Protecting your retirement nest egg and sustaining your retirement income are challenging enough. When you add in the fears and concerns unique to older persons, it’s clear that seniors should consider taking extra precautions to guard their investments.

Older people can be common targets for fraud and financial crimes. Several qualities that are characteristics of older people tend to make them targets for scam artists and unscrupulous sales people. Older people are generally trusting; they may be home alone during the day; they are accustomed to answering the door or the phone; and they may be reluctant to report fraud. Scam artists are well aware of all this which makes seniors susceptible to the methods unscrupulous people employ, including phone calls, emails, personal sales pitches, and pop-up ads on the Internet.

Let’s start with a few basics. Proceed with care; don’t jump into an investment just because you have been approached through one of these communications tactics. Prior to investing in any investment product or service, it is important that you consider your overall financial situation in order to determine if the product or service is right for you. You should be aware of your liquidity needs, fees and costs associated with an investment, as well as your income needs and the overall risk you can afford to bear with any investment. Beware of misleading information.

There is some wisdom to the old adage, “If it seems too good to be true … .” Offers of an investment with an above-average rate of return or income rate and little-to-no risk are almost always deceptive. Some representatives and salespeople may use scare tactics to gain access to seniors’ savings and investments, such as the threat of physical or financial harm, intimidating statements or recurring phone calls. Services described as a “limited-time offer” or any person who pressures you to make an immediate investment decision should also raise a red flag. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to seek a second opinion. And beware of guarantees to make money or to achieve a guaranteed rate of return. Con artists use promises of high returns to lure people into a financial scam.

Free meal seminars may seem appealing. Though many of these events are legitimate, some are not. Some of these seminars turn into high-pressure events where you may be given bad advice or pressured to open an account that is not suitable for your financial situation. The cost of a free meal may be greater than you think if it results in your purchasing an unsuitable investment product.

Contact your law enforcement agency immediately if you suspect someone is employing fraudulent actions. Investment fraud can take many forms. There are Ponzi schemes, for example, where fraudsters advertise high rates of return on client investments. High payouts may continue until new investors are no longer available. Then the scheme and all the money disappear. Other schemes have been reported, including pyramid schemes, scams involving coins and precious metals, ownership interests in oil and gas interests, viatical scams, and affinity fraud through community groups, clubs and even places of worship. A healthy skepticism is a wise strategy for seniors when approached by salespeople.

For more information about how to protect against financial fraud, obtain the free Wells Fargo Advisors publication Guide to Financial Protection for Older Investors by calling Michael A. Shear at (800) 327 – 3510. There are many ways that you can protect yourself, including monitoring your personal financial information and being selective in providing access to this personal data. Your financial health is an important aspect of your retirement – guard it carefully.

Michael A. Shear, Managing Director- Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, Aventura, FL 305-933-6414

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with Autism, including 1 in 70 boys. This represents a staggering 57 percent increase from 2002 to 2006, and a 600 percent increase in just the past 20 years. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of Autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research and early intervention is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with Autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with Autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

The Victory Center for Autism & Behavioral Challenges would like to make a difference in the fight against Autism by raising money for our educational programs and services and heightening public awareness during Autism Awareness this month.

In doing so, on Friday, April 30th, The Victory Center invites you to join them and the Florida Marlins as they host their Annual Baseball for Autism Awareness Night. The Florida Marlins vs. The Washington Nationals will play starting at 7:10 p.m.

In order to promote public awareness, tickets are only $40 for Club B seating (regular $54 on game day) and only $30 for Infield Box seating (regular $46 on game day). Proceeds will benefit The Victory Center. The mission of The Victory Center is to provide children with Autism and similar disorders comprehensive individualized Applied Behavior Analysis treatment with a 1:1 or 2:1 student/teacher ratio, in a classroom setting that is unique in Southeast Florida. The Victory Center combines this highly effective intensive therapy with frequent opportunities for facilitated social interactions within its own classrooms. Progress is measured at regular intervals through the collection and interpretation of data. Please make your donation by purchasing tickets via online at VictoryCenterforAutism.org and click on the “Make a Donation” icon or via check payable to The Victory Center for Autism & Behavioral Challenges. If paying by check please make sure to fill out the form also located on our website.

For more information on The Victory Center, call 305-466- 1142 or visit www.VictoryCenterforAutism.org

As an industry leader in environmental stewardship, FPL encourages its customers and their children to do their part to protect the environment. The third installment of FPL’s “Earth Day Is Every Day” campaign is aimed at showing kids how to help their families do just that.

“FPL believes in the importance of educating the next generation about energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, which is why we partner with schools and institutions throughout Florida to reinforce that message,” said Aletha Player, area manager for FPL. “If you can find ways to make it fun and interesting, kids can be not only beneficiaries of environmental protection efforts, but drivers as well.”

In addition to helping families treat every day like Earth Day, FPL is hosting environmental awareness events around the state. Recently, FPL employees volunteered statewide for the company’s annual Power to Care Day; and on April 22 (Earth Day and Take Your Child to Work Day), FPL’s Captain Conservation will give a special performance about energy efficiency to City of Miami employees and their children. FPL encourages families and children to get involved in environmental protection!

• Make conservation a day at the beach! Join hundreds of FPL employees volunteering throughout the company’s service territory in community events, including beach clean-ups.

•Pack lunches in reusable containers to reduce waste, and reward kids when they bring their container home from school.

• Incorporate energy-saving chores into kids’ everyday routines – simple responsibilities can make a big difference.

• Many electronics draw power even when they’re off. Install power strips on electronic equipment, and show your kids how to safely use them.

• Observe Earth Day early by taking a night off from the television to enjoy the outdoors.

• Today is Earth Day and Take Your Child to Work Day – celebrate both by encouraging kids to reuse paper from office recycling bins.

• Are you on Facebook? Here’s a page that both you and your kids can be a fan of: www.facebook.com/FPLenergytips

• Take children of all ages on an environmentally friendly, educational day trip. You can find events in your area at www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo

On Saturday, March 20, Waste Management participated in the “Day of Solidarity for Haiti” hosted by Operation Hope for Haiti at the newly opened World Vision Miami Logistics Center in the Town of Medley. WM presented a check to World Vision’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund for $91,204 representing $50,000 from North Florida and South Florida market areas, in addition to $20,602 in employee donations and $20,602 as a WM Corporate matching contribution. WM employees also volunteered their time to assemble hygiene kits for distribution to those in need in Haiti to assist the program.

Watch and wager on the Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 1st in unequalled comfort at Gulfstream Park.

With the colossal tote board and dozens of large-screen TVs tuned to the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, guests can take in all the action of the most exciting two minutes in sports without missing a thing.

Whether you are dining at Ten Palms or Christine Lee’s, playing slots or poker, huddling with fellow handicappers in the Silks Simulcast Center, enjoying South Florida’s beauty in the grandstand or open-air Jameson Jockey Club, or hoisting a favorite beverage in the Breezeway Bar, all areas feature comfortable seating as well as food and bar service, an array of flat-screen TVs, betting windows, convenient self-service wagering machines, and a lively atmosphere that puts you trackside all day and into the night.

And don’t be surprised if some of the horses look familiar: Eskendereya, who won the Fountain of Youth here, is now top-ranked in the Kentucky Derby, and he’ll be racing against Florida Derby champion Ice Box and other Gulfstream Park runners, truly a testament to the fact that the road to the Kentucky Derby runs through Gulfstream Park.

Few horses in recent years have captured the nation’s hearts as much as the undefeated Barbaro, who took the 2006 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park before crushing his opponents in the Kentucky Derby, or Big Brown, who parlayed a tally in the Florida Derby on his way to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2008.

What better place to see America’s Race than South Florida’s home of championship thoroughbred racing, where heroes are made and records are broken every year?

Enjoy Mint Juleps and other drink specials, Vegas-style slots, fine dining, nolimit poker, and evening entertainment. On May 15, Preakness Stakes Day, and again on Saturday, June 5, Belmont Stakes Day, Gulfstream Park will provide another spectacular day of racing, prizes, contests and giveaways for the second and third legs of the Triple Crown.

Providing the perfect complement to all the action is the newly opened Village at Gulfstream Park, a Mediterranean inspired walking Village complete with world-class shopping, a variety of international dining experiences and all the nightlife you can handle. The Village is connected to the racetrack and casino through a series of balconies, walkways and staircases-truly a one of a kind, one-stop shopping and entertainment mecca.

For information, please call 954-457- 6374 or visit www.gulfstreampark.com

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, South Florida’s ultra-luxury resort, recently unveiled the exclusive invitation-only Diamond Rewards Program for the most loyal and valued customers of ESPA.

ESPA at Acqualina, the award-winning oceanfront sanctuary spa, has been one of the most popular spa destinations with both local residents and visitors from around the world. ESPA Diamond Rewards Program further extends Acqualina Resort & Spa’s “Elegance on the Beach” mission which has earned it the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award.

The resort is thrilled to launch its first-ever ESPA Diamond Rewards Program created in celebration of the hotel’s AAA Five Diamond Award. Acqualina wanted to recognize its devoted guests who make ESPAat Acqualina a truly one-of-akind experience.

The Diamond Rewards Program offers ESPA’s esteemed patrons an opportunity to earn points on their Diamond Rewards Program Card with each dollar spent on the premiere spa services. As Diamond Points accumulate, cardholders become eligible to receive greater spa benefits and packages at ESPA. The Diamond Rewards Program is Acqualina’s way of saying ‘Thank You’ to its most honored and valued customers.

Groundbreaking in design and cutting edge in spa expertise, the luxurious 20,000-square-foot, twostory ESPA at Acqualina provides guests with a tranquil sanctuary of exquisite excellence and relaxation. Each ESPA treatment combines scientifically advanced, natural skin care products with progressive therapy techniques to deliver the ultimate personalized spa experience with outstanding results.

Diamond Rewards Program members will have all the premiere advantages of ESPA at Acqualina Resort & Spa right at their fingertips. The Diamond Rewards Program also entitles its members to preferred room rates with complimentary room upgrade and daily breakfast for two, 10% discount on treatments Monday-Wednesday, 10% discount on ESPA spa boutique items, 10% discount at Acqualina Special Events such as Wine Dinners with Chef Marc Debas, 10% discount at Aria Bar & Lounge, complimentary valet parking, and exclusive information about ESPA events, first peeks at new treatments and products, and a glass of champagne on birthdays.

Diamond Rewards Program members can track their Diamond Points at www.mycardbalance.com . For additional information, call 305-918-8000.

Enjoy a Las Vegas style show you would see on the finest cruise line featuring Zella Lehr and Phil Cristian, an array of show girls, singers and a casino. Dine on a delicious meatless dinner along with a wine tasting and cash bar on Saturday evening, May 8th, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This event carries on the tradition of the annual Pet Rescue Dinner and we are excited to celebrate with our new extended family,”” commented Emily Marquez, executive director, Humane Society of Greater Miami. The event takes place at the Marco Polo Beach Resort at 19201 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami / Pet Rescue is dedicated to placing every dog and cat in its care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. More than 250 homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are cared for every day in its shelter. They are a not-for-profit charitable animal welfare organization supported solely by donations, private grants and fundraising events.

Cost is $100 per person, which includes funny money to play in the casino. There is a chance to win $500 in cash by purchasing raffle tickets, which are $5 each or six tickets for $25. To purchase event tickets, raffle tickets or to find out about affordable sponsorship opportunities, call Lisa DePriest at 305- 749-1820 or visit www.humanesocietymiami.org