lifestyles after 50 sarasota edition, apr. 2015

Another GreAt Issue

Lifestyles After 50 • April 2015 • page 2

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you

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Dear Readers,

I’m going to talk to you a minute

about Qin Shi Huang. The first emperor of China? Yeah, that guy. There are more than a few stories about Emperor Qin, not least among them are that he helped unify China, started work on some wall or another, and that he was a notorious tyrant. But when it came to the afterlife, there’s no denying he had style. I’m not just talking about a fancy tomb; his port-mortem accoutrements would put a pharaoh to shame. He was buried in a scaled-down replica of his imperial com-pound, deep underneath Mount Li, an area renowned for its wealth of gold and jade. He was buried with the whole setup: palaces, towers, clay attendants and generals, riches and wondrous objects. The ceiling of the ne-cropolis was decorated with representations of the heavens. Below it, a panoramic land-scape—his kingdom in miniature—was modeled in clay complete with mountains, plains and flowing mercury rivers. Outside his tomb, he posted over 6,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry, all formed from terracotta, to guard it all. One would think that a man who spent such elaborate measures on his final resting place was prepared for his own death. However, the exact opposite was true; Qin Shi Huang was terrified of it. Everything he built was centered around the belief that he would live on, one way or another. During life, he commissioned alchemists to create an elixir that would grant him immortality. (Ironically, it was the mercury in these concoctions that killed him.) He refused to discuss death with his court or family, and died without ever creating a will. Try leaving a newly unified China to 30 sons!

Probate China? I get where Qin’s coming from. No one likes to think about their own death. There’s a prevailing fear that to bring it up in conversation is to summon it—to make it more real or more close. While it’s not an easy thing to deal with, the truth is, talking about and planning for death—taking charge of one’s own mor-tality—can be empowering. It can help you face your fears, learn more about yourself and what you want to leave behind, and bring you and your family some peace of mind. And it goes without saying that the best time to do it is while you’re still young—when you can ask yourself hard questions and make sound decisions about your wishes before and after you leave this mortal plane. (Heck, Emperor Qin started when he was 13.) This month’s issue is about leaving a legacy—setting in motion a plan that will continue to positively affect others beyond the span of your years. There are plenty of ways to do it; some bequeath money, others pass on their life story and some leave the gift of life by donat-ing organs. Inside you’ll find some tips on how to donate or start planning for what you want to leave behind.

Tracie Lukens,Editor

Don’t Forget My Chariot Here’s one more story about another empire. Jack Eggers was a school jani-tor in Amo, Indiana. His kingdom was a modest two-bedroom house, where grew his own food and preferred to live simply. Jack didn’t have a family of his own, so he treated the students as if they were his own kids, and they respected and cared for him in return. In 2003, at the age of 68, Jack was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Todd Crosby, the principal of Mill Creek West Elementary School where he worked, along with other school staff members, neighbors and friends, helped care for Eggers and

drive him to doctor’s appointments. Jack had surgery, but it only briefly slowed the tumor’s progress. He took a leave of absence from his janitorial duties, but later decided to retire. The students and staff all received frequent updates on his progress. In winter of 2004, Jack died at age 69. A year after his death, however, Jack showed that his poor man’s life was real-ly a façade. Jack was saving every penny so that, someday after he was gone, he could do some good. He accomplished his wishes by leaving his small empire in sizeable bequests to the school, church, and community he loved. $80,000 went to Mill Creek West Elementary, an un-disclosed amount went to Amo Baptist Church and another $120,000 went to the Hendricks County Community Foundation. Everyone was shocked. “We don’t think about people when we’re with them. It always hits you when they’re gone. But even in his passing, his legacy will live on,” Crosby said. Emperor Qin’s monument to himself may have been impressive, but it never did as much good as King Eggers did for his people. When it comes to leaving a legacy, how do you want to be remembered?(Jack Eggers’ story courtesy of Leave a Legacy)

Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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Sarasota Audubon: “We’re Building for Nature at the Celery Fields!”

Sarasota Audubon Society recently an-nounced that work has begun on the

new Nature Center at the Celery Fields. “This is an exciting step and a historical one for our chapter, said Jeanne Dubi, President of the local Audubon. “We are building an Environmental Education Center that will serve our community and the eco-tourists who come here from around the world.” The new Nature Center is eco-friendly and features locally sourced building materials, a building design that maxi-mizes natural light, solar panels, gar-dens with water efficient landscaping and more. The interior areas will feature a teaching room, displays for nature inspired art and writing, a gathering area for the popular Celery Fields Explorers

program, office space and a large, shaded pavilion for outdoor activities. The gardens will feature all native plantings and rainwater harvesting design, butterfly plants, commemorative brick pathways, a memorial garden, benches, a bird blind and a bioswale. The Celery Fields, the county’s

largest and most important storm water treatment area, is an oasis of wildlife and wetlands and home to 218 recorded species of birds, more than 60 percent of all birds recorded in Sarasota County. “Florida is recognized as one of the best states for birding and the Celery Fields as one of the most important areas on the Great Florida Birding Trail,” said Dubi. “With the increasing development in our growing region, it’s vital that we provide a natural habitat for the wildlife and birds that make our community so enjoyable for all of us.” Would you like to support the center? You can donate or purchase a commem-orative brick at sarasotaaudubon.org.For more info, call 941-724-1709.


Through April 16 Tax Help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers Free

assistance for federal tax returns. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jacaranda Library, Venice. 941-861-1260. Bring your tax documents.

Through April 19 “The Fox on the Fairway.” A madcap adventure about

life and man’s eternal love affair with golf. $28. 8 p.m./2 p.m Sundays. Venice The-atre, Tampa Ave., Venice. 941-488-1115.

Through June 7 “Never Marry A Girl With Cold Feet and other life

lessons from Vaudeville.” Featuring irreverent humor and unforgettable melodies like “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” and “Nobody.” $30. Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota. Call 941-366-9000 for times.

Tuesdays Torah & Tea. Join Chanie Bukiet in her home for a weekly

dose of tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on the Torah and roundtable discussions. Details: 941-752-3030.

7 Friends of The Legacy Trail will honor all of their volunteers and

welcome new business members. FREE admission; open to the public. 6 p.m. Bentley’s Hotel, Osprey. 941-928-2727.

11and 12 Siesta Fiesta art show. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village. 561-746-6615.

11 Awareness Level Small Animal Sheltering Class. Learn how to

become a professional animal responder during a disaster. The Florida State Ani-mal Response Coalition (FL SARC) is offering this class free. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cat Depot, Sarasota. 941-366-2404.

12 The Manatee Community Con-cert Band and the Pops Orchestra

will combine for a Salute to Leroy An-derson, America’s most beloved pops music composer. $20/$25. 3 p.m. Neel Performing Arts Center at SCF, 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton. 260-410-4126.

12 and 13 “Monday – Monday.” Enjoy a tribute to one of the

most harmony-rich pop groups of the ‘60s: The Mamas and the Papas, as well as hits from legends of folk, pop and

rock of the Woodstock era. $22. 3 p.m./8 p.m. Venice Theatre. 941-488-1115.

15 and 16 Free Lunch and Learn Seminar about hearing aids pro-

vided by Ear-Resistible Hearing Center. 11:30 a.m. 15: Valenti’s Restaurant, Venice; 16: Boca Royale Country Club, Englewood. RSVP to 941-257-0530.

16 The Welcome Club of Sarasota/Manatee invites area women

to a sneak preview of the season’s hottest fashions at its annual Garden Party Fashion Show and Luncheon. $25. 11:15 a.m. Laurel Oak Country Club. 941-870-2330.

17 and 18 Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash. Join in on the

most sizzling barbecue competition in the state of Florida. Free admission and parking. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Venice Municipal Airport. 941-486-2711.

18 Barefoot Beach Bazaar at Noko-mis Beach Plaza. Arts and crafts,

refreshments and a beautiful beach sunset. 4 – 9 p.m. Info: 941-861-5000.

22 Guided Spring Flowers Nature Walk at Urfer Family Park, Sara-

sota. 9 – 11 a.m. Bring water, hat/sun-screen, binocular or camera and comfy shoes. Register/info at 941-861-5000.

24 and 25 Suncoast Blues Festival. Enjoy two days of the best Blues

music ever made. Bobby Rush, Smokin’ Joe & Bnois, Mr. Sipp, The Lauren Mitchell Band and more. $28/$50. Sarasota Fairgrounds. 941-758-7585 or www.SunCoastBlues.com for Festival tickets and/or RV reservations.

25 The Empowerment Ride Passport Run. Benefits B.A.C.A (Bikers

Against Child Abuse) and the CPC. Start: CPC - Orange Ave., Sarasota; End: Fraternal Order of Eagles, Post #2756, Sarasota. Entry: $5/bike. Kickstands up at 10 a.m. Info: 207-751-9709.

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

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


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Cat Depot Offers Free Spay/Neuter“It’s kitten season and

there is no better time to spay or neuter your personal pet, free-roaming neighborhood cat, or mama cat and kittens,” says Shelley Thayer, executive director at Cat Depot. “Even a cat who lives indoors may escape and produce kittens, if not sterilized. Every year, millions of homeless cats are tragically euthanized. You can increase the live release rate and give cats a chance to

grow old by sterilizing your pet and neighborhood strays. Please call us to learn how.” Cat Depot is proud to offer free spay/neuter treatments, in-cluding rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccine and a microchip—a $250 value—for pet owners in

zip codes 34232, 34234 and 34237. To schedule an appointment, or for more info, please call Cat Depot’s Cat Care Clinic at 941-366-2404. Location: 2542 17th Street, Sarasota.

Be There or Be Square!Dust off your poodle skirts and

letterman jackets and pouf your ponytails and pompadours, because Renaissance on 9th’s annual Tropical Nights fundraiser theme is “Diners and Doo-Wop.” Join them on April 11 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. and celebrate the fabulous fifties with themed gourmet eats, silent and live auctions, games of chance, live entertainment, a 1950s-style dance contest and more. Come “Cool Cat” casual or dress the part and compete for prizes. Bring your

smart phone to snap some selfies beside vintage rides and place bids on fabulous auction items. Individual tickets are $150, available on their website: mealsonwheelsplus.org.All proceeds go directly toward funding the programs and services of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. Renaissance on 9th is located at 1816 9th Street West in Bradenton. For more informa-tion, please contact Marissa Bressi at [email protected] or call 941-749-0100 ext. 2136.


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Get An Insider’s Look at Silver Screen Legends“In The Company Of Legends” by

Joan Kramer and David Heeley is an insiders’ view of Hollywood’s famous and powerful: behind the scenes stories of Katharine Hepburn, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Lew R. Wasserman, Richard Dreyfuss, Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Jane Fonda, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, James Stewart, and Bette Davis, among others. Starting with their award-winning profiles of Fred Astaire in 1980, Kramer and Heeley produced film portraits of the lives and careers of many Hollywood legends, establishing a reputation for finding the un-findable, persuading the reluctant and maintaining unique relationships long after the end credits rolled. Their stories of the productions and the personalities involved are amusing, sometimes moving, often revealing, and have never been told before. The book will be available starting April 16 on amazon.com.

Tune in: On April 7, Turner Classic Movies will be screening five of Kramer and Heeley’s documentaries with introductions by the two authors. To learn more, visit tcm.com.


Like many older adults, Sara Meeks, 74, is at risk from musculoskeletal degen-

eration that affects the health of her bones, leaving her vulnerable to painful fractures. Diagnosed several years ago, Sara is still technically considered osteoporotic, but at a time when her musculoskeletal health is expected to be deteriorating at a rapid pace, it is actually improving. Sara puts these improvements in mus-culoskeletal health down to her compre-hensive program that includes the use of low-intensity vibration, a therapy that can stimulate the repair of and maintenance of musculoskeletal tissues. “Since I’ve started using the low-intensity vibration as part of my comprehensive routine, my bone density has improved a lot,” Sara said. As a physical therapist, Sara has focused the last 30 years of her career on muscu-loskeletal health, so she knows just how important healthy and strong muscles are for supporting bone health. Her Meeks Method exercise and posture program is recognized both in the United States and internationally to prevent, arrest and reverse the postural changes that nega-tively impact musculoskeletal wellness.

Sara began using low-intensity vibration about 7 years ago when she discovered research by Marodyne Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Clinton Rubin. Dr. Rubin has spent more than 30 years researching the effects of low-intensity vibra-tion in relationship to musculoskeletal issues. “I’m really excited to see technology available like this,” Sara said. “I’m an ad-vocate of a non-drug approach to health.” High intensity vibration therapy, called whole-body vibration, is available, but this is considered risky and may even be harmful to the elderly, frail or infirm. “Whole-body vibration can be danger-ous,” Sara said. “The devices can give you headaches. That’s not what my patients want; they want safety.” Dr. Rubin’s LivMD device is the only vibra-tion therapy Sara recommends to her clients. Both she and her husband have been using the low-intensity vibration daily to support their musculoskeletal health, said Sara. LivMD was developed in line with The Occupational Safety and Health Admin-istration’s (OSHA) safety standards. The device, that accelerates the user at 0.4g at a frequency of 30HZ, is safe to stand on

for up to four hours per day, according to the Inter-national Standard Organization 2631 evaluation of human exposure to whole body vibration. “It’s the only one I would use because it was designed with safety in mind,” Sara said. Sara described the sen-sation while standing on the device as a nice buzzing that works its way through the body “In my experi-ence, people don’t like to exercise. If you can give them something that fits into their daily life, they’re more likely to do it. This fits into your life.” Contact Sara Meeks for more info about low-intensity vibration and her programs by visiting SaraMeeksPt.com. To learn more about LivMD, visit www.LivMD.us.

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By Daryl RosenthalPublic Affairs Specialist, Tampa

April is National Financial Literacy Month—the perfect time to spring

into action when it comes to planning your financial future. If you already have a plan, this is a great opportunity to take another look at it and make sure you’re still “on track” to reach your financial goals. According to a 2013 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the past few years have seen a sharp decline in Americans’ confidence

about their retirement savings. Only 13 percent of workers feel very confident about having enough for a comfortable retirement and 28 percent are not at all confident. More than half of workers have less than $25,000 in total savings and investments. Twenty-eight percent of workers have saved less than $1,000. If you haven’t begun saving for retire-ment, now is a good time to start—no matter what your age. If retirement is near, you’ll want to jump into the fast lane right away. Don’t just take our word for it. You can check out the numbers

yourself. A great way to start figuring out how much you will need for retire-ment is to use Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator, which offers an instant and personalized estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits based on your earnings record. Try it at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. We encourage saving for retirement, but there are reasons to save for every stage of life. A great place to go for help is www.mymoney.gov (the official U.S. government’s website dedicated to teach-ing the basics of finances.) Whether you

are looking for information about buying a home, balancing your checkbook or investing in your 401(k), the resources on mymoney.gov can help you. The Ballpark Estimator at choosetosave.org/ballpark is another excellent tool. It makes complicated issues, like projected Social Security benefits and earnings as-sumptions on savings, easy to understand. If you have to choose between scrubbing down the house or getting your financial house in order, we recommend putting off the cleaning one more day. Get started right now at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Now’s The Time To Dust Off Your Financial PlanSOCIAL SECURITY Q&A

Question: When was the first Earth Day celebrated in the U.S.?Your Answer:

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

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

March’s answer is “New York City in 1762 on March 17.” Beatrice Van Brunt from Ocala is March’s winner.

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

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


By Janice Doyle

Volunteers play a major role in the VA Healthcare System. From transport-

ing patients in wheelchairs to answer-ing phones and from handing out filled prescriptions to feeding patients break-fast, volunteers are important. C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center (formerly Bay Pines VA Medical Center) in Pinellas County has 1,800 volunteers, each with a unique story to share about why they commit so much of their time to help vet-erans. Some do it because they too are veterans and want to give back to their brothers and sisters. Others do it out of respect for the men and women who hon-orably served the nation, or to stay busy after retirement or fulfill a community service requirement for a high school, college or university program. For Emily Murtha, a 76-year-old patient transport volunteer at the healthcare sys-tem’s Medical Center, her connection to VA came in 1997 after being reunited with her high school sweetheart, Don, after more than 41 years apart. Originally from a small town in Penn-sylvania, Emily (then Emily Kovacs) and Don Murtha dated through high school but went their separate ways shortly after Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Emily said, “We were so young, and I really didn’t see how we could make it work with him going away.” They never fathomed the thought of one day being reunited. On August 23, 1997, Emily’s phone rang. “It was Donny,” she said. “I was lost for words. He told me he had been searching for me for the last 30 years.” They were married the next year in Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

VA Health Care and Volunteerism Emily described Don as the “ultimate soldier” and a stern advocate and client of the military and the VA health care system. When Emily retired in 2001, the couple moved to Tampa Bay where Don transferred his care to the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. “Because he enjoyed his time in the military and the military culture so much, it became part of what I enjoyed as well,” she said. “When he vis-ited the VA hospital, I was always by his side. We both loved the VA so much—it was very much part of our lives together.” In April 2005, Don passed away. In January 2008, Emily became a registered volunteer at the medical center two days per week. “Becoming a volunteer was probably the best thing I’ve done in my life—second to my time with Don, of course,” she said. “It gives me the oppor-tunity to give back to veterans and also continue to spend time in a facility that meant so much to Don—to us. When I am here, I very much feel his presence.” Emily has amassed more than 5,400 hours of service. “There really isn’t a unit of measure for what Emily brings to Veterans and the volunteer program. You can count the hours she serves but you can never measure the heart,” said Nathan Witt, Chief, VA Voluntary Service Director at the facility. “She embodies everything good about VA Voluntary Service and giving back to those who served,” he said. To learn more about becoming a volun-teer at the Young VA Medical Center, call 727-398-9394. To volunteer at James A Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, call 813-972-7533. Also consider volunteer-ing at one of the area’s local VA clinics.

Every VA Volunteer Has a Story!VETERANS CORNER

Emily Murtha, VA volunteer


Free Tax AssistanceThere’s good news for taxpayers

looking for a safe way to save money at tax time. Thanks to a public-private partnership between the IRS and a coalition of in-dustry-leading tax software companies, there’s a program that provides qualified taxpayers with free, online, name-brand tax preparation software products. Called the IRS Free File program, it’s designed to make tax time easier by walking taxpayers who qualify through the filing process online and ensuring that they capture all the credits and de-ductions they deserve. To take advantage of the program, taxpayers must have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less. By using the program, eligible taxpayers can easily and accurately complete their federal tax return with trusted name-brand tax preparation software products. Since its creation in 2003, the Free File program has donated 40 million federal tax returns. That translates to a total savings for taxpayers of more than $1.3 billion in tax preparation costs donated. Approximately 70 percent of U.S. taxpayers are eligible for the Free File program.

The Power Of Technology Ed Black, president and CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), said that the Free File program is a great example of the power of technology to improve the lives of all Americans. Black added that CCIA is proud to support Free File and will be working this year to help ensure all eligible taxpayers are aware of this “important program.” Additionally, 20 states plus the District of Columbia sponsor a state-level Free File program, allowing eligible residents to easily and accurately complete both their federal and state taxes for free.

For more information, visit the websites at www.irs.gov/freefile and www.taxprephelp.org. (NAPSI)

Other Resources AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers—especially those 60 and older. Here are a few locations near you: (for a complete list and info about which documents you need to bring with you, visit www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action)

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L E A V I N G A L E G A C YM a k i n g a D i f f e r e n c e I n Yo u r C o m m u n i t y

In 2009, retired banker David A. Straz donated around $25,000,000 to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Because of his generous contribution,future generations will be able to share in his love of music, theater and the arts. The quiet benefactor was reluctant to have the center—

now known as the David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts—named after him, but he believed it might encourage others to donate as well. Straz said, “This is a result of my hard work and, at the same time, we’ve been able to do something for others.”

In large ways or small, anyone can leave a legacy that can change their community for the better. We hope you enjoy this special section on planned giving.


The Giving GuideGiving is great. It feels great, and it

can do great things. Human beings are hardwired for generos-ity, even in spite of ourselves. Participants in a 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted their happiness more than spending it on themselves (despite their own prediction to the contrary). Giving has health benefits, as well. That warm glow following a good deed comes in part from a release of oxytocin, a hormone that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria and connection to others. Giving is often reciprocated in unexpectedways, and best of all, it’s contageous. When one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generouslylater, toward different people, suggestsanother study by Harvard and the University of California, San Diego. ‘Paying it forward’ spreads exponentially,researchers found, and one person can ultimately influence hundreds of people whom they have never even met. The boomer generation, in particular, is a generous bunch. They give the largest

share of donations to charities and rep-resent 43 percent of total U.S. giving, according to “The Next Generation of American Giving,” a report by Blackbaud (a software provider to nonprofits). To those who may want to leave a monetary legacy to charity, but are unsure of the best way, CNN Money breaks down a few options:Leave a bequest: A bequest is a gift to char-ity at your death, typically made through your will. Making a bequest reduces the size of your estate, effectively leaving less money subject to estate taxes. Another advantage: You can change the provisions in your will, including how much to donate and to whom, anytime before your death. When making a bequest, donors can at-tach strings, such as asking the charity to use the money to fund a certain project.Charitable gift funds, which are offered by Fidelity, Vanguard and others,permit you to make a tax-deductible donation, grow your investment tax-free, and then direct a contribution—in your name—to nonprofits of your choosing whenever you like.

Community foundations are regionally based charitiesthat take donations of as little as $5,000 in cash, stock or property. The foun-dations invest that money, pool the gains and allocate grants, usually to local nonprofits. In most cases, you may either have the foundation give money to organizations you choose or ask the foundation to locate a worthy recipient for a cause you like.In charitable remainder trusts, a donor transfers assets to an irrevocable trust, which then pays the donor or his family income for a set period of time, or until the donor dies. At the end of the trust’s term, whatever money is left goes to a charity designated by the donor. The donor receives an upfront tax deduction for the money expected to be received by the charity, while the income stream that donors receive is taxable.You also can set up a charitablelead trust, (think of a charitable

remainder trust in reverse) from which acharity receives the income and your heirs receive whatever is left after you pass away.Give Wisely Generosity is a virtue, but so is good planning. Rushing to act can mean the difference between a well-executed gift and one that could put your own long-term financial position in jeopardy. Always seek advice from a financial advisor before donating large amounts of money or property, and never give more than you can afford. It may mean some up front costs, but a good legacy plan is well worth it in the end.


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Tips For Choosing A CharityBy Tracie Lukens

If charitable giving is part of your legacy plan, here are a few tips to

help you make an informed decision so your donation can go the extra mile: 1. Chose the cause that is nearest to your heart. Are you interested in the arts? The environment? Mission work or humanitarian efforts in other countries? Curing a disease or making a difference locally in your community? Check outtopnonprofits.com/lists/types-of-charities.2. Narrow your list down by doing a little research. Ask friends, family or coworkers for their favorite charities. Consider vol-unteering at a charity to see firsthand how effective it is. Always ask questions: How will my gift be spent? How many people did you help last year? In what way?3. Ask yourself: what or how much can I give, and which organization would benefit from it the most? Consider this: a $100,000 donation might not go as far in a large international organization with hundreds of staff and multiple expenses as it would for a local school or a food bank in your community.

4. Check to make sure your potential charity is legitimate and handles funds responsibly. Resources like Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org);GuideStar (guidestar.org); and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) can help. They rate charities and offer details on their goals, results and how donations are put to use. 5. Never accept solicitations for chari-ties or give away personal or credit card information. Donate on your terms.

Think Small Gifts do not have to be monumental to make an impact. A simple donation of $100 would be appreciated by any nonprofit. Items like furniture, clothes, vehicles and even land can be left to charities like ReStore, Goodwill, United Way, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Nature Conservancy and others. Books or artwork can be donated to libraries, museums or community centers depending on worth and condi-tion. Finding homes for items your heirs do not want (or items that might cause a conflict) can benefit small organizations now and reduce estate burdens later.


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By Meghan Streit, Kiplinger

Think of all the memories that make up the story of your life. Preserving

those stories in a memoir can be a tremendous gift for your children and grandchildren, who may be eager to understand their family history. In his late eighties, Stan Zabka looked back on the many exciting chapters of his life: serving in World War II along-side his seven brothers, working as associate director of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and composing iconic songs such as “Christmas Eve in My Home Town.” He decided he had a story that was worth telling. Zabka, 89, spent a year and a half toiling for up to ten hours a day to write his memoir, “Razz Ma Tazz: My Life in Music, Television and Film.” Zabka documented his life, not only for his children, but also for people with careers in the entertainment industry who might benefit from his many yearsof experience. “Instead of talking about the wars or my big family, I talked about music,” says Zabka, who self-published his memoir. “All of those other things like family and war had music woven throughout them. That is what I learned: You can do a lot of things in your life, but you can only be an expert in one.” Zabka is one of many older people who are leaving a record of their life stories to future generations. Memoirists can find plenty of help. You can take a course at a local workshop—or go online for instruction.You can even find a ghostwriter to pen your memoir after

extensive interviews. Or you can seek the help of a company that will compile the stories of your life on video, an audio recording or a personalized website. Rosanne Gulisano, who founded Lifestories: Creating a Memoir (www.lifestoriescreatingamemoir.com) and runs workshops in Illinois, says many people think their lives aren’t extraordinary enough for a memoir. But she says most of us have a very captive audience: our children and grand-children. “Everyone’s life is interesting to their own future generations,” Gulisano says. “If you were to find a stack of old diaries in your grandmother’s trunk, it probably wouldn’t be a bestseller, but it would be a precious document to you.” Many people find the process of docu-menting their lives to be rewarding, even therapeutic, Gulisano says. “You kind of find out who you are because you’re digging up things you might have forgot-ten,” she says. “For most people, it’s a very happy process and they get so much joy out of reminiscing about their past.”

Use Technology for Storytelling The written word is a popular format for preserving personal history, but it isn’t the only medium. You can hire a service that can create video or digital histories. Bank executive Linda Beerman, 64, and her three siblings used an online service called Umenta (www.umenta.com). A “legacy concierge” interviews various family members by phone and edits the interviews into discrete stories. The ser-vice posts both written and audio versions of stories to a private family website.

On a conference call, Beerman says, she and her siblings reminisced for an hour about parties their parents hosted and the houses where they lived as children. “The four of us were just laughing so hard,” she says. “It was a wonderful thing for us to do together.” Beerman, who lives in Lewisville, N.C., says they can add content to the site, including photos, so she plans to e-mail her siblings questions each month to solicit more memories. You can instead opt for a video biography of your life. Forever Studios (www.foreverstudios.com), in Boca Raton, Fla., is one company that creates professionally produced DVDs narrated by the client. Co-founder Zachary Goldberg says the process begins with a “discovery session” between the client and a journalist, videographer and producer. They discuss stories the client wants to tell. Then the journalist conducts a series of on-camera interviews with the client. The company gathers photographs, home movies, period newsreel footage, memorabilia such as Purple Heart medals, and music to incorporate into the video. You can produce your own online memory book by using Memloom (www.memloom.com). You can use tools to lay out photos and scanned memorabilia such as handwritten recipes. You can include videos, audio narration (you call into a telephone line to make a recording) and music. The end result—in a magazine-like format—can be shared with people you choose. Memloom’s basic functions are free, and there is a fee for premium features. Ruth Baudhuin, 66, uses Facebook to keep up with her children and grandchildren, but she says she doesn’t feel comfortable displaying photos

and personal information on the social networking site. So Baudhuin recently began using Memloom to share memories of her late husband with her children. Baudhuin compiled photos from one of the last holidays the kids spent with their dad and sent the album to the entire family. “The first Thanksgiving he was sick, a lot of the kids came from all over with their little ones,” she says. “There were a lot of pictures from that day, and Memloom is a nice way to share something like that.”

Consider Your Audience Younger generations tend to consume information in short sound bites and are less likely to commit to long narratives. Tom Cormier, chief executive officer of Legacy Stories (www.legacystories.org), based in Knoxville, Tenn., has created an app for Apple and Android mobile de-vices that people can use to record audio stories to accompany old photographs. Cormier says recordings are limited to three minutes so they appeal to users’ grandchildren. “If you send an e-mail to a teenager with a recorded story, and it’s only a minute or two, they learn some incredible things they wouldn’t have otherwise known,” he says. If you’re writing in print form, you can simply make photocopies to share with relatives. Or you can use a self-publishing service to create a bound book that includes photographs. Gulisano recommends 48Hour-Books.com and Lulu (www.lulu.com). To find someone to help you with your memoir, go to the website of the Association of Personal Historians (www.personalhistorians.org). Debbie Marks, the association’s marketing director, recommends checking credentials and references before hiring a personal historian.

Write A Memoir For Future GenerationsRETIREMENT LIVING

Leave a Message From Beyond

Finding a letter from a recently deceased loved one can be an unexpected source of comfort. Recently, services have

emerged that allow you to plan messages to be sent to loved ones after you have passed. Here are a few:White Owl Messaging (www.whiteowlmessaging.com): Arrange for cards, flowers, gifts or other personal messages to be delivered to your loved ones after you have passed. Offers one-time or multiple year deliveries, or you can assign a guardian to a gift to be released at the appropriate time.Dead Social Messaging Service (www.deadsocial.org): Create a series of messages that are published to social networks once you pass away. You can also release unseen video and audio messages—and the service is totally free.My Wonderful Life (www.mywonderfullife.com): Leave letters for loved ones, share memories, upload favorite photos and make your final wishes known.


It May Be Time To Have “The Talk” (Not That One)

At age 70, you know you need to start thinking about end-of-life is-

sues. Your children say you’re young yet and keep putting off the subject. How do you begin a serious discussion that your kids can’t ignore? Remember, when it comes to end-of-life issues, you’re the key person. These are primarily your decisions and so you can go ahead and think about them without input from anybody. There are many resources that could help you put together something like a living will or advance directive. You can produce it and give it to the children. That will force the discussion. If they disagree with what’s in the document, it’s up to THEM to initiate a discussion. Appointing a power of attorney can also be a way to focus the discussion. If you want to do this, start with: “Judy. I know that stuff about dying is hard to talk about, but I am at an age when I really need to make some plans. I’d like you to have power of attorney if I ever get into a situation where I can’t make decisions for myself. Would you be willing to help me by doing this?” Maybe you’ve also begun thinking about the type of legacy that you’d like to leave your family. But you need more assistance to identify what you would want to pass on to your loved ones, both materially and historically. What can you say to enlist their help? When it comes to material items, this may depend on how well your family gets along, how good they are at com-promising, and how much you know up front that particular items are going to cause problems. If you aren’t expect-ing huge conflict, it might be possible to avoid awkwardness by making this a party situation. Hold a silent auction

where everyone gets together and “bids” on certain items. You’ll get a good idea of who might be particularly attached to what, but it will be done in a fun atmosphere. However, it’s prob-ably worth doing some informal inquiries up front; if one item seems particularly desirable to everyone, then the party might not get off

the ground. If so, just have some indi-vidual conversations with people about their desires and reasons for those, and make the best decision you can. A good way to start such a conversation might be: “John, I’m not planning on dying soon, but I am working on my will. I’d really like to make sure that everyone gets something special and unique to remember me by. Is there anything from the house that you’d particularly like to inherit when I die?” If you’d like to pull together history items for your loved ones, why not make this a family project as well. Or, tape memories and other family history on an audio cassette and leave it in a safety de-posit box. A grandchild or other relative may someday value this hidden treasure, even if no one seems interested now. On the flip side: Maybe your adult children are pressuring you to talk about end-of-life issues, and you are uncomfortable discussing it. Listen and put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Remember feelings you had for your parents when you were younger, and think about the trouble you might have had in raising difficult issues with them.Your child is feeling that same anxiety. It is important to make these decisions earlier, rather than later. 70 percent of conversations happen too late, being initiated by an event such as a health crisis or other emergency, which can in-crease the likelihood of family disputes and decrease the chances of your wishes being known and met.Free Information Resources, including videos, conversa-tion starters and aging plans, are now available at www.4070Talk.com to help jump-start that dialogue. (Info from Home Instead Senior Care)

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Challenging the Status Quo with Stem CellsBy Cara Tompot, Staff Writer

Looking back on history, we remember a time when women

didn’t have the rights that they do now. Prior to 1919, women didn’t have any way to express their thoughts and desires through public policy. Thanks to first-wave feminists questioning the status quo, 1920 marked the first year that women could vote. This social change marked a moment in history when women finally had the right to take control of their own life. In many ways, the history of women’s suffrage is similar to the road to regenerative medicine advancements. Much like women fighting for equality, patients have been fighting for a new way to treat their chronic lung disease. Now, with the advancement of stem cell therapy, sufferers of chronic lung disease are no longer limited to the confines of traditional medicine—which involve managing symptoms rather than the disease. Stem cell therapy, like women’s voting rights, helps people take control of their life by giving them a voice.

For years, people accepted the status quo, and for people suffering from chronic lung diseases like COPD, the status quo meant a constant struggle for oxygen. As an incurable disease, most sufferers felt that they didn’t have any options. But now, everything has changed. One state-of-the-art clinic, the Lung Institute, developed an alternative. Stem cell therapy helps sufferers finally breathe easier. People are no longer forced to accept the fate of continual disease progression or an invasive lung procedure. Stem cell therapy harnesses the healing power of a patient’s own stem cells to help regenerate damaged lung tissue. Today, lung disease can be treated with adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own fat, blood or bone marrow to replace damaged lung cells with healthy ones. According to the clinic’s website, www.lunginstitute.com,this innovative procedure slows the progression of the disease

in addition to restoring lung function and reducing inflammation. The result is the ability to breathe easier. Similar to the fight for women’s rights, doctors and patients have been diligently looking for a new way to treat lung disease. Now, with the advancement of stem cell therapy, patients can finally combat disease progression. As with any change, some physicians and patients may be slower to adopt new ideas while clinging to traditional approaches; however, just as social change made it possible for women to have a voice in the government, clinical advancements like stem cell therapy make it possible for patients to have a voice in their healthcare. If the fight for equality is any sign of the future of stem cell therapy, there is no doubt that stem cells will become the status quo for treating lung disease.

Should I Get An Allergy Shot?By Fred Cicetti

Q: I’ve had allergies my whole life and I’m thinking of going in for the

shots. What do you think?

A: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or vaccinations, can alleviate allergy symptoms. However, shots don’t work on all allergies or all people. Doctors advise against allergy shots if you take a beta blocker for high blood pressure or heart problems. If you’re considering immunotherapy, seek the advice of a good allergist. Allergy shots are a series of scheduled injections meant to desensitize you to specific allergens—the substances that trigger an allergic response. The usual schedule is a shot once or twice a week for about three to six months. After that, you’ll need a shot about once a month for three to five years. Allergy shots are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. Allergy shots may also control allergic reactions to stinging insects

such as bees, yellow jackets, hornets and wasps. But the shots are not effective for food allergies. If you have seasonal hay fever, you may be allergic to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds. If you have year-round discomfort, you may be sensitive to indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander. The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchy eyes, nose, or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion or wheezing. If your eyes also become red and swollen, you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis. Before starting allergy shots, your doctor may use a skin test to confirm that you have allergies and determine which specific allergens cause your signs and symptoms. During the test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is scratched into your skin and the area is then observed for about 20 minutes. Swelling and redness indicate an allergy to the substance.

The shots won’t give you immediate relief. You’ll probably see improvement in the first year of treatment. The most noticeable improvement often happens during the second year. By the third year, most people are desensitized to the allergens contained in the shots. For some people, successful treatment leads to a life without allergy symptoms. For others, shots must continue on a long-term basis to keep allergy symptoms at bay. An allergic reaction is a complex chain of events that involves many cells, chemicals and tissues throughout the body. While there is no cure for allergic disease, there are many medications available to lessen symptoms. About 50 million Americans suffer from an allergy. Major allergic diseases include: allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives (urticaria), and reactions to substances such as food, latex, medications, and insect stings. We don’t know why some substances trigger allergies and others do not. We

also don’t understand why every person does not react to allergens. A family history of allergies is the single most important factor that predisposes a person to develop allergies. If you would like to ask a question, write to [email protected]. All Rights Reserved © 2015 by Fred Cicetti.

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Online Dating Part 3: 8 Rules For Powerful ProfilesBy Elle Layne

Okay, now that you’ve picked a site and learned how to spot the false

arrows in Cupid’s quiver, it’s time to make your profile pop! Here are 8 tips:1. Be honest, and be yourself. This is the golden rule of dating. Ultimately, the goal is to meet someone who will accept you for who you are, flaws and all. This is difficult to do if you are pretending to be someone else, or are exaggerating certain qualities, just to impress a poten-tial mate. (You may end up impressing the wrong type of person!) Use current pictures and be truthful about who you are and what you want, and your mate will appreciate it and respond in kind.3. Be confident, positive and brief. Being honest doesn’t mean you have to focus on your flaws or write a lengthy autobiogra-phy. Bitter tales of past relationships or hard dating luck? Leave those at the door! Nothing turns a potential date off faster. Make your profile short and sweet, and highlight your best qualities. You only have a few seconds to make an impression online—your profile should be just enough to entice a mate to get to know you better.

2. Tell a story with your photos. Profiles with photos are nine times more likely to get communication, according to dating site Eharmony.com. For the best results, use four or more photos and include at least one medium shot and one closeup shot of you. Photos that show you participating in social activities or a favorite hobby, sport or other activity are the most effective. Avoid: poorly taken, blurry or unflat-tering shots; overly revealing photos; pictures of just your kids/grandkids; photos with exes (or with exes obviously cut out!) and the like.

Your profile photos are windows into your life. Ask yourself: would your mate want to be in these photos with you?4. Invite the other person into your life by avoiding too many “I” state-ments. If you met a date at a bar and all he talked about was himself, would you stick around? Rather than write a laundry list about who you are and what you want, be conversational. Talk about what would you share with your potential mate. How would you like to get to know them better?

5. Make your words count. Do you like romantic dinners and long walks on the beach? So does everyone else! Try to avoid lists or cliches that are common in other people’s profiles. Instead, pick one or two of your favorite activities and de-scribe why you enjoy doing them, or tell a story about an experience. For example: “On weekends I take my dog Shelby on a beach walk because connecting with nature brings me a sense of peace.” 6. Call to action. What makes you stand out? Narrow it down to three words and use them as your profile heading. Don’t

be afraid to get flirty, humorous or quirky. Are you a Southern BBQ Diva or a Frisbee Golfing God? Own it! It’s all about getting readers to click your profile and look deeper. At the end of your profile description, leave a hook—an invitation to open com-munication. “Did you like the picture of me ziplining in Costa Rica? I’d love to tell you all about it. Gimme a call.” Or... “If you’re like me, and you want someone to share life’s adventures with, write me back...”7. Have a friend give you a hand. Sometimes they know you better than you know yourself, and can offer suggestions or let you know if you’re going overboard. Having someone double check your pro-file’s spelling and grammar can also help you make a good first impression.8. Update regularly: Make the effort to renew your profile on a regular basis to keep it fresh. And if you can, remove a profile you don’t use anymore. It can be discouraging to write in and hope for a message from someone who is no longer using the service. That’s all for now, web-crossed lovers. I wish you safe and happy hunting!

Tech Talk: Magic OpenerWelcome to this

month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier. This month, we’re giving away a Magic Opener—a device that combines the three most common types of bever-age openers into one easy-to-use product. It can open metal caps, stubborn twist tops and nail-chipping pull tabs. Magic Opener is handy for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. The ergonomic handle accommodates all hand sizes, and the device firmly grabs caps for even more leverage. The magnetic top makes it accessible—stick it on your fridge door, on the BBQ, bike frame or tail gate so it’s always at your fingertips. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a purse, lunchbox or backpack. The Magic Opener retails for $19.99. For more information, please visit www.magicopener.com.

We’re giving away a Magic Opener to one lucky winner this month! To enter, just email

[email protected] or snail mail us at:

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

Congratulations!To last month’s winner:

Marianne Barnes of Sun City Center

She won the Pixstar FotoConnect XD!

Attn: Magic OpenerNews Connection USA, Inc.P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583


Music Meets Mania in “Next To Normal”

A powerhouse cast performs the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning

musical Next to Normal in Venice Theatre’s Stage II April 9 – 26, 2015. Venice Theatre leading lady Kim Kollar heads up a cast of fellow VT veterans in the upcoming production of the contemporary musical drama Next to Normal. Under the direction of Brad Wages and the musical direction of Michelle Kasanofsky, Kollar plays Diana Goodman, a middle class suburban wife and mother who happens to struggle with bipolar disorder. The show deals with heavy subject matter, but it does so with such humor and

honesty that you will leave feeling uplifted. Wages says, “I want audiences to realize what a life-affirming show this is.” Next to Normal won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama, a category most often reserved for straight plays. The Pulitzer Board called it, “a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals.” Although the topic is challeng-ing, the relationships are what

make Next to Normal so poignant. Joining Kollar on stage are Chris Caswell as her supportive husband, Caitlin Longstreet Ellis as her precocious teenage daughter and Zach Herman as her beloved son. Rounding out the cast are Jason Ellis as the daughter’s quirky on-again-off-again boyfriend and Kelly Leisler as two of Diana’s doctors. The New York Times said that Next to Normal “...throbs with an emotional intensity that cannot be dismissed.” Get your tickets now for what has been called a “feel-everything” musical. 941-488-1115. VeniceStage.com.

The Players Follies Bring Their Big Band Blowout Revue To The Stage

Join The Players Follies in a tribute to the Big Bands of the 1930s and

1940s with a fun revue of sketches, songs and dances from this iconic time period. Return to an era where music was king and its kingdom reigned with the likes of Duke Ellington, Basie, Guy Lombardo and Glenn Miller. Enjoy performances of those perennial favorites such as “Take The A Train,” “Sing Sing Sing” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing…” There are even humorous “radio commercial” skits in this rag tag variety show that will leave you rolling in the aisles.

The Players Follies is a performing troupe who represents The Players Theatre at community events, public appearances and on the Main Stage of the theatre as the seasoned wing of the 84 year-old arts organization. This troupe is a fun outlet to gain camaraderie and support while giving a chance to let its members express themselves theatrically. The Players Follies is open to anyone who would like to join and has interest in singing, dancing and/or acting. To get tickets to this great show, or if you have interest in joining The Follies, call 941-365-2494 or visit www.theplayers.org.


Venice Ranch is a quiet, clean, 55+ manufactured home community in a super location. Here’s what is nearby:

• Shopping ...............................1/2 mile• Hospital ............................ 3-1/2 miles• Restaurants ............................1/4 mile• Banking .................................1/4 mile• Quaint, cultural, and

historic Venice Center ............... 3 miles• Four golf courses ...................1-3 miles• Beaches ................................... 4 miles• Interstate 75 ..........................3/4 mile

BEST OF ALL …• Homes starting at $2,000 and up, on larger

than normal manufactured home lots• New solar heated pool• We have all kinds of clubs and amenities

2496 Sylvia Lane, Venice, FL 34292Office: 941-488-5672

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Mon.,Tues., Thurs. & Fri.10:00 to noon and 1:00 to 4:00.

Closed Wed. Weekends by appointment only.

Four American Space Heroes To Join U.S. Astronaut Hall Of FameFour space shuttle

astronauts will be inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame during a public ceremony held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction: John Grunsfeld, Ph.D., Steven Lindsey, Kent Rominger and M. Rhea Seddon, M.D. These astronaut heroes will join the ranks of well-known space explorers including Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. This year marks the historic 25th anniversary of the Hall of Fame, which was conceived by the six remaining Mercury astronauts as a place where space explorers could be remembered. Past Hall of Fame inductees include Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle astronauts. Admittance

into the ceremony on May 30 is included in admission to the Visitor Complex. For more information, please visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. (NAPS)

Top left: John Grunsfeld, Ph.D; Top Right: Kent Rominger; Bottom Left: Steven Lindsey;

Bottom Right: M. Rhea Seddon, M.D.

Springtime Fun FactsBefore spring was called

spring, it was called Lent in Old English. Starting in the 14th century, that time of year was called “springing time”—a reference to plants “springing” from the ground. In the 15th century this got shortened to “spring-time,” and then further shortened in the 16th century to just “spring.”• Earth Day, April 22, is the larg-est, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. Over 175 countries throughout the world participate.• In Panama, 100 endangered species of orchids were planted and maintained to prevent their extinction in honor of Earth Day.• American householders spend approximately $131 on decorations and candy each year, dumping a total of about $14.7 billion into the nation’s economy each Easter season.

• The number one Easter food is hard-boiled eggs, with

chocolate bunnies in second place. Every

spring, Americans also consume about 700 million of those little yellow marsh-mallow chicks called Peeps.

• Easter bunnies have their roots in old German pagan

traditions celebrating the goddess Eostra, who was honored

for bringing spring and fertility on the spring equinox. Because of their fecundity, rabbits were used as

her symbol.• In ancient Greece, Persephone was the goddess of spring. During winters, she was known as the Queen of the Underworld, and she would return to the earth in spring to preside over growth.• Every year, the U.S. president conducts an Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn. The tradition was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878 and the practice has been followed by every president since then.


By Janice Doyle

As we travel in Florida, we expect to find sandy beaches, warm waters

and tropical landscapes. Sometimes we come upon unexpected cultural treasures, places and sights we hadn’t thought we’d find. An hour north of Fort Lauderdale, Martin County, Florida, offers both the expected and the unexpected—one of Florida’s treasured destinations. Martin County is composed of the com-munities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island.

Endless collections Look in Stuart for the huge collection amassed by inventor Sterling Elliott at Elliott Museum. How about the dis-play Enzo Ferrari and his Motor Car? Historic antique automobiles and boats, an extensive baseball collection and a deep trove of Treasure Coast histories and stories can be found at the Museum. The Stuart Heritage Museum truly lets visitors step back in time to learn about the people, events and places from Martin County’s history. The countless relics housed by the museum define the history of the people, businesses, agriculture and community spirit of the City of Stuart and Martin County.

What began in 1997 as Art in Public Places has evolved into a collection of sculptures, mobiles, stained glass windows, murals, mosaics, benches, photographs and quilts located in librar-ies, fire stations, community centers, administration buildings, parks and other county-owned properties through-out Martin County. Tracking them down turns into a treasure hunt. Here’s a part of what you’ll find: Shell Games – sculpture at Hobe Sound Public Library, 10595 SE Federal Highway, Hobe SoundAvian Muse – mobile at Robert Morgade Library, 5851 SE Community Drive, StuartOasis – tile bench at Holt Law Enforcement Complex, 800 SE Monterey Rd., StuartAntique Hose – sculpture at Port Salerno Fire Station, 4725 SE Dixie Highway, Port SalernoThe Poet – sculpture at Hoke Library, 1150 NW Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach Stained Glass at Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 SW Adams Avenue, Indiantown

Photographic Exhibition at Martin County Administrative Center, 2401 SE Monterey Road, StuartLoggerhead Nesting 2011 at Hobe Sound Beach, 1 Beach Road, Hobe SoundManatee Pocket Gateway at Sailfish Splash Waterpark, 931 SE Ruhnke Street, StuartMarine Life Murals at Sailfish Splash Waterpark, 931 SE Ruhnke St., Stuart

Get crafty More of the area’s local jewels can be found in Port Salerno at The Fish House Art Center and Gallery on the water-front of Manatee Pocket in the Village. In Stuart, art deco style takes over the Arts Council’s home in the Court House Cultural Center Gallery housed in the 1937 Public Works Administration building.

For more information and a calendar of events, go to www.DiscoverMartin.com

Florida’s Cultured Pearl: Martin County Is a TreasureTRAVEL

House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar

History buffs meet their match in Martin County. The House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar is the only remaining House of Refuge on the east coast

of the United States. The Houses of Refuge were designated as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along Florida's sparsely-populated Atlantic coastline. Run by the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the Houses played a critical role in a time when sailing ships dominated world commerce. The historic structure in Stuart has weathered many storms and provided needed shelter for shipwreck survivors, including those of the Georges Valentine, an Italian brigantine whose wreckage remains just 100 yards off the rocky shoreline. Built as one of ten along the east coast of Florida, it is the oldest structure in Martin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The House of Refuge offers a fascinating look at a bygone lifestyle along the sea. You can also dive for treasure at the Georges Valentine Shipwreck Site off the coast of Hutchinson Island. The Site is the eleventh Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

Classic car collection at Elliott Museum.

Stuart Heritage Museum

The Fish House Art Center and Gallery


Last Month’s Answers March Sudoku

Corky Westfall is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

April Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Apr. 20 will win. Good luck!

Mystery Prize!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC

P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

(Sudoku must be received by April 20, 2015.)

Word Search Answers

From March

June Lewisis last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

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

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

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

News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

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

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

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

Mystery Prize!

Mystery Prize!


Timing Is EverythingBrian Gunnell and the American Contract Bridge League

West’s 2♠ (showing long Spades and not much else) pushed N-S

into the precarious contract of 4♥. Look at what happened in actual play, and then figure out how you would have done better as Declarer. West led the ♠K, won by Declarer’s Ace. With six side-suit tricks it would be necessary to score four trump tricks, and as the trump suit was so weak it was apparent that some ruffing would be required. One line that would clearly not work would be to get the enemy trumps out of the way first, that would leave Declarer a trick short (scoring only

three trump tricks). So Declarer cashed the ♥A at Trick 2, and then, leaving

three enemy trumps at large, he played on the side-suits. His general plan was to let the oppo-nents take their trumps whenever they wished, but that was all they would get. He started with Dummy’s high Clubs, but West ruffed the third round and played another Spade. Dummy ruffed, East over-ruffed and cashed her high Heart, leav-

ing Declarer with just 9 tricks. Declarer needed to time the play better if he was to score 10 tricks. At Trick 2 he must duck a trump! Now, he wins the Diamond return, plays the Ace of trumps and (leaving one enemy trump at large) goes about his business of cashing winners and cross-ruffing. Altogether Declarer has 11 potential tricks via the ♥A, four ruffs and six side-suit winners, but that enemy trump will rub out one of those tricks and re-duce the total to 10. Making 4♥, thanks to careful timing.

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

BRIDGE BITES

Treasures, Trinkets & TeaSave the date!

Treasures, Trinkets & Tea will be held from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.on May 7 at the Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota. This elegant afternoon of tea, fun and friendship will have it all: champagne, caviar, sweet and savory treats, accessory fashion show, silent auction and accessories marketplace.

Proceeds will benefit the Caregiver Resource Centers at the Friendship Centers. Tickets are $75, and it’s just in time to honor the special moms in your life for Mother’s Day. It is also an opportunity to show your support for the Friendship Cen-ters, a nonprofit organization

dedicated to helping older adults live with dignity for more than four decades. For tickets and info, visit friendship centers.org or call 941-955-2122.


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Lights, Camera, Action!The Sarasota Film Festival returns for

its 17th year of celebrating the art of filmmaking while providing engag-ing community programs. Experience the best of independent film from new and veteran filmmakers on the number one beach in the world, April 10 – 19 at venues throughout the city. The event lineup includes red carpet soirees like the Opening Night Film and Party or the bayfront Cinema Tropicale Celebration. The Conversation Series features intimate discussions throughout

the week with accomplished stars, writers and directors, offering a considered look inside their art while the annual Closing Night Film with Filmmaker Tribute Awards closes out the Festival in grand style at the Sarasota Opera House. During the Festival, films for every genre buff run from 10 a.m. to midnight daily at Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Visit online at sarasotafilmfestival.comfor a complete schedule, or call 941-366-6200 to learn more.


Enter To Win!

Last Month’s Answers

Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

LEARN HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR PETS IN AN EMERGENCY

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

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Enter to Win!

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

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

� Insurance� Elder Law / Financial� Housing & Senior

Lifestyles Options

� Personal Health & Fitness

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NameAddressCity State ZipAge Phone SC/Hills

This month’s

winner is

Myron L. Guisewite

Congratulations !!!

Last Month’sAnswers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Last Month’s Winner Is Daniel McDevitt Congratulations!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Name

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Spring Build-A-Brunch IdeasEntertaining at brunch time

can be much easier than a dinner party. Serve these mini quiches and cake bites with croissants, a fruit platter and mimosas or freshly squeezed orange juice. Recipes by McCormick: mccormick.com.Mini Ham and Egg QuichesServes: 6

1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium shallot, finely chopped2 cups packed baby spinach leaves4 ounces goat cheese (chèvre)8 eggs, lightly beaten1 tablespoon tarragon1 teaspoon thyme1/4 teaspoon sea salt1/8 teaspoon course ground black pepper12 thin slices deli Black Forest ham Directions Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add shallot; cook and stir 2 minutes or until softened. Add spinach; cook and stir 1 to

2 minutes or just until wilted. Remove from heat. Add goat cheese; stir until well blended and melted. Mix eggs, tarragon, thyme, sea salt and pepper in medium bowl until well blended. Add spinach mixture; mix well. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin generously with no-stick cooking spray. Press a slice of ham into each cup, pleating as necessary to fit cup. Pour egg mixture evenly into each cup. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until eggs are set. Run small knife or spatula around each cup to loosen mini quiches. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Decorative Egg Cake BitesServes: 24

1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix

2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract

1 cup marshmallow creme1 bag (14 ounces) white confectionary

coating wafers

Decorating Glaze:1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar2 teaspoons water

Directions Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding lemon extract and desired food color. Bake as di-rected on package for 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Crumble cake into large bowl. Add marshmallow

creme; mix until well blended. Shape into 1-inch balls then roll to form an egg shape. Refrigerate 2 hours. Melt coating wafers or white chocolate as directed on package. Using a fork, dip 1 cake bite at a time into the confectionary coating or chocolate. Tap back of fork 2 or 3 times against edge of dish to allow excess to drip off. Place cake bites on wax paper-lined tray. For the Decorating Glaze, mix confec-tioners’ sugar and water in small bowl until well blended. Tint with desired food color. Using a fork, drizzle glaze over cake bites. Let stand until glaze is set.

lifestyles after 50 sarasota edition, apr. 2015

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