MYMATURETIMES.

COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 2

THE MEDICARE AGE IS STILL 65

M E R I D I A N Medical/Ostomy Supply, Inc. If youre in your sixties, you probably know that the age to receive full retirement benefits has changed. But its important to remember that the age to begin receiving Medicare has not it is still 65. Even if you have decided to wait until after you are age 65 to apply for retirement benefits, most people should start getting Medicare coverage at age 65.

By Ray Vigil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in El Paso, Texas

SoCIAL SECuRITy CoLuMn

pointment and you can avoid waiting in traffic or in line. As long as you have ten minutes to spare, you have time to complete and submit your online Medicare application. People who started receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits before age 65 do not need to apply; they will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. There is no additional charge for Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) since you already paid for it by working and paying Medicare tax. However, there is a monthly premium for medical insurance (Part B). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you should consider whether you want to apply for the medical insurance. To learn more about Medicare and some options for choosing coverage, read the online publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or visit www.Medicare.gov. To learn more about applying for Medicare Only using the online application, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

915-351-2525
We specialize in carrying the following products for:
Ambulatory Aids To Daily Living Bath Safety Infusion/iv Supplies Ostomy Needles/Syringes Orthopedic/Soft Goods Incontinence Patient Care Enteral/Nutritional Home Diagnostic Personal Protection/Safety Professional Diagnostics Seating/Cushions Tracheostomy Care Wheelchairs/Accessories Wound Care Skin Care Urological HOURS OF OPERATION Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

If you would like to begin your Medicare coverage when you first become eligible, we suggest that you apply within three months of reaching age 65. You can do it online in as little as 10 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly. At the website, youll find more than just the online Medicare application. Youll also find information about Medicare, and have the opportunity to watch some short videos about applying for Medicare online. One is a family reunion for the cast of The Patty Duke Show. In another, Patty Duke and George Takei go boldly where you should be going online. Why go online to apply for Medicare? Because its fast, easy, and secure. You dont need an ap-

Texas Social Security Offices to Close to the Public a Half Hour Early Each Day and at Noon on Wednesdays
Effective November 19, 2012, Texas Social Security offices will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. In addition, beginning January 2, 2013, offices will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime. The significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has done in the past. Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a local office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or informing us of a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Many of our online services also are available in Spanish at

Hablamos Espaol!

1815 Montana Ave.

(located at the Montana Shopping Village strip mall)

El Paso, TX. 79902

info@meridianmedicalsupply.com Fax: 915-351-1970

www.segurosocial.gov.

Medigap, Medicare Drug Coverage Plans: What You Need to Know

By Terry Savage through this process. The key programs you want to compare are your Medicare Advantage plan and your Part D Prescription Drug plan to see if those are giving you the best coverage in your area since most of those Advantage Plans "bundle" all of Medicare parts into one monthly payment, with a "cap" on your out-of-pocket expenses. The place to start this process is a terrific website that is designed to easily help you do the comparisons. At PlanPrescriber.com, more than 6 million people will use the calculators to compare thousands of offerings from various companies for Medigap supplements, Part D and Medicare Advantage programs. A recent survey of their users found average savings on Part D of $654 per year over their current plans. Even better, if you get confused, you can call their toll-free number 888312-5447 and they will help you over the phone. This is an unbiased comparison from experts who will actually help you choose a plan, get signed up, set up an automatic monthly payment from your checking account and hold your hand through the process. Or you can do it all online, from research to sign-up. There is no additional cost to the consumer for either personalized help over the phone or applying online through the PlanPrescriber.com website. Continues on page 5

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 3

Dec. 7 is the deadline for

America's seniors to make some difficult and important decisions about one of the most complex, confusing, and costly aspects of their life. This is the once-a-year opportunity for seniors who have Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage to switch to a plan that may offer better coverage at less cost. For seniors with a Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as a MediGap Plan, they can change their plan anytime during the year, but it may require underwriting, which could increase the price or disqualify you from being covered under that plan. Unfortunately, Medicare decisions are not a one-time kind of thing. In fact, you need to review your Medigap and Part D (prescription drug) programs or Medicare Advantage program every year even if your health situation did not change. You might find that the plans, coverage and prices have changed since last year. Some popular drugs have gone generic in the past year, affecting prescription drug costs. So it really is worth going through the process again. And since the most efficient way to do this is on your computer, I am appealing to the younger generation to sit down with Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa before you turn on the football games this holiday weekend. They may really need your help to get

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 4

overmedication Is Chronic Reality for Elderly

As we grow older, the number of chronic medical problems coexisting increases astronomically. Patients frequently go from doctor to doctor to have their individual ailments addressed. Medications are prescribed and keep mounting, until eventually the symptoms may well reflect the side effects of medications rather than the underlying illness. Polypharmacy is defined as taking six or more medications, which may include prescription drugs, over-thecounter medications, herbal remedies and multivitamin preparations. Take more than six medications and the side effect risk is 20 percent; take 10 or more and the chances of a serious side effect approaches 100 percent. The problem is aggravated by advancing age, which significantly affects the way drugs are metabolized and excreted. Of all the medications overused in older people, none are more worrisome than narcotics for pain. Drug addiction is frequently thought to be a problem of younger adults, but is increasingly seen in epidemic proportions among the elderly. Once therapy is commenced with a morphine medication, such as oxycontin, the patient is usually on it for life. Nothing is sadder than seeing a patient in his late 80s taking massive doses of oxycontin and oxycodone, almost always initially prescribed for chronic pain. As the patient becomes more tolerant to morphine, the need increases, the pain worsens and the dose is increased. And often managing these patients falls on the shoulders of a physician who did not prescribe the narcotics in the first place. When a patient is at this very old age, the physician is placed in a hopeless situation. The patient complains of the most devastating pain, is desperate for narcotics, and even though it is obvious that dependency is present, the thought of denying drugs at this age seems cruel. And for a person close to 90 or even older, admission to a drug rehabilitation program is almost certainly futile. These patients present with the same drug-seeking behavior as a younger person. Often narcotics are prescribed by more than one physician; admissions to the emergency room are frequent because of severe pain (most often back); multiple CT scans and MRIs show significant chronic problems that have previously been treated by surgery and local pain therapy; it is obvious that pain medication is the only choice, and more narcotics are prescribed. Just as serious is the overuse of tranquilizers, sleeping pills and antidepressants. It is all too easy for a physician to prescribe a tranquilizer for anxiety or a sleeping pill for insomnia. And once a person is on these drugs, stopping them is very difficult. Particularly serious are Xanax and Ativan, which are prescribed for anxiety, and Ambien, a frequently used sedative. Often more than one tranquilizer and sleeping pill is prescribed that cause drowsiness and lead to depression. As a consequence, antidepressants are added to the medication list. Many of these patients also have pain, and are often on hydrocodone or a morphine derivative as well as other medications, such as gabapentin that partially relieve pain but also affect mood and sleep. From that point on, differentiating symptoms from drugs or disease becomes very difficult. And a symptom caused by a drug side effect can lead to prescription of more drugs.

By Dr. David Lipschitz No matter your age, there must always be a serious understanding of the devastating negative side effects of many powerful drugs. When used appropriately, narcotics are a godsend and improve the quality of life of patients with severe pain. And, of course, therapy to relieve serious symptoms should never be denied. However, if multiple chronic diseases are present, nothing is more critical than having one physician in charge of all aspects of care. The important role of the responsible physician must be to reduce medication use to a minimum while assuring that the patient achieves the needed relief. Today overuse of medications and their side effects are as serious an illness as heart disease, cancer or stroke. Once the age of 70 is reached, find one physician who truly coordinates care, questions the use of every medication and understands the key role of the pharmacist in providing you with key information on the upside and downside of all those drugs swallowed morning, noon and night. Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking The Rules Of Aging." More information is available at: DrDavidHealth.com
COPYRIGHT 2012CREATORS.COM

Medigap, Medicare Drug Coverage Plans...

Continued from page 3 (Medicare.gov has a similar tool, but it's not as user-friendly, nor does it offer personal guidance in making a choice.) Start by lining up all your prescription drug bottles so you'll be able to enter the exact prescription and dosage. Then go to PlanPrescriber.com and click on "Part D Drug Plans." You'll be asked if you have a current drug plan so you can do the comparisons. Then input the names of all your drugs and the dosage. With a few clicks you'll be able to compare plans based on monthly premium, deductible, gap coverage and other factors. Since last year, popular drugs like Lexapro, Plavix and Lipitor became available in a generic version. In 2013, Singulair, Cymbalta and Niaspan go generic all affecting your plan decision. And while you're choosing plans, remember to consider mail order of a 90 day supply for maintenance drugs, as well as the convenience of your local pharmacy. That decision could go a long way to lowering your overall costs. D and your supplement add up each month, you may want to use the PlanPrescriber.com search feature for Medicare Advantage, which bundles all aspects of Medicare into one monthly premium. Nationally, nearly one-third (31 percent) of Medicare Advantage plans in 2013 will be available for $0 above what a person already pays for Medicare Part B, but some plans do have additional monthly premiums. Medicare Advantage plans must by law cap your maximum outof-pocket (MOOP) costs at $6,700 or less. The 2013 average will be $4,516 annually (plans have already been filed). Those costs include copayments on drugs, so you'll need to make sure your drugs are covered and find the co-pay amount before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Some Advantage plans may offer much lower maximum costs but

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 5

To get started on the comparison of MediGap plans at PlanPrescriber.com, all you need is your ZIP code! But that's the only simple thing about choosing a supplement, since there are literally hundreds of different offerings, standardized, with plans ranging from "A" to "N" all explained in a simple chart. The greater the supplemental coverage, the higher the cost. The trick is in finding the correct and maximum coverage, while minimizing the monthly premium. That's where the combination of computer research and personal hand-holding can be the most help. When you see how the costs of Part

may increase your cost-sharing requirements for certain services such as staying in a skilled nursing facility. That's why you'll want help in comparing the plans, based on cost and coverage. But most important, you'll want to be sure that your current physicians and hospitals are in the network of the plan you choose. You've seen the television commercials aimed at seniors and likely received many mailings from MediGap and Part D drug plans. But you have no real way of knowing what's best for you without doing comparisons. Don't panic. Help is available. Take full advantage of this opportunity. It is certainly worth the effort. And that's The Savage Truth!
Terry Savage is a registered investment adviser and is on the board of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. She appears weekly on WMAQ-Channel 5's 4:30 p.m. newscast, and can be reached at www.terrysavage.com. She is the author of the new book, "The New Savage Number: How Much Money Do You Really Need to Retire?"
COPYRIGHT 2012 TERRY SAVAGE PRODUCTIONS

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 6

By: Doppler Dave Speelman

no More Hurricanes?
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is officially over. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the season produced a total of 19 tropical storms of which ten became hurricanes. This level of activity slightly exceeded NOAAs predictions and continues the trend of active hurricane seasons that began in 1995. The season began aggressively in May and June. Four storms quickly organized and were given their names. The season then calmed down dramatically until a busy August arrived with eight systems becoming organized. The major storms that really drew our attention were Isaac and Sandy. Isaac arrived August 28 with 80-miles per hour winds. It slammed into southeast Louisiana killing seven people and causing 2 billion dollars in damage. Only two storms formed in the month of September, neither hitting the U.S. Thats a little unusual considering September in the most active month for storms. Then, there was Sandy. According to the National Weather Service, this was a storm whereby tropical storm force winds spanned 943 miles of the U.S. coast. Damage estimates continue to rise on a daily basis. Total costs from this mammoth storm could top around 50 billion dollars. It could very well go down as the second costliest natural disaster in our history. Hurricane Katrina was the worst. Although the 2012 hurricane season has ended, our need to prepare for disasters hasn't, said Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Being prepared for all kinds of hazards, from hurricanes to blizzards to tornadoes, is a year-round activity. NOAA will issue its initial outlook for the 2013 hurricane season in May just prior to the official start of the season on June 1.

Weather Trivia
How much snow does El Paso average per year?
A. B. C. D. E. 1.5 / December 4 / January 6.6 / December 7.1 / February 8.3 / January
PICTURES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

Doppler" Dave Speelman is the chief meteorologist at KVIA-TV in El Paso. You can watch his forecasts at 4, 5, 6 and 10 pm on ABC-7 (channel 6 cable). If you would like Doppler Dave to address (explain) any weather issues you can email him at Dopplerdave@kvia.com.

Answer: C 6.6 and December is our coldest month

Marion is a huge inspiration for seniors out there who are

looking to transform their lives through bariatric surgery.
Marion Hughes is well acquainted with second chances in life. At age 55, she battled breast cancer and survived, and she knew that she had to take action about her weight problem or it would put her at risk for the cancer to return. A few years later, at age 63 and at 275lbs., she decided to change her fate one more time by undergoing a full gastric bypass, a weight loss surgery that helps patients lose weight by limiting the amount of food they can eat. tired military wife with a lively spirit. She painfully recalls the times she felt insecure about being around large groups of people and picturing her family struggling to find a coffin her size if she ever died of an obesity-related disease. Thought such as those crossed her mind constantly and the more she tormented herself, the more she realized that it was time for her to take action to lose the weight and with it, her bad thoughts about herself. Her family initially opposed to the surgery. They were worried I would need to be put in feeding tubes or that it would affect me if the cancer ever came back, but Dr. Benjamin Clapp answered all our questions and put us at ease, said Marion. Once she decided to have the surgery, the specialists at Sierra Providence Bariatrics, provided Marion with an exercise routine and a session with a psychologist. Marion, who travels for a couple of months with her husband in Cloudcroft each summer in their RV, was so committed and determined that she began traveling back to El Paso three days out of the week to complete her exercise routines before her surgery. After the surgery, Marion remained in the hospital for three days and was up and walking the day of surgery. Some of the people who saw me that day could not believe I had just had bariatric surgery, my cheeks were rosy and I was walking the same day, said Marion. Fourteen months after her full gastric bypass surgery, Marion has lost 125lbs, regained her confidence and started a new life. She has new gained confidence, new wardrobe, different attitude, more energy and an amazing love life.

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 7

Not many 64-year-old women can describe their marriage like she does, I feel like Im on my honey moon again! When asked how her husband feels about her transformation Marion replies with a smile, I cant say that here. Not only has Marion lost over 125lbs, she has also learned how to eat by becoming an avid food label reader and has developed a daily exercise routine. Bariatric weight loss surgery has given her the tools and capacity to lose the weight and keep it off. Continues on page 11

before For Hughes, a 64-yearold lively and spry retiree, struggling with her weight was a constant battle she had grown weary of. After trying different diets and exercise and failing to lose the weight, she decided she had had enough. Something radical had to be done to change her life. Marion toyed with the idea after of bariatric surgery for over three years until a one of her friends, pleased with her own results, pushed her to do it. I was always a very active person, but my weight kept me from a lot of things, says Marion, a re-

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 8

Out & About

Pre-Christmas Bash Dance
for Dreams presents the Christmas dance event Saturday, Dec. 1, at

If you want your upcoming event listed in SPOTLIGHTS Out & About section, please send all your relevant data by e-mail to: editorial@spotlightepnews.com

Calendar of upcoming events for El Paso/ Southern New Mexico are from November, 2012

NORThEAST/CENTRAL Leos Mexican Restaurant, 9420

Montana, with music by DJ NCendio, dancing to salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, EDM and more and a Sexiest Miss Santa competition. Dinner is 8 p.m. with dance les-

sons 9:30 to 10 p.m. and dancing 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. A new Happy Hour is 8 to 9 p.m. with live music 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Raffle also held. Tickets on sale mid-month. Attire is semiformal. Cost: $15 ($12 members); available in advance at El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy and Lunas and Son Grocery. Information: Deliris Montanez or Dance for Dreams Foundation (found on Facebook and active.com) or (704) 2934307.

children, seniors, students and active military); available at the door one hour before show. information: 3511455 or facebook.com/elpasokids-nco.

UU Christmas Bazaar Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso, 4425 Byron St., will host its annual Christmas Bazaar 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 and 9. The bazaar features handmade arts and crafts, chocolate truffles, jewelry and a white elephant table. Admission is free. Information: 584-7823 or uuelpaso.org.

Lend Me A Tenor El Paso

Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents Ken Ludwigs comedy Nov. 16-Dec. 8. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Vanessa Keyser. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military/students with ID; $5 students under 18). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com. The Cleveland Opera Company has spent thousands of dollars to bring the world famous tenor Tito Merelli to sing. When he shows up, things go from bad to worse as he falls ill and someone must take his place. The mistaken identity results in hilarity as both the real and fake Tito interact with the company.

Magoffin Holiday Open House The annual holiday season event at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Enjoy the holiday decorations, refreshments and music by school choirs amid the authentic art and furnishings of this historic home. Admission: $1. Information: 533-5147.

El Paso Gem and Mineral Show The annual show is Nov.

30-Dec. 2 at El Maida Auditorium, 6331 Alabama. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The show features gems, minerals, fossils, beads, silver jewelry, tools and equipment, geode cutting, silent auction, demonstrations and door prizes, Ticket information: Gem Center USA, 533-7153, 1-877-533-7153 or gemcenter@aol.com.

Seussical the Musical

Kids-N-Co. 1301 Texas, presents the musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss Nov. 23-Dec. 16. Written by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and co-conceived by Eric Idle. Directed by Laura Sambrano. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $7 ($5

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 9

Vivaldis Gloria Sun City

Chorus, directed by Dr. Carl Smith, presents its first concert of the season with the Vivaldi classic at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at St. Albans Episcopal Church, 1810 Elm. Ticket information: Carl Smith, drcarlwsmith@yahoo.com. The chorus rehearses at 7 p.m. every Monday at St. Albans. Participants ages 8 and older of all voices are sought; particularly altos, basses and tenors.

prevention, education and nutritional. Admission: $5. Information: 790-3821.

EPCC Winter Fest El Paso

Community College will host its Charity Winter Fest noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter, with a car show, food, games and entertainment. Fee to enter car show or to vote in the Best of Show category is one toy for Toys for Tots. Information: 831-3722 or epcc.edu.

Information: 595-1307 or joycenter.org/TamelaMann/. Manns music career started with the Grammy-winning Kirk Franklin and the Family. She has recorded several albums and was featured on the soundtrack of Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

DOwNTOwN/ wESTSIDE The Nutcracker Ballet El

Paso Youth Ballets 34th annual

presentation of Tchaikovskys classic ballet is Nov. 30-Dec. 2, at UTEPs Magoffin Auditorium. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15, $20 and $25. Information: 747-5234 (UTEP Ticket Center), 760-6062 (Marta Katz) or elpasoconservatoryofdance.org.

Desert Lights Art Show & Sale The Alazan Artists impressionistic..CONT.NEXT PAGE

Flying J Wranglers Christmas Show The popular Ruidoso-based western swing groups Christmas show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Scottish Rite Theater, 301 West Missouri. Tickets: $20. Parking available next door at City Hall and behind Insights Museum after 5 p.m. Information/reservations: All That Music & Video, 594-9900.

EASTSIDE Super Scholars Run Clint

ISDs 5K run and 1 mile walk is 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Desert Hills Elementary, 300 N. Kenazo in Horizon City. First 200 registrants receive t-shirt. Cost (by Nov. 29): $20 per event ($15 students and per runner for teams of 10 or more). Registration After Nov. 29 is $25. Packet pick up is noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Clint ISD Central Administration, 14521 Horizon Blvd., noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Up and Running, 1475 George Dieter, Suite O and on 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. on race day at the race site.

THE EL PASO SYMPHONY GUILD presents A SYMPHONY OF HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS & WREATH AUCTION
El Paso, Texas - The El Paso Symphony Guild is pleased to present A Symphony of Holiday Happenings on Saturday, December 1st, 1pm to 5pm at 150 Sunset. Participants can ring in the holidays with friends while enjoying an assortment of hors doeuvres, wine, treats, style show by Trend Society, and a variety of workshops that provide holiday tips from experts on decorating and entertaining during the holidays. Among Santas Workshops are: Mantel Dressing by Debbies Bloomers, Your Holiday Table by Anne Steele, Holiday 911 by Caroline Whitemore, Holiday Mixology, Kids Craft Corner by Suncity Sitters and more! Beautiful one-of-a-kind wreaths by local florists and artists will be auctioned in a silent auction throughout the afternoon. Proceeds from this event benefit the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and its Education and Outreach Programs. Cost is $35, $30 Active Military and Seniors 65+, $5 children ages 3-13. For more information or tickets call the symphony office (915) 532-3776, online at www.epso.org, ticket may also be purchased at the door.

MISSION VALLEY The Nutcracker International Danz Academy presents the traditional Christmas favorite at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission: $5. Information: 449-7904.

Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas Craft Fair

Pebble Hills Elementary School, 11145 Edgemere, hosts its 16th annual holiday arts and crafts fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Sponsored by the Pebble Hills PTO. Admission is free. Information: 4345613.

Holiday Special Ms. Bakers

Dance Studio presents its modern jazz and ballet performance at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Tickets: $5. Information: 740-1392.

Health and Fitness Fair The

health fair is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano, focusing on healthy eating and fitness, and will include exercise routines, diabetes

Tamela Mann The

actress/gospel singer performs in concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Christian Joy Center, 1208 Sumac Dr. Tickets are $16 to $30.

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 10

Desert Lights Art Show & Sale ...

Continued from page 9.. oil painters groups 4th annual exhibit, sale and reception for recent works is 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the 150 Sunset Event Center, 150 Sunset. Admission is free. Information: 526-1367.

*Studded
43 Thefts 44 Tibia 46 Envisioned 47 Burns' stream 49 Like clear nights? 54 Idiomatic speech 55 Writer Bagnold 56 Teacher 57 Prolific American author 58 Communications satellite? 59 Driving force 60 Map abbreviations 61 Tartan pattern 62 Modernists 23 Poet Teasdale 24 Frankish 25 Bahama islands 26 Texas? 27 Catches off guard? 28 Exploit 30 Notify 31 Fusses 33 Confident 36 Early Hollywood actress 37 Racer's signal? 39 Black birds? 40 Hammer part 43 Pre-school program? 45 Sharpens 46 Released contents 47 Hebrew zither 48 Off key 49 Eastern Orthodox adviser? 50 Dagger 51 Entice 52 Therefore 53 Membership fees

Desert Crossing Holiday Market Ardovinos Desert Crossing Restaurant and Banquet Facility will host its 8th annual market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the Sunset Hall. This years market is their largest ever, with more than 70 local artists, craftspersons and vendors from the Farmers Market. Admission is free; brunch/dinner cost varies. Information: (575) 589-0653 or ardovinos.com. Brunch served 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. Reservations recommended.

DOWN ACROSS
1 Sirius? 5 Brainy ones, for short 9 Phoenician goddess? 13 Sailor's patron saint 14 Ananias, e.g. 15 Try a second crop 16 Complaint 17 Author Seton 18 Wrathful 19 Saint-Exupery's Wind, ___? 21 Organ accouterments 22 Arouses wonder 23 Ooze 24 Artillery discharges 27 1984 Jeff Bridges film? 29 Stovepipe 32 Steaming 33 Agitates 34 Workers' fed. 35 Touch down 36 Roman dictator 37 Had the lead? 38 Driving hazard 39 TV saga? 40 Wing: prefix 41 Share the billing? 42 Dregs 1 Socialist presidential candidate 2 Olive genus 3 Govt. agents 4 Judaic symbol? 5 Geometric surfaces 6 Female red deer 7 Venus? 8 Short ladies of Spain 9 Lofty perch 10 Rayed gems? 11 Lug 12 Ovines 15 Reaches fruition 20 Mil. opprobrium

Los Chismes de la Comadre The farewell

spoof and dinner show for Elvia Hernandez is Sunday, Dec. 2, at Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso Street. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit LULAC Council 4875s scholarship fund. Cost: $40 in advance; $45 at the door. Tables for 10 are $350. Tickets/information: 731-5948 or 329-1967.

MYMATURETIMES.COM DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 11

San Jacinto Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting The City of El Paso Parks and
Recreation Department and evolve Federal Credit Union present the 77th annual Evolve Credit Union Celebration of Lights holiday tradition of the plazas spectacular Christmas tree and displays Saturday, Dec. 1, at San Jacinto Plaza downtown. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with live entertainment. The lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:55 p.m. followed by the 15th annual lighted Christmas parade. Information: 541-4331 or elpasotex.gov/parks.

in conjunction with its Rembrandt, Rubens and Golden Age Painting in Europe 16001800 exhibit. Tickets: $40 ($75 couples) for Saturday; $25 all tickets Sunday. Information: 581-5534 or epopera.org.

Marion Hughes...
Continued from page 7 She says she can still eat many foods but her portions are a smaller fraction of what she used to eat. Im a cheap date now, said Marion, who doesnt deprive herself of food but rather, makes healthier, more nutritious food choices. One look at her before pictures is proof of her extreme change. I love the way people dont recognize me, said Marion. People cannot believe I have lost all this weight. Marion noted that her selfesteem has improved dramatically. I feel like a real woman again, said Marion, who also says that shopping has become fun for her again. The bariatric surgery has not only given Marion the ability to lose weight, its given her an opportunity to become a healthier, therefore, more confident woman. Marion never thought she would say this but she now feels the best she ever has in over 20 years. And I look forward to lots of tomorrows, said Marion. Marion offers this piece of advice to other women who are in the same situation she was in: Women should never give up on themselves, no matter their age. Women in general work very hard as mothers and wives, always taking care of others and sometimes, they just need to take care of themselves. Marion says she is able to do things thinner people take for granted like crossing her legs while sitting, and being able to stand for hours on end. The surgery has helped her become more physically able and tasks like vacuuming baseboards and gardening are enjoyable again. These days, Marion is an active volunteer in our community. She volunteers at Providence Childrens Hospital Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit as a NICU Nanny and does plenty of work at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Next year, she will start volunteering at a senior citizen center in Cloudcroft. I stopped existing and started living, said an excited and vivacious Marion.

A Holiday Afternoon Concert El

Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra hosts its annual family concert of traditional holiday music at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Plaza Theatre. Proceeds provide college scholarships for local high school students. Tickets: $12.50 ($9 students, seniors and military; $4 ages 212). Family Packs (2 adults and 2 juniors) $6.25 per ticket, plus service charge (Ticketmaster). Information: 532-3776 or 566-4066.

Chamber of Commerce Gala The

113th annual Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce gala, A Tribute to Our Armed Forces, is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the El Paso Convention Center. Special guest is U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7:30 p.m. followed by music and dance. Tickets: $100 ($150 upgraded seats). Table sponsorships available. Information: 534-0500. Online registration at elpaso.org.

Holiday vocal concert El Paso Choral

Society and the El Paso Conservatory of Music present a concert of holiday songs by vocalist Jose Mario Sanchez at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Trinity-First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Mesa. Tickets: $10. Information: 479-0156.

A Big Band Christmas Concert Jazz

Unlimited Big Band, with vocalist Jachin Ford, hosts its 7th annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 5005 Love Road. Admission is free, donations welcome. Information: 637-4569.

Franklin High Guitar Concert The

annual winter concert is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the Franklin High School Fine Arts Theater, 900 N. Resler. Led by instructor Stefan Schyga, one of El Pasos best-known guitarists, Franklins student Guitar Quartets and Trios perform South American and Spanish compositions, as well as some original music, boleros, pop, jazz and rock tunes. Proceeds benefit the guitar program and students. Admission: $5. Information: 433-6734 or fhsfinearts.com.

Young Ladies Choir holiday concert

El Paso Choral Society and the El Paso Conservatory of Music present the concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Trinity-First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Mesa. The program will feature Brittens Ceremony of Carols and other seasonal music. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors/military; $5 students K-college). Information: 479-0156.

UTEP Department of Music Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall,. Tickets for most performances are $5 ($3 seniors/military/non-UTEP students; free for age 6 and younger/UTEP students/faculty/staff). Ticket information: 747-5606 or utep.edu/music. UTEP Choirs Holiday Festival Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29-30, with familiar and new music celebrating the season.

The Birth of Opera El Paso Opera

hosts a performance by Jeffrey Lentz at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1-2, at El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza,