Senior Connection Suncoast edition Sept. 2011

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 9 SUNCOAST SEPTEMBER 2011

• Help! My Son Moved Back Home• Men and Osteoporosis• VA Membership Has Benefits!• How to Be Happy in Retirement

Keeping Joe Cool...

“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!”

Visit our w

ebsite at:

www.seniorconnectio

nfl.com

New

H-GP Day!

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 2

Caregivers…ChangeYour LifeForever!Come to the New Age of CAregiviNg SympoSium

fridAy, September 23rd At ruth eCkerd hAll iN CleArwAterCaregivers…there’s a very special event taking place at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on September 23 that will change your life forever! It’s The New Age of Caregiving Symposium where you’ll learn from experts how to reduce stress, restore balance to your life and find all the resources you need to help you be a better caregiver. Meet acclaimed Passages in Caregiving author Gail Sheehy; find resource material from more than 50 sponsors; immerse yourself in a massage and healing spa; attend one of 6 breakout sessions, enjoy breakfast, lunch and refreshments at closing ceremony; plus, get the chance to win super door prizes. Advance tickets are just $45 for the entire day’s activities. Bring a friend and make it a great day for yourself and someone you care for. But please hurry. Space is limited! to reserve call kim linder at 727-798-2663 or email [email protected] today! or purchase online at www.newageofcaregiving.com.

Portion of proceeds benefits Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.


A Health plan with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-304-3530 (TTY:711) 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. EST, Monday – Friday. *Other qualifications may apply. Must qualify for assistance. Y0040_GHHH2C2HH2 File & Use 06012011 TMP 9/11

Help May Be Available For Paying Your Medicare Expenses

You’ll have the confidence of knowing it’s all backed by a company that has served in the healthcare community for 50 years.We’re here with a helping hand. Call today:

Help may be available for paying your healthcare costs including: prescription drug and medical copayments if: you’re a Florida resident and your gross monthly income is $922.50 or less (single) or $1,224.17 or less (married)*

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans can help you cover your dental, hearing and vision costs if:

- you’re turning 65- you have recently moved- you’re a retiree who has lost your health coverage

1-800-304-3530 (TTY:711) 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. EST, Monday – Friday

ST. PETERSBURGRed Lobster

6151 34th St. NorthSept. 13th, 23rd • 1:30 pm

ST. PETERSBURGO bistro’s

6661 Central Ave.Sept. 20th • 2:30 pm

CLEARWATER IHOP

(International House of Pancakes)30200 US Hwy 19

(located near Palm Harbor onUS 19 just south of Curlew road)

Sept. 15th, 19th • 9:30 am

LARGO Golden Corral

10050 Ulmerton Rd. Sept. 17th • 9:00 amSept. 22nd • 2:00 pm

Lesson for the Day: Stay Engaged with LifeBY JANICE DOYLE

When school bells rang in August, 81-year-old J. Ellis

Rue also started back to school. With his iPad firmly in hand, most weekdays for Rue revolve around the 7 a.m. bell beginning first period classes at Palm Harbor University High School. He started “subbing” as “something to do with my days,” but it has become something important to both Rue and the students. Most people shudder to think of going into a class of high school students today. Rue loves it. “I try to engage the students,” he says. “That gains their cooperation.” The retired orthodontist admits to an initial shock at how inappropriately some students dress and behave in the classroom and says, “If asked, I would recommend school uniforms.” He sees a lack of scholastic interest among some students, but PHUHS also includes highly

motivated International Baccalaureate and Medical Magnet programs. What about disrespect? “Now I know what to expect and don’t let it bother me.” Hey says most of the students can’t fathom that “I’m doing this at the age I am.” And a sub that age who carries an iPad? They’re fascinated! Engaging his students may mean teaching them that ‘cannot’ is one word but ‘all right’ is two words. Or that he’s a ‘pragmatic’ substitute. He says maybe one kid in a hundred can tell you when Pearl Harbor occurred.

To give them perspective, he tells classes he “was 11 years old when WWII started and 15 when it ended.” He’s “amazed at the general lack of knowledge—so I like to ask them questions about their plans. Many girls in the medical magnet program want to be pediatricians, but they have no idea that it takes at least ten years of school and specialty training to achieve that goal.” Then he shares his knowledge. PHUHS Principal Christen Tonry says, “Dr. Rue has wonderful rapport with the students and the teachers. His wide knowledge base gives him the ability to carry on most any teacher’s lesson plans.” And she sees great value in the real life experiences he passes on to students. Besides subbing, Rue plays baritone horn in three community bands: the St. Petersburg-based Second Time Arounders Marching Band, Dunedin Community Band and the Clearwater Community Band, and that means several rehearsals a week

and regular concerts for each group. Rue’s wife Nancy, 78, is also still engaged in education as an expert in food safety testing. When the fam-ily moved from their home state of Indiana to Florida, Nancy’s career as a nurse widened into nursing educa-tion, first at St. Pete Junior College and then at Morton Plant Hospital. After a few years, she says, “I put my nursing background to work in the food industry.” She has co-authored several books on food safety education for food management testing (for people who work with food in restaurants and institutions). In the most recent texts, she adapted the content to engage different learning styles as well as foreign translation which means much of the material is in cartoon form. The food codes are revised every two years; therefore, the books she wrote must be revised and updated. And sure enough, Nancy R. Rue is involved, still engaging herself in the educational process for adults.

Lesson for the Day: Stay Engaged with Life

motivated International Baccalaureate

Ellis and Nancy Rue.


Dear Readers,

Are you a high-tech grandparent? Do you

text and e-mail and order gifts online? Is Facebook part of your daily routine? If you’re “connected” this Grandparents Day, you may receive an eCard, a text message or a “Hey” on your Facebook page instead of a Hallmark card. Just as technology has changed, so has grandparenting. TV ads would have us think all interaction with grandchildren is fun and games. If grandpa gets his health in order, ac-cording to the ad, he can play on a sun-ny day with his small grandson. But we all know of families where being a grandparent is just plain difficult, often stretching into downright painful. Here are some of the grandparents whose stories have touched my heart in the past few years. All names have been changed.

Doris was sitting alone looking shell-shocked at a gathering after her 16-year-old grandson’s local funeral. He had died in a car accident, and she was enduring one of the three memorial services which would be held in three different states where he and his family had lived. I did not know her, but I went to sit beside her and hold her hand. She smiled weakly and said, “I didn’t know it was possible to hurt this much.”

Regina’s new grandparent status took a sudden turn when her grandson was diagnosed with autism before he was two. She said she felt a “double edged sword knowing what lies ahead for our family and grief for my daughter’s personal agony.”

Howard knew his daughter in New York City was high on drugs most of the time. On a visit there, he realized how bad the situation was for the children, ages 10, 12 and 16. The daughter, however, told a good story about changing her life and making it

all work out with a new boyfriend. Three months later, the 12-year-old called Howard to say they hadn’t had anything to eat for three days. When I met Howard, he had moved the children to central Florida to live with him. He admitted that his struggles were not like many grandparents raising grandchildren because he had enough money to care for them. Still,

at 81, he realized his limitations. “I’m giving it my all while I can,” he said. Two Saturdays every month, Jane (71) dresses to her usual impeccable standards for an outing with two grandsons. What she does those two Saturdays is not how she had anticipat-ed her role as a grandmother, however. She has custody of the two teenagers while her son—their father—is in prison in north Florida. On visitation days, they leave her elegant home early to be in line when the prison opens for visitors at 9 a.m. There is no slouching in Jane’s posture and a smile lights her face as she chats with other visitors and jokes with her grandsons as they wait. “It’s not what I thought I’d be doing, but I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else on those days. He’s my son and they’re his sons. It’s what families do,” she told me. (Of note: Estimates vary, but it is thought that at any one time 10 million children in the U.S. have a parent either in prison or on parole or probation. Just think of the number of grandparents affected.) I first met the Carters when they were camped at an RV park in Riverview. They were living in a small, aging RV as cheaply as it was possible to live. A year before, their daughter and son-in-law’s drug use was draining the couple’s financial, emotional and physical resources. Two grandchildren were pawns in the “game” the daughter played with the Carters to get money to buy drugs. Also involved were judges who wouldn’t give them custody. After trying everything possible to be able to raise the children without interference

from the addicted parents, Hazel and James made a heartrending decision to sell out and go “on the road” with the RV, away from their daughter. “We’ll go back when we can help the children pick up the pieces of their lives without the parents,” James said. Arthur, an Army retiree, has two grandsons serving in the Marines. Each grandson has been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan three times. While attention is often given to spouses, children and parents of deployed soldiers, the part grandpar-ents play is often overlooked. Arthur knows the loneliness and dangers of deployment. He agonizes as he watches the news, sends the men e-mails and prays for their safe return. And so our staff honors all grandpar-ents this month. May we all continue doing whatever needs to be done for the good of our grandchildren (and great grandchildren) in the spirit noted by former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani: What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. Keep on lovin’ . . . and maybe it’s time to bake some cookies!

Grandparents’ Role Isn’t Always the Stuff of High-Tech Gadgets or TV Advertising

Janice Doyle, Editor

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco Published monthly by

News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Corporate Advertising Offi ce:P.O. Box 638

Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

Send press releases to: [email protected]

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

ATTENTION READERS:The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the October 2011 issue is September 15, 2011.

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

Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties: Southwest Edition

Lake/Marion Counties: Lake Edition

Sarasota/Manatee Counties: Sarasota Edition

Publisher, President: Kathy J. [email protected]

Editor: Janice Doyle

Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell

Production Assistant:Tracie Schmidt

Advertising Sales:Hillsborough/Pinellas

1-888-670-0040

Sun City CenterJudy Coleman: (813) 653-1988

Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190

Pinellas/PascoJudy Floyd: (727) 678-0315

Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550

Accounting: Vicki Willis

Distribution1-888-670-0040

Tampa Bay AreaDena Bingham: (813) 653-1988

(813) 653-1988888-670-0040

Fax: (813) 651-1989www.srmagazine.com

888-670-0040

Customer Service: [email protected]

Remember 9/11This month marks the ten year

anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It is a time to remember the victims and heroes of that tragic day. You can join us on Facebook and talk about your experiences. Where were you when you heard the news? How did 9/11 affect you? Go to www.facebook.com and search for Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles. Then click on the “Discussion” tab at the top of the page to share your memories with us.

Remember 9/11This month marks the ten year

anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It is a time to remember the victims and heroes of that tragic day. You can join us on Facebook and talk about your experiences. Where were you when you heard the news? How did 9/11 affect you? Go to www.facebook.com and

search for Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles. Then click on the “Discussion” tab at the top of the page to share your memories with us.


6 through 25 “Barefoot in the Park,” Neil Simon 1964 classic. Tickets:

$29 – $50. American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N., St. Pete. (727) 823-7529.

9 “Moonstruck,” Classic movie showing at historic Capitol The-

atre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. $8. 7:30 p.m. 13 “The Caine Mutiny,” $6. 7:30 p.m. Info at (727) 791-7400.

9 Writers Group Meeting Fridays at Tarpon Springs Library. Writers of

all levels and all prose genres in-vited. Free. 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs. 10 a.m. (727) 943-4922.

9 – 18 “Camelot,” the musical of King Arthur and the Knights of the

Round Table on stage at Largo Cul-tural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $25 tickets, (727) 587-6793.

12 Single Solos meet at the Pinellas Recreation Center,

59th St. N., Pinellas Park. 1:30 p.m.Bring $2 and a dish to share. For details, call Pat at (727) 520-8797.

15 Archaeology Lecture on the Driftwood community in Pinel-

las Village, a historic settlement. 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration re-quested. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Pete. (727) 453-6500; weedonislandpreserve.org.

15 Sunset Beach Concert: 7 – 9 p.m. Free shuttle bus between

Tarpon Springs High School and Sunset Beach. Pets and alcohol not allowed. Bring chairs/blankets. Con-cession items available for sale. Free admission. Info at (727) 942-5628.

16 – 30 “42nd Street” musical classic includes songs such as

“We’re In The Money.” $26. Fran-cis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. (727) 446-1360

17 Fall Gala (to benefit ALPHA House of Pinellas County),

Mirror Lake Lyceum. 6 to 11 p.m. Auctions, dinner, dessert reception. Tickets and info: (727) 822-8190.

17 Florida Folk Concert Series(third Saturdays) 2 p.m.

Free. St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE., St. Pete. Phone (727) 894-1052.

19 Author talk “With Love, From Grandma” by Susan C. Kotch-

man. 7 p.m. Seminole Community Library, St. Pete College Campus. Call (727) 394-6923 for info.

22 Savvy Social Security Plan-ning class at Oldsmar Library.

6:30 p.m. Learn 5 Factors to con-sider when deciding when to apply for benefits and much more. Free. Reserve a space at (813) 749-1181.

24 Community-wide yard sale at St. Pete Beach

Community Center. Spaces for rent or go to browse. 8 a.m. to noon. Call (727) 363-9245.

24 Alzheimer’s Association Walk from The Pier along the

waterfront. Register at 8 a.m. Walk at 9 a.m. (727) 578-2558 or alz.org/walk.

27 Upper Pinellas Singles group. Meets every Tuesday at

DuBois Hall, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 750 San Salvadore Drive, Dunedin. $7 includes dinner. Friday nights are restaurant nights; other outings too. 6 p.m. Please call (727) 725-5453 for more information.

Fall Art Classes at Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Daytime, evening

and weekend classes; workshops; variety of media. Register now for the Fall I session: Sept. 12 – Oct. 23. Fall Workshops from Oct. 24 – Nov. 6. Call (727) 298-3322 to register. Dune-din Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Class information and registration on the web at: dfac.org.

Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Par-sons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. September 10 for October event.)

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

Tickets and Information813.229.STAR (7827) •STRAZCENTER.ORG

Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045

BUY TICKETS TO ALL FOUR and SAVE 50%!

The FIRST 150 packages purchased will receive half-priced tickets.

Packages start AS LOW AS $39!These packages are not available online.

S P E A K E R SS E R I E S

Ocean Soul with Brian Skerry, UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER

Life: The Unfolding Story with Frans Lanting, PHOTOGRAPHER

Beyond the Invisible: Secrets of the Blue Holeswith Kenny Broad, CAVE DIVER, ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGIST

Connect With Anybody, Anywherewith Annie Griffiths, PHOTOGRAPHER

MEDIA SPONSOR

Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.


Keeping Joe Cool: An Interview with Joe MontanaFour-time Super Bowl champion

Joe Montana is also known by the nickname Joe Cool for his steely grace under pressure. Even as a highly con-ditioned professional athlete, Joe became one of the 65 million people in the nation living with high blood pressure (HBP). Gary Barg, Editor of Caregiver.com, sat down with Joe and Dr. James Rippe, M.D., an associate professor of cardiovascular medi-cine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, and a leading author-ity on preventative cardiology, to discuss high blood pressure prevention techniques of importance to caregivers and loved ones alike.Gary Barg: Tell me about the BP Success Zone Campaign.

Dr. James Rippe: It’s a public educa-tion campaign. Joe and I have been to 30 cities trying to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and get more people’s high blood pressure into the Blood Pressure Success Zone. The great thing about having Joe as a partner is that people say, “He is a relatively young athlete with high blood pressure…maybe I could have it too.” We are trying to get people in a dialog with their doctor. That’s what this campaign is all about. For 90 percent of the people who have high blood pressure, we don’t know the cause. We know there are associations between being overweight and smoking cigarettes and being inactive. There is a hereditary component too, but 90 percent are of unknown origin.Gary Barg: So, depending on your situation, it could be genetics, it could be dieting, it could be exercise—we just don’t know.

Dr. James Rippe: We just know if you have hypertension and you are

overweight, are sedentary, smoke cigarettes, it’s dangerous. One of the reasons Joe Montana is such a won-derful spokesperson for this campaign

is he represents the absolutely classic case. He never smoked, was always fi t and was never overweight. There was a little heredity, but he’s like the 90 percent of people in that he just got it. One out of every three adults has it (65 million). There is a 10 percent increase in problems per decade. By the time you are 40, there is a 40 percent chance, by the time you are 50, there is a 50 percent chance of getting hypertension.

Gary Barg: Joe, since you didn’t have any symptoms, how did you fi nd out that you had high blood pressure?

Joe Montana: I went for a physical. I was doing my husbandly duty and was just trying to get in and out of the doctor’s offi ce so I could check that box for the year. I was perfectly fi ne. I went in there with the expectation I’d go through the motions and get out of there. When she told me my blood pressure was high, she sent me di-rectly to a cardiologist.Gary Barg: What was your blood pressure?

Joe Montana: It was over 140 over 90. That was way up from the year before. Gary Barg: What did they saycaused it?

Gary Barg’s note to caregivers: Pay attention to yourself and once you realize you are at risk for having high blood pressure, you have to moderate everything. Joe Montana concludes: Get the family involved. Remove the salt shaker from your side of the table. His wife reminds him to take his medicine. “Getting it under control is hard enough. Staying there is another issue.” Interview from Caregiver.com, editor Gary Barg. For more information, visit online at BPSuccessZone.com.

time you are 50, there is a 50 percent chance of getting hypertension.

Gary Barg: Joe, since you didn’t have any symptoms, how did you fi nd out that you had high blood pressure?

Joe Montana: I went for a physical. I was doing my husbandly duty and was just trying to get in and out of the doctor’s offi ce so I could check that box for the year. I was perfectly fi ne. I went in there with the expectation I’d go through the motions and get out of there. When she told me my blood pressure was high, she sent me di-rectly to a cardiologist.Gary Barg: What was your blood pressure?

Joe Montana: It was over 140 over 90. That was way up from the year before. Gary Barg: What did they saycaused it?

Football legend Joe Montana

Tips for Maintaining

Blood Pressure Dr. Rippe’s guide for maintaining

healthy blood pressure:

• Pay attention to having fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and less

processed foods because there is salt in them. • Engage in regular physical activity.

• Know your reading (90% of us will get high blood pressure).

• Know that very good medicines are available.

• Keep your weight down.

• Try not to smoke.

Joe Montana: It was probably due to my cutting back on exercise from when I was on the team. And I was eating foods like steak and fried chicken. I knew my grandfather passed away when he was 54 from heart disease. So it could have been a combina-tion of a lot of things.Gary Barg: Are you on medication now?

Joe Montana: Yes. I am on a combination of medications. The key to the program is to consult with your doctor, to get proper exercise with your diet and also make sure you are on the right medication. Just because it’s right

with me, doesn’t mean it’s right with everyone else.

Gary Barg: Do you still have to watch what you eat even though you are on medications?

Joe Montana: Yes, one of the things that I have found is that I was eating a typical American diet where you eat a lot of food—and food that is not

good for you. I started by cutting back on portion size. In the past, I would rarely order fi sh in restaurants; now I fi nd

a lot of fi sh that I like. But it all started by cutting back

on things like steak and fried chicken. You fi nd that your taste

buds change eventually. I still have fried chicken on occasion, but I won’t eat that super size of chips. Now, I can just have a few, and I’m O.K.Gary Barg: What exactly is the

Blood Pressure Success Zone? Joe Montana: The success zone is when your blood pressure is

between 139 over 89 or below 120 over 80. So anything below that 139

over 89 is the goal you want to reach.

More Helpful Info: Joe Montana and Dr. James Rippe have collaborated on a book titled “Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure,” which provides tips and anecdotes about living a heart-healthy lifestyle, a medication tracker, suggested heart-healthy meals and exercises you can easily fi t into your daily routine. Montana says, “Af-ter I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, my family and I really could have used a book like this. It is a great motivational and educational tool.” This book is available at amazon.com.


Presents the 7th Annual...Presents the 7th Annual...

Senior Friendly Exhibits!

FREE BINGO!$1000s in Prizes

& Giveaways!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENTDenise Looney, The DJ With a Twist

Bill Castner, King of DanceRichie Merritt of the “Marcels”

Karen Kallen, Little Miss DynamitePlus More of Your Favorite Entertainers!

EDUCATION • INFORMATION • ENTERTAINMENTJoin the Fun! One mile “walk” around Largo Central Park, November 17, 9:15 am, $4 minimum donation to Meals on Wheels. Enjoy...Continental Breakfast, T-shirt, Sponsor “Goodie Bag” & Prizes to the Winners! Call 1-888-670-0040, go to www.srmagazine.com (MAIL DEADLINE 11/10/11) or sign up Thurs., Nov. 17 at 8:45 am.

Hey Seniors!Join Us For the Best

Event of the Year!

Sponsored by...

Information & Directions call: 1-888-670-0040 • www.srmagazine.com

Make a difference.

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to

Neighborly Care Network.

Senior Friendly Lunch

Available

FREE COFFEE & GOODIES

Nov. 17, 2011 • 10am–3pmLargo Cultural Center

105 Central Park Dr. • Largo, FL 33771

FREE PARKING & ADMISSION

105 Central Park Dr. • Largo, FL 33771

Call 1-888-670-0040 or go to www.srmagazine.com for information.

Senior Friendly Sports Center Play & Win!

Senior Friendly

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS

• Cholesterol• Blood Pressure• Bone Density • Glucose• Waist Circumference• Body Mass Index


Continuum of care – allowing you and your family peace of mind as lifestyle needs change. Pets Welcome

Prices starting at $1015/mo. Accepting Medicaid Diversion

Call For More Information 727-669-5261www.bayviewgardensonline.com2855 Gulf to Bay Blvd. • Clearwater, FL 33759

Assisted Living Facility Lic. # AL11209Single Story Villas for Independent Living

BY JERRY RICKER

Abraham Lincoln said: “ Most folks are about as happy as

they make up their minds to be.”That’s positive thinking—anoptimistic attitude. Positive psychology is different. Positive psychology, championed by psychologist Martin Seligman and others, is a research-based study of our psychological well-being. Seligman suggests there are three approaches to happiness itself. In other words, there are many ways to be happy, but each comes under one of three basic approaches. John Nelson and Richard N. Bolles discuss the three approaches as very important in living the retire-ment life in their book What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement.

Pleasure This involves having fun in an easy, relaxed way. Pleasure brings a burst of positive emotions which come and go quickly and seldom last long. Us-ing this approach to happiness, you need to keep going back and doing enjoyable activities over and over again to get more happiness.

Engagement or involvement Another word for this approach is “flow,” which happens when your abilities are well matched to some challenging task. It’s the kind of task you get so deeply involved in that you lose track of time. You’re so engaged in it that you lose yourself in what you’re doing, often not realizing that you’re genuinely happy while you’re doing it, but afterwards you say, “That was great!”

Engagement demands something from you, so it’s not as simple as pleasure. It can’t be bought or con-sumed the way pleasure can, either. The authors point out that another difference between pleasure and engagement is that engagement sticks with you longer than pleasure does and can build up into a lasting satisfaction with life. Contrary to the “go with the flow” approach to life, however, engagement is more like “make the flow.” It’s the difference between enjoying a baseball game and becoming a part of a team.

Meaning or purpose This approach to happiness is not as easy to pin down. The way you get meaning or purpose is to use your abilities in the service of something larger than yourself. This approach to happiness requires something of you and doesn’t come just from believing in a cause larger than yourself, but from being in service to that cause.

This is part of living your life in alignment with your core values. Examples of what is larger than yourself depend on your belief system. It could be God, family, environment, a political party, a particular culture. You might find purpose in service to a neighbor who needs help, a child with difficulties or even a cause such as litter-free neighborhood walkways. And this approach to life is more than contributing money to a cause.

Summary In the first level you are dealing with your interests. When you move to engagement, you’re looking at your skills and strengths and using them to experience engage-ment in an interest. But the next level—meaning or purpose—is most closely related to your values. “What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement: Planning a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Future” by John E. Nelson and Richard N. Bolles.

Three Ways to be Happy in Retirement This involves having fun in an easy, relaxed

emotions which come

pleasure. It can’t be bought or con-sumed the way pleasure can, either. The authors point out that another difference between pleasure and engagement is that engagement sticks with you longer than pleasure does and can build up into a lasting satisfaction with life. Contrary to the “go with the flow”


Call Before You Fall

727.565.4559and ask for your free copy of Understanding Vertigo, Imbalance and Motion Sickness.

Dizziness or Balance Issues?

You don't have to live with it.

We accept over 25 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, Humana, United HealthCare, Tricare, Wellcare and more!

Do you have… A history of falls?

Vertigo?

A feeling of motion, spinning, or falling when moving your head quickly or changing position?

Answer YES to any of these questions? You may be at an increased risk of falling.

The good news? Balance can be improved with proper diagnosis, specialized therapy and exercise programs. The American Institute of Balance has successfully treated more patients for positional vertigo than any other clinic in America.

Affiliate N etwork

TheAmericanInstitute

BalanceOf

TM

®

Seminole • Largo • St. PetersburgPalm Harbor • New Port RicheySun City Center • Pinellas Park

Bardmoor • Pasadena • ClearwaterTampa • Winter Park • Orlando

Visit us online at www.dizzy.com

Experiencing Hearing Loss? Be sure to ask us how to take advantage of our Complimentary Hearing Care Experience.

Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?Find out by getting a needs

analysis. A life insurance needs analysis is key to determining how much life insurance coverage you would need to help keep your family in sound financial shape if you died. Take a moment to think about how much life insurance you need. It might not be that simple to come up with an answer. To get started, think about the answer to these questions: What would life be like financially for your loved ones if you were no longer there? Would they be able to maintain their standard of living? Would they be able to cover outstanding debts? Although it may be difficult to think about answers to these ques-tions, it makes it that much more important to take stock of your needs today. With too little, your loved ones might not receive all the financial protection they deserve.

The Family Let’s walk us through a typical needs analysis for a hypothetical family. Chris and Diane Rawley are 45 and 40, respectively. Chris earns $65,000, and Diane earns $40,000. They owe about $15,000 on their credit cards. They have $200,000 in retirement savings and a $150,000 mortgage. They plan to send their two children to public universities.

The Insurance After deducting the group life coverage that Chris has at work and the Rawleys’ assets that would be available, the Rawleys feel that they should buy a policy that will pay out

$600,000 if he dies, and $500,000 if she dies—about eight times their current income. This includes replace-ment income, $35,000 for incidental or emergency expenses; $96,000 for education bills; $25,000 for burial ex-penses; plus help paying off their debt. By completing a needs analysis, the Rawleys were able to make an informed decision about how much coverage was right for them.

Use Our Online Calculator At AAA Life Insurance, we make it easy to help determine how much life insurance you need. Take a few min-utes today to use our online Life Insur-ance Needs Calculator (https://www.aaalife.com/needs-calculator) and find out how much is right for you. To take stock of your life insurance needs, visit your local AAA branch (see back cover for listings). Example shown for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as advice or a recommendation. Life insurance underwritten by AAA Life Insurance Company, Livonia, MI. AAA Life is licensed in all states except New York. ALMI-19818-611-XX

Join Us Each Month For Puzzles, Information, Contests and Events!

ONLY $9 A YEARSEND YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND $9 TO BE CONNECTED

MAIL TO:NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC.

P.O. BOX 638SEFFNER, FL 33583-0638

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


For more information: call 727.892.3337 or visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org

For group savings (10 or more) : 727.362.5443

CoffeeconcertsSTEFAN SANDERLING, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Introducing...Stuart Malina, Coffee Series Conductor“I’m extremely excited to be conducting the Coffee series with The Florida Orchestra this upcoming year. I enjoy making music with this wonderful orchestra, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the audience better in this unique series of concerts.”

We invite you to another season of delightful morning concerts of symphonic favorites. Enjoy all 7 concerts in St. Petersburg or a 3-concert package in Clearwater. In addition to complimentary coffee and doughnuts prior to the concerts, attendees will enjoy lively commentary by the conductor and Pre-Concert Conversations in the hall one hour before curtain to learn more about the music and composers featured on the program.

Sponsored by:7-Concert Series in St. Petersburg starting at $134Thursdays at 11 am, PROGRESS ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTSMAHAFFEY THEATER

3-Concert Series in Clearwater starting at $58Wednesdays at 10 am, RUTH ECKERD HALL

2011/2012 Season

TFO-Senior Connection-June.indd 1 4/11/2011 11:47:49 AM

Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens

For appointment

Call (727) 441-8400TDD: 727-447-3018

TOTAL INCOME LIMIT One person $20,800 u Two persons $23,800

YOUR MONTHLY RENT IS NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.

1318 Franklin Street u Clearwater, Fla.

Office Hrs. Mon.–Fri. 8–12 & 1–4Closed Saturday & Sunday

Creekside Manor I & IIare federally subsidized apartments for persons 62 and above.

Special access apartments are also available. Studio & 1 Bdrm. Apartments.

Rent is based on income. Located in a quiet Clearwater neighborhood

30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.

Docent Training This Month

The Florida Holocaust Museum is recruiting new docents. In-

dividuals must be able to commit to a seven-week training course. Prospective docents will be taught the history of antisemitism, the Holocaust and post World War II genocides in order to give guided tours. Training classes will take place September 19 through November 21 on Mondays and Thursdays from

9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. No prior background in Holocaust education or history is needed. An in-depth history course including documentary footage and photographs will be provided. Participants will meet with Holocaust survivors, learning their stories through firsthand accounts, in order to pass on the message to Museum visitors. With the help of experienced docents, class participants will learn how to interact

with students and work with the core exhibit and art exhibitions. Working as a docent is a truly re-warding experience. Through fulfilling the mission of the Museum, docents help make the world a better place. Candidates interested in taking the class should contact Urszula Szczepinska, Curator of Education and Director of Research by Sept. 13, 2011, at (727) 820-0100, ext. 241.

to Museum visitors. With the help of experienced docents, class participants will learn how to interact

A docent leads a tour group through one of the exhibits at the Florida Holocaust Museum.


Presented by the City of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department and the Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR AGE 50+Tuesday, October 18th 6–9pm

Dunedin Community Center • 1920 Pinehurst Road

No appointment needed

For more infomation call: (727) 812-4530

Tickets only $5

There’s Something For Everyone at the Florida Orchestra

The Florida Orchestra has lowered its ticket

prices to $15, $30 and $45 for the upcoming 2011/2012 season to make concerts available to more people throughout the Tampa Bay area. There are lots of series to choose from with concert packages ranging from as few as three concerts all the way up to 14 concerts. Concertgoers can even create their own package to fit their tastes and calendars with a Com-pose Your Own series for only $25 a ticket (minimum of 3 concerts required). The St. Petersburg Times Masterworks series kicks off on Oct. 14, 15 and 16 featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Other beloved works scheduled are Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Eroica Sym-

phony. Other major works scheduled include Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Tchai-kovsky’s Swan Lake Suite. The Raymond James Pops series opens on Nov. 4, 5 and 6 with great tunes

and dazzling acrobatics at Cirque de la Symphonie. The series also offers a salute to The One and Only Frank Sinatra, holiday hits at Christmas at the Pops and favorite ballads from Barry Manilow to Barry Gordy in Music for Lovers. Other concerts include A Night in the Tropics with trumpeter Charles Lazarus, Rock on Broadway featuring rock-flavored musicals of the 70s, 80s and 90s, An American Songbook Encore with hits by Gershwin and Cole Porter, and a salute to the “City of Lights” in a concert titled Postcards from Paris. To learn more, visit floridaorchestra.org or call (727) 892-3337 or 1-800-662-7286.

at the Florida Orchestra

from with concert packages

phonyscheduled include Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G MajorMahler’s Mussorgsky’s an Exhibitionkovsky’s The Raymond James Pops series opens on Nov. 4, 5 and 6 with great tunes


It’s Just the Right Place

When searching for “just the right place” to call home for you or your loved one,

The Villas of Bellair is proud of it’s proven success in providing premier

assisted living and expert memory care. Our safe and secure gated community

and home-like environment is the perfect setting for every level of care that may be needed. Day, night and respite stays are

also available.Recognized for a Decade of Expert Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Please call us for more information on our beautiful community727-467-9464 • www.villasofbellair.com

620 Bellair Road, Clearwater, FL 33756Assisted Living Facility Lic.#9666

69th Wedding AnniversaryThe Rowlatts celebrated their 69th

Wedding Anniversary last month at Arden Courts of Largo. The couple re-newed their vows, surrounded by fam-ily and friends, and enjoyed a reception at the Arden Courts Community Center. When Peggy and Eric married in 1942 in Havre, Montana, The United States, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was just entering World War II. The average home cost was $3,770, average annual wage was $1,880 and gas was 15 cents a gallon. While the world has changed a lot over the past 69 years, the love the Rowlatts have shared has not. Eric met Peggy while he was work-ing on the Great Northern Railroad and Peggy was attending college, both in Havre. The couple married and settled in Havre to raise their family. They have two children, four grandchildren and they are blessed with ten great-grandchildren. In November of 2010, they moved to Florida to be closer to their daughter.

And now—you can find them at home at Arden Courts of Largo still enjoying their life together. To learn more about Arden Courts of Largo, call (727) 559-8411.

Wedding Anniversary last month at

ily and friends, and enjoyed a reception at the Arden Courts Community Center.

Quick Facts about AgingThe Graying of the Suburbs

Researchers predict that

instead of head-ing for Florida or Arizona, most baby boomer retirees will stay right where they are, in suburbia. Brookings Institute scientist William Frey expects the political and cultural impact to be substantial. In their younger years, he says, the boomers were worried about their children and the schools, but now they’re more concerned about their own well-being. Suburban areas are beginning to prepare for the demo-graphic shift. Fairfax County, Virginia, has presented forums on wheelchair accessibility, altered pedestrian traffic signals, and created a police unit to cope with fraud against older people. “If baby boomers stay in suburbia, analysts predict cultural shift,” —The Washington Post, June 2011.

With Two New Knees, Billie Jean Is Back Fifty years after she won her first doubles victory at Wimbledon, tennis legend Billie Jean King is back on the court, courtesy of double-knee replacements. At age 67, she’s pain-free now and playing with her life partner Ilana Kloss on the public courts in Manhattan. King promotes her World Tennis League and serves on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. “Billie Jean King on new knees and boomer fitness,” —AssociatedPress, June 2011.

Aging Fictional Detectives Hold Onto Their Jobs Some of the most popular authors of mystery tales have written themselves into a corner by allowing their heroes

to age in real time. The problem: Their detectives are losing, or have lost, the strength and stamina needed to physically take on the bad guys. Harry Bosch,

the Los Angeles homicide detective created by Michael Connelly, has turned 60. James Lee Burke’s detec-tive Dave Robicheaux is 73. And J.P. Beaumont, the J.A. Jance character who has been chasing killers around Seattle for 26 years, is now a grandfa-ther. The authors’ fans don’t seem to mind though. When Ms. Jance retired Officer Beaumont in a 1999 book, for example, readers protested so hard the retirement was short-lived. —“The (Really) Long Goodbye,” The Wall Street Journal, July 2011

More Male Boomers Try Cosmetic Surgery He knew she was kidding, sort of, but when his fiancée said she didn’t want any wedding

photos taken because of what she called his “saggy chin,” 59-year-old David Culpepper decided it was time for some plastic surgery. He was among the growing number of boomers who signed on for surgery. Last year, a total of 1.1 million men underwent a cosmetic procedure, a substantial 2 percent rise over the previous year. Face-lifts were up 14 percent, and a face-lift, as well as a chin implant, was what David Culpepper opted for. The wedding and the wedding portraits went off without a hitch. —“Gym, Check. Diet, Check. Face, Lift,”The Wall Street Journal, May 2011. (From the MetLife Mature Market Institute)

Photo Illustration by Lindsay Holmes/WSJ

Photo by George Herringshaw.

Photo Illustration by Lindsay Holmes/WSJ

Fifty years after

Photo by George Herringshaw.

More Male Boomers Try

He knew she was kidding,

when his fiancée said


Lexington Club is in a Non-Evacuation ZonePet Friendly Community

� Complimentary�Continental�Breakfast�•�Fitness�Center�Computer�Room�&�Library�•�Convenience�Store�&�Hair�Salon

Playground�for�Visiting�Grandkids�•�Arts/Crafts�Room�Party�Room�•�Climate�Control�Halls�&�StairwaysPlanned�Weekly�&�Monthly�Events�•�Sparkling�Pool�Games�Room�•�Weekly�Games�including�BingoElevators�For�Easy�Access�•�Laundromats�on�Site

Come Discover One of Florida’s Premier

Age 50 & Up Independent/

Active Apartment Community Homes.

The Lexington Club has the Best of what you

need and want!

Large one bedroom with den 769 sq. ft.Two bedroom/two bath 870 sq. ft.

High�ceilings�with�ceiling�fan�in�every�roomFull�size�washer/dryer�hook�ups�in�every�apartment

727-446-25821200 South Missouri Ave.

Clearwater, FL 33756(opposite Georgie Boy Restaurant)

We also accept Clearwater Housing Section 8 voucher.

Spring Special

Rent�reduced�to�

$610 per month &one month

FREE

Wanna Hear from Your Grandkids? Text Them!BY EVELYN MACKEY

“It’s quick. It’s easy. They answer,” said

Ralph Johnson, talking about using text messag-es to stay in touch with his 14-year-old grand-daughter and 11-year-old grandson. Ruth and Nathan’s fam-ily spent the past year in a village in Honduras and texting is one way they kept in touch with their grandparents. TV star Doris Roberts once said that if she called her grandson and left a message, she never heard back from him. But if she sent him a text message, she got an instant answer. That’s very typical, according to “textpert” Drew Olanoff, market-ing manager for textPlus. Texting is both a noun and a verb, which means you both have it and do it. And if you’re a grandparent and wonder what’s happening to this younger generation, you might just want to spend time with your grandchild learning to text. Think about it. Even if Susie has her hands all over her fancy phone, it’s too embarrassing in today’s world to use the phone to call Grandpa. You can, however, focus on the fact that Susie has a communication tool and know that she’d love to text you. Olanoff asks, “Does it feel any less awesome if your grandchild says ‘I love you’ in text?” In May, textPlus (a free and unlimited texting app) crossed the 10 billion mes-sages-sent mark. When that company surveyed a segment of its users, they found that 81 percent of respondents’ grandparents are indeed “mobile” (i.e., they own a cell phone). They further found that among users ages 13 – 17, 24 percent prefer to text with their grandparents and 40 percent of grandchildren would like to use text to communicate with their grandparents. What’s going on here? According to Olanoff, kids are texting each other and they want to text everyone.

“Picking up the phone and having a conversation is like Kryptonite. They don’t want to touch it.” How do the kids think? Today’s kids think texting is practical. They’d say, “Hey, Nana, this is the way I like to talk.” No, it’s not

like being on the phone, but it creates the option of learning to text and saying, “Wow my grandchild texted me on his way home from school.” Olanoff (who texts his own grand-mother and then receives a phone call back from her) looks at it this way: “Communication is at the core. They want to communicate. We’re seeing a renaissance of communication and the tool being used is texting.” He likens texting to a game. It’s quick. You don’t have to stop and pick up the phone. “You text ‘Hi.’ They text ‘hi’ back to you.” Olanoff notes that a text conversa-tion is always ‘green,’ meaning it’s ongoing. “I never say goodbye in texting,” he says. It’s always there, an open line of communication and you can jump right in.” Kids like the lack of formal-ity, too. “Do you want to go to the movies tonight?” doesn’t have to be introduced by “Hi, how are you? Are you busy?” It’s not really something we’ve ever seen before. Although Olanoff is excited about those 10 billion messages sent, he realizes that everybody “loves to get a phone call, hear the voice.” But there is a place if you want to communicate with your grandchild that you won’t mind if it’s a text message. “Texting is hot now and kids are reaching out with it,” he says. He urges grandparents to understand that it’s communication, just in a differ-ent way: Focus on the interaction and communication rather than the delivery system, and you’ll stay connected. And besides, 54 percent of respondents in that survey consider grandparents who text to be cool.


Call Toll Free727-734-8479

444 North Paula DriveDunedin, Florida 34698www.scottishtowers.com

• Spacious Studio, 1 & 2 BR apts.• Walk or Kayak to Honeymoon Island• FREE Sewer, Water & Cable• Rich Social Activities• Elevators• Beautiful Clubhouse• Heated Swimming Pool• Prompt & Courteous Maintenance Staff• FREE scheduled transportation services (Save Gasoline)• Prices start at just $615 per month• NO BUY-IN FEES

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

Does Sex Help or Hurt the Heart As We Age?Is sex a form of exercise that can

keep us healthy or a threat to those with heart disease? The June issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch reviews research on the con-nection between sex and health. According to one study, sex doesn’t count as heart-protective exercise. This research monitored middle-aged male and female volunteers while they walked on a treadmill in the lab and during private sexual activity at home. The two are not equal—the treadmill proved more strenuous. During sex, the men raised their heart rates only 72 percent as high as they did on the treadmill. Sex was even less strenuous for women in terms of heart rate, blood pressure and perceived exertion. All in all, average sexual activity ranks as mild to moderate in terms of exercise intensity. But if sex can’t protect the heart, can it hurt it? Careful studies show

that fewer than one of every 100 heart attacks is related to sexual activity, and for fatal arrhythmias the rate is just one in 200. So for a healthy 50-year-old man, the risk of having a heart attack in any given hour is about one in a million; sex doubles the risk, but it’s still just two in a million. For men with heart disease, the risk is 10 times higher, but even for them, the chance of suffering a heart attack during sex is just 20 in a million, which are pretty safe odds. The best way to stay healthy and protect cardiovascular health is to avoid tobacco, exercise regularly, eat a good diet, stay lean and limit alcohol. Do not initiate sexual activ-ity if you are not feeling well, and anyone experiencing possible cardiac symptoms during sex should interrupt the sexual activity at once. With these simple guidelines and precautions, sex is safe for the heart.

Do you suffer from foot and leg pain,

cramping, arthritis or poor circulation? A new device called the Medimassager can help. This versatile and easy-to-use massager rests at your feet and can be adjusted to massage aching soles, heels, ankles, calves and legs. You can also prop it behind your back for a soothing back massage. An additional hand-held massage device can be used to focus on problem tension areas like the neck, shoulder, lower back and wrists. “As a physical therapist with over thirty years of treating patients, I am a great advocate of both of the Medimas-sager units and have no hesitation in recommending them to my patients,” says Carl Marino, PT. “Because of the high quality smoothness of their mas-saging and variable speeds, they are ap-propriate for many people to use when units of lesser quality would be too rough or irritating, rather than relaxing.”

These FDA-approved medical devices have been

used to provide pain relief from arthritis,

flat feet and bone spurs, relieve restless leg syndrome,

aid in the prevention of leg cramps, assist diabetes and neuropathy and promote blood flow to the feet and calves. 20 minutes of use can provide the benefits of a 4-mile brisk walk. The quiet, powerful variable speed motor is perfect for home or office environments, and the devices come with a limited lifetime warranty. “Don’t take your foot or muscle pain lightly! Many of my patients started out with pains that developed into chronic conditions that could have been at least partly prevented if they would have reduced the muscle spasms early on with units like the Medimassagers,” says Marino. Order your Medimassager today by calling (813) 597-5729 or by visiting medimassager.com.

Live Free from Leg and Foot Pain


“We love the socialization, the food is great, we all feel like family, there is so much to do, we have a lot of fun, everyone is so friendly

and caring. The staff is great. They’re always there for you and you don’t have to wait!

We love the carefree living and the people! No cleaning or cooking to worry about. It is a very friendly community.

We enjoy keeping busy with all the activities and the companionship of others. We both lost our spouses and living here at Barrington Terrace, we don’t feel alone.”

The Look and Feel of a Country Inn Here’s what residents say they like best about Barrington Terrace….

Assisted Living License #7933

Barrington Terrace Assisted Living ResidenceCall: 727-588-0020

333 16th Ave. SE, Largo FL 33771 • www.bt-largo.com

“We love the carefree living and the people! No cleaning or cooking to worry about. It is a very friendly community. We enjoy keeping busy with

all the activities and the companionship of others. We both lost our spouses and living here at

Barrington Terrace, we don’t feel alone.”

“We love the socialization, the food is great, we all feel like family, there is so much to do, we have a lot of fun, everyone is so friendly and

caring. The staff is great. They’re always there for you and you don’t have to wait!”

“You Have Feet In Your Shoes”—Except When It’s Too PainfulYou have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know.

You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.—Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss might have been right, but if the feet in those shoes

hurt, you might decide not to go in any direction but the recliner! Kendrick Whitney, a professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics who specializes in shoe function and design, took a look at some popular shoe types. Here’s what he found:

Toning shoes The toning sneakers (with the rocker bottoms) were introduced to mimic a more natural way of walking that would help improve posture and balance. The first such shoes had a

relatively unstable bottom. The next generation of shoes came with fitness claims—the idea being that since the calves and thighs had to work harder to maintain balance in these shoes, they could help tone problem areas. The American Council of Exercise has found that the shoes “provide minimal exercise benefit and realisti-cally, they’re not going to give the wearer the higher bottom or tighter legs they’re hoping for unless they

plan to do a lot more walking—several

miles per day,” says Whitney.

However, the shoes do have several benefits: Wearers tend to be more motivated to exercise, they can help improve back pain by improving posture and they can help reduce stress to the heels, forefoot, knees and hip joints. They can also help with muscular function. He adds that it’s important to consider the shoe’s weight; heavier shoes can act similarly to ankle weights. The key with toning shoes is to ease into them and, ideally, to have a podia-trist or orthopedist examine the legs and feet to make sure they’re good candidates for these types of shoes.

Roll-up flats and flip flops For women who’ve ever suffered

the pain of standing for hours in heels, several companies are now marketing flats that are cheap and can roll up and store discreetly in a

handbag. And the old standby, flip-flops, can be purchased

for relatively little money at many stores. Whitney calls these EFCs—excuses for foot coverings. “It’s like wearing slippers outside,” he said. “They provide poor stability, no support and you can actually do more damage by changing directly from heels into these types of shoes.” To prevent injury, he recommends doing calf stretches and foot circles “with the same regularity that you brush your teeth.” For flip flops, he says there are several on the market that provide excellent support. “They have padding in the forefoot and arches to even out pressure distribution, and the heel cup is lower to the ground.” As with most things, a good quality shoe will cost a little more. Whitney says not to be swayed by cheaper imitations. “You get what you pay for,” he said. “And a well-made shoe is an excellent investment that can last you for several years.”

Kendrick Whitney, a professor

orthopedics who specializes in shoe function and design, took

would help improve posture and balance. The first such shoes had a

plan to do a lot more walking—several

miles per day,” says Whitney.

into them and, ideally, to have a podia-trist or orthopedist examine the legs and feet to make sure they’re good candidates for these types of shoes.

Roll-up flats and flip flops For women who’ve ever suffered

the pain of standing for hours in heels, several companies

handbag. And the old standby, flip-flops, can be purchased

Barrington Terrace

Sept. Events

Check out this calendar of events at Barrington Terrace Assisted

Living & Memory Care Community:

September 12 – CarePartner Support Group Night, 5:30 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m.

September 22 – Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

RSVP to (727) 588-0020. Respite care available; please call

for details. Barrington Terrace, 333 16th Ave. SE., Largo, FL 33771.

Visit www.bt-largo.com.

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

Lifestyles news, the latest information and fun events

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

your comments with us!

Find our Facebook page at www.facebook.com under

“Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles.”

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

(without the “e”).

Senior Connection is now on

and

Check Us Out Online!


Are You One of the 50 Million Americans with Tinnitus?If you have ever experienced a

ringing, buzzing or even roaring in your ears, even when there is nothing around you actually creating that noise, then you know what it’s like to have tinnitus. For an estimated 50 million people, tinnitus doesn’t permanently go away. It can be so annoying that it can lead to fatigue, stress, sleep problems, concentration troubles, anxiety and depression. The good news is that new options exist for tinnitus management including a breakthrough sound therapy tool. You may be surprised by what can causes tinnitus. A common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sounds, which can damage the sensory cells of the inner ear. Tinnitus has also been associated with ear infections, aging, excessive ear wax, high blood pressure and even sensory nerve disorders. Activities that may cause tinnitus include smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine and taking exces-sive amounts of aspirin or antibiotics.

What to do if you think you have tinnitus? Start by being evaluated by a hearing healthcare professional. Some hearing healthcare profession-als have general experience with tinnitus while others are specifically trained in managing tinnitus. He or she can help you determine the best options for managing the condition. If there are no specific medical issues involved, there are still several steps you can take to help reduce the severity of your tinnitus or help you cope better with the noise.

Tinnitus management • Hearing aids. In as many as 90 percent of cases, someone experienc-ing tinnitus also has a hearing loss. The use of a hearing aid to amplify sounds can help to make the ring-ing or buzzing less distracting.

• ZEN. The real breakthrough today comes from advanced hearing instruments that make use of fractal

technology and offer a harmonic sound program called ZEN. This type of program generates soothing sounds and chimes that show great promise as a sound therapy tool to relax patients and distract their attention from their tinnitus. • Noise suppression. Electronic devices with pillow speakers that produce “white noise” may help you to sleep better at night.

Additional lifestyle changes that may help you to either avoid

tinnitus or make the symptomsless bothersome: • Avoid likely irritants such as loud noises or nicotine that may worsen your tinnitus.• Manage stress, perhaps through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise.• Limit your alcohol intake which can increase blood flow, especially in the inner ear area, and

contribute to tinnitus symptoms.• Use hearing protection.• Manage your cardiovascular health with regular exercise and good nutrition. Learning as much as you can about tinnitus and ways to alleviate symptoms can help you cope. The Zen program is only available inside hearing aids such as the Mind440 Passion 440. For more information, visit Widex.com..

technology and offer a harmonic

tinnitus or make the symptomsless bothersome:

may worsen your tinnitus.

through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise.

which can increase blood flow, especially in the inner ear area, and

✦ Free 24 Hour Front Desk Coverage

✦ Free Scheduled Shuttle Bus Service

✦ Katz Korner Café/ Mini-Mart on Site

Studios from $474 One Bedroom from $584

Utilities included!

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

☎ 727-347-5191

250 58th Street N.St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

www.philipbenjamintower.org

$100 OFFFirst Month’s Rent

Quality Apartment Home Rentals

Expires: 9/30/2011 SC

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS 55+

Philip Benjamin Tower

Stop by Mon - Fri from 8 am - 2:30 pm for a FREE cup of coffe and a danish.We will be glad to take you for a tour

of our Beautiful Property.

*Standard monitoring agreement required with approved credit. To be eligible for $200 Visa Gift Card, customer must call 1-877-467-4573 and order either the Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Cellular Takeover package. Customer must install and activate security system within 7 days of receiving it in order to receive $200 Visa Gift Card. Please allow 6-8 weeks after home security activation date to receive gift card. Not available to existing Protect America customers. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Protect America, Inc., 3800 Quick Hill Rd. Building 1-100 Austin, TX 78728. Licenses: AL: 11-027; AR: E 2001-0538; AZ: ROC114856 (L-67), ROC114855 (C-12); CA: ACO 4115; DE: 06-204; FL: EG-0000192; GA: LVA205875; IA: AC-0081; IL: 127-001092; LA: F492; MD: 107-670; MI: 8714 Huckleberry Lane, Lansing MI. 48917. Lic #3601202409; MS: 15005347; NC: 635-CSA; NJ: Burglar alarm and fire alarm bus. Lic. #34BF00023700; NM: 60519; OK: 739; PA: PA023169; SC: BAC 5432, FAC 3104; TN: 00000265; TX: B16272, ACR-1204; UT: 345548-6501; VA: 11-3129; WA: PROTEAI962LD; WV: WV032962.

Protect Your Golden Years with a Free GE™

Home Security System

For a limited time only, Protect America is giving qualified customers a medical alert pendant when they order a home security system. In addition, Protect America will include a $200 VISA gift card upon account activation.

Free with Your Order: 1-877-467-4573

Get a Free Medical Panic Pendent When You Order 1-877-467-4573Get a Free Medical Panic Pendent When You Order


Join us on:Find us online!

Your insurance plan may cover hearing aids. Call today to inquire.

☎ Call today to schedule a complimentary hearing screening:

“We’re Listening, Florida.”

You’ve asked for better hearing at an affordable price.

Tremendous advances have been made in hearing aid technology. Today’s instruments are more effective and discreet than ever.

Visit HEARx today, and let our hearing health professionals help you find a solution that‘s perfect for your needs…and your budget.

Still helping the hearing impaired after 25 years!

*Example based on $1495 financed, 48 mos, 13.90% APR

Your payments may be higher or lower depending on purchase amount, term,

down payment or interest rate you qualify for.

Based on approved credit; not all applicants will qualify.

How does $40.78/month* sound?

Just $1.36/day!

Visit HEARx today, and let our hearing health professionals help you find a solution that‘s perfect for your needs…and your budget.

Still helping the hearing impaired after 25 years!

*Example based on $1495 financed, 1495 financed, 48 mos, 13.90% APR

Your payments may be higher or lower

New Port Richey**

727.849.0135

New Port Richey –� Southgate727.807.9000

Palm Harbor727.789.8399

St. Petersburg** 727.344.8719

Zephyrhills813.788.1163

En Español800.878.0759

** Se Habla Español

Veterans CornerMembership Has Its (Veterans) BenefitsMembership in the U.S. Armed

Services has its benefits. Even if you served as a young man, you can be a member with benefits in yoursenior years. There are 23 million American Vet-erans in the U.S. today. Eight million of them receive VA benefits, yet many veterans never apply for the benefits they have both earned and deserve. Some don’t know they are eligible. Others fear the daunting process of ap-plying and qualifying for the benefits. Some of the benefits availableinclude the following:Prescription Drugs: All drugs are free with an $8 co-pay, depending on income, often eliminating the need for a Part D coverage plan. Veterans receiving pensions are fully exempt from co-pays for VA health services, including prescriptions.Nursing Home Care: The VA contracts with over 2,500 privately owned and operated nursing homes complementing the 132 they own themselves. Congress has ordered the VA to find a place for all veterans with a 70 percent or higher disability rating. Lower-rating veterans are also eligible but will be placed on a wait-ing list in areas where beds are scarce.In-Home Care: Veterans who need in-home care and meet the income means test can receive limited home-making services and assistance and basic home health needs, to be provided by service companies contracted by the VA. Single veterans with income above $29,402 (and $32,285 for married) might have to pay a co-pay of $15 for a provided medical services visit. Respite Care can also be provided to allow a family caregiver some time off, with co-pays from $0 to $90 per day, depending on income qualification.Health Care Benefits: The VA pro-vides extensive health care, including

surgery and in-patient care at its 1,400 clinics, hospitals and care centers. Ex-cept in the case of service-connected disabilities, eligibility is based on an income-qualifying test. Single veterans cannot have income exceed-ing $32,342 ($38,812 for married), but adjustments are allowed for residing in higher-cost parts of the U.S., using a Geographic Means Test from HUD. Disability Compensation: Formerly, VA disability comp. examiners were encouraged to reject all but the most obvious and extreme cases involv-ing specifically service-connected disabilities. In a new view, a service-related disability does not have to be an injury received in combat. Injuries that occurred or were aggravated while serving in uniform are worthy of consideration. Since disability comp. payments are unrelated to current income, they are available to a surviving spouse at a reduced level, based on the degree of disability. Disability degree can range from 10 percent to 100 percent as determined by a VA doctor and subject to appeal. VA Guaranteed Mortgages: If you’re an older veteran wanting to buy a senior-housing complex unit, eligibility determination is very gracious. SSI and food stamps are not counted as income, homes and cars are not counted as assets and household savings and investments up to $80,000 are allowed and still allow pension and health care benefit. Because the VA’s goal is to keep people in their own homes and out of institutions, there is no “look-back” period for giving assets to relatives. To learn more, take your DD214 or Certificate of Service to your local Veterans Service Centers. Service Centers: Amy Leask, Office Specialist, 2189 Cleveland St., #201, Clearwater, Ph: (727) 464-8460; 501 1st Avenue N. #517, St. Petersburg, Phone: (727) 582-7828.


• Fire sprinklers throughout• Limited entrances to building• Smoke detectors in every apartment• Emergency call buttons in every apartment• 24-hour desk clerks• Library• Coin operated laundry• All electric kitchen• Central heat & air conditioning• Ample closets & kitchen cabinets

• On Site Wellness Center• Heat lamps and grab bars in tubs and

showers• Maintenance work orders completed within

24 to 48 hours• Lighted parking on site• Exterior windows open for fresh air• Small pets welcome (15 lbs. limit)• Subsidized TV cable.

801 Chestnut StreetClearwater, FL 33756

Intersection of Chestnut St. and S. Myrtle Ave.

727-447-5701

Efficiency $422 - $496One Bedroom $539 - $634Utilities included in the rent. Cable is an additional $18/mo.

Prospect Towers is a 17 story apartment community for 208 residences. Non-Profit housing for the elderly.

• Close to beaches• Grocery store within walking distance• On the busline• Close to medical facilities

PROSPECT TOWERSof Clearwater, Inc.

Affordable Senior Living

Building Features

• At least one person 62 or older• Or disabled under 62Must be capable of caring for your apartment.

Admission Qualifications

Visit: http://prospect.presidioproperty.com

Medicare AnswersDear Marci, How does Medicaid

work with Medicare to cover my health care costs?—William

Dear William, all states offer a variety of Medicaid programs, and several can help people with Medicare. If you qualify for a Medicaid program, Medicaid can help pay for costs and services that Medicare does not cover. For services that both Medicare and Medicaid can cover (such as doctor visits, hospital care, home care and skilled nursing facility care), Medicare will pay first and Medicaid will pay second—costs such as Medicare coinsurances and copayments. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you should be able to go to any doctor or provider who takes Medicare, Med-icaid or who is in your Medicare private health plan’s network without having to pay the Medicare coinsurances or deductibles. You may still have to pay the Medicaid copayment for the service, depending on the rules in your state.

Medicaid can cover much more long-term care than Medicare does. Medicare requirements for coverage of long-term care services, such as home care and skilled nursing facility services, are generally stricter than Medicaid’s, and the coverage itself is much more limited. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare, not Medicaid, will cover your drug costs. Having Medicaid will automatically qualify you for Extra Help, the federal program that helps with the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).—Marci

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” e-mail [email protected].

The Healthy GeezerBY FRED CICETTI

Q:

A: Yes, men do get osteoporosis, but women are at greater risk. Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. This condition creates an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans; about 68 percent of them are women. One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteopo-rosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Our bodies remove old bone and replace it with new bone. During our growth stage, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. We hit peak bone mass around age 30. After that age, we lose more bone than we form.

Who is at risk of getting osteoporosis? The chances are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of changes from menopause. Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk. Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. Age is a major risk factor because bones become thinner and weaker as you age. Heredity can also increase fracture risk. Low calcium intake appears to be associated with bone loss. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, dark-green leafy vegetables, almonds and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice. Some people may need to take a calcium supplement. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound and for people in general during the winter. Depending on your situation, you may need to take vitamin D supplements. Bone responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for your bones. Get off the sofa.

Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Quit. Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton. Heavy drinkers are more prone to bone loss and fractures, because of poor nutrition and increased risk of fall-ing. Quit or, at least, cut down. People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a bump or fall causes a hip to fracture or a vertebra to col-lapse. See your doctor for a check-up. Following a comprehensive medical assessment, your doctor may recom-mend that you have your bone mass measured. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to deter-mine your bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures and measure your re-sponse to osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized bone mineral density test is called a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA test. A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise and safety issues to prevent falls that may result in fractures. In addition, your physician may prescribe a medication to slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density and reduce fracture risk. If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com.

Do men get osteoporosis?


Discover The SpringsSouth Pasadena’s Hidden Treasure

Welcome to The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, located in beautiful South Pasadena on the campus of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. We’re not your typical skilled nursing facility. We are a 109 bed Medicare certified Rehab Center offering a variety of health care services:

• Skilled Nursing • Wound Care• Social Services • Full scale beauty salon • Individualized activities • State-of-the-art Rehab. We offer Customized Rehab programs 7 days a week both in-patient and out-patient including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. We specialize in:• Orthopedic• Stroke/Neuro• Cardiac programs by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment including Anodyne therapy and Natilus equipment, just to name a few.We make admissions easy! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experienced and licensed Nurse Liaison, Catresa Bowie, will meet you at hospital bedside or in your home. If you have a surgery planned, why not come in for a tour and take the mystery out of the admission process. Call Catresa Bowie at (727) 599-1390.

The Springs At Boca Ciega Bay1255 Pasadena Ave.

St. Petersburg, FL 33707(727) 828-3500

Joy? In the Shadow of Dementia?After witnessing her

father’s decline and struggle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, Susan Garbett became passionate about understanding this disease and the dev-astating toll it has on caregivers and families. This passion led her to become a volunteer support group facilita-tor for the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and to write Susie and Me Days: Joy in the Shadow of Dementia. Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form, is an illness that is ravaging the senior population and places an enormous burden on our present and future generations. Neurologist, Richard Mayeux, M.D. of New York’s Colum-bia University, best summed up what our country is facing when he said,

“We have a tsunami coming at us, and we’re sitting in a rowboat.” It’s a subject that most people don’t want to face or talk about, especially baby-boomers. But it’s real, it’s “now,” and by 2050 it is predicted that 13.5

million Americans will have the disease. Susie and Me Days describes the unex-pected gifts caregiv-ers can receive if they have the capacity to let go of negative thinking about what

once was, or what could have been, in order to embrace what is happening right now “in the moment.” By enter-ing their world, caregivers have the opportunity to create gratifying expe-riences for and with their loved ones. Susie and Me Days is a candid, inti-mate, insightful account that brings to life the relationship between a father and daughter as they journey through the murky haze of dementia. To learn more, visit susieandmedays.com.

Joy? In the Shadow of Dementia?

caregivers and families.

million Americans will have the disease. describes the unex-pected gifts caregiv-ers can receive if they have the capacity to let go of negative thinking about what


Call (727) 823-1575 • 1-800-955-8771FLA Relay Service

MLF u TOWERSAre you 62 years old or mobility impaired on a limited income?

Check the quality at...MLF TowersRent based on income

• Fully equipped 1BR apt.• Carpeted & spacious• Library & community room.• Wellness center w/doctor & nurse• Weekly bus to shopping• Optional noon meal service 7 days/wk.

• Free basic cable• Water, sewer, & trash service provided• Individual climate control• Active resident council• Reserved Parking

Other features offered at Minimal fee:• Tray service • Guest dining • Laundry room• Housekeeping

For a tour of our modern community.540 Second Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Gift Card SavvyBY ANDREA WOROCH

With the doors closed at Borders, consum-

ers would do well to look at gift cards lying around the house. Here’s what you can do if you hear that a store is financially unstable.1. Move fast. Store liquidations usually begin rapidly so it’s often best to use up gift cards online, rather than wait until you have time to visit a retail store. 2. Research the bankruptcy status. Borders was refused bankruptcy, meaning they had no choice but to liquidate. Other retailers, however, filed for bankruptcy and turned things around. Sometimes a company that’s filed for Chapter 11 is allowed by the bankruptcy court to honor its gift cards. 3. Consider the company’s stability. Research their financial stability via such sites as BBB.com and Forbes Risk List. (Stores considered at-risk by

Forbes presentlyinclude Rite Aid and Zales.) Also, ScripSmart.com regularly updates

its list of “Gift Cards to Avoid.”

4. Use it or sell it. If you’ve received a gift card for a merchant you wouldn’t frequent, you can exchange gift cards for cash on such sites as GiftCardGranny.com and receive up to 95 percent of the card’s value in cash.

5. Use a credit card. If you’re concerned about a retailer’s financial stability but still want to buy a gift card, do so using a credit instead of a debit card. You can then ask the card issuer to withhold payment until you’re sure of the merchant’s status.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

Gift Card Savvy

ers would do well to look at gift

Here’s what you can do if you hear that a store is financially unstable.

Forbes presentlyinclude Rite Aid

its list of “Gift Cards to Avoid.”

Gift Card SavvyGoing

Out of

Business

Sale!!

Gift Card SavvyGIF

T CARD

Twenty-five dollars$$$

Word Search Sept. 2011In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally,

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

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

SENIOR CONNECTION or MATURE LIFESTYLES

1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on September 21 will win.WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

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

MYSTERY PRIZE!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

Word Search Answers

From August 2011

Walter Roberts and Mary Bishop are last month’s

winners! Congratulations!Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

&


Yes! You can move into Grand Villa Senior Living

from your current assisted living community

without interrupting your Veteran, Diversion,or Private Pay Benefits.

Call 727-493-2723to learn how!

Assisted Living • Alzheimer’s Care • Short-term StaysSenior Day and Overnight Programs

Largo’s #1 Assisted Living Community!

(727) 493-2723Assisted Living Facility License #7301

750 Starkey Rd., Largo, FL 33771www.LargoSeniorLiving.com

Protect Yourself from Financial Predators

BY YVONNE CURLEY

With finances as they are today, it’s easy to get led astray. Don’t

let it happen to you or someone you know. Seniors lost nearly $3 billion last year to financial predators, accord-ing to the August Money magazine. One out of every five older Americans has been sold an inap-propriate investment, paid excessive fees for a financial product or service or been a victim of fraud. Understand how you can get hooked by a predator.

Here are the “pitches” to avoid:1. “Let me buy you lunch.” Here’s the truth: 57 percent of sales materi-als from those free lunch seminars include misleading or unwarranted claims. Look for vague generalities and pressure tactics. You might hear part of the story but not the whole story about a product. Take someone along—another pair of ears is as valu-able here as at a doctor’s appointment.

2. “I can ease your mind.” Fear increases our tendency to look for simple suggestions and makes it difficult to think critically. Listen for questions that are too personal about what you fear most. Put your number on the Do Not Call list (888-382-1222), throw away junk mailings and practice saying this phrase: “No, I’m not interested.”

3. “I’ll be your Best Friend.” Deceptive agents may try to become a buddy or helper to help themselves to your money information. Friendship can blur the sales relationship.

4. “I can get you 8 percent on your money.” The numbers vary, but the deceptive pitch will offer high returns that are “safeguarded.” This

typically means a complicated, risky investment which carries hidden costs and which ties up the principal for a long time. Ask specific ques-tions and take the plan to a trusted individual for clarification.

5. “Act now, call today.” Beware of those who create a false sense of urgency, trumpeting limited-time of-fers. This is a common tactic. Taking out a reverse mortgage, for example, is too involved a decision to be made in a rush—ask several non-sales people about it before you sign papers.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services works to help safeguard seniors and all consumers from being victims. Their Division of Consumer Services Helpline is the place to call. Here’s a true story of a victimized senior: A Hillsborough County senior called the Division of Consumer Services Helpline after discovering that he had been misled about the product he purchased. The consumer answered an advertisement offering a one year Certificate of Deposit at 6.5 percent. He gave the agent a total of $175,000 with the understanding that it would be placed into the CD. The consumer later discovered that the funds had actually been placed into a ten-year annuity. One of the DFS Insurance Specialists contacted the company on behalf of the consumer and was able to obtain a full refund of the consumer’s initial deposit plus interest. This consumer had a successful resolution.

Finance

Financial HelplineMaking contact: Florida Department

of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Help Line at

1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

A trained consumer specialist with the Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force will help you. The website is www.myfloridacfo.com/ica/senioralerts.asp.

Health and Heart FairPasco County 25th

Annual Fall Health and Heart Health Fair will be held Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Center Court in Gulfview SquareMall, U.S. Hwy 19 North, Port Richey. The event is free to the public.

Look for healthcare and wellness exhibits, information from healthcare professionals, dental exhibits and informa-tion, medicare insurance information, vascular screen-ings, spinal adjustments, supplemental nutrient infor-

mation and lots of giveaways. For more info, call (727) 825-0018.

Look for healthcare and wellness exhibits, information from healthcare professionals, dental exhibits and informa-tion, medicare insurance information, vascular screen-ings, spinal adjustments, supplemental nutrient infor-

Hot! Hot!Just off the Press

• Local and World News

• All Your Favorite Events

• Great Stories & Information

• Travel, Finance, Health & More!

Presents the: http://www.seniorconnectionfl.com

website

NEW


Complimentary presentation will cover important topics such as: Estate Planning, Long term care planning (Medicaid & Veterans Benefits), the new Florida Power of Attorney law, and Pre‐Need

Cremation Contracts. Get answers to your questions!Refreshments will be served.Limited Seating Available.

939 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701Palm View Building

September 22, 2011 10:00AM – 12:00PMPlease RSVP to (727) 785-0973 or (727) 781-8201

Hot News on Roulette Voodoo

BY MARK PILARSKI

Dear Mark: I enjoyed your response to a question on

roulette wheel bias. I was wondering if an experienced roulette dealer could make the ball land where he or she pleases? —Josh G.

What you’re asking, Josh, is whether a dealer can deliberately target and pocket a particular number when the wheel is spinning east, the ball west, with frets impeding a descending bouncing ball as it finds its way to a particular pocket. Notta chance. I just think there are too many physical variables for a dealer to control so as to land the ball at will. There is such a thing as sector-shooting, Josh, where maybe the one in a thousand dealers can possibly put it in sections of a wheel, or the keenest of all roulette players thinks he or she comes across that “biased wheel”— incessantly watching the dealer and ball speed, thinking they can clock the wheel—but I also lack conviction on either of those skills. The casino needs to offer you a round-and-round she goes, where she drops nobody knows random spin, because as long as the results are random, the casino will make its ca-ching. Random games mean big built-in profits for the operators. In the case of roulette, 5.26 percent. When you take the randomness out, you increase the operators’ risk and decrease its reward. So, every

casino has its own set of guidelines for its dealers to follow, as well as a few procedures I’m sure of that keep the wheel speed within a certain range. The last thing the casino wants is rogue dealers who at least think they can hit a number at will. Back in the day, I was trained to either speed up or slow down both

the wheel and ball delivery before each spin to avoid any kind of hanky panky, and though I spent countless hours on a dead game trying to pocket a particular number, the wheel going one way, the ball the other, with frets impelling that dippy bounce, I found it damn near impossible to forecast where the ball was going to land.

Dear Mark: Is card counting illegal? I’ve heard it is, and heard it isn’t. Con-fused minds want to know. —Dale C.

Technically in most gaming jurisdictions it’s not illegal, but casino personnel can and will back you off the game if they suspect that you are counting cards. Counting cards may give you that one-percent-plus advantage, but expect a pit boss to come and pleasantly say, “Hey Dale, we appreciate your patronage but we’re going to ask you to stop playing blackjack here. Feel free to play any of the other table games we offer.” Not all casinos bar counters. Atlantic City, by law, cannot run you off a blackjack game. Yes, Dale, it’s legal to use your gray matter, but what they will do to combat your use of your medulla oblongata is counter your counting with tougher blackjack rules, multi-deck games and limited deck penetration to keep the skilled counter at bay.

Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “People who thought it was evil are playing slot machines and lightning does not strike them.” —Bill Thompson, Professor of Public Administration at the University of Nevada on the increasing number of Las Vegas gamblers.

DealMe In

Entertainment

ELDER LAW WILLS AND TRUSTS • PROBATE LAW

Beverly Thomson Shaw, P.A.Attorney at Law

727-327-92225521 Central Avenue • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

www.bevshawlaw.com

• Medicaid Planning for Nursing Homes

• Wills • Probate • Trusts

• Special Needs Trusts

• Powers of Attorney

• Estate Planning

• Asset Protection

• Living Wills


Help! My Son Moved Back Home In the book, How to Raise Adult

Children, Gail Parent and Susan Ende, M.F.T. tackle all sorts of issues that affect every family with adult children. Here’s one letter and answer:

Dear Gail and Susan, My son Eric was living with us for a little while after college. He finally got a good job and moved into his own apartment. That was two and a half years ago. He just lost that job and has moved back in with us. He’s de-pressed. How can I help him? —Robin

Dear Super Mom? If you, Robin, can get Eric out of his depression, someone should hand you a psychology degree immediately. He needs therapy. But until you get him to a doctor’s office, what you can do is help him get his work situation under

control. I know he knows what to do, but . . . remind him gently. It means sending out resumes, networking at LinkedIn and going on Yahoo Jobs and other job search web-sites. Remind him it’s not a one-time thing. It has to be done every day. At least he’ll be pro-active and not feel that he can’t do anything about his situation. We get depressed when our kids get depressed. Try to smile for his sake. Also, remind him that he’s not alone and that this is a difficult time to find work and others are in the exact same situation he is. —Gail (who told her sons if they ever need to, they can move back in with her). Sometimes a safety net becomes a trap. Moving in with parents can

sometimes make the problem for our child worse. Eric not only lost his job but he also lost his apartment, his independence, his adult identity. No wonder he’s depressed. He thought he was launched and now he’s right back where he started—at

home with Mom and Dad. Moving in with parents should not be the only option if a kid gets in trouble. It’s often not the best option. But here Eric is home and depressed. I agree with Gail, that he should be looking for a job, every day in any way he can. However—and here’s where parents have to take charge— Eric should not be allowed to give up his life and become a catered-to, dependent invalid who can do nothing but look for a job.

There should be conditions for his room and board. For instance, he could be in charge of all the grocery shopping, the gardening, taking younger kids to school, all of which gets him into the world with people and making an adult contribution. The more his parents treat him like an invalid, the more helpless and depressed he will become. I strongly recommend that parents and child have a plan for losing a job that does not require that the kid move back home. How about three months expenses in savings, unem-ployment insurance, moving in with roommates and getting a temporary job to make ends meet? Life brings challenges we have to cope with. Going back to Mom and Dad should not be a child’s only coping tool. Certainly, if Eric is too depressed to do any of the above, he should be seen by a doctor for medica-tion and therapy. —Susan

Retirement Living

What If I Don’t Make a Will?No matter the size

of your estate, it is important to make a will. A will allows you control over how your assets are allocated after your death. If you do not make a will, your intentions may not be honored. Without a will, state law will dictate how your assets are divided.

State laws in the U.S. usually distribute assets to your natural or adopted relatives, leav-ing nothing to charities or friends. If you have no relatives, the estate goes to the state. Though some property can be

passed through joint ownership, it is still important to establish a will.

allocated after your death.

State laws in the U.S. usually distribute assets to your natural or adopted relatives, leav-ing nothing to charities or friends. If you have no relatives, the estate goes to the state. Though some property can be

How Close Do You Hold a Smart Phone?Smart phone users reading

text messages and internet pages hold their devices at a closer distance than they would for printed text—which may have important implica-tions for prescribing vision correction, reports a study in the July issue of Optometry and Vision Science.

The study indicates that optom-etrists should pay attention to the “working distance” at which patients hold their smart phones and perform appropriate testing at those distances. Especially for older patients,

changes in lens design may be needed to meet the visual demands of smart phones and other new technology.


Roanoke—“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!”

BY JANICE DOYLE

“It’s a Blue Ridge Day.” That means

the temperature’s perfect, the sky’s blue and all’s right with the world. It must mean I’m in Roanoke, Virginia, right there on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What’s the buzz about Roanoke? In the Spotlight You! Let your family know they can see you on their computers when you’re in front of the web cam located at The Roanoke Star and Overlook on Mill Mountain. You’ll go there for a bird’s eye view of the city and then you’ll call them to say you’re waving at them. The Star was built in 1949 to encourage Christmas shopping and just stayed on to become a theme for “Roanoke, the Star City.” While you’re on Mill Mountain, visit the gardens, the Discovery Center and the little zoo.

Hot Ticket! Take me out to the Salem Red Sox Class A Minor League professional baseball team. It’s a

Boston Red Sox affi liate and the beautiful stadium is simply a great place for an evening of fun.

Eat Well When in Roanoke, eat like a Southern native—that means as directly from farm to table as possible. Visit the downtown Roanoke City Market for food, shops and restaurants too. The Local Roots restaurant features changing seasonal menus. Beverages tend to go native as well, com-ing from “small batch,

family-owned, rare, and unique purveyors.” For quality steak dinner, nothing beats NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s 347 Grill in the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel—delicious fi let mignon and the best cheesecake in town.

The Local Gem! I found several gems in Roanoke, but none more visually stunning and values-impressive than the Taubman Museum of Art. It’s a downtown architectural wonder which is “an abstract sculpture of the Blue Ridge.” Outside design elements relate to the surrounding mountains and inside design elements refl ect the rivers of the area in the rounded walls and meandering overhead designs. This gem of a museum has nine galleries and impressive works throughout. It’s free from 5 to 9 on Friday nights. However, regular

senior admission is just $6—one more reason it’s impressive.

All Aboard Roanoke was a railroad hub for decades and today it holds the best railroad collection in the U.S. The town’s sidewalks become a Rail Walk leading via signage through history and into the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Located in the historic Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station, there are 50 pieces of rolling metal and a huge collection that includes automotive (a 1913 Detroit Electric car), aviation, transit and more. Nearby, the old Roanoke Hotel exudes the rich heritage of a grand hotel built to house the guests who enjoyed new and luxurious transporta-tion of the 1800s. You can relax in the lobby while looking at the hotel’s history in photos, stay in one of the 300+ guest rooms or enjoy a fabulous meal right in downtown Roanoke. A movie across the street at the Winston Link Museum tells how

Link the photographer used lights and cameras and trains as he documented the last days of the steam locomotive—pictures that we recognize from ads and commercials of a bygone era. In the Bag Among the city’s unique shops is

chocolatepaper, featuring all things chocolate. If you’re a treasure hunter, visit Black Dog Salvage for 40,000 square feet of architectural treasures (old church windows, etc.), antique designs like mantels and wrought iron works, furniture and much more.Hit the Trail, Jack Pick a trail, any trail. In Roanoke, you’re just

minutes from the famous Appalachian Trail. If hiking isn’t your thing, drive the

Crooked Road Virginia Heritage Music Trail. It will lead you by way of numerous studios, galleries and shops to the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum of Ferrum College. Check the trails out when they all lead to the Folklife Festival at Ferrum College the fourth Saturday of October. The Sweet Spot The area’s best-kept secret is Home-stead Creamery, an old fashioned family-owned dairy and produce hot spot. Treat yourself to yummy sandwiches, soups and ice cream made right next door. Table for Two… or more. Information at visitroanoke.com.

family-owned, rare, and unique purveyors.” For quality steak dinner, nothing beats NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s

Roanoke Hotel—delicious fi let mignon and the best cheesecake in town.

Travel

Attention Readers: The second part of our Northern Ireland story will be featured in our upcoming October editions. —Kathy Beck, Publisher.

Top: Overlook on Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star. Above: The Taubman Museum of Art

Roanoke—“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!Roanoke—“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!

senior admission is just

Parkway or Skyline Drive?Good question—are you on the

Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive? The answer is that the Skyline Drive is the 105-mile-long roadway through Shenandoah National Park, a traditional national park. There are six entry points and an entrance fee to visit Shenandoah NP.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, also a unit of the National Park System, is a land-scaped corridor with a few areas of large acreage, designed as a recreational motor road connecting Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. So, one is a drive through a traditional park and one is a roadway only.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

minutes from the famous Appalachian Trail. If hiking isn’t your thing, drive the

The Crooked Road Virginia Heritage

Music Trail


Villa Vacation Rentals • Day Spa • Fishing Charters Harbor Cruises • Boat & Kayak Rentals • Military Heritage Museum

Live Entertainment • Special Events & More!Just 3 miles west of I-75, Exit 164 on Marion Ave., Punta Gorda

800-639-0020 • 941-639-8721 • fishville.com

SURPRISEYour Friends or Loved One with a

SINGING TELEGRAMFeaturing ELVIS

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Your Singing Telegram is

$75OnlyIncludes: Three Songs, autographed scarf

and your choice of rose or teddy bear(Additional $25 for out of the local area)

BOOK A SHOW FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!BIRTHDAYS - ANNIVESARIES - WEDDING - CORPORATE EVENT

Call: 727-785-7947 or 727- 455-1237e-mail: [email protected]

website: www.russellelvis.com

Last Month’s Answers August Sudoku

June Lewis is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Sept. Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic

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

include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Sept. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and

telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION

OR MATURE LIFESTYLES1602 S. PARSONS AVE.,

SEFFNER, FL 33584

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY SEPT. 21, 2011

Win Great Prizes!New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Head for the Keys

It’s a great time to head for the

Florida Keys. Through Oct. 31, Hawks Cay Resort hosts a Heroes Wel-come promotion every weekend rec-ognizing America’s military, fire rescue, police and medi-cal personnel. The event will include live music and tribute ceremonies. Celebrate the lowly conch at Conchtoberfest, Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 to benefit Take Stock in Children (a scholarship program for local high

school students). Look for local artistic and culinary specialties, plus family-friendly activities at Hawks Cay Marina. Try your hand—er, your mouth—in the conch blowing contests and

feast on offerings by vendors like conch fritters, conch salad, brats, hot dogs and hamburgers. $5 per person daily with onsite parking. Visit KeysConchtoberfest.com.

Lodging special: Hawks Cay, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key. Room rates to Conchtoberfest attend-ees start at $140 per night, which in-cludes admission for two to the event. Call 1-888-313-5749 for reservations.

hosts a Heroes Wel-

blowing contests and

Hawks Cay Resort salutes our heroes.


For people like me, who want a cell phone that’s easy to use. Overthe years, cell phones have become smaller and smaller with so many complicated features. They are harder to program and harder to use. But the Jitterbug cell phone has simplifiedeverything, so it’s not only easy to use, it’s easy to try. Nocrowded malls, no waiting in line, no confusing sales people,or complicated plans. Affordable and convenient cell phoneservice is only a toll-free phone call away.

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think thepeople who designed this phone and the rate plans had me inmind. The phone fits easily in my pocket, and flips open toreach from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. With a push of abutton I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know anumber, I can simply push “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. TheJitterbug also reduces background noise, making thesound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so Iknow the phone is ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlike other cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should Ipay for minutes I’m never going to use? And if I dotalk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no

minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign– so I’m not locked in for years at a time or subject to

termination fees. The U.S.–based customer service is second to none, andthe phone gets service virtually anywhere in the country.

Call now and get a FREE Car Charger and FREELeather Carrying Case – a $43.99 value. Try Jitterbugfor 30 days and if you don't love it, just return it1. 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 answer

your 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.

Monthly RateOperator Assistance

911 AccessLong Distance Calls

Voice DialNationwide Coverage

Friendly Return Policy

$14.9924/7

FREENo add’l charge

FREEYes

30 days

$19.9924/7

FREENo add’l charge

FREEYes

30 days

50 100Monthly Minutes

1

The world’s simplest cell phone experience.

It doesn’t play music, take pictures, or surf the Internet.

with rates as low as $3.75 per week!

Price

Reduced by$48

No

Contra

ct

Jitterbug Cell PhoneCall now for our NEW low price. Please mention promotional code 42559.

1-888-752-1193 www.jitterbugdirect.com

We proudly accept the following credit cards.

4749

5

Available in Graphite and Red.

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

Order now and receive a FREE CarCharger and a FREE Leather Carrying Case for your Jitterbug– a $43.99 value. Call now!

JBUG_47495_42559_10x9.8125:JBUG-47486_10x9.8125 8/25/11 2:35 PM Page 1


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

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

• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt

• Official Golden Rays Tote Bag

• Golden Rays Membership Card

• Coupons for merchandise and concession items

• Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events

• Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games

GRRGFor More Information Visit

Or Contact 727-825-3403

• Check Refrigerant Pressures Adding Up To 2 Lbs. At No Additional Charge (EPA Requires Refrigerant Leaks Must Be Repaired Prior To Recharging Or Adding Refrigerant)

• Surface-Clean Indoor Coil In Place If Possible (If Impacted - Quote Separately)

• Check Drain Pan Safety Switch• Check Drain Pan & Clean Drain Line (If Plugged - Quote Separately)• Check Thermostat & System Operation• Check Compressor Amp Draw• Check Outdoor Fan Motor Amp Draw• Check Indoor Fan Motor Amp Draw• Inspect Ductwork For Contamination• Oil Outdoor / Indoor Fan Motor• Check Blower Wheel• Inspect Safety Controls

SUPER TUNE-UP CHECKLIST:

$5995*GET ALL THIS

FOR ONLY

FIRST TUNE-UP ONLY

CALL NOW!WE’RE NEVER CLOSED!

NEVER AN OVERTIME CHARGE!

Hillsborough

813-COLD AIR265-3247

Pinellas/Pasco

727-447-6933Polk

863-686-8528Manatee

941-365-5862Sun City/ Apollo Beach/ Ruskin

813-635-0440

We Service All Brands!www.easyac.net

Fuel surcharge applies to Free Service Call. * W.A.C. Some restrictions apply

BONDED & INSURED LIC.# CAC058774

*$5995REGULAR PRICE: $79.95

FIRST TUNE-UP ONLY

It’s Tune Up Time for Your Central A/C System

Super Tune-UpSpecial

We Service All Brands

ELECTRONIC LEAK SEARCH

FREE FREON*

$149.95 VALUE$149.95 VALUE

With installation of Premium A/C & Heating System

ULTRA VIOLETBIOCIDE CHAMBERFREE*

SECOND DISCOUNT ORMILITARY DISCOUNT

$100 OFF*$25 OFF*

ANY NEW CENTRALAC & HEATING SYSTEMANY CENTRAL A/C REPAIR

A/C LIFE EXPECTANCY CHECK UP

FREE*$49.95 VALUESECOND OPINION

FREECOMPLETE PREMIUM

SYSTEM INSTALLATION$300 OFF*

813-COLD AIR (265-5247

)

813-COLD AIR (265-5247)

813-COLD AIR (265-524

7)

813-COLD AIR (265-524

7) 813-COLD AIR (265-524

7)813-COLD AIR (265-524

7)

OL (26

Krispy Kreme With Minimum GuiltHow can you enjoy a stop at a

Krispy Kreme and not break the calorie bank? You almost can’t, but you can make some choices. Here’s a hint: Cinnamon’s your answer. Not one of Krispy Kreme’s cinnamon-flavored creations has more than 290 calories. Example: The Cinnamon Apple Filled has 290 calories (14 sugars) and the Glazed Cinnamon Doughnut has 210 calories (12 sugars). To go with that, enjoy a 20 oz. Orange You Glad Chiller (300 calories) instead of the Lotta Latte Chiller at 1,050 calories (and 97g sugars). Avoid the Apple Fritter like the plague. It weighs about the same as the Cin-namon Apple but is frosted to be called the “worst item on the menu” because of the high satu-rated fat content.

Here’s a doughnut decoder: Original and Sugar Doughnut –200 calories, 12g fat.Cake Doughnut – 210 to 290calories, 16g fat.Iced (but not filled) Doughnut – 240 to 280 calories, 14g fat.Filled Doughnut – 290 to 350calories, 20g fat.

So, what’s left to enjoy? Well, pick up a serving of Glazed Chocolate

Cake Doughnut Holes and enjoy 210 calories, 10g

fat and 17g sugars. Then eat nothing

but veggies the rest of the day!

From the book “Eat This, Not That!” By David

Zinczenko.

You Glad Chiller (300 calories) instead of the Lotta Latte Chiller at 1,050 calories (and 97g sugars). Avoid the Apple Fritter like the plague. It weighs about the same as the Cin-namon Apple but

called the “worst

rated fat content.

Cake Doughnut Holes and enjoy 210 calories, 10g

fat and 17g sugars. Then eat nothing

but veggies the rest of the day!

From the

By David Zinczenko.


Seniors Getting TogetherTO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped en-

velope and write the ad number on the bot-tom left hand side of the envelope. Place

your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into

another envelope and address it to:News Connection USA, Inc.

Seniors Getting Together1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584

TO PLACE AN ADSend your ad, stating what category you

would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received

by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for

space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

home. Romantic NS-NDrg. E. Pasco area. Please send recent photo.4045 WD, F, NS, ND, C 70s, sharing swims, hikes, arts, theatre, wellness and good times. Palm Harbor, FL.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

3992 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN I am looking for a woman in her late 50s or early 60s. Going for walks, movies, going out to eat, staying home watching tv. Send phone number. Pasco County.4039 SEEKING REAL LADY I want a real lady, not a phoney. I love sports, going out, movies, theater, restaurants. I’m still active in business, love ani-mals. Lets share life together. Brandon.4041 SERIOUS AD Active, educated gentleman, sterling reputation. No baggage. ISO compatible lady 65, 0+. HWP, SOH for LTR, local events. Ballroom dancer preferred but not essential. Largo area.

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4023 SEEKING CUTE 59 –65YO HON-EST, ONE-WOMAN MAN. IQ, “Patriot-ic,” conservative with SOH. Love travel, have RV? Love Ford Mustangs (rear-drive), beaches, sm Dogs! NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5’5”, HWP, Pretty w/blonde hair. Let’s dance—make Bucket list! Florida.4034 SEEKING SINCERE NON-SMOKER Looking for man in late 50s, early 60s to get together, caring, faithful, enjoys walks, dining out. Relax at home. I’m 5’4”, 118. LTR if compatible. NS, ND. Pasco County.4037 SLENDER, ATTRACTIVE, FUN-LOVING WWF seeks good gentleman friend, 75 plus, for sharing good times. Enjoy dining, dancing, movies, beach-es, travel, flea markets, togetherness, much more. Possible romance. St. Pete.4043 SEEKING CARING FAITHFULMAN White male, 60+, who enjoys walking, dancing and music or just togetherness at

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHERPersonal Ad Placement

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

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

Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

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

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

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: E-mail:

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

Only $6 to place an ad!

Title (First 4 Words):

City(No Charge):

4044 SEEKING DINING AND TRAVEL COMPANION WWM, 84, 5’8, HWP, NS, SD. Prefer senior lady 75 – 84 in Clearwater area.4046 4-STAR 24 CARAT SERIOUS RO-MANTIC desires that one special lady to adore, pamper and spoil. Total, com-plete and utter devotion and com-mitment from both parties a must. Age not important—seriousness is.4048 I AM MALE, HINDU, TALL 67 years old, handsome, retired. Seeking a blonde female, spiritual, honest. Age between 49 to 70 years young. LTR.

Commonly Used Abbreviations:F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old,

YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker,

NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height &

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

Free Wii Bowling!Channel your inner bowler and

head to the Community Center at Senior Citizens Services. All of the fun and excitement of a good game without the heavy bowling ball and crashing pins. Virtual bowling might be just what the doctor ordered. Experience the excitement of the lanes in a senior friendly setting. Open to all levels of players from amateur to pro-

fessional. Discover how it works and how much fun and gentle exercise you have been missing. Safe, fun and free! Clearwater’s Senior Citizens Services offers Nintendo Wii bowling Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center on 1204 Rogers Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Watch for upcoming Team Competi-tions! For details, call (727) 442-8104.

Trips to TakeNext Honor Flight, Sept. 20

Honor Flight for World War II veterans leaves from St. Pete-

Clearwater airport (return same day). Applications for the free veteran flights and guardian applications at honor-flightwcf.org. Guardians donate $400 to cover the cost of the flight, expenses. For information: Lt. Colonel Dick Koch, USAF (Ret.) at (727) 480-7112.

Bok Tower Trip Buy tickets for a Thursday, Nov. 3 day trip to Lake Wales and Bok Tower Sanctuary and lunch at Chalet Suzanne sponsored by the Pass-A-Grille Community Church Women’s Fellowship. $89/person: motorcoach, entrance fees, lunch, dinner, tax, tips. Details: [email protected] or (217) 412-8136.


1.800.267.2001

1.800.267.2001FREE! LIVE TWO-WAY VOICE

WIRELESS ACTIVATION WARRANTY

with ADD LINE-CUT PROTECTION FOR ONLY $99 + $4.95/month more

ONLY $25HOME ALARM

/ MONTH

CALL NOW AND SAVE BIG! See more AlarmForce advantages at alarmforce.com

PROTECTING OVER 250,000PEOPLE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

WITH LIVE TWO-WAY VOICEHOME ALARM SECURITY SYSTEM

ALARMFORCE

Perfect For Seniors wanting to live independently in their own home.

Personal Emergency Response System Only $28/month. With No Annual Contract.FREE Live Two-Way Voice, Installation, Activation and Warranty.

ALARMCAREby

Help is yours with the push of a button!

myalarmcare.com

Certain conditions may apply.

Certain conditions may apply.

Last Month’s Answers

Enter To Win!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Name

Address

City State Zip

Age Phone

E-mail

Sendyouranswersforadrawing.FirstcorrectanswersselectedfromthedrawingonSept.19willreceive$20cash!

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

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

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

LEARN HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR PETS IN AN EMERGENCY

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

Send Me Information! Clip and mail this coupon

Name: Address:

City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: Work Phone:

E-mail:

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

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

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

Enter to Win!

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

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

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

� Insurance� Elder Law / Financial� Housing & Senior

Lifestyles Options

� Personal Health & Fitness

� Home Improvements� Automobiles

NameAddressCity State ZipAge Phone SC/Hills

This month’s

winner is

Myron L. Guisewite

Congratulations !!!

Last Month’sAnswers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!SC/HillsandSun

This Month’s Winner Is

Paul TrojakCongratulations!



FREE DIABETIC BRACELET

Are you a Diabetic? Join America’s

Diabetic Savings ClubMEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

Maximize your buying power.

Get great discounts and special offers!

call now 888-295-7138

727-608-6021219-805-7701

PROTECT YOUR HOMEECONOMY ALARM “REALLY ”!PROTECT YOUR HOMEECONOMY ALARM “REALLY ”!

WIRELESS RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMSQUICK INSTALLATION

Starting at $99

PHONE DIAL-UPMOTION DETECTIONNO MONTHLY RATE

BRANDON Auto Clinic of Brandon .................813-654-8686Xtreme Powersports ....................813-626-6060BROOKSVILLE Sunrunner Automotive .................352-596-2314Napa Auto Parts ..........................352-796-4936Master Auto/Air ............................352-799-6444Brooksville Transmission ............352-796-6544General Auto Parts ......................352-796-2522Complete Automotive Care ..........352-799-0298CLEARWATER M & M Ultrasports ........................727-412-8020Stouts Auto Service .....................727-216-6622DADE CITY Reliance Auto Center ..................352-567-5281 DUNEDIN Jeff Rhodes Isuzu Powersports ..727-216-2886HOLIDAYNAPA Auto Parts .........................727-934-4651HUDSON White’s Quality Trans ...................727-862-1968County Line Collision ..................727-861-7009

LUTZ Dale’s Auto Service .....................813-264-0007

OLDSMAR Murray Motive ..............................813- 854-5115

PINELLAS PARK George’s Performance ................727- 521-2206

PORT RICHEY Parts Depot 727-844-5588

RUSKIN Thompson’s Auto Parts ...............813-645-3204Walker’s Tire & Auto ....................813-645-0736

ST. PETE Park Auto Service ......................727-521-2910Royal Edger ................................727-573-1700Bob Lee’s Tires ..........................727-822-3981Complete Auto Parts ..................727-895-3821Miles Automotive ........................727-323-0180J.C. Automotive ..........................727-866-0044St. Pete Power Sports ................727-456-6088Suncoast Auto & Tire .................727-520-1148Yacht Power Products ................727-822-2628Rick Stroud Auto ........................727-549-1911Modded Motorsports ..................727-432-0270

SEFFNER Schembries Auto Serv ................813-685-5654

SUN CITY Killingsworth Automotive .............813-634-4758Sun City Automotive ....................813-634-4758

TAMPAJohn Erb’s ....................................813-908-3333 Storm Automotive ........................813-469-0055Atlantic Automotive ......................813-936-1510Tony’s RamTech ..........................813-877-6642Insty Tune & Lube ........................813-960-3908Santiago Chopper ........................813-6719097Xtreme Powersports ....................813-626-6060Mad Hatter ...................................813-933-4179Mad Hatter ...................................813-374-9230Mobile Auto Serv. ........................813-892-3603

ZEPHYRHILLS “A” Team Cycles ...........................813-763-3013

If you or your business would like to get AMSOIL products at

Wholesale CALL 800-411-6160

$2 OFF

Clearwater Marine Aquarium249 Windward Passage • Clearwater, FL 33767

(727) 441-1790www.SeeWinter.com

$2off Senior

Admission(55+)

Come meet “Winter” the dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap, now swims freely.

for seniors

Good for up to 6 people. Not valid with other offers. Expires December 31, 2011. Code XSCA

Nationwide EquitiesReverse Mortgage Experts!

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HECM (REVERSE MORTGAGE) FEDERALLY

INSURED LOAN BY FHA & HUD •�Make�NO mortgage payments

during your lifetime•��Eliminate�your�current� mortgage/debt payments•�Two�ways�to�pay�for�long�term�care�

insurance�without�touching�a�penny�of� your�savings,�investments�or�income

•�Stay�in�your�home�as�long�as�you�live/You�keep�the�title�to�your�home

•Your�heirs�Will�inherit�all�remaining�equity•�The�lender�Cannot�own�or�take�your�home�

as long as you follow program requirements•No�income/credit�to�qualify

Simply call our toll free line at 888-669-4383 and ask for your

FREE no obligation Brochure & DVD. www.reversemortgagelife.com

Nationwide�is�a�Direct�Lender-FL�License#�MLD453NMLS�company�ID:1408

Shay�Samuch�NMLS ID:50808

Suncoast Geneology Society Meeting

The Suncoast Genealogy Society will meet Saturday, September

24, 2011.From 1 – 1:45 p.m. there will be a “Roots Magic User Group Meeting.” From 2 – 4:30 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, speaker John Man-gan’s topic will be “Baseball and Ge-nealogy.” Free and open to the public. Call Ann James at (727) 791-1983.

Painting WorkshopLearn One-Stroke Folk Art paint-

ing at a workshop on Sept. 11. Jean Rogers will lead the workshop sponsored by the Clearwater branch of PenWomen at the Countryside Public Library, 2741 State Road 580, Clearwater from 2 to 4 p.m. A donation of $3 covers materials. For info on this workshop, and to pre-register, call (727) 420-6184. For details about the PenWomen organization, visit nlapw.org online.

seniorconnectionfl.com

Visit Our Website At:

Doing Our PartThis Publication

Supports Recycling

Navigate With CareManatees Are There

Boat Safely!

Photo © David R. Schrichte

www.savethemanatee.org

11-IA-1182a

A U T O • H O M E • F L O O D • R V • M O T O R C Y C L E • B O A T • L I F E • H E A L T H

Allstate and save: $529Geico and save: $450State Farm and save: $480

Switch to AAA from *

*Average annual savings was developed using information provided by new policyholders reporting the dollar differences between prior carriers and AAA Insurance Agency from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010. For qualified drivers only. Rates vary by state and insurance company.

Call or stop by to get your free rate quote now!

Belleair Bluffs • 100 N. Indian Rocks Rd. • (727) 584-7678

Clearwater • 2170 Rainbow Dr. • (727) 448-2600

Palm Harbor • 32050 U.S. Hwy. 19 N. • (727) 789-7850

Port Richey • 10532 Devco Dr. • (727) 868-9523

Seminole • 9200 Seminole Blvd. • (727) 398-3120

St. Pete Downtown • 800 2nd Ave. S. • (727) 826-3600

Trinity • 10700 SR 54, Ste. 102 & 103 • (727) 375-2404

Free Auto Insurance Evaluation

Get Up to 6 Quotes in 10 Minutes

QUOTE$

Documents

Senior Connection Suncoast edition Sept. 2011