WINTER 2017 TOMMY CHONG An Exclusive Interview 2017 A Retrospective Senior Follies For the Young at Heart

Presented by Council on Aging of west Florida

Advice. Guidance. Inspiration. We’re Here for You.

Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers If you’re caring for a loved one with memory loss, join us each month for our revitalizing support group series. Meet with other caregivers, share stories and discover creative caregiving techniques to make caring for your loved one easier. Every 3rd Thursday | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please RSVP the Friday prior to the support group by calling 850-316-8969. Lunch will be served. Limited complimentary respite care will be available. Advance registration for your loved one is required.

Call to ask about our rate lock! Offered for a limited time only. 850-316-8969 ClarityPointePensacola.com

Assisted Living Facility License #12953 8601 N. Davis Highway • Pensacola, Florida 32514

[From the Editor]

Josh Newby Marketing Communications Director and Editor-in-Chief

What a year it has been! Not only personally, as this Council on Aging gathers approximately $30,000 in completed my first full year (of many!) at Council gifts to distribute to more than 700 clients, so that on Aging of West Florida, but also regionally and they too can experience the joy and wonderment of nationally. We have seen issues and ideas surface in Christmas. It’s a long-standing tradition that features our social and political conversations that are truly many community partners, and it is always one of the unprecedented. Many long-standing institutions and most fun things we do. initiatives that we have taken for granted have been questioned—some for better, others for worse. And yet, To celebrate the very best of who we are, we present regardless of the latest outrage or scandal or tweet, a several examples of how our agency and stakeholders few things remain steadfast, including the commitment are really excelling in this time of uncertainty. We have of upstanding non-profits to do their best in service to stories on one-time volunteers who now benefit from their community. I can only speak for Council on Aging the services they used to provide others, a spotlight and other non-profits with which I serve, but I believe on a local theater project removing the aging stigma, that these organizations represent the most good- advice on getting in shape for the New Year, and much hearted of American ideals. This past year has seen more. threatened budget cuts, instability in various industries that affect us and heightened scrutiny from both the This year’s cover star is someone a little different, as government and the public, yet I believe we stand I’m sure you’ve noticed. The height of Tommy Chong’s stronger than ever, thanks in large part to our clients, career predates me, I’ll admit, but I still know him as our volunteers, our board, and our donors. an outspoken comedian, cultural icon and advocate for progressive legislation. This interview really is Of course, the past isn’t all 24-hour news and something else! I encourage you to keep an open mind uncertainty. Very often, it’s something we wish and enjoy. to remember fondly. Many older individuals have problems with long-term memory, so we thought Thank you so much for reading and participating with it would be wonderful to include tips and tricks for Council on Aging. We truly value you and your opinion. reminiscing with others. Check out page 27 for a truly As always, feel free to call me directly at (850) 432- unique story by Hana Frenette. 1475 if you’d like to talk. Until next time, enjoy life – you’ve earned it! This holiday season is a great time to not just reflect on the past, but also to look to the future. Each year,

Readers’ Services Subscriptions Change of Address Back Issues Letters Writing Opportunities Your subscription to Coming of When calling or emailing us Is there an issue of one of our Council on Aging of West We are always willing to consider Age comes automatically with your change of address, please magazines that you just have to Florida welcomes your letters freelance writers and article your membership to Council provide Council on Aging of West have? Was your relative seen in and comments. Send letters ideas. Please send queries and/ on Aging of West Florida. If Florida with both the old and a recent issue and you lost it? to Council on Aging c/o Josh or suggestions to Kelly Oden at you have questions about your new addresses to expedite the Give Ballinger Publishing a call at Newby at 875 Royce St., [email protected] or subscription, call Josh Newby at change. (850) 433-1166 ext. 26, and they Pensacola, FL 32503, emails to Josh Newby at jnewby@coawfla. (850) 432-1475 ext. 130 or email will find one for you. [email protected] or contact org. [email protected]. Please editor Kelly Oden at Ballinger do not hesitate to contact Josh Publishing, P.O. Box 12665 with any questions or comments Pensacola, FL 32591 or kelly@ about your service, and thank you. ballingerpublishing.com. 6 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Council on Aging of West Florida 2017 Board of Directors

Officers Chair: Sonya Daniel First Vice Chair: Kathleen Logan Second Vice Chair: Rick McClanahan Secretary: Councilmember P.C. Wu Treasurer: James M. “Mick” Novota Immediate Past Chair: Caron Sjoberg

Board Members Lorenzo Aguilar Malcolm Ballinger DeeDee Davis • Tammy Hardy-Fauber Rabbi Joel Fleekop • Leslie Howington Donna Jacobi, M.D. • Evan Jordan Lois Lepp • Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May • Chaplain Larry Mosley Thomas Pace, Jr. • Jan Pacenta • Tara Peterson Santa Rosa School Board District 1 Diane L. Scott, Ph. D. Sue Straughn • Edgar M. Turner Dona Usry • Marie K. Young

Members Emeriti Joe Black • Rosemary Bonifay John Brick • Kenneth Kelson Zola Lett • Charles H. Overman, III Malcolm Parker

President/CEO John B. Clark

Marketing Communications Director and Coming of Age Editor-in-Chief Josh Newby

Published for Council on Aging of West Florida by Ballinger Publishing 314 N. Spring St. • Pensacola, FL 32501 850.433.1166 • Fax 850.435.9174

Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

Executive Editor Kelly Oden

Editor Hana Frenette

Art Director Guy Stevens

Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Carly Stone

Editorial Assistant Tanner Yea

Account Executives Paula Rode • [email protected] Geneva Strange • [email protected]

Disclaimer: Coming of Age magazine is published quarterly by Ballinger Publishing for Council on Aging of West Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/ or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher or Council of Aging of West Florida, Inc. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher and Council on Aging of West Florida reserve the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing or Council on Aging of West Florida. ©2017

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 7 What’s Inside

23 31

12 16 18 27 Features Get Healthy for the New Year 23 Tommy Chong: An Exclusive Interview 31

Departments In Every Issue 10 Thank You 40 News from Council on Aging of West Florida 12 Never Say Never 42 Puzzle Page 14 Be the Change 44 Were you Seen? 16 For the Young at Heart 45 Thank You to Our Donors Stay Connected! 18 2017: A Retrospective 20 Deliver Holiday Flavor with Pecans On the cover: Tommy Chong 27 Memory Journals Council on Aging of West Florida, Inc, is compliant with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. 8 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Could you be our next cover model?

We’re looking for WEDDINGS TWO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN the perfect wedding

A GUIDE TO BRIDAL BEAUTY & BLISS model for the cover of REAL LOVE F O U R A R E A C O U P L E S CELEBRATE THEIR LOVE, Pensacola Magazine: PENSACOLA STYLE

5 TRADITIONAL RULES TO BREAK ON YOUR Weddings 2018, WEDDING DAY and that model could be you!

2017 WINNER MANISHA FEBRUARY 2017 • PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COMPENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 1 AGRAWAL

Submit up to three of your individual wedding photos (high resolution please) to [email protected], and you could be featured on the cover of the February 2018 issue.

Editorial-style shots by your professional photographer are preferred. For more information, visit www.pensacolamagazine.com or email us at the address above.

Please send us the photos by January 22, 2018. Advocacy

THANK mission. We are grateful to people in their own homes our many corporate business and helping them to avoid sponsors and donors who more expensive institutional understand the importance care is best for everyone– of being a good corporate our elders and their citizen and want to reach out caregivers, the taxpayer, and YOU to those less fortunate. We the community. Everyone thank our many churches benefits. Yes, we are grateful and civic clubs who take on to them for their foresight by John Clark special tasks for elders in and understanding of the need of help. We thank local special needs of elder November and (be they individuals or businesses who step up to citizens! December are two members of an organization, the plate and perform pro- “special” months. In business, local club or the bono work for elders in need And a final and important November, we celebrate military), who deliver Meals or perform some service and thank you to Council on that unique “All American” on Wheels, who help out work for Council on Aging. Aging staff. They are the holiday—Thanksgiving! with administrative and We thank those foundations ones who day-in and day- While other countries fundraising efforts, who and organizations who out make sure that all our celebrate a holiday like our build wheelchair ramps, who provide us funding for programs run efficiently, Thanksgiving, it really has perform massive yard clean- special projects such effectively and comply with become recognized as a up projects, who become as building repairs, and all the appropriate federal, peculiar American tradition. companions to homebound yes, even a food for pets state and local rules, policies, Thanksgiving is followed by elders, who become a program. We are grateful and regulations—no small a month that has two sacred mentor to children in schools that our Senior Companion task. Our administrative staff holidays for Christians and day care centers, who and Nutrition Programs are at all levels—our dining site and Jews: Christmas and serve on our agency board partner agencies with United staff, our van drivers, our Chanukah. What better time of directors and advisory Ways in Escambia and case managers, our nurses, of year to say “thank you” to boards, who help out at Santa Rosa counties. How our day care staff–they are all those who help Council senior dining sites, who fortunate we are to have so critical to the agency’s on Aging live out its mission transport people to doctors’ help and support from all operations. We are thankful of “dedicating each day to offices, who help out at these wonderful donors and for all of them. serve, support and advocate special agency events (such supporters. for aging adults in Escambia as our annual “Chill Out”), As you can see, this agency and Santa Rosa counties” who advocate for agency We owe a special thank is a “local community based” and reach some 2,200 elders program by writing letters you to policy makers and agency, serving local elders through our many home-and for the local newspaper or legislators at all levels of and their families. And it community-based services– speaking to policy makers. government who recognize takes a lot of support from such as Meals on Wheels, Yes, we have volunteers who the critical importance of the the local community to make case management, adult do all that and more! How home- and community-based it all work together. For that day care, in-home services wonderful is that? services of Council on Aging. support, we are truly grateful and our senior volunteer The governmental support and I can assure you so are programs. To whom do we We owe a debt of gratitude we receive is a validation the hundreds of people who owe this special thank you? to our individual donors, big that elected officials and are served by this agency and small. Whether it is $5, policymakers understand throughout the year. Thank Our wonderful volunteers $5,000 or $25,000, you are that providing services to you all! numbering in the hundreds all very important to our 10 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 CARDON ESTATE SALES & APPRAISALS Your Caring Professional Team We can assist you with one piece or entire estate. Member of the International Society of Appraisers since 2001 850.433.6427 • Cardonestatesales@gmail. com Elodie C ardon

Chris�m�s One World, on the Co�st Many Voices Show�ime From toys to tinsel and snowflakes A Celebration of Diversity Do you like Broadway? Get your to Santa, the Pensacola Children’s Through Song ticket. Country, rock, or even Chorus knows how to celebrate One World, Many Voices is a disco? Then Showtime is right for celebration of music’s rich cultures the season. Your family won’t want you! Join us for a celebration from and how we can achieve oneness to miss Christmas on the Coast, music across all genres, featuring where we’ll transform sunny through song. Guest conductor and renowned composer Andrea our amazingly talented PCC weather into a winter wonderland. singers. From lights to sound and You’ll experience all the sights and Ramsey will take the podium to costumes to choreography, you’ll sounds of the holidays that will bring her own style and flavor to have you humming through our eclectic program. Join us as we leave dazed and amazed. Don’t the New Year! bring a global message to our miss this musical extravaganza! small town home.

December 8, 9 & 10, 2017 February 18, 2018 May 4, 5, & 6, 2018 TICKETS ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BEGINNING: October 25, 2017 January 16, 2018 March 21, 2018 WWW.PENSACOLACHILDRENSCHORUS.COM Never Say Never: Do-Gooder Dorothy Brooks

“Never say never” is Dorothy Brooks’ motto, and now she’s living it. Before a series of unforeseen mishaps, Dorothy loved giving back to the Dororthy Brooks and her Companion Lydia Darnes community, cooking and shopping. And she was enjoying recommended that she enroll in the daily tasks, in addition to alerting very program she used to work for: doctors and family members to those benefits of her retired Council on Aging of West Florida’s potential health problems. life until, in 2014, she suffered Senior Companion program, which several severe burns all over pairs able-bodied elders with less Men and women age 55 and over her body. She had to spend six capable seniors for companionship who live on a limited income and can months at a specialty hospital and light assistance. volunteer an average of 20 hours a in Birmingham before coming week are eligible to participate in the back home and staying in another “I never thought I’d need the services program. Senior Companions receive physical therapy facility for I once provided to others, but never a small hourly stipend, supplemental about four months. After that, she say never,” said Dorothy. insurance, help with transportation spent some time in Sacred Heart. and meal costs, and an annual Dorothy finally went home for She knew about the program all too physical examination in addition to just a little while before having to well, having volunteered with the pre-service and ongoing training. spend six weeks in West Florida program herself for several years. Senior Companions are healthy Now, years later, she was on the hospital. – by Josh Newby older adults who help other elders other side of the equation. She live independently in their own was paired with first-time Senior “I told the doctors there that I was homes. Without the help of Senior Companion Lydia Darnes, who has going home whether they liked it or Companions, many older adults become her quick friend due to their not,” said Dorothy. would not be able to continue living similar interests. with family and would need more Now finally at home, she finds herself expensive, less personal care. “I love to look at recipes and cook, much more limited than she ever Senior Companions like Dorothy which is great, because Ms. Brooks expected to be just three short years volunteer an average of 20 hours a likes doing that too, even though she ago. It is difficult for her to prepare week assisting with shopping, light can’t do it very much anymore,” said food and drive herself, so her son housekeeping, cooking and other Lydia.

12 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 “I never thought I’d need the services I once provided to others, but never say never.”

Together, they also enjoy driving around and going shopping. “Shopping is so fun for us,” said Lydia. “Sometimes I wonder who likes it more. Well, I can do it for just as long as she wants to, so we get along fine. We’re really perfect for each other.”

After her medical trauma, Dorothy wondered if she’d ever be able to enjoy life again, to work her magic in the kitchen or check out the sales at her favorite department store. She said she thought she’d never enjoy life as fully as she used to.

“Never say never,” said Dorothy. “Life is as good as ever with Lydia.”

That is the true purpose of senior companionship – to restore life as close as possible to the way it was before. The program helps all three sides of the senior-care equation. It helps the Companion engage with the community, receive much-needed training and physical check-ups, and of course a tax- free stipend. It helps the caregiver receive the respite they so need and deserve. And most importantly it helps the client with socialization, light housework, friendship, and the inestimable physical, mental and emotional benefits of making a new best friend late in life.

Dorothy spent her life doing good for others. Now it’s time for her to receive those same benefits.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 13 Be The Change Volunteer Tourism Offers the Opportunity to Serve

For many seniors, retirement means the written by opportunity to travel and see the world— Kelly Oden projects being worked on. meet new people, learn about different Here are a few nonprofits cultures and explore some of the world’s with good reputations for providing meaning most interesting sights. Although volunteer opportunities sightseeing and relaxing are much around the world. needed aspects of a vacation, many Earthwatch Institute seniors are turning toward volunteer www.earthwatch.org A global nonprofit that travel or voluntourism as a way to make offers one- and two-week their travel benefit the places they visit. expeditions that focus on environmental conservation and field research projects While local church of giving options. invaluable to people and all over the world. On an and civic groups often Seniors make perfect communities in need. Earthwatch Expedition, offer missionary or other volunteers because Many experts volunteers help find volunteer trips to far off they bring a wealth of recommend sticking with solutions to some of lands, a growing number experiences and knowledge nonprofit groups in order to today’s most pressing of global nonprofits are from their careers and rich be sure specific community environmental challenges. also adding volunteer travel life experiences. These needs are met and that Volunteers work with opportunities to their roster skills can prove to be funds go directly to the respected scientists in

14 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 the field where they’re works with high level investigating critical organizations like environmental issues the United Nations and make hands-on and UNICEF to offer contributions to research international volunteer while experiencing the service opportunities cultural and natural that work to protect wonders of places around children’s security and the globe. Expedition welfare and address themes include Elephants hunger, poverty and and Sustainable Agriculture educational needs in Kenya, Mapping around the world. Biodiversity in Cuba and more. Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org/ Globe Aware volunteer www.globeaware.org Habitat for Humanity The nonprofit Globe Aware offers a variety of develops short-term house-building trips volunteer programs in through its Global international environments Village Program and that encourage people to RV Care-A-Vanners immerse themselves in a program. The Global unique way of giving back. Village program has written by Globe Aware offers one- opportunities in more Kelly Oden week volunteer vacations than 40 countries in 15 different countries. abroad as well as in Chosen projects meet the United States. The several key criteria: safe, RV Care-A-Vanners invites vulnerable women, children local leaders to tackle the culturally interesting, anyone who travels by and elderly. Cross Cultural most pressing challenges of genuinely beneficial to recreational vehicle to make Solutions creates long- our generation. Depending a needy community, Habitat part of your journey, standing relationships with on the volunteer program and involving significant or even your destination. local organizations who you choose, your service interaction with the host Both programs give communicate real-time can last from three months community. volunteers the opportunity needs and objectives to the to two years. You can even to get to the families and CCS team. This community choose what country you Global Volunteers the communities in which approach was specifically want to serve in, the type of www.globalvolunteers.org they are assisting with designed to make sure work you do, and when you home building. CSS programs generate depart. While many people Offers a wide variety sustainable impact. consider the Peace Corp of two- and three-week Cross-Cultural an opportunity for young service programs in 18 Solutions Peace Corps people, the nonprofit also countries—including the www. crossculturalsolutions. www.peacecorps.gov welcomes seniors with U.S. Volunteers help deliver org open arms. essential services while The Peace Corps is a contributing to the physical Cross-Cultural Solutions service opportunity for health and intellectual offers cross-cultural motivated changemakers development of the service trips that improve to immerse themselves world’s future leaders – its the health, education and in a community abroad, youth. Global Volunteers economic opportunities for working side-by-side with

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 15 For the Young at

HeartBy: Taylor Purvee Pensacola Senior Follies is getting party every quarter; however, for help with a good portion of the ready for its 21st annual "Young now, their focus is on the show. Senior Follies as well. Turk said, at Heart" performance, "City “We have so many people, and without giving too much away, Slickers and Country Cousins." no matter what we do, we try the opening scene will be a big Pensacola Senior Follies is a to make sure everyone gets on performance with all the dance community-based volunteer group stage at least two or three times. groups dancing together, and of about 70 witty personalities of Sometimes it’s setting up props, throughout the show, there will 50 to 85 year olds that produce sometimes it’s singing—but we be a drunken sailor skit, a long three days of talent-filled benefit are as fair as we can possibly be. table skit, a Johnny Carson skit skits, dances, and songs. Ken We’re all friends here and and maybe even a Macarena Turk, president of Pensacola everyone deserves performance. Senior Follies, says the theme their moment. As Turk described starts off with a Broadway feel Sometimes it’s everything the and ends with some southern hard because Senior Follies crew charm including a bar scene. there are does to prepare Turk and his wife Carolynn, who so many for the show, the is vice president of Pensacola members, hard work they Senior Follies, direct and write but we have put in to this each piece of the Senior Follies something performance is performance themselves. for everyone,” evident. “My wife and I do the script, said Turk. “We make our download all the music and cut The comedy- own props and all the songs ourselves. We direct filled show will set up the scenes it and produce it all as well,” Turk be two hours long ourselves, we have said. with a combination people running around Turk said the whole crew is like of dances, skits and singing. making sure everyone is where one big family. They enjoy the Volunteer dance groups such they need to be, mic people are in company of each other during the as Dancing Grannies, Bealls and the background and our members off seasons with a covered dish Bows and Clicking Cloggers use their own hard-earned money

16 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 to put together generous baskets for door prizes,” he said. Turk explained that there are usually about seven or eight generous door prizes of baskets filled with things Senior Follies performers bought. There is also typically a gift card from a restaurant or local Pensacola business in each one. “People get their tickets when they walk in and put it in for the basket they would most like to win and we draw for each one. Nick’s Boathouse, Outback Steak House and other places around the mall are generally pretty good about donating gift cards to us for this event,” Turk said. Florida Department of Elder Affairs presented Senior Follies with the Volunteer Appreciation Award in 2016 for their service to the community. All proceeds of this event are donated to Pensacola area seniors through a check presentation every April to Council on Aging of West Florida, Senior Games, Camp Blue Bird, Bayview Senior Center, West Escambia Senior Center, Pensacola State College Senior Scholarships and ARC. Turk said members receive no compensation, including Turk himself; members pay dues to be a part of Senior Follies and everyone funds their own costumes. The income for Senior Follies is strictly ticket sales, donated goods, and program ads. This way, they are able to donate all the money they make to organizations they believe deserve this money. Senior Follies will be held at WSRE Jean and Paul Amos Theater on March 16th at 7 pm and on March 17th and 18th at 2 pm. For more information, visit pensacolaseniorfollies.com.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 17 By Sonya Daniel 2017 Council on Aging Board Chair A Retrospective It has been an amazing in the home of family members year as the Chair for the helps to provide a sense of security Council on Aging Board and socialization; it also provides a much-needed respite to the of Directors. Since joining caregivers and family members. the board in 2012, I have had the privilege to work very Many of you know about our home- closely with the staff and my and community-based services all records in terms of items and fellow board members. The described in this report, but Council donations received. commitment and dedication on Aging does so much more for • Our Accredited Charity status they demonstrate to the seniors elders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and is always working through the Better Business Bureau in our community goes above to improve agency services and was renewed through 2019. Since and beyond. The staff truly lives inform the public about issues and 2005, we have been an Accredited out the agency’s mission of challenges facing elders. As an Charity of the BBB, meeting all dedicating each day to serve, example, some notable highlights 20 of their standards for charity support and advocate for aging of this past year: accountability. Our agency remains adults in Escambia and Santa committed to being good stewards • A $100,000 grant from a local of the funds we receive from all Rosa counties. organization which enabled us sources, public and private. to make improvements to our My own family in South Florida property, including the Retreat, our • Board members and staff were used the services of Council on day care center. committed to advocacy this past Aging to keep my grandmother at year and met with local legislators home for as long as possible. She • Our Chill Out Campaign during to inform them of Council on Aging passed away many years ago, the summer – which solicits air programs and services. but it was because of their help conditioners, fans and donations and assistance to my family that I in cooperation with WEAR TV 3, • Board members wrote several wanted to give back to Council on Cat Country and Lowes Home viewpoint columns for the Aging in our community. Enabling Improvements stores – broke Pensacola News Journal to inform our loved ones to live at home or 18 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 PROGRAMS

Meals on Wheels Participants Served: 422 Meals Served: 123,737

Senior Dining Participants Served: 1,062 Meals Served: 90,552

Adult Day Health Care (The Retreat) Participants Served: 95 citizens of issues concerning nutrition programs and our Senior Community elders. Companion Program. Outreach Total Reached: 9,628 • Council on Aging volunteers are Perhaps the best way to understand (includes health fairs, senior expos, all special people, but always go what Council on Aging programs public speaking opportunities, etc.) above and beyond in providing mean is to quote from a letter we services; they build wheelchair received from a Meals on Wheels Foster Grandparent Program ramps, deliver meals, help install participant who said, “Thank you Foster Grandparents: 67 window air conditioners, and many to all responsible for Meals on Students Mentored: 201 assist with massive hoarding clean- Wheels. There are many days that Hours Served: 71,023 ups. we are unable to prepare meals. The meals provided are nutritious Senior Companion Program and • Council on Aging staff members and convenient. I do not know what RELIEF Program also step up to the plate when we would do without them. All the Senior Companions: 49 asked to do so: a prime example people we have dealt with at the Peers Served: 59 of this is their generous support Council on Aging have been kind Hours Served: 42,428 during the United Way campaign. and considerate, very caring. Thank This past year, staff members you again for all the assistance that Caregiver Programs donated close to $10,000 in you all provide.” (Support and Training) support of United Way programs. Caregivers Served: 318 Council on Aging United Way Each of us encounter seniors daily support is one of the highest in a variety of ways. We don’t have Social Services among all United Way agencies. any idea what needs exist beyond Total Served: 1,298 the smile on their face when we say (includes case management • Special thank you to all our “hello.” I assure you the staff at the services, case aide service, screening donors, corporate sponsors, Council on Aging is at work behind and assessment for services and wonderful volunteers and staff the scenes providing services and information and referral) who are the “grease that make the meeting the needs of thousands of wheels of COA turn throughout the local residents and their families. Council on Aging year.” Volunteer Program Thank you for all you do to support Volunteers: 360 • Thank you to our federal, state, the efforts of the Council on Episodic Volunteers: 747 and local legislators (in Escambia Aging, whether it is financial or Hours Served: 20,265 and Santa Rosa) who support volunteering your time. You are a and fund critical home- and part of our success and without you, In Home Services community-based services funding. this work would not be possible. We Persons Served: 221 And thank you to our local United look forward to another wonderful (assistance with personal care Ways in Escambia and Santa Rosa year and thank you, in advance, for needs, homemaking, respite and Counties who also help to fund our being a part of it. companionship)

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 19 Deliver Holiday Flavor with Pecans

The holiday season is ripe with opportunities to gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. Elevate your holiday menu with freshly harvested ingredients like naturally sweet pecans. As America’s only native tree nut, the pecan boasts a proud heritage shared by the farmers who have grown it for generations– but this tree nut is more than a pie ingredient. While the American Pecan Council’s Classic Pecan Pie is an ideal grand finale, consider including nutrient-dense pecans throughout the holiday season as a snack or in innovative pecan-filled dishes like Roasted Acorn Squash with Pecan Vinaigrette and Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf.

Classic Pecan Pie Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 70 minutes Servings: 10

1 pie dough (9 inches) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups raw pecan halves

Place baking sheet in oven. Heat oven to 350 F.

Line pie pan with rolled out pie dough. Press into edges and up sides. Use fingers or fork to create decorative edge. Set aside.

In large bowl, whisk together butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs and salt, and whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves.

Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Use pieces of aluminum foil to cover edges of pie crust. Place pie on prepared baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes, or until pie is set in center.

Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or chilling. 20 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: 4

Squash: 1 small acorn squash 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf Dressing: Prep time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces Cook time: 45 minutes 1/4 cup olive or pecan oil Servings: 12 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 cups water 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Salad: 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 3-4 handfuls baby spinach 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, 1 1/2 cups cooked farro to taste 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese 1 cinnamon stick 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed Heat oven to 425 F. 1 cup black rice, rinsed 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or To create base, slice small part of one side of squash. pecan oil Trim ends from squash, cut in half lengthwise and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter scoop out sides. Place cut-side down and cut squash 1/2 large sweet onion, diced into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on sheet tray and toss 2 cups butternut squash, diced with olive or pecan oil and salt. Roast until squash and 1 medium tart apple, peeled and diced peels are tender, 30-40 minutes. black pepper, to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme While squash is roasting, heat small skillet over 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon medium heat. Add pecans and toast, shaking pan, until 3/4 cup chopped pecans or pecan pieces nuts are fragrant. Transfer 1/3 cup of pecans to bowl 1/3 cup dried currants and reserve remaining pecans for topping. Add oil, vinegar, maple syrup and salt while nuts are still warm. In medium saucepan, bring stock, water, nutmeg, ginger, Stir vigorously and set aside. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, cloves and cinnamon stick to boil. Add rice and bring back to simmer. Reduce heat to In large bowl, combine spinach, farro, shallot, half the low and half cover with lid. Allow rice to simmer about 45 squash and half the dressing. Toss to combine then minutes, or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove lay remaining squash on top of salad. Drizzle with and discard cinnamon stick. remaining dressing and sprinkle with goat cheese and remaining toasted pecans before serving. While rice is cooking, in large skillet, heat olive or pecan oil and butter. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add in butternut squash and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and beginning to caramelize at edges, about 8-10 minutes. Add in apples and cook additional 3-4 minutes, or until apples soften. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, along with thyme and ground cinnamon. Stir in chopped pecans and currants, and cook until pecans are slightly golden and fragrant. Remove mixture from heat. Stir butternut squash mixture with cooked rice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. Senior Real Estate Specialist

Anthony SessaSessa Sells 850.572.6227 Thinking [email protected] a Transition? Call AnthonySessa Sellsto help www.sessasells.com guideAnthony you through your Real SessaSessa Estate Sells Needs! Anthony850.572.6227 Sessa [email protected] [email protected] www.sessasells.com

22 Coming of Age FALL 2017 Get Healthy for the New Year

by Tanner Yea

It’s the New Year, and that means that some of us have The second obstacle is that many decided once again to make the resolution to exercise more do not see results fast enough. and get healthy. However, there are countless obstacles to Fitzgerald said that with his own actually getting up the energy and making the commitment to weight loss journey, it took him regularly exercise, and for seniors the obstacles can be even three months before he started seeing results. He said it usually bigger, but those obstacles are often all in your head. takes 3-6 months to see a decent “It’s baloney if you think you can’t Fitzgerald said there are two amount of progress, which can do anything. I know a 73-year- major obstacles that not only be frustrating for those looking to old who can do a 7-minute mile. inhibit seniors from exercising, feel healthy as soon as they can. If you’re a senior and say that but everyone else as well. The you can’t do anything, it's just first obstacle is the actual One easy way for seniors to nonsense,” John Fitzgerald said. environment of the gym. “They go get involved and work past Fitzgerald works for Humana in and have no idea what to do. these frustrations is by joining Insurance, but more importantly All the equipment looks like an Silver Sneakers, a senior fitness he is an American Council on alien spaceship, and no one gives program that is available through Exercise certified trainer with five them instructions,” he said. most insurance companies. years of experience—focused This leads to frustration, meaning Become a member gives you gym mainly in senior fitness. many just go back to their original access, exclusive classes and habits. opportunities to join a support community.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 23 “About 80 percent of the people I see don’t do a thing, have absolutely zero physical activity,” he said. “They have plenty of time to enjoy their life, but if you can’t move from point A to point B, that’s a problem.”

Fitzgerald also recommends “About 80 percent of the people and tasks that best emulate working with a trainer, which I see don’t do a thing, have everyday movements that a senior usually only requires four to eight absolutely zero physical activity,” would have around their home. sessions to get a good base he said. “They have plenty of time understanding before you can to enjoy their life, but if you can’t “We’re really going for quality of handle the rest on move from point A to point B, life here. Myself and other trainers your own. He also that’s a problem.” try to follow an established said that many pattern so people can learn and community To remedy this, repeat it,” said Fitzgerald. centers offer Fitzgerald has given workout Coming of Age a At the end of the day, even if you programs that simple exercise don’t reach your goal of shedding are specifically routine that will get 10 pounds by July, Fitzgerald tailored for you up and moving. says the important thing is to stay seniors and help These exercises can be active in order to best enjoy your promote social done at home with little golden years. Just walking and activity too. to no equipment, and even moving around can make your the recommended free weights quality of life much better. Fitzgerald said the most can be substituted with common important thing is to just be objects like water bottles, soup “Just move,” said Fitzgerald. “Do active, even if it's just with cans or bricks. A normal chair something.” physical activity and not full- is required for some of the blown exercise. This type of exercises, and it also serves as a sedentary life can lead to muscle way to support your balance. atrophy, which can lead to a These exercises are great for higher chance of falling and seniors because they support causing serious injury. “functional exercise”—movements 24 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Get Healthy for the New Year Exercise Routines The exercises below are simple routines you can do at home. They are intended to build functional strength to help you with day-to-day tasks and to get you up and moving. Equipment includes a chair for Chair Squat: balance, but using free weights 1. Start from the seated position, feet hip-width apart. 2. Lean is an encouraged option if you slightly forward, press through your heels and contract your are capable. glutes to lift yourself to the standing position. 3. Reverse and lower yourself back to the seated position.

Leg Curls: Back Pull: 1. Stand behind your chair for balance, with 1. Stand with your arms extended and hands put together, pushing feet normal length apart. 2. Flex one leg your hands against each other. 2. Flex your arms to bring your behind you so your leg forms a 45 degree hands towards you to your chest. 3. Then extend your arms angle. 3. Lower your leg back to starting outward to starting position. position and alternate with other leg.

Side Squat: Leg Extension: 1. Stand to the side of your chair, feet hip-width apart. 2. 1. While seated, place your feet firmly on Press your hands together and slowly squat down. Keep your the ground. Extend one leg forward as core contracted and knees behind toes. 3. Once you reach a far as you can. 2. Return your leg back to comfortable distance, contract your glutes and lift yourself starting position and alternate with other back to standing. leg.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 25 Keep Our Friends

Safe For more information, call 850.438.2201

© 2017 Kindred at Home CSR 192475-01

www.emeraldcoasthospice.com

A.A. Cunningham Road paving notice ... Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast (NavFac SE) has awarded a con- tract to mill and overlay A.A. Cunningham Road on NAS Pensacola. The work is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 12 and expected to take four weeks to complete. Watch for “Road Closed” and “Detour” signs. Detour routes to facilities in the area will be Page Road to Ware- house Road and Farrar Road to Pat Bellinger Road. Drivers should observe the warning signs and proceed with caution around the work zones. The work schedule is weather dependent. For questions or more information, contact the PWD Construction Manager Bryan Moeller at 452-3131, ext. 3077. Adopt GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM

Vol. 80, No. 35 VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com September 2, 2016 Fallen Special Tactics Airman honored at NASP -A- By Capt. Katrina Cheesman Sibley’s unit. “This dedication 24th Special Operations Wing and memorial ruck is an impor- tant step for us as a brotherhood Air Force Special Tactics Air- to honor Forrest’s legacy of men dedicated a military freefall valor, and get a small bit of clo- GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM training exercise into Pensacola sure.” Bay Aug. 26 to His teammates Staff Sgt. Forrest escorted the fam- Sibley, a combat ily to Sibley’s controller from burial site, wear- Pensacola killed ing combat ruck in action Aug. 26, sacks weighing ® 2015, in Helmand more than 50 Manatee P r o v i n c e , pounds to repre- Afghanistan. It sent the deployed. was the first an- Once at the niversary of Sib- cemetery, they ley’s death. completed a After free Staff Sgt. round of memo- GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM falling into the Forrest Sibley rial push-ups to waters of Sibley’s honor their fallen hometown, his teammates teammate. joined family members and Sibley, 31, had served in the friends to complete a memorial Air Force as a combat controller ruck march to his final resting since 2008. In his seven years of place at Barrancas National service, he received four Bronze Cemetery (BNC). Star Medals, once with valor for “When we lost Forrest, most heroism in combat, as well as a of his teammates were still de- Purple Heart for injuries sus- ployed for another five months, tained in combat. After parachuting into Pensacola Bay, members of the Air Force’s 21st Special Tactics Squadron and couldn’t attend any funeral “Forrest was one of our best make a memorial “ruck march,” a hike with full packs, from NAS Pensacola’s Bayou Grande Ma- or memorial event,” said Lt. Col. combat controllers, but he was rina to Barrancas National Cemetery and the grave of teammate Staff Sgt. Forrest Sibley. Sibley Stewart Parker, commander of was killed in action Aug. 26, 2015. He had served in the Air Force as a combat controller since 21st Special Tactics Squadron, See Sibley on page 2 2008. Photo by Mike O’Connor For more photos, see page A4 GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM CNATT: Make Labor Day weekend safety a priority Center for Naval Aviation Technical day designed to honor the achievements be a leading reason for lost time, days, rated from their families and travelling Training Public Affairs of American workers, includes an ex- and lives across our force,” she said. significant distances to visit during the tended weekend, with service mem- Hancock said the National Safety long weekend, should take some simple The Center for Naval Aviation Tech- bers and their families often Council (NSC) predicts this could precautions before and during their trips. nical Training (CNATT) safety manager electing to travel to see family and be the deadliest Labor Day week- “Get enough rest before heading out- is reminding service members, civilian friends. end for drivers in eight years, es- sleepy driving is as dangerous as im- employees and their families to maintain “Whether taking a long timating that more than 430 paired driving,” she said. “Alternate safety awareness as they prepare for what road trip or simply jumping people could be killed in traf- drivers or take frequent breaks to ensure is generally viewed as the end of sum- in the car to run a quick er- fic accidents throughout the that whoever is behind the wheel stays mer. rand, driving is inherently Labor Day weekend. She alert.” GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM CNATT Safety Manager Krystal Han- risky, and traffic added that service cock said that Labor Day, a federal holi- mishaps continue to members, often sepa- See Labor Day on page 2 ‘Be There’ for your shipmates during Suicide Prevention Month 2016 By James Rosenfelder members of the Navy and Marine out of the ordinary for a shipmate; U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Corps community to work together. reach out to them,” Faison said. “If you Surgery public affairs Every life lost to suicide is one too are having difficulties, seek help if many. Navy Medicine recognizes Septem- “Take action if you notice anything See Prevention on page 2 ber as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which began Sept. 1. The theme for Suicide Prevention Month 2016 is “Be There.” Throughout the month, Navy Medi- GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM NAS Pensacola to host 9/11 com- cine will highlight the power of peer support and personal wellness, encour- memoration ceremony ... In com- aging Sailors and Marines to be there Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) memoration of the events of Sept. 11, for their shipmates. 2001, Naval Air Station Pensacola will “Action starts with prevention,” said present a ceremony at the National Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy sur- Naval Aviation Museum aboard the geon general and chief, Bureau of base at 10 a.m. Sept. 9. The event will Medicine and Surgery (BuMed). “When a Sailor needs assistance, easy Fat Albert is getting a facelift ... Fat Albert, the Blue Angels’ C-130 include a guest speaker and a musi- access to support resources and mental cal rendition from the NATTC Choir, a cargo plane used for transporting crew and equipment to air shows around health treatment is essential, as is vali- the country, is currently undergoing a chemical de-paint process at Tinker traditional “two-bell” ceremony, hon- dation of help-seeking behaviors.” Air Force Base in Oklahoma after corrosion was found. Once the de-paint savethemanatee.org ors performed by the NASP Honor Suicide prevention is a yearlong ef- process and sheetmetal checks for any other corrosion are complete, Fat Al- Guard and a 21-gun volley. The pub- fort. Suicide Prevention Month serves bert will fly to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for full programmed depot mainte- lic is invited to attend. as a reminder that building resilience nance and paint. Photo by Kelly White and preventing suicide requires all GOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM Photo © David Schrichte

Published by Ballinger Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy. Opinions contained herein are not official expressions of the Department of the Navy nor do the advertisements constitute Department of the Navy, NAS Pensacola or Ballinger Publishing’s endorsement of products or services advertised.

26 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Memory Journals sharing your stories can help with many aspects of aging

Written by Hana Frenette

In addition to the therapeutic benefits changes in medicine and activities may be forgotten. Many choose to of daily writing, studies have shown to possible new living situations or write about specific past events so that keeping a journal can offer a dietary restrictions—a journal can their children or grandchildren will handful of benefits specifically helpful also help keep track of these new have a written account of special to seniors. Journaling can be a great adjustments and provide a sense of family moments to reference—like the way to document special moments or stability in one’s routine. day they met their sweetheart, bought events in one’s life, while combatting In contrast to the day-to-day their first home or graduated college. memory loss, reducing stress and documenting, a journal can also serve Writing out details of life events is a staving off dementia. as a time capsule for family memories great way to leave a written family Many seniors are navigating a sea and stories. Seniors often worry their history, while stimulating the mind and of changes in their daily lives—from lifetime of experiences and knowledge enjoying the writing process.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 27 Getting Started for your family, made with the inten- seem to think of something worth To get started with your journal, first tion of someone else reading it and writing at all. Sometimes a simple choose a medium you feel comfort- finding value in the information and prompt is a great way to melt away able with. Some people prefer the stories. Keeping a journal to give writer’s block and get a few ideas simplicity of a notebook and a pen, to your family can also be a way to flowing. while others gravitate toward a record the details of your life that laptop or a typewriter. Once you’ve perhaps you’d never think to share or decided on the best method of docu- they would never think to ask about. mentation that fits your daily life, pre- pare to set aside a certain amount You can keep a mix of either kind of of time for writing. It might be once journal, or you can choose to pick a day, once a week, or once a month just one or the other. However, many accompanied by a loved one or fam- people have said setting an intention ily member, but decide on a schedule for the journal helps them decide that seems realistic for your lifestyle. what to write about.

Types of Journaling Prompts for Journals Most senior journaling experiences When first starting out with a journal, fall into one of two categories: a many people find themselves at a journal for yourself, of your daily loss for what to write. They become thoughts, ideas, schedules, reflec- overwhelmed by the need to write ev- tions and goals, or a memory journal ery memory and story, or they can’t

28 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 “Once you’ve decided on the best method of documentation that fits your daily life, prepare to set aside a certain amount of time for writing. It might be once a day, once a week, or once a month accompanied by a loved one or family member, but decide on a schedule that seems realistic for your lifestyle."

Suggested prompts for people in your life? in your mental health and psycho- personal journals pro- -Describe a time when someone logical well-being. The study indi- vided by the National was unexpectedly kind to you. cates that expressive writing reduc- Writing Project: -Describe a random act of kindness es intrusive and avoidant thoughts -What did you do today? you did for someone else. about negative events and improves -What is your favorite way to spend -Finish this thought: Nobody knows working memory, which can be par- the day? that I . . . ticularly beneficial to seniors strug- -What is your daily routine? -What is the biggest lie you have gling with memory loss or dementia. -What are three things you can’t go ever told? without? -Describe your first love (this could Additional studies show senior jour- -What are your favorite things to be a person, a place, a thing, etc). naling can improve dexterity, help wear? -Have you ever done something that track daily routines and redefine a -What would your perfect day entail? you thought you couldn’t? sense of purpose in their daily lives. -When do you feel happiest? -What recurring dreams have you -What current event or issue do you had? Journaling is an accessible activity feel very strongly about? -When in your life did you feel most that requires few materials and can -What’s on your mind? proud? be done almost anywhere. Whether -Of all the places you have lived, you choose to write daily or weekly, Suggested prompts for which most felt like home? keeping a journal can offer powerful memory journals provid- mental health benefits while simul- ed by the National Writing Benefits of Journaling taneously creating an unforgettable, Project: The American Psychological Asso- tangible legacy for you and your -What period of your life do you look ciation (APA) found that expressing family to treasure for decades. back upon most fondly? your thoughts through daily writing -Who have been the most important can bring significant improvements

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 29

TOMMY CHONG

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW by Kelly Oden

conic actor, best-selling author, and Grammy Award-winning comedian Tommy Chong is perhaps best known as one-half of the legendary cannabis-fueled comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Cheech & Chong defined an era with their Ihilariously irreverent, satirical, no-holds-barred comedy routines. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong's phenomenal success began on the stand-up comedy circuit which led to nine hit comedy albums and eight hit films, breaking box office records, shattering comedy album sales, garnering multiple Grammy nominations and mesmerizing fans for more than four decades. Their stunningly successful comedy streak transitioned to the film Up in Smoke, the highest grossing comedy of the time topping $100 million at the box office. Chong is also highly recognizable from his role as the aging hippie photo store worker "Leo" on FOX's That 70's Show. He is also the host of the popular talk show, Almost Legal with Tommy Chong, a hilarious and satirical take on a classic late night talk show with celebrity guests including Eli Roth, Killer Mike, Roy Choi, Sugar Ray Leonard and many more. After a nine-month prison sentence in 2004 for shipping bongs to Pennsylvania, the comic became a passionate advocate for cannabis freedom and fairness. In 2012, Chong announced he was battling prostate cancer and decided to combat his illness with a controversial cannabis oil protocol. On July 5, 2012, he revealed that the cannabis treatment had been effective and he is now cancer free. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for cannabis, which he credits for supporting his healthy and active lifestyle. Coming of Age had the pleasure of speaking with the very funny Tommy Chong about his life, his career, and his life-long love of marijuana. »

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 31 TOMMY CHONG: An Exclusive Interview

changed my life. Smoking that joint literally changed my life. The joint he gave me, I kept for about a month. I’d just take a little toke, because that’s all I did in the beginning was just one toke and next thing I know, I was in another world. So, marijuana just helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life and that was that I wanted to play guitar. I wanted to play music, so I quit school and I went on the road and haven’t looked back since.

Where did comedy come in? How did you make that transition? All musicians are comedians because of the nature of their work. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you’re playing because music is mathematical. It’s all numbers. We have octaves, we have deep notes What was your upbringing like? I What made you start playing music and comedy is basically the same think a lot of people wonder what professionally? thing—it’s all about timing. Dancing you were like as a kid. Girls, probably. I found that if you falls into that same category. I I was born to a poor family— not can play the guitar then the girls will used to be around a lot of jazz poor, but it was right after the war. like you. That’s what I did. musicians and country musicians My dad was in the army and my and one thing we had in common earliest memory was that we were Did that work for you? was humor. I was always told the very ‘money challenged’ is what Oh, it sure did. latest joke and there were quite a I’ll say. I grew up on the fringe of few musicians that knew incredible Calgary, and we were quite poor. So When did you smoke your first jokes. So, I really grew up with I went from absolutely nothing to joint? comedy. Playing for dances when I absolutely everything. I was 17 years old in Calgary, was 10 years old with my dad and Alberta. I guess it was 1957. I was my mom and they would get a little That’s pretty lucky. I understand in a jazz club and this friend of mine tipsy and there would be humor that you played music as a came back from L.A. and he handed flying all over the place. So it was teenager. How did you get into me a Lenny Bruce record and a just a natural progression for me. music? marijuana cigarette. I put the joint Then when I met Cheech, I had There again, being poor, we never in my pocket and he lit up one of his formed an improvisational acting had television. We had a radio, own and that was my first time. troupe in my club in Vancouver and which I usually hogged. The only that’s how we got into comedy. But I entertainment we had was music Do you remember how you felt? always thought I’d be a musician all that we had to play ourselves. I Was it love at first puff? my life. I still play music on the show learned how to play the guitar at I remember everything from that and Cheech was a singer, so we hit quite a young age—I was about nine first time. It’s etched in my mind. I it off really well. It’s always been years old when I started playing. I was listening to a tune by Ornette comedy, since I can remember. used to play for a fiddle player and Coleman called “Lonely Woman” he taught me not only music, but and to this day whenever I hear that some very life changing lessons as song I can see exactly what he was well. trying to convey with his music. It

32 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Coming of Age

"Marijuana affects the brain and the brain is the central command port for the body and when you get the brain under control then all the other mechanisms in the body start working properly. That’s my theory."

You talked about musicians being a chance to do his own movie, he it’s been passed down through funny—who’s the funniest musician didn’t write me in, he just did it by the ages. So my attitude is that all you’ve ever met? himself. When he did Born in East marijuana use is medical. Jon Hendricks of Hendricks, L.A. that’s when we split up. I was Lambert and Ross. He knew all the not included. You have a pretty personal story funniest jokes. Gaye DeLorne--he about the benefits of marijuana as passed away, but he helped write And you are doing shows with him medicine, do you want to tell me “Earache My Eye” for Cheech and again, right? about that? Chong. He helped write “Me and My Absolutely. We’ve been together now Well, I’m a cancer survivor. I made Old Lady,” another song. He was our for another 10 years. it through prostate cancer and big influence. He was an incredible rectal cancer. It was marijuana that guitarist, but one of the funniest What’s your favorite Cheech and helped me recover. I did the straight people on the planet. Chong movie? medicine—the chemo and radiation I have a big place in my heart for all and the operation, but my recovery I’ve read conflicting reports on how of them but the one that really gets time was helped by using marijuana. much pot you actually smoked me and we made the most money Marijuana gives you the will to during the Cheech and Chong days. with is Still Smokin’. It was our last live. You know how it enhances a Being a musician, you only have a live show and the bits that we did in musician or a comedian, marijuana few minutes. We would play gigs Still Smokin’, we don’t do anymore, gives you an appetite—not only for where it was a five-hour gig and so it’s captured in the movie— food, but for life. Marijuana affects every hour or so, we’d get a 15 like itchy-scratchy, the Japanese the brain and the brain is the central minute break. You never really had wrestler, all these great bits that command port for the body and time to indulge in much more than were historical, earth moving. I when you get the brain under control a couple of tokes. In fact, we used guess my favorite probably is Still then all the other mechanisms in the to smoke little skinny things called Smokin’. body start working properly. That’s ‘pinners’ and we would pass that my theory. around. And actually as a musician So you’re a big proponent of you never had time to smoke a lot medical marijuana. For those You’ve been an advocate for the and you could never smoke too who might not understand the legalization of marijuana forever, much so you couldn’t play. All my difference between getting high on what do you think about what’s life, one or two tokes will do me. pot and using it medicinally, what happening now with some of the can you tell them? states legalizing? What do you Why did you and Cheech break up? I consider all pot use medicinal think should happen at the federal We got rich. That’s really what because it is a medicine. It’s like level? happened. Cheech got tired of being cough syrup, it’s really a medicine, I just love what’s happening now. I the Chicano, you know? He wanted but there are a lot of people who just watched Jeff Sessions being to show the world that he was more use it to get high. I look at pot grilled on marijuana. Jeff Sessions than just a caricature. He went on the same way. Whenever you said, “Nice people don’t smoke to act and I was very comfortable smoke pot, you’re really doing a marijuana.” He said that and there being Chong, so that’s basically medicine because pot really is a was a senator that said, “Do you why we broke up—also the fact that proven medicine. It’s been a proven consider Arnold Schwarzenegger a I directed and wrote most, in fact medicine for over 5,000 years. The nice person? Do you consider Newt all of, our movies. So when he had Chinese used it as medicine and Gingrich a nice person? You know

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 33 TOMMY CHONG: An Exclusive Interview

Steve Jobs?” He went down the line of all these famous people that smoke pot and Jeff Sessions just sat there with a stupid grin on his face. He didn’t know what to say.

You spent some time in federal prison for shipping bongs over state lines. That’s an odd thing. Can you tell me about that? Well, the charge was shipping bongs over state lines, which I would’ve fought in court. But they told me that if I didn’t plead guilty they would go after my son. They said legally they couldn’t touch me because I was protected, but my son wasn’t protected. So they would’ve gone after my son. They would’ve gone after my wife and put them in court and dragged them through the court system. I always had a premonition of going to jail. Ever since I was about 15, I started meeting people that had been in jail. My mother and father were very liberal and beautiful people and so I started bringing people home that had just got out of jail and had nowhere to go. They’d bunk up in my room and they would tell me stories of prison. They were quite poignant stories—very interesting. So, it was my destiny to do time in jail. So when the chance came up I said, “Okay, no problem, I’ll go to to my spiritual self, which I had and the Protestants and the Jews jail.” I had one bad half-hour—it was been doing all my life and I just felt and all their ceremonies and then the first night I went to jail when I this calmness come over me. The I started hanging out with Native went to bed. Being in jail was kind minute I activated my spiritual self, Americans in the sweat lodge and of exciting because everybody so to speak, I felt the calmness that’s the religion that I adopted and was glad to see me. I was a big come right over me and then from they adopted me. So, we practiced celebrity. I was given the celebrity that time on I was protected. I was our sweat lodge ceremony every treatment by everybody—the there for a reason and I became Saturday. guards, the wardens, everybody. a mentor to a lot of people in jail. But when I went to bed at night in I turned quite a few people on to You had a sweat lodge in prison? a dormitory where there are 200 the spiritual side. I studied religion Yeah, it’s mandated. Because of men making all kinds weird sounds when I was in there. That’s one all the Native Americans that were and they locked the door—I could thing you’re allowed in federal incarcerated. Everybody could hear the door lock—that’s when I prison is to practice your religion, practice their religion except them felt the cold shivers down my spine. so I was invited to the Catholics and so they petitioned the courts. But then I turned inwards. I went

34 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Coming of Age

After a few years and a few court Did you enjoy the experience? and everyone was amazed I went fights, the courts mandated that I really enjoyed it. It was a as far as I did. I tried to tell them on every federal prison would have a bittersweet thing because I got the show that it’s because of my sweat lodge. So we had our own cancer doing it. That’s when I marijuana use, but they never let me sweat lodge. We had our own Indian got rectal cancer because of the do it. It’s true, marijuana kept me grounds and we would go all day physical stress. To be as old as I young at heart, young in the brain. Saturday. I would go there during was, I was 77—something like that, Even to this day, I don’t feel like an the week, too. It was a very holy site. We were in the desert so all kinds of animal would come to our grounds: birds, ground squirrels, snakes, "It was a very holy site. We were in the desert so all rabbits. All sorts of animals felt this kinds of animal would come to our grounds: birds, holiness and they would come and ground squirrels, snakes, rabbits. All sorts of animals hang out in the sweat lodge grounds with us. It was very peaceful and felt this holiness and they would come and hang holy and very sacred. out in the sweat lodge grounds with us. It was very

And you had some interesting cell peaceful and holy and very sacred." mates or people that were in at the same time as you, right? Quite a few. The most famous was Jordan Belfort—The Wolf of Wall Street. We bunked up together and I started writing a book. Jordan would come in after a hard day of playing tennis and he would ask me what I was doing and I would tell him, “I’m writing a book.” So he started writing his book and I helped him with it and when we got out he came up with The Wolf of Wall Street.

Let’s talk about Dancing with the Stars. You made it really far in your season and I was wondering how brutal the training was. Well, I reached the semi-finals and that’s as far as I got. I was talking to my wife and she said that it was pretty phenomenal that I had gotten that far. The training—I was age exempt. I could only go through the routine once or twice and then I’d be gassed. I had no energy. So, I had the other pros come with me and they would dance with Peta and they would practice the routine and I would sit on the sidelines and watch. Then when it was time to do it, I could do it. I didn’t need the practice. I needed the rest.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 35 36 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Coming of Age old person. I feel like a 17-year-old And, like I said, being spiritually a nice build, they would go crazy that needs more rest than usual. trained— I was trained spiritually over them. They would also talk all my life. When I went to Sunday bad about anyone who was too fat You’re a bit of a renaissance school they taught you how to pray or too skinny. So I got into weight man; you’ve been a musician, a and that’s really important. Some lifting. Being half Chinese, we would comedian, an actor, a director, people really don’t know how to get challenged a lot growing up. So an author, an advocate, probably pray. You know that “thoughts and I started weightlifting and I fell in some things I left out. What’s your prayers are with you” every time love with it. To this day, I train two favorite role? there’s a mass shooting. It doesn’t or three times a week—every day if Writer. I guess I’m a writer. I write seem to help. But, I learned how I get the chance. There’s a high that like a dog chews a bone. I learned to pray and I literally prayed that I comes with it—the endorphins that how to use my phone—the notes would meet my soul mate and my you get when you exercise. in my phone. So wherever I’m at, I’ll prayer was answered. And to tell you just start writing. I write poems, I write sayings, I write short stories. I have a phone full of notes. So I "To this day, I train two or three times a week—every would say I’m a writer. I’ve been a day if I get the chance. There’s a high that comes with writer all my life. it—the endorphins that you get when you exercise." Who are your comedic influences? Redd Foxx is probably the first. I studied with Richard Pryor. I was how powerful prayer is, if you see I understand that you have smoked lucky enough to see him in a club. my wife, Shelby, she is a miracle. with all but one Beatle. Tell me He worked a club for about three or She is so beautiful and so talented about that. four days and I got to see him every and she’s so exciting to be with. Everyone but Paul, but it will happen. night. Every night I would go down I still don’t know if she’s going to We have mutual friends, Paul and and watch Richard Pryor and I saw stay with me or not. She was my I. George was really the only one how he put his show together. I like mistress at one time and she said, that I actually shared a joint with. the Smothers Brothers—they really “I don’t ever want to get married We smoked out quite a few times. helped with Cheech and Chong. I because I don’t want to become a With Ringo, I was with him, but he love the Committee and Second wife.” She always wanted to become wasn’t smoking or drinking. He was City improvisational groups. I was a mistress. She liked being the in rehab, so he declined. With John, friends with John Belushi and Dan kept woman. The only reason we I was at a party and I walked in to Aykroyd. We were like a mutual got married was for income tax the bedroom to smoke a joint and admiration society. I liked all the purposes. If anything happened to John was sitting on the floor at the comedians. Moms Mabley, Joan me, she wouldn’t have the same end of the bed. I walked over and Rivers, Sam Kinison— they were benefits as a wife would have. So, handed him a joint, but he refused all influences. Now my favorite we are married, but she acts like it because he was still dealing with contemporary comedian—well it she’s this beautiful woman who immigration problems. used to be Louis C.K. but he’s having allows me to live with her. I count a little problem now—is Rodney my blessings. Tell me about the documentary AKA Carrington. I’m listening to his album Tommy Chong. now. I love him. He is a cowboy, but What do you do to stay healthy? I’ve got a friend, he passed away, he is so beautiful, so funny. My wife is my Jiminy Cricket. She but we were talking about doing a doesn’t let me eat anything bad. If movie. Then when I got sentenced You’ve been with your wife for over I get the least bit sloppy, she tells to jail he said, “Oh man, let me film 40 years. What’s the secret to a me about it in no uncertain terms. it.” So he filmed everything and happy marriage? But, I’ve also always been interested then he added everything else. The Being deaf and blind, I guess. You in bodybuilding. I used to walk to documentary is basically Tommy can’t hear the insults and you can’t school with these older girls and Chong going to jail. So that was the see the insults. I was very lucky. when they would see a guy with first documentary. There’s another

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 37 TOMMY CHONG: An Exclusive Interview

"I don’t like to live in the future; I like to live in the present. When my son (he’s our manager, Paris Chong) tells us where we’re going, that’s where I go."

one in the can now waiting for a because it’s like a farmers’ market. Do you have any performances on distributor. It’s a Cheech and Chong Vendors come and they set up the horizon? documentary. Another friend of shop and people come in and they If you go to the Cheech and Chong mine, Josh Gilbert, who just passed sample all the different pots from all website, it tells you where we’re away recently, he did a very good the different growers and they see going to be. I don’t even know. I job. I love it. the bong companies and the paper don’t like to live in the future; I like companies and the t-shirts and the to live in the present. When my son What do you have coming up? What music. We had a lot of music and (he’s our manager, Paris Chong) tells are you working on? fun things to do. I didn’t perform, us where we’re going, that’s where I We had the Blazers Cup in San but I was handshaking and taking go. Bernardino on December 2 and 3. It pictures and listening to people and was my first one and probably my talking to people. I was like Santa You’ve been so much fun to talk to. next vocation. I want to do Blazers Chong. It was a festival of love. I bet you’re a hoot to hang out with. Cups all over the world. Everywhere I am. there’s pot, I want to come there

38 Coming of Age FALL 2017

What’s the News? Council On Aging of West Florida

Rat Pack Reunion raises over $140k for elders

The seventh annual Rat become a popular staple of Pack Reunion fundraiser, the black-tie social scene hosted by Council on Aging in Pensacola and attracts of West Florida to increase some of the area’s most awareness and support notable philanthropists, for senior programs in the businesspeople and area, raised approximately elected officials. Planning $146,000 the evening of for the event takes place Oct. 27, 2017. Almost 350 throughout the year with individuals attended the a dedicated committee gala, which featured dinner, and a fervent fundraising drinks, dancing, a “raise effort. The money raised the paddle” fundraising locally from this event will segment and honorary be leveraged for an almost videos and speeches from million-dollar impact across four community leaders. Escambia and Santa Rosa This year, those leaders counties by helping fund were Marianne McMahon, programs like Meals on Nels Offerdahl, John Wheels, The Retreat Adult Peacock and Roger Webb. Day Health Care Center, in- The Rat Pack Reunion has home services, and more.

Some of Council on Aging’s longest serving volunteers recognized

J.D. and Betty McLendon decided to take a much- have been volunteering with needed break. We thank Council on Aging since the them for their decades of agency began recording outstanding service to our volunteer hours. Now in community! their late 80s, they have

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions volunteer

United Way of Escambia energy to doing yard work, County’s Day of Caring home repairs and more for was a big success aging adults in our area. for Council on Aging In all, 13 projects were clients. Organizations completed and the agency like Pensacola Sports, was even able to recruit Pensacola Energy, Gulf some longtime volunteers Power, Landrum and Publix through the effort. all gave of their time and

40 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 National Family Caregivers Month celebrations

National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each including the theme, a media kit, posters, sample November -- is a time to recognize and honor family proclamations, etc. caregivers across the country. Caregiver Action Network (the National Family Celebrating Family Caregivers during NFC month Caregivers Association) began promoting national enables all of us to: recognition of family caregivers in 1994. President • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues Clinton signed the first NFC Month Presidential • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers Proclamation in 1997 and every president since has • Educate family caregivers about self-identification followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation • Increase support for family caregivers recognizing and honoring family caregivers each Caregiver Action Network is the organization that November. chooses the theme for National Family Caregivers Council on Aging hand-selected several above-and- Month annually and spearheads celebration of beyond caregivers to recognize with special awards NFC Month nationally. Each year, Caregiver Action during this time. Network makes materials available for general use,

Council on Aging wins Best of the Coast

Congratulations to our humor. Council on Aging own John B. Clark for also took home the prize again being recognized for Best Charity Event as one of the best bosses (Runner-Up) for the Rat in the entire area. As an Pack Reunion, an annual agency, we so appreciate fundraiser that increases his consistent leadership, awareness and donations inspiration and of course for the agency.

WINTER 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 41 Puzzle Page Name: TheThe ColdCold WarWar Complete the crossword below 1

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Created with TheTeachersCorner.net Crossword Puzzle Generator Across Down Across2. period of tremendous political tensions between Down1. invisible wall that separated the Warsaw Pact countries 2. PeriodN AofT Otremendous and Warsaw politicalPact cou ntensionstries between 1. Invisiblefrom We swalltern thatEuro pseparatede the Warsaw Pact countries 4. ruler of Soviet Union during the Thaw 3. a government that does what it is told by an outside NATO and5. a Warsawn alliance Pact of Ea countriesstern European countries behind the fromfo rWesternce Europe 4. Ruler Irofon Soviet Curtain Union during the Thaw 3. A6 government. time when ci tthatizens does of So whatviet U nitio isn toldbega byn to an ha outsideve 5. An alliance8. perio od fo Easternf lesseni nEuropeang tension b countriesetween NA behindTO and the forcegreater freedoms Iron CurtainWarsaw Pact nations 6. Time7. ma whenterial d citizensesigned tofo s Sovietpread c Unionertain b beganeliefs to have 9. 8. 8. Period of al llesseningiance of U. Stension., Canad betweena, and cou NATOntries o andf Western greater re mfreedomoved from power Europe 11. the site of the Soviet Union government Warsaw1 Pact0. Sta nationslin's sets of economic goals for the Soviet Union 7. Material designed to spread certain beliefs 9. Alliance12. ofthe U.S., sym bCanada,ol of Sov andiet C ocountriesmmunism of Western 8. Removed from power Europe 13. site of a nuclear energy plant disaster 11. The site of the Soviet Union government 10. Stalin's sets of economic goals for the Soviet Union 12. The symbol of Soviet Communism 13. Site of a nuclear energy plant disaster

Stumped? Answers on page 44.

42 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 on sale now! manof mancha La March 16 & 18, 2018

Pensacolaopera.com 850.433.6737 Were You Seen? The Annual Rat Pack Reunion at New World Landing

$ PUZZLE ANSWERS Across: 2. Cold War, 4. Khrushchev, 5. Warsaw Pac, 8. Détente, 9. Nato, 10. Five-Year Plans, 12. Hammer and Sickle, 13. Chernobyl Down: 1. Iron Curtain, 3. Puppet Government, 6. Thaw, 7. Propaganda, 8. Deposed, 11. Kremlin

44 Coming of Age WINTER 2017 Thank You. Many thanks to our donors. We appreciate your generous support. Gifts received from Aug. 24 to Nov 23, 2017.

Anytime Fitness Mr. and Mrs. Sam Forester Hazel McManigal Clayton Roesch Appleyard Agency Herman L. Franklin Terry Meyer Newman Rogers Denise Ard Millard Fretland Klein Miller Alesia Ross Eleanor Aspliden Laura Garrett Jan Miller Malik Rosss Avalon A/C and Heating Douglas Gaylord Eric Milstead Sandra Russell Karen Barbee Joe Gilchrist Anthony Mitchem Monie Russo Sheila Barber Brandi Gomez Montgomery Realtors Monie Russo Andrea Bennett Richard and Shelly Gourley Alana Moodie Rosa Sakalarios Robby Bennett Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery Alan and Margie Moore Kathy Salzmann Jeff Bennett RADM and Mrs. William Gureck Larry Morris Charlene Sanders Robert & Marie Berry John Herber Curt Morse Joel Segraves Robert Boothe Dave Hickerson Larry Mosley Michele Siegrist Helen Born Michele Hobbs Jeff Nall and Mark Gillman Stephen Simpson Johnnie Branum William Hofferbert Navy Federal Credit Union Dionte Sims Vernon Browning Kenny Holt Ann and Jim Neal Pam Speer Tyra Brunson Home Instead Senior Care Bobby Neeley Strong Street Studio Frances Bush Anna Hubbard Caitlin Newby Fran Switzer Kitty Callan International Paper Foundation Joshua Newby Charles Switzer Cheryl Carter Kagan Jenkins Linda Newton Fred Swope Frank Castagna Stephen Jones Angela Nicks Michelle Taylor Charity Chapel Emilie Josephson Northwest Florida Paralegal James Taylor CID Corry Station Chapel Stacy Keller Williams Association, Inc. Kathy Thorpe John B. Clark Key Sailing Inc. J M 'Mick' Novota Mark Tibbert Jenn Cole Bev Kinego Nels Offerdahl Norman Tilton Don Coleman Joe Kinego Michelle Ortiz-Miguez Karen Tilton Donna Coleman Doug Kirby Tom Pace TLC Caregivers Claire Coleman Vivian Krumel Bill Parker Milton Tastee Freez CS/CIV Panhandle Tiffany Law Julia Tippins Parker Too Many Fingers, Inc. Michael Cutter Martin Le Bouef Jason Pay Ed Turner Leo Cyr Steve Lemay John Peacock Katie Walton Damians Ice Cream Teri Levin Drew Peacock Mark and Shannon Wassil Sonya Daniel Levin Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Pensacola Senior Follies Timothy Weaver Corbett Davis Rafferty & Proctor, P.A. Tim Peters Roger Webb Everett Dearman Levin Rinke Resort Realty Travis Peterson Donald Wehrenberg Steve Debruyn C Flack Logan E.E. Pfalzer Dr. Kevin Welch Steve Del Gallo Kathleen Logan Hugh Platten Darwin Wenzler John Donovan Teddy Mansfield Tammy Prell Joan Wheeler Pat Duplantis Joe Marsh Lily Quick Tom Wheeler Joe Durant Nanette Martinez Nova Quick Charles Wilkins Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Edwards Bob Matheson Alexis Quick Johnnie Wright Escambia County Sheriff's Office Phyllis Maygarden Mark Renfroe Donna Zambetti Erica Estess Rick McClanahan Riesberg Institute Connie Zdradzinski Susan Finger McDonald Fleming Moorhead John Ripley William Zimmern Amanda Flescher Marianne and John McMahon Larry Robbins Florida Top Properties, LLC McMahon-Hadder Insurance Stacy Robello

Council on Aging of West Florida is a local independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has served seniors and their families since 1972. Council on Aging of West Florida helps seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties live healthy, safe and independent lives in their own familiar surroundings by providing community-based, in-home programs and services such as Meals on Wheels and Alzheimer’s respite care. For more information, call 432-1475 or visit www.coawfla.org.

A COPY OF THE OFFICAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7532 TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ASSIGNED TO COUNCIL ON AGING OF WEST FLORIDA, INC BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRI- CULTURAL AND COSUMER SERVICES IS CH817. COUNCIL ON AGING OF WEST FLORIDA DOES NOT USE A PROFESSIONAL SOLICITOR OR PROFESSIONAL FUND RAISNG CONSULTANT FOR THE PURPOSES OF SOLICITING FUNDS. 100% OF DONATIONS GO TO COUNCIL ON AGING OF WEST FLORIDA, INC. AdministrAtor of the YeAr Deidre Reis LPN-CLTC ADRD CDP

eidre Reis, Administrator of Deidre’s mantra, Homestead Village continues to Homestead Village FL, received be in complete compliance with the state and has Dthe 2017 Administrator of the remained deficiency free for over 13 years. Year award from the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA). FALA is the While overseeing 180 licensed bed assisted living largest state association representing facility as a Nurse, certified in Long Term Care, nearly 500 assisted living facilities, adult Deidre continues to educate herself, most recently family care homes and 200 associate adding to her designations, ADRD CDP (Al- members who provide products and zheimer’s Disease and Related Disorder-Certified services to assisted living. Dementia Practitioner). She has developed and regularly presents a free community educational This distinguished award recognizes outstanding outreach program; “Dementia / Alzheimer’s Di- individuals who have brought credit to the assisted agnosis, Now What”. These presentations have living industry and have given unselfishly of them- made a positive impact for families, and care-givers selves to their communities and residents. dealing with the everyday challenges of a dementia related diagnosis. Deidre sets the highest standards and motivates staff to success in achieving compliance with state Deidre is well respected by her peers, staff and mandated regulations and guidelines. Deidre residents as an outstanding Nurse, Mentor and instills into staff the mantra “to be ready always” Administrator. Homestead Village is proud to and “do it right every time”. As a testament to have her as part of its team.

A Passion for Serving Seniors and their Families

Homestead Village has been serving seniors in our community for over 25 years and is recognized as a prominent provider of quality Independent, Assisted, Respite, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care living. We are a uniquely designed senior living community dedicated to an “aging in place” philosophy. Our community offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of each individual resident. Whether you are independent, need an occasional helping hand or need daily assistance with life’s activities, Homestead Village has a place for you! 7830 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, FL 32526 | (850) 941-5000 | www.hvpensacola.com ALF # 7708

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Cooler weather, warmer welcomes, food and friends. December is a special time for most families. VITAS® Healthcare has been helping families cope with serious illness for 39 Decembers. We know our patients want to be at home, and we know how best to care for them. We know how to partner with families: to share our experience and to learn from them about their routines, traditions, hopes and memories. That’s what hospice is all about.

Always Available Hospice is every month of the year, every day of the month. It’s nights and weekends and even holidays. That’s why we’re always available—to talk to a family, admit a patient, confer with a physician, make a house call. • 24/7/365 availability • After-hours Telecare® support from skilled hospice clinicians • Team members on call during all holidays

Call us whenever you need us. VITAS can help.

SINCE 1980 800.723.3233 • VITAS.com 48 Coming of Age WINTER 2017