senior voice america - august 2012

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AUGUST 2012

SINCE 1980 — VolUME 32 • NUMBER 8

By Robert Harwood, President of Harwood Financial Group

With the ever-growing debt crisis and our government representatives’ inability to work together, there is a high probability that the Bush tax cuts will expire in 2013 and we will see a significant increase in our personal and business tax rates.

Don’t be caught unprepared. You have limited time to get your financial house in order and minimize the potential ef-fects on you and your family.

Successful people will suffer the most, although we will see higher taxes for most middle-class and above families. The good news is that there are several tools available to help prepare you for the challenges ahead.

These tax changes will most likely occur regardless of who wins the next election, so I would not recommend taking a wait-and-see approach. If you wait for the election results, you will be hard pressed to complete your plan by the end of the year, and regardless of the winner, the issues will still re-main: an enormous deficit, spending that is out of control, and a Congress that can’t seem to work together.

A Historical View of TaxesWe have enjoyed historically low tax rates since the Rea-

gan years, but the trend is now reversing. Note on the chart (on right) that we have had an income tax

rate of 70 percent or more for half of the last 50 year period. You can also see that we have had an average tax rate of about

60 percent over the same period. Historically, we have two periods where our government

amassed a significant deficit, not unlike the one we are deal-ing with today: the first following the great depression and the second after World War II. Although those deficits were very different in many ways, we can see that tax rates rose significantly to help deal with the debt.

Many people I know do not think tax rates will rise signifi-

See TAX CUTS, Page 5.

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PAGE 21MAKING TECHNOLOGY

WORK FOR YOU

See LIFESTYLE, Page 3.

Take Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle

Senior Voice America…in print, on the web and on the air withHealth, Wealth & Wisdom. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Monday thru Friday,

from 4 to 5 p.m. as Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle.

Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.

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THE PHYSICALJOURNEY OF GRIEF

For many, taking the first step to-ward healthy living can seem over-whelming. But eating more fruits and vegetables, taking walks, washing your hands, and improving the well-being of your community are all easy ways to become a bit healthier. In fact, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA), nearly 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that can be pre-vented by living a healthier lifestyle. Each April, APHA celebrates National Public Health Week (NPHW) to spread the word about good health, encouraging both communities and individuals to take an active approach toward healthier living. This year, APHA invites you to “Join the Movement” to improve your health

and the health of your community, by providing these tips to make simple changes today for a healthier tomor-row.

Live active, eat healthySmall swaps – and steps – can lead to big changes.

• Check out the MyPlate recom-mendations from the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture (USDA) at www.choosemyplate.org to help plan your meals with proper pro-portions .• Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables when preparing meals.• Choose more fish and low-fat meat cuts.• Cook food at proper temperatures.

• Talk with elected leaders about including sidewalks, bike lanes and farmers markets in your com-munity.• Get at least 2 1/2 hours of mod-erate to vigorous exercise each week.• Encourage children to get 1 hour of active play each day.

Prevent tobacco, drug, and alco-hol abuseEducation goes a long way in prevent-ing substance abuse.

• Talk with your employer about implementing a substance man-agement and tobacco-cessation program for employees.• Advocate for smoke-free policies

Bush Tax Cuts Set To Expire 2013—Are You Prepared?

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2011-2013: Assuming expiration of Bush tax cuts. 2013:Includes new 3.8% Medicare surtax on investment income.Source: CCH, & Wolter Kluwers business.

HANDS

Senior Voice america aUgUST 2012

aUgUST 2012 Senior Voice america

in your community and workplace.• Follow prescription medication instructions thoroughly.• Do not use illicit drugs.• Do not drive if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Avoid the spread of communicable disease Communicable diseases can’t be avoided completely, but you can better protect your family with the following precautions.

• Wash your hands frequently.• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.• Immunize your family.• Disinfect surfaces in your home and workspace.• Talk with your employer about providing paid sick days to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.• Support local legislation aimed at lessening the impacts of some of the most serious communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, influenza and tu-berculosis.

Support reproductive and sexual health Advocacy and education can help encourage safe sex practices and reproductive health.

• Practice safe sex.• Use contraceptives. • Visit your doctor for regular screenings.• Promote access to quality health care to reduce HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases.• Advocate to get comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education in your communities.• Eat healthy, remain active, quit the use of tobacco and alcohol, and visit your doctor regularly, especially when pregnant.

Promote mental and emotional well-beingIt is important to advocate for mental health education in your community.

• Advocate for mental health awareness and programs within your commu-nity’s schools, businesses and community centers.• Talk with your employer about providing a comprehensive mental health services program as part of the organization’s healthcare plan.• Learn to recognize the symptoms of mental health issues, such as depres-sion.• Support local nonprofits aimed at educating community members about mental illness.• Seek out treatment for mental health issues.

Following these tips can lead to a much healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

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ContributorS

Kathryn A. Allen • Carole Bernson

Abne M. Eisenberg • Ruth Fanovich

Judith Sabghir Gannon • Robert B. Harwood

Ro Martinez • Carole McLeod • Eric Pfeiffer

Nancy M. Wong • June Hurley Young

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Senior Voice America is published monthly and is distributed free of charge, courtesy of its advertisers. Distribution area includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Articles and advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.

Hi Evan, I just wanted to thank you for your fantastic article in Senior Voice (July) titled: 236 Years Later, Would Our Fonding Fathers Recognize America.” You described my feelings exactly. I’m glad we have someone like you to put it into words. Keep up the good work and great articles.

Jim McColeman

I agree with your “Divided Country” Editorial and you are certainly contributing to the division with your criticisms of the democrats and praise of the republicans. You lie Reagan [about] and his “trickle down” policy, but that is what opened the door for the executives to increase their pay from 40 times employees pay to 440 times. Not much of a trickle was it? As for the 2008 election, the republicans didn’t want to win. That’s why McCain won the nomination and was allowed to pick … Sarah Palin for VP. Why? Because they could see how bad the economy was getting and decided to let the Democrats win so they could blame them for it. The republicans have not cooperated on anything Obama has tried to do to improve the economy – they have actually tried to make it worse with their no-hire policy and low taxes for the rich. Their part is more important than the country. It was Bush/Chaney that took a budget surplus and declining debt and turned it into this mess. Do you re-ally think that you can add drug coverage to Medicare, [run] 2 ridiculous wars and enact three tax cuts (capital gains, dividends & income) and not create a problem??? WAKE UP!!! I guess you are just the typical REPUBLICAN NARROW-MINDED! SELF-CENTERED! HYPOCRITE! From an Independent. I really think political parties should be abolished!

Publisher’s note: Thanks for your editorial. We always welcome letters to the editor and want to encour-age opinions whether they agree or not. However, every so often we receive letters from people without the courage to add their name. We will no longer publish those letters, so please send in your thoughts, letters and opinions, but remember to add your name. It adds credibility to the letter. As well, jumping to conclu-sions is always a risky endeavor. I am a Democrat, a fairly conservative one, but nevertheless a Democrat.

Tune in to 1250am WHNZ.

Monday – FridayFrom 4-5pm

lEttERS to tHE EdItoR

FRoM tHE PuBlISHER

“It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be under-stood.” —James Madison Those who founded our country had very definite thoughts about how it should be run. Creating a million different laws to cover every single aspect of our lives is obviously not one of the goals they were trying to achieve. Everyday life is nearly impossible to legislate. But today, this seems to be the goal of those in Washington. Do we need a government that grows faster than the private sector? Do we need to legislate ev-ery conceivable action we might take in life? Do we need to have legislation that addresses the smallest minority or problem, but, when implemented, costs so much it’s nearly unachievable or detrimental to the general welfare? I believe it is time to take a closer and harder look at what is happening in Washington, as well as our state Capitols, and reconsider if these actions and laws are for the greater good and, if as a society, we can even afford them. We can keep taxing ourselves into oblivion, but in the end we will have nothing left to live on. And as for borrowing, we cannot sustain ourselves by this method alone. In the immortal words of Mr. Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn, “Sometimes the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.”

Evan Gold

Legislating Everyday Life Was not the Plan

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See TAX CUTS, Page 28.

cantly. But think about this for a moment: if we have an above average deficit, isn’t it reasonable to assume that we will have above average tax rates to pay it down?

Isn’t it also prudent to assume that if, historically, the top tax rates averaged around 60 percent, that rates may top that amount sometime in the near future?

Some Changes You Need To Prepare ForTaxing your Investments – Starting in 2013, a 0.9 percent Medicare surtax

will apply to wages in excess of $200,000 for single taxpayers, or over $250,000 for married couples.

In addition, for the first time ever, a Medicare tax will apply to investment in-come of high earners. The 3.8 percent levy will hit the lesser of either

(1) their unearned income (defined as interest, dividends, capital gains, annui-ties, royalties and rents)

or (2) the amount by which their adjusted gross income exceeds the $200,000 or

$250,000 threshold amounts. The good news here for retirees is that tax-exempt interest will not be included,

nor will income from retirement accounts. They are also proposing to raise the amount of income that can be taxed for FICA. FICA, the Federal Insurance Contri-butions Act (FICA) tax, is a payroll tax imposed by the federal government on both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare.

We can also expect to see an increase in the tax rate on long-term capital gains from the sale of securities. The current maximum tax on long-term capital gains from the sale of securities is 15 percent. The 3.8 percent investment tax, combined with the expected expiration of the Bush tax cuts, would produce a 2013 top federal income tax rate of 23.8 percent. The top rate on interest, rents, royalties and certain “passive income” would rise to 43.4 percent from 35 percent.

Consequently, this may be a good time to do a little “tax-harvesting” by locking in today’s lower rates.

Taxes on the Sale of your Home – If you’ve heard rumors about paying a tax on the sale of your home, be advised that the rumors are true. The good news is that it does not apply to everyone, only high earners. The bad news for anyone that owns a home is that this tax will negatively affect house prices and further slow an already anemic real estate market. The proposed tax is 3.8 percent according to Section 1402 of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and per-

tains to both residential and investment homes.Reducing Your Medical Write-Offs – Workers at all income levels could be

squeezed by new limits on medical flexible spending accounts (FSA) and medical deductions. Additionally, in 2013 we can expect it to become more difficult to write off out-of-pocket medical costs on your 1040. Taxpayers under 65 will be able to de-duct such costs only to the extent they exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income, up from 7.5 percent now. Older taxpayers can still use the 7.5 percent threshold through 2016.

One percent Transaction Tax is Proposed on Your Bank Accounts – President Obama’s finance team is recommending a transaction tax on your check-ing and savings accounts. This is a 1 percent tax on all transactions at any financial institution e.g. banks, credit unions, etc. The tax is proposed to be levied on any de-posit you make. This means that when you deposit your paycheck or your Social Se-curity, a 1 percent tax will be charged. This effectively increases your income tax without calling it an income tax.

The proposed reversion of 33 percent marginal income tax rates – We are expecting a reversion of the 33 percent marginal income tax rate to its pre-Bush 39.6 percent and possibly higher. If you have nonqualified stock options that you can exercise, or have been considering a Roth IRA conversion, consider doing it this year.

Taxing Your Trusts – The 3.8 percent surtax will also apply to trust income in excess of $11,200 that isn’t distributed to beneficiaries. This even applies to special needs trusts.

Get Your Financial House In OrderHow you hold your investments affects your taxes – All these changes

make tax-efficient investing more crucial than ever before. Consider holding corpo-rate bonds and Treasuries in your tax-deferred accounts and buy tax-exempt mu-nicipal bonds for taxable accounts. Keep individual stocks in taxable accounts so you can harvest losses and benefit from the lower capital gains rate when you sell. If you still have unrealized losses from the market crash, harvest them and bank them for future use against the higher gains rate.

Evaluate a Roth Roll-Out – A Roth Roll-Out is a systematic approach that we utilize to move or convert funds from your IRA accounts into a Roth IRA. The key with any conversion is to minimize your tax obligations and the Roth Roll-Out is designed to do just this. This year will provide what may be a final opportunity for you to convert funds at today’s historically low rates. The looming 3.8 percent Medi-

TAX CUTS, from Page 1.


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When it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, Jamie Walker, co-founder and president of the online health community Fit Approach (www.FitAp-proach.com), knows a thing or two. A Yoga Alliance certified instructor and boot camp leader, Walker is also the winner of multiple marathons. “Losing weight and getting in shape is more than just counting calories and squat repetitions,” says Walker. “It’s about implementing healthy habits and actions into your daily life.” With this in mind, Walker shares her tips for shed-ding pounds and living healthier.

1. Trim Your Plate. When preparing meals, consider proper portion sizes for vegetables, lean proteins, grains and dairy. Using a smaller salad plate will help you keep por-tions in control, while also providing the visual cue that you have eaten enough food to feel satisfied. To learn more about portions, visit www.ChooseMy-Plate.gov.

2. Grab Your Toes, Not a Fork. “When you’re feeling tired or stressed out your first instinct may be to grab a snack. But before snack-ing, consider stretching,” suggests Walker. Stretching can help you feel rejuvenated, provide you with longer lasting energy, as well as help clear your mind.

3. When Dining Out, Go Dutch. When you’re out on the town try splitting a meal with a friend. Most restaurants serve por-tions that far exceed our dietary requirements for a single meal. Sharing food min-imizes the chance you’ll overeat.

4. Wake and Weigh. “Set a goal to step on

the scale at the same time each week,” says Walker. “Sticking to a routine will help keep you accountable, making it easier to track your progress.” Walker rec-ommends the iHealth Wireless Scale, which allows you to track your weight over time and compare re-sults to daily activities such as diet and exercise regi-mens. Results can be shared with your doctor, per-sonal trainer, family members or fitness partners via the free companion iHealth Scale app. Learn more at www.ihealth99.com.

5. Drink More Water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink roughly 3 li-ters of water each day (13 cups) and women should drink 2.2 liters (9 cups). Create the habit of drinking a glass of water before each meal to avoid over-eating. To learn more go to www.Mayo-Clinic.com.

6. Go Green. Make a sincere ef-fort to add something green to all of your meals. Dark, leafy greens are full of fiber, which is proven

to help you feel fuller longer. Greens such as spinach and kale are also packed with important vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals.

7. Don’t Call it a Workout, Call it Fun. Instead of associating your workout with “work,” channel your positive energy and make your exercise time pleasurable. Walker recommends working out to your favorite tunes and trying fun, non-conventional ways to burn calories like dancing, jumping rope or doing squats while brushing your teeth in the morn-ing. For more tips on creative ways to workout, visit www.LiveStrong.com.

8. Slip into Something Less Comfortable. Ditch the sweatpants and opt for something that makes you feel amazing. Studies show that you’re less likely to overeat if you feel con-

fident.

9. Don’t Subtract, Just Add. Instead of focusing on foods you have to subtract from your diet, focus on the foods that can always be added, like fiber-rich fruits and

vegetables. Try new combinations of wholesome foods. You may be surprised by how much you

enjoy flavorful, seasonal produce in some of your favorite dishes, such as vegetar-

ian lasagna.

10. Early to Bed, Early to Rise. According to the National

Sleep Foundation, short sleep duration is linked with an increase in body mass index due to an increased appetite caused by sleep de-

privation. Learn more about getting a good night’s sleep at

www.SleepFoundation.org.

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10 Easy Weight Loss Tips to Help You Slim Down

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GRIEF MAttERS

The Physical Journey of Grief

By Carole McLeod,

Certified Bereavement Facilitator, Grief Matte

“Self-care is essential when we are in the midst of our grief. We need in times of grief to care for ourselves. It is the best legacy to the memories of those who cared so much about us.”

— Kenneth Doka, PhD

It’s no surprise to learn that grief affects you emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically. We often fail to pay attention to the physical part of grief during a grief journey. We tend to be aware of our emotional feelings, we sometimes question our faith, and we find it difficult to reach out to family and friends; but taking care of the physical body can be the least thing we consider.

Let’s look at some physical problems that may interfere when we are doing the hard work of mourning: • Loss of appetite or eating too much• Weight loss or weight gain• Stomach problems• Tension headaches• No sleep, too much sleep or interrupted sleep• Lack of strength• Physical exhaustion• Heart palpitations

• Shortness of breath• Feelings of “something stuck in throat”• Feelings of emptiness or heaviness• Nervousness• Lack of energy• Catching a cold or flu more easily, immune system compromised

As you move through your grief journey, learn to take good care of yourself by fol-lowing some suggestions for a healthy you:• Get a good physical examination; be sure to tell your doctor about your loved one’s death.• Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, eye sight).• Eat balanced, nutritional meals.• Drink lots of fluids, five to six glasses of water a day.• Avoid caffeine, especially if you are having trouble sleeping.• Limit alcohol, one a day. Alcohol is a depressant and can interrupt your sleep.• Exercise—walking (it’s free and you can do it anytime, anywhere), swimming, running, whatever you were used to doing before the death.• Practice relaxation techniques; learn to breathe in and out slowly.

• Do something nice for yourself: long hot shower, bubble bath, massage, etc.• Try to get adequate rest, start getting ready to go to bed at least two hours before you want to fall asleep, no phone calls work or stresses. • Drink small glass of milk with small amount of starch (cookie, cracker, slice of bread).• Put balance in your life. • Keep a routine which will keep stress down. Put your wallet, check book, car and house keys in same place and organize your paper work. Make list of errands to do, groceries, important dates.• Continue hobbies and interests that you had before the death occurred or start new ones.• Find things you like doing with your hands. This often calms the mind and in turn helps the body stay healthy.• Accept social engagements and be with friends that you enjoy, avoiding those who sap your energy and wear you down emotionally.• Take time out from your schedule to travel, go back to a class and learn something that you always wanted to know, or read your favorite books.• Treat yourself to something special, like art work, going to theatre or jewelry.• Do small things for other people, things you enjoy doing. You will feel better being able to make a difference in someone’s life.

Remember, by leading a healthy life, you can continue honoring the memory of your loved one in the most vibrant and vivid way possible. Keep your body strong, and your heart and mind will follow.

By Carole McLeod, Certified Bereavement Facilitator, Grief Matters


Acai and Other Berries: Fact or Fiction?

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Consequences of Hearing Loss and How New Digital Technology

Can Help You Hear Better

Cindi Garrett (L) with Kathy Allen. Garrett, a cancer survivor, attended R.E.N.E.W. 180™ after completing her treatment. She says she especially liked the program’s nutrition information because it encouraged small incremental diet changes that became permanent lifestyle changes.

By Kathryn A. Allen, MA, RD, LD/N, CSO

Are acai berries really as magical as they sound? Read on. These small Brazilian berries, claimed to be found solely in the rainforest and intro-duced to the Northern Hemisphere in recent years, have gained popularity due to their purported health benefits. Part of the allure of acai (ä-sä-’ë) berries seems to be their scarcity because they can be found “only” in the Brazilian rainforest. Ads for acai prod-ucts suggest that they can help shed pounds, flatten tummies, cleanse colons, enhance sexual desire and even prevent cancer, among a long list of other things. The acai berry comes from a species of palm tree native to Central and South Amer-ica, from Belize south to Brazil and Peru, and they grow mainly in swamps and flood-plains. For years, these berries have been used as a major food source in the Amazon region of Brazil.

Cancer-Fighting Chemicals Found In Berries Many people know that antioxidants neutralize free radicals, but they become con-fused by various products claiming to have a superior antioxidant capacity. The answer lies in how tests are conducted and which results are made public by the manufacturer. Results from a recent study, for example, showed higher antioxidant activity in pome-granate, Concord grape, blueberry and black cherry juices compared to acai berry juice. Additional research has shown that all edible berries, including acai, are rich in cancer-fighting chemicals known as phytochemicals. Strawberries and raspberries are particularly rich in a phytochemical called ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to help the body deactivate certain carcinogens. Blueberries contain the phenolic compounds anthocyanosides, which are among the most potent antioxidants yet discov-ered. Grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, another phytochemical from the phenol family that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Even so, the extent to which antioxidants by themselves promote health is debatable. There’s no scientific evidence to support claims that acai berries or any other fruit juice perform any of the other commonly advertised functions. In the world of fruits, vegetables and phytochemicals, 1+1 does not always equal 2; it may equal 3, scientists have found. When specific phytochemicals have been extracted from a food to study the antioxidant properties, the potency is lower than that which is found when the phytochemical is tested in the form of whole food. Eating phytochemicals in the proportion and combination nature intended seems to have a synergistic effect. Simply put, there is much greater benefit to be found in eating the whole food, such as whole berries or grapes, as opposed to taking a juice extract, powder or pill. Eating a variety of nutrient- and phytochemical-dense fruits and vegetables has a much greater impact on overall health and cancer risk reduction than taking an indi-vidual supplement. Although blueberries and raspberries may not have the same trendy appeal as acai berries, they pack the same punch and can put a few dollars back in your wallet. Drinking pomegranate juice or, better yet, eating pomegranates can give you more antioxidants, fiber and the added benefit of consuming fewer calories. My nutrition advice: Avoid trends and eat a rainbow of healthy, delicious fruits and vegetables every day.

Kathryn A. Allen, MA, RD, LD/N, CSO, is the director of Moffitt Cancer Center’s De-partment of Nutrition where she has been a registered dietitian since 1992. She has served as project manager and co-investigator for several National Cancer Institute-funded research studies. Additionally, Allen was instrumental in the development and implementation of Moffitt’s R.E.N.E.W. 180™, a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program designed to meet the needs of cancer survivors after they have completed the initial phase of their therapy.

By Dr. Nancy M. Wong, Au.D.

Hearing loss often has complex consequences. Many facets of everyday life become increasingly more difficult. Conversations with loved ones, meetings, phone calls and watching TV can be particularly challenging. In many cases, people with hearing loss will withdraw and become socially isolated. Their quality of life diminishes noticeably. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids experience more sadness, fear and anxiety than hearing aid users. They reduce their social activities, become emotionally unstable and have trouble concentrating. On the other hand, studies also show that hearing aid users experience a dramatically increased quality of life as soon as they start using a hearing aid.

They maintain better family relation-ships, have more self-confidence and experience more independence and security.

If hearing loss is not corrected, it can result in physical issues such as tiredness or fatigue, headaches, vertigo and stress. The described symptoms are not always caused by untreated hearing loss, but they are observed in many cases.

The newest digital hearing aid technology uses advanced algorithms to im-prove speech understanding in noisy environments, as well as directionality features to focus on the person you are interested in listening to. In addition to these improved speech enhancement qualities, the modern hearing aid tech-nology also helps to make life more convenient by offering Bluetooth capabili-ties for cell phone, mp3 player and t.v. streaming, as well as automatic T-coil for talking on a landline telephone. Some even have a voice indicator that tells you that your battery is going out or use your cell phone to act as a remote to change the settings on your hearing aids. Technology has certainly come a long way of providing convenient ways of improved hearing, thus an improved qual-ity of life.

Dr. Nancy M. Wong, Au.D., is the director of Audiology & Hearing Center of Tampa.


HElPInG otHERSThe Art of Caregiving

By Eric Pfeiffer, M.D.

The Art of Caregiving is an occasional column that appears in this pub-lication from time to time. While Dr. Pfeiffer’s experience is primarily with caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the princi-ples he discusses apply to caregivers of many other chronic conditions.

How Caregiving Can Be Rewarding Undoubtedly you know that caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another chronic health condition can be demanding, challeng-ing, and at times even overwhelming. What you may not know is that care-giving can also be very rewarding.

1. Caregiving is an act of giving.Caregiving is, above all, an act of giving. You have heard it said that it is better to give than to receive. This is also true of caregiving. More im-portantly, caregiving is an act of unconditional giving. It is giving with-out expecting anything in return, pure and simple. Giving ennobles you; caregiving practically makes you into a saint. But there are also practical rewards that come with caregiving of a loved one. For example, you can still enjoy their company. You can still engage in pleasurable activities with your loved one and keep your loved one with you by accepting the caregiver role. You can keep your loved one in his or her own home for as long as possible, thereby saving a huge amount of money which you might otherwise have to spend for paid caregiving or for institutional care.2. Caregiving produces gratitude.Another reward of caregiving is gratitude, though not necessarily from the person for whom you are providing care. You have to remember that recipients of care are themselves suffering a great deal, and may not be capable of expressing gratitude; in fact quite the opposite at times. How-ever, you will certainly have earned their gratitude, as well as that of other family members and the larger society as well. Without the care provided by largely unpaid family caregivers, our national economy might be in even worse shape than it currently is. 3. Caregiving fosters personal and spiritual growth.Perhaps most significantly of all, caregiving will allow you to grow, per-sonally and spiritually. You will make many new friends by meeting oth-er caregivers. Caregiving will increase your self-esteem, call on all your creativity, and keep you physically and mentally active and challenged. It will prepare you for anything else that may come your way in the rest of your life. Above all, you will experience the personal satisfaction that you are doing the right thing for the person with whom you have spent many good years, and who would do the same for you if the circumstanc-es were reversed. You will become a hero: In the minds of many, caregiv-ers today are our modern, if often un-sung, heroes.

Dr. Pfeiffer is the author of “The Art of Caregiving in Alzheimer’s Dis-ease.” It is an A to Z guide to the caregiver experience, available at http://eric pfeiffermd.com. Or you can go to Amazon.com where both the e-book and print copy of the book are available for purchase. Dr. Pfeiffer welcomes comments or reactions to his articles, and you can e-mail him at [email protected].

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Discharge PlanninglEt’S tAlK

By Nurse Ruth

Years ago (and I’m not talking about the Jurassic period), on the day of a hospital admission it was protocol to collabo-rate with social services on discharge planning. Today, pro-tocol is still the same; discharge plans for a patient start on the day of admission. However, due to the influence of the health insurance industry, patients are discharged much earlier today. In many cases, although they are medical-ly stabilized, they’re still not able to care for themselves. Consequently, each family needs to actively participate in the discharge plans of their loved ones. Here are some things to consider to ensure your family mem-ber has what he or she needs when they leave the hospital. 1. Safety First: You should realize that the home environment prior to the illness/hospital-ization may no longer be sufficient or safe upon discharge. The patient may need a short term admis-sion to a rehab facility prior to going home. The hos-pital is required to make this referral and it is the individual’s choice where they go. 2. Entitlement: Upon returning home, your family member may be entitled to home care. This requires a physician’s order for physical therapy, occupational therapy and skilled nursing. Also, included in those dis-charge orders should be any durable medical equipment needed in the home. Nutritional counseling is also covered under Medicare and can be ordered by your physician. This

is very important for patients with diabetes or kidney dis-ease. However, depending on medical insurance, this can vary. 3. Plan: Upon discharge to the home, you should have any new medication prescriptions, diet change information, activity restrictions, information on follow up doctor ap-pointments, and home health referrals, when appropriate. 4. Knowledge: You should also make sure you know the

present medical status of your family member and any ongoing treatment that may be necessary. Also, you should be given names of any specialists needed for the

care of the patient. It is important that the family be involved

and included in the discharge planning pro-cess. You can also request a care plan meeting with Case Management to dis-cuss short and long term goals. Discharge planning is a collaborative effort by the health care team. It should include the patient, the family and the primary care physician and nurse to pro-

vide a smooth transition home. If you have a concern, viewpoint or

comment with regard to this subject matter, Let’s Talk!

Ruth Fanovich, RN, LHRM, is the Owner of Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. and RMF Care Management, Inc. www.CarePlace-mentHH.com


It costs you nothing and could bring a great deal of sunshine into your life. The power of a warm and engaging smile cannot and should not be underestimated. As body language, your smile makes you look younger, more attractive, relieves stress, improves your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, and tells people that you are friendly and approachable. Which of your friends and relatives smile and which ones hardly ever smile? How do you feel about the smilers? Ask everyone you meet tomorrow to show you their smile. See which smiles appear genuine and which ones look artificial. Ask close friends to describe your smile. Is it warm, inviting, forced or honest? Like fingerprints, smiles depict character and personality. It might be a good idea to investigate the treasure that is sitting right under your nose.

Did you know a smile does not mean the same thing in other parts of the world? In Russia, a random smile suggests that the person is either crazy or a chump. In Scandinavia, it denotes an inability to show emotions. In Asia, it does not indicate joy or friendliness, but can convey pain or embarrassment. In Japan, it prevents im-posing one’s unhappiness or sadness on others. Not all smiles are alike. The muscles that create a smile are not always the same on both sides of the mouth. Sometimes, one overpowers the other producing a crooked smile. Photographers tell us that people complain about their smile more than any other facial feature. Most people have difficulty describing their own smile. While they might say that it is warm, inviting and believable, defining it in words is often difficult. In the blink of an eye, the contraction of seventeen muscles in your face can pro-duce a smile. It can bring back happy or sad memories from thirty or forty years ago. Unlike so many other things you can give away, you can share your smile with others and still keep it. Scientists continue to have difficulty figuring out why smiles have such magnetic power. While they are able to identify different kinds of smiles, they are unable to figure out how millions, perhaps billions of brain cells, orchestrate a single smile ca-pable of having such magical power. So weave your personal magic and smile!

To read more, you can order Professor Eisenberg’s book, “Perscriptive Communi-cation for the Healthcare Provider,” by calling Trafford Publications at 1-888-232-4444.

Your Smile is Like MagicBy Professor Abne M. Eisenberg

SElP HElP

“Unlike so many other things you can give away, you can share

your smile with others and still keep it.”


ARound tHE HoME

Choosing the Right Light Bulb

©bigstockphoto.com

PoEtRY CoRnER

The way you light your home is changing, starting with how you shop for light bulbs.

In addition to new choices in technology – state of the art LEDs or CFLs, for example – you have a variety of options in terms of brightness, as well as how long you want the bulb to last. In addition, you have the option of spending more money up front on an energy efficient bulb that can save you money in the long-run.

The good news is you don’t have to be an Edi-son to find the right bulb. Use these tips and re-sources to pick the perfect bulb for your home.

Calculate Your SavingsBefore you hit the stores, do your homework.

Determine what lighting attributes are impor-tant to you, whether it’s long life, instant-on, dimming capabilities, bulb shape or luminosity. Different bulb technologies offer different benefits. To boil down how much a more efficient bulb will help you, look for resources like the savings calculator GE offers at www.gelighting.com/lighttransforms. It shows consumers how much they’ll save by switching from in-candescent bulbs to GE’s Energy-Efficient Soft White bulbs, which operate much like incandescent bulbs but are up to 28 percent more efficient.

Check the FactsThe back of every new light bulb package now in-

cludes a “Lighting Facts” label that is similar in form to the nutrition label on the back of food boxes. The Light-

ing Facts label provides information about lumens (brightness), energy cost, life expectancy, light appear-ance (warm versus cool light), wattage and mercury content. Mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the label standardizes how companies in the lighting industry convey light bulb features, helping you quickly make comparisons between bulbs and bulb technologies.

Look for Lumens, Not Watts In addition to the Lighting Facts label, some light

bulb packaging focuses more on classifications by watts versus classifications by lumens. While you may have always equated watts with brightness in the past, in

true lighting terms, this gauge isn’t accurate. Watts are merely the measure of electrical ener-gy used to light a bulb. A lumen is a measure of the bulb’s brightness. Simply put, the higher the lumen number, the brighter the bulb. So, if you are looking for a brighter light, look for a higher lumen number on the box. The same isn’t neces-sarily true for watts. In fact, a 13 watt CFL may be brighter than a 60 watt incandescent bulb.

Examine New Packaging

Along with the Lighting Facts label, some manufacturers are helping consumers decipher bulb differences by changing their packaging. For example, one company has implemented a color-coding system to help you better under-

stand the light that will be emitted from each bulb. Col-or selections are modeled after the natural cycle of daylight, from sunrise to sunset. For example, yellow boxes represent bulbs with strong, vibrant light ideal for home cooking, cleaning and grooming, while purple boxes represent subtle and reassuring light for use at night.

For more tips on finding the light bulb that’s right for your needs, visit www.GELighting.com/light-transforms.

Hands

What beautiful things they are

Ten fingers

That can touch a heart

Or paint a portrait

Or reach for a star

How fragile they are

I knew a man

Blessed with a pair

A man in constant despair

Never trying

Always crying

Hands

I knew a man

With only one

His five fingers

Touched the sun

In love

In gratitude

H A N D SBy Carole Bernson, Senior Voice America Reader

photo coURtEsY gE LightiNg


SElF HElPSUDDENLY ALONE — How to Survive and Thrive

By Ro Martinez

Finding yourself alone after years of being in a marriage or relationship can be devastating. The loneliness can feel like a vacuum that is sucking the life out of you and robbing you of your joy. Simple day-to-day activities may be-come difficult to accomplish, and concentration may be lost. Whether you are alone as a result of a death, separation or divorce, the feelings of loneliness and frustration may be the same. Pre-pare yourself to address the critical areas of life so that you can survive and thrive on your own.

Get Fiscally FitPartners who have not shared financial re-

sponsibilities with their mates can feel over-whelmed when they must pay the bills, manage their finances and create a budget. Some may have to return to the workplace after years of re-tirement and may feel ill-prepared in this tech-nologically advanced world.

Paying bills can also be confusing in this age of electronic banking using computers or smart phones. If you need help, stop by your bank and ask for help using their website and features. Or, if you’re more comfortable, you can still use the old-fashioned method of writing checks and mailing payments with most companies. Plus, many banks and senior centers offer free work-shops on financial issues such as online security, taxes, financial and estate planning. When seek-ing financial advice, make sure to go to a trust-ed, reputable individual to protect your investments.

Get Physically FitIf you have been a caregiver, you may have

neglected yourself. Now is the time to take care of you. Make healthy meals, exercise, and make a good night’s sleep a priority.

Get ConnectedGet connected to family by offering to help

with the care of grandchildren. No one can take care of children like family. Care of children is not just reserved for babies -- older children need rides to afterschool activities such as

sports, dance or piano lessons. If you decide to relocate to be closer to family, stay connected with your friends. Cell phones, email and social media make it easy to stay in touch. Getting con-nected by meeting new friends at your place of worship, grandchildren’s school, gym or social clubs will help ease the transition to your new location.

Get InvolvedThe following advice comes from my book,

Modeling At Any Age, and is something we should all strive to follow.

Spend quality time with family. Even if they are out of state, keep in touch with them and de-velop a close relationship. Get out and meet peo-ple, join a club, become a volunteer or go on vacation. Develop a hobby, take dance or voice lessons. Renew your faith. Making worship a very important part of life is a sure way to attain inner beauty that you can share with others. Worship will give you strength to help cope with stress in your life. All these things make for a more interesting person, one who is full of life, and whom others will want to be close to and work with.

Doing this will help you survive, even thrive, and you will realize that you are never really alone.

Ro Martinez, author, model, and modeling coach, has been in the business for 25 years. Her book Modeling At Any Age is a step-by-step, comprehensive, easy-to-read guide for modeling and how to flourish in the industry. For information on becoming a model or ac-tress, visit www.modelingatanyage.net or email Ro at [email protected]

Photos by Angela Mann Photography

Hair and makeup by Monique McLaughlin

www.hairandmakeupbymonique.com


SEnIoR HAPPEnInGS

auGuSt MondayS & fridayS

Creative Exercise Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

A toning, stretching, laughing, dancing, “I feel good” class with lively music. Designed for those over 50! 10:15-11:15am, $3.00 daily or $16.00 monthly.

For information call (727) 893-7326. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located along the shores of Lake Maggiore at 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Peters-burg 33705.

AUGUST 1-19

The Secret Paris of the 1930’SMuseum of Photographic Arts

Woody Allen’s movie Midnight in Paris is a jolly, slightly melancholy fantasy about the time between WW1 & WW2 that the protagonist considers the city’s golden age when Paris brimmed with artists and writ-ers from around the world. This exhibition of Vingate photo’s explores that same period from a very different perspective. $8.00-$10.00 donation.

For information and hours call (813) 221-2222. The Museum of Photographic Arts is located at 400 N. Ashley Dr. Ste. 200, Tampa 33602.

AUGUST 1-20

To the ArcticMuseum of Science and Industry

Travel to the ocean and tundra of the far north to witness the amazing richness and complexity of this environment. Venture across floating ice with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as they struggle to sur-vive. Discover the extraordinary underwater world of the Arctic sea with beluga whales, sharks and walrus-es. Fly above a thundering herd of caribou making their way to their calving ground.

Experience a visually breathtaking story of life in the Arctic and the rapid changes occurring there be-cause of climate change. $6.00-$11.95.

For information and hours call (813) 987-6000. The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33617.

AUGUST 1-26

Adam & Eve: Paintings by Samuel BakHolocaust Museum

Central to the mission of the Florida Holocaust Mu-seum is the program to collect, preserve, and make available to the public the historical record and artistic and interpretation of the Holocaust and other geno-cides.

The Museum collects and maintains the material that supports its efforts in the areas of research, exhi-

bition, education, and commemoration. 10:00am-5:00pm, tickets $14.00 adults, $12.00 for seniors 65+.

For information and hours call (727) 820-0100. The Holocaust Museum is located at 55 5th Street South, Saint Petersburg 33701.

AUGUST 1-31

Traveling Estuaries Learning KioskSt. Petersburg Pier Aquarium

The Pier Aquarium recently installed a new interac-tive learning kiosk, Too Rich for Gulf Waters, on loan for the summer from the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program in Alabama.

The Pier Aquarium is the first stop of the traveling kiosk exhibit which has short informative lectures, ani-mated videos and entertaining games. Five different programs explain the water cycle and storm water run-off in both English and Spanish.

For information and hours call (727) 803-9799. The St. Petersburg Pier Aquarium is located at 800 Sec-ond Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 33701.

AUGUST 1-31

Genealogy/Family History Classes in August Largo Public Library

Free classes this month provided by the Pinellas Ge-nealogy Society. See the complete listing with details of classes and scheduled times at www.flpgs.org/classes.aspx. Email Bob Bryan at [email protected]

For information call (727) 595-4521. The Largo Public Library is located at 120 Central Park Dr., Lar-go 33770.

AUGUST 4, 11, 18, 25

Swing Dance SaturdaysLargo Community Center

Come enjoy an evening of dancing and socializing every Saturday night. Enjoy a free lesson from 7 to 8pm and a DJ dance from 8pm until 11pm. Our resi-dent DJ is Savoy Swing. Don’t miss out on our 5600 square foot sprung hardwood floor. $6.00-$7.00.

For information visit LargoCommunityCenter.com or call (727) 518-3131. The Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Rd., Largo 33771.

AUGUST 10, 17, 19, 24, 31

Strawberry Singles DanceStardust Dance Center

Come join us Fridays from 8:00pm-10:00pm and Sundays from 3:00pm-6:00pm for an evening of dance, food and good times! Bring a friend or meet someone new. Sunday the 19th bring a covered dish - enough to share. Doors open at 7:00pm Fridays and 1:30pm on Sunday, tickets $5.00-$7.00.

For information call (863) 409-7714 or email [email protected]. TheStardust Dance Center is located at 1405 Collins St., Plant City 33566.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31

Bachelors & Bells Friday Night DanceZendah Grotto Hall

Come dance the night away on the largest wooden dance floor in Tampa. Snacks & drinks are available. 7-11:30pm, tickets are $7.00 for members and $9.00 for non-members.

For information call (813) 971-0817. The Zendah Grot-to Hall is located at 4402 West Ohio Ave., Tampa 33614.

AUGUST 10

Summer Jazz Series: With IMPROMPTU Museum of Fine Arts

Some of the Tampa Bay area’s best jazz musicians will perform Fridays during the fifth season of this music series. Music takes place in the museum’s glass conservatory, and the MFA Cafe will be open for din-ner and a beer and wine cash bar. Show starts at 6:30pm, tickets $10.00, $5.00 members, includes mu-seum admission.

For information call (727) 896-2667. The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 255 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg 33701.

AUGUST 10

Square DancingLargo Community Center

Resident caller Allen Snell puts you through the paces and leads you around the floor. No alcohol permitted. 7:30pm, tickets $6.00.

For information and times call (727) 518-3131. The Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Rd., Largo 33771.

AUGUST 10

Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island Preserve

Help Weedon Island Preserve find their birds. Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of year-round and seasonal bird residents. Then, hit the trails with binocu-lars and a check list to help them track their current birds. Recommended for adults only. Free

For information and hours call (727) 453-6500. Weedon Island Preserve is located at 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 33702.

AUGUST 10

Aqua ZumbaSt. Pete Beach Aquatic Center

All the fun and benefits of Zumba with no impact and all the resistance of the water in this weekly work out for all ages and all fitness levels. 10:00am, $6.00 $5.00 for residents.

For information call (727) 363-9245. The St. Pete Beach Aquatic Center is located at 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach 33706.

AUGUST 11

Simply..Gluton Free CupcakesNature’s Food Patch

The Food Patch’s new gluten-free chef, Carol Kicins-ki, demonstrates gluten free cupcake treats in this class, offered with a different recipe the second Satur-day of each month at 3pm. Free.

For information call (727) 443-6703. Nature’s Food Patch is located at 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater 33755.

AUGUST 11

Ybor City Saturday MarketCentennial Park

This market features produce, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, plants, pet treats, arts and crafts, jewelry and bath and body products.

For information call (813) 241-2442. Centennial Park is located at 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa 33605.


email your Senior Happenings to:

[email protected]

The Deadline for the September Issue

is August 13th

AUGUST 12

SCIPS SinglesSunken Gardens Tour

Join your friends from SCIPS Singles for a picnic and tour at scenic Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. $10 in-clusive.

For information call Mary at (727) 253-4874. Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg 33704.

AUGUST 14

Dementia Care SeminarPacifica Senior Living

We’ll share insights and tips developed by Teepa Snow (MS,OTR/L, FAOTA) during her 30+ years in geriatrics. Come discover a positive new approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. You’ll learn: How and when to seek help from a physician, the difference between Alzheim-er’s and dementia, how different parts of the brain are af-fected by dementia. Free, refreshments served. 10:00am and 2:00pm.

For reservations call (813) 938-2261. Pacifica Senior Living is located at 3855 Upper Creek Dr., Sun City Cen-ter 33573.

AUGUST 16

Latin NightsMaestro’s

Maestro’s Restaurant and Simone Salsa present Latin Nights. Come improve your Salsa with a 30 minute dance lesson. With the live band you will dance the night away. Cash bar and tapas menus available. 8pm-1am, $15.00 cover fee.

Maestro’s Restaurant is located at the Straz Center 1010 North W. C. Maclnnes Pl., Tampa 33602.

AUGUST 17

Aunt Donna’s Traveling Butterfly GardenMemorial Hospital

A special presentation by “The Butterfly Lady!” Come and learn about these beautiful creatures and how you can create your own butterfly garden. Refreshments and presentation will be held in the Auditorium. Visit Memo-rial Hospital’s butterfly garden while you are here! 2-3pm.

For information call (813) 342-1313. Memorial Hos-pital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa 33609.

AUGUST 18

Clearwater Singles Dance 50+Colreavy Hall

Live music by the ever popular “Sincerely Yours” band. Dress code: “dressy casual” attire. (No shorts, jeans, beach wear). Join SCIPS for a fun evening, meet-ing new singles, listening to entertaining music and so-cializing. Admission:$5.00/members, and $7.00/non-members. Door prizes will be awarded. Couples wel-come. No reservations are necessary. You may bring your own snacks and beverages. Cups and ice are furnished, and sodas are available. Monthly dances, featuring live music, are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month.

For information call (727) 446-1619 or (727) 461-7104. Colreavy Hall is located at 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater 33756.

AUGUST 18

Community Wide Garage Sale & Health/Wellness Expo

Southwest Recreation Complex

Pack up everything and bring it to the garage sale at the Southwest Recreation Complex or come and browse the sale. At the same time there will be a health and well-ness fair. Tables may still be available for the garage sale. The health & wellness expo will include, give-a-ways, chair massages, ear & hearing scans and more. 8am-12pm.

For information call (727) 518-3125. The Southwest Recreation Complex is located at 13120 Vonn Rd., Lar-go 33774.

AUGUST 20

Low Vision Support GroupMemorial Hospital

Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month at 11:30 for a light lunch to discuss challenges and to learn and gain from resources. This support group is for adults with vi-sion issues and their families and friends. 11:30am-12:30pm, Free.

For information call (813) 342-1313. Memorial Hos-pital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa 33609.

AUGUST 23

Summer Jazz on the BeachBilmar Beach Resort

Bobby Tess and the Dixie Chaps will play from 7 to 9:30pm at the Bilmar Beach Resort, Treasure Island. Adm. $7.00.

For Information call (727)-522-6877. The Bilmar Beach Resort is located at 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island 33706.

AUGUST 24

SPECIAL EVENTAllegro East Lake

Join special guest Dale Smrekar for a special CLE event, The Art of proper Estate Liquidation.

For information and reservations call (727) 943-8878. Allegro East Lake is located at 1755 East Lake Rd., Tarpon Springs 34688.

AUGUST 24

Moxy Concert - Believe in MiraclesLargo Cultural Center

On Friday, August 24th at 8pm, the concert and vari-ety show will feature the area’s most talented performers, vocalists and musicians: singer/songwriter and musician Jayne Kelli, award winning performer Rebecca Zapen, American Idol Experience Dream Ticket winner Vanessa Quillao, actress and singer Becca McCoy, singer/song-writer and musician A.J. Swearingen, a special perfor-mance by Moving Arts of Tampa Bay, and the talented vocalists Jennifer Real, Rossana Spallino, Chantelle Ash-by and Reggie Dockens. 8pm, tickets $24.00-$32.00.

For information call (727) 587-6793. The Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 33771.

AUGUST 25

Moxy Miracle Healthy Living ExpoLargo Cultural Center

Moxy Miracle Healthy Living Expo will offer educa-tional sessions to help men and women understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. It will feature companies, health professionals, products and services in both the traditional and alternative health care fields. In addition, inexpensive and free health screening exams will be available. The Expo will also feature fun products that go along with living a healthy lifestyle including

SEnIoR HAPPEnInGSearth-inspired products such as jewelry, art and organic goods. 10am-3pm.

For information call (727) 587-6793. The Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 33771.

AUGUST 25

Fit a ThonHighland Recreation Complex

Don’t worry if you missed your workouts this week–you can get them all in one day! Join the Highland Rec-reation fitness instructors and staff as you sweat the day away, receive free goodies, create new healthy recipes, enjoy a free chair massage, learn stress reduction tips and more. All children who attend will get free school supplies. Time: 9-11am. Free.

For information call (727) 518-3016. The Highland Recreation Complex is located at 400 Highland Ave., Largo 33770.

AUGUST 26

The Importance of Being ErnestWest Coast Players

This play is a farcical comedy in which the protago-nists maintain fictitious personae in order to escape bur-densome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victori-an ways. Optional dinner follows. Show time 2pm, tick-ets $12.00.

For information call Janet at (727) 461-7104. West Coast Players is located at 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater, 33765.

AUGUST 31

Family Campfire Night Full MoonBoyd Hill Nature Preserve

Enjoy a short hike and an evening around the camp-fire with family and new found friends. We’ll even have s’mores! (Children must be accompanied by adult). 7-8:30pm, tickets $5.00 .

For information call (727) 893-7326. The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 1101 Country Club Way So., St. Petersburg 33705.

SEPTEMBER 6

Rock the ParkCurtis Hixon Park

Rock the Park is a monthly music series showcasing Tampa’s musical talents of all genres. In addition to live music, there will be food and beverages on site. First Thursday of every month. Free, Time: 6:30pm.

For more information visit http://www.rockthepa-rktampa.com/. Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa 33602.


Reflections on a Green Thumb

Open: M-F 8am to 4pm

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

JudI’S GEMS

By Judith Sabghir Gannon

Most of my friends know that I am not a “green thumb” kind of person. Un-like my mother, who simply had the knack for growing magnificent flowers, plants and vegetables, I manage to kill almost everything. Happily, I relinquish all gardening opportunities to my con-dominium association.

Occasionally I pull out a few weeds which peek through the mulch. Doing so requires no talent or brain power on my part. Noth-ing perishes in front of my house, but the interior of my res-idence has only one plant be-cause of my dismal planting skills. Believe it or not, I have kept this plant alive for almost nine years. For me, that is a miracle. My faith tells me that God, in His infinite wisdom, has watched over this plant for years. All I have ever done is water it.

Whenever I travel, I make a point of watering my precious greenery before I depart. I have never asked neighbors to check on its status, and I have success-fully rescued it after some of the longer trips. Perhaps its longevi-ty is related to its poignant per-sonal history.

Just before my husband passed away, a friend brought him this plant as a get well gift. The colorful planter actually contains two items—a

philodendron and a spider plant.To my utter amazement, even after

all these years, the spider plant is still very much alive. Although the philo-dendron has shedded many leaves, it continues to sprout new ones on a regu-lar basis.

Throughout the years, family mem-bers, friends, students and assorted in-dividuals have brought me beautiful flowers and plants in decorative plant-

ers. I am ashamed to admit that I did not have the right touch to keep most of them alive. Switching to silk plants made more sense to me. Just recently one of my “green thumb” friends gave me gorgeous tulips for my birthday. Al-though I haven’t planted the bulbs yet, I have enlisted a friend to help me. As long as I am not the primary caregiver, the tulips have a fighting chance to sur-vive.

When I reflect on my childhood, I re-alize that I should have paid more atten-tion to my mother, may she rest in peace, as she pruned and protected her

many flowers, plants and veg-etables. I honestly only re-member pulling weeds and raking leaves. As a kid, I just did not enjoy the outdoor chores, and on weekends, I only wanted to go out with my friends.

Now, of course, I under-stand why my parents intro-duced my siblings and me to so many diverse opportuni-ties. They were teaching us life skills and life lessons. Naturally, as children, we had other agendas. My par-ents, especially my mother, had an extreme reverence,

respect and gratitude for all living things, including animals, birds and in-sects.

She rarely, if ever, killed insects. She attempted to imbue each of us with the same level of appreciation she had for nature’s bounty.

Pondering all of this, I conclude that my one plant has one purpose. It serves as a daily reminder to cherish what we have and preserve the memories and legacies of our loved ones.

photos ©bigstockphoto.com


photo coURtEsY of gEttY imagEs

One of the most important decisions you will make for your pet is the type of food they eat. Though generic, run-of-the-mill pet food may be cheap and easily available, there are certain pet foods that are a cut above that can provide important benefits to the health of the pet. But finding the most nutritious food at a good value can be a daunting task.

Understanding AAFCO Regulations The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) develops model state regulations for animal feed, including pet food, with the main goal of ensuring the consumer protection and health of both animals and humans. However, consumer confusion over what they see on pet food labels can make it difficult to choose the right food. “One mark of quality you should look for is whether the food is only formulated to meet nutri-tional levels set by AAFCO, or whether the nutritional adequacy is established through actual pet feeding trials,” said Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey of Case Veterinary Hospital. “Most pet food companies don’t make the investment required to perform these trials, even though it assures that the pets are actually able to digest and receive the required nutrients,” she said. Case-McCorvey recommends looking for a label that says: “Animal feeding tests using AAF-CO procedures substantiate” that the pet food “provides complete and balanced nutrition” for the

specific life stage of your pet, rather than “all life stages.”

The Benefits of Feeding Trials Case-McCorvey said that some companies cite concern for test animals as a reason for not performing feeding trials. “However,” she adds, “some companies that do conduct feeding trials have opened up these facilities for tours by veterinarians. I have personally been on a tour of Hill’s (maker of Science Diet and Prescription Diet) world class research facility in Topeka, Kansas,” she said, “and was deeply impressed by the gentle, loving nature of the staff who care for these dogs and cats as well as their sincere commitment to develop products to give pets healthier and hap-pier lives and longer relationships with their human families. The animals at Hill’s are cared for in beautiful, clean buildings where they receive excellent veterinary care. They live normal lives and are never used for any other purpose but to monitor their health while being fed regimented pet food.” Checking the pet food label for the method used to establish nutritional adequacy, as well as investigating the companies that make the food, will give you peace of mind that the food you are feeding your pet on a daily basis is made with your pet’s health and well-being as a top priority.

To learn more about your pet’s food, visit www.hillspet.com, or visit Dr. Case-McCorvey’s blog at www.coastalmommies.com.

PEt CoRnER

Not All Pet Food is Created Equal

Why suffer any longer? Come see us,

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As the March 1, 2013 elec-tronic payment deadline draws near, the United States Treasury Department urges paper check recipients to switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card for their monthly benefit payment before the manda-tory deadline.

Four years since its debut, 95 percent of indi-viduals who use the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card to receive monthly Social Se-curity payments report they are satisfied with the card, according to a new cardholder study, and 93 percent of card-holders also say they are likely to recommend the card to others. The find-ings come from a survey conducted last month by KRC Research and commissioned by MasterCard Worldwide on be-half of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Fi-nancial Management Service.

Introduced in June 2008, the Direct Ex-press® card has helped more than 3 million Americans – two-thirds of whom did not have traditional bank accounts when they signed up for the card – to safely and easily access their federal benefit payments. Approximately 6 mil-lion paper checks are still sent to federal benefit

recipients each month, and the Treasury Department urges these individuals to switch to the Direct Ex-press® card or direct deposit well ahead of the March 1, 2013 deadline for all federal benefits to be paid electroni-cally.

“We hope that hearing about the extremely high satisfaction with the Direct Express® card will encourage check recipients to make the switch to the card or direct deposit as soon as possible,” said David Lebryk, commissioner of

the Treasury Depart-ment’s Financial Man-agement Service. “For four years, millions of se-nior citizens, people with disabilities and other Americans who lack ac-

cess to traditional banking services have used their Direct Express® cards to pay bills, with-draw cash and make purchases without worry-ing about their paper checks being lost or stolen or paying check-cashing fees.”

Current check recipients can sign up for di-rect deposit or the Direct Express® card by calling toll-free 1-800-333-1795, visiting www.GoDirect.org , or talking to their local federal paying agency office. The process is fast, easy and free.

SoCIAl SECuRItY

Still getting a Social Security Check?

Time to change is coming soon


With technology dominating more and more of people’s personal and professional lives, it’s easy to lose track of passwords for smartphones, tablets, lap-tops, desktops and more. In addition, for many people, keeping track of online user names and passwords for various accounts – email, shopping, social networks, etc. – has also become a hassle, and therefore an in-convenience.

In fact, according to a survey conducted by Norton by Symantec, when given a list of potentially challeng-ing activities, 40 percent of people ranked remember-ing passwords among one of the top three most dif-ficult tasks. This ranking preceded even balancing a checkbook. That same survey also found that 70 percent of respondents had forgotten at least one password in a single month, which is why for many, opting for an easier-to-remember, though weaker password is pre-ferred. But weak passwords leave accounts and devic-es more vulnerable to hackers and scam artists, which also plays a role in identity theft. Therefore, it’s impor-tant to create strong passwords.

Creating a Strong Password According to the United States Computer Emer-gency Readiness Team (US-CERT), following these steps can help you create a stronger password: • Use a combination of both uppercase and low- ercase letters, numbers and special characters when possible. • Longer passwords are more complicated and thus stronger. If a website allows for passwords between six to eight characters, make sure to take advantage of the longer character allowance. • Refrain from using personal dates, such as birthdays, or names, such as those of your spouse or child. This information can be discovered by people within your social circle, as well as hackers, so creating codes around words you’ll remember makes for stronger passwords, rather than full words or names. • Do not use the same password across multiple accounts. For example, if you have created a password for online banking, do not use that same password to access your work or personal email account.

For more tips on creating a stronger, less vulnerable password, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips.

Conveniently and Safely Store Your Passwords For those who have difficulty remembering com-plicated passwords however, new services can lend a hand. Norton Identity Safe – a free service – allows you to conveniently save and synchronize your pass-words on all your devices, while keeping you safe and secure. The service also allows you to avoid potentially risky websites, and share URLs via email and social networks safely through Identity Safe itself. With Identity Safe you can log in with a single, master password, then access all of your other ac-counts and passwords through your work or personal computer, or via the app on an iPhone, iPad or An-droid device. While it may be tempting to create simple pass-words to use across multiple devices or accounts, tak-ing the time to create secure passwords can save you from having to sort out fraudulent charges on bank-ing or credit accounts. It can also save you from the time-consuming process of having to recover from the damages of identity theft. To learn more about making technology work for you, visit https://identitysafe.norton.com.

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tECHnoloGY

Making Technology Work for You

Health, Wealth & Wisdom

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Monday-Friday 4-5PM 1250AM W

HNZ


By June Hurley Young

Would you like to live there? According to an 1885 address by Dr. W. C. Van Bib-ber, you already do. He told the American Medical Society that after his search for a healthy city, he had discovered an area with the optimum climate on the Pinellas Pen-insula and its adjoining keys, about 160,000 acres of land. Word spread rapidly and hordes of people headed for Tampa Bay to find healing. Hundreds of years earlier, the pre-historic Timucuan and Caloosa Indians mi-grated here for the same reasons. There was Paradise found until it was destroyed by the white man explorers.

All over this region, we find giant shell mounds, kitchen middens and burial mounds of those tribes. In Tampa, Weedon Island, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg and Tierra Verde are remnants of their lost civilizations. The peaceful Timucuans lived on vegetables from their farms, comptie made into bread, and small animals and seafood. With this ideal environment and good nutri-tion, they grew to be over six feet tall. Men and women were tattooed in designs to simulate armor, and they believed this to be protection. They twisted their long hair into top knots, filled with Spanish Moss. Their villages were circles of small thatched roof houses. Their enemies, the Caloosas, rowed cross the Bay to raid their villages and carry off victims to be used as human sacrifices. Artifacts, pottery, tools, and a documentary can be viewed at the Weedon Island Nature Museum in St. Petersburg. This is an excerpt from a course taught by June Hurley Young in the series “Tam-pa Bay History Kalleidoscope” for USF in the OLLI program, Oscher Lifelong Learn-ing institute. Seniors may join for $30 annually, receive a catalogue four times a year, and participate in short courses for a small fee. Call Joseph McAuliff, 813-974-5166, to enroll.

June Hurley Young is the author of five historical and biographical books, published by Partnership Press. Her articles about preserving the Don Cesar Ho-tel, St. Pete Beach attracted public attention and resulted in saving the historical hotel from demolition. Her book has sold 25,000 copies. She’s currently listed in Who’s Who in American Women 2008 to 2013.

loCAl HIStoRY

photo fRom thE book ‘fLoRiDa’s piNELLas pENiNsULa’ bY JUNE hURLEY YoUNg

The Healthiest Spot On Earth


Living with restless Legs SyndromeHEAltH RounduP

Have you ever experienced creepy-crawly, tingly-tightening sensations in your legs just as you sit down and relax, especially in the evening or night? You are not alone. It is estimated that nearly 10 percent of the U.S. adult population experiences the symptoms of restless legs syndrome while approximately 2 to 3 percent of adults have moderate to severe RLS. Even though these sensations usually occur in the legs, the fact is that RLS is a neurologic condition. “Although the exact cause of RLS is unknown, studies continue to indicate that RLS is a long-term, neurological disorder. RLS symptoms often occur when people are about to rest or relax, causing both motor (the urge to move the legs) and sensory symptoms (the sensations in the legs),” says RLS researcher Richard Bogan, MD, president and medical director of SleepMed of South Carolina and associate clinical professor in the University of South Carolina Medical School. “Many people may live

with the disruptive symptoms of RLS for years depend-ing on the type they have, primary or secondary RLS,” he adds.

There are two types of RLS: primary RLS and sec-

ondary RLS. In primary RLS, symptoms tend to become

more troublesome as adults get older, which is why most people are diagnosed in

middle-age. Also, women are twice as like-ly as men to have RLS and symptoms tend to become worse over time. Inter-estingly, a family history is reported by

many patients with primary RLS, sug-gesting a genetic link to the disease. Re-

search in this area is ongoing at respected institutions such as the National Institute of Neuro-

logical Disorders and Stroke, but there are still many aspects of the condition that are not well understood. Secondary RLS is typically a short-term condition due to an underlying medical condition or certain med-ications. Examples include kidney failure, low levels of iron and pregnancy.

You might have RLS if your symptoms match the following four criteria:

• An urge to move the legs, usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant legs sensations

• Symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inac-tivity such as lying or sitting

• Symptoms are partially or totally relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching, at least as long as the activity

continues• Symptoms are worse or occur only in the evening or at night.

Dr. Bogan advises, “If you think your symptoms match the diagnosis criteria for RLS, then speak with your physician. Only a doctor can diagnose RLS. There are life-style changes that may help alleviate symptoms as well as some over the counter products and FDA-approved prescription medications.”

For more information on RLS, visit www.RLS.org or www.Restlesslegs.com.

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Just like your car, your home systems and appliances all need periodic maintenance checks to make sure they’re operating safely and efficiently.

A professional preventative maintenance program can help homeowners when it comes to the up-keep of their heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system and most major appliances. Having professional preventative maintenance services performed is key to ensuring tasks are done right and can save you time and money in the long run.

American Home Shield, a unit of the ServiceMaster Company, provides these expert tips to help keep your home’s systems and appliances in great shape:

Air Conditioning• Check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.• Keep the condensing unit free of debris.• Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow and circulation.• Bent condensing unit fins can often be easily straightened with a fin comb.

Washing Machine• Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deteriora-tion.• Look for signs of water or oil leakage.• Check to make sure the machine is level and adjust it, if needed, by turning the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clock-wise to raise them.

Dryer• Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.• For gas and electric dryers, check and tight-en supply connections.• Check to see if the dry-er is level; if it’s not, the drum may vibrate and damage the unit. To ad-just the level, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.

Water Heater• Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.• Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.

To learn more about preventative maintenance plans, how you can get one, and find more tips, vis-it www.ahspm.com.

Tips for Taking care of Your HomeARound tHE HoME

photo coURtEsY of gEttY imagEs

Health, Wealth & Wisdom

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ARound tHE HoME

Make Your Home and Landscape Less Susceptible to Pests

An essential aspect of landscape maintenance is insect control. Problem insects can affect the vigor of plants and landscapes, either through disease, insect feeding or other destructive activi-ties. Insects can also invade the interior of a home in search of food, water and shelter, becoming a general nuisance. With the recent mild winter across the U.S., insect activity is occurring even ear-lier this year. This means there is a greater chance that homes and landscapes will be infested by pests this summer.

Here are some tips to make your home and landscape less of a target for infestation. Choose plants wisely: Many insect and disease issues can be prevented by selecting plants that

are less prone to insect problems. For example, native plants are less inviting to pests when planted where sun and soil are right for them.

Combat insects with essential nutrients: One of the best defenses from problem pests is a strong, actively growing, well-maintained plant. Proper fertilization is essential to maintaining land-scape beauty and plant development, helping sustain optimum plant growth and resistance to in-sects, diseases and environmental stresses. When fertilized properly, plants are supplied with the essential nutrients (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) they need for strength and growth.

Know the symptoms: Often, the evaluation of plant symptoms can provide an effective indica-tion of the insect type. There are three common types of problem insects:

• Sucking insects and mites cause damage by removing a plant’s life-sustaining sap from plant tissues. Symptoms include: the wilting of plant tissues; the stunting, curling or distortion of new plant growth; a rust coloration of the upper leaf surface; or a sticky substance followed by a black sooty appearance on the upper leaf surface. • Chewing insects consume plant tissue, such as leaves, stems and roots, or burrow into plant tissue. Symptoms include: silvering of leaf tissues; complete removal of leaf tissues; and holes in and around plant leaves, stems, branches and trunks. • Boring insects target the trunks, stems, bark, buds and roots of woody ornamental shrubs and trees. These insects damage plants through their tunneling activities. Symptoms include: holes in the bark; tunneling activity in leaf tissue; dead terminal growth on a plant; or the complete removal of strips of bark. Create a line of defense: Use a bait formulation, such as Amdro Ant Block Home Perimeter

Ant Bait, to create a barrier around your home. The bait kills a range of ant species outside so they are unable to infest interior areas. Foraging (worker) ants bring the granules back to their mound, re-sulting in the entire colony, including the queen, being destroyed.

Clean up debris: Along with applying bait, you should also remove loose debris from around the home and at the foundation of plants. This includes fallen leaves or dropped fruit. Pests often use these types of debris for nesting and feeding.

Protect beneficial species: Within every landscape and garden, there are pest predators that are beneficial to the health of plants—either by feeding on problem pests or by helping with soil aera-tion and drainage. Examples include: earthworms, spiders, ladybugs and praying mantises. Attract beneficial insects to your landscape with plants that provide nectar, pollen and other food sources.

For more information and helpful advice, visit www.amdro.com.

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EntERtAInMEntStay

The Players TheatreAugust 9-12

A desperate woman attempts to keep her husband from leaving her by con-vincing him that he’s blind. As she struggles to keep him, her lies become all too real. August 9th-11th 7:30pm, August 12th 2pm. Tickets $15.00 or “Summer Series” $45.

Players Theatre is located at 838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota 34236. For in-formation call (941) 365-2494.

aVenue Q tHe MuSiCaL

Shimberg PlayhouseAugust 9-19

This laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shab-by New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that al-though the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighbor-hood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Warning: this show is for mature audi-ences only. Show times 8pm & 2pm, tick-ets start at $20.

The Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center is located at 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Tampa 33602. For infor-mation call (813) 229-8727.

SHort fiLM feStiVaL

Straz CenterAugust 10

The Short Film Festival – A Tribute to Summer features student work from the Making a Short Film camps and mini documentaries about the Patel Conservatory summer programs. Show time 7pm, tickets $5.

The Teco Theater is located at the Straz Center 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Tampa 33602. For info call (813) 229-7827.

tHrouGHLy Modern MiLLie

Carrollwood Cultural CenterAugust 10-12

Taking place in New York City in 1922, THOROUGHLY MODERN MIL-LIE JR. tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and so-cial behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers. Show times Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, Sun

2pm, tickets $9 -$14.Carrollwood Cultural Center is lo-

cated at 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa 33618. For information call (813) 269-1310.

THE LODGER-ALfRED HIcHcOck

The Tampa TheaterAugust 12

All of London is in an uproar due to recent attacks by a Jack the Ripper-style serial killer known as “The Avenger” who targets blonde women. During this time, a pale, hypersensitive stranger arrives at a family-owned boarding house to take up lodging. He becomes attracted to the proprietor’s pretty blonde daughter Dai-sy who in spite of her parents’ objections, returns the lodger’s overtures. When the trail of the killer leads to the same dis-trict in which the boarding house is lo-cated, the lodger’s strange behavior places him under suspicion by the family. Film at 3pm and accompaniment by Ste-ven Ball at the Mighty Wurlitzer! Tickets $14 and up.

The Tampa Theater is located at 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa 33602. For in-formation call (813) 274-8981.

PLayerS neW PLay feStiVaL

The Players TheatreAugust 13-18

Witness the birth of a brand new play as regional playwrights compete each night to have their play produced on The Players main stage next season. Shows begain at 7:30pm, ticket prices $8 each, three plays for $21, all six plays for $36.

Players Theatre is located at 838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota 34236. For in-formation call (941) 365-2494.

MeatLoaf

Ruth Eckerd HallAugust 15

Iconic singer Meat Loaf has an-nounced the dates for the upcoming Mad, Mad, World tour for his newly re-leased album Hell In A Handbasket. The tour stops at Ruth Eckerd Hall. This will be Meat Loaf’s first performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall since his 2008 ap-pearance. Show time 7:30pm, tickets $49.50 to $100.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 33759. For information call (727) 791-7400.

LeGaLLy bLonde

Manatee Players ClubAugust 16-Sept 2

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boy-friend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the

books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Performance Times: Tues.-Thurs. 7:30pm, Friday and Sat. 8pm and Sun-day 2pm.

Manatee Players Club is located at 102 12th Street W., Bradenton 34205. For information call (941) 748-0111.

brian CuLbertSon & daVid Sanborn

Mahaffey TheatreAugust 16

The “Dream Tour”, comes to the Ma-haffey on Thursday evening at 7:30pm. These two award winning artists are sure to please with an evening of Jazz & Saxophone that will have you dancing in your seat! Tickets are $29.50-$49.50.

The Mahaffey Theatre is located at 400 First Street S, St. Petersburg 33701. For information visit www.mahaffey-theater.com or call (727) 892-5798.

JiM “eLViS” JineLLi SHoW

Carrollwood Cultural CenterAugust 16

Remember the King of Rock & Roll on the 35th anniversary of his death with Jim Jinelli in ELVIS: A Concert Experience. Experience Jim Jinelli’s tribute to Elvis and you will quickly un-derstand that Jim is more than just a tribute artist. He truly loves the per-former that he pays tribute to, and the songs that he sang. Show time 8pm, tickets $17-$21.

Carrollwood Cultural Center is locat-ed at 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa 33618. For information call (813) 269-1310.

CaSabLanCa

Tampa TheatreAugust 18-19

Set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II: An Ameri-can expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications. Film at 3pm, tickets $7-$9.

The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa 33602. For in-formation call (813) 274-8981.

MuSiC out of a Hat

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts CenterAugust 24

Hosted by Maria Zouves, this is a fun-filled interactive quiz show with music from opera, musical theater and more. You don’t have to be a musical ex-pert and there is no homework required. Lots of fun and lots of prizes! 7pm, tick-ets $17-$20.

The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center is located at 324 Pine St.,

Tarpon Springs 34689. For informa-tion call (727) 942-5605.

JaZZ WitH JiM


Jazz with Jim is a monthly concert hosted by local musician and former Hillsborough Community College in-structor and Director of Music, Jim Burge. The concert is best known for fusing personal stories by the musicians with popular jazz tunes suited for that month’s theme. In addition to the per-sonal stories, patrons can purchase home baked goods donated by the Cen-ter’s volunteers, which help complete the intimate ambience. Show time 7:30pm, tickets $8-$14.

Carrollwood Cultural Center is lo-cated at 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa 33618. For information call (813) 269-1310.

WILLIE WONkA AND THE cHOcOLATE fAcTORY

Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Capital TheaterAugust 25

Tampa Bay Parenting magazine Fam-ily Movie Series presents Williy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

A poor boy wins the opportunity to tour the most eccentric and wonderful candy factory of all. Starring Gene Wild-er, Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum. Show time 3pm, tickets $5.00.

Ruth Eckard Hall’s Capital Theater is located at 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 33755. For information call (800) 875-8682.

MotoWn and beyond


The show is a combination of Mo-town classics mixed with some of the greatest songs of all time. Get ready to soak in the hits of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Barry White and more. The Sounds of Soul are known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy, up-scale stage persona. Show time 8pm, tickets $12.00-$18.00.

Carrollwood Cultural Center is locat-ed at 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa 33618. For information call (813) 269-1310.

adaM CaroLLa and denniS PraGer

Carol Morsani HallAugust 25

Veteran broadcasters Adam Carolla and Dennis Prager present an evening of funny and thought-provoking conver-sation. The two free-thinking talkers will discuss and debate topics as wide-


EntERtAInMEntranging as the afterlife, welfare, parent-ing, politics and pets. The 90+ minute performance will also include a Q&A with the audience where no topic is off limits. Fans of either Carolla or Prager, or just fans of stimulating conversation, are sure to enjoy this engaging program. WARNING: This show is for mature au-diences. Show time 8pm, tickets $26.50-$48.50.

Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Cen-ter is located at 1010 North W.C. Ma-cInnes Pl., Tampa 33602. For information call (813) 229-8727.

HiPPiefeSt

Ruth Eckerd HallAugust 25

Hippiefest will feature five well-known players who were initially in-spired to pick up their instruments due to their love for rock and blues: Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Leslie West and Kim Simmonds. Ruth Eckerd will again feature a Hippiefest marketplace offering beads, tie dyes and other iconic reminders of Woodstock, San Francisco and a generation that brought a whole new outlook to life. Bring your parents, your grandparents and bring the kids! Marketplace opens at 5:00pm, show time is 7pm. Tickets $45 to $79.


Santana

1-800 Ask Gary AmphitheaterAugust 25

Join us in welcoming Carlos Santana to the stage! Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, Latin music and jazz fusion. Santana reached critical acclaim with hits like Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Evil Ways just to name a few. Show be-gins at 8pm, tickets start at $19.95 for the Lawn and go up to $122.95.

1-800 Ask Gary Amphiteatre is lo-cated at 4802 US Highway 301 No., Tampa 33610. For more information call (813) 740-2446.

biLL MaHer

Ruth Eckerd HallSeptember 1

Host of the Emmy® nominated HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher Co-median and political commentator Bill Maher returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall with his notoriously candid stand-up comedy one day after the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Show time 8pm, tickets $50 to $89.


fAHRENHEIT 451

Shimberg PlayhouseSeptember 5-30

Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which paper ignites. This cautionary tale reminds us not only of the evils of government tyranny but of individual complicity and inaction. The story cen-ters on the inner struggle of Guy Mon-tag who has worked as a civil servant for 10 years burning books. He has be-come increasingly unsure about what he is doing with his life. It is not until he meets Clarisse, a young girl filled with strange ideas, that he is led into a dangerous and truly combustible situa-tion. Show time 4pm and 8pm, tickets start at $28 & $10 for previews.

The Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center is located at 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Tampa 33602. For information call (813) 229-8727.

GRAND fUNk RAILROAD

Mahaffey TheaterSeptember 15

Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down”. Grand Funk Railroad is extremely ex-cited to be touring in 2012 marking a 42 year milestone. After playing to mil-lions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2011, Grand Funk’s 2012 Tour will continue to reach both new and long-time fans. Show time 8pm, Tick-ets $30-$50.

The Mahaffey Theatre is located at 400 First Street S., St. Petersburg 33701. For information visit www.ma-haffeytheater.com or call (727) 892-5798.

cHRIS ISAAk

Mahaffey TheaterSeptember 16

Yes, after more than a quarter of a century into his career, Chris Isaak has finally created the album he’s always wanted to make. Beyond the Sun, Isaak’s first Vanguard Records release out October 18 is truly a labor of love. Chris takes the stage Sunday Septem-ber 16th at 7pm with a show you don’t want to miss. Tickets $39.50-$75.50.

The Mahaffey Theatre is located at 400 First Street S., St. Petersburg 33701. For information visit www.ma-haffeytheater.com or call (727) 892-5798.

tHe PerfeCt WeddinG

Florida Studio TheatreAugust 8-Sept 9

On the morning of his wedding, Bill wakes up in his honeymoon suite with a dreadful hangover and an unknown woman in his bed. It’s a race against time as he has to either get her out or make up a plausible story before his fi-ancee and future mother-in-law arrive. Desperate times call for desperate mea-sures in this hysterical romp of a love story gone wrong.

For information call 941-366-9000. The Gompertz Theatre is located at Florida Studio Theatre 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 34236.

tHe foreGnier

American Stage Theatre CompanyAugust 10

Larry Shue’s classic play, set in a fish-ing lodge in rural Georgia, shows what can happen when a group of devious characters deal with a (very shy) strang-er whom they think knows no English. Show time 8pm, tickets $29-$47, $10 student rush 30 minutes before show.

For information call (727) 823-7529. Raymond James Theater is located at 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg, 33701.

GaSPariLLa internationaL fiLM feStiVaL

The Tampa Museum of ArtAugust 11

This film festival annually brings the bay area some of the best independent foreign films. The seventh portion of the series features the Moroccan film Pega-sus, directed by Mohamed Mouftakir. In the film, a young woman, trauma-tized by her dictatorial father’s insis-tence she be raised as a boy, finds herself the unwitting patient of a psychiatrist intent on learning the truth behind the girl’s story. Tickets $8, $5 for Students/seniors/Museum of Art members, GIFF members free.

For information call (813) 514-9962. The Tampa Museum of Art is located at 120 Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 33602.

taLLy’S foLLy

Florida Studio TheatreAUGUST 11

The story of unlikely soul mates Matt and Sally, a pair who discovers true intimacy on a moonlit night in 1944 Missouri. Through Aug. 26. 8pm, Tickets $19-$36.

For information call (941) 366-9000. Keating Mainstage, The Florida Studio Theatre is located at 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota, 34543.

When It Comes to Entertaining

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ENTERTAINMENT PAGES!

Email your event

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By Denise Seaman, Owner of Careminders

Caution! If you receive a call from some-one claiming to be from the government asking to verify information under the Affordable Care Act, hang up immedi-ately! They are part of a new wave of scammers trying to get sensitive in-formation they can use to rob you in the future. For example, they may ask for the routing number of your bank, your so-cial security number, credit card num-bers, Medicare ID, or other personal information. Then they will try to steal your identity theft, use your credit card to make fraudulent purchases online, open new credit card, access your check-ing or savings accounts, or even take out loans in your name. Scary? You bet! The Federal Trade Com-mission, the nation’s con-sumer protection agency, cautions you not to give out personal or financial infor-mation in response to un-solicited phone calls, emails or knocks on your door.

These scammers can sound very convincing. They will tell you they are calling to help, or calling to make sure you don’t experience a lapse in your Medicare benefits, or some such story like that. It all may sound innocent enough – after all; the Affordable Care Act has received plenty of news cover-age over the past few years, and there is heightened awareness with seniors because healthcare coverage is a significant concern. The FTC recently issued a Consumer Alert to warn the public this is going on. If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the government and they ask for personal information, hang up. It’s a scam. The organizations with which you do business have the information they need and they will not ask you for it. Next, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity has been stolen, visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You can also file a complaint with your Attorney General. At CareMinders Home Care, we provide home health services to seniors throughout Pinellas and Pasco Counties. When we become aware of these Alerts, we take them very seriously and share as much information as we can. Afterall, awareness means prevention!

CareMinders® Home Care is a licensed Home Health Agency located in Clearwater, FL. We are locally owned and operated, and accredited by the Joint Commission. We provide home health care to people of all ages so they can remain in their own homes. We believe Life at Home is the Key to Independence! For more information, call 727-330-7804 or visit www.careminders.com/northpinellas.

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Do not to give out any personal or financial

information in response to unsolicited phone calls,

emails or knocks on your door!

Scam Alert – Affordable Care Act!care surcharge makes Roth IRA conversions even more attractive for some upper-income earners. Conversions aren’t right for everyone, but they are worth exploring. The Roth Roll-Out program makes it easier for most people to take advantage of to-day’s lower tax rates.

In ClosingI believe that our government does not have an income problem -- they have a

spending problem! They should be able to provide necessary services at our current tax rates but unfortunately persistently poor spending habits have created a pretty dire situation. The reality is that we have an enormous deficit and unfunded liabili-ties that currently exceed seventy trillion dollars ($70,000,000,000.00).

The government has three viable options on the table: (1) to inflate the debt away (2) to raise taxes and pay down some of this debtor (3) to reduce spending on high-ticket items such as our entitlement programs.

I believe the “solution” will be a combination of all three of these options and all three of these can have a profound effect on you and your financial future. Take ad-vantage of a very short window of opportunity to get your financial house in order. Your financial advisors should be helping you with this process. If they are not, then seek help elsewhere.

Soon the window of opportunity will close. A little planning will go a long way when it comes to preserving and protecting the assets that you have worked so hard to create.

Stay InformedIf you would like to receive future articles from Robert Harwood, simply send us

an email at Info@HarwoodFinancialGroup. com and put your email in the subject line. Your information is confidential and is never sold or shared with third parties.

If you would like to schedule a complimentary review of your portfolio to see if there is any room for improvement, please call Celine at our office at (727) 524-1427. We will schedule you in one of our four convenience locations around the Tampa Bay area.

Advisory services offered through Trustmont Advisory Group, Inc. 200 Brush Run Road, Suite A, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone 724-468-5665 Harwood Financial Group is

not affiliated with Trustmont Advisory Group, Inc.

TAX CUTS, from Page 5.


• NO COST review of your insurance & eligibility for assistance• Offer most Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans• Medicare Savings Program applications• Low Income Subsidy for Extra Help• Food Stamp/Medicaid Recertifications

Community Benefit Consultants, Inc.3535 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713Office: 727-321-1999 Toll Free Fax: 1-877-894-3363Email: [email protected]

Lic# L067456

Medicare Health Insurance Broker Agency

Sherri LoveAgent

Monday tHru

friday 4 to 5 PMOn 1250 am

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PINELLAS COUNTY

HILLSBORO, PINELLAS AND PASCO COUNTIES

HILLSBORO AND PASCO COUNTIES

Are you getting ready to go on Medicare? This is an important time in your life to make the right choice. The number one question clients ask is, “How do I know if I’ve made the rightchoice with my Medicare plan?” The answer is different for everyone, but less com-plicated than you’d think, according to Hilary Zaragoza, insurance professional. Licensed professionals have found that most people don’t know where to get ac-curate information and, out of habit, will turn to friends, family members and em-ployers. Unfortunately, very often these sources, although well intentioned, lack the expertise required to navigate the twists and turns associated with today’s ever changing Medicare options.

Hilary went on share a story about her client, Lucille, who turned 65 last Octo-ber. Prior to her 65th birthday, she was getting increasingly frustrated with the endless calls from strangers asking to come to her home to explain Medicare. She dreaded going to the mailbox just to find it overflowing with paper commercials for Medicare products. Until this time Lucille was covered on her underage health in-surance that was terminating on her 65th birthday. Lucille did what most people do; she talked to her friends, her doctor and finally a couple of sales people over the phone. Although she was exhausted with the process, she was no further ahead in understanding her rights and entitlements.

Last summer, Lucille was sitting at home discussing her dilemma with her friend Doris when a commercial came on for one of the Medicare replacement plans avail-able in her area. She asked Doris who she was using and if she was getting the health care she needed. Doris responded, “Oh yes! I love my doctor.” Hearing those few words, Lucille made a decision, thinking, “If it’s good enough for Doris, it’s good enough for me.” She called Doris’s insurance company and signed up over the phone.

The next several months went by uneventfully. Lucille received her insurance card, put it in her wallet and, with a reassured feeling, went on with her life. Unfor-tunately for Lucille, because she didn’t talk to someone who specialized in the edu-cation of seniors, several things went wrong when she tried to use her plan.

First, Lucille was unaware that her current health condition qualified her for a special needs plan that would cover more cost than the plan she chose. She was also unaware that her existing plan did not offer her any help when she entered the “cov-erage gap” with her medications. Although her primary care doctor was on her plan, the hospital her specialist used was not, so she was billed for being “out of her network.” Her out of pocket maximum cost was among the highest in her area.

All of this could have been avoided if Lucille had followed a few easy steps: 1. Talk to professionals and get your information early. Gather information six

months or more before your 65th birth month. This will eliminate the pressure of someone who is trying to sell you something prematurely.

2. Get information from insurance agents that specialize in Medicare products. Make sure your agent can explain to you the pros and cons of the plan you’re con-sidering. Some plans will suit your health needs better than others.

3. Ask questions. If you’re not sure, don’t sign. You should feel like your insur-ance agent is representing you, not just selling you a policy.

If you are already following these few steps, then you are on the right track. If you still feel confused or unsure, you can call 1-877-864-0263 for advice. Every in-surance agent should be ready, willing and able to discuss your questions/issues in a relaxed and convenient venue. Remember insurance is a business to make money. You need to have someone on your side that understands this and will help you get all you can out of your benefits.

MEdICARE FACtS

How do I know if I made the right Choice?


WOMAN SEEKING MAN

Slim S. F. can be active or stay home. Love to go to church, to travel, walk, cook, dance, & comput-ers. ISO NS ND, high class, S M, no shorts all the time. 54 t. Largo (727) 488-7420.

BFC 6’7” 175 lbs. Friendly warm disposition ISO BM or WM 70-75 good communication, unselfish, SOH LTR – NS. Serious only. Miami (305) 300-2074.

Attractive, fun loving, SBF, loves music, dining out, exercise ISO intelligent white male 55-60, also active, looking for LTR NS. Tampa (813) 390-0727.

74 WFWD. I look and act younger than my age. Church , dancing, traveling, I’m 5ft and weight 130 lbs. Largo (727) 524-8089.

Life sharing – WD, W, C, F, NS, ND, R petite /ac-tive 70s seeks healthy friendly gent. Palm Harbor (727) 947-2191.

WF WD 70 plus. Educated, attractive, petite SOH NS/ND. Good personal/social habits. ISO Hispanic M counterpart to share and care for each other the last years of our lives. Largo (727) 392-4086.

W F WD Love me tender and never let me go. Very active, I love the beach, movies, nascar, dining out but I do cook. Love to travel on a slow boat to ro-mance. Largo (727) 481-4842.

Petite cute female, ISO C W M for LTR who ap-preciates nature. I enjoy nascar, picnics in the park. I am easy going and good natured. Clearwater (727) 559-1367.

Nice, single, Asian lady 60 NS/ND Honest, de-cent, caring, loving and educated. Likes church, mu-

sic, sightseeing, long walks ISO honest kindhearted gentleman. Tampa (813) 888-6732.

B F D ISO M B or W, serious-minded about rela-tionship, friendly, SOH, kindhearted, NS, 70-75 yrs. old. Miami (786) 222-3363.

S W F 66 NS ND looking for S W M NS ND 67-75, just someone to go places with. Clearwater (727) 386-5199.

Filipino woman seeking quiet stock up, good look-ing gentleman for good relationship. I like writing, painting and love sceneries. Tampa (813) 999-1413.

DWF Seeking gentleman 50’s to 60’s who is outgoing with a great SOH. Enjoys dancing, trav-elling and must be financially secure. I am a very attractive petite lady with a vivacious personality. Clearwater (727) 474-5040.

Caribbean lady would like to meet a gentle-man, 68 plus, respectable, active, and lots of fun. Tarpon Springs (727) 219-3594.

MAN SEEKING WOMAN

W D S M 62 yrs. young, tall and handsome. Likes to have fun, lots of love to give, tired of being alone. St. Petersburg (727) 692-0815.

I am a WD W M NS, 5’10” 150 lbs. Seeking a down to earth woman for walks, talks, and whatever you would like to do. Largo (727) 422-4972.

SWMF 70’s NS SOH SD, looking for SWC Female NS SOH SD, no baggage, for caring, sharing, movies, beach, travel. Lakeland (863) 286-9081.

68 W D M looking for lady with good heart for LTR. Size, looks are not important. I tend to be loving. I will love and respect you for life. St. Pete (727) 215-7701.

S W M 5’6” nice looking gentleman. ISO S W F who is slim and likes to travel, dine out and have fun. Un-der 65 please. St. Petersburg (727)398-3034.

S W M 66 175 lbs. ISO white/Asian F NS ND. Tyrone mall area communication, fun, affectionate, dining, happy hour. Seeking LTR/marriage. St. Pe-tersburg (727) 545-4148.

D W M seeking healthy, fun loving lady 62-72. Re-tired guy ISO companion to share trips and cruises. NS looking for romance, has SOH. Apollo Beach (828) 399-1101.

SWM 50 ISO sexy lady, age 35-50. I would love for you to be mine. Tampa (813) 644-4729.

SWM 66 NS SD 180 lbs. I look like my mid 50’s, pre-fer Asian or Filipina lady for companionship & LTR. Tampa (813) 200-7671.

W M WD ISO Life Loving NS intelligent lady of any age. Dining, conversation, travel, show times and honest friendship. I tend to spoil my lady. Clearwater (727) 724-6409.

FRIEND TO FRIEND

Dianna Rogers please call Vern at (727) 522-9903. Leave message or send phone # to 370 53rd Ave. N. Lot #572 St. Pete 33703.

English questing free spirit slim fit healthy S W M 74, into natural living/healing, massage, cre-ating miracles. Enjoys classical music/films, can-dlelight dinners, nature, seeks friend to explore/enjoy. St. Petersburg (727) 384-4908.

Looking for friends to write and call. Ladies and gents welcomed. Plant City (813) 520-1702.

SWM ISO Friend for company. I am tired of being lonely; if you need a good honest, caring, lov-ing friend for LTR, please call me. St. Pete (727) 498-1995.

SBM 148 lbs. seeking male between 55 & 65for companionship or LTR. I am very interested in the oriental culture. Clearwater (727) 443-0491.

Ladies, enjoy life for you only have one. Are you 62+, no taller than 5’8”? Let’s go dancing and make the best of it and enjoy everything. Largo (727) 581-4297.

S D W F looking for males that like to dance, bowl, movies, and dining out. I am 53, 153 lbs., dark brown hair. Very active in life, loyal, kind, honest. No games, all from the heart. Dunedin (727) 560-1201.

Seeking a good friend, male or female for com-panionship, shopping, dining out and just enjoying our company. DWF 60. I’m tired of being lonely. If that’s you call me. Tampa (813) 802-5640.

SWM NS Nd Retired 5’6” looking for a girlfriend 55-65 for dining, dancing, etc. St. Petersburg (727) 366-1242.

Senior new to area looking for M/F for things to do in area. If you are lonesome call me anytime and leave me a message. Clearwater (727) 724-4424.

Older male looking for male or female to share expenses. 2B, 2B, full kitchen, extra-large TV, 15 meals per mo., 24 hr. protection, 4th floor, and activities every day. Also pool. Clearwater (727) 724-4424.

I am looking for a friend for a LTR, NS, S, D, B or W. You can be overweight, so give me a call after 3 pm. Pinellas Park (727) 525-0729.

SWM 59 5’8” 180 lbs. ISO active, healthy M/F under 60 for friendship and more. Largo (727) 644-8087.

I am a widow, white, Christian. I am petite, blonde hair, educated, ISO friend who is sincere, gentle, SOH, and loves God. NS, ND. Tampa (813) 312-0167.

SEnIoR to SEnIoR

M: MaleF: FemaleS: SingleD: DivorcedWD: WidowedW: WhiteB: BlackH: HispanicJ: Jewish

C: ChristianISO: In Search OfLTR: Long Term RelationshipNS: Non-SmokerND: Non-DrinkerSD: Social DrinkerSOH: Sense of Humor

Senior to Senior Abbreviations

EMAIL: [email protected]

SEnIoR to SEnIoR™Mail to: Senior Voice America

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Meet that Someone Special

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SerViCe compassionate, responsible Cna caregiver. Will work days or nights. I will do light housekeeping, cooking, Dr. Appointments and errands. Clearwater/Pinellas areas. Call JoJo (727) 480-7700.

Wanted buying Paper Money older U.S large size, small & fractional bills, MPC, worldwide, coins, censored mail, WWI & WWII, POW & Concentration Camp money and correspondence, also Military unit histories & Navy cruise books. Call Ed (727) 773-5779.

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senior voice america - august 2012

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