Lifestyles After 50 Southwest Edition, March 2026 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Grey Oaks Cares Week of Giving Raises $3.8 million for Collier County Nonprofits

In February, Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples raised more than $3.8 million for 70 Collier County nonprofits through its sixday, club-wide Grey Oaks Cares “Week of Giving” philanthropic initiative.

Beneficiaries include Grace Place, Guadalupe Center, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Naples Children’s Foundation, Naples Zoo, Neighborhood Health Clinic, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, St. Matthew’s House, The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and Warrior Homes of Collier County, among many other nonprofits addressing essential needs.

Nonprofit partners apply for Grey Oaks Cares funding to advance their missions. For example, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee and the Guadalupe Center are expanding their facilities to accommodate more children and provide additional educational programs, while Warrior Homes of Collier County is unveiling its Zulu Project, an apartment building to house homeless veterans. This residential project is the final piece in Warrior Homes’ plan to effectively end veteran homelessness in Collier County.

Grey Oaks Cares is led by a volunteer committee working in partnership with club leadership and staff to ensure strategic allocation of funds and long-term community impact. This year’s effort surpassed its fundraising goal and marked a substantial expansion from last year’s single-day golf tournament which generated $750,000.

Club members participated in pickleball and bocce competitions, tennis drills with the pros and an off-court trivia contest, an eight-mile cycling ride around the Grey Oaks community loop, mahjong and canasta events, and a golf tournament raising charitable dollars through donations, raffles, live auctions and the second annual Grey Oaks Cares dinner and charity event. Visit greyoakscc.com for more information.

Spring Has Unlocked the Luck of the Irish

Photo by James Patterson

March is a great month in Florida – the weather is beautiful, the skies are blue, and the season of festivals and great barbecue is starting up.

March brings with it the amazing holiday of St. Patrick’s Day and the chance to drink good beer, sing Irish songs, and wear green to avoid being pinched by leprechauns (or so I’ve been told).

We also celebrate women in March! We wish you a Happy International Women’s Day on March 8, and you’ll really enjoy Kathy Megyeri’s book review of “Making the Best of What’s Left When We’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered” by Judith Viorst, an amazing woman whose writing career has spanned five decades and counting.

On March 8, we spring ahead an hour when the time changes back to daylight savings. No matter what Punxsutawney Phil said on Groundhog Day, spring officially begins on March 22 and another beautiful year lies ahead for southwest Florida!

This month we’ve also included some delicious and easy recipes fit for an all-day St. Patrick’s Day feast: Slow-Cooker Reuben Dip, Irish Stout Pot Roast, Colcannon, and Blueberry Crumble for dessert – with freshly whipped cream, of course! So grab your green sweater, a bottle of dark beer, and head out to look for rainbows!

Until next time, may the luck of the Irish be with you and have a happy March!

With gratitude,

Have a great month and we'll see you in April!

Lifestyles After 50

Volume 37, Issue 3

Published by Connected Community Media Group

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Honoring Grandmothers, Trailblazers, and Community Pillars on March 8

By Michele Baker

International Women’s Day, celebrated each year on March 8, is a global occasion to recognize the achievements, resilience, and spirit of women everywhere. While the day honors women of all ages and backgrounds, it offers a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on senior women—especially those over 50 living in southwest Florida. These women are the matriarchs, mentors, and community leaders who have helped shape families and neighborhoods, and whose wisdom continues to inspire new generations. By focusing on senior women, we can ensure that their stories, struggles, and successes are celebrated and their voices heard.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day has its roots in the labor movement of the early 20th century. It was first marked in 1909 in the United States, inspired by women’s marches demanding better working conditions and the right to vote. The movement quickly gained international traction, and by 1911, the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over the years, March 8 has become a day of unity and advocacy, recognized by the United Nations and observed in over 100 countries. It highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality, justice, and recognition for women’s contributions in all spheres of life.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN OVER THE YEARS

From pioneering scientists like Marie Curie to civil rights icons like Rosa Parks, women have played essential roles in shaping history. Closer to home, countless senior women in southwest Florida are educators, business owners, nurses, artists, and community organizers. Their tireless work fosters strong families, builds local businesses, and enriches cultural life. Often, these contributions go unrecognized, yet they are the backbone of thriving communities. Senior women also serve as caregivers, volunteers, and advocates, passing on traditions and values to their children and grandchildren.

8 FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE WOMEN ON MARCH 8

• Host a luncheon or tea party at a local park in Naples or Sarasota, inviting other women to share their stories and connect with friends.

• Organize a group visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

in Fort Myers, celebrating the history and achievements of women in science and innovation.

• Arrange an art class or exhibit at a community center in Punta Gorda, highlighting works created by senior women artists.

• Plan a beach picnic on Sanibel Island, complete with games and music, to enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine together.

• Record and share video interviews with grandmothers, collecting their life lessons and advice for younger generations.

• Volunteer as a group at a local food bank or animal shelter, demonstrating the community spirit of senior women.

• Gift hand-written letters or cards expressing appreciation to the senior women in your life.

• Host a movie night featuring films about inspiring women, followed by a discussion on their impact.

THE TAKEAWAY

International Women’s Day is a meaningful occasion to acknowledge the immense contributions of senior women, especially those in southwest Florida. By celebrating their achievements and supporting their well-being, we not only honor their legacy but also strengthen our communities. Let us remember to uplift, appreciate, and cherish the grandmothers, mothers, and friends whose wisdom and love enrich our lives every day.

St. Patrick’s Day Feast

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of Spring, a complete feast to celebrate both the wonderful Irish foods that we know and love, plus a lighter, vintage fruit dessert that makes good use of local produce!

By Michele D. Baker

APPETIZER: SLOW-COOKER REUBEN DIP

Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury.com

Perfect for your next St. Patrick's Day party! This slow cooked sauerkraut with cheese and beef makes a perfect appetizer. Serve with rye crisps, toasted pumpernickel points, or pretzel rods.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded)

• 2 cups sauerkraut (drained, finely chopped)

• 8 oz. package cream cheese

• 1 cup Thousand Island Dressing

• ½ cup milk

• ½ pound corned beef (thinly sliced cooked, from deli, coarsely chopped)

Method:

Spray 2-1/2 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add all ingredients and mix well. Cover; cook on low heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Substitutions: if you're watching your sodium intake, swap turkey for the corned beef (in sandwich form, this is called a "Rachel"). You can also use Russian dressing if you prefer.

ENTRÉE: IRISH STOUT POT ROAST

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

This recipe calls for a long, low simmer in a crock pot or Dutch oven. If you’re already making the Reuben Dip in the crock pot, you can use a Dutch oven and bake it instead. (Both options listed below.)

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. Irish stout beer (such as Guinness®)

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 (1 oz.) package dry onion soup mix (such as Lipton®)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 - 2-1/2 pound boneless beef chuck roast

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 16 oz. package baby red potatoes, cut in half

• 10 oz. bag baby carrots

• 3 stalks celery, cut into 3-inch pieces

Method:

Mix together beer, condensed soup, onion, onion soup mix, and garlic until combined. Season beef chuck roast with salt and pepper; place in the slow cooker. Arrange potatoes and carrots around roast.

• Crock pot: Cook on Low for 6 hours. Add celery to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until roast falls apart easily and potatoes are softened, about 2 hours more. (total 8 hours on low)

• Dutch oven: Cook in a 325 F degree oven for 3.5 – 4 hours until fall apart tender. Add celery after 2.5 hours.

SIDE DISH: COLCANNON

Recipe courtesy of seriouseats.com

An Irish favorite, Colcannon combines potatoes and greens into a hearty mash. It’s the perfect partner for Irish Stout Pot Roast (or sausages, corned beef, or baked ham). A simple green salad completes a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds medium starch yellow potatoes (such as Yukon Golds), peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes

• 2 medium scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for serving

• 2-3 medium cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 head small cabbage (3/4 pound), halved lengthwise, cored, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 2 cups)

• 1/2 cup whole milk, plus more as needed

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped laver seaweed (also sold in sheets as nori; optional)

• Salt and pepper

Method:

In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

While potatoes are cooking, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add white and light green scallion slices and garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and translucent, about 1 minute. Add cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in milk and seaweed, if using. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.

Drain, then mash or rice the potatoes. Add milk and cabbage mixture, salt, pepper; fold until just combined. (If potatoes are too thick, stir in additional hot milk.)

Serve hot.

DESSERT: BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE

Recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman

Perfect for the abundant blueberries in March, this easy and delicious dessert is a vintage classic. Strictly speaking, this isn’t an Irish dessert, but after such a delicious heavy meal, a fruit-based dessert made with local produce is just the ticket.

Ingredients:

For the Crumble:

• 1-1/2 cups rolled or quickcooking oats

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

• 3/4 cup melted butter (1.5 sticks), plus more for the pan

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 8 cups fresh blueberries

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

For the crumble: Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter until all the dry bits are moistened and small clumps form. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or freezer for 10 minutes, while you make the filling.

For the filling: Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Stir in the blueberries, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well coated.

Butter a three-quart casserole dish. Place the blueberry filling in the casserole in an even layer and top evenly with the crumble. Bake for 45 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the topping is crisp and golden brown. Let rest for 15 minutes then serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Jim “The Marathon Man” Miller Runs 300+ Marathons to Honor Dad

By Karla Thomas

Age is just a number, at least that’s how 73-year-old central Florida resident Jim Miller views aging. As an American Liver Foundation (ALF) volunteer, the 2024 Liver Life Challenge Global Ambassador and one of four runners participating in the upcoming Tokyo Run this month, Jim demonstrates that exercise and a healthy lifestyle is the best way to combat liver disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

Miller has been involved with ALF for 26 years after losing his father to liver cancer in 1999 that was caused by undiagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). He has dedicated his life to running in memory of his late father, and in honor of the more than 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. (Miller is even affectionately known at ALF as “the Marathon Man” because of his inspiring dedication to help others through running.)

ABOUT JIM MILLER:

• Jim “the Marathon Man” Miller is training to participate in the Tokyo Run on Sunday, March 1 to raise funds for ALF. The Tokyo Run Team has four members, including Miller. This is ALF’s first time participating in this iconic world major marathon.

• Jim ran his first marathon (the Boston Marathon) at age 49, in 2000, in memory of his dad to highlight MASLD – the fastest growing liver ailment today! Jim did this run in 3:49:50.

• Miller has run each “centennial marathon” with ALF – 100, 200 and now 300. In between the 200M and 240M, he also did the 4th Daytona 100 (those three races were the equivalent of 20 marathons). It took Jim 14 years to run his first 100 marathons, seven years to run his second 100 and now just three and a half years to hit 300 marathons!

• In 2024, Jim ran 34 marathons, including five 100-mile marathons.

• Jim ran his 300th marathon in the 129th Boston Marathon held on April 21, 2025. It was his fourth major run (for a total of six FunRaisers totaling $102,361) for donations to ALF. Jim was the only runner of 30,000 overall Boston Marathon runners who was 72, running his 17th Boston Marathon.

Jim continues to break down stereotypes of what it means to age and be healthy. His dedication to running in honor of his father and on behalf of those living with some form of liver disease is a beautiful example of turning the pain of loss into the power to inspire others.

Set a Course For Lifelong Learning With OLLI at Ringling College

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College offers in-person, noncredit classes for adults aged “50 and better!” A Gold or Silver membership is required to attend a multi-session class that runs two to eight weeks.

In addition to classes, members enjoy lectures, workshops, and special events throughout the year — Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. OLLI offers programs in 15 topic areas, such as Arts and Entertainment, Current Events, History, Music, Health and Lifestyles, and Science.

At OLLI, you can immerse yourself in new ideas, experiences, and connections — all for the joy of learning!

Registration opens March 3.

• A Brief History of the Civil Rights Movement in Sarasota

• Opportunities for Volatile Markets

• The Role of Islam in a Divided America

• Introduction to Improv

• Florida-Friendly Gardening 101

• Basic Italian, Part 1

• Jazz Appreciation

• A History of Silver

• Use Your Brain for a Change

• How to Successfully Self-Publish Your Book

• Wandering and Wondering: Walking as a Spiritual Journey

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-309-5111

www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

All About Alopecia

Q. What can you do to keep the hair you have?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the most common type of alopecia; it affects about one-third of people. Men start to get pattern baldness at the hairline and crown; this can lead to complete baldness. About 25 percent of men begin to bald by the time they are 30 years old, and about two-thirds have at least a balding pattern by age 60. Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary; a history of it increases your risk of balding.

Pattern baldness affects many more men than women. (Women’s hair loss is usually limited to thinning.)

TO PRESERVE YOUR HAIR:

1) Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair: braids, ponytails, cornrows and tight hair rollers. This hair loss is called traction alopecia. If the pulling scars the scalp, it can cause permanent hair loss.

2) Brushing or combing too much can break hair. Use combs with wide teeth and brushes with smooth tips. Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so show care when you do your hair after a shower.

3) Shampooing too often is bad for your hair. Use a cream rinse or conditioner after shampooing to make it easier to comb. And don’t dry your hair by rubbing it with a towel.

4) Don’t use hot-oil hair treatments or chemicals in permanents. These may cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.

There are about 100,000 hairs in the average scalp. About 100 hairs are lost every day. Each individual hair survives for an average of 4.5 years and grows about a half inch a month. In its 5th year, the hair usually falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one.

Medicines may help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. Rogaine, available over the counter, is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Propecia requires a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to six months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working. Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to treat androgenetic alopecia when more conservative measures have failed. During transplantation a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon takes tiny plugs of skin, each containing one to several hairs, from the back or side of your scalp. The plugs are then implanted into the bald sections. Scalp reduction, as the name implies, means decreasing the area of bald skin on your head.

Blast to the Past! “Let

Your Love

Flow”

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

Howard and David Bellamy would sometimes wake up to the sounds of a Merle Haggard or Buck Owens record being spun by their musicloving father. The future superstar siblings were frequently exposed to such country-music icons, as well as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, and, later, music of the mid-1960s British Invasion.

Home was a cattle ranch in west central Florida, and the boys went to high school in nearby Darby. Once they graduated (Howard in 1964, David four years later), they launched their music career, first performing gratis with their fiddle-playing dad at a jamboree called the Rattlesnake Roundup in nearby San Antonio, Florida.

The Bellamys also tried their hands at writing, and David’s coauthorship with Jim Stafford resulted in “Spiders and Snakes” becoming a novelty home run. Sales of 3 million singles gave the brothers the cash needed to move to Los Angeles, where they hoped to connect with the music scene there.

They befriended Neil Diamond’s backup band. One day, Diamond’s drummer brought a demo record to the twosome, enthusing, “Hey, this sounds like something you guys would do.” It was a song called “Let Your Love Flow” and had been written by Diamond’s road manager Larry Williams.

Diamond and Johnny Rivers had previously passed on the tune. The Bellamys loved it. Howard and David signed with Warner/Curb Records, cut the song in a couple of takes, and watched in amazement as it became the best-selling record of the year.

Riding the tsunami of their initial success, the pair began touring the world. “We’ve always been known as a live act,” Howard says. “We’ve gone with the idea that we’re going to have fun and the audience is, too. Performing is not something we got into for money. We got into it for the love of it. It’s a lifestyle with us. That’s how we’ve managed to stay on the road for so long.”

Movie Preview: “Project Hail Mary”

BY RANDAL C. HILL

“Project Hail Mary” stars A-lister Ryan Gosling (“Barbie,” “La La Land”) in the role of Ryland Grace. This nearly three-hour-long, budget-busting release is based on the best-selling 2025 book of the same name by sci-fi savant Andy Weir.

In the opening scenes of jaw-dropping CGI, Gosling comes to us as a wise-cracking sixth-grade science teacher who awakens from a long sleep in an interstellar spacecraft— only to find himself far from home, with no memory of himself or his mission but with the fate of humanity resting squarely on his shoulders. He’s on his way to Tau Ceti, a solar system that may (repeat, may) offer a solution.

The sun is dying, which of course will spell the end of life on our planet. Grace is told that he’s been selected for a project designed to save Earth. He’s understandably overwhelmed by this responsibility and had earlier vehemently protested that he’s out of his depth here: “Some people are not good at things!” he has insisted. “I put the ‘not’ in astronaut.” Then, with a wink to the legacy of Michael Jackson, proclaims, “I can’t even

moonwalk!” (Did we mention that Weir has a sense of humor?)

Grace’s words have fallen on deaf ears in the scientific community. “You have a doctorate in microbiology,” Eva Stratt (Sandra Huller), the head of the Hail Mary Project, tells him. “You’re the only scientist who might know what to do…You’ll figure it out.”

With Ryland eventually hooking up in partnership with an alien he calls Rocky—who resembles a giant arachnid—"Project Hail Mary” could be considered akin to a buddy/action tale about two beings from different planets teaming up to save their respective worlds. Broadway icon James Ortiz eerily voices the character of Rocky.

“Project Hail Mary” is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The “Jump Street” movies, “The Lego Movie”), with a screenplay by Drew Goddard (“The Martian,” “World War Z”). The feature is produced by a seven-member team that includes Weir and Gosling.

“Project Hail Mary” from MGM/Pascal Pictures, launches nationally on March 20.

Mark your calendars for this one!

Nashville, Tennessee— famous for country music and the Grand Ole Opry—also has deep roots in American history. Landmarks like the Hermitage, Belle Meade, and the towering Parthenon in Centennial Park reflect a state admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796. It is a place where culture and history blend—and where a single vote helped change the nation.

Armchair Adventures: The Vote That Changed America

By Evelyn B. Kelly, PhD

In the summer of 1920, Nashville became the center of a heated national debate. Governor A. H. Roberts convened a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly to consider ratification of the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote. The amendment had passed Congress the year before and had already been ratified by 35 states. Only one more was needed. Tennessee held the deciding vote.

The city was filled with tension. Streets around the Capitol buzzed with activists, lobbyists, and observers. Supporters of women’s suffrage—often called “suffragettes”—wore yellow roses, while opponents wore red. The pressure was intense, and every legislator knew the eyes of the nation were upon them.

Among those legislators was Harry Burn, a 24-year-old freshman representative from McMinn County, the youngest member of the House. Burn came from East Tennessee, where opinions on women’s suffrage were sharply divided. Wanting to represent his constituents and avoid controversy, he initially sided with the opposition and wore the red rose.

As the decisive vote approached, Burn carried a letter from home. It was from his mother, Febb Ensminger Burn, a politically astute woman who closely followed the suffrage debate. In her letter, she urged her son to “be a good boy” and vote in favor

of ratification. Burn smiled at the familiar maternal phrase and tucked the letter into his pocket.

Inside the legislative chamber, the heat was stifling and the atmosphere electric. Debate raged. As Burn listened, his thinking started to shift. He considered his mother’s intelligence and judgment and wondered why women like her should be excluded from the ballot. Women, he reasoned, had long managed households, contributed to their communities, and supported the nation through war and hardship. If they bore such responsibilities, why shouldn’t they also have a voice in government?

The vote was conducted by roll call. As names were called, it became clear the outcome would be very close. A tie would mean failure. When Burn’s name was announced, he paused, brushing the letter in his pocket. Then he said a single word: “Aye.”

The chamber fell silent. With that vote, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, securing women’s right to vote and forever changing American democracy.

The reaction was swift and fierce. Burn was condemned as a traitor by opponents and celebrated as a hero by supporters. Yet he stayed at peace with his decision, comforted by the knowledge that he had done what he believed was right—and had honored his mother’s faith in him.

Today, Tennessee proudly remembers its key role in the women’s suffrage movement. A monument in Centennial Park and a historical marker outside Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel serve as reminders that sometimes history hinges on the courage of one person—and one vote.

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

SUDOKU

MARCH SUDOKU

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

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 much include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win.

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

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.

Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

LAST MONTH'S WINNER: Clare Davis, Sarasota

Palooza

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for this month. Circle each answer you find and list it in the space provided. Answers can be found in all directions–forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. An example is given to get you started.

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

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

LAST MONTH'S WINNER: Gloria Brown, Arcadia

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in

WORD

In 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?

Who was the first, First Lady, born in a foreign country?

Who was the first, First Lady, to appear in a rock music video?

Who was the only First Lady to become a naturalized U.S. citizen?

Answer & submit these trivia questions to win a prize

Play every month to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! Deadline for entries: March 20th

Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seﬀner, FL, 33583 Joseph W. Bzdick, Largo was our February Winner

February Answers: Star Crossed Lovers, South Korea, Heart of the Ocean.

Please enjoy playing our Crossword, Sudoku and Word Search Puzzles. The more puzzles you play & submit, the better chance you have to win!

43. Uncovered

44. Rose ’ s youngest

45. Citizen of movie fame

46. Fireman’s item

48. Crooner

49. Lynxes

39. Algerian

40. Bread heels

march

46. Fail to keep up

47. Made reparation

cROSSWORD puzzle

50. Nobleman

53. Company symbol

54. Nice friend

Fill in the answers and win great prizes!

57. Stretched out

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

60. Prominent

62. Head of France

63. Long

Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number and email to: Lifestyles After 50

64. Eat into

65. Friday, to Crusoe: abbr.

66. Makes lace

P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

67. Fancy roofs

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LAST MONTH'S WINNER:

Kolleen Davella,

A Life and Death Gamble

Recently, I watched a video with former Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. (Side note: Airplane’s lead singer, Marty Balen, settled in Tampa, marrying Karen Deal, the daughter of WFLA-TV newscaster Arch Deal.) Jorma was asked about who influenced his finger-picking style and one name that he mentioned stood out: Roy Bookbinder, who performed frequently throughout Florida in the early 80s.

Mention Roy and I’m instantly reminded of another Florida troubadour whom the Joy of My Life and I saw many times.

Shortly after our marriage, we often dined at a fantastic restaurant on Corey Avenue in St. Petersburg Beach named “Watership Down,” often with her best friend and maid-of-honor Renee.

PUZZLE

One evening, Renee and I sat on the same side of the table and Joy sat across from me. The waiter obviously developed a crush on Joy and scrambled to address her every request, practically stumbling over his own feet to light her cigarette whenever she pulled out a fresh one. When finished, we could feel his eyes on our backs as we left handin-hand-in-hand. He must have reckoned this little dweeb was a studmuffin as we departed in the form of a “Mikey Sandwich.”

One evening after dinner, as Joy and I were leaving, we saw a man pulling a guitar case from the trunk of his car. We exchanged nods and smiles, after which my bride and I decided to go back inside to check out what was going on. We wended our way back to the restaurant where a performance area was set up. Soon, we were enjoying some great finger-picking guitar and singing – “Talking Blues” in the style of Woody Guthrie, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and early Bob Dylan.

(Afterwards, we began attending his performances whenever we could throughout the area. His name was Gamble Rogers. He was a great performer and a super-nice man as well.)

How nice? Well, you can now visit Gamble Rogers State Park in Flagler Beach. You may ask “Why there, since he was born in Winter Park?”

In October of 1991, Rogers was camping at Flagler Beach, when a young girl ran to him, begging him to help her father, who was struggling in the rough waters. By that time, Rogers had developed severe spinal arthritis, yet he headed into the ocean, carrying an air mattress, in a rescue attempt. Sadly, both men died in the surf, hence the renaming of the Flagler Beach State Recreation Area in his honor.

I can still hear Gamble Rogers’ music. You just say “Alexa! Play ‘Penrod and Elfreida’ by Gamble Rogers.” If you’re familiar with this Florida treasure, share your memories with Mike at micwrighthamo@gmail. com.

BOOK REVIEW by

Kathy A. Megyeri

“Making the Best of What’s Left When We’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered” by Judith Viorst

“In the meantime… enjoy being not dead.” Joan Retallack

This March, I celebrate Judith Viorst, bestselling author and nonagenarian. In her 50-year writing career, Viorst has written bestselling books for children and adults with compassion, humor and delight, but this, her most recent book, is part memoir and part advice-filled.

Now 94 and living in a retirement community in Washington, DC

(that she considers marvelous and wonderful except “for the fact that everyone’s old”) she explores the late life meaning of second chances and discusses loss that moves between grief and levity.

With its anecdotes and memories, this book will especially resonate with those of us in our 80s who own her books of poetry and her bestsellers “Necessary Losses” and “Nearing Ninety.” In the years beyond 80, which she calls the “Final Fifth of Life,” she discusses the changes in our body and in our brains, where we live, what we can and can no longer do, and how to balance freedom and loneliness.

She explores the meanings of wisdom and happiness and second chances. She contends that the best part of continuing care communities is that no one makes impolite comments about being old and decrepit and others around her have similar memories of historical events such as Kennedy’s assassination and the birth of rock ‘n roll.

Aide.” She grapples with the belief in an afterlife, finding another mate, and disposing of life’s belongings, but concludes that you probably won’t get the old chairs you own reupholstered because you’re “just too busy with all the activities at the old folks’ home.”

But she also notices that in old age, people speak to us slower and louder. She ends each chapter with a poem and probably her best chapter title is “Growing Old Along with Me and My Home Health

She regards the Golden Years as the time you finally get to retire and then the body starts to fail. You worked so hard to obtain all your belongings and now, you have had to downsize and get rid of most of them. And she knows well of what she writes. She and her husband of 65 years (he died of Covid in 2022) lived in the Cleveland Park area of Washington, DC in a home with 7 bedrooms, 5 fireplaces, and a large wall of 15,000 books which she traded for a twobedroom apartment.

Readers like me will laugh at her descriptions of special events at the continuing care community where the dominant fashion is the “elasticized waistbands, our accessories are walkers and canes, the only genuine color of hair remains by a landslide fifty shades of grey, and we all look like advertisements for memory supplements.”

I’d love to gift a copy of this book to everyone in every continuing care facility as Viorst truly knows of our daily changes and challenges and offers us hope and advice for the rest of our days. But more important, she makes us laugh and appreciate every minute of the time we have left. Readers have said this book is Viorst at her best because “it’s a manifesto against ageism.” I totally agree.

For National Nutrition Month, Embrace Local Produce

By Michele D. Baker

Good nutrition is vital for senior citizens, as it supports energy, maintains muscle strength, and helps prevent chronic diseases. As we age, our bodies change, and these changes make it even more important to choose foods that provide essential nutrients without unnecessary calories. For active seniors living in southwest Florida, the abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables offers a wonderful opportunity to eat fresh, healthy foods and enjoy the flavors of the region.

SEASONAL PRODUCE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: WHAT’S IN SEASON AND THEIR NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

Southwest Florida’s climate allows for a diverse selection of produce throughout the year. In the winter and early spring, you’ll find citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Strawberries are also in season, providing fiber and vitamin C. Tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers thrive in the spring, offering potassium, vitamin A, and hydration. During the summer, watermelon, mangoes, and avocados are plentiful, each bringing unique nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In the fall, sweet potatoes, squash, and leafy greens such as collards and spinach are available, which are excellent sources of fiber, iron, and vitamin K.

SIMPLE WAYS TO ADD HEALTHY FOODS: MEAL AND SNACK SUGGESTIONS

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Start your day with a breakfast smoothie using local strawberries or mangoes blended with low-fat yogurt. For lunch, build

a colorful salad with spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado, all drizzled with olive oil. Roasted sweet potatoes or squash make a tasty side dish for dinner, and sliced oranges or grapefruit can be a refreshing dessert or snack. Keep pre-cut veggies like bell peppers and carrots handy for easy snacking. Try adding leafy greens to soups, stews, or omelets for extra nutrition. If chewing raw produce is difficult, consider steaming or roasting vegetables to make them softer and easier to eat.

POTENTIAL CONTRAINDICATIONS: MEDICATION AND HEALTH CONDITION INTERACTIONS

While eating more fruits and vegetables is generally beneficial, seniors should be aware of possible interactions with medications or medical conditions. Grapefruit, for example, can interfere with certain blood pressure and cholesterol medications, so it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before consuming it regularly. Leafy greens high in vitamin K, such as spinach and collards, may affect bloodthinner medications like warfarin. For those with kidney concerns, high-potassium foods like tomatoes and avocados should be eaten in moderation. If you have diabetes, monitor your intake of sweet fruits such as mangoes and watermelon, and pair them with protein or healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about any dietary changes, especially if you are taking prescription medications or managing chronic health conditions.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Enjoy the flavors of Florida and take pride in nourishing your body with the best the

Seniors getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.

5644 PLANT CITY WIDOW – A Plant City widow who misses her longtime husband and best friend. Searching for a white easy-going male in his 70s to meet and start a friendship with and perhaps lead to a longtime companion to share my life with. Plant City

5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.

5653 VENICE, JERSEY, TRUMP, UNVAXED – I value kindness, honest, smart. I like dogs, cars, and fish. 420 friendly – looking for a match for the last chapter. Let’s meet on 41. Healthy. Phone number and picture, please. Sarasota.

5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.

5654 PURPLE HEART WIDOW – Seeks a companion, not a new husband. Pretty and fun. Love, scuba, boating, real crime and travel, 420 friendly. Kind, smart, single. You could be happy. Picture and Phone, please. Venice.

5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

5670 – Single female 5’2” slim A, NS,SD seeking S male 60-70 NS dance partner to practice intermediate ballroom dance. If you are a heavy drinker or smoker, “no need to reply”. Health and fitness are an important part of my lifestyle. Friendships must grow slowly and steadily over time, embracing differences. New paths require a willingness to explore to nurture new connections. Interests: tennis, ballroom dancing, ten-pin bowling, and long walks. Music: ballroom, rock, jazz, pop and country. Sun City Center.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!

5622 HI – A VERY MATURE – W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA. Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.

seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.

5668 – Marine, outdoorsy and Scandinavian descent. Handy, fit, clean, and healthy. Looking for a woman with a couple of these traits in or near Sarasota. Let’s try and grow together in the sunshine!

5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.

5660 HAPPY MAN ISO VITAL WOMAN –Gallery exhibition Brussels Belgium 2025 photography. Clean, sober, dedicated, peaceful, ageless, slim. Harleys, Corvette, Backgammon. Natural full head of long hair. Movies, Jazz blues. Eats out often.

5671 – Are you petite SF who is fun, easygoing, likes happy hour and restaurants? I am a senior, SWM 5’6”. NS ND SOH with money. Tyrone square area. Happy dating!

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS:

5662 SWF – retired P looking for FF. Secure. Seeking SWM. Snowbird OK. I’m in Port Charlotte full-time. Hoping for a partner physically fit, dancing, restaurants, travel, cards, church, lover of holding hands. Sociable NS &ND. Enjoys holidays. Please send phone number and picture.

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.

5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.

5663 SHF 64 – Looking for active male 60 to 73 NS. Likes to drive, beach, walk in parks. Watching TV and cuddling on the sofa. Romantic. Friends first, maybe LTR. Send a photo and phone.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.

5664 THE QUEST – A woman seeking adventure & savoring the moments. SF. Creative, foodie, staying fit, nearing 60yy. If not now, when? SOH. Conversationalist, beach, museums. Dare I suggest dancing? Yes!

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5637 SWGF – 70 years young. What the world needs now is…. well, gentlemen, you decide! I’m willing to share my time with you, walking, dinner, coffee, Café, Moderate height and weight. Tampa

5624 LOOKING FOR MALE

5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

COMPANION – A plant city widow, searching for a white, easy-going male in his 80s to meet and start a friendship with, and perhaps lead to a longtime companion to share my life with. Plant city

5638 HELLO. SWM SEEKING – petite relocatable gal to be my companion, best friend, life partner and lover. I’m secure, easy going, loving and romantic. NS, ND. 5’7” 150lbs. Share my life and home. Save that rent. Send photo and phone number please. No pets.

5622 DBWM – 65 seeking a female BF/ HF between 50–55. Must like to go out to dinner. Also, let’s go to church. I am a pastor. I love movies, cuddling and travel. Must have a mind to become husband and wife. Please respond very quickly. Please update me with your phone number.

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thinning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. Retired Leo. ISO WHF, widow preferred, attractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, intimacy yes, no baggage, drama.

5642 SWM – Y 71 SOH, open-minded. ISO fun HWP F for ST LT. 33701, W, NS, ND. I'm fun, enjoy dancing, cuddling, affection. Outdoors, walking , holding hands, karaoke, romantic movies, much more. Not into sports.

5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.

5648 SBM, 73 – Happy holidays! Enjoy Florida and all it has to offer. Would luv to meet single lady, (race unimportant) to have a great time with. “Old skool” kind of guy. Riverview.

5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.

5665 – Wanted men and ladies who love to sing. No previous knowledge required. It’s fun for all ages. If you’re too busy to sing, you’re to busy. Venice Gondoliers Singers.

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.

5667 RETIRED DWM – NS. ND. Debt free. Night owl. Seeking same for passionate LT. 55 to 71. Overweight is OK. I like playing cards and true crime TV. Phone number, please. Brandon

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Seniors Getting Together

(First 4 Words) CITY: (No Charge)

Name:

Email: If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

Social Security Q&A

Information from Social Security Administration

Social Security Retirement Benefits

2026

Question: What is the maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit payable in 2026?

The maximum benefit for 2026 is $4,152 a month. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application.

Question: At what age should I start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits?

Choosing when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision that affects your monthly benefit amount for the rest of your life. If you wait until your full retirement age (67 for people who are born in 1960 or later), you will get your full benefit.

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62. But we will reduce your benefits by as much as 30% below what you would get if you waited to begin receiving benefits until your full retirement age. If you delay claiming your benefit, your monthly amount will be increased for each month of delay. See the publication “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits” for details.

Question: How do I correct my earnings record?

You cannot correct your earnings after three years, three months and 15 days from the end of the taxable year in which your wages were paid. However, you can correct your record after that length of time to:

• Confirm records with tax returns filed with the IRS;

• Correct errors due to employee omissions from processed employer reports or missing reports;

• Correct errors “on the face of the record,” that is, errors we can find by examining our records of processed reports; and

• Include wages reported by an employer as paid to an individual but not shown in our records. Contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). It will be helpful to have information such as Forms W-2, pay stubs, etc.

AROUND TOWN

MARCH FIRST FRIDAY – RIVER DISTRICT ART WALK, DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

MARCH THIRD FRIDAY – MUSIC WALK, DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

MARCH SATURDAYS – FARMER’S MARKET, CAPE CORAL

MARCH ESTEROFEST 2026 – ESTERO COMMUNITY PARK - TBA

MARCH HIBISCUS FESTIVAL – PUNTA GORDA - TBA

MARCH 1-8: STRAWBERRY FESTIVA l

Event Grounds, 303 Berryfest Pl., Plant City

MARCH 6: EAGLES TRIBUTE

Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda

MARCH 6-8: SWAMP FEST:

Weeki Wachee, Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill

MARCH 7: PRIDE FEST

1417 Lafayette St., Cape Coral

MARCH 7-8: SHRIMP FESTIVAL AND ARTS & CRAFT FAIR

Parade on Estero Blvd., Blessing of the fleet at 1100 Shrimp Boat Lane, Fort Myers

MARCH 9: PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY LUNCHEON “THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND”

Unwined Wine Bar & Eatery, 320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda

MARCH 10: WISHBONE ASH

Center for the Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs

MARCH 14-15: NATIONAL ART FESTIVAL

Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs

MARCH 20: ZACK WILLIAMS

Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero

MARCH 21: WALK, WIGGLE, WAG & RUN

Cape Coral Animal Shelter, 325 SW 2nd Ave., Cape Coral

MARCH 23-28: CELEBRATE BONITA SPRINGS - CHALK WHERE YOU WALK

Old 41/Riverside Park, Bonita Springs

MARCH 24: AUTHOR PATRICE MCDONOUGH “MURDER BY MOONRISE

Copperfish Books, 212 W. Virginia Ave., Punta Gorda

MARCH 28: SOUNDS OF JAZZ & BLUES

Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 NW 28 Ave., Cape Coral

MARCH 28-29: 5TH ANNUAL BLOOM N ART SHOW

Gilchrist Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda