Mike Papantonio, May Not Recognize Or Even Be Able to Rationalize the Who Is Supportive of Our Agency and Other Local Person We Were When We Were Angry

WINTER 2019

Plants for Pain Medical Marijuana The Wonderful Life of Mr. Jesse Sangfield Mike + BOXING: An Unconventional Neurological Papantonio Treatment America's Lawyer

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[FROM THE EDITOR]

Josh Newby Marketing Communications Director and Editor-in-Chief

I recently learned of a psychological phenomenon caregiver. You are our boots on the ground. If we called the hot-cold empathy gap, which is a lose the caregiver, the battle for our elderly is over. cognitive bias that causes individuals to lack It is crucial we support you. understanding of their own behavior. For example, when one is angry or depressed or aroused Part of being a successful caregiver is making sure or annoyed or hungry, it is difficult for them to the person you are caring for has all they need, understand what it is like to not be and to act as thus making your job easier. In this issue, we’ve got they would if they were thinking more rationally. information to help you do that, be it vaccinations Similarly, if you are cool, calm and collected, you to avoid more costly hospital visits, a unique kind of may make decisions for yourself (I’ll have salad physical therapy, conversations around death, the from now on) that you would never make when you pros and cons of medical marijuana and more. are in a “hot” state. When we are angry, we have little understanding of the calm, centered person Our celebrity this issue is one of the country’s best we usually are. When we return to being calm, we and most famous trial attorneys, Mike Papantonio, may not recognize or even be able to rationalize the who is supportive of our agency and other local person we were when we were angry. causes. Did you know he originally wanted to be a journalist? Learn other fun tidbits about this titan of When we are caring for an elderly loved one, the law on page 29. days may be long and frustrating and we may find ourselves frequently switching between “hot” By the way, are you curious how to overcome and “cold.” Our morning annoyance at their lack the empathy gap described earlier? Good luck. of mobility or decreasing memory may lead to The best we can do, experts say, is to be more nighttime guilt about how we should be more compassionate toward ourselves and others. understanding, more empathetic. Then, morning rolls around and we have the same frustrations Let me know if you have any questions, comments over again. Caregiving is hard; it can turn us into a or concerns. As always, it’s (850) 266-2507 or person we don’t recognize—a hero at our best and [email protected]. Until next time, enjoy life— a monster at our worst. you’ve earned it!

Fortunately, services exist in this community and at Council on Aging of West Florida to help you, the

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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 Age comes automatically with your change of address, please magazines that you just have to Florida welcomes your letters consider freelance writers your membership to Council provide Council on Aging of have? Was your relative seen in and comments. Send letters and article ideas. Please send on Aging of West Florida. If West Florida with both the old a recent issue and you lost it? to Council on Aging c/o Josh queries and/or suggestions to you have questions about your and new addresses to expedite Give Ballinger Publishing a call Newby at 875 Royce St., Kelly Oden at subscription, call Josh Newby at the change. at (850) 433-1166 ext. 26, and Pensacola, FL 32503, emails to [email protected] (850) 432-1475 ext. 130 or email they will find one for you. [email protected] or contact or Josh Newby at [email protected]. Please editor Kelly Oden at Ballinger [email protected]. do not hesitate to contact Publishing, P.O. Box 12665 Josh with any questions or Pensacola, FL 32591 or comments about your service, [email protected]. and thank you. 6 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 Council on Aging of West Florida 2019 Board of Directors

Officers Chair: Kathleen Logan First Vice Chair: Lois Lepp Second Vice Chair: Malcolm Ballinger Secretary: Pensacola City Councilmember P.C. Wu Treasurer: J.M. Novota Immediate Past Chair: Sonya Daniel Board Members DeborahCorbin DeeDee Davis Joel Fleekop Donna Jacobi, M.D. Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May Tammy Hardy-Fauber Sean Magerkorth Rick McClanahan Thomas Pace Jr. Jan Pacenta Tara Peterson Diane Scott, Ph.D Caron Sjoberg Sue Straughn Edgar Turner Dona Usry Marie Young Members Emeriti Joe Black • John Brick • 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 Gina Castro Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Bara'ah Jaraiseh Editorial Assistant Dakota Parks Account Executives Paula Rode • [email protected] Geneva Strange • [email protected]

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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. ©2019

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 7 What's Inside

29 18

12 16 25 Features Mike Papantonio: America's Lawyer

Departments In Every Issue 12 Phenomenal Philanthropists: Celebrating the Heart of 10 Advocacy the Community 34 News from Council on Aging 14 The Best Shot for a Long Life of West Florida 16 Plants for Pain: 38 Thank You to Our Donors Medical Marijuana Stay Connected! 18 The Wonderful Life of Mr. Jesse Sangfield 20 Senior Discounts 22 Death Cafe 25 Boxing: An Unconventional Cover: Mike Papantonio Council on Aging of West Florida, Inc, is Neurological Treatment compliant with the Better Business Bureau’s photographed by Joe Photo Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. 8 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019

Advocacy

The 2020 Census: What does it mean for you?

By John Clark

The requirement that the U.S. The original purpose of the as a result of population government conduct a census every census was to determine how changes between the 2000 and many representatives each 2010 censuses, eight states 10 years can be found in Article 1, state would have in Congress: gained members and 10 states Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. one for every 30,000, but each had fewer members in the It was this section that called for state would have at least one. House of Representatives. The one congressional representative In order to determine numbers, regional patterns of change in for every 30,000 persons. It is also there would have to be a congressional representation census. The first census was based on the 2000 and 2010 in this section of the Constitution to be conducted within three censuses reflect the nation’s where you find the infamous three- years of the first meeting of continuing shift in population fifths compromise. At the time Congress, which was in 1789, from the Northeast and that the Constitution was written, and every 10 years thereafter. Midwest to the South and Thus, the first census was West. Based on the 2010 slave-holding states wanted slaves started in 1790. census apportionment, each counted so they would not lose member of the U.S. House of power in the Congress, but non- In 1929 Congress limited the Representatives will represent slave states did not want them House of Representatives to an average population of counted. The “compromise” was 435 members, and eventually 710,767. However, every a formula was established to state must have at least one to count slaves as three-fifths of determine how many districts/ representative. a person. After the Civil War, that representatives would be in changed with the passage of the each state. This gave even While the original purpose 13th Amendment, which abolished more importance to the was to determine how many slavery, and Section 2 of the 14th census because it meant representatives each state that some states could lose would have (and that is still Amendment, which repealed the representation in the U.S. the most important purpose), three-fifths rule. House of Representatives the information gathered over and some states could gain the years has evolved. Now representatives. For example, the census asks questions

10 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 about housing, age, sex, local communities. The services; it’s also services it all mean? When does race, marital status, etc. demographic data are for children and others- it start and when are the The 2020 census will be also used by businesses --especially when funds results released? Most the first time you can to determine, for example, are distributed based on people will begin receiving respond online, but you where to build new demographics gleaned census information in can still respond by paper, supermarkets or new from the census. So, March 2020. That is phone, or in some cases, housing projects.” Now cooperating by completing when most of us will a census taker will come let’s put the information the census questionnaire have received some to your home. For many gathered from the census and answering questions correspondence from of us, these questions can into perspective as to how truthfully benefits all of us. the Census Bureau. The be viewed as intrusive it affects those elders who population counts are and, frankly, nobody’s are served by the Council One big question is expected to be released business. However, we on Aging in Escambia and always about privacy or in December 2020. What are all required by law Santa Rosa counties. confidentiality. According does that mean? Well, to complete the census from the population and answer all of the One of the Council on counts, congressional questions truthfully. If Aging’s major funding seats are reapportioned you do not complete the sources is the federal “the 2020 to go into effect in the census you most likely Older American’s Act population 2022 elections. States would receive a visit from (OAA). This program will also use census a census worker. If you funds senior dining numbers will information for state and simply refuse to file the sites, home delivered shape how local redistricting. So there census, in the worst- meals, in-home services you have it; the census is case scenario, you could such as homemakers, political power important to all of us—it be subject to a criminal transportation and and federal determines how many penalty. However, it other critical home representatives we will really is to your benefit to and community-based tax dollars are have in the U.S House of complete the census as services. To be eligible for shared in the Representatives; what completely and accurately OAA services a person our local districts will as possible. Why? must be 60 or older, U.S. over the look like when we vote with preference given to next 10 years." for our representatives in According to NPR.org, rural and minority elders. Tallahassee; and, quite “The 2020 population Now when Congress literally, how many Meals numbers (gathered from appropriates funding for to NPR.org, “federal law on Wheels we can serve the census) will shape the OAA program it is prohibits the Census elders in Escambia and how political power and distributed to the states Bureau from identifying Santa Rosa counties using federal tax dollars are based primarily on the individuals with the public OAA funds! It really is our shared in the U.S. over the demographics gathered or other federal agencies duty as U.S. citizens to next 10 years. The number from the census that is including law enforcement, cooperate by filling out the of congressional seats age, race, rurality, etc. until 72 years after the census questionnaire and, and Electoral College We want to make sure information is collected.” as you can see, more than votes each state gets are Florida AND our area Of course, “the Census you might have realized determined by census gets its fair share of the Bureau can release hinges on our cooperation number. It also guides OAA dollars appropriated. anonymized (anonymous) and truthfulness. • how an estimated $880 That can happen only information about specific billion a year in federal if everyone fills out the demographic groups at funding is distributed census truthfully and a level as detailed as a for schools, roads and when required to do so. neighborhood.” other public service in But it’s not just elder So, in summary what does

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 11 Phenomenal Philanthropists Celebrating the Heart of the Community By Lauren Meadors When I started this quarterly philanthropists, faith-based Council on Aging’s adult day care and feature over a year ago, I organizations, volunteer fundraisers helped us create a beautiful mural in intended to highlight a variety of and more. This day allows nonprofits our courtyard. They have reached out philanthropists, and a variety of to nominate those who have shaped multiple times since to help with yard ways that one can be philanthropic. the course of their work and show the projects and provide supplies to our As the development coordinator community just how many incredible senior volunteers. I discovered that at Council on Aging, I have philanthropists are here. their holistic approach to caring about the blessing of working with a mission extends beyond Council on individuals and organizations Council on Aging is proud to see Aging, to United Way of West Florida, who wish to make a difference many of our friends and supporters where they focused on workplace in the community. Although among this year’s winners and would campaigns, and PACE Center for Girls, dollar amounts may be identical, like to congratulate them: Ascend where employees personally mentor no donation is the same. Each Performance Materials, United Way girls. comes with a story and powerful of West Florida, and the Gulf Power hope for the difference that the Foundation. Among nominees were United Way of West Florida, gift will make for a senior and longtime supporters of our mission Outstanding Service Organization of their caregiver. There is no better Valerie and Ray Russenberger. Each the Year, is a vital grantor to Council showcase of this sentiment than honoree contributes to Council on on Aging, supporting our Senior National Philanthropy Day. Aging and the lives of seniors in Volunteer and Nutrition programs Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties through large multi-year grants. The Held annually by the West Florida in a unique way. I thought that I was significance of this grant is enough Chapter of the Association of deeply familiar with the philanthropic cause for celebration, but they also Fundraising Professionals, the award work of these honorees, but I was work with 46 other partner agencies. luncheon celebrates philanthropy blown away to discover just how The nomination process alone in the community and those that much each does. for this award showed how many make a notable impact and inspire organizations and workplaces are others to do the same. Categories Ascend Performance Materials, moved to serve those in need as recognize businesses, foundations, Outstanding Business of the Year, letters of recommendation flooded in. service organizations, individual renovated the kitchen at the Retreat,

12 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 The Gulf Power Foundation, Outstanding Foundation of the Year, is an invaluable supporter of Council on Aging. The foundation has supported Council on 850.206.2601 Aging’s programs through grants and USPAP Certified Appraisals event sponsorships for many years, and Member of the International CardonEstateSales.com even provided funds for a new agency Sty of Appraisers van this past year. Fundraisers and grant writers came together to recognize the Estate Sales & Appraisals Gulf Power Foundation not just for their Divorce · estate Division & irs financial gifts to organizations, but also Donations Moving claiMs insurance their innovative Amplify! grant process · · that asked nonprofits to find sustainable solutions.

Valerie and Ray Russenberger, nominees for Philanthropists of the Year, have been friends of Council on Aging for a long time. Both Rat Pack Reunion honorees, they have made countless life-changing donations to seniors. The two have a deep passion for the arts that can be seen in their philanthropy. Ray paid off the Pensacola Little Theatre’s mortgage as a Valentine’s day gift to Valerie, and they recently made a large gift to the University of West Florida to fund the inaugural UWF Marching Band.

For the past two years, I have had the honor of working closely with other fundraising professionals to put on this event. An obvious benefit to being part of something like this is to learn what others are doing and grow professionally. However, what I cherish the most is an unexpected benefit: seeing the whole picture of what it looks like when someone truly uses all that they have to help others.

In my role at Council on Aging, I often get to sit and talk with our donors and supporters and learn what it is about our mission that makes them care. No matter how long I will be doing this, I don’t think I will ever stop being touched by the wide range of stories that inspire a passion to give back to seniors in our community. National Philanthropy Day is a special day to me because I get to see beyond this, to get a holistic view of just how many exceptionally caring people we have in our backyard. The awards do more than just showcase individuals and groups—they sum up the spirit of the community. •

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 13 The Best Shot for a Long Life We all get sick, and at the height of the sickness, we’ve all wished we could do something— anything—to feel whole again. Whether it’s something as simple as the sniffles or painful and uncomfortable like the chickenpox, we’ll do anything to get back to normal. And yet for many older Americans, 15 minutes of time and a simple needle prick are too high a price to pay for a near-guarantee that we’ll never have to experience these awful ailments in the first place. – by Josh Newby

Vaccination has been around in complications from serious diseases one form or another for a thousand can result in hospitalization or even years, but modern technology and death. In fact, despite making up only medical science has allowed for 15 percent of the population, elder immunization to be practiced across adults account for over 50 percent the globe and against more than of vaccine-preventable deaths each 25 diseases. These vaccines save year. Unfortunately, the reason is millions of lives a year and many clear: only about half of seniors life-threatening illnesses have been get the vaccines recommended for Written by eradicated because of widespread them. Scott Rivkees, Florida’s State Josh Newby herd immunity. And while much Surgeon General, has even declared of the focus around vaccinations a public health emergency regarding Illustrations by revolves around infants and children, the prevalence of hepatitis A. Guy Stevens there has been a recent push to evangelize elder adults with the “As we grow older, the immune gospel of preventable diseases such system does not work as well due to as influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus fewer immune cells in the body that and others. bring about healing, which ultimately increases the risk of illness,” said According to the US Department of a CVS Pharmacy spokesperson. Health and Human Services (HHS), “Because of this, it is important for vaccines are especially important seniors to protect themselves with for adults over 65. As we get older, vaccines to decrease the risks from our immune system weakens, and an aging immune system.”

14 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 The specific vaccines Influenza causes well, the flu vaccine has been recommended for senior citizens shown to reduce the risk of include influenza, which is 36,000 deaths illness by between 40 percent generally given in the fall by the annually in the US, and 60 percent. The new end of October; pneumococcal, shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is which becomes much more most of which are more than 90 percent effective, dangerous after age 50; herpes and with almost half of the cases zoster, also known as the shingles in those 65 and of shingles are seen in adults 60 or chickenpox; tetanus; hepatitis over. But only 70% and older, it’s important for older A and B; and measles, mumps adults to get the vaccine. As for and rubella (MMR). According to of elder adults get pneumococcal vaccines, there the HHS, Medicare Part B covers are two options and both are vaccines that protect against the the vaccine. more than 60 percent effective in flu, pneumococcal disease and most cases. Older adults should the hepatitis B vaccine, if you’re receive this vaccine as they are at increased risk for hepatitis B. more likely to develop severe It also covers vaccines that you complications from pneumonia might need after an injury (like the that can lead to death.” tetanus vaccine) or encountering another challenge is that many a disease (like the rabies vaccine). doctors’ offices do not store This misinformation and lack of Medicare Part D plans generally some vaccines. The patient is resources cause almost 90,000 cover more vaccines than Part B, asked to come back at another preventable deaths a year. but depending on your Medicare time, and they rarely do. Finally, Whatever the reason for those Part D plan, you may have out-of- many senior adults are simply not 89,999 tragic cases, ask yourself, pocket costs for these vaccines. aware that they need updated and what is the reason I have not new vaccinations; many assume gotten vaccinated? If the reason There are many reasons senior the ones they received as a child is laziness, lack of education or adults may be hesitant to are adequate. another surmountable challenge, receive the vaccinations they Council on Aging of West Florida should—chief among them is “While no vaccine is 100 encourages you to overcome that that the vaccination causes percent effective, it is the best hesitation and do it. Your life may the disease it is designed to way to protect yourself from very well depend on it. If a lack prevent. While this is a myth, illness,” said a CVS Pharmacy of resources prevents you from some vaccines, like the flu shot, spokesperson. “For the annual receiving immunization, contact are not 100 percent effective at flu vaccine, the CDC monitors your local Florida Department preventing it altogether, though strains from past years and of Health in Escambia County they do reduce the chances and conducts studies to determine (595-6500) or in Santa Rosa the severity. Another reason is how well the flu shot protects County (983-5200). There may be costly co-payments of $100 against the flu year-over-year. programs available to you. • or more for vaccinations not When the flu vaccine viruses covered by Medicare Part B. Yet match the circulating flu viruses

DID YOU KNOW?... Immunization prevents nearly 3 million deaths a year.

An additional 1.5 million deaths could be prevented with global vaccination coverage.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 15 a patient must visit their benefits of cannabis: MMJ doctor again for a patients can micro-dose renewal. The entire process and find out what works takes about two weeks. for them without fear of While the process is entirely overdosing or messing up,” an out-of-pocket expense, said Hansen. most patients phase off of Micro-dosing is a technique prescription drugs once they in which patients can take start cannabis treatment. very small amounts of product that do not result in Research by the full-body effects or euphoric Organization for Economic experiences. Dispensaries Cooperation and like MedMen in Pensacola Development revealed list full product descriptions that people age 65 and of each product so that older make up 12 percent patients can even choose of the U.S. population, but their own ratio of CBD to account for 34 percent of all THC to avoid euphoric PLANTS FOR PAIN prescription medication use. effects while retaining On average, senior citizens medicinal qualities. MEDICAL MARIJUANA take 4.5 prescription drugs One medical marijuana by Dakota Parks a month and spend double Over the last hundred years, cannabis has doctor in town, Dr. William the amount on medication Hass with Empathic gotten a bad reputation. Crackdowns on the than other age groups. Practice, explained that plant began as early as 1910, and the United States Furthermore, the University a cannabis plant has nationally outlawed cannabis with the 1937 Marijuana of Michigan Institute for anywhere from 90 to 110 Tax Act. The spread of yellow journalism in the States Social Research found different elements or painted cannabis as a deviant substance. In the 1970s, that 44 percent of medical alkaloids in it. the U.S. came down harder listing it as a controlled cannabis users stopped substance with “no accepted medical usage.” Finally, taking a pharmaceutical “Of those elements, CBD the early 1990s revolutionized the plant as scientists drug or phased off of one or and THC are just two discovered cannabinoid receptors in the brain and more in favor of cannabis. elements. We really are full- early trials for medical marijuana were passed. plant believers here in our Flash forward to the present day and 33 states have The cost of medical clinic. CBD is really prone to mislabeling, contamination, comprehensive medical marijuana programs. marijuana is entirely and adulteration, so you dependent on the patient. have to be very careful Medical marijuana programs that medical marijuana Each form of cannabis where you get it from,” said are regulated at the state (MMJ) doctors may certify varies by price and each Dr. Hass level. To register for the patients for other medical patient uses different medical marijuana program conditions they deem strains and quantities of the Dispensaries are the most in Florida, a person must beneficial for medical products. The forms include reliable source for CBD have a medical condition marijuana treatment. For a oral capsules, tinctures, products because they are that qualifies them to comprehensive list of other vape inhalation, topical required to undergo testing enroll in the program. conditions or questions, creams, and smokable and third-party verification Currently, there are 12 speak to a local MMJ flower. Nick Hansen, The methods for products. Both conditions written into the doctor. Director of Government Empathic Practice and law, which include Cancer, Affairs for the dispensary MedMen are revolutionizing Epilepsy, Glaucoma, HIV, Once a MMJ doctor MedMen, explained that the the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and AIDS, Seizures, Crohn's signs off on their average ticket for a patient shopping for products. disease, Chronic muscle recommendation, a at their dispensary is about spasms, Post-Traumatic patient must submit an $100, but that varies a lot “We are a multidisciplinary Stress Disorder (PTSD), application to the Florida per patient. clinic, so we don’t believe Amyotrophic Lateral State Department for in just issuing approval for Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's their prescription card. “Cannabis has a lot more medical marijuana cards. disease, and Multiple The medical marijuana power for the patient; they It’s important to promote a Sclerosis. certifications are good for have to find out what works process that incorporates 210 days, which typically for them by modulating their the whole person—a holistic However, Amendment includes the initial visit and dosage and product usage. treatment plan” said Dr. 2 of the law also states three 70-day refills before It’s one of the medicinal Hass.

16 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 In addition to giving patients MedMen control of their dosage, 850-361-3920 treatment methods and 5048 Bayou Blvd, shopping experiences, Pensacola, FL 32503 medical marijuana is making strides in getting Trulieve Pensacola patients off opiates and 850-777-3360 fighting opioid addiction. 3119 N Davis Hwy, Both Dr. Hass and Mr. Pensacola, FL 32503 Hansen had only positive remarks about the role Suterra Wellness of medical marijuana in 850-249-5793 fighting the opioid epidemic. 5046 Bayou Blvd Suite A, One leading factor of the Pensacola, FL 32503 opioid crisis is the over prescription of opiates for VidaCann chronic pain. 850-741-2895 2401 Langley Ave Unit A, “Senior citizens seem to Pensacola, FL 32504 CERTIFICATIONS After meeting with Dr. Hass, come to us in two different AND COSTS patients have the option, at groups. One are those with no extra expense, to meet neurodegenerative diseases MEDICAL MARIJUANA with a mindfulness coach such as Parkinson’s disease, DOCTORS IN PENSACOLA Initial that really individualizes and the other group is those their treatment options. with chronic pain. Chronic Empathic Practice: consultation and The mindfulness coach pain must be related to 850-777-3334 recommendation helps beginners learn about a qualifying condition, 801 E Cervantes St Suite C appointment: the various types, strains, but the percentage of the Pensacola, FL 32501 and modes of medical population that has chronic $199-250+ cannabis. From there, pain is something like 20 Dr. Michelle Beasley, patients can gather even percent. Chronic pain is Medical Marijuana FL state card more information from an important issue, but it’s Treatment Clinics: dispensaries. also important that we don’t (850) 906-5000 registration fee: make medical marijuana a 810 Scenic Hwy Suite C $75 “Our stores are highly more expensive aspirin.” Pensacola, FL 32503 staffed. When you walk into the store, there are six Dr. Hass stressed that East Hill Medical Start-up Equipment or seven staff members medical marijuana does (850)-437-0035 and Dispensary on the floor that will wonders for chronic pain, 99 South Alcaniz Street greet you at the door and but it also has a plethora Pensacola, FL 32502 fees: check you in. We consider of other symptom reliefs, $25-150 ourselves an elevated including seizure prevention, Dr. Tim Tuel, Baptist shopping experience—that increasing appetite in Medical Group experience is really the anorexic and cancer (850)-437-8637 Yearly Card genesis of MedMen, which patients and relaxing 1717 North E Street Renewal Fee: was founded in California muscles in those with Pensacola, FL 32501 10 years ago,” said Hansen. Muscular Dystrophy. $75 “It was built on the idea Releaf Medical Marijuana that patients, whether in a The cannabis plant has Clinic: 850-361-2752 Follow-up Visits: medical market or adult- come a long way from its 4300 Bayou Boulevard use market, should view dark and yellowed history. Pensacola, FL 32503 $80-$200 cannabis as a normal retail As more states continue to experience. You should have adopt medical marijuana Pensacola Marijuana Total Yearly the ability to walk in and programs and additional Doctor: 850-454-4362 not feel like you’re walking bills are sent to congress 744 E Burgess Rd Suite Estimate: into a sterile hospital for national legalization, the A-104, Pensacola, FL 32504 $650 setting, instead it should be acceptance and medical normalized like walking into usage are only going to a CVS or pharmacy for a continue to skyrocket. prescription.” • conditioning was. We didn’t know what a gas heater was. It was rough. I remember when the second war started, life got better. I was able to help my mother. She was able to buy her house on Davis Highway. I was able to help her, and we lived a little better than we had been.”

During this time, Sangfield met his wife of 72 years, Dannie.

“We met at Legion Field,” he said. “There was some sporting event going on there. I was working in the San Carlos Hotel at the time. I didn’t know her, and she didn’t know me. I saw this pretty girl, and I had a roll of money in my pocket. I pulled out that roll of money, and I haven’t gotten rid of her since,” he said with a laugh.

The Sangfields were married at the downtown Pensacola The Wonderful Life of Hotel sometime before 1941. courthouse in 1947. “I’m not sure when I started “It’s been a good marriage. working there, but I do We’ve had our ups and downs, Mr. Jesse Sangfield remember in 1941, when but we are still together. We by Kelly Oden in Pensacola also give Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, have four girls and two boys Every once in a while, if you him a unique perspective I was working at the San and eight grandchildren and are lucky, you come across of the town he loves. Carlos Hotel in the bar,” he 11 great grandchildren.” a person who just makes said. “I started working as you smile—whose story is so Born in Florala, Alabama, on a busboy, and through the Eventually, one of the hotel wonderful and whose life is August 1, 1924, Sangfield years, I started working managers left the San so full that it renews your own came to Pensacola with behind the service bar, and Carlos and went to work at faith in humanity. Often, these his mother when he was I got a good training.” the Mustin Beach Officers are the stories of everyday very young. She rented a Club. He asked Sangfield to people and their everyday room at 10th Avenue and Although Sangfield join him and he accepted. trials and tribulations, rather Chase Street for about a remembers his time at than the flashy tales of dollar and a half a week. the San Carlos fondly, Sangfield’s time at Hollywood films. That’s what he also acknowledges Mustin Beach was a makes them so special. “The Hawkshaw School that times were tough. whirlwind of activity. Mr. Jesse Sangfield is one was on 9th Avenue and I of those people. At 95, was a Hawkshaw boy,” said “I was so young when I “I met a lot of interesting Sangfield’s smile is bright Sangfield. “My first job as worked at the hotel, and I people, but I can’t remember and his laughter is quick and a youngster was working was trying to survive. I made them all,” he said. “I’ve seen contagious. As one might at a fruit stand on Wright one dollar per day, and I was Senator McCain many, many expect, Sangfield doesn’t Street between Alcaniz and paid every two weeks,” he times. He was always moving remember every detail of Haynes. I can’t remember the said. “It was tough. I could fast. Always on the go.” his 95 years, but the details year. I’m showing my age.” lie in the bed and look at the Sangfield began working he does remember speak moon just as pretty. The wind at Mustin Beach to a full and amazing life. Sangfield began working at blew through the windows. sometime around 1950 His nearly nine decades the infamous San Carlos We didn’t know what air and he left in 1957. 18 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 They were very good parents. Very loving and they taught us a lot. We’ve passed that on to our children and nieces and nephews as well. - Natalie Jenkins, daughter

Sangfield is grateful for his In 1964, Sangfield went to long career and the fine work at Scenic Hills Country people he met along the way. Club, where he stayed until his retirement in 1989. “People in Pensacola have He remembers the area been real good to me and my around Scenic Hills being family,” he said. “From the San a lot different back then. Carlos to the Mustin Beach Officers Club to Scenic Hills “When I was working at Scenic Country Club, everybody has Hills, Davis Highway was two been so nice to me. They lanes and Nine Mile Road was helped me raise my kids.” two lanes,” he said. “It was all woods out there. It was Sangfield’s home, in which frightening coming home at he and his family have lived night at 1 or 2 in the morning.” for more than 60 years, sits just across the street from Still, he loved his 30 years at the site of the home he Scenic Hills, and he enjoyed lived in with his mother. meeting many notable and interesting people. Along “I wouldn’t want to live with pictures of his beautiful anywhere else,” he said. family, Sangfield’s living “That’s why I never room walls are covered went anywhere when I in photos of him with the had a vacation. I like it people he met throughout here in Pensacola.” his career—everyone from local businessmen like He’s also grateful for his Al Tarr and Dizzy Dee to long life, his family and national stars like Coach his many blessings. Jimmy Johnson, Hank Aaron, Arnold Palmer, Red Barber, “I’ve completely enjoyed good breakfast and relax, and kept my nose clean. I didn’t Johnny Unitas and more. life,” he said with a genuine I don’t have to worry about go to jail for nothing. I stayed smile. “I’m up in age, but I still nothing. My daughters take out of trouble. That’s what “Al Tarr had a restaurant enjoy life. I thank God every care of me. My sons are good, I tell my children—stay out down by the ice house,” morning. When I sit down to but I’ll take my daughters of trouble. Stay with good Sangfield remembers. eat my breakfast, I say my anytime (laughing). It’s been company. If you do that, you “He was a member of blessings that I can eat a a good life. I’ve enjoyed every won’t have any problems. And Scenic Hills. He was really good meal. I don’t want to tell bit of it. In the beginning, it so far, they haven’t had any a sharp dresser. I use to you what I had for breakfast was tough, but as time went problems. Of course, at this love to see him because I when I was young. It was along and I got to meet people age, if they get into problems, wanted to dress like him.” tough. But it’s so good now. working at different places, it they are on their own (laughs). I can sit down and have a got better. One thing I did—I

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2160 Creighton Rd, Pensacola, FL 32504HHA299991520

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 21 At the Death Cafés cake is served. People may avoid talking about death because of the belief that it brings it closer, but there is nothing more life-affirming than eating, so we talk about death AND we eat cake.

information about it. for over six years now, This inspired Jon to start and I often witness how by Lelanya Taber, but if you really want the Death Café in the things can unravel upon Bereavement Manager to understand and UK. The first Death Café someone’s death when with VITAS Healthcare have a unique learning was held in Jon’s home end of life choices are not experience, I suggest in his London in 2011, discussed beforehand. I have facilitated over a you attend one. They are and he opened it to the These discussions are dozen Death Cafés in always free and open to community. A Death so important. If we don’t the Northwest Florida the public. Café is a discussion have conversations about area since 2017, and about death; there are no our fears, our wishes, as a way of letting the In many societies, objectives or goals, just and even the general community know about including our own, talking a safe space where you topic of dying, the lack an upcoming Death Café, about death is taboo. can discuss this topic of communication and I often distribute flyers Often when someone openly. Jon said that his overwhelming emotions to libraries, coffee shops brings up that topic, things objective was “to increase can often tear families and local colleges. But go quiet and the subject awareness of death with apart. It seems that more when I hand the flyer over gets changed quickly. But a view to helping people people are beginning to and explain that there some people do want to make the most of their realize the importance is an upcoming event in talk about death; they just (finite) lives.” of talking about death. In the community called a find it challenging to find fact, since the first Death “Death Café,” I get some others that will participate. Death is something we Café in 2011, the concept interesting responses. The all have to come to terms has spread across the most common response Jon Underwood, the with; ignoring it will not globe and there are Death is widening eyes and founder of the Death stop it from coming. We Cafés in over 60 countries then looking up at me in Café, had read about are hearing more in the now. bewilderment. Some even Café Mortels (translation media about death and step backwards away - deadly café) being held dying and an increasing Death Cafés are an from me as if I am the in Switzerland and he was amount of books are interesting, safe and Grim Reaper himself! fascinated. Jon actually being published on the even fun way to discuss went to Switzerland to topic. But even with these this complex topic. The So what is Death Café? meet the founder, Bernard growing resources, I have cafés are full of stories, I will try to explain here, Crettaz, to gather more been working in Hospice introspection and sharing.

22 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 You can come alone or with a loved one to bring your stories or your questions. And I do hope all of those reading this article will join me at a Death Café soon.

For more information and to look for For more information, call upcoming Death Cafés sponsored by VITAS Healthcare, you can contact 850.438.2201 Lelanya Taber at 850.530.4268 with any questions. © 2017 Kindred at Home CSR 192475-01

The Death Café is not a grief/ www.emeraldcoasthospice.com bereavement support group.

Shawn P. attended one of our Death ally Own Cafés, he describes the experience: oc e L d “I recently attended a Death Café. I’m a nurse by profession and deal with death as part of what I do. I C n o e enjoyed this opportunity to express m v m ri my thoughts and beliefs on death unity D and dying as it relates to me in a personal and professional level; the BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM two do intertwine. It was a great 850.433.1166 experience to hear what others have to say and also share my thoughts. Too often during life, we avoid the discussion because of fear. Speaking continuingEDUCATION openly about how we would perhaps like our death to be like can be of Recreation&Leisure Courses comfort. I highly recommend going for the Community and expressing yourself and perhaps learning something new.” LEARN something new!

Karen R. attended two of our Death Cafes; she describes the experience: • American Sign Language "It's nice to find an event in which you can meet and talk about the • Creating a deeper things in life. The Death Cafe allows people to have deep Self Portrait discussions about things in which • Exploring Wine we don't often get the chance to talk about. For me, this feeds my soul, • Garden Club and I love to speak about and explore topics of which are inevitable and • Photography often considered taboo. The Death Cafe does a great job of facilitating • Yoga for Beginners and creating open and productive discussions about death and dying • and more! that makes you leave feeling like you 850-484-1797 pensacolastate.edu/ce had great, deep discussions with PensacolaState.edu/ce 850-484-1797 close friends." Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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02142_Coming_of_Age_Sept_7.8x5_Final.indd 1 8/8/19 11:22 AM Curiosity never retires.

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uwf.edu/leisurelearning written by Gina Castro BOXING photos by Guy Stevens An Unconventional Neurological Treatment Two years ago, the West Florida Hospital, lift my left arm but 90 Perez designed a boxing and I went in there once degrees. I’m also suffering program that combated John Canerot, 90, or twice a week. They did from neuropathy, which PD at a neurological therapy on my hands and is a tingling disease that level, a program which had a stroke. The legs, but I ran out of my you get in your extremities later became known stroke affected welcome there as well.” your feet and hands and as the RSB program. that’s not going to go the left side of Canerot’s physical away but you can help it “More recent studies, his body and left therapist told him to by exercise. I’m now able most notably at Cleveland give Title Boxing’s to walk. I don’t walk as Clinic, focus on the him with little Rock Steady Boxing well as I did before the concept of intense ‘forced’ program, a program stroke-- I probably never exercise, and have begun possibility of focused on helping will, but I can walk. I’ve to suggest that certain improvement. those with Parkinson’s got a better use of my kinds of exercise may disease, a try because left hand that I didn’t have be neuro-protective, “In typical cases like his issues are similar to after the therapy, too.” actually slowing disease mine, I will improve for the issues people who progression,” the official the first year, but after have PD encounter. Rock Steady Boxing Rock Steady Boxing the first year, I will show Canerot has been a (RSB), the first of its kind, website states. “Our no improvement at all,” part of the program was born in 2006 by clients attest, and Canerot said. I spent for two years now. former Marion County academic institutions, about three months there, (Indiana) Prosecutor, Scott such as University of and then, of course, I “When I started boxing, C. Newman. Newman Indianapolis and Butler couldn’t stay any longer I could barely walk with was diagnosed with PD University, are reporting because medicare a walker, and I had a lot at age 40. Newman’s and documenting the wouldn’t pay for it. I of impairment in my left friend and Golden improved quality of became an outpatient at arm and left leg. I couldn’t Gloves boxer Vince life among our boxers.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 25 “We’ve seen improvements in little as one week. It’s great in a group setting because it self-motivates them. They will see other people with the same conditions and handicaps, and it’ll push them to be as good, or better, than the person next to them.”

new pathways to the warm-up. During the nervous system. Boxing warm-up, participants are is for everyone. As I am encouraged to bend their a testimony to it. There’s knees, kick their legs up a gentlemen out her who and to just keep moving. is 91 years old. He’s our After the warm-up, they’ll oldest competitor.” do six to eight rounds of boxing for three minutes Each RSB class is entry each. The class takes level and based on the place in one room with person’s individual ability. rows of punching bags. Jensen and whoever the “Even though it’s a trainer is for the lesson jog group setting, people or down each row clapping individuals do what they their hands to the beat of can do,” Jensen said. the music to encourage “For instance, some of the participants. Jensen them have had strokes, said that this creates a too. So, you know they supportive environment Non-contact boxing is a group effort. The don’t have use of maybe for the boxers. boxers help keep each other motivated. one side of their body as Discovery of a cure may so do these guys because readily as the other side, “What we try to do is instill be many years away, but you know we are all just so we have to customize confidence,” Jensen said. in the last seven years, one diagnosis from being things that work for the “Instill the ability back in there is evidence that in the same position.” one side of their body. them and give them some progress is made in all It’s the same way for dignity again with things stages of the disease PD depletes the same the regular classes. We that other people take for by those participating areas that boxing helps customize things to that granted like balance. A in the RSB program.” improve such as balance, individual's ability.” number of these people Although this program hand-eye coordination, came to us with walkers, was specifically created muscular endurance The RSB classes are and the first thing I do to treat PD, the program and optimal agility. taught three times a week when they walk through is also neuro-protective, and each one is an hour those doors is take it away so it can benefit those “Boxing engages them long. The class begins from them. I may not be recovering from strokes cognitively so that the brain with a seven minute their favorite person at or neurological injuries is sending signals to the like Canerot as well. The muscles, which is what program eventually spread Parkinson’s does. It disrupts across the nation and those signals,” Jensen said. into the Pensacola area. “Boxing really is a great Title Boxing, owned by overall body workout that Doug Jensen and located not just engages your mind on E Nine Mile Road, because it is telling your began the program two body to do five different years ago in 2017. The things at the same time-- gym opened in 2016. like move your feet, move The trainers your hands, move your encourage the boxers to “I’m 66 with a 9-year-old,” head, punch with your left perform to the Jensen continued. “So, she hand, punch with your best of their right hand. So, it creates keeps me very young, and ability. 26 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 Rock Steady Boxing enhances the boxers' Brandon Keith, Rocksteady class leader, agility guides the group through a warm-up session skills. that time, but the thing “I’ve seen increased RSB also helps improve decreases their ability for of it is that the rest of the mobility, hand-eye the tremors that are balance. So being able class isn’t using it. They coordination, balance is often symptoms of PD. to utilize all parts of your want to become like the a big one and fewer falls,” body, or as much of it as rest of the class, so they’ll Jensen said. “We’ve seen “In certain instances, you possibly can, increases check their walker at the improvements in little as it has helped tremors your probability of having door or leave it in the car. one week. It’s great in a subside,” Jensen said. “It a better quality of life.” I try to encourage them group setting because won’t make them go away the best that I can to not it self motivates them. completely, but it may Jensen said that the do that kind of stuff here. They will see other people be less noticeable to the best way to see results Don’t rely on other things with the same conditions average person. There are from RSB is to be to help you. Help yourself.” and handicaps, and a lot of tricks that people consistent. Title Boxing it’ll push them to be as will do with the disease offers RSB three times Jensen said that he has good or better than the like if they have a tremor a week. You can learn seen RSB participants’ person next to them.” in their hands, they’ll walk more about this program conditions improve in around with their hands at http://pensacola. as little as a week. in their pockets, which rsbaffiliate.com/ . Affordable Home Care Services

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aids (HHAs) available from 1 hour up to 24 hours a day 28 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 MIKE PAPANTONIO AMERICA'S LAWYER by Kelly Oden

Most Pensacolians know Mike Papantonio as a senior partner at Levin Papantonio, one of the nation’s largest plaintiff law firms. Elected in 2012 as president of the National Trial Lawyers Association, Papantonio has received numerous awards for his legal work and was one of the youngest attorneys inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. Papantonio is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Matt Warren by photo "Ring of Fire" with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Sam Seder. He also hosts One family, somebody in the fam- named Perry Nichols who is known "America’s Lawyer" on the RT America ily was an artist and they taught me as the “father of torts.” He was a how to oil paint. In another family, very significant trial lawyer. They network and has appeared as a music was very important and they have awards in his name, as a mat- political commentator on MSNBC, helped me become a musician. An- ter of fact, in Florida and other places Free Speech TV, RT America Network other family got me interested in writ- throughout the country. He kind of en- and Fox News. He is the author ing. With another family, I lived with a gineered the whole notion of demon- of numerous books, including the WWII flight instructor and he taught strative evidence—how to try a case, me how to fly at a very early age. here are the parts, here’s how these legal thriller Law and Disorder, and parts come together. He really made a co-author of the New York Times I understand you were a journalism huge leaps when it comes to lawyers political bestseller Air America: The major as an undergraduate? trying to better represent their clients. Playbook. In his latest novel, Law Yes, I was a news editing major at "I went and I met him and it had a and Addiction, Papantonio takes on University of Florida and I intended to huge influence on me. I said, ‘Well, I work in the area of journalism. My goal guess if I want to write, I can have a the pharmaceutical industry and was to be a foreign correspondent law degree and write as well.’ the nationwide opioid epidemic. and I was setting up for that, actually. I guess the last thing I had to get was What brought you to Pensacola and Your professional career is well docu- command of a language. Back then to the Levin Law firm? mented. What can you tell me about your everything was happening in South Well, this is a great area for windsurf- upbringing? America. You had issues with conflict ing. I liked windsurfing down here and Well, I was raised by a lot of different fami- in about five areas in South America I was actually a little tired of school, lies, so it’s an interesting thing. I was raised so foreign correspondents were go- to tell you the truth. I've been one of primarily in Florida. I was born in New York, ing there. I figured that’s where I’d end those people that worked and went and I think I came to Florida when I was six up, but it didn’t work out. I ended up to school as an undergraduate and weeks old or something crazy like that and going another route. then worked and went to law school. I’ve been in Florida all my life. I was raised I was just exhausted, and I thought I'd around Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota, Ft. Why did you choose to go to law come down here, maybe tend bar a Myers, Tampa, and St. Petersburg by differ- school? little bit and windsurf. I figured I need- ent families and it was a great way to be I had some friends in Arcadia that ed to have money to live, so I went to raised because you learn so much. From said, ‘Maybe you ought to think about work with the state attorney's office. every family you take something different. law,’ so they introduced me to a man Ron Johnson actually hired me, and I LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 29 other one will be at Toronto and Tribeca. They'll start hit- “Now, [media] di- ting the public screen next versity is reduced year. It's interesting; I don't know if you ever saw The to three major Devil We Know, but that was corporations. They a documentary they did on decide what the me a couple of years ago. It was interesting because narrative is. They it was an issue that nobody deliver the narra- knew about. Nobody under- tive according to stood that the chemical C8 is in everybody's blood and what their needs in everybody's drinking wa- are. It's basically ter. It was put there by Du- not even news Pont and 3M. It will cause anymore. It's in- cancer. What’s happened is conventional media--corpo- fotainment. It's a rate media--has become so platform to dysfunctional that a lot of sell goods." these stories would never be told but for documentary makers. I'm just grateful they're out there. We had a public viewing of The Devil fic’ and she called the - traf We Know, and it was the first fic three times. One o’clock, time the community had half-mile and it said no traf- ever heard that they have C8 fic and she gave me a vector in their drinking water. That's back to the airport and as bad. It's interesting when she did the other plane came with media has gotten to the screaming across my wing. point where they don't deliv- She got me out of there just er the important messages anymore.

photo by Joe Photo by photo in time; I’ll put it like that. Not long after we were both at a worked with them for about right now. Because most of bar and I was telling the story I want to talk to you a little a year. I found myself going these major projects--opi- and she came up and asked bit about your latest book, to trial against Leo Thomas a oids and human trafficking me if I was the idiot who ran Law and Addiction. I know it good bit and he is just an ex- are launched from this law into the airplane. Both of us centers on the opioid epi- traordinary criminal lawyer. firm. Thirty-eight of the most concluded that we were sup- demic. Can you give me a All my cases seem to end up significant pharmaceutical posed to be married. brief synopsis of the plot? there--with me versus Leo. cases tried in America are It's actually just like Law So, I got a few good breaks launched from this law firm. I understand you have been and Vengeance and Law and he said, 'Well, why don't Twelve of the biggest envi- the subject of a couple of and Disorder. It's based on you come on over and get a ronmental cases launched recent documentaries. real cases and how it really job?' Back then, it was called from right here in Pensacola. I'm in the middle of doing a happened. So, there was a Levin Warfield, I think. So I documentary. They picked young lawyer from West Vir- said, 'Sure.' I've been here for You’re married and you out five lawyers throughout ginia who approached me 37 years or something like have a daughter. Tell me the country, and they just and said, that. about your family. wanted to follow our careers My daughter went to law and tell our story. They’ve 'Look, I have this case. It's It's definitely an iconic firm, school at Stetson down in been following me around against the opioid manu- not only in Pensacola, but central Florida in St. Peters- every minute. Last week, I facturers and the opioid dis- around the world. burg, which has become the was part of another docu- tributors because here in my It is amazing. You know, I'm premier trial school. My wife mentary about the opioid city, we have 400 people, and always impressed with the and I have been married go- crisis. I'm going to be trying these companies pumped incredible athletes, journal- ing on 30 years. She was the first opioid case out in these six million pills into ists, scientists--every disci- an air traffic controller and I Nevada. my city. Now, the addiction pline--that come out of Pen- was a pilot and we met that level is off the charts. The sacola. I could go on forever. way. I was taking off from Where will those be shown city is basically closed down I think that's one thing that the airport and she was in when they're ready? with bars on the windows. really fascinates this docu- the tower calling traffic and I At least one of them will be People left town, and it looks mentary crew that's here said; ‘Well I don’t see the traf- at Sundance and then the like a tumbleweed town. I 30 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 want to bring a case against didn't know anything about MIKE the manufacturers and dis- it. So doctors were sucked PAPANTONIO tributors for the losses that into all of that. There are AMERICA'S LAWYER happened. The city spent so many moving parts that multi-millions of dollars just this book covers that people increasing the police force. don't know. have a whole generation They spent tens of millions that's made corporate media of dollars in hospitalization You mentioned the media. irrelevant. and rehab. I want to get that Tell me a little bit about money back for the city. I what you see happening Tell me about your writing want to rebuild the city.' in the media landscape in process. America right now. The characters are so impor- When he first came to me, Well, I think it's a train wreck tant. There are two things I wasn't that wild about the to tell you the truth. In 1980, that I think really are impor- idea. I thought it needed to there were somewhere be- tant, especially about a legal be a bigger approach. There tween 50 and 60 indepen- thriller. One is the concept was no benefit in just trying dent outlets that controlled of show me, don’t tell me. In the one case in West Virginia the narratives in maga- order to get there you’ve got because it was such a na- Papantonio's latest thriller, Law zines, television, radio and to create the character be- tional problem. One hundred and Addiction, centers on the books. There was a great cause how does the charac- and fifty people die every day opioid epidemic. diversity. Now that diversity ter show you anything unless because of opioid addiction. is reduced to three major you know who the character So I said, 'Let me see if we the Attorneys General all corporations. They decide is? It’s even hard to visualize can come up with a plan.' over the country that had us what the narrative is. They a dialog and so I think the We file a case up in Ohio. We believe that they had solved deliver the narrative accord- time spent on the character centralized all of the cases in the problem by settling with ing to what their needs are. is important. I have a big ad- America in the federal court these folks 10 years ago for It's basically not even news vantage because I have so up in Ohio. peanuts. And then they de- anymore. It's infotainment. many unusual characters clared that there was a huge It's a platform to sell goods. around me day to day, so I That's the real story, and victory--that they had cured They get you there by saying, just borrow a little bit here that's what this book is the opioid crisis, which was 'Hey, you want to know what and a little bit there. Add it about. There are things that a lie. And then they learned Kim Kardashian wore to the all up and I come up with a happen in the book that are that the manufacturers and music ceremony last night? character that I like. I’m al- obviously fiction because distributors phonied up in- We'll cover the story here.' ways looking for back sto- it's a thriller. It's much like formation for doctors, telling It's not even news. So news ries. And sometimes it’s just the other books where I take them that this is a safe prod- is dead. The news process a nuance. Maybe something cases that we handle and uct--you don't have to worry of America is dysfunctional that everybody thinks is an then put it to life in a fictional about addiction. and what is replacing it is the affectation, but actually it’s book. documentary business and a fairly well-engrained char- I handled the documents. a few outlets. As odd as it acteristic of the character. Although there are a lot of I took the depositions. So, may seem, for four years I've And so I’m always looking fictional elements, the gen- I know that these lies that had a national program on for that. I keep notes on my eral structure of how these were pervading the whole in- Russian TV called "America's telephone and so the notes things work and what the dustry had America charmed Lawyer." It allows me to tell section on my iPhone is al- pharmaceutical companies into believing that this is a stories that corporate media ways jammed up with little and distributors did, that special narcotic--I can take would never allow me to tell. thoughts. framework is basically true. as many as I want, and I'm It would be impossible for How much of an education not going to get addicted. me to go on and talk about Who are your favorite writers? can the average reader gain Well, it was a lie created by Bayer because all you have Steinbeck. Unquestionably, from this book? the industry. They went to to do is turn on the television it’s Steinbeck. You know, I I was at a book signing here some of the most important and every eight minutes, mean they’re odd writers. in town and the most fre- universities and hospitals there's a commercial for Bay- Kafka, you know The Trial. quent comment that I got around the country, and they er or Merck or Pfizer. So we Who’s read Kafka? It’s those was, 'It was a good thriller hired what we call biosti- believe that we have a robust types of books that at a very and at the same time, I tutes. Those are people who media because we see these early age taught me a sense learned how this happened will say and do anything for talking heads on TV, and we of social responsibility. I was to America.' They learned the right amount of money. think that's really news. It's entertained. Tortilla Flats, that part of the responsibility So, the industry would write not. It's just a vehicle to sell you know, you read that goes to the corporate media this literature and then this more products. That's why and you love Doc. You love that wouldn't talk about the biostitute doctor or profes- you have more cable cutting the characters surrounding story because the advertis- sor would sign off on the lit- going on in the country right Doc. They’re all miserable ers were paying so much erature for half a million dol- now than ever. They're mov- failures by American stan- money on their network. Or lars. They didn't write it. They ing into social media--you dards, but you take a look at LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 31 Mike Papantonio with his wife, Terri, daughter, Sara and their dog, T Bone Scout, circa 1999.

them and they all offer these more depth. The jury is there do with medicine. That's why issues and on environmental interesting things and you sometimes for two months. most laws shows on televi- issues. But when it comes to think, ‘Wow I would just love They like depth. They don’t sion do pretty well. As a mat- issues that really affect peo- to spend an afternoon with want to see a shallow show. ter of fact, with these books ple's pocketbook, they're ter- that person.’ How would you They want to see meaning- that I write, right now there rible. I mean, they're always not want to say, ‘Doc, let’s ful cross examination where are screenwriters working to going to line up for corpora- sit here and talk a while?’ So they can say, “Oh, I see where see if they would work for a tions against consumers. those are the kinds of writ- he is going with this cultural TV series. People are inter- They're always going to line ers generally that move me. idea.” It’s not just about the ested in knowing how their up for government against I read peculiar things grow- case for them sometimes. lives are affected by the law. consumers. You always go ing up. I genuinely liked the So, in order to do that, you We'll be doing a couple per through an evolution in your classics. Even today, I’ll pick have to arm yourself with year. Kim Adams, who is politics. For example, I'm still one off the shelf and reread great literature. with our law firm, picked it up a Bernie Sanders guy, but it and I’ll say, “Wow that was and she's built it into a really look at what they did to Ber- great.” I want to talk to you a little robust program. nie in the last election. They bit about the People's Law made him irrelevant. Hillary's Sometimes I’ll interview a School that your firm did You've been described as band of flying monkeys set young lawyer and I’ll say, here recently. a member of the Christian out to destroy his presidency “What do you like to read?” I started People's Law School left, and I know that you are and truthfully, he would have and I’m lucky if I get a about 25 years ago, and it Christian and your views beat Trump. I'm totally con- “John Grisham.” And I’ll say, went dormant for a while. I tend to lean to the left. So vinced he would have beat “Well did you ever read any started it because it was dur- do you agree with that de- Trump. So, the Christian part Hemingway?” Not to say that ing a time when there was scription? is very strong and I'm proud I’m a great Hemingway fan, so much anti-lawyering go- Well, I agree with the Chris- of that. But the politics--I'm but what is it that you grew ing on. I was kind of sick of it. tian part. I would add to that progressive, but I don't even up with? F. Scott Fitzgerald? So I started this thing called in journalism, all I've really recognize what you call pro- Did you read any of that? People's Law School here in ever done was progressive gressive nowadays. It's just There’s a lot of important Pensacola. Right out of the politics. But it's kind of come a muddle. stuff there. One way that you gate it was a huge success. full circle. I've really come to become a great lawyer is to People wanted to know the the conclusion, after doing Who do you think will come read and borrow from dif- basics. How do I do a will? this for so many years, that out on top for the Demo- ferent cultures and different How does real estate work? there's really no difference crats and how do you think ideas. Borrow from concepts What happens when some- between what you would call that's going to play out? that might be totally foreign body's injured in an auto ac- a Wall Street Democrat and You know the Democratic for you. And then you’re able cident? What happens when a Republican. I mean, it's the field is such a mess. Hon- to take all that material and medical malpractice takes same entity. The only differ- estly, Biden is going to be you can write a great clos- place? They want know that. ence, I find, is that maybe the there because the DNC has ing statement, and you can People have a real voyeur in- Democrats are better on so- decided that he's going to do a great cross examina- terest when it comes to the cial issues. They're better on be there the same way they tion. Because the jury wants practice of law just like they women's issues, on gender decided Hillary was going to 32 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 MIKE Sara, Mike and Terri PAPANTONIO at the International AMERICA'S LAWYER Emmy Awards, 2018.

something just as awful next that, they're not getting the year. There's no finality. money. The people that are handling them are getting What else are you working on? the money and they're sim- Well, I think the biggest thing ply trying to hold on for their happening right now beyond lives. They understand that opioids is the human traffick- under the H-2B, they could ing case that I've filed. Sex be sent back to the Ukraine trafficking heavily impacts at the drop of a hat by the this area because we're on person who brought him I-10, right? I-10 connects the here. Maybe that person two coasts. Between here holds your passport, that and Atlanta, the sex traffick- person holds their sense of ing is massive. The book freedom. That's what the I'm working on right now is book is about and that's tentatively called Law and what the case is about that Bondage and it'll be finished I've filed up in Ohio. in April. As the book is being written, I am actually han- Along the I-10 corridor, what dling the case. The case has are you seeing in terms of many parts. When I say case, ages in human trafficking? it's really a project. You file Is it teenagers? be there. It's this process to pass on cases that you your lawsuit in a centralized Yes. It's a lot of runaways. that is political nepotism. don't want to pass on and federal court, which in this The biggest thing in this area Bill was president and Hillary you know that a typical law- situation is Ohio. Then all the is called the Romeo routine. has been hanging around for yer who just has a regular of- cases that involve similar is- This is when a runaway is 40 years, so let's make her fice practice will not be able sues are filed there in Ohio. at a mall and the traffickers president, too. People don't to handle. So you walk away So in this case, I don't know get some good-looking kid, think like that. Democrats from that case knowing that whether you were around who is the Romeo, to go say, do. That was the weirdness there's never going to be jus- when the Ukrainian girls 'Oh, did you run away? Let about Trump. Who in the hell tice. That's a really disturbing were brought in from the me be your boyfriend. You was Trump? I mean, this guy thing. But, you have to pick Ukraine to work in Destin. can live with me. I'll help take comes out of nowhere--'I your fights knowing there's They were brought in under care of you.' The next thing want to be president'-- and never a Disney ending. I H-2B guest statute to work. you know, they've moved everybody laughs at him. mean, I might go to trial, and So they brought them in for into prostitution or drugs. Well, to the American public, I might hit them for a billion the service industry. They Many people don't realize they're thinking, 'Wow, that dollars because they're such were going to be waitresses that the life span of the traf- was refreshing. He doesn't disgusting corporate thugs, and greeters--that's what ficked child is seven years. sound like Washington. He but tomorrow there's go- these girls thought. It wasn't The way they look at it is that doesn't talk in politically cor- ing to be another company just girls, it was guys, too. But this is not like drugs. This is rect terms. I don't even un- somewhere else in America that's what these young peo- a commodity that you can derstand what he says half or Europe that makes the ple thought--that they were use again and again. With the time, but I like him.' So, same kind of decision and going to be able to someday cocaine, you sell it one time unfortunately, they're going hurts people the same way. work for the Ritz-Carlton or and that's it. If you've got a to push Biden through, and There's no finality to any- the Hilton or something like trafficked fifteen-year-old, Biden's going to be the bum- thing that I do. There's no sil- that. But they were brought then you sell that person bling dope that he is, and ver bullet. It doesn't end like a over and they were abused again and again and again. he's going to lose. “Hallmark” show. All you can to the fact that they became It goes on for five years until say is, 'Okay, while I'm on this slaves. It starts off that they die of a drug overdose So how do you choose your planet doing this, I can do my they're working as a server or suicide or some type of cases? I'm sure there's a part.’ Sometimes everything or bartender in a restaurant horrible sex related disease million worthy cases that converges and change takes and next thing you know it's, or murder. So this is a real come across your desk. place, but it's rare. But that 'Hey, how would you like to case. It's hard for people to That's the most painful thing doesn't mean you don't do dance at the strip bar? You look at it and realize it is tak- because you know that it. It doesn't mean you don't can make more money.' And ing place right in their back- you can't do them all. They take on these cases with then after that it's, 'Hey, how yard. • are just too big to get your the knowledge that some- would you like to work as an arms around. So you have body out there is going to do escort?' As they are doing LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 33 What's the news? Council on Aging requests heaters for cold, vulnerable elder adults

The sudden, unexpected temperature drop in Northwest Florida has highlighted the challenge many senior adults are faced with in the colder months. Without dependable sources of adequate heating, vulnerable elders are subject to extreme discomfort and health complications. Each year, Council on Aging of West Florida provides brand-new space heaters to these individuals to keep them Rat Pack Reunion raises over warm during the colder Florida months of November, December, $200k for vulnerable elders January and February. This year, despite an early outpouring of The ninth annual Rat Pack Reunion fundraiser, hosted by Council support from the community, on Aging of West Florida to increase awareness and support including a single donation of 50 for senior citizens in the area, raised over $200,000 on Oct. 25, space heaters, the need continues putting the event among the most successful in its history. More to outpace the supply. than 350 individuals attended the black-tie gala, which featured a world-class meal, dancing, a Frank Sinatra tribute artist and Many senior adults do not have or live band, a “raise the paddle” fundraising segment and honorary cannot afford to run their central videos and speeches from four community leaders. This year, heating and cooling unit, especially those leaders were Ashton Hayward, Michael Murdoch, Michael during extreme temperature Riesberg, and Brenda Vigodsky. fluctuations. It is much more economical to heat just the room The Rat Pack Reunion has earned and maintained its reputation they are in. The space heaters as one of the premier fundraising and social events of the provide a safe, reliable, low-cost way year, drawing outside visitors and city insiders alike to join to stay warm and healthy during the together and support elder adults in Escambia and Santa Rosa fall and winter. counties. The monies raised at the annual event go directly to the programs and services provided by Council on Aging of Those interested in helping these West Florida, such as Meals on Wheels, adult day care, respite, senior adults should purchase new in-home services, companionship and more. Council on Aging space heaters of any size from area boasts the BBB Accredited Charity designation and less that 9 stores or donate online at. Council percent of annual revenue is allocated toward administration; the on Aging cannot accept donations rest goes directly to older adults who need our help. of used heaters, as the agency cannot verify the safety of used “We had one of the best Rat Pack Reunions ever because of the appliances. Safety information is hard work, creativity and generosity of our community,” said Larry distributed with each space heater. Morris, Rat Pack committee co-chair. “We raised a lot of money for senior adults and will literally put food on the table for many of the elderly in our community.”

34 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 Pensacola Senior Follies 2020 “At the Hop” is this year’s theme for the 23rd Annual Pensacola Senior Follies. Performing again this year at WSRE, Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on College Blvd. and 12th Ave, these multi-talented seniors will present a two-hour song, dance and comedy review that will take you back to the 50s and 60s with proceeds going to support various senior programs in the community. 21 and 22. Show tickets can be performance. Tickets will be The evening performance will be purchased at West Escambia available for will call. Call (850) 7 pm on Friday, March 20 and Senior Center and at the door. 417-7736 or (850) 453-3016 for matinee performances at 2 pm Tickets will be valid for any more information. on Saturday and Sunday, March

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 35 2019 Rat Pack Reunion

36 COMING OF AGE WINTER 2019 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS 37 ThankMany thanks to our donors. We appreciate You.your generous support. Gifts received from Aug. 27 - Nov. 23.

David and Abigail Ackerman Healthcare Professionals Association of Rock Penfold Denise Ard Northwest Florida Pensacola Senior Follies David Aronson Charles and Laurel Hicks Marie Percy Eleanor Aspliden William Hofferbert Jr. Pete Moore Automative Azalea Cocktail Lounge- Larry Johnson Susan Hogg Travis and Tara Peterson Laverne and Dick Baker Carlette Howell Edward Phillips BBVA USA Humana Matthew Richey Johnny Blackmon Tony Jacobs Michael Riesberg Bob Tyler Toyota Bonita Jacobs Betty Roberts Robert Boothe Jr. Adriane Kichler Ray and Valerie Russenberger Joy Borland Joe Kinego James Ruston Nancy Born Thad Kopec Sammy's Management Christopher Bouchard Kotlarz ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery Charlene Sanders Eunice Brisch Lois Lepp Sandy Sansing Chevrolet Hurst Butts Harry Levin Larry and Marcea Schuffman Hank Carlstrom Windy and Evan Levin Schwab Charitable Bo and Gay Carter Teri Levin Rick Scott Ed Castro Levin Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Rafferty Wendy and Joel Smith Charity Chapel & Proctor, P.A. Vicki Smith John B. Clark Life Changing Experience Worship Center Ruth Stewart William Clark Kathleen and Flack Logan Quinn Stinson Morgan Clary Alesia Macklin Harry and Margaret Stopp Jenn Cole Sydney McAbee Gary Straughn Community Bag and Giving Tag Program Annette McArthur Strong Street Studio Covenant Care Randy McKenzie Charlie and Fran Switzer Heather Cromer Marianne and John McMahon Synovus Bank Barbara and Bill Cross Parmelie McManamy Clinton and Linda May Taylor Lauren Cutter Terry Meyer Linda Thweatt Sonya Daniel Jan Miller Tracy Morton Memorial Chapel Corbett Davis Jr. Jim Miller Ed Turner Doretha Davison Sarah Mixon United Way of West Florida Beverly DeJarnette Robert Montgomery Dona and Milton Usry Marcia and Eric Enquist Clair Montgomery Valley Services, Inc. Escambia County Sheriff's Office Alan and Margie Moore Myra van Hoose Susan Finger Larry and Lynn Morris Norman Vickers First Christian Church Michael Murdoch Brenda Vigodsky Florida Community Care Jeff Nall and Mark Gillman Craig Vigodsky Sam and Priscilla Forester National Active and Retired Federal Brett Vigodsky Herman L. Franklin Employees Vitas Healthcare Laura Garrett Ann and Jim Neal Mark and Shannon Wassil Dick Gaskill Jean Norman Jeff Weeks Michelle Gourley J M 'Mick' Novota Amy Whitwell Downing Gray Betty Olliff Patricia Windham Jim Green Jr. Priscilla O'Rear Suzanne Woolverton Terry Gross Tom Pace Jr. P.C. Wu Gulf Power Foundation Jan Pacenta Eddie Zarahn Andrea Hackel Panhandle Charitable Open, Inc. Ashton Hayward III Wayne Peacock

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 AGRICULTURAL 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.

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