Amelia Island Happenings

Maharaj Tennis: Tennis Block Party August 28!

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:25:30 GMT

Maharaj Tennis Presents

The City of Fernandina Beach 2011 Tennis Block Party

August 28th, 1-4pm at the Central Park Tennis Courts

Free junior and adult clinics, Racquet Demos,Fall Clinic Registration with special incentive gift, Rapid Rally Contest, Health and Fitness information, USTA program information, music, refreshments.

Preregistration is required for the free clinics. Each clinic limited to 6 participants.

Court 1

1:15-2:00 Beginner Quickstart

2:15-3:00 Intermmediate Quickstart

3:15-4:00 Beginner Juniors over age 10

Court 2

1:00 – 1:45 Adult Beginner

1:45 – 2:30 Adult Intermediate

2:30 – 3:15 Adult Advanced

3:15 – 4:00 Adult Int-Advanced

Court 3

1:00 – 1:45 Junior Advanced

1:45 – 2:30 Junior Intermediate

2:30 – 3:15 Men’s Advanced

3:15 – 4:00 Ladies Advanced

Email michelemaha@msn.com or phone 548-1472 to reserve a spot in these FREE clinics.

Instructors:

Vishnu Maharaj, Tracy Smythe, David Jenkins, Rod Gibson, and Michele Maharaj.

Event sponsors:

Amelia Island Happenings

RAIN

Maharaj Tennis, LLC

City of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

MEAT GLUE!

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:24:45 GMT

When the Sun Makes You Sick

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:57:11 GMT

When the Sun Makes You Sick

Certain medications react with the sun, which means you need to be vigilant about skin protection.

This summer, while you’re having fun in the sun, keep in mind that three conditions linked to sun exposure — drug-induced sun sensitivity, sun allergy, and sun-induced eczema — can seriously damage older skin.

Drug-induced sun sensitivity, also known as phototoxicity, most often occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with a medication you’re taking and cause an almost immediate reaction on your skin. (See table below for a list of medications likely to cause skin reactions.)

A sun allergy, often called a photoallergy, comes on more slowly but can also be dangerous.

This type of sun sensitivity usually happens when UV rays convert a chemical, such as a fragrance on your skin, into a substance that your immune system decides to attack.The result is an itchy, red rash that can take several days to go away.

Finally, sun-induced eczema occurs when your entire immune system goes haywire, causing itchy, red skin or, in severe cases, blisters.

Dermatologists think long-term, intense sun exposure may alter our skin in such a way that our immune system no longer recognizes it as our own. The condition tends to be more common in older men with a history of working outdoors, though it has also been seen in women who love to sunbathe.

Click HERE to see which medications to watch!

ElderSource Needs YOU! Become the Nassau County Member of the Advisory Council

Sat, 28 May 2011 08:18:39 GMT

ElderSource is the state designated Area Agency on Aging and Aging Resource Center for Northeast Florida covering Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Tasks of the new Aging Resource Centers

As the Aging Resource Center, we serve as the focal point to which elders, their caregivers and the general public can turn for information, referral, assistance and answers related to aging issues.

As an Area Agency on Aging, ElderSource is charged with the responsibility of identifying the needs of elders and caregivers in the region, develop plans and fund the services to help meet those needs and ensure the quality of those services.

ElderSource is currently seeking a member for our Advisory Council in Nassau County.

The advisory council consists of older individuals, including minority individuals; representatives of older individuals; providers of Veterans health care (if appropriate); local elected officials; and the general public.

The responsibility of the Advisory Council is to advise Elder Source’s Board of Directors in planning, developing, coordinating, and administering services to persons sixty (60) years of age in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties known as the Planning and Service Area (PSA 4).

Click here for a job description.

Click here for an application.

For more information, please contact Linda Levin, Executive Director, at (904) 391-6610 or levinl@elderaffairs.org

5 Myths About Sex and Aging

Sat, 28 May 2011 07:28:57 GMT

Wonder what happens to your love life as you get older?

We separate the facts from the fiction!

As you reach your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, you may start to worry that your sex life is slowing down, ready to retire or kaput!

No way! Let’s put an end to these common misconceptions about sex and aging — once and for all.

Sexual contact correlates to better health and easier stress management.

1. His equipment doesn’t work.

OK, so maybe a guy’s erection isn’t what it was when he was 20, but it sure as heck still does its thing.

In an AARP survey of men over age 70, almost 75 percent said they had few, if any, erectile problems.

(...Amelia Island Happenings says: come on! get real!)

There’s something he can do about it:

There are at least three prescription drugs that will not only make the penis harder but also make sex last longer, and there are a number of other options — implants, pumps, shots — that also will do the job.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you need help.

2. Neither does hers.

It is true that menopause can lead to vaginal dryness but there are many great lubricants that can take care of that pesky issue.

You can also try estrogen-based creams to plump up vaginal tissues, but be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Even more important is that while the walls of the vagina may thin, the clitoris is its old rambunctious self.

There is no degradation of that organ, though a little more foreplay may be necessary because blood moves around a bit slower to the genitals as we get older.

And there is MORE! Read the rest of the story!

Say No to Solo Fees: Avoid outrageous fees for single travelers.

Tue, 17 May 2011 17:54:32 GMT

Say No to Solo Fees: Avoid outrageous fees for single travelers.

If you’ve traveled alone or as a single person in a group, you’ve probably fallen victim to the dreaded single-supplement fee.

Almost all ground-tour accommodations and cruise cabins are built for two. So when travelers go solo, they often get socked with an additional fee to make up for lost revenue.

If a cabin costs $200 a night for two people, solo travelers — even though they use half the towels and eat half the food — still pay full price. Can you avoid solo-traveler discrimination?

Your options are limited, but here are three smart moves.

1. Shop for a single

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Epic, features an industry first: 128 lower-priced studio rooms for solo cruisers, plus a private two-story lounge reserved for studio guests so they can relax and mingle.

This could be a cruise-industry game changer: Shortly before the Epic’s maiden voyage in June, the P&O Cruises ship Azura launched with 18 dedicated single-passenger cabins priced at 70 percent of the cost of a double.

For land tours, Gutsy Women Travel — which obviously caters to female travelers — is one company that offers low single-supplement fees. More from Peter Greenberg

2. Ask for a break

Instead of requiring the nearly standard 200 percent single-supplement fee, Princess and Holland America cruise lines sometimes drop fees to about 150 percent.

Booking early is often helpful. Also, smaller luxury lines occasionally waive or reduce fees on sailings if they expect unsold cabins.

Check around: Paul Gauguin Cruises recently waived single-supplement fees on South Pacific cruises.

It never hurts to inquire.

3. Get a roomie

“Guaranteed Share Options” are popping up among lots of land-tour companies:

They’ll attempt to pair you with a same-sex partner, and if they can’t, they’ll waive the fee.

Try Intrepid Travel, Mayflower Tours, Backroads, and O Solo Mio Tours.

On some cruises Holland America books singles at half price with the caveat that the company may put another same-sex single in your cabin.

If they don’t have a match for you by sail date, you get the cabin to yourself at a 50 percent discount!

by Peter Greenberg, from AARP The Magazine

Yoga Toes!!!!

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:11:03 GMT

Your Feet Need Proper Exercise, too!

This is a great product designed to revolutionize the way you care for your feet. To stay strong and avoid injury, feet need regular exercise.

YogaToes® guarantee a simple, one step natural program for common foot problems like hammer toes.

To relieve foot pain caused by tight shoes and high heels, being on your feet all day as well as participating in sport activities.

YogaToes® Help Improve & Prevent Common Foot Problems:

...: Hammertoes, Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Crossed Toes, Poor Circulation and Corns can often be improved and avoided with YogaToes®.

YogaToes® do all the work while you relax. All you do is put them on. A vacation for your feet!

Muscles are relaxed, circulation is increased. Walk away feeling like you just had a foot massage. Your feet feel and look better.

How do YogaToes® work?

By spreading, stretching and exercising toes.

Help correct and realign foot structure.

Strengthen and stretch foot muscles.

Helps improve circulation and appearance.

Balance the entire body and stimulate, improve posture.

I love them! Get yours today: Yoga Toes only $39.99. Well worth it!

Shopping Consignment: What's in Resale Boutique celebrates FIVE years on Amelia!

Fri, 06 May 2011 10:36:05 GMT

Consignment stores used to be few and far between, but their numbers have grown as more people dig into closets and attics to make ends meet. Some shops are goldmines while others are filled with overpriced junk.

Finding the best shop for your needs requires a bit of research, but it’s well worth your time and effort.

Once the staff gets to know your tastes and needs, they may set aside juicy items for your next visit.

Here are six tips to help you find the consignment shops appropriate to your needs:

1. Location

Convenience is important. It’s incredibly irritating to drive out of your way and find the same old stuff for sale. Also make sure store hours are convenient for you and parking is readily available.

2. Sale items

You may enjoy looking at antiques but if you have no need for them, why waste your time? Rapid turnover of stock is important, too. Does the consignment store regularly accept new goods?

3. Store atmosphere

Look for good, friendly customer service and nicely displayed and clean items.

4. Prices

Your price point may depend on the appeal and usefulness of the item.

For example, a $50 sweater that was originally $300 is only valuable if it fits your body and needs. However, experienced resale shoppers often will snap-up items that seem overpriced to the general public but are actually great deals!

Amelia Island Happenings recommends

What’s In Resale Boutique!

Owners, Barbara Sokolowski, Suzanne Rudge and little Diva THANK YOU for FIVE years of success on Amelia Island!

Love what you wear and let us help you get there!

Program Promises Elders Food Stamps in a SNAP!

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:20:45 GMT

Program Promises Elders Food Stamps in a SNAP!

ElderSource of Florida announced that it is now accepting applications for ‘SNAP,’ the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for elders 60 years of age or older.

SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps, is not welfare but a program that helps stretch your food budget without taking away from any other benefits.

In order to be eligible for the program, you must have a net monthly income of less than $903 or a combined income with your spouse of less than $1,215; you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen; and have countable household assets of less than $3,000 (not including your home, vehicle or life insurance policies).

To apply for SNAP benefits over the phone, you will need to have ready your income statements, information about your assets, and proof that you are a Florida resident. Once you have gathered all of this information please call ElderSource at 1-888-242-4464 and ask to speak with a SNAP operator.

Serving as the state-designated Area Agency on Aging and the Aging Resource Center for Northeast Florida, ElderSource’s mission is to empower individuals to age with independence and dignity by providing leadership, direction, advocacy and support for a comprehensive coordinated continuum of care.

ElderSource serves as the focal point to which elders, their caregivers and the general public can turn for information, referral, assistance and answers related to aging issues.

To reach our helpful staff or learn more about our elder care resources, please call (888) 242-4464 or visit Eldersource

A BOTTLE OF WINE ---- A TOUCHING STORY ALL WOMEN WILL ADORE

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:54:06 GMT

THE BOTTLE OF WINE

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish you weren’t married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine:

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.

As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.

‘What’s in bag?’ asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, ‘It’s a bottle of wine.

I got it for my husband.’

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two.

Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said:

‘Good trade’...

AARP