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As a locally owned real estate company, we’re part of your community and understand the importance of delivering exceptional service. Whether you’re retiring, downsizing or a significant life event has made you consider a move – MarMac Real Estate has the experience and understanding to help you navigate your unique real estate needs.
Why ask a MarMac Real Estate REALTOR® to assist you? MarMac Real Estate understands that the decision to sell can be difficult.
MarMac Real Estate can draw upon a network of other professionals focused on 50+ customers.
Selling a home can be an emotional time, potentially involving other life decisions. A MarMac Real Estate REALTOR® understands the issues facing older adults. By taking a no-pressure approach, we can help you navigate your choices and may be able to suggest alternatives that help you stay in your home.
It’s important to have a network of professionals, and that’s exactly what we’ve built over the years. Whether it’s tax counselors, financial advisors, or estate planners who can help you understand the financial consequences of selling your home, to trade contractors to get your home prepared for showings, estate sale organizers, and senior moving specialists - we’re connected to those that can help you.
We take the time needed to make you feel comfortable with the complex selling process. A MarMac Real Estate Professional understands the demands a sale can make on you, and works hard to minimize them. They will tailor the marketing process to your specific needs and be there when you need them.
MarMac Real Estate will be with you throughout the entire process. A MarMac Real Estate REALTOR® is interested in looking out for your best interest through all aspects of your transition, not just the sale of your home. We’ve invested the time and resources to be knowledgeable before, during, and after your transition.
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Publisher CLINT SHELTON Operations Director SCOTT BROWN Executive Editor BRUCE MCLELLAN Living 50 Plus Editor LORI FEW
The effects of volunteering on volunteers’ well-being
City Editor ERIC FLEISCHAUER Assistant City Editor FRANKLIN HARRIS Living 50 Plus Writers CATHERINE GODBEY • BAYNE HUGHES DAVID GAMBINO • ERICA SMITH DEBORAH STOREY • ZANE TURNER Living 50 Plus Photographers JERONIMO NISA • TRISTAN HOLMES Circulation Director WALTER GOGGINS Advertising Director BARETTA TAYLOR Advertising Graphic Artists STEPHEN JOHNSON • RHONDA STENNETT Retail Advertising TERRI HASTON • BECKY SPIVEY • SHELIA SMITH EDDIE JOHNS • ANNA BAKER • KIARA KOGER Website DANIEL BUFORD 256-340-2408
By METRO NEWS
Decatur-Morgan
Visit us at living50plusdm.com HOW TO REACH US For story ideas or comments: Bruce McLellan 256-340-2431
For advertising questions: Baretta Taylor 256-340-2370
For distribution questions: For website questions: Walter Goggins Daniel Buford 256-740-5784 256-340-2408 Published by Decatur Daily Tennessee Valley Media
ON THE COVER: Joyce Webster shares a bond with her horse, Heir To Radiance. A horse show Webster organizes raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Photograph by Jeronimo Nisa. Cover design by Stephen Johnson. 4 Decatur Living 50 Plus
A
recent analysis examining the potential correlation between volunteering and well-being found that volunteering is associated with a higher well-being as well as a positive change in well-being. Authors of the study, which was published in the Journal of Happiness Studies in March of 2020, acknowledged that evidence pertaining to the correlation between volunteering and well-being has accumulated gradually in recent years, though they feel their study offers the most realistic assessment to date in regard to that link. That’s good news for volunteers, many of whom may be quick to point out that they get as much as they give when volunteering. Recent analyses support that notion and may compel millions more to make time to give back through volunteering. Though more studies are needed, the Cleveland Clinic notes that some of the health benefits often associated with volunteering include lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, lower levels of depression and stress, and greater satisfaction with life.
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Amazing benefits
to seniors having pets Pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. 6 Decatur Living 50 Plus
By METRO NEWS
P
ets bring much joy to the lives they touch. So, it should come as no surprise that the National Pet Owners Survey, which
was conducted by the American Pet Products Association, found that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are home to companion animals, states the PetBacker blog.
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Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce a chemical chain reaction
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in the brain that may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. This is not the only health benefit pets may provide. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people between the ages of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog was likely to spur hearthealthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and having ideal blood sugar levels. Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors - including those who may be divorced or widowed - feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among respondents who had pets, 88 percent said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 percent said their pets made them feel loved. Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so. · Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.”
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· Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but it also can give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose. · Altered focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health issues and preoccupations about loss or aging, according to New Yorkbased psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld. · Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet. · Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog. · Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward off risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs also can help prevent cognitive decline. Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ lives, and they may be the perfect remedy for seniors looking for a friend and purpose.
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 9
How to help loved ones handle sundowning Sundowning will not affect every Alzheimer’s patient, but caregivers should prepare themselves to handle such a situation should it arise By METRO NEWS
A
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can catch families off guard. When such a diagnosis is made, patients and their families typically have a host of questions, including how far the disease has progressed and what to expect as it advances. One potential side effect of Alzheimer’s disease that can catch families off guard is sundowning. The National Institute on Aging notes that sundowning refers to the restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion that can
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confuse Alzheimer’s patients and contribute to the feelings of agitation and irritability that are common among people who experience sundowning. What can be done to combat sundowning? The NIA recommends looking for signs of sundowning in late afternoon and early evening and trying to determine what might be causing these behaviors. Try to avoid anything that appears to trigger these behaviors, if possible. Reducing noise, clutter or the number of people in the room when sundowning symptoms typically appear may help reduce the confusion Alzheimer’s patients feel during this time of the day. In addition, scheduling a favorite activity or providing a favorite snack at this time of day can give Alzheimer’s patients something to focus on, potentially cutting off the confusion before it surfaces. The NIA also recommends making early evening a quiet time of day reserved for playing soothing music, reading or going for a walk. Caregivers who also have children to look after can explain the importance of this quiet time to youngsters and ask for their cooperation. Closing curtains or blinds and turning on the lights at dusk can minimize shadows in the house, potentially making this time of day less confusing for Alzheimer’s sufferers. Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease that can be difÏcult for caregivers to manage. More information about sundowning is available at www.nia.nih.gov. begin or worsen as daylight begins to fade. Sundowning is difÏcult for Alzheimer’s sufferers, but also can be especially hard on their caregivers. As day turns to night, people serving as caregivers to Alzheimer’s patients tend to wear down, only to suddenly realize that the people they’re caring for are becoming increasingly difÏcult to handle. The NIA notes that sundowning can continue well into the night, compromising patients’ ability to fall asleep and stay in bed. Sundowning will not affect every Alzheimer’s patient, but caregivers should prepare themselves to handle such a situation should it arise. Learning more about sundowning can be part of that preparation. Why does sundowning occur? The exact cause of sundowning, which is sometimes referred to as “late-day confusion,” is unknown. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that certain factors may aggravate the feelings of confusion felt by Alzheimer’s patients who experience sundowning. Those factors include: · fatigue · low lighting · increased shadows · disruption of the body’s internal clock · the presence of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection The NIA notes that one theory suggests Alzheimer’srelated changes in the brain can disrupt a person’s internal clock, confusing their sleep-wake cycles as a result. That can
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 11
The health benefits of being in nature Spending time in nature provides a host of health benefits that might surprise even the most devoted outdoors enthusiasts.
By METRO NEWS
N
ature enthusiasts are known to say that spending time in the great outdoors has a positive effect on their mental and physical well-being. Such an outlook is more than mere speculation, as it turns out spending time in nature provides a host of health benefits that might surprise even the most devoted outdoors enthusiasts.
Nature and cognitive health A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias found that engaged persons with dementia in horticultural therapy-based (HTbased) programming solicited higher rates of participation than traditional activities (TA) programming. In addition, a separate 2013 study in 12 Decatur Living 50 Plus
the journal Dementia found that exposure to a therapeutic garden had a positive impact on quality of life for people with dementia. And it’s not just dementia patients who can experience the cognitive benefits of time spent in nature, as the Hagley Museum and Library reports that numerous studies
have found exposure to nature improves cognitive function.
Nature and vitamin D The potential health benefits of vitamin D are increasingly drawing the attention of medical researchers, and for good reason. According to
NATURE HAS A LOT TO OFFER, AND THE BENEFITS OF SPENDING MORE TIME OUTDOORS MAY BE EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN PEOPLE RECOGNIZE.
the Harvard Medical School, recent research has suggested that vitamin D may offer added protection against conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and depression. Exposure to sunshine can help the body generate vitamin D, thus providing further reason to spend time in nature.
Nature and overall well-being Given the aforementioned health benefits related to spending time in nature, it’s easy for even non-scientists to conclude that being outdoors has a profound impact on overall well-being. But non-scientists can rest assured that
recent research has confirmed such conclusions. A 2019 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that individuals who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who spent less time outdoors. Though the authors of the study cautioned that the exposure-response relationship was under-researched, and therefore likely needed to be studied more extensively, in the meantime individuals, after a consultation with their physicians and confirmation that it’s safe to get out more often, can aspire to spend at least 120 minutes in nature each week. The results may speak for themselves. Nature has a lot to offer, and the benefits of spending more time outdoors may be even more significant than people recognize. Decatur Living 50 Plus 13
Linton Barron has made 123 bowls since he started the hobby in 2021. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
Bowled over
DECATUR MAN BEGINS WORKING WITH WOOD AFTER RETIRING By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus
S
tanding in his workshop, Linton Barron ran his hand across a plank of maple and admired the grain in the wood. “Look at this. Isn’t it just beautiful? This is all the good Lord’s work. He is the one who made this beautiful piece of wood,” Barron said. “I’ve always just been so fascinated with the grain of wood.” That fascination led the 72-year-old Decatur man to start working with wood after he retired in 2020 from a career in construction and construction management. “When I retired, my wife said, ‘Listen, you’ve got to have a hobby.’ I decided I was going to start turning bowls even though I had never turned a bowl in my life,” Barron said. After building a workshop inside his garage, buying a lathe, finding scrap pieces of wood and watching dozens of how-to YouTube videos — “Where they always make everything look so easy,” Barron’s wife Carolyn Barron said — Barron turned his first bowl. 14 Decatur Living 50 Plus
“The first bowls I tried to turn were from pine. That was a big mistake. Pine is not good to turn because it is too soft,” Barron said. After experimenting with pine, Barron reached for a scrap of oak and created what he considers his first bowl. On the bottom of the bowl, he engraved his initials and the number “001.” “This is a very special bowl,” Barron said, picking up the bowl from the kitchen table. “I made this out of some oak I found when Carolyn and I first started dating. I went to pick her up one day and I saw this wood.” In the two-and-a-half years since Barron began making bowls he has worked with black locust, cedar, walnut, cherry, maple, Chinese chestnut, dogwood, white oak, sweet gum, black maple, red gum, chittam, olive, Osage orange and f.o.g. “F.o.g. is short for found on ground,” Barron said with a laugh. Outside of Barron’s workshop, a “Things to Do Today” sign hangs. On the sign the word “TURN” appears over the words “eat,” “sleep” and “fish.”
“What makes these so pretty is not my bowl-turning skills. It’s the good Lord. He made this wood. I just feel very blessed that the Lord gave me the talent to work with wood,” Linton Barron said. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
Look at this. Isn’t it just beautiful? This is all the good Lord’s work. He is the one who made this beautiful piece of wood. Linton Barron turns a bowl on his lathe. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
“Linton used to be a big crappie fisherman. He would take the boat out every other day. That boat now sits in the garage. It’s been over a year since he has taken the boat out,” Carolyn said. Every day, Barron spends time in the workshop, cutting, turning, sanding and finishing wood. “In the beginning, I would spend the whole day in the workshop. Carolyn would be hollering at me, ‘It’s supper time. It’s getting dark.’ I don’t do that as bad now, but if I have
something pretty started, it’s hard to walk away,” Barron said. Examples of Barron’s work fill his Southwest Decatur home — from the end tables in the living room to the bowls on the bookshelves to the plates in the kitchen. “We used to have fancy, decorative plates there,” Carolyn said, nodding to the hanging plate rack. “Now we have wooden plates and I love it. Each piece has so much character. What I love are the little knots and holes unique to each piece. When Linton started, he wanted every piece to be perfect, but life isn’t perfect and we’re not perfect.” Of the 123 bowls he has made, Barron estimated 20 of them remain in his possession. The others he has either sold or given away. Decatur Living 50 Plus 15
“I give a lot of them away to family and people I respect and admire,” Barron said. “It makes me feel so good when I am able to share them.” Even after more than 100 bowls and attending a threeday workshop with master woodturner David Ellsworth in North Carolina, Barron considers himself new to bowl turning. “I still watch tons of YouTube videos and am learning something new all the time,” Barron said. As for Barron’s wood supply — he is always on the lookout.
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“I always joke with him that he needs to wear a blindfold when we are in the car because he will always spot that piece of wood on the side of the road,” Carolyn said. “And when we have a big storm that knocks down trees, all of Linton’s contacts will be calling him telling him about trees that have fallen down.” When Barron heard about a fallen tree at Smith Lake, he drove to the site, took off his boots, rolled up his britches and waded into the lake with his chainsaw. Cutting the wood is the first step in the bowl-turning process. “It surprises most people, but when you make a bowl, you split the tree vertically. The top of the bowl is where the
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When turning a bowl, the piece of wood is split down the middle with the heart of the tree becoming the base of the bowl. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
16 Decatur Living 50 Plus
Linton Barron began turning bowls after retiring in 2020. He has created pieces out of a variety of trees, including dogwood, pictured here. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
bark would be and the base of the bowl is the heart of the tree,” Barron said. After cutting the wood, Barron places it on the lathe and turns it at 700 to 800 RPM. He uses a gauge, negative rake scraper and 600 grit sandpaper to finish a piece. Completing a bowl can take anywhere from three to 12 hours depending on the size of the piece. “I am so happy Linton has found something he really enjoys. I told Linton he needed to get a hobby when he retired because I’ve seen too many people wither away and not do anything after they retired. You’ve got to find a way to fill your time with something you like,” Carolyn said.
A fascination with the grain of the wood caused Linton Barron to pick up bowl turning. [CATHERINE GODBEY]
Along with making bowls, Barron and Carolyn swim every morning, deliver Meals on Wheels, facilitate a Bible study class at Westminster Assisted Living and distribute food at JePau Outreach Ministries in Tanner. “We have things we like to do and that keep us busy, but I love my time in the workshop,” Barron said. Slabs of wood, including a pre-Civil War piece of poplar sit in the shop waiting to become Barron’s next creation. “What makes these so pretty is not my bowl-turning skills. It’s the good Lord. He made this wood. I just feel very blessed that the Lord gave me the talent to work with wood,” Barron said.
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 17
DID YOU KNOW? Perennials can be considered as long-term investments
T
hough plants might not seem like the first thing individuals think of when they ponder long-term investments, perennials can be just that. The home and garden experts at HGTV note that some perennials can live for a very long time. For example, according to HGTV, the colorful flowering plant peony, despite a blooming season that usually lasts just seven to 10 days, has been known to survive for 70 to 100 years. Hostas are another popular perennial because they require little maintenance, and that extra free time can add up over the course of the hosta’s life, which can exceed 15 years. Long-living perennials are not necessarily unusual, but gardeners should know that many perennials, and particularly those characterized as “short-lived,” tend to live around three years.
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Blueberry
GALETTE: This flaky dessert is all about the blueberries
By METRO NEWS
B
lueberries should be a delicious part of people’s daily diets because this flavorful fruit packs a nutritious punch. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, which can help the body fend off various illnesses. Native to North America, blueberries are available fresh, frozen and canned and are used in a variety of recipes. Plus, they’re right at home whether one is serving breakfast, dinner or dessert. However, many people feel that blueberries are best eaten as pie filling. Various pastries showcase blueberries, including the French galette. A galette is not a pie, but more of a freeform crusty cake. However, it is similar to pie, making it a welcome alternative to that popular pastry. This recipe for “Blueberry Galette,” courtesy of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, is a delicious treat that’s perfect for entertaining. 20 Decatur Living 50 Plus
BLUEBERRY GALETTE 8 portions Crust ▸ 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ▸ 11/2 teaspoons salt ▸ 2 tablespoons sugar ▸ 4 ounces lard or shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and frozen ▸ 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and refrigerated ▸ 1/2 cup ice water ▸ 1 teaspoon vodka
Filling ▸ 8 cups fresh or frozen blueberries ▸ 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, separated ▸ 31/2 tablespoons cornstarch ▸ 1/4 teaspoon salt ▸ 1 lemon, zested ▸ 1 tablespoon lemon juice ▸ 1 egg ▸ 1 tablespoon water
1. Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and lard. 2. Use the food processor to work the butter and lard into the flour by pulsing it until the butter is in peasized pieces. 3. Whisk the water and vodka together and add it to the flour/butter mixture a few tablespoons at a time. It will start to look shaggy, but not dry. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand. 4. Gently press the dough into a ball
Filling 1. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon zest. Massage the zest into the sugar. 2. In a large bowl, toss together the blueberries and lemon juice. Add the sugar/lemon zest mixture and gently stir to coat the blueberries.
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using a pastry scraper or your hands. Divide the dough into two pieces and create round disks. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight.
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3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 1/8-inch-thick-circle. Dust off any extra flour and lay crust onto the prepared pan. 4. Mound the blueberry filling in the middle of crust. Fold and crimp the dough up so that it covers at least 2 inches of the filling. Freeze the shaped galette for at least 15 minutes to chill the dough. 5. Preheat the oven to 425 F and set rack in middle of the oven. 6. Just before baking, beat the egg and water together and brush the edges with egg wash. Sprinkle crust with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 F and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This recipe yields two 12-inch galette crusts. Extra dough can be stored in an airtight container for up to one month.
Decatur Living 50 Plus 21
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Are you 55 or older, unemployed, and looking for work? The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job paid training program for older Americans. Authorized by Older Americans Act, the program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors. Eligible program participants receive an assignment to a government or non-profit 501 (c)(3) agency in their communities. Agencies that have agreed to participate in the program include schools, libraries, museums, and senior centers. Enrollees train for roughly 20 hours a week receiving on-the-job paid training, learning new skills, updating previous skills, and getting work experience that prepares them to reenter the workforce. Participants must live in Cullman, Lawrence, or Morgan County to be considered.
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Call 256-355-4515 with any questions or for more information | narcog.org
By METRO NEWS
A
mong the more indelible images to emerge on September 11, 2001 was the sight of two planes crashing into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. Still photos and video footage of those planes flying into the Twin Towers were the first images of the attacks many Americans saw, and no one who watched events unfold that morning will ever forget those images. Though both the North and South Towers fell on that day, today the site where each tower once stood is a serene retreat in the bustling lower Manhattan neighborhood that was shaken to its core on the day of the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum notes that Arad and Walker’s proposal was chosen in a design competition that featured 5,201 submissions from 63 countries. The 9/11 Memorial is located on the western side of the formal World Trade Center where the Twin Towers once stood. Two enormous reflecting pools are part of the Memorial Plaza, which is where the North and South Towers once stood. The pools feature the two largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Around the edges of the pools, the names of people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, the Pentagon, on Flight 93, and in the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center are etched in bronze. More information can be found at www.911memorial.org.
THE 9/11 MEMORIAL
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 23
Joyce Webster’s horse, Heir To Radiance, licks her face. Webster spends more than 12 hours a day at B&W Stables in Hartselle, taking care of the horses and instructing riders. [JERONIMO NISA]
HOLDING THE REINS
her mother thanking us and letting us know that she had gone into remission.” Instead of taking the $100 the school offered her that day, Webster asked them to donate it to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of the child’s birthday. When Webster asked the teacher The interaction with the girl about the girl, she learned the inspired Webster, who lives in student from a Montessori school in Hartselle, to create a horse show to Huntsville was battling cancer and benefit St. Jude, which is based in doctors had given her roughly six Memphis. months to live. “God just laid it on my heart to start “When we got her up on that horse, the horse show,” the now 75-yearI never saw such an incredible thing. old Webster said. “I was doing two The aura that came around that child, other major shows at that time. I it was like God was touching her,” gave up both of those and started the Webster said. “For years I had her National Academy Championship picture on the wall with a note from Horse Show.”
Horse show created by Hartselle woman has raised $755,000 for St. Jude’s By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus
J
oyce Webster remembers the day 24 years ago in detail when a little girl with a baseball cap covering her bald head walked across the horse arena toward her. “She was so white and thin. She told me, ‘Before I die, I’d like to ride a pony,’” Webster recalled.
24 Decatur Living 50 Plus
Joyce Webster conducts a class at B&W Stables in Hartselle. Patton sits beside her. [JERONIMO NISA]
Novice rider Lisa Greene, left, and Joyce Webster check on Rocky at the end of a riding class at B&W Stables in Hartselle. [JERONIMO NISA]
Over the past two decades, the horse show has raised more than $755,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Heavens, I never thought we would raise this much. I would’ve been happy if we raised $2,000. It just grew and grew and grew,” Webster said. “It’s been amazing. I am so thankful to God that we have been able to donate so much to St. Jude’s.” For her work establishing the National Academy Championship Horse Show, Webster received the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders’ Association’s Wing Commander Medal during the 2023 annual convention. “The Wing Commander Medal is a medal of honor. It is the highest recognition you can get. I feel so very honored to receive this,” Webster said. Recipients of the Wing Commander Medal are chosen based on their service and dedication to the ASHBA and the American Saddlebred breed, according to the association. For Webster, the Wing Commander Medal represents Decatur Living 50 Plus 25
Joyce Webster, right, talks to Lisa Greene as she conducts a riding class at B&W Stables in Hartselle. [JERONIMO NISA]
the culmination of more than five in Montreal. “In Canada, they had a decades of dedication to horses. park and they had little ponies you On most days, one can find could ride. When I was really little, I Webster training riders at B&W would pitch a fit until we got to the Arena in Hartselle, which Webster ponies and I was allowed to ride one.” opened in 1967 with her father James At 12 years old, Warren received Berger. her first horse — a Pinto pony named When asked how much time Pal — and began participating in Webster spends in the arena, she competitions. half-jokingly responded “24 hours a “I had Pal until he passed away at day.” 22 years old. With Pal I really realized On a recent summer morning, how horses become like members of Webster stood in the middle of the the family,” Webster said. dirt floor and watched Lisa Greene When Webster’s father, who ride Rocky around the ring. worked in Huntsville in the aerospace “This is my happy place. This is industry, retired in the late 1960s, where I belong,” Webster said. they decided to open B&W (Berger & Webster’s love for horses started Webster) Stables. They found a 40young. According to family stories, it acre plot in east Hartselle, north of began the day she was born. Alabama 36 and bordered by Perkins “My dad said I said the word Wood Road and Jarrett Road. ‘pony’ before I said ‘mommy’ or They tore down the old chicken ‘daddy,’” said Webster, who grew up house standing on the property, 26 Decatur Living 50 Plus
erected the barn and, for 20 years, brought in horses and attracted riders. Then tragedy struck. In 1988, lightning hit the barn, causing it to burn and killing the 14 horses inside. Only two horses survived — Webster’s daughter’s world champion horse, who was in the pasture during the fire, and her son’s world champion horse, who was on the way to Louisville for a competition. “We lost almost everything we had. It was the most devastating thing I’ve ever been through in my life. But, out of the ashes, God turned around and sent us a miracle,” Webster said. For a month following the fire, Webster wondered if she could rebuild. The $35,000 she received from insurance did not come close to covering the quotes contractors
predicted it would cost to rebuild. Then she received a call from a gentleman asking if she planned on rebuilding. “I was so ugly to him. I really was, because I had already called four or five barn makers and they had all laughed at me when I told them how much money I had,” Webster said. “I did not know this man and have never met him to this day, but he knew the dimensions of the barn.” He sent a proposal in the mail for $27,500. “I thought he was a nutcase, but I called him back. He said he had added right and could have a crew out here if I could get the pad built. I didn’t even know what a pad was. When I got off the phone with him, this little, old gentleman came driving up in his rickety old truck. He was building a pond for a fellow down the road and needed a place to put the dirt. He said, ‘Would you let us build you a pad?’ My knees buckled and I started crying,” Webster said.
Joyce Webster received the Wing Commander Medal this year from the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders’ Association. [JERONIMO NISA]
Four months after the fire, someone else and share my blessing, Webster opened the new barn and then that is what I’m going to do.” Currently, B&W Stables has 18 dedicated it to God. “We even had 14 horses given to horses and 24 riders. This year’s us, which was the exact amount of National Academy Championship horses we lost,” Webster said. “God Horse Show will take place Nov. 2-5 is the reason we are still here today. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Last We owe everything to him. If I can do year’s show attracted more than something like the horse show to help 1,300 riders from 19 states.
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WHAT IS THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX? By METRO NEWS
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all begins slightly after the midpoint of September. The arrival of fall may be met with joy that cooler temperatures and vividly colored leaves will soon be the norm. For others, the arrival of fall is met with some trepidation that shorter days will soon pave the way for less sunlight and the inevitable arrival of winter. Fall begins on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in the Northern Hemisphere on what is known as the autumnal equinox. The National Weather Service reports that the 2023 autumnal equinox will arrive at 2:50 a.m. EDT on September 23. Those who are especially anxious for fall
to begin can wake up in the wee hours of the morning and enjoy their first comforting spiced treat of the season. Equinoxes are days during the year when the hours of sunlight and darkness are just about equal, or lasting 12 hours each. At the moment the equinox occurs, the sun will be directly over the Earth’s equator, which contributes to this even distribution of day and nighttime hours. National Geographic describes the equinox as “the event in which a planet’s subsolar point passes through its Equator. It is when solar declination is 0 degrees.” Solar declination refers to the latitude of Earth where the sun is directly overhead at noon. The autumnal equinox is a time when hours of daylight and nighttime are equal, something that will not occur again until the arrival of spring.
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HYDRATING IS KEY IN SUMMER HEAT S
ummer is a season to enjoy some fun in the sun, but it’s imperative that people remember to take steps to reduce their risk for heat illness. Those measures should include efforts to hydrate and remain hydrated throughout the day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that water will almost always help people remain hydrated even when they’re working in the heat. But food also plays a vital role in preventing heat illness, as the CDC notes eating regular meals can help to replace the salt lost through sweat. It’s also important that individuals avoid energy drinks and alcohol when spending time in the hot summer sun. Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than standard servings of coffee, tea and soft drinks, and excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dehydration. The same can be said for alcohol, and the CDC reports that consuming alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
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Earnest Lee holds some of the sporting equipment he uses in senior competitions. He also competes in Rook and singles and doubles dominoes. [TRISTAN HOLMES]
FROM BASKETBALL TO DOMINOES LEE COMPETES IN CLOSE TO A DOZEN SPORTS AND GAMES AT AGE 85 32 Decatur Living 50 Plus
I PLAY CORNHOLE. I PLAY SHUFFLEBOARD. I PLAY SOFTBALL THROW. I PLAY BASKETBALL FREE THROWS. I PLAY NERF BALL, WHERE YOU THROW A NERF BALL THROUGH A HULA-HOOP. I PLAY TABLE TENNIS. I PLAY EVERYTHING THAT I CAN PLAY IN THAT THE TIME ALLOWS.
Earnest Lee still competes in three-on-three basketball and free-throw shooting competitions at age 85. [TRISTAN HOLMES]
By DEBORAH STOREY Living 50 Plus
E
arnest Lee of Morgan County enjoys participating in a few — well, really most — of the activities in the Masters Games of Alabama, a sports competition for seniors. “I play dominoes. I play checkers. I play three-on-three basketball when they have it. Sometimes I can’t find a team to play on,” said Lee. “I play cornhole,” he continued. “I play shufÒeboard. I play softball throw. I play basketball free throws. I play
set in an Olympics-type atmosphere to stimulate competition, but the real goal is fellowship. “Masters Games of Alabama is an organization that has been in place for a pretty good while,” said Justin Graves. Graves, 43, is director of the Area Agency on Aging division of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, or NARCOG, which helps administer the games. “Mr. Lee has been participating in the Masters Games for a long time,” Graves said. “He has the nickname Superman because he wins almost every event he competes in. “It’s not just physical things either. He qualified for the state games in both singles and doubles dominoes. He’s just a winner.” The state is divided into districts for the games. District 2 includes Morgan, Cullman, Lawrence, Limestone, Nerf ball, where you throw a Nerf ball Madison, Jackson, Marshall and through a Hula-Hoop. I play table DeKalb counties. Their competition tennis. was in Athens and Huntsville in June. “I play everything that I can play The top two from each event qualify for in that the time allows,” said Lee, 85. the state games. “Sometimes these sports are at the “They have free-throw shooting, same time and you can only play one pickleball, football throw, softball of them.” throw, card games like Rook and Each year, hundreds of 50-plus dominoes, cornhole, shufÒeboard, seniors from across the state compete bowling and pool, and there’s golf as for three or four days at the state level well,” Graves explained. of the Masters Games. Alabama’s next “It’s just a platform for older adults competition will be in Valley, near in our state to compete, but it’s also Auburn, in October. about socialization and camaraderie, The games promote healthy just keeping them active.” lifestyles for seniors through physical, The games resumed this year after a social and mental activities. They are two-year break for COVID. Decatur Living 50 Plus 33
“We had really good turnout for it to be the first year back,” Graves said. “I know Mr. Lee competed in most of them. Basketball is kind of his thing. He’s very good at that free-throw shooting.”
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Morgan County native
34 Decatur Living 50 Plus
Lee was born in Morgan County — his grandmother delivered him — and graduated from school in Priceville in 1956. He worked nearly 50 years as a draftsman, then shop foreman, first at Decatur Iron and Steel then Prestolite. Lee has lived in the same house since 1993, on top of Priceville Mountain adjacent to the property where the Racking Horse Breeders Association World Celebration was previously held. He played basketball and baseball in school and independent basketball until he was 38. “I played with a team that we scored over 200 points a couple of times,” he said. Lee retired in 2002 at age 62. He began planning six months ahead. “I made sure I had plenty of money to live on. I planned to go to Las Vegas when I retired and I did,” Lee recalled. “When I retired I started looking for things to do. That’s why I joined the senior center in Somerville and found that Hartselle Hospital at that time was going to have line dancing lessons for exercise.” He plays a lot of golf and now even teaches line dancing. The people at the Somerville Senior Center — at 16 Senior Lane — know him well. Lee said most of the people who participate in the Masters Games are members of various senior centers. He met two men who were playing in state-level competitions of national senior games. He thought the idea sounded interesting. “I’ve actually played in five state Senior Olympics,” he said. “The State Senior Olympics is like the Masters Games, except the Masters Games has Rook, dominoes and checkers.” Lee’s first Senior Olympics competition was in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. “Then I got involved in basketball with a team from Kentucky,” he said. “I went up there and played in the Kentucky Senior Olympics.” He has also competed at the state level in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. Earlier this summer, Lee played three-on-three half-court basketball at the National Senior Olympics in Pittsburgh. “We came in third. I pulled a hamstring after the second game and couldn’t play anymore,” he said. “I’ve got a real confidence that if I hadn’t gotten hurt we would have come in second.” Even at 85, Lee enjoys the travel associated with the games. “Most of the ones I go to are like a three-night, four-day thing,” he said. “It’s like a mini vacation.”
Despite Lee’s activity level, serious injuries are rare. “Joint pains and this kind of stuff,” he said. “You have a twitch here and a twitch there. I’m pretty lucky. I have very few pains.” The only thing his doctor told him was “that I was wasting his time.” He never stopped playing golf, even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “For my age I’m a pretty good golfer also,” he said. Earnest Lee practices his cornhole toss at the Somerville Senior Center, where he is a frequent presence. [TRISTAN HOLMES]
His two children support the idea Some of those friends “don’t like and “want me to keep it up,” Lee said. to see me coming” to competitions, he “I’m busy, staying active. I have to said. keep the house clean, cook most of my “I’m not bragging on myself, but meals and this kind of stuff so I don’t I’m pretty good,” he said with a laugh. have a lot of time to sit around feeling “They know that most of the time I’m sorry for myself. With me being active, going to get the gold medal or the blue I have a lot of friends.” ribbon — one or the other.”
Trash talk Many of the games’ competitors know each other, said Graves. Lee, for example, has “a nice little rivalry” with a man who lives in Cullman, Graves said. “They talk trash. They’re very serious about this,” Graves said. “Everyone knows him because he’s very confident.” In addition to his NARCOG position, Graves is a board member
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 35
Earnest Lee slides a shuffleboard disc across the shuffleboard pad at the Somerville Senior Center. [TRISTAN HOLMES]
Graves. “It’s important for everyone to stay active. It’s not important just for your physical health. It’s important for your mental health as well.” The games promote socialization as much as activity. “It’s good for older adults to get out and do things. A lot of the participants
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for the Masters Games of Alabama. NARCOG and its sister agency in Huntsville administered this year’s district competition, which had about 120 participants. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s fun for us as well. It’s one of the more enjoyable events we’re part of every year,” said
right now come through the senior centers in the region. We’re kind of hoping to expand on that,” Graves said. “We saw a little of that with the addition of pickleball in the games this year.” Pickleball is especially popular for those between 50 and 59, Graves said. “These are people who don’t go to the senior centers,” he said. “It helped created awareness about the programs that are also available to them. Twenty-three people showed up to compete this year just because of pickleball.” Lee’s advice to fellow seniors is “stay active and have a lot of friends and you’ll live forever.” “I’m going to live to be 100,” he said. Anyone interested in getting involved in the Masters Games can contact NARCOG at 256-355-4515. In conjunction with Decatur Parks and Recreation, NARCOG just started an aquatics class at the Aquadome Recreation Center on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Graves said.
36 Decatur Living 50 Plus
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Budgeting for long vacations abroad Seniors planning the trip of a lifetime can consider these tips to budget effectively and maximize their vacation dollars. By METRO NEWS
S
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eniors typically have more time to travel than other groups. That freedom entices many to travel overseas, often for extended periods of time. The cost comparison site CostAide indicates that the average two-week vacation for two to Amsterdam can run around $5,000 to $6,000. Lengthen that trip to a month, and a vacation of one’s dreams
38 Decatur Living 50 Plus
can set a couple back $12,000. Change the destination and costs could get even higher. The last thing any traveler wants is to run out of money during a dream vacation. This makes figuring out costs and budgeting for such trips essential. Seniors planning the trip of a lifetime can consider these tips to budget effectively and maximize their vacation dollars.
Air travel Transportation abroad undoubtably will be one of the largest expenses travelers incur. Check prices from multiple airports in your area for the best rates, even if it means having to drive a bit further. If you have only one local airport, book a separate flight to a travel hub, such as Atlanta or New York, so you can comparison shop more affordable flights to your final destination. Plan a year or two out for the trip and shop around for travel rewards credit cards that provide reward earnings in the way of airline miles; start accumulating them with everyday purchases. If you use airline rewards wisely, you won’t need to budget for the flight and may enjoy extra perks like priority boarding or free baggage check.
Calculate pre-trip prices Start shopping destinations to see which locales align with your budget. Compare and contrast estimates as to
how much each destination may cost on a daily basis. Prices can vary widely depending on the destination, and this is a great way to some pre-trip notion of what your dream trip will cost.
Look into lodging There is a lot of wiggle room when it comes to lodging and price points. You can stay in five-star hotels and pay a premium or consider hostels if bells and whistles aren’t your priority. Keep in mind that a longer stay could come with a discount. Airbnb, for example, lets hosts list weekly or monthly prices, with monthly discounts running 40 to 60 percent less than daily rates.
Food Food is a priority when traveling. If you can stay in accommodations with a kitchenette, you can reduce dining costs and make meals as desired. Food plans are another consideration. Book destinations that offer an all-inclusive or a meal plan option. It may not be the cheapest alternative, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing food costs already are covered. Budgeting for a long trip means understanding average costs, deciding on priorities and utilizing discounts at one’s disposal.
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TIPS TO GET KIDS INTERESTED IN GOLF The following are some strategies grandparents can try to get their grandchildren more interested in the game of golf By METRO NEWS
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odern children face no shortage of things to do, and many kids are involved in competitive sports. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the proportion of boys and girls playing on sports teams increased between 1998 and 2020. The lasting appeal of athletics and recreation is undeniable, and kids as young as preschool age can participate in a wide range of sports, including baseball and soccer. And though it might require a little more patience on the part of players and parents, golf is another great sport to introduce to children. Kids unfamiliar with golf may be hesitant to give it a shot, but the following are some strategies parents can try to get their youngsters more interested in the game. · Start with miniature golf. Though mini golf and the real thing are two entirely different activities, many an avid golfer first picked up a club on a miniature golf course. Mini golf is all about having fun, and the joy kids have on a miniature golf course might spark an interest in playing traditional golf.
· Make it about fun, not the final score. It’s up to parents if they even want to keep score, but the primary focus when golfing with young children should be fun. Try to take lessons on the range or putting green out to the course, but don’t overemphasize technique or score. If kids are having a frustrating round, note that every golfer has such rounds and divert their attention by pointing out the surrounding beauty. And keep in mind that it never hurts to leave time for some post-round ice cream. · Set a positive example. Golf can be a frustrating game for novices and veterans alike. Parents can set a good example by remaining positive even if their own score is nothing to write home about. Resist any inclination to lash out after a shank or slice, and stay patient even when struggling with your short game. Kids are always watching their parents for cues, so it’s best to ensure any frustration does not manifest itself outwardly. · Avoid forcing the issue. Parents who are avid golfers understandably want to share their passion for the game with their children. But forcing the issue when kids are young might compel them to avoid the game at all costs. Let kids’ love of the game develop organically, even if that means putting their clubs away until they’re ready to try again. Golf is a great game that can teach kids invaluable lessons. Certain strategies may foster a lifelong love of the game in youngsters. · Play with kids. Young children typically are excited to engage in any activity if it involves playing alongside their parents. Parents who play golf can take their kids along to the course, first taking them to the range and practice green so they can teach them some of the fundamentals of the game. As kids’ skills develop, parents can play nine holes with their youngsters. The time spent bonding on the course will be unforgettable for parents and children. Older children might want to bring a friend along when playing with parents, and this, too, can be a great way to foster a love of the game in kids.
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good joke can liven up any social engagement, but the value of humor goes well beyond breaking the ice at parties and other get-togethers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, laughter can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to lower heart rate and help people breathe more easily. Given such benefits, it’s no surprise that laughter has been linked to a host of medical benefits, including stress relief and improved heart health.
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Decatur Living 50 Plus 43
FRAUD GOES HIGH-TECH
Impersonation and romance scams target local seniors By ZANE TURNER Living 50 Plus
I
mpersonation scams and other types of fraud targeting older residents have become a problem, Decatur police say, and one scheme cost a local senior $150,000. Michael Ferguson has been a detective in the Decatur Police Department’s financial crimes unit for six years and said he sees people lose money from scams “more often than I like to admit.” Ferguson said he gets reports of 100-plus financial scams a year and
44 Decatur Living 50 Plus
Decatur Police Detective MICHAEL FERGUSON
most of the victims he’s involved with are elderly. “One of the main things is a ‘family member in trouble’ scam. They will literally impersonate a family member — grandson, nephew, something like that — saying, ‘They have been involved in a car wreck, the person is injured, they need several thousand dollars for an attorney. The judge really likes them. All they have to do is pay this money,’” Ferguson said. “These dirtbags will literally come to their home — and this has happened here — pick the money up in an envelope and leave with it.” He said the impersonation scams are a national problem that also affect the Decatur area. Tricia Pruitt, regional vice president of the Better Business Bureau, said she most often sees
impersonation scams and that “most scams try to create fear and urgency.” “The biggest things we see right now are impersonation scams, around 90% of scams are impersonating someone or somebody,” Pruitt said. “Young people still fall for scams the most, but older Americans are losing the most money.” She recalled one local story in which a scammer used artificial intelligence to re-create a family member’s voice and ask for money. She said the only way the receiver of the call knew it was fake was by texting that person and getting confirmation it was a scammer. Pruitt encourages everyone to do that if someone calls asking for money. Even though she sees mostly impersonation scams, she said she has seen the most money being lost in romance scams. A scammer will “talk to the person for hours every day to get their trust. Something will always happen and they can’t meet,” said Pruitt. “A lot of the time they have already sent money before a family member or bank catches it.” Pruitt said an elderly Decatur woman was a part of a romance scam that went on so long that it left the woman in financial turmoil and ended up being a reason she lost her business. She said the Better Business Bureau encourages people to use private settings on their social media accounts to limit information scammers can use against someone. Ferguson said scammers can keep relationships “going for a long time. The pictures they are using are of a real person, it’s just not who they’re talking to. They are very demanding, they always want more. A lot of times I have seen it where there is an exchange of three or four texts and the person is instantly like ‘I love you, I want to be with you.’ A lot of times with these older people they lose their spouse or something like that and they get lonely. These scammers will
take advantage of that,” Ferguson said. He said one early warning sign that someone may be up to no good is use of incorrect grammar or spelling because some scammers come from non-English-speaking countries. He also said to not buy prepaid gift cards requested remotely because those are untraceable and many times related to scams.
Beware of pop-ups Pop-up messages on a home computer can also be a snake waiting in the grass for non-tech-savvy users, according to Ferguson. The pop-up message might tell the user that the computer has a virus and provide a phone number to call for resolving the problem. “Then they convince them to download some type of ‘Teamviewer’ or ‘Anydesk.’ I recommend never downloading those,” Ferguson said. “They say, ‘We are trying to remove this virus. All we need is payment through a prepaid gift card,’ and once that happens, it’s done.” Ferguson said he recently investigated a case of a computer
virus scam where an elderly man lost $150,000 and was going to lose another $50,000 before his bank stopped him. Ferguson said he cautions people to not call numbers they see on pop-up ads, and to take their computers to a local business if they believe they have a virus. He also says scammers can impersonate banks and that if someone receives a text or call from their bank, hang up and call that bank to ensure security. Ferguson believes the vast majority of cases where money is lost in scams are not even reported. He said he believes that embarrassment can play a role, but he encourages those that are scammed to report it to their financial institution, then the police. He said if the scam involves a wire transfer and authorities act fast enough they can return the money, but most of the time “that money is gone,” Ferguson said. He said there is usually no path toward reimbursement once a person is scammed out of their money because of overseas transfers and the complexity of the scams. Pruitt said she also sees insurance scams, cryptocurrency scams and Decatur Living 50 Plus 45
investment scams. She said in order to combat these scams, hang up the phone and call the person the potential scammer represented himself or herself to be. She also said don’t take the word of a random contact about financial products unless you are an expert in that area. She said she has seen entire churches get wrapped up in investment scams due to believing scammers.
Targeting seniors Andrea Hunt, associate professor of sociology at the University of North Alabama, said there are multiple reasons elderly people are targeted in scams. “There might be a perception of vulnerability. Whether this is real or not, there are often these stereotypes as they are aging. There is also some perception that people who
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are older have more money, more savings, they may have a retirement plan, they’ve had a longer time to accumulate wealth,” said Hunt. She said that perception of vulnerability can come because many older people are socially isolated or lack a support network. She said older generations also can be more trusting, which opens them up to these scams. “Older adults are more likely to face identity theft or phishing attempts because they are interacting a lot with medical providers, government agencies through maybe Medicare and these areas are susceptible to security breaches,” Hunt said. She said she encourages people not to act quickly, to take time and look at things before a decision is made. She encourages those that are scammed to contact the police and make a report because it’s unlikely the scam is an isolated incident and other people could be affected as well. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 43% of people who reported losing money to fraud in 2022 were between the ages of 20 and 29, while only 23% were between ages of 70 and 79. However, the data also shows that when people do have losses from fraud, elderly people lose the most money. People in their 20s lose on average $548 per loss, but people in their 70s lose almost double that, at $1,000, and people above their 70s lose the most money with $1,754 per loss. In 2022, 5.3 million Americans reported fraud, totaling $2.7 billion in losses. One in five people who were victims of imposter scams reported lost money.
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