Mature Lifestyles October 2011 Sarasota/Manatee edition

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 10 SARASOTA • MANATEE OCTOBER 2011

• Just What the Doctor Ordered• New Technology Benefits Seniors• Tales of the Frugal Couponer• Investing in an Aging World

Northern Ireland

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Rails & Tales – Lake Neccudah

Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 2


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feel sad or anxious, be less active socially and feel greater emotional insecurity than are those with hearing impairment who do use hearing aids. The study also reported that hearing aid users maintained better relationships with their families. Hearing aids have come a long way since the conspicuous ear trumpets of the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, astounding improvements in hearing technology have been made in the last few decades. More options for treating hearing loss are available. And some of these options are not even noticeable to onlookers. The key is to find a treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle. My name is Doug Gibson of Gibson’s Hearing Technologies. I wear an Otolens – an invisible hearing aid – and nobody knows. I would like to invite you to change your life. Come in for a FREE hearing test at 2344 Bee Ridge Rd., #101, Sarasota, FL (941) 927-2424.

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Dear Readers,

Just look at that couple on the cover! Truth be

told, there are many ways to live life in retirement and this one may be the best. Just maybe the ideal retirement is spending a few years driving a comfortable RV around our beautiful United States during the summer and ending up in Florida for the mild winter weather. RVing is pretty awesome with to-day’s RV interiors that rival a luxury home in décor and convenience. As winter approaches, we Florid-ians say let the migration of snow-birds and RVers begin! Although no one knows for sure, estimates range from one million up as to the number of seniors who spend some or all of their winters in Florida.

Why an RV and why Florida? Why RV? Dave Kelly, president of the Florida RV Association, says many people RV because they have memories of camping with parents or grandparents as children. “They’re reliving the past,” Kelly says. “They enjoy the campfires, but they want their conveniences”—conveniences which are found in today’s luxury RVs. In fact, mobile homes, campers and tents have always attracted certain types of people. Opinions vary (usu-ally by how much you yourself enjoy the activity) as to whether camp-ers are the independent type, those interested in the outdoors or people who are loners. Today, they’re just as apt to be socialites who like to have

a ready-made group when the sun sets over the campground—finding neighboring RVers with whom to share a glass of wine or even dinner. I read that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been a patron of England’s Caravan Club since 1952. I doubt that he hits the open road as a camper much, especially now that he’s turned 90, but that doesn’t mean

he hasn’t wanted to. Remember the classic VW Camp-ervans of the early 70s—filled with American families off to see Yellow-stone or painted in psychedelic colors and full of hippies? According to a recent article in the Financial Times, nostalgic investors are going bon-kers for those classics. Buy an old one and you can have it renovated and retrofitted (to include TV, etc.) at costs of, oh, maybe $20,000. RVer John Laktin says for him there’s all of the above as well as “the lure of the open road and seeing the country at our own speed.” His wife Lois loves “setting up for a night or a week in a campground and stepping out the door into woods and fresh air.” They enjoy the socialization, too, the contentment of inviting the camp-ers next door to sit for an evening enjoying idle conversation and com-paring life stories. (I hear there may be some lies along the way, as well. What was actually said was, “Janice, you can be anything you want to be for one evening around the campfire,

impress the heck out of people and leave before they find out you’re a total jerk or a complete nobody.” Hmmm. Interesting thought.) According to Dave Kelly, Florida offers a great many reasons for making the state a temporary home in the comfort of an RV. Of course, the weather in January is a major factor, but he also says that

Florida offers “so many dealers that provide the prod-ucts and services” for buying and maintaining an RV. Compared to many places up north, competition among dealers here assures owners

of being able to get a good deal. Kelly said Florida boasts 110,000 RV sites in 800 RV parks with an es-timated five million campers visiting each year (not just seniors), making RVing a huge and valuable industry for our state. It doesn’t take much to imagine how much that means to our economy with purchases of gas, groceries, entrance fees, etc. So, if you’re sitting outside your RV reading while enjoying your cup of coffee, we’re glad you’re here. And, hey, invite us over to share an eve-ning—there are a lot of ‘wannabe’ RVers living here in Florida too.

P.S. The couple in the cover picture lives in North Port, Florida. We love them!

RVers and Florida—a Grand Love Affair

Janice Doyle, Editor

This year, I knocked a big one off my bucket list when I took a camp-

ing trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons. I tend to travel alone on trips like these, as most of my friends are at-tached to home and internet access. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that you’re never alone when you’re camping. There’s a camraderie among campers and RVers.When the whole

country is your backyard, everybody’s your neighbor, and I’ve found this philoso-phy holds true no matter where I travel. I was pitching a tent in the Tetons when two senior RVing couples noticed that I was alone and offered to share their dinner with me. Dave and Karen, Brent and Marilyn were on a road trip from Twin Falls Idaho, spending retirement exploring America. We

talked all evening about grandkids and tall tales, places they’ve seen and where they’re headed next. It may seem like a simple life to some—living on the road, sharing hamburgers with strangers—but for most RVers it’s a chance to make new friends and live life to its fullest, and I’ll never forget their hospitality. Happy Trails! ––Tracie Schmidt, Production

On The Road Again — Living The RV Life!

Sarasota / Manatee Published monthly by

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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 November 2011 issue is October 15, 2011.

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8 2011 North Port Paddlepalooza! Experience local waterways by

canoeing, kayaking, paddling in a dragon boat and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Free at Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave., North Port. More information at (941) 429-7000.

8 Sarasota County Master Gar-dener’s Plant Sale. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

at Bee Ridge Park, 4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota. (941) 364-5838

8 Fifth Annual Buchan-Dearborn Aviation Day Fly In Breakfast.

See vintage aircraft, meet visiting aviators and exchange stories with famous Clipper pilot Bill Nash. Break-fast: $6. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Buchan Airport, 1390 Old Englewood Road, Englewood. Info: (941) 474-7632.

9 Gartenfest: Fuzion Dance Artists. Part of the Fall Garden Music

Series at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $16. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 366-5731.

11 Asphalt Orchestra. Street fare, light/sound experience and

12-piece marching band kicks off the 2011 Ringling International Arts Festival. 7 – 10 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sara-sota. Events are held throughout the week. For details, visit ringlingartsfes-tival.org/2011 or call (941) 359-5700.

11 Sarasota Chorus of the Keys Free Vocal Workshop. Begin-

ners and professionals welcome.7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1661 Main St., Sarasota. Call (941) 723-8891 for details.

12 – 15 “Movie Heroes” A musi-cal tribute to the silver screen.

Enjoy music from the Lone Ranger, Gone with the Wind, Dances with Wolves, James Bond and more. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sarasota Orches-tra, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets and info: (941) 953-4252.

14 Afterglow: Where Art Meets Food. Restaurants, art, music

and dance for all ages. The Sarasota

Ballet on Lemon will also be per-forming. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.on Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. $25. More info: (941) 366-7040.

14 Incredible India Cultural Celebration. Traditional music

and dance, delicacies and treasures from the mystical East. 6 – 9 p.m. at South Florida Museum/Bishop Planetarium, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton. Details at (941) 746-4131.

15 – 26 Placida Rotary Club Annual Nautical Festival.

Food and drink, crafts, artwork, live crab races, boat show, silent auc-tion, live music, kids’ activities and more.Adults: $2; children under 12 free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oyster Creek Park, 6791 San Casa Drive, Englewood. (941) 697-7353.

17 “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

fall concert tour. 7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Free but tickets are required – first come, first serve at the Van Wezel Box Office.More info at marineband.usmc.mil/national_tour or vanwezel.org.

22 Creaky Bones 5K and Dragon Boat Festival. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

at Nathan Benderson Park, 141 N. Cattleman Road, Sarasota. Kids Monster Dashes and 1-mile walk, dragon boat races, pet-friendly walk. 5K run benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Call (941) 961-2243.

22 Spirit Voices from Old Mana-tee. Events at 4 and 7 p.m.

Tour the Old Manatee Burying Grounds and watch costumed ac-tors bring to life the haunting tales of Florida’s pioneers. Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. West. Details at (941) 741-4075.

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

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

PlayGolfSarasota.com7357 International Place, Suite 102, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941-361-1170

Presented By:Golf Tip of the Month“Fore Thoughts”

Fat Approach Shots Within 50 Yards?Ever hit the ground before the ball on short approach shots to the green? You’re not alone! It’s a common error and a confidence killer! Mechanics and skill development undeniably can build confidence and also deteriorate it as well. For this reason, understanding key mechanics is quite valuable. Since there is no single solution for hitting fat shots and it depends on each golfer’s skill, experience, and technique, here are three mechanical nuggets to play around with:

Nugget #1: Ball Positioning and Stance – If your ball positioning is too far from the center of your stance, either off the front foot or off of the back foot, then you’re asking for trouble. Narrowing your stance will immediately help with your ball positioning and will decrease the possibility of hitting fat shots.

Nugget #2: Weight Transfer – When your stance is considerably more narrow, it is easier to transfer your weight to your foot closest to the target. This is a key ingredient to blend with the following nugget of grip pressure.

Nugget #3: Grip Pressure – This nugget is perhaps the least intuitive skill to learn for most golf strokes and swings in general. Most of the books and teachers talk about soft hands at address position. The most important place to have soft hands is through the impact zone. As your hands are softening on the downswing, the weight of the club head is then available to be affected by the turning body (centrifugal force) and the club will be in sequence and on time, every time. Our wrists, hands and fingers have quick-twitch muscles that we want to eliminate from the equation. Hence, consciously softening your hands at impact will be instrumental for replacing the natural ‘flipping stroke’. Most amateur golfers instinctively flip their wrists, which increases the odds of hitting fat golf shots. Good luck with these nuggets!

André Panet-Raymond, PGA Master Teaching Professional; TheGolfGym.com

André Panet-Raymond, PGA Master Teaching

Professional

SINGER® Sewing Brand Celebrates 160 Years

Remember that sewing machine

you learned to sew on? Was it a SINGER® brand sewing machine? To celebrate 160 years, the com-pany is offering to help you learn historic information about your vintage or antique sewing machine and share your own story about SINGER® and sewing. Go online to mysingerstory.com to help celebrate the brand’s heritage. In January 2012, SINGER® will unveil a limited edition SINGER® 160th anniversary commemorative sewing machine that mirrors machine designs of the past, while offering current, easy-to-use features.

“Since the introduc-tion of the world’s first practical sewing machine 160 years ago, the SINGER® brand has brought the craft of sewing to millions of people across the globe,” said Katrina Helmkamp, CEO of SVP World-wide, producer of the SINGER® products. The mysingerstory.com website is a place to share individual sewing stories and learn more about

personal SINGER® household sewing machines, including the year it was issued and interesting historical facts about sewing from that era. You can learn more online at mysingerstory.com.


Help Fight Hunger This Fall16 Living Full at Polo Grill in

Lakewood Ranch to benefit the Food Bank of Manatee. 4 – 7 p.m. Food, entertainment, children’s art show and more. Admission: $20 or three bags of non-perishable food. (941) 275-3800 or livingfullusa.org.

20 and 21 Empty Bowls 2011. Select a handcrafted bowl to

keep and enjoy delicious soups pro-vided by local restaurants, fresh bread,

dessert and entertainment. Tickets: $20. Proceeds go to help the hungry in our community. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 20 – Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th St. West, Bradenton. 21 – 8131 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Tickets at food-bankofmanatee.org or (941) 749-0100.

Volunteers needed! If you have two hours a week or more to help deliver meals to homebound seniors, call Carol at Meals on Wheels: (941) 747-4655.

Treasure Hunt, Poker Run Boat RallyJoin the Treasure Hunt & Poker

Run, a fun boat rally (not a race) involving a 2 – 3 hour cruise of local waterways. Boats of all sizes are wel-come. Cruisers will need their wits to follow clues to find the “treasure” and collect cards at various locations on the water, trying for the best poker hand. Prizes will be awarded at the Post-Cruise BBQ and Party, which will feature tropical music, fun and games. Boaters can participate by making a

charitable contribution of $100 per boat (up to 4 people) to the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club in Venice. With entry, boaters receive tickets to the post race party and an event T-shirt. Additional tickets to the event are $25 per person. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crow’s Nest Marina and Restaurant, 1968 Tarpon Center Drive,Venice. For entry info, call (941) 484-7661 or visit www.crowsnest-venice.com.


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Rails and Tales—Meet the Mayor of Lake NeccudahBY TRACIE SCHMIDT

In a quiet mountain valley, about 45 minutes north of Denver, there’s

a town you won’t find on any map. You’ll know it by the rumble of the train tracks and the clear reflec-tion of the Rockies on the town’s namesake: Lake Neccudah. The mayor can trace his roots back to turn-of-the-20th century settlers who reclaimed the city after the mining bust had left it all but a ghost town. An imposing man, he towers over the city—quite literally—as he monitors the comings and goings of the town’s residents and two major rail lines.

Charles (Chuck) Bingham, an actual resident of Valrico, FL, has been build-ing this fi ctional town by hand for about 16 years. Using wood, asphalt tile, sawdust, paint, scale models, panoramic murals and other materials, Bingham has transformed a room in his house into a bustling western town that has taken on a life of its own. “My grandfather in England, Samuel Dunwell, was a railroad engineer, and I have been fascinated by trains since I could remember,” Bingham says about the inspiration behind his town. “My dad would take me down to the station and I loved to watch them coming and going.” His model started small, as a way to relax after a long day’s work. “I’d come home, I’d be all stressed, but then I would put on my magnifi er, take out my fi nest bristle brush and start painting miniatures. It takes all

of your focus, so you have no room to think about your problems,” he laughs. Between 60 and 70 buildings, cars, three trains and over 400 people are all air-brushed or painstakingly hand-painted. If there’s one thing he’s a stickler for, it’s HO scale—a standard among train modelers. “These are not toys, they’re miniatures,” he emphasises, “and I want to make everything as authentic as possible.”The Saga of Lake Neccudah The mayor gave me the grand tour, and as the Lake Neccudah Pacifi c chugged over mountain passes and into

town, past Bingham Lumber, Riverbend Campground, the local soda fountain and elementary school, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the small stories unfolding be-low me. In one part of town, folks were skinny dipping at a pool party while others gathered at a local fairground

to celebrate “Founder’s Day.” “I would bring people in to see the lay-out, and I just started developing stories about the townsfolk,” Bingham shares. He began writing them down to keep everything together and ended up with a 200 page manuscript. He was plan-ning on publishing it when one of his friends suggested that he start a web-site so that others could see his town and share its story. A few months later, the Saga of Lake Neccudah was online.

The Community At Lake Neccudah’s site, you can read the history of the town in full and catch up on the latest news, photos and anecdotes from the residents. Visitors can watch videos of police reports and take an aerial tour of the city, or if they like, rent an apartment in town and become part of the story themselves. Bingham was surprised by how quickly a simple hobby could become an interactive world. “I got going on this, and it just kind of grew! Right now, I have visitors from 173 cities and 22 different countries,” Bingham says. He expects the town to grow even more in the years ahead. To learn more, visit lakeneccudah.com or e-mail [email protected].

M odel trains have been around since the 1890s—from intricate

clockwork models made in Germany to electric-powered, made-to-scale Lionel trains. There are sets for every collector, and their size and detail are limited only by the builder (and his budget). The largest model train in the world is the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany: miniatur-wunderland.com. Bingham spent around $12,000 over the course of several years building Lake Neccudah. Part of it was handmade, but a savvy collector knows how to get parts for less. When he fi rst started out, he would look for models at swap meets, fi nding deals and exchanging stories with fellow enthusiasts. “The internet has killed local hobby

Bingham came up with the name “Lake Neccudah” using an

anagram of his name, his wife’s and his daughter’s. But according to myth, Lake Neccudah takes its name from a loosely translated Indian phrase meaning “where the mountains meet the plains.”

• Lake Neccudah was founded on July 29, 1859 to support min-ers who worked the Colorado gold rush from 1858 – 1861.• In late 1873, five local merchants pooled their resources and founded the Lake Neccudah Rail Road Company to serve the area’s mining and growing agricultural businesses.• In 1947 a British immigrant named Harold Bingham came to Lake Neccudah seeking to rebuild a life for his wife and two small sons. The current mayor (who is famous for his pool parties) is a direct descendant!• Every October, Lake Neccudah res-idents host an annual “Harvest Days” festival to give thanks for blessings.

shop meets,” Bingham admits sadly. However, there are still great deals to be found online, and if you’re willing to make the trip, regional train shows are great places to go model-hunting. Parts Online: internettrains.com;modeltrainstuff.com. Train Shows: The Great Train Expo: trainexpoinc.com; 61st H&R Train Show: hrtrains.com. Can’t get enough trains? Or maybe you’re just starting out and you need a few tips from the pros. Try joining a local model railroad club, and meet some friends. Nearby clubs: Scale Rails of Southwest Florida, Ft. Myers: scalerails.org; Sun City Center Model Railroad Club: sccmrrc.org; Or, check out a local railroad museum: RealRail: realrail.org; Florida Railroad Museum: frrm.org.

Lake Neccudah: History and Fun Facts

start your own model train hobby:


Wherever You Live In Manatee County There Is A Walgreens Store Nearby

Ask About:• Our durable goods product lines: lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers• Our “Go 90” prescription program• Our prescription savings club• Our exclusive savings for AARP members• Our prescription “auto fill” program• Our daily product discount

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Stores open 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.:3248 E. Bay Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217 ................ 941-778-04513425 53rd Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34210 ................... 941-752-79975896 59th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 ..................... 941-792-38178315 Market St., Bradenton, FL 34202 ...................... 941-907-268614415 Arbor Green Trail, Bradenton, FL 34202 ......... 941-739-57523155 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243 ........... 941-351-92901700 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 ...941-926-6132930 8th Ave. W., Palmetto, FL 34221 ........................ 941-729-52503535 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 ............... 941-360-3474

Buying a Used RV? Get a Deal, Not a HeadacheBY TERESA AMBORD

Are you in the market for a good used RV? There are

plenty of them out there. But how can the average buyer tell the dif-ference between a good deal and a headache waiting to happen? Before you buy, do your homework. There are lots of resources available to help you make the right decision. Chuck Woodbury, the editor of RVtravel.com says “If I had to boil down my advice, it would be that buyers should take their time with their purchase and do their homework.” With gas prices high, many RV own-ers are looking to sell, but whatever you do, don’t get in a hurry. Here are some tips I learned from Woodbury and from other seasoned RV dwellers.

• Check the condition of the upholstery, carpet, kitchen, and bathrooms. If they haven’t been well cared for, there is good reason to believe that the working parts underneath have also been neglected.

• Check for strong odors that might indicate the unit had been generally neglected.

• Don’t forget to check the tires, battery, air conditioner and the refrigerator to make sure they areall in good shape.

• Will your family fit comfortablyin the RV?

How to Check for Water Damage The source of water damage may not be obvious. You need to check the RV from top to bottom. Check for the smell of mold or mildew, any discol-oration in the ceiling, around all openings to the outside, the insides of all cabinets, open areas where there is equipment and spongy areas in the floor.

If you do find water damage but the RV is otherwise sound, take it to a qualified RV technician to find out how bad the damage is and what the cost to repair it is. If the damage compromises the integrity of the vehicle, it may not be worth the fix. On the other hand, you might find the damage is mostly cosmetic and well worth the repair.

It Pays to Sound Like You Know What You’re Doing Know ahead of time what you are looking for so you don’t end up buying a unit just because the price fits your budget. Check out enough models so that you know what floor plans are comfortable for you. A good pre-buying tip might be to take a weekend trip in a rental RV to see if the floor plan is a good fit for your family. Woodbury advises not buying from a private party unless you first have it checked out by an RV technician and (if motorized) a mechanic. Take the rig for a good test drive on the open road to see if you feel comfortable driving it. Never buy an RV from a campground or a parking lot, said Woodbury. No deal is good enough to take that chance. Finally, Woodbury cautions shoppers about buying prior rental units which may not have been prop-erly cared for. That’s why, he said, you must check every detail or you could get stuck with a “bum rig.” That doesn’t mean that every detail has to be perfect. High mileage, for example, is not all that important if you are mainly driving it to a campground 30 miles away, a few times each year.


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What Is Assisted Living?

“Where else would

you have a personal chef, a housekeeper, a chauffeur, a full time nursing staff and someone to arrange all your social activities?” Summerfield Retire-ment Residence! Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much indepen-dence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available if they need them. Sum-merfield Retirement residence is designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and more. Summerfield residents are usually seniors who have had a slight decline in health in some way and need

assistance performing one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). Seniors who would like to live in a social environment with little responsibilities and a place where care is eas-ily accessible whenever the senior may need it are the type of seniors you will find in our beautiful community. Summerfield Re-tirement Residence pro-vides Assisted Living,

Memory Care and Short/Long Term Respite services. All Inclusive Pricing makes life so much easier for both residents and their families. If you would like to visit our beautiful com-munity; join us for a Free Lunch and Tour; just call Summerfield Retire-ment Residence at (941) 751-7200 and ask for Karen Hallenbeck, Executive Director to arrange a time and date.


Freedom Health is a health plan with a Medicare contract. This is an advertisement. You must receive all routine care from plan providers. (1) Primary Care Physician Copay is $0. Specialty Physician co-pay varies by plan and county. (2) For plans with part B reimbursement, you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premiums. That includes the balance of Part B premiums on Part B buy back plans even if the plan premium is zero. Part B premiums are covered by the state for anyone who is dual eligible for benefits through both Medicare and Medicaid. (3) Amount varies by plan and county. (4) Medicare NewsWatch is a division of HealthMetrix Research, an independent research company. The study reviewed cost comparisons for over 150 Medicare Health Plans in 80 cities, November 1st, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. INC 500 Magazine ranked FreedomHealth 7th fastest growing company in America over the previous 4 years, Aug 2009 and September 2010. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. Additional information about benefits is available to assist you in making a decision about your coverage. For more information contact the plan. A sales person will be present with information and applications. The sales person will discuss HMO, HMO-POS and HMO-SNP plans. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 1-888-796-0946. TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771. H5427_NP_2_FileandUse_09282011

Featured 2 years in a row as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. 500 Magazine, August 2009 and September 2010(7)

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2009

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October 15, 2011 to February 14, 2012 7 days a week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Monday through FridayFebruary 15, 2012 to October 14, 2012

October 15, 2012 to December 31, 2012

Days Times

People on Medicare“We can get MORE!”

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H Monthly Plan Premium(1)

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Popis3911 US Hwy. 301 North

Oct. 12 at 2:00 pmOct. 15 at 1:00 pm

BrAdENToNGolden Corral

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BrAdENToN continuedBeef o Bradys

6703 Manatee Ave. WestOct. 8 at 10:00 am

duffs original Buffet6010 14th St. WestOct. 13 at 10:30 am

Oct. 18 at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm

BrAdENToN continuedFirkin and Fox

2505 Manatee Ave. EastOct. 10, 19 at 3:00 pm

PAlMETToTerra Ceia Country Club

2802 Terra Ceia Country ClubOct. 14 at 11:00 am

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Couple Shares Florida Discoveries with Online ReadersBY TRACIE SCHMIDT

Manatee residents Robert and Sue Ann Carpenter know a

few things about turning a dream into a business. Partners in work as well as in life, this dynamic duo has tried their hand at everything from Midas franchises and real estate to owning their own art gallery. But in their spare time, their two loves have always been traveling and writing. “At the beginning of 2011, we were commenting on how many of the publications we write for have gone out of business or cut back,” Sue Ann explained. Robert had written monthly for an Ohio travel magazine for the past few years, and they began speaking to the publisher about these trends. “He had been online for several years, ahead of the curve, and he had a successful business,” Sue Ann remarked. “He encouraged us to start a similar site dedicated to Florida travel.”

Even before the couple moved to Florida, Sue said, they would travel for a month up each coast, criss-cross-ing as they went, exploring as much as possible. Creating an online travel site would give them a chance to combine their two passions and share their joy of discovery with their readers. “With the current economy, people are no longer traveling on expensive trips,” said Sue Ann. “Besides, there is so much to see in our own backyard.”

In their articles, Robert and Sue Ann try to find something at each destina-tion that would appeal to travelers with different interests, whether journeying solo or with their families. Affordability is also a focus; if there are attractions or certain days that offer free admission to visitors, the Carpenters will keep you in-the-know.

Building the online magazine Internet publishing was new territory for the couple, and the Carpenters recommend doing your research. “We considered what words would best describe our site, shortened it to ‘FlaTrips.com’ and registered the domain name. Then we researched web hosts,” Sue Ann said. She recom-mended Network Solutions for their customer support and ease-of-use. Sue Ann described one of the chal-lenges of creating an online magazine; she would check out books on the sub-ject only to realize that the technology had changed since it was published.

“The internet is in constant flux,” Sue Ann cautioned. But the same issues that made it challenging also made it exciting. “It was like learning a new language or filling out a crossword puzzle—we were constantly learning something new and challenging ourselves. It keeps your mind sharp!” Their website, which launched earlier this year in March, continues to grow, supported by internet ads and a steady stream of eager readers . “We’re having a lot of fun,” said Sue Ann. “From the very first publication, we’ve received compliments that the site is easy to use, pleasing to the eye, and that readers enjoy the in-depth articles and our style of writing. We appreciate that someone likes us and shares us with friends.” The couple sees many more great adventures in their future. I asked Sue Ann what her favorite trip was. “The next one!” she exclaimed. To read their online magazine or learn more, visit FlaTrips.com.

Sue Ann and Robert Carpenter take in the view atop the St. Augustine lighthouse.

Golf For Good CausesSarasota sports

some terrific golf courses, but you can do more than just play a few holes here—you can make a difference. Grab a couple close (or competitive) friends and test your mettle on the green while playing for a great cause. Here are a few charity tournaments going on this month:

15 “Celebrate Creativity” Golf Tournament. An event to raise

funds for Art Center Sarasota, the tournament will feature a prize for Most Creative Golf Outfit to promote the importance of creativity. Celebrity hosts, Hole-in-One Contest, awards luncheon and silent auction. $100 entry for single players; $370 for four-somes. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. at the Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club of Sarasota. Details at (941) 365-2032.

21 2011 “Fore the Girls” Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Register as a

single player or a team of four. Your team will be playing with a local PGA golf professional in a fun format. Golf, lunch and dinner. Silent and live auctions, raffle items, great prizes for winning teams. Cost: $150. Proceeds provide scholarships for girls to at-tend Girls Inc’s after school program, which teaches them to live healthy, educated and independent lives. Held at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota. Details at (366) 664-6207.

Nov. 1 5th Annual Ryder Anthony Panico Memorial Scholarship

Pro-Am Golf Tournament will be held at the Concession Golf Club with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Twenty teams—PGA Pro with each group. Only 100 players total. Prizes, trophies, and all donations go to needy children in Ryder’s name and memory. Call Tony Panico for more information or to make reservations at (941) 361-1170.

World Series Baseball ThoughtsA hot dog at the ball

game beats roast beef at the Ritz. —Humphrey Bogart

Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeeed three times out of 10 and be considered a good performer. —Ted Williams

No game in the world is as tidy and dramatically neat as baseball, with

cause and effect, crime and pun-ishment, motive and result, so cleanly defined. —Paul Gallico

Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very

unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off. —Bill Veeck

Free Concerts This Month16 Chamber music recital per-

formed by the internationally acclaimed Ariel String Quartet, alumni of The Perlman Music Program. 2 – 4 p.m. Seating available on first-come basis. Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota. (941) 955-4942.

19 Courthouse Square Concert. A live outdoor concert by the

Passerine Band will be presented at

the Historic Courthouse, Old Main Street, 12th St. W., Bradenton. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (941) 744-7484.

21 Rock & Run Recovery Concert and Fundraiser. Reach Out Re-

covery presents a free rock concert and an Artisan and Gourmet Food Expo from 5 – 9 p.m. at South Lido Park on Ben-jamin Franklin Drive, Siesta Key. (941) 356-0173 or reachoutrecovery.com.


EXPOS

2012 Lifestyles After 50 FestivalsJoin us for these Lifestyles After 50 Expos in an area near you!

MARKYOUR

CALENDARS

FUN!FUN!

Sarasota • January 13, 2012 Bradenton • February 3, 2012

Example Of Exhibitors

Robarts Arena • 10:00 - 3:00 Municipal Auditorium • 10:00 - 3:00

Venice • March 15, 2012

Venice Community Center • 10:00 - 3:00

Music all day by“the Beach Bum”

LocalBusinesses

Meeting Area

Residentswho are 50 and older

GIVEAWAYSFOR

EVERYONE

Donate Bloodat the Bloodmobile!

SAVE THESE DATES

FREEADMISSION

RAFFLES

GRAND PRIZE

BREAK A PINATA

AND WIN A PRIZE EXHIBITORSREGISTER EARLY.

Festivals are sold out quickly and there may

be a waiting list.

For information, or to become an exhibitor, please contact Dave Tarantul at (941)284-2930 or [email protected]

• Food Samples from Area Restaurants• Retirement & Assisted Living Communities• Free Health Screenings• Cosmeticians • Live Entertainment• Massage Therapy• Dance Studios • Social Security Administration• Financial & Insurance Advisors• Hospitals, Physicians, Chiropractic• Bloodmobile• Eye & Hearing Testing• Travel Information• Physical Fitness• Shopping Clubs & Electronics• Pet Care• Fresh Produce • Pharmacies• Home Improvement• Cell Phone Services and more!


Moving, Downsizing Or Just Need To Declutter?Call us!

Aardvark Antiques & Estate SalesEstate Sales Conducted and WholeEstates Purchased

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Global Graying: Investing in an Aging WorldBY JEFFREY SEWARD, JD, PH.D, Senior Vice President, Trust Services M&I Wealth Management

In the majority of the world’s countries, people are having fewer

children and they are living longer. Even in the least-developed parts of the world, for the past 20 years fertility rates have been steadily declining while life expectancies have been on the rise. Although the financial mar-kets are influenced by many forces, especially over short time periods, de-mographic forces can have a powerful pull on long-term market performance. Understanding how the three trends below may influence the performance of various investments may help you maximize your portfolio.

Trend 1: More people around the world are in their prime earning years. Right now, the world median age is about 29, though it’s close to 40 in de-veloped countries. Middle-aged people in their prime earning years are more inclined to save than the young or old. Result: A large and growing number of people are socking away money for retirement. As populations age, the supply of capital is likely to continue to grow, helping tamp down interest rates and support prices of financial assets.What you can do: You may find it challenging to earn acceptable returns in a low interest rate environment. Step up your savings while you can in the highest-yielding investments with which you’re comfortable.Trend 2: People are living longer. The average life expectancy world-wide now stands at almost 68 years. In developed regions, it’s about 77 years. Result: Many people are postponing retirement and working longer. That, along with shaky public pension and healthcare programs, may motivate people to seek investments that retain the

buying power of their money over time, even if it means taking on greater risk. What you can do: Despite the poor performance of the past decade, equities have historically outpaced inflation more consistently than other investments. There’s a strong case for maintaining a portion of your assets in equities, even after retirement. Trend 3: The retiree segmentis growing. Not only is the world getting older, but the population of older persons is itself aging. Among those 60 years or over, the fastest-growing segment is age 80 and over.Result: Most people have an innate desire to minimize risk, and that tends to grow more acute in retire-ment, when they start utilizing their savings and investments to maintain their lifestyles. A secular shift toward greater risk aversion would likely favor bonds over stocks. What you can do: Diversification and innovation are likely to become more important in coming years. Consider balancing your stock/bond portfolio with investment products that provide guaranteed income. While it’s good to be aware of the demographic trends that may affect the markets, don’t let them dictate your plan. Stay focused on your objectives and work with a financial professional to identify strategies most likely to help you achieve your personal financial goals. Statistics cited in this article are from the United Nations World Population Database. This article provides insights from M&I Wealth Management that may be useful to you in assessing risks and opportunities in the current environment related to your financial and wealth planning needs. The information contained herein should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice, and readers are encouraged to consult their tax, legal, and investment professionals with specific questions applicable to their own financial situations. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

Finance


Veterans CornerNews and Observations for VeteransVeterans Promotion – AARP Driving Course is Free during November

All military personnel over 55—active duty, retired, guard, or

reserve—are eligible to receive a free DSP (Driver Safety Program) classroom course during November. Spouses (in-cluding widows and widowers) are also eligible to take the class as space permits. All participating veterans must complete a Veteran Participant Form, to be provided by the instructor during the course. All registrations will be accept-ed on a first-come, first-served basis. The offer does not apply to online cours-es. There are no exceptions to this rule. To locate a course, call the national toll free number 1-888-227-7669 or online at aarp.org/findacourse.

Hang up and Log on! 24/7 Access to VA Prescriptions is now possible with My HealtheVet. With two clicks of your computer mouse VA Prescriptions can be filled by registering for My HealtheVet! Online programs include View Appoint-ments, Health Calendar, Secure Mes-saging and Online Prescription Refill. To start, first, visit MyHealth.va.gov and register for a basic account. Check “VA Patient” when register-ing. Once registered as a “VA Patient” on My HealtheVet, go to “Prescrip-tion Refill” to start. VA Prescrip-tions can be refilled any time from any computer with internet access. My HealtheVet has other features to help take charge of your health. By upgrading with a one-time In Person Authentication (IPA) you can use up-graded features. This includes Secure Messaging, Wellness Reminders and Appointments. To upgrade, watch the IPA Video, print the form and bring it in to a local VA facility. Once upgraded, you have access to current and future My HealtheVet features. Learn more about My HealtheVet by visiting MyHealth.va.gov or contact-ing Todd Wright, My HealtheVet Coordinator, at (618) 997-5311

VHA Services Report VHA (Veterans Health Administra-tion) services were found to be either similar or better than the private sector for several chronic disease treatments, including cancer, researchers reported in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hero Miles for Wounded Warriors Having family around helps wounded war-riors find a new “nor-mal” in their life. The Hero Miles program provides family mem-bers commercial airline flights to the injured service member in the hospital or to rehabilitation programs through donated frequent flyer airline miles. The 2005 Defense Authorization Act created Operation Hero Miles. Currently, Air Tran, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, United-Continental and U.S. Airways participate in the pro-gram. Participants in the frequent flyer miles programs may donate their miles to Hero Miles through the airline’s frequent flyer program. Fisher House has information on their Hero Miles website with details about the process (fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles). The process for a family member to use Hero Miles usually begins when a caseworker in military or Veterans Administration medical facilities refers a family member to apply for a flight to join their injured or wounded Airman. The Hero Miles administrator coordi-nates the request from a servicemember or their families with the caseworker and makes the airline reservations. To date, Hero Miles has providedmore than 25,000 airline tickets donated by American people to servicemembers and their families. There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment.

Studies show that sunshine canboth lift your mood andenhance your energy levels. But

as we all know, the sun does notalways shine. Now, however, there’s asolution to the problem– TheBalanced Spectrum® floor lamp will change not only the way you see, but also the way you feel about your living and work spaces. It brings the benefits of natural daylight indoors, simulating the full spectrum of daylight.

The Balanced Spectrum’s 27-watt compact bulb is brighter than a 100-watt ordinary light bulb. With the lamp’s sharp visibility, you will see with more clarity and enjoymentin close tasks such as reading, writing,sewing, and needlepoint. It is especially helpful for aging eyes.

Experience sunshine indoors at thetouch of a switch. This amazinglamp is not only easy on the eyes, it iseasy on the hands as well, featuring aspecial “soft-touch, flicker-free” rocker switch that is easier to use than traditional toggle or twistswitches. And its flexible gooseneckdesign enables you to get light exactly where you need it. The high-tech electronics, the user-friendlydesign, and a bulb that lasts 10 times

longer than an ordinary bulb–allthese features make the BalancedSpectrum® floor lamp a must-have.

Try the Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp for the best value ever! Nowmore than ever is the time to spread

sunshine all over the room in your home at this fantastic low price!The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp comes with firstSTREET’sexclusive guarantee. Try this lamp for 90 days and return it for the product purchase price if not completely satisfied.

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They say you’re as young as you feel.we agree.

There’s a good chance the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by your Medicare health plan, Medicare Supplement carrier or retiree group as one of your benefits. A SilverSneakers membership includes access to all basic amenities, group exercise classes, health education and fun social activities at nearly 10,000 fitness locations. Don’t miss out on one of the best ways to be healthy and stay independent! Visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632 today to find out if you already have this great benefit.


Humana’s 2012 Medicare Advantage

plans are here!

Humana has a full range of Medicare plans. Find out more about which one could be right for you.

1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711)8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

New Medicare enrollment dates! The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2012 have changed.

The new dates are October 15th - December 7th,* so don’t forget enrollment ends December 7th.

Call to schedule an in-home appointment or to fi nd a seminar near you.

A Health plan with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. This is an advertisement. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. *Some exceptions apply.

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BRADENTONDuff ’s Original Buffet6010 14th Street West

October 12th, 19th, 26th11:00 am & 2:30 pm

BRADENTONGolden Corral

5525 W. Cortez Rd.October 13th, 27th

2:00 pm

BRADENTONMixon’s Fruit Farm

2712 26th AvenueOctober 18th

2:00 pm

ELLENTON Popi’s Place IV3911 US Hwy 301October 20th, 27th

10:00 am


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Just What the Doctor Ordered: Your Favorite PastimeBY DR. JOSEPH MARKENSON

The social aspects of your golf game, spending time with

your friends and family, may do wonders for your well-being, but chronic knee pain can make you feel like never lifting a club again. Many of my patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have bought into the myth that physical activity will make knees feel worse. However, nothing could be further from the truth, with the right treatment plan. Regular physical activ-ity has actually been shown to improve some arthritis symptoms and promote general health. So a round of golf with friends and family may be a good way to keep your knees working well. Maintaining an active life-style can strengthen muscles, improve functionality and ease pain for people with knee OA.

The American College of Rheumatol-ogy recommends physical activity for managing the condition. While it may seem counterintuitive to do something that hurts in order to ease the pain, walking, aerobics and strength training have all been shown to do just that. In fact, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that exercise and physical therapy improved function in people with knee OA and may have helped delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine recently concurred with ear-lier studies, saying that even a small increase in physical activity helped people with knee OA walk faster. They also found that staying active reduced pain, depression and fatigue. There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to treat knee OA. The unique nature of each individual’s condition usually re-quires the need for personal evaluation by a healthcare professional. That is

why finding the right pain manage-ment regimen is an important part of helping patients get and stay active. Treatments are tailored to each patient based on your individual needs. Options include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflamma-tory drugs (NSAIDs), or, if pain is persistent, speak with your doctor about prescription treatments. Some of the latest advances in topical pain treatments include newer diclofenac applications, which can potentially

offer significant gastrointestinal safety benefits for certain patients. Begin-ning in 2000, a doctor-prescribed diclofenac patch, gel, and topical solution were approved separately for use in the United States. Early action is key, and exercise is an important tool in treating OA. Walking 18 holes is the equivalent of walking 10,000 steps, making golf just one sport that may prove beneficial for people with knee OA. As with returning from any injury, it is important to stay motivated. Whatever activity you choose, I recommend my patients record their progress and encourage their own movement. One way to do this is through the Arthritis Foundation’s Movement Tracker. To find out more information, visit www.arthritis.org. Dr. Joseph Markenson is an at-tending physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Separating Myth from Fact about Health Care Reform and MedicareHere are a few common myths

and facts to help Medicare ben-eficiaries make informed decisions about their health care coverage: MYTH: I can make changes to my Medicare coverage every year between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31.

FACT: This year, the Annual Election Period (AEP) for enrollees will begin Oct. 15 and run to Dec. 7. It’s important that beneficiaries carefully review their coverage options—most will be locked into that choice for the coming year. MYTH: The health care law won’t impact my prescrip-tion drug coverage. FACT: Beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage who hit the coverage gap will be able to take advantage

of new cost savings. In 2011, when beneficiaries are in the coverage gap, also called the doughnut hole, they’ll get a discount of about 50 percent on the cost of most brand-name drugs and a 7 percent discount on the cost of generic drugs. These discounts will gradually increase until the coverage gap is closed in 2020.

MYTH: The health care reform law will bring an end to the Medicare Advantage program.

FACT: Medicare Advantage plans remain strong and have actually shown growth in membership since the passage of the health care law.

To learn more about the basics of the Medicare program, visitMedi-careMadeClear.com or Medicare.gov. To better understand the full scope of changes to Medicare this year, visit HealthCare.gov. (from NAPS)


Where can a person 62 or older rent for under $500/month?

Included in rent:

* Security around the clock

* All Utilities paid by Desoto Towers

* Cable TV included!

* Maintenance at no charge

* Social programs and exercise classes

Public Transportation Available

This is a Senior Lifestyle Community.Call for qualifications and additional information.

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

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Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 16 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist. She brokers with many fine insurance companies and can find the right company to suit your needs.

For a FREE packet of information call today...

Creative Ways to Make Long-Term Care Protection More Affordable

BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSALong-Term Care Insurance Specialist

In these economic “belt-tightening” days we live in, doing the right thing

with future planning isn’t always easy. But as we all know, the ebb and flow of the economy will eventually right itself and we cannot afford to wait for that to happen. When protecting your assets against the expensive out-of-pocket costs of a Long-Term Care need, it is of utmost importance to take care of this to take advantage of your youth and relative good health. Sometimes things like this cannot wait. Here are a few ideas I’ve come up with: When purchasing a plan, think about self-insuring part of the cost. Clearly, having something in place rather than not acting will be better in the long run than nothing at all. Instead of insuring the entire estimated cost—i.e. $200 per day—think outside the box; reducing the daily benefi t by $50 per day and deciding to self insure the rest is still better than no plan. It will save a good bit of premium too. Instead of purchasing a 5 percent automatic compound infl ation rider, consider CPI or maybe a 3 percent compound infl ation rider. Your benefi t will still grow, but not as aggressively, but again, it’s better than trying to self-insure the whole expense. If you are a single person, consider talking to a relative about purchasing LTC when you do. Some companies offer a “family” discount that will

save you both money. Depending on the company, you can save 10 – 15 percent each by doing that. Check with an association with which you or your employer may belong. There are many association groups that offer discounts to not only the members, but also their employees and relatives. A few examples would be: the Florida Bar, The Florida Medical Association, the FICPA, the Florida Chiropractic Association, etc. to name only a few. I happen to be the Appoint-ed Representatives for these groups, and that will save you money as well. Even losing weight and improving your overall health is not only good for you personally, but it can also change your rate class and save you 15 – 20 percent in Long-Term Care premiums. There are really too many ways to save to mention. The bottom line is, when you talk with someone who is a Specialist, and sells only Long-Term Care insurance plans, you will always save. You’ll save time, confusion and premiums by being able to understand and compare. Be prepared. Plan ahead. Feel free to call me anytime with concerns or questions.

Rosemarie Hurley, Owner of Senior Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior healthcare market for 21 years. She is a Cer-tifi ed Senior Advisor and has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 18 years. She represents only the fi nest insurance companies in the industry. Can be reached at (239) 274-6678 in Estero, or website: www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.


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Mom Was Right—Good Posture Makes You TougherMothers have been

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What it means Fake it until you make it. Rather than curling up into a ball when in pain, this research suggests that a person should do the opposite. Curling up in a ball may make the experience more painful because it will make you feel like you have no control over your circumstances, which may in turn intensify your anticipation of the pain. Standing or sitting up straight

creates a sense of power and control over a situation. Keeping your chin up and assuming a dominant posture might really work to manage emotional pain. It may be that it makes remembering a distressing emotional event less painful.

Caregivers Need to Let Go Caregivers often try to baby those for whom they are caring to help make things easier and alleviate stress. In do-ing this, they force those they are car-ing for into a more submissive position. This possibly renders their patients more susceptible to experiencing pain. Rather, this research suggests that caregivers take a more submissive position and surrender control to those who are about to undergo a painful procedure to lessen the intensity of the pain experienced. (Newswise)

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

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think thepeople who designed this phone and the rate plans hadme in mind. The phone fits easily in my pocket, and itflips open to reach from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see whois calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simplypush “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that willlook it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbugalso reduces background noise, making the soundloud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I knowthe phone is ready to use.

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BY KATE FORGACH

The older I get, the more I appreciate the body

of my youth. As a Baby Boomer dealing with hear-ing loss (too much rock music), memory loss (not enough Gingko), and un-bending knees (too much biking), I appreciate every bit of senior assistance. That gratitude extends to manufacturers developing products tai-lored for those with reduced capacity or not familiar with our rapidly changing tech world. While some of the following examples weren’t originally designed with America’s elders in mind, they still offer great benefits to those who don’t want to get totally left behind. Here are seven changes age hath wrought in today’s technological world.

1. Dumb Phones I was bereft when my ancient Razr phone disappeared as it was so easy to use and is no longer available. In looking for a replacement, I found most

phones have tiny black buttons and keyboards designed more for texting and playing online than for making calls. Some manufac-turers are listening to these concerns, however, and creating phones specifically

for my brethren. Think Jitterbug and the Doro PhoneEasy series. 2. Intelligent Phones Intel is working on a phone for those who have memory problems. Using caller ID tech, it’ll display a photo of the person calling, the user’s relationship to the caller and information about their last conversation. It would be even more helpful if Intel would create a human-implant screen that would jog my memory upon meeting people I “know.”

3. Nana Technology Companies like Accenture and Intel have teamed up with universities and other researchers in the development of gadgets that make life easier. These include smart walkers users can retrieve by remote control, pillboxes that remind you to take your pills and mailboxes that let you know when mail has arrived. 4. Tablet Computers I’d give my AARP membership for an iPad. The screen is a joy, the touchpad keyboard is nice and big, and, most importantly, it’s entirely intuitive. Apple’s security technology also nearly eliminates spyware and viruses, which are a nightmare to eradicate. In general, touchscreens are easier for seniors to use. It took me just 30 minutes to get an elderly friend up and running on her new Motorola Xoom tablet. Unable to type anymore due to arthritis, the light touch required for these screens opened a whole new world. We loaded a few useful apps, made Google her home page, set up a Gmail account and she was off.

5. E-readers Few books are printed in large type any-more, but e-readers can make every book easy to read. The Kindle, for example, allows users to boost the font size with a touch of a button and the resolution improves with every release. The Barnes & Noble NOOK boasts a full-color display that makes reading even easier.

6. Durable Tech Cases Otterbox has cornered the market on hard-core cases for phones, e-readers, laptops and just about everything else that can be dropped, smashed or end up in water.

7. Online Shopping Shopping the e-commerce way is so much faster and easier for those facing diminished capacities. Plus, the selections are much larger, it’s often also possible to find better prices, and free shipping codes bring your purchase directly to the door without a delivery fee. Isn’t technology wonderful?

The author is a senior-consumer expert for Kinoli Inc.

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Fall Fun at Mixon Fruit FarmsMixon Fruit

Farms is getting ready for one of the biggest months of the year. “The fruit will be coming in and we will be having it in the store and getting it ready to ship for holiday gifts,” says Dean Mixon. The fruit is looking great, so Mixon’s has reason to celebrate. November will have events such as a concert with Claire Lynch, who sings Bluegrass and has been nominated for a Grammy twice; a book signing with many local authors, including Mr. Bill Mixon of Mixon Fruit Farms; a luncheon fashion show, Health and Business Fair, an event with rides, food, entertainment and a craft fair, and much, much more.

“We are having several things every week to do so we hope that people will go to our website to check us out” says Janet Mixon. Mixon’s is re-branding itself to be a place where people can not only get the best Florida Citrus and juice but can come and make wonderful memories. Mixon Fruit Farms is located at 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. For more information, call (800) 608-2525.



Northern Ireland’s Treasures

BY KATHY BECK

My visit to Northern Ireland was such a wonderful way to

learn about my Irish heritage. Here is the rest of the story of my visit. After learning about all things Titanic in Belfast it was time to head further north. Our fi rst stop was in Carrickfergus at the Andrew Jackson Cottage—a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in the 1750s. Andrew Jackson (1767 – 1845)was the 7th President of the United States of America, and his parents emigrated from Ireland in 1765. The centre displays a collection of Ulster patch-work quilts and farm machinery. Next, we traveled back up along the Causeway Coastal Route to Ballintoy, through the stunning villages of Glenarm, Carnlough and Cushendall. We made a short stop in Torr Head for a fantastic view of Scotland and panoramic cliffs. Further up the Coastal Route, we arrived at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy. The hike up to the bridge was exhilarating with stunning views and fauna and bird life. Take the dare to cross this Indiana Jones-style bridge! For more than 350 years, fi sherman have

strung the rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them to access the best places to catch migrating salmon. Now the bridge presents a challenge to visitors to enjoy the same view and high thrills crossing the bridge.

After getting back on the Causeway we headed to Bushmills. Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery celebrated their 400th anniversary of the original license to distill whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608. You can tour the “Grain to Glass” distillery to learn some trade secrets, watch whiskey making take place and enjoy a wee taster, too!

Explore the Giant’s Causeway Amazing! The Giant’s Causeway is recognized as one of the natural won-ders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of thousands of hexagonally-shaped basalt columns, some up to 160 meters high, formed 60 million years ago from volcanic lava. You have to see it to believe it. The sense of geological violence is palpable in the place, and standing

among the towering tubes of stone makes the ancient myths of Finn Mc-Cool and Benandonner on giant’s path-way to Scotland seem highly probable. Both the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giants Causeway are part of the NationalTrust.org.uk.

Only about an hour away is Galgorm Manor, Ballymena—a wonderful spa and resort. It was just what I needed after such an exciting day. (galgorm.com.) On our next day we had the op-portunity to stop at Ballaghy Bawn. This 17th-century stronghold contains a guide to archaeology, history and na-ture around Bellaghy Bawn. It features Seamus Heaney’s poetry fi lms and broadcasts. As luck would have it, it was a beautiful day to visit the country side and take a step back in time. Last, we had the opportunity to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, which tells the story of emigration during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Old and New World layout of the Park illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic. Traditional thatched build-

ings and costumed demonstrators depict life in Ireland in the 1800s. A full scale replica emigrant ship and the dockside galley give you a real impression of the way it was for our ancestors to make the trip to the New World. When stepping off the ship on the other side, you are in America where log homes, farms with crops and animals depict the new life for the Irish in America. The museum also includes an indoor Emigrants’ exhibition and Centre for Migration Studies library which is accessible to all visitors. (folkpark.com.)

My last night I spent in a Castle at Belle Isle, Fermanagh. The castle is situated in the heart of the Bell Isle Estate, which dates back to the 17th century. I had the Red Room and dinner was served by their Bell Isle Cookery School, which offers cooking classes throughout the year. To learn more about all that Bell Isle has to offer, visit belleisle-estate.com. Thanks to the The Northern Ireland Tourist Board for making this such a delightful trip. To learn more, visit their website at discovernorthernireland.com.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Kathy Beck on the Giant’s Causeway

Ulster American Folk Park

Whiskey sampling at Bushmill’s Distillery

New Book Helps Transform Your Life After 50Once you’re past 50, life can

get much easier, right? Not if your house, friendships and commitments are filled with clutter, those elements that distract you from knowing who you really are. Barbara Hannah Grufferman in her book The Best of Everything After 50 says that after age 50 a woman knows (or should discover) “who you really are, apart from what your work is or where you live and what you own.”

Furthermore, her challenge is that if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to realize that “unnecessary possessions, unhealthy re-lationships and bad habits that wear you out and drag you down are all a kind of clutter.” Clearing such clutter as bad habits and unhealthy relationships is what really transforms your life, and the process is rewarding. Here are the steps she suggests: First, acknowledge that change is occur-ring. It may be that the kids are gone, a spouse becomes ill or disabled or passes on.

Whatever it is, change can make you more aware of what you truly value. Next, create a personal theme that defines what your life will be. Gruffer-man says this lets you focus on a bigger picture, allowing you to come up with a vision of your future. Once that theme is in place, you can work on getting rid of everything that doesn’t fit it. Her theme became simplifying her life. She began clearing the clutter from her life in everything from hair to makeup

to food to finances. The difference was freed-up time and more energy. Grufferman says one must identify the kinds of clutter that exist in our lives. Some of the forms clutter takes include objects, obligations and habits (such as perfectionism or procrastination). Once you have cleared your life, Grufferman says, “You now have space, time and energy for people, activities, objects and experiences that can move you forward.”



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Live Longer—Make FriendsWhy are friends

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Old People DrivingOn August 25,

the PBS News Hour today featured a film called Old People Driving as part of the Economist Film Project. In this documentary, viewers climb into the passenger seat alongside Milton (age 96) and Herbert (age 99) as they confront the end of

their driving years. One man takes his last drive and hands over his keys. The other man vows to drive until he feels he’s no longer safe on the road.

To watch the segment, visit the project’s website: film.economist.com/film/old-people-driving.


NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 23PREVIEWS NOVEMBER 15–17

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My Fair Lady Comes to Asolo RepHeralded as “the

musical of mu-sicals,” My Fair Lady returns to the Sarasota area as Asolo Reper-tory Theatre’s season opener. Led by Frank Galati, director of last season’s hit show Twelve Angry Men, My Fair Lady is shaping up to be the premiere musical event of the Sarasota arts season. With a cast packed full of local and national talent and a fresh outlook, My Fair Lady will begin Asolo Rep’s 53rd season. When linguistics professor Henry Higgins wagers that he can turn Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a proper lady, they undergo a transfor-mation neither of them could have anticipated. Asolo Rep’s production, with Tony Award winner Galati at the helm, is sure to delight and refresh

audiences, both new and old. Residing in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, Asolo Repertory Theatre renews its title of “Florida’s premiere professional theatre” with every new season. Be sure to stop by Asolo Rep to ex-perience a true repertory theatre—15 shows produced on the same stage in one season! My Fair Lady opens November 18 and runs through De-cember 23. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (941) 351-8000.

Head of the ClassBY MICHELLE RINACA

Want to learn how to act like an adult? Pam

Wiley is the person you need to call upon! With a wealth of experience to draw from, this soft-spoken grandmoth-er can transport you through time with her acting ability. Though Pam is cur-rently teaching Adult Acting Workshops and private acting lessons at The Players Theatre, for most of her career she appeared regularly on television. The most recognizable of her more than 150 commercials would probably be the Calgon commercial with the catch phrase “ancient Chinese secret, huh?” Pam’s professional theatre experi-ence began at an early age at the Papermill Playhouse in Milburn, NJ where she played one of Annie’s

siblings in “Annie Get Your Gun”. Since then she has appeared in dozens

of shows in several states. She won a Best Female Actor Award at the Theatre Festival in Columbus, Ohio for her role as Anna in “Leona and the Lady Luck.” If that weren’t impressive enough, Pam is also a skilled director! She has directed “Always a Part of Me,” “Got-A-Minute,” “Rumors”

and more. This season, she will be directing “It’s A Wonderful Life” in December at The Players Theatre. Pam holds a BA in Theatre, Film, TV, and Speech that includes teaching credentials. She is a member of Actors Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists.

Actress, director and teacher, Pam Wiley,


941-366-5454 thegoldenapple.com

Announcing Our 2011 Fall SeasonDISENCHANTED Oct 11th – 23rd The “Bitches of the Disney Kingdom” Musical

MR. BROADWAY Nov 5th & 6thstarring Michael L. Walters

CHEERFUL LITTLE EARFUL! Nov 15 – 27thThe Harry (Mr. Hollywood Musical) Musical

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

LET’S HANG ON! Nov 12th

Revived for 3 more performances: ROBERTA MACDONALD: SONGS, STORIES AND MR. CHATTERBOX Dec 6th – 8th

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS Dec 13th – 22nd

SPECIAL EVENT

Liberace’s Christmas Special Dec 19th

New Concert and Special Event Packages at Venice Theatre

Calling all music fans and comedy lovers:

Venice Theatre has put together three money-sav-ing packages just for you. Starting this season, you can save 20 percent if you purchase the “Legends,” “Comedy” or “Tribute” packages. Here’s the deal:

The Comedy Package: $62 for tickets to The Baby Boomer Comedy Show, Sister’s Christmas Catechism and stand-up comedian Jake Johannsen (a $77 value).

The Legends Package: $89 gets you tickets to The Four Aces, The Diamonds and The Legends of Doo Wop. Each band is made up of original members. No imitations! (A $111 value).

The Tribute Package:$94 for Back Home Again, A Tribute to John Denver; The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters; Let’s Hang On (A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the

Four Seasons); and The Blues Brothers Tribute (a $117 value).

Call (941) 488-1115 or stop by the box office at 140 W. Tampa Avenue for all the details

and for more informa-tion about the entire 2011-2012 line-up. Or visit venicestage.com. (Packages are not available online.)

The Golden Apple’s New Season—Music, Mischief and Holiday FunOur 41st Season begins Oct. 11

with Disenchanted! a brand new, fun-loving, hilarious musical revue in which the original fairy tale prin-cesses bemoan the exploitation they’ve suffered in the Disney theme parks and films! Winner of the 2011 Or-lando International Fringe Festival!

Following on Nov. 5 and 6, Michael L. Walters is Mr. Broadway—a one-man journey through the world of musical comedy. Walters sings classic Broad-way tunes from his favorite shows and re-enacts some of his favorite roles.

For one night only, Nov. 12—Let’s Hang On!—The nation’s premier Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Trib-ute Show is a full blown stage production complete with that Four Season’s sound, crisp choreography and a live band.

The great songs of triple Oscar winner Harry (Mr. Hollywood Musical) Warren are highlighted in Cheerful Little Earful, Nov. 15 – 27.

The holidays start with Beneva Fruitville—The Inter-Sex-Tion! Dec. 1– 4. Guaranteed to please and tease, Ms. Fruitville will take you on a wild ride with original songs, parodies, and defi-nitely a “Jump Split for Jesus” or two. Then, in Roberta MacDonald: Songs, Stories And Mr. Chatterbox, Roberta MacDonald revives her hit show aided and abetted by Bob (Mr. Chatterbox) Plunkett. From Dec. 6 – 8. Dec. 13 – 22 brings Amahl And The Night Visitors/Christmas Variety—Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic Christmas musical story double billed with an original musical holiday revue sure to lift any spirit! Perfect for the grandkids! Dec. 19—Liberace’s Christmas Special. Martin Preston re-creates the magic of Liberace in a spectacular full-length Christmas show.

For tickets or further information,call the box office at (941) 366-5454or visit www.thegoldenapple.com.


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October fest Fun8 Sam Snead’s Oktoberfest

Extravaganza. A cultural street festival featuring live German music, Johnsonville brats and sauerkraut, rotisserie chicken, grilled pretzels with dipping sauces and over 12 au-thentic Oktoberfest beers 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern, 1830 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota. (941) 906-7771

23 Octoberfest 2011. Sarasota Concert

Band celebrates Octoberfest in concert with German music, mood and munch-ies.1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Cost: $5; children under 12 free. Phillippi Estate Park,

5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. More info: sarasotaconcertband.org.

More Festivals8 5th Annual Hungarian Festival.

Live music, dancing, kids’ activities, Hungarian cuisine and wines. Noon to 10 p.m. at Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. $10 for adults; kids under 12 free. (941) 320-8253.

8 and 9 Hispanic Latino Festival. Live music with international

famous artists, folkloric dances, bever-

ages, food, entertainment for kids and more. Free. 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. in down-town Sarasota. Info: (941) 302-0720.

14 – 16 Sun Fiesta. Sun Fiesta Idol, Miss Sun Fiesta, parades,

entertainment, food and drink, arts and crafts, raffles, kids’s activities, contests and more. Free. Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave., Venice. Times and info: (941) 484-9664.

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Whatever Was I Thinking?BY ANN G. THOMAS

Wouldn’t you think, once a person becomes Unmistakably Old,

that they would have learned not to make a fool of themselves? Maybe there are older people able to conduct themselves with a consistent decorum, but I don’t seem to be in that group. About a month ago I fell off a curb. My first response, once I hit the parking lot asphalt, was to look around, hoping that no one had observed, but wouldn’t you know, about seven people were rushing toward me to provide help.

“What happened?” someone asked. I can’t explain my answer, but I heard myself saying, “I must have been pushed.” Three people backed away at that point, leading me to believe they

must have a history of pushing people and didn’t want to be implicated. A woman asked if I had broken anything. I smiled, said I was fine and let her help me to my feet so I could walk, with whatever dignity I could muster, to my car. Once there I suddenly had a new thought—this time about my underwear. I was sure that when I got home, I would find that I was wearing my old raggedy underpants. At least seven people would know that I was not only a clumsy, wacky old woman, but one who didn’t remember what her mother had taught her about wearing your good underwear whenever you went out—just in case. Forgetting only sometimes embar-rasses me, since it seems everyone I know, from time to time, has no idea

why they are in a particular room or where they left their keys. But I’m embar-rassed to admit that I seem to forget there are things I can’t or shouldn’t do at my age. As a result I’ve found myself at the top of the ladder unable to take that next step to the roof where I planned to do something, although I could no longer remember what. Or I find

myself on my knees in the garden wondering which plants I can chew on to sustain life if I can’t figure how to get myself into an upright position be-fore dinnertime. So far I’ve managed to solve these dilemmas, although occasionally one of my daughters finds out and then I have to listen to the lecture that begins, “Really mother. Whatever were you thinking?” There are other “little mistakes.” Recently I decided to color my hair.

I know enough not to try the stuff that turns you blue, but I’ve always liked black so I bought that color. The woman on the box looked gorgeous in a sultry, sexy way. Once I’d completed all the steps and looked in the mir-ror—well, what can I say? I’ve never seen an Unmistakably Old Hooker, but I swear I now know what they must look like and it’s not a pretty picture. Still, I’ve decided that the only way to avoid an occasional embarrassing situation is to pull in and do little or nothing, and as far as I can tell, that’s not a life worth living. So I console myself, whenever I’m asked, Whatever were you thinking? with something a friend told me years ago when he was dealing with the consequences of a dumb decision. “Well”, he said, “I guess I didn’t think it through because it sure seemed like a good idea at the time.” Dr. Thomas can be reached through her website at dr-annthomas.com.

Humor

Dr. Ann Thomas


(1.4 miles south of Venice Ave.)

Lunch & Dinner Served from 11:30 a.m.

Live Entertainment Wed. – Sun.

Weekly Events! Trivia Tuesdays!

Chef On Deck Thursdays Featuring Live Maine Lobsters

And Crab Pots!

Stop In To Sharky’s For Lunch, Or Dinner Served With A Beautiful Sunset! Sharky’s at The Venice Fishing PierSmack Dab On The Gulf Of Mexico!

OktoberfestSaturday, October 8th, 2011

Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. From I-75 take exit #164, turn left onto Hwy. 17

and proceed 3 miles to the Village.For more information, call 941 639-8721

or visit Fishville.com. Follow us on

Family friendly FREE festivities include: � 10 am-6 pm East Elementary School PTO Pumpkin Patch � 10:00 am-10:30 am, Center Court, performances by East Elementary and

Sallie Jones School Chorus� 11 am-12 Noon, Center Court

2nd Annual Wiener Dog Derby� 2-4 pm, Center Stage Steinswingers

Oompah Band performing German and Bavarian Polkas, Waltzes and Marches

� 5-9 pm, Center Stage Schuplattler Gruppe Alpenrose dancers and Peter & Edith performing your favorite German tunes

� Village restaurants will feature German food specialties.

Grandson Inspires New AuthorBradenton resident

Brenda Spalding set out to reinvent herself and ended up with a legacy she can leave with her grandchildren. “I’m a baby boomer starting a new career as a writer,” Spalding says. “At the grand old age of 63, out of work and look-ing for some way to find myself again after all these years, I turned to writing children’s books. I’m learning a lot about the book industry. Publishing and marketing are not easy at any age but I’m willing to try.” A firm believer in the importance of introducing young minds to good books, Spalding would often read to her grandson, Hayden. He soon be-came the inspiration for a book series. “I wanted to leave something for Hayden that he can say, ‘My Granma wrote that for me.’ I want to show how little things we do for others,

whether people or animals, can make a difference,” Spalding emphasizes. In her first book, “Just Batty,’ Hayden learns about bats and how they struggle to survive in a world filled with ecological pitfalls. After building a bat box, wondrous discoveries ensue, helping Hayden and all

the members of his close-knit com-munity gain invaluable knowledge about the bats and nature overall. She adds, “The world around me is my inspiration: the colors of the sunset or the wonder of my grandson seeing a fly for the first time and trying to catch it. A word or phrase can set my mind to work on a new story.” In her next book, Hayden wants to grow a vegetable garden. “Just Batty” is available for $12 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or sbpra.com/BrendaMSpalding.

Halloween Happenings15 – 16, 22 – 23, 29 – 30 Hun-

sader Farms annual Pumpkin Festival. Pick fresh-from-the-farm Halloween pumpkins, enjoy live country music, shop more than 100 craft booths, hop on a hayride or watch the corn and pumpkin cannons in action. The festi-val also caters to children with a colossal corn maze; hay, train and pony rides; a petting zoo and barn-yard playground. Hunsader Farms, 5500 CR. 675, Bradenton. Admission is $8, parking is $5. (941) 322-2168.

21 – Aug. 3 Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun & Fright. Buoys and

Ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume and discover sea crea-tures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treating zone. Haunted ship-wreck, underwater pumpkin carving, shark tooth hunt and more. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. (941) 388-4441.

21 House of Terror – Haunted House and

Blood Drive. Get the pants scared off you for a good cause. Admission to the haunted house is $10. However, if

you participate in the blood drive on open-ing night, you get in for

free. Adult accompaniment recommended for children

under 12. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Sailor Circus Big Top Tent, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. (941) 316-8108.

31 Fright Night. Decorated store fronts set the stage for wandering

spirits of St. Armands past; frighten-ing characters appear around every corner amidst statues dressed in the Halloween spirit. Safe trick-or-treating for kids, store and restaurant deals, and a “Thriller” performance at 8:30 p.m. Events start at 6 p.m. at St. Armand’s Circle, 300 Madison Drive, Suite 201, Sarasota. (941) 388-1554.

Tales of the Frugal: Couponing Gone AwryThanks in part to the popularity of

TLCs Extreme Couponing, some shoppers are getting more than they bargained for in pursuit of savings. Coupon Sherpa reflects on the most extreme couponing mishaps to date.

1. “I Didn’t Know it Was a Crime.” That’s what she said. Seriously. Ear-lier this month, compulsive-coupon-clipper Jamie VanSickler was charged with larceny theft, a misdemeanor carrying a potential jail sentence and hefty fine. Caught in the act by a newspaper-carrier-turned-sting-agent, VanSickler took 185 leftover Sunday newspapers, indicating to police she didn’t realize it was a crime.

2. “No [Coupon] for You!” When a mother of ten tried to redeem coupons at her local Kroger store in Georgia, the store manager alleg-

edly refused to take her clippings and called her a “habitual coupon user.” This southern momma is not only the only victim of “coupon discrimination,” as other shoppers around the country hit road-blocks at the register.

3. Just Another Day at Walmart April Cuevas was temporarily banned from all Walmarts after an altercation involving competitor coupons. When the cashier refused to take the coupons, management was called and a series of unfortunate events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted the intentions of four male shoppers headed her way during the argument and attempted to film them. A supervi-sor alledgedly scolded her and tried to

knock the iPhone from her trembling hands. Upon exiting the store, Cuevas was pursued by a Walmart employee who demanded she return to “the scene of the crime” and even chased her vehicle as Cuevas left the parking lot.

4. Coupon Capers Lock your doors, close your drapes and hold tight to your...er...newspapers; there’s a new kind of crimi-nal in town. As arrests of self-proclaimed “discount-

seeking thieves” escalate around the country, police warn concerned citi-zens of an increase in newspaper theft.

5. Discount Diva Dishonored On the cusp of a new season of Extreme Couponing, coupon enthusiasts cried foul when one of the

featured shoppers was recognized as Jaime Kirlew, aka “Diva for Cou-pons.” Kirlew made a name for herself on YouTube, unwittingly filming her unscrupulous strategy of barcode matching during a shopping trip to Target. After receiving numerous nastigrams, Kirlew quickly threw her enabler (BeCentsAble) under the bus and later admitted to coupon fraud.

From CouponSherpa.com, one of four websites operating under the brand name TheFrugals.com and dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.

Humor

TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.”

Hot! Hot!Just off the Press

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Yummy! Sugar-Free Chocolate GelatoIf you’ve given up ice cream and

chocolate and lots of other good stuff for health reasons, there’s good news. Gelato: loosely defined as the Italian version of ice cream and one of the main reasons to visit Italy. Mmmm. Remember the many flavors of gelato in Italian shops around the piazza? Now think of Chocolate Gelato!

Gelato contains less butterfat than ice cream (more milk—8 percent or less butterfat and little to no cream—15 percent butterfat) and it is churned less, resulting in less air in the mix and a more intense flavor. And if we’re talking chocolate, intense is what we want. Corn syrup explains the silky texture of commercial gelato, but at home you can get the same result with raw blue agave nectar (available in natural food stores). This also means a dessert free of refined sugar.

“So if we combine lower fat and calories with refined-sugar-free agave and the health benefits of chocolate, this Chocolate Gelato is actually downright virtuous! Isn’t it great to have a dessert that is rich, indulgent and virtuous?” says Carol Kicinski, on the blog “Simply Gluten-free.”

Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Chocolate Gelato

Ingredients3 cups whole milk

(or dairy-free milk)1 pinch kosher or

fine sea salt2/3 cup organic

raw blue agave 3/4 cup unsweetened

cocoa powder1½ tablespoons cornstarchDirections Heat 2 cups of the milk with the salt and agave in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of milk with the cocoa powder and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the heated milk and agave mixture. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for 1 minute. Strain the mixture into

a clean bowl and let cool to room temperature. Cover with a

piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 6 hours. (To has-ten the chilling process, put the mixture in the freezer for approxi-mately 1 hour instead.) Pour the mixture into

an ice cream machine and process for 20 – 30 minutes

or according to the manufac-turer’s directions. Place in a cov-

ered container and freeze until hard, about 6 hours. The gelato will keep for a week in the freezer, covered. Makes about 1 quart of gelato.

Recipe


What Words Do People Look Up Online? These are the 10 most frequently

searched words on Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

1. Pretentious: expressive of af-fected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature.

2. Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; widespread.

3. Love: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. (maternal love for a child).

4. Cynical: contemptuously distrust-ful of human nature and motives; based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest.

5. Apathetic: having little or no interest or concern; indifferent

6. Conundrum: an intricate and difficult problem.

7. Albeit: conceding the fact that; even though; although.

8. Ambiguous: capable of be-ing understood in two or more possible senses or ways.

9. Integrity: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility.

10. Affect/Effect. It’s not that people don’t know what these words mean; it’s that they have trouble remembering which one does what. The simplest distinction here is that affect is almost always a verb, and effect is usually a noun.

Information from Merriam-Webster.

Plié, Please, Says 93-Year-Old Ballet TeacherSuited up in toe

shoes, TherrellCamille Smith demonstrates dance positions. At her Washington, D.C. dance school for children, where a vintage record player churns out music, the 93-year-old ballet instructor has raised the bar for late-in-life work and engage-ment. She has taught thousands of students and her current gig is at several D.C. public schools. The arts are important for kids, Smith believes, “because it stimulates your imagination, and you just have greater dreams.”

Rebecca Sheir; “At 93, D.C. Ballet Teacher Is Still Dancing”; National Public Radio.

Therrell Smith, ballet instructor.

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AUDITIONSJanuary 27, 2012 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th1816 9th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34205

Fifty-fi ve years young or more!Single or duo acts only, no groups please.

Audition acts must be no longer than three minutes. There will be a piano, cassette tape and CD player available

The ShowFebruary 19, 2012

2:00 p.m.Neel Performing Arts Center State College of Florida

5840 26th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34207

For additional information callLeah Brown

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1111 McMullen Booth RoadClearwater, FL 33759


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BRADENTONAUTO PART INTL. .......................727-4121COME SEE COME SAVE ...........748-5965TOTAL MOTORSPORTS ............756-6500BRADENTON LAWN & FUN .......792-1122MIKE HAMILTON’S PREF. AUTO ....755-7035ACTION JET SPORTS ................745-9521ANDE’S AUTO REPAIR...............753-1182

H3 PERFORMANCE ................751-1949RNR MARINE ...........................840-1767

PALMETTONORTHSIDE AUTO PARTS .....722-4581HHHT AUTO CARE ..................722-4581S & S KUSTOMS ......................729-2800

PARRISHPARRISH GEN SUPPLY ..........776-2141

VENICEAUTO WORX OF VENICE .......923-1438NAPA AUTO PARTS .................485-9616AMERICAN IMPORTS .............484-1340PARTS DEPOT .........................488-8696

ENGLEWOODSTIVER’S TIRE & AUTO ..........474-7660THE TIRE SERVICE CENTER .475-9511

If you or your business would like to get AMSOIL products at Wholesale CALL 800-411-6160

Happy Halloween

All About PhotographyIf you’re a seasoned pho-

tographer or new to the art, informative lectures can help you perfect your craft. Every afternoon at 1 p.m. throughout the month, join a discussion on the history of photogra-phy and learn the latest tips and tricks. On Oct. 8, the lecture series starts with a brief history of photography, and then a discussion comparing

digital photography to film photography. Learn about black-and-white and infared photography from Arnold Berns, who

will display and talk about his World Trade Center and

worldwide travel pictures. The lectures will be held at Studio 41, 4613 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Call (941) 924-5224 for more info.

Senior Games State ChampionshipsThe Florida Senior Games State

Championships and Florida Inter-national Senior Games will be held Dec. 3 – 11, 2011 in Polk County, Florida. The 2011 Games will introduce the Florida International Senior Games, where all out-of-state domestic and international competitors are only permitted to compete in the International Games, and qualifying at a local event is not required.

Listing of sports offered: Archery, Badminton, 3-on-3 Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Horseshoes, Powerlifting, Race Walk, Racquetball, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimmng, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and more. For details, call the Florida Sports Foundation at (866) 354-2637, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.flasports.com.

WANTED PEOPLE to TRY the latest “Digital Technology” from several leading Hearing Aid Manufacturers.

Are you or someone you know having difficulty hearing?It could be Earwax! A Free Video Ear Inspection and Free Hearing Screening will reveal if its earwax or hearing loss (we remove earwax free). Stay on top of your health and find out today. If hearing loss is present, we can offer help to hear what you’ve been missing.

Free of charge to all callers... An All Ears Hearing Specialist will perform the most comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine if hearing loss is present. We will then match your hearing loss to the latest in digital hearing aid advancements .

Have you never tried hearing aids? Hear the words and understand them. Improvement in background noise, restaurants and at meetings. It will be easier to have conversations with soft spoken people and when watching TV. An All Ears Hearing Specialist will improve how well you understand words and conversations.

Are your hearing aids not working? Receive a Free cleaning of your hearing aids and a hearing aid evaluation to match your current hearing test results through programming which will improve your hearing aids and then you can compare the All Ears Hearing difference right on the spot.

Try the best hearing aids for your loss and budget… Wear our hearing aids (no charge or fee) in the comforts of your home and the places you go to everyday. During follow-up appointments we will fine-tune the hearing aids to your needs. If you do not experience the improvements you want, simply return the hearing aids or try another manufacturer’s technology ... if you want to purchase the hearing aids you are wearing you will receive up to 25% additional discounts “discussed during your appointment” off our everyday low prices.

Up to 25% additional Discounts this month only… Please call 941-320-2122 now to schedule your appointment time for a FREE consultation, comprehensive hearing evaluation and demonstration of the latest technological advancements in hearing aids.

Meet with Nationally Known

Hearing Expert Mark Selis

Over 30 years experience

TRY the Latest Digital Technology

Find out for yourself how the New

Digital Hearing Aids Help YOU:

All Ears always considers your hearing

loss and budget.

Digital Hearing Aids

starting at $495.

All Ears guarantees great service

at the Best and Lowest Prices…All Ears Hearing Services by Appointment Only - at office or We Come to you Free with the Ears Mobile

ALL EARS Hearing Services

941-320-2122

SARASOTA OFFICE2727 S. Tamiami Trail #4Between Webber And Grove St. Across From Southside School

www.allearshearingservices.com

Documents

Mature Lifestyles October 2011 Sarasota/Manatee edition