club had 110 playing courts and a membership of over 5,000.

Horseshoes Horseshoes is an old sport, histori-cally played most anywhere horses were found. The goal is to throw horseshoes at a stake in the ground with scoring based on how close the horseshoe gets to the stake. Men and women who love this sport attest to its physical and mental attributes as an aid to staying young. Physically there’s lots of walk-ing, bending, resistance, etc. The mental workout includes using mental math, thinking for strategy, decision-making skills and much more. Add the social component and it sounds like the perfect sport!

Cornhole Toss Cornhole or Corn Toss is a great driveway sport for ages 2 to 102. It’s similar to horseshoes except you use wooden boxes called platforms and corn bags. Contestants take turns pitching their corn bags at the platform until a contestant reaches the score of 21 points. This sport is more portable than horse-shoes because it doesn’t require sand-pits, so once you have your platform it becomes a takealong sport which builds fl exibility and balance. It’s also great for those with mobility issues. Other sports to consider are bocce ball, disc golf, badminton, archery—and good, old, free walking! Helen Hayes was right when she proclaimed, “Resting is rusting.” We can’t stop the clock, but we can slow its tick and enjoy life with sports and teammates.

Live the Sporting LifeHealthFriendshipFun

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The Best ofCharlotte County

Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County

March 2012

Fun Events In Charlotte County

Charlotte County!

14 Worden Farm’s Green Market,

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Organic fruits and vegetables, flowers, seafood, cooking demos, live music and more. (941) 637-3514.

17 “Get Your Green On” Expo, 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m. Free Admission! Visit with experts in the industry about sustainability, green building, healthy living and much more!

19 Four Leaf Strummers Banjo Group performs, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Center Stage.

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

9 Day Trip: Strawberry Festival – Coasters,

Drifters & Platters. $65. (941) 625-4175, ext. 204.

8 Players Present: USO Memories. Showtime:

7:30 p.m. $15 admission.

21 Spring-o Bingo Extravaganza. Up

to $2450 in prizes! $35 dinner/Bingo, 4:30; $25 Bingo only, 6:30. Info at (941) 625-4175 ext. 230.

24 Elvis: A Concert Experience. Show

at 7 p.m. Admission: $16.

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

17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Live

entertainment, noon to 9 p.m: Celtic fiddler, pipes and drums, Irish tunes, dancing and more. Food specials all day! Free parking /admission. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, #57A, Punta Gorda. (941) 639-8721.

18 Laughter and Songs from Ireland

featuring George Casey and Cahal Dunne. 2 p.m. – $15. 7 p.m. – $17. At the Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Pt. Charlotte. (941) 625-4175, ext. 221.

Join Us For Our April 2012 Edition!

Only In Florida!

888-670-0040

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

• Free Tax Assistance. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. Go to

the site to schedule an appointment unless a number is given below. Do not call a public library to make appointment.

Cultural Center of Charlotte County: (Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Mon. 4 – 8 p.m.) ; Regions Bank, Punta Gorda:

(941) 268-8280, Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Rotunda West Community Church, Rotunda West (Mon., Tues., Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

• Charlotte County “Fit for Life” 2012 Senior Games, March 1 – 18. Open to amateur athletes 50+. Track and field, golf, basket-ball, tennis, shuffleboard, swimming and more. (941) 627-1074.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED EVENTS

HappySt. Patrick’s Day!

Follow The Florida Wine Trail


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

Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easilyin my pocket, and it flips open to reach from my mouthto my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simply push “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reduces background noise, making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know thephone is ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlikeother cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should I pay forminutes I’m never going to use? And if I do talk more than I plan, I won’t find

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

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screenimages simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes.Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage.If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2011 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2011 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Your Seniors Blue Book presents...

LEE COUNTY SENIOR LIVING SYMPOSIUM 2012Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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Avoiding Ruffled Feathers: Safety And Tech Tips For SnowbirdsIf you’ve spent the winter here,

you’ve joined almost 1 million North American “snowbirds.” With technol-ogy has come new considerations for closing up the winter house and heading north. Best tips for leaving a house behind until next winter include:

Security and Remote Monitoring Before the bags are packed, you may want to investigate new products that put technology to work while you’re gone. For peace of mind, new services now remotely monitor and control your home’s security and thermostat from a smartphone or computer. You can remotely arm or disarm the alarm system and control lighting, household appliances and the thermostat. With connected cameras, you can monitor the home from anywhere in the world-even receive instant text messages when doors are opened or closed.

Telecommunications Services David Gregg, of behindthebuy.com, shares the following advice on telephone, cable TV and Internet services: “Instead of making two separate calls, check out cablemover.com for disconnecting your TV, phone and Internet at your current home and reconnecting at your summer address. And it doesn’t matter if your cable

service provider is different in each location. The best part is, once you are ready to return, you can use the same service again to reverse the process.”

Freshen Up! A dormant home will inevitably be-come stuffy. Keep it return-ready with a new type of air purifier that cleans the air and prevents the spread of allergens such as mold or mildew. Air purifiers with true HEPA filters capture 99.9 percent of particles and impuri-ties. Put the unit on a timer and your air purifier automatically senses air quality levels and neutralizes viruses/bacteria, keeping your indoor air clean.

Don’t Forget the Basics Gizmos are great, but remember to turn off your refrigerator or turn it down to the lowest setting and unplug your electronics. For those items that can’t be unplugged, be sure to use a surge protector. Consider new devices that power down appliances and tech devices that consume phantom power (power you continue to use even after you hit the off button) saving you money on your electric bill.

For more tips and ideas on how to smooth your an-nual snowbird migration, check out cablemover.com. (NAPSA)

Retirement Living


BY KATE FORGACH

If you’re having trouble keeping up with high-

impact aerobics and jogging, maybe you can still find ways to get your exercise. Try these tips: 1. Go It Alone: It takes discipline to maintain your own workout schedule, but joining an expensive health club isn’t really a necessity. We tell ourselves paying for membership will force us to exercise, but the thinning crowds after January attest to the fallacy of this concept. 2. Bring It Home: More than 10 million Americans use elliptical trainers. An equal number prefer a reclining stationary bike. Both

machines reduce stress on joints while eliminating the aching-back syndrome. Fortunately, a lot of people buy such equipment and then use them as

expensive clothes hangers. That means you should never have to buy a new machine. Craigslist is just filled with ads for home exercise equipment and some dealers offer refurbished machines. The key

is to give it a whirl before handing over your cash or you, too, might end up with a pricey coat rack. If you don’t already have an MP3 player, this should be your second investment. Nothing impels you through a home workout like hot tunes or an hour-long podcast of “Car Talk.” 3. Stay Limber: Stress is not the only province of youth; nor is muscle elas-

ticity. Yoga helps soothe frayed nerves, improves flexibility and, not inciden-tally, provides a great aerobic workout. Pilates has many of the same advantag-es, but without all that Nirvana stuff. There are countless DVDs and CDs to lead you through these exercises at home, but it’s important to be selective. You want an instruc-tor who gives detailed instructions, like “keep your stomach flat,” “push away from the floor,” etc. 4. Get Outside: Recumbent road bikes are fairly expensive, but you can always pick up a traditional bike for cheap at garage sales, thrift stores, FreeCycle.org or the inevitable Craigslist. If you have shoulder or back problems, invest in high-rise handle-bars and have a professional adjust the bike to your body shape and size. 5. Walk It Off: It costs nothing to cruise the neighborhood, checking out houses for sale while listening to music that moves you. Walking regularly with

a friend is a great motivator and main-taining a conversation while keeping a steady pace allows you to monitor the amount of exercise you actually get. An article in AARP reports overweight people who walk 30 minutes per day, five days per week, can reduce their risk of diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

6. Pump It Up: Even if you just add weights to your arms and legs when walk-ing, you’ll increase your body strength while getting a good cardio workout.

7. Mix and Match: Performing just one form of exercise won’t ensure you stay fit. A full regimen combines strength, flexibility and balance training (the latter provided by yoga and Pilates). Mixing it up each day also keeps the doldrums away.

The author is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

Seven Ways to Exercise on the Cheap

Florida Eye Health Offers Free Cataract Evaluations for New Patients Over 55

BY JONATHAN M. FRANTZ, M.D., FACSCataract & LASIK Specialist

Cataracts are one of the most curable

causes of vision loss, yet thousands of area residents continue to live with diminished vision simply because they don’t get an eye exam that can detect the presence of a cataract. The doctors at Florida Eye Health offer free cataract evaluations for NEW patients who are 55 and older to help debunk the myths about cataracts and remind people they don’t have to live with vision loss from cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to give the eye proper focusing power.

In most cases, the improvement in the patient’s vision is profound.

The best time to have a cataract removed is when it starts to interfere with the things you like to do. Free cataract evaluations are performed by our board-certified optometrists at all five Florida Eye Health locations. Sorry, but the free evaluation does not include a refraction or eyeglass pre-scription. For more informa-

tion, call the main office:(239) 418-0999 or visit bettervision.net. Dr. Jonathan Frantz and the doctors at Florida Eye Health offer a broad spectrum of patient-focused care from eye exams and eyewear to cataract removal, glaucoma care, 100 percent blade-free iLASIK, hearing services and eyelid surgery with office loca-tions in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda and Lehigh Acres.

Dr. Jonathan Frantz.


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Parkinson’s Research Foundation Seminar


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BOOST® Sampling Tour Coming To You!People in the U.S. are living longer

than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But the simple fact is that, as we age, our health and nutrition needs change. To stay fit, it’s important to get the right amount of nutrition in your daily diet. But even if you know which nutri-ents you need every day, if you don’t have much of an appetite or if health problems make eating difficult, it’s sometimes hard to fit in the calories, protein, vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy aging. Complete Nutritional Drinks can help seniors fill the nutritional gap that their meals don’t cover. BOOST® is offering samples of their product at upcoming Senior Fun Fests in St. Petersburg and Port Charlotte. (Learn more about BOOST Complete Nutritional Drinks at boost.com.) As part of a 20-week Florida Sampling Tour, a number of expos and events attended by senior communities will be offering samples of different BOOST flavors and formulations.

BOOST is also partnering with Walmart to sample the product at more than 70 stores. Giveaways include coupons, educational materials and a BOOST reusable tote bag. In ad-dition, consumers can try the “Which BOOST is Right for You” iPad app. “We are pleased to reach out to the Florida senior community through the BOOST Sampling Tour,” said Abigail Buckwalter, Marketing Manager. “The tour will offer an immersive experience that educates seniors about the benefits of BOOST and inspires them on the road to healthy living.” Join us for a great opportunity to meet our friends from BOOST at these upcoming Senior Fun Fests. March 27 at the St. Pete Coliseum, 535 Fourth Avenue North, St. Petersburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, (727) 892-5202. Also on April 12 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 625-4175. For more information about the Senior Fun Fests, call 1-888-670-0040.

Moose Lodge #964, 19090 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers (Tue. andWed. 9 a.m. to noon.)

N. Fort Myers Library (Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Sunny Grove Park 20850 S. Tamiami Tr. (Thu. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fri. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Lakes Library, Fort Myers (Mon. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tue. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

East County Library, Lehigh Acres (Wed. and Thu. 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

North Fort Myers Community Center(Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

St. James City Civic Association (239) 283-0242 (Thu. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Grace Community Center, N. Fort Myers (Mon. and Fri. 2 – 6 p.m.; Tue. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Thu. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

Free Tax Preparation AssistanceMore than 12,000 free tax prepa-

ration sites are open nationwide this year. The IRS sponsors both the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $50,000. Most locations offer free electronic filing. The TCE program offers free tax help to people who are age 60 or older. Local VITA site information is available through a new online tool on the IRS Website: www.irs.gov. Taxpayers can search the word “VITA” in IRS.gov and click on the option “Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers,” followed by ”Find a VITA site near you” to access the tool. Site information is also available by calling the IRS toll-free number: 1-800-906-9887. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. Go to

the site listed during the following times to schedule an appointment unless a phone number is given. Do not call a public library to make an appointment. For addresses, please visit aarp.org/applications/VMIS Locator/taxAideLocations.action.

Lee CountyCape Coral Library (Wed. 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thu. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)South County Library (Thu. 9 a.m. – noon; Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. with the

Everblades. Tickets are $16. RSVP will receive half of each ticket as proceeds. For additional informa-

tion or to purchase tickets, please contact Margaret

Baugher at (239) 275-1881 or email [email protected].

Come Out and Support RSVP of Lee County!


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When Should You Worry about “Senior Moments?”Everyone experiences occasional

episodes of forgetfulness. When an older loved one has a few episodes of forgetfulness, friends and family members may wonder whether those misplaced keys or trouble finding the right word in a conversation is the result of normal age-related changes in memory or an early sign of something more serious. The characteristics of these forgetful moments often of-fer clues as to whether Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia may be the underlying problem. For example: Recognizing and discussing episodes of memory loss. If the person complains about memory loss and can provide details about the episode of forgetfulness, normal aging is more likely. With dementia, it’s common that the person affected will only complain about memory problems if she’s asked about them and won’t be able to recall specific instances. Worry about memory loss. When dementia oc-curs, the person affected is often much less concerned about memory loss than her family members are. The reverse is true for normal age-related memory problems. Losing the way. If your loved one doesn’t get lost in familiar surroundings but does sometimes pause momentarily to remember the way, normal aging is likely. But if

she gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving and takes hours to return, Alzheimer’s or dementia should be a concern. Word-finding problems. Occasional trouble finding the right word probably isn’t worth worrying over, but frequent word-finding pauses and substitutions—for example, calling the telephone “the ringer” or “that thing I use to call you”—are typical of dementia. Changes in abilities and social skills. While it isn’t uncommon for an older adult to be unwilling to operate new devices or to fumble a bit with their cell phone or DVR, it’s a warning sign if the person has trouble operating common appliances like the dishwasher or has trouble using even simple new devices. Also, if the person has lost interest in social activities or if his or her social skills are in decline, it’s worth noting.

Of course, while these tips can help distinguish between normal age-related memory changes and demen-tia, concerns about memory problems should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

The above is from the book“A Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease,” available for $18 from Harvard

Health Publications, online at health.harvard.edu/Alzheimers0112or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free)

Check Us Out Online!Mature Lifestyles Is Now On

and !Visit www.twitter.com/MaturLifeStyles

or click the Facebook icon on seniorconnectionfl .com for the latest news, contests and fun events in your area.

Share your comments with us!



Veterans Corner

BY JANICE DOYLE

Edward Dement, 88, is Commander of the Florida Gulf Coast Chap-

ter of the American Ex-POWs and former National Director of the group. It is an elite group who have survived the un-imaginable and lived to talk about it, if not to outsiders, then at least to each other. DeMent’s easy smile and articulate speech make it easy to forget that, during WWII, he and five others parachuted from a damaged B-24 (part of the 456th Bomb Group) in April 1944. He weighed 160 pounds that day over Yugoslavia and remembers hearing a dog bark as he landed in a fir tree and fell to the ground, dislocating both kneecaps and suffering many other injuries. The captured men were treated well for a time in a camp supplied with food rations by the Red Cross and with books and athletic equip-ment by the YMCA. (The pilot told the men to bail out, thinking he would go down with the plane.) When Russia closed in to liberate the camp, the men were forced to leave in twenty below zero weather, marching toward Stalag Luft III outside of Munich. When that camp was liberated by General Patton himself on April 29, 1945, DeMent weighed only 110 pounds. He went back to Chicago, married, worked and raised a family. Like most POWs, Dement experienced flashbacks. A picture on the wall of his Temple Terrace, Florida, apartment shows the crew of nine who flew over Yugoslavia on the fateful day in 1944. Dement is the only one still living. Also on the wall are his Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, two Presidential Citations, four Battle Stars and much more.

POWs He talked about POWs. “Two things are foremost in the memories of WWII POWs held in Europe: winter’s cold and the lack of food. The POWs

were young, but the ones who suffered most were the men who had a wife and child back home. I was assigned to deliver mail and I saw their agony.” Some ex-POWs don’t want to join, DeMent said, because they don’t like groups, but he feels that as you get older there’s more locked in

your mind and sharing helps you deal with it. Men often don’t talk about their experiences to non-members but enjoy sharing with other ex-POWs. A few years ago, the director of the National Prisoner of War Museum (at Andersonville, Georgia) asked DeMent to help them find a way to extend the impact of the POW Museum. DeMent has worked with the museum in planning and develop-ing a new mobile museum called “Victory from Within: The American Prisoner of War Museum.” DeMent will be honored later this year at the unveiling of the 1,200 square foot traveling exhibit which will introduce the public to the prisoner of war story through present-day experiences. Edward DeMent and others who survived the unimaginable will then have a part of their story told more widely. Other parts of their story they talk about only among others who, like them, survived. Other Ex POW chapters meet in Spring Hill, Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Dunnellon. For information, call Edward DeMent at (813) 985-3783.

Ex-POWs: Surviving the Unimaginable and Dealing With It

Edward DeMent and framed memories of

his POW days.

Knee Arthroscopy Can Help You Get Back in the Game Faster

BY JOHN C. KAGAN, M.D.

Constant knee pain that prevents you

from performing everyday activities like walking, bending and climbing stairs, or enjoying a game of golf or tennis, can be difficult. It can certainly limit your quality of life. The first step is to try non-surgical treatments such as a knee brace, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections or lubricants. But when these options have failed to provide adequate relief, surgery may be the best solution. With the advance of technology, patients with disabling knee pain may be candidates for arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis.

For the right candidate, it can be an effective and less invasive alternative

to traditional surgery. According to a 2008 study published in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, more than 80 percent of patients were able to walk, do yard work and other light activity a week after surgery. By four weeks, 100 percent of patients were active again.

Post-surgical physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and restore motion to the knee. Depending on what was required to repair the damage to the knee, most patients can return to their regular physical activity within four to six weeks. For a consultation, call (239) 936-6778 or visit www.kaganortho.com.

John C. Kagan, M.D.

Normal T-Score? Skip the Bone Density TestWomen over 67 with

normal bone mineral density scores may not need screening again for 15 years, according to a new study. Prior to this, how often women should be screened was a topic that remained controversial and undecided. “If a woman’s bone density at age 67 is very good, then she doesn’t need to be re-screened in two years or three years, because we’re not likely to see much change,” Margaret Gourlay, M.D. said. “Our study found it would take about 15 years for 10 percent of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis. That was longer than we expected, and it’s great news for this group of women,” Gourlay said.

They also learned that older post-menopausal women with a T-score -2.0 and below will transition to os-teoporosis more rapidly, while women with T-scores higher than -2.0 may not need screening again for 5 to 15 years, Information from the Universityof North Carolina at Chapel HillSchool of Medicine.


ORTHOPEDICORTHOPEDICORTHOPEDICWORLD CLASSORTHOPEDICORTHOPEDICWORLD CLASSWORLD CLASSORTHOPEDICWORLD CLASSORTHOPEDIC

a

CENTER

For a consultation call one of our offi ces today.

www.bone-fi x.com

3210 Cleveland Ave., Suite 100Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-936-6778

2721 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 260Cape Coral, FL 33904

239-574-0011

3400 Lee Blvd., Suite 105Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

239-368-8277

John Kagan, M.D. Michael Jugan, D.O. Pedro Monserrate, M.D. Peter Curcione, D.O.

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

Our team includes board certifi ed orthopedic surgeons, as well as specialists in neurology and podiatry, and focuses on the following:

• Arthritis Care and Surgery• Arthroscopy• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• Fracture Care

• Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Hand, Foot and Ankle Pain

• Joint Replacement Surgery• Neck and Back Pain

• Neurology• Podiatry• Spine Care• Sports Injuries

ATHLETIC ORTHOPEDIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE CENTER offers a full spectrum of sports medicine and reconstructive orthopedic care including the surgical and non-surgical treatment of sports and work-related injuries and orthopedic conditions caused by age, heredity and disease.

Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center physicians, Drs. David B. Sudderth and Peter B. Walimire, will host a free seminar on foot pain. Topics include causes of foot pain and numbness, including the joints, nerves, illness or other conditions that can result in foot pain. In addition, attendees can ask the physicians questions.

The FREE seminar will be held on:

Wednesday, March 144 to 6 p.m. at Cape Coral Hospital636 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral. For reservations, call 239-936-6778 ext. 2227. Space is limited.

David Sudderth, M.D. Peter Walimire, D.P.M.

FREESEMINAR:FOOT PAIN


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As I Get Older I Want to Stay at Home—“Aging in Place”

BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSALong-Term Care Insurance Specialist

This is a relatively new term to some people in the industry of Long-

Term Care insurance…Aging in Place. Basically, it means to be able to have enough funds to hire the type of help you’ll need to stay in your own home as opposed to selling the home and mov-ing into an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home. While staying at home is generally the preferred way to go, the cost of care at home is very expensive. Consider this; you have three 8 hour shifts in a day. We have two 8 hour shifts when we are awake and another when we are supposed to be sleeping. Again, depending on the type of care you need, the cost per hour to hire additional help varies. For example, a sitter, someone to simply be a companion to assist with non-medical chores, will cost less than if you need a nurse’s aide or a registered nurse. You can have family members pitch in to help, but our lives are very busy and sometimes geographic limitations also get in the way. Staying at home may be preferred, but without help, it can be very dangerous. Falling is probably the worse fate a senior can have. It can lead to a mountain of other issues. When elderly seniors try to live at home alone, trouble brews. A companion to be with someone can cost $15+ an hour; actual professional care is much more costly. Hiring a friend or a neighbor might sound great because it could be less expensive than going through a Home Health provider. But be

careful. The unlicensed and insured in-dividual, if they are injured while on the job helping you, can turn out to be much more expensive than you think. Lawsuits abound even though you hadn’t given this any thought at all. And through an agency, the help will be bonded as well. This protects your belongings too. The fact is that people are living longer, and families live farther apart. If you live long enough, you will eventually need some assistance. Long-Term Care insurance policies provide the dollars you will need to pay for all levels of care in any setting. The cost of premiums is much less expensive for younger, healthier applicants. The baby boomers are the primary group buying Long-Term Care insurance. I am still fi nding an occasional senior who is fortunate enough to be able to qualify for cover-age, but it is becoming more rare. There are many ways to fund the cost of care. Using a Long-Term Care policy that was purchased early on is the most affordable way to accomplish this. Call me for a free information packet about your options. I am always glad to hear from you and to answer your questions. Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior healthcare market for over 20 years. She is a Certifi ed Senior Advisor and has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for more than 17 years. She is the Past President of Health Underwriters, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero, Member of the Bonita and Estero Chambers of Commerce, and a graduate of Toastmaster’s Internation-al. She represents all of the fi nest insurance companies in the industry. Can be reached at (239) 274-6678 in Estero, or at her website: www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.


Help Me Stop moking!

You think you’ve tried everything and your question now is: What

can I do to stop smoking if the “stan-dard” treatments don’t work for me?Q. I am an 84-year-old woman who recently had stents placed in two coronary arteries. The doctors, of course, told me to quit smoking. I told them, as I have told all of my other doctors, that I have tried to quit but just can’t. I have tried the patch and Chantix, but neither worked. Support groups aren’t for me. I have cut back, but that’s as far as so-called willpower goes. Hearing over and over again that I need to quit leaves me feeling depressed and weak. Is there some news about current or future approaches that might give me and others like me some hope?

A. Before I answer your question, let me congratulate you for having tried to quit smoking and urge you to try again. It often takes smokers several “tries” before one takes hold. As you have discovered, nicotine is a highly addictive substance. For most smokers, “willpower” alone is not enough. Fortunately, smokers today have a number of tools to fight tobacco addiction. Quit-smoking aids include nicotine replacement (nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, and sprays), bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin), varenicline (Chantix), counseling and behavior-change therapy, and social support. None are miracle workers. You mentioned having tried the nicotine patch. Dr. Nancy Rigotti, director of the Tobacco Research and Treatment Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, said that some smokers find success

by adding to the patch a short-acting nicotine replacement

product, like nicotine gum, lozenges or an inhaler to handle breakthrough cravings the patch can’t counteract. You also mentioned that Chantix didn’t help you. Some people find that Zyban works better for them than Chantix. Researchers are testing whether combining Zyban or Chantix with nicotine replacement is a safe and effective treatment for smoking cessation. You also said that support groups aren’t for you. You don’t have to join a group to get support. You can get free, helpful support from the comfort of your home by calling the national quit line at 800-QUIT-NOW. For some people, support is the missing piece of the solution, says Dr. Rigotti.

Several new treatments are under development and investigation. On the medication front, a class of drugs called cannabinoid receptor antago-nists may someday be used to help smokers quit. Also in the development pipeline are several anti-nicotine vac-cines. They prompt the body to make antibodies to nicotine. When nicotine enters the bloodstream, these antibod-ies bind to it. If cannabinoid receptor antagonists or vaccines pan out as safe and effective smoking cessation aids—and that is a big if—it will be years before they are on the market. Please don’t wait for treatments that may never materialize. You have already made a good start by cutting back. Now work with someone who specializes in smok-ing cessation to figure out a plan tailored for you. I hope this answer doesn’t make you feel weak but that it gives you some hope and power. —Thomas Lee, M.D., Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter.

For most smokers, “willpower” alone is not

enough. Fortunately, smokers today have a number of tools

to fight tobacco addiction. Medicare AnswersDear Marci, I just found out I am eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. How do I apply? —Yvonne

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

help pay your Medicare costs if you have limited finances. There are three main programs: QMB, SLMB and QI. Each program has different income eligibility limits. You should call your local Medicaid office for exact rules on how to apply for an MSP in your state. Many states allow you to submit your application online, through the mail or through community health centers or other organizations. The list of documents that you will need to include with your application varies by state. Contact your local Medicaid office to find out what documents you need. Examples of documentation that may be required include:

• Social Security card• Medicare card• Birth certificate, passport or green card• Proof of your address, such as anelectric bill• Proof of your income, such as a Social Security Administration award letter, income tax return or pay stub• Information about your assets, such as bank statements, stock certificates or life insurance policies—Marci

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114.


An Amsler Grid Can Provide Early Detection For Eye DiseasesAn Amsler grid is a tool

that eye doctors use to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina) or the optic nerve. The damage may be caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma or other eye diseases, so the Amsler grid is useful in detecting these problems. An early diagnosis means early treatment, so it may help to limit or at least slow the vision loss you experience. If you are at risk for macu-lar degeneration or other eye diseases, you should use this chart at home to monitor your vision. But using the chart doesn’t mean you should skip regular visits to your eye doctor, because you can easily miss signs that only a trained eye care practitioner will find.

If you need reading glasses, please wear them while you use the Amsler grid. The grid should be at about the same distance from your eyes that any other reading material would be. Cover one eye, and then focus on the dot inthe center.• Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or

distorted? (All lines should be straight, all intersections should form right angles and all the squares should be the same size.)

• Are there any missing areas or dark areasin the grid?

• Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?• Don’t forget to test both eyes. It’s very important to report any irregularityto your eye doctor immediately.

Sunil M. Malkani M.D., a fellowship trained retina specialist is now treating patients at Malkani Retina Center with three locations throughout Southwest Florida. During your appointment, he will take into consideration your age, medical history, lifestyle and overall retinal health so he can provide you with the best possible treatment options. Dr. Malkani a renowned vitreoretinal specialist is a graduate of Wake Forest School of Medicine and a former Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida. His surgical expertise includes treating Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal Detachments, Macular Holes, Epiretinal Membranes and other diseases of the retina. He is currently involved in Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy Research and has had his work published in many Ophthalmic Journals and presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as other national conferences. Malkani Retina Center’s Fort Myers’ office is located at 9201 Cypress Lake Drive. Their Naples office is at 875 105th Avenue North and the Punta Gorda office is located at 2825 Tamiami Trail, Building B, Suite #1. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (239) 324-4888 (Lee and Collier Counties) or (941) 404-4606 (Charlotte County), or visit them online at [email protected].

How to Test Yourself with the Amsler Grid

Normal View Distorted View

Sunil M. Malkani M.D.


Quick Facts About AgingAn Upsurge in the 90-Plus Population

Over the last 30 years,

the ranks of Americans 90 and older have tripled, with three women for each man. They now total 1.9 million, and a report from the U.S. Census Bureau says the number could reach 9 million by 2050. Factors fueling the aging boom include the decline in smoking, improved nutrition and pub-lic health, diabetes control and fewer strokes. Another factor: a higher edu-cational level, which has been linked to better health. Forty percent of the men in the 90-plus group were married; 80 percent of the women were widows. “Ranks of people reaching age 90 tripled since 1980: report” Reuters, Nov. 2011

Lifestyle Changes May Boost the Memory Some basic lifestyle changes may help with age-related memory loss and perhaps more serious cognitive problems, according to a recent study published in the journal Lancet Neurology. Summarizing evidence from hundreds of studies, the findings indicate that up to half of all Alzheimer’s cases are associated with a group of risk factors that people can control including midlife obesity, depression, smoking and a couch-potato body and brain. Experts also point out that oc-casional memory lapses are rarely signs of incipient Alzheimer’s or dementia. When younger people are forgetful, it’s usually because they’re distracted and not creating memories efficiently. “Forgetfulness at an early age is rarely a sign of early dementia” The Washington Post, Oct. 2011

Marathon Record-Breaker Is 100 Years Old It took him eight hours, and he came in dead last, but Fauja Singh was smiling when he crossed the fin-

ish line at the Toronto marathon. No wonder. At the age of 100, he had become the oldest person to ever complete the 26-mile run. Singh, who was born in rural India and wore a yellow turban for the race, entered his first marathon at age 89. He attributes his good health and longevity to his vegetarian diet, which does not include alcohol or cigarettes, and daily exercise—a walk or run of up to 10 miles a day. Ed Payne, “Centenarian completes marathon, sets record” CNN, Oct. 2011

International Aging Traditionally,younger members of Canadian families have seen to the care of their parents as they aged. In fact,

Canadian friends and familyprovide 80 percent of such caregiving. But according to a new report from the Institute for Research on Public Policy, that arrangement may be threatened for a number of reasons, including an insufficient number of family members available to provide care. It is estimated that by 2031, 25 percent of women aged 65 or older will have no surviving children. “Caregiver shortage ‘major cause of concern’” The Montreal Gazette, Nov. 2011

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BY JANICE DOYLE

“Y’all come.” The words are the Song of the South. It

might be an invitation to experience places with a long history, beauti-ful flowers, long walks on wooded paths and charming cottages amidst pines and azaleas. So, y’all come and meet us at Callaway Gardens!

If you have friends you’d like to relax with—or if you want to just stop on your way to somewhere else—there’s no place like Callaway Gardens. Any time of year is a good time to be there, but the Gardens are especially wonderful in the spring as the azaleas bloom. It’s time to go! Located on I-85 southwest of Atlanta, it’s a day’s drive from west Florida to Callaway Gardens. My husband and I joined our good friends there. We stayed in one of the two-bedroom, two-bath cottages nestled into the woods, brought our own food, and everywhere we looked for two days, the woods were full of azalea bushes. An inn and villas are also available for lodging, and you’ll fi nd several restaurants on the grounds.

What’s at Callaway Gardens? You’ll fi nd fl oral beauty in the 40-acres of azaleas and other garden delights as you drive the roads or hike the trails through the property. Better yet, pick up a bike and follow the 10-mile paved trail that winds through the woods, with stops at all the major attractions. At the John A Sibley Horticultural Center, it’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the fi ve acres of gardens: a tropical rain forest, a Mediterranean garden, a desert plot and much more. We loved the sculptures and the indoor waterfall. The Gardens include the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center, a lovely building full of displays and informa-tion. A Backyard Wildlife Habitat and Birds of Prey program interest the critter crew in a group. More than 1000 butterfl ies live in the Cecil B. Day Butterfl y Center. After spotting four or fi ve, we slowed our steps and looked more closely to fi nd the hidden beauties among the plants.

New at the Gardens is an adventurous two hours on the TreeTop Adventure. All four of us are in the very late 60s to mid-70s age range, but there we were lined up in helmets and safety harnesses letting guides get us started on the obstacle ropes and zip line course for all ages. The brochure says you can “leap, swing and whiz” your way through it. We didn’t do any of those specifi cally, but we took it one challenge at a time, cheered each other on, laughed a lot at ourselves and enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

Year-round fun Every season provides a great reason to visit Callaway Gar-dens! Beyond ongoing superb golf and tennis possibilities, there’s a full

schedule of things to do. Don’t think it’s all about spring azaleas, by any means. Robin Lake Beach turns into the center of activity for family activities and festivals. There’s a hot air balloon festival for Labor Day, a Spangled Beach Party for the 4th of July, a Fall Festival and, during the Christmas season, Fantasy in Lights has become an annual tradition for many people.

Winter at the Gardens (January through March) fi nds programs which connect people socially—think of stay-ing in a cozy cottage with a fi replace by night and enjoying social activities like bridge or tennis by day. Maybe you’d like a class or a Mystery Dinner Weekend. The calendar is packed with possibilities, and many special rates are available throughout the winter.

A don’t-miss side trip Warm Springs, a hidden jewel in central Georgia, is a 15-minute drive from Callaway. Franklin Roosevelt’s Little White House is there. It is where he came to soak in the springs. You’ll enjoy the history and learn how the Georgia mountain people affected his presidential decisions. Warm Springs Village is lined with quaint streets and 100-year-old restored buildings—just lovely. For more information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit callawaygardens.com.

Travel

Y ’all Come. Let’s Go to Callaway Gardens!

enjoyed the whole thing immensely. enjoyed the whole thing immensely. enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

lovely building full of

Birds of Prey program

Spring Workshops and Classes at Callaway GardensLandscape Photography – Azaleas: March 31 – April 1: $115.

Close-up and Macro Photography – Butterfl y: April 21 – 22: $115 Herbaceous Plant Propagation: March 10 or March 17: $75

Plant Fair and Sale: March 22 – 25, Callaway Gardening School: March 22 – 23, Fees vary.

Vegetable Gardening A to Z: March 30: $55 Planting your Season Vegetable Garden: April 21: $45

Spring Watercolor Painting: April 21 – 22: $225Special 3-Day Plein Air Painting: April 23 – 25: $395

Pine Needle Basket Making: April 28: $65 Gemstones & Freshwater Pearls Jewelry Design and Making: May 5: $115

Workshop fees include admission to Callaway Gardens. To register, call 1-800-225-5292 or email [email protected].

Cabins at Callaway

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Family Passes Buy Activity and Beauty for a YearBY AMY WITHEROW

Do you need a birthday gift idea for your kids or grandkids but don’t

want to add to a pile of toys that will be forgotten once the next best thing comes along? How about a year of new experiences for yourself and a spouse or friend? Think annual passes. They have many benefits including paying for themselves after a couple of visits. Buying an annual pass means you don’t have to try to see everything in one day. You are free to spend an hour or two one day and then return another day to see anything you missed. Many people enjoy annual passes because they can make return visits to enjoy new exhibits as they appear. Gardens at different seasons appeal to others. Buying an annual pass also typically lets visitors know of upcoming special events and speakers as well as gift store and restaurant discounts. Here are some local attractions that offer annual passes:

The Butterfly Estates: Within walking distance of the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, The Butterfly Estates is a botanical garden, butterfly conservatory and a natural park setting. The Estates helps you learn to invite butterflies into your own backyard. Annual memberships start at $24 per person or $60 for a family of up to seven individuals. (239) 690-2359 or thebutterflyestates.com

Imaginarium Science Center: Also in downtown Ft. Myers, the Imaginarium provides hands-on science exhibits. Touch a stingray, feel the winds of a hurricane and run through a rainstorm. Individuals: $55; family membership: $75/two adults and up to four children. (239) 321-7420 or imaginariumfortmyers.com

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: The Naples Zoo is both a zoo and historic garden with islands of monkeys,

lemurs and apes, tropical gardens and live animal shows. Memberships start at $24.95 for children age 3 – 12. Grandpar-ent memberships are available for any grandchild under the age of 21. See napleszoo.comor (239) 262-5409.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Visit the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, including restored historical buildings, gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory and the Edison Ford Museum. Individual memberships: $55; family membership: $85/two adults and two children or grandchildren is $85.edisonfordwinterestates.org or (239) 334-7419.Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon): C’mon is in North Collier Re-

gional Park and offers 13 educational exhib-its that encourage exploration and discovery. Family memberships: $125 and up for two adults and all children under the age of 18. Visit cmon.org or call (239) 514-0084.Naples Botanical Garden: The Garden combines cultivated tropical gardens with restored natural habitats. Individual memberships: $70. Family memberships: (two adults and all children or grandchildren under 18) start at $95. naplesgarden.org or (239) 643-7275. This area clearly has a lot to do—make the most of it many times with an annual pass!


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Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

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Last Month’s Answers February Sudoku

Jim McMillan is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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 Mar. 21 will win. Good luck!

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BRIDGE BITESFrom The

American ContractBridge League

A Couple Of Upper-Cuts

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

This month we take a look at “trump promotion.” Put yourself

in the West seat, defending 4♠.

To start with, please locate a sheet of paper or your morning slice of toast (marmalade side facing up). Place it diagonally across the diagram, so that only the West and North hands are showing. As West, your opening lead is the ♣A on which Partner plays the Seven and Declarer the Nine. Next, you cash the ♣K (everyone following the suit), then the ♥A. You’ve cashed your three winners, where’s the setting trick? A Diamond ruff? No, Partner

had two Clubs, and can hardly have more than two Spades. He cannot have 2=9=0=2 distribution, with that shape he would surely have pushed on to 5♥. The only other possibility is a trump trick. Yes, indeed! The magic card here, amazingly enough, is the Spade Six! You lead another Club, and if East ruffs with the Six he forces Declarer to overruff with an honor, promoting a trick for your ♠J! This form of trump promotion is known as

an upper-cut, and East must ruff with the Smashing Six to deliver the knock-out blow. Ruffing with the Feeble Four would be no more than a tickle under Declarer’s chin. A Second Upper-Cut! Next, imagine that East is Declarer, playing in 4♥. South cashes the ♠A, ♠K, and leads a third Spade, which North ruffs with the ♥J. Another upper-cut, promoting South’s ♥T? No, Declarer simply pitches away his Diamond loser and makes his contract. Let’s have a do over. After cashing

the top two Spades, South cashes the ♦K, and then leads the third Spade. Now Declarer really is done for, this time the upper-cut sets the contract. Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email [email protected]. To find a bridge club in Florida, goto district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm.Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club:stpetebridge.org.

Word Search Mar. 2012In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally,

vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

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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 envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the enve-lope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each

letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to:

News Connection USA, Inc.Seniors Getting Together

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egory 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 follow-ing 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.

WOMEN SEEKING MEN4085 W, WIDOW, NEW TO AREA, 70 YO, active, looking for single man for travel. I love to keep busy—couch potatoes need not answer. NS, SD, ND, R, FF. Punta Gorda.4093 CHRISTIAN WWBF, 63, ATTRACTIVE, honest, sincere, who loves the Lord. ISO a true Christian black gentleman who believes in the same. Love good home cooking, sports, fishing. A good SOH. 55 – 72. FF, write. Tampa.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN4098 JARHEAD, D, W, C, great SOH, new to SWFL, ND, never used drugs, degreed, retired from own business, sincere, honest, ISO LTR, must enjoy travel, no criminal record. Cape Coral/Fort Myers/Naples/Port Charlotte.

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Commonly Used Abbreviations:F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Wid-ow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White,

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& Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Yearning for the Past While Driving into the Future

BY JOHN C. LIBURDI

Even though many decades have passed since the Beatles song

“Drive My Car” was a hit, Paul McCartney’s words still ring in our collective ears: “Baby you can drive my car.” Given that Paul was to be chauffeuring a lady star of the screen, the car had to be a grand automobile. Such a car was easy enough to find back then, but a magnificent automo-bile might be rather difficult to find in this era of advanced technology and futuristic vehicles. My senility notwith-standing, one would have to agree that most of today’s cars look to be cold techno toys, not unlike scary UFOs. Back in the day, cars had real personality and powerful presence. I yearn for the elegance of the sculptured fenders that graced my postwar Pontiac Torpedo, beautifully flared out with sweeping curves. Like many other cars of the ‘40s, 50s and ‘60s era, its wheels were adorned with big silver hubcaps, looking like four huge jewels. I also miss the art deco hood ornaments that used to be on those cars, gleaming figures of jet aircraft, exotic animals and semi-nude women, all truly inspiring. Then there were those massive, curvy chrome bumpers of yesteryear, each one heavier than a trendy Smart car. And much like that grouchy old lady at the counter in the burger joint once asked, “Where’s the beef?” I’m asking today’s automakers, “where’s the fins?” The dramatic evolution of the automobile is clearly evident intoday’s advertising hype. Forget about the car’s mechanical attributes; instead, everyone is excited about how many channels the satellite radio

receives, how the navigation system leads the driver by the nose to a given destination, and how upscale cars autonomously maneuver into a parking spot while the stupid humans inside just watch. Now everyone is suddenly fascinated with those highly innovative push-button starters, like our cars had way back when. Of course, people who market high tech autos hide the fact that a driver can’t yell at his kids in the back seat anymore; to do so would get the car’s computer all confused about the voice commands he previously screamed into the dashboard. It’s true that my lingering love for old cars is largely a matter of infatu-ation, but it’s not that I’m stubbornly stuck in the past. The new cars are just becoming stranger and stranger to me as technology evolves. I guess some of us are simply des-tined to suffer from future-shock. In-deed, the day is coming when cars will travel without a driver at the wheel. Research engineers are eagerly work-ing to bring that concept into being. When it happens, we’ll all be relegated to mere passenger status and, sad to say, Paul McCartney won’t be able to drive that big car for his Hollywood diva anymore. On the bright side however, the two of them will be able to enjoy more time together in the rear seat, just like we did back in the good old days! (Liburdi lives in the Charlotte, NC metro area. His recent book Italian-American Fusion: Italy’s Influence on the Evolution of America is available at internet bookstores and on the Kindle e-reader.)

The Pontiac Torpedo.


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THE ORIGINAL

Communities Must Be Prepared For The Longevity Revolution

Our local communities are, in many respects, totally unprepared

for the volume of older adults aging in their homes and needing some basic support and community infrastruc-ture to do so effectively and safely. For decades in Florida we’ve relied on older adults to fund our school systems and our local governments. Now in their later, frailer years, we are often denying them the societal reciprocity they not only need, but deserve. We must educate and advo-cate more intensely at the local level to create communities that under-stand and support the aging process. We all understand the need to balance the state budget. Educa-tion, transportation, pensions, and

correctional institutions—are all vying for tax dollars. How does the local citizen help legislators make decisions on allocating funds? It is by speaking up…making it clear how YOU want YOUR dollars spent. The Aging Network in Florida has been managing their local, state and federal allocations effectively and efficiently, saving millions of dollars and serving elders in their homes for over 40 years. Tell them that is how you want your dollars spent because it is time that we become prepared for the Longevity Revolution! Educate our legislators in this time of need—call, write and visit. Let them know. Our elders deserve to have their golden years golden—not struggling to receive the help they deserve.

Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, District 27;(239) 433-6599; [email protected] Senator Mike Bennett, District 21; (941) 225-3697; [email protected] Garrett Richter, District 37; (239) 338-2777; [email protected] Rep. Paige Kreegel, District 72; (941) 575-5820; [email protected]. Gary Aubuchon, District 74; (239) 344-4900; [email protected]. Kathleen C. Passidomo, District 76; (239) 417-6200; [email protected]

Rep. Matthew H. “Matt” Caldwell, District 101; (239) 533-2411; [email protected]. Trudi K. Williams, District 75; (239) 433-6775; [email protected]. Matt Hudson, District 101; (239) 417-6270; [email protected]. Ken Roberson, District 71; (941) 613-0914; [email protected] President Mike Haridopolos; (850) 488-2742; [email protected] Speaker Dean Cannon; (850) 488-7146; [email protected] Rick Scott; (850) 488-7146; [email protected]

Legislators –District 8

The Original Auto-BusWhen Ed Deets founded Central

Florida Coach Lines, Auto-Bus, in 1974, he wanted to offer a convenient way for travelers along the Eastern Seaboard to avoid a long car trip to Florida but still have their vehicle waiting when they arrived. The company’s “You and Your Car” concept remains popular today, with passengers and their vehicles being transported on a weekly basis to points throughout Florida, including Day-tona, Melbourne and Lakeland, Fla. Since his childhood, Deets has been part of the transportation landscape, helping out his grandfather and father’s trucking business. “Mr. Deets puts a great deal of effort into making sure his passengers have a pleasant trip,” said Greg Lukas, MCI Eastern Region vice president. “The coaches all have different interiors, and the interiors are well thought out, providing passengers with extra comfort touches for those long-distance trips.

Auto-Bus takes pride in providing their passengers a comfortable, safe, relaxed and enjoyable trip. Auto-Bus received the Vision Award from United Motor Coach for enhancement of the travel lifestyle for the general public, presented in Orlando, Florida. Auto-Bus was chosen over all the bus companies in the U.S. to transport NBC’s staff with eight coaches throughout the 2002 Winter Olympic evens at Salt Lake City, Utah. Owner Ed Deets was one of four appointed by former President Reagan in 1985 to the National Rate Making Transportation Committee. Deets attributes his successes to determination, hard work and the support of his employees and family. Deets Holding Co. and its subsidiaries employ more than 250 people. His wife, Betty, and daughters Donna, Darlene, Debbie and Diane, work for the businesses as well. For details, call (800) 233-8342 ext. 3.

The British are Coming “The British are coming” is the theme at Lake Kennedy Senior Cen-ter Ballroom for The Guardian An-gels for Special Populations “Rock N’ Roll Benefit Dinner Dance,” Sat., March 31 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Live DJ, dining, games of chance. BYOB. Ticket donation: $20. Charge in advance at (239) 574-0574. Senior Center located at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.

HappySt. Patrick’s Day!

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Eligible for Medicare?

LookwhatBluehas for you.

Y0011_31372 0112 File & Use 01252012BMRPPO, BMHMO, BMPDP

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

TTY users dial 1-800-955-8771.

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

Contact your local agent.

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Documents

Mature Lifestyles Mar. 2012 Southwest edition