Living 50 Plus Magazine June/July 2023

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ON THE COVER: Susan Thompson, left, tries on the wig and hat she wore while portraying the bird lady in a local production of “Mary Poppins.” Deanna Knox wears a headpiece from “Moana Jr.” Thompson and Knox led the revival of the Dream Weavers

July 4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it’s also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the nited tates, and his successor homas efferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed.

ccording to istory.com, dams and efferson were con dantes in the s. ut as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the nited tates government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history.

efferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to efferson s inauguration. he two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

Decatur-Morgan

community theater group. Photograph by Jeronimo Nisa. Cover design by Stephen Johnson.

THE NORTH ALABAMA BIRDING TRAIL

By ALABAMA MOUNTAIN LAKES TOURIST ASSOCIATION

The landscapes and natural resources of North Alabama make it a paradise for an amazing variety of both native and migratory birds. The region stretches from just an hour south of Nashville at the Alabama state line,

past Cullman into Blount County, and is known for outdoor recreation, fueled by its diverse landscape. Topography ranges from tupelo swamps to vast elds of wildflowers and towering forests to broad, open waters.

These varied habitats are home to a diverse mix of birds, varying with the seasons. Spring brings neotropical migrants on their journey northward. In summer, breeding woodland

A diversity of habitats makes for spectacular year-round and seasonal birding

One of the best places to spot a Bald Eagle is at Guntersville State Park

species including Pileated and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Great-crested Flycatchers, and Kentucky and Swainson’s warblers are abundant. Throughout the fall, migrant waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and a variety of raptors return to spend the winter. With winter, the majesty of Bald Eagles is on display in a variety of nesting areas and gulls and waterfowl are abundant.

The North Alabama Birding Trail is a collection of 51 sites throughout the region. They are as varied as the region itself and offer opportunities for everyone. From accessible overlooks to the untamed wilderness and from quiet winter nesting areas to dramatic spring migrations, this trail offers a window for viewing the vast diversity that makes birding so outstanding in North Alabama.

wo of the trail s most proli c sites are also the locations of popular annual birding events.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

3121 Visitor Center Road, Decatur, Alabama 35601

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is known as a premier wintering area for migratory birds. The varied habitats among its , acres include wetlands, pine and hardwood uplands, tributaries, swamps, impoundments, and agricultural elds. This diversity provides for an amazing variety of birdlife and makes the refuge fertile grounds for enjoying the great activity of bird watching. A heated wildlife observation building,

complete with spotting scopes, as well as a photo blind makes viewing ducks, geese, raptors, and an occasional bald eagle easily accessible for all, from the comfort of a heated building at Wheeler NWR. Home to the annual Festival of the Cranes, the refuge is a stopover for thousands of Sandhill Cranes each January as well as a host of other wintering waterfowl. The free two-day event includes workshops, birding walks, and presentations at a variety of local venues.

Lake Guntersville State Park

1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976

his is a , acre par located along the shore of a e untersville. a e untersville tate ar hosts its annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, giving wildlife enthusiasts a chance to learn more about the magni cent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to eld trips to view local nesting areas, the weekends include live bird programs

Endorsedby:

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Guntersville State Park

and presentations from birding and wildlife experts from throughout the region.

Other top birding spots in the region include:

De Soto State Park

1299 Blalock Drive NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967

De oto tate ar , which sits atop scenic oo out Mountain, is known for its many rushing waterfalls

and fragrant wildflowers. It is spectacular in spring and fall and is said to offer an une ualed display of woodland bird species found in the southeastern United States.

Hays Nature Preserve

7153 Highway 431 S Owens Crossroads, Huntsville, Alabama 35763

Hays Nature Preserve

Hays Nature Preserve is an amazing site, easily accessible from the city of untsville. ith miles of trails that follow the Flint River and wind through bottomlands and swamps, it is home to reat lue and reen erons, elted ing shers, and in winter, Wilson’s Snipe.

Monte Sano State Park

5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Monte Sano State Park, along with spectacular views from the ridge of the umberland lateau, offers ample birding opportunities. Indigo Buntings, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Red-eyed Vireos can be seen along the trails. The verloo is an excellent site for the fall flight of southbound raptors.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Old Hwy 20, Mooresville, Alabama

This scenic boardwalk leads visitors into the heart of the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama. The canopy is home to Tufted Titmice, Red-eyed Vireos, and warblers. Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great-crested Flycatcher, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo can also be found.

From I-565, the trailhead can be accessed by taking Exit ounty ine d , turn right south on ounty ine d, crossing over the interstate. ithin . mile, turn right on ld

wy , this road travels past an industrial area and dead ends at the trailhead in about 2 miles after running parallel to the interstate. For more, go to www.NorthAlabama.org.

Monte Sano State Park

Great part-time jobs for retirees

Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce

By METRO NEWS

Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever they aspire to do.

As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees nd it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of wor ing. s current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living, meaning that seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury. Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain. But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce full-time. That can make part-time employment an ideal t for mature wor ers.

Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good t for older adults reentering the wor force.

Retail sales associate

Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, and helping customers select merchandise. Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when wor ing in retail. any stores offer part time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customi ed.

Consultant

Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The alance oney, individuals often nd they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. onsulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction. e or she may wor ain a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.

School positions

Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also en oy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist

eceptionists greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones and light clerical work also may be re uired of receptionists. hose who want to wor off peak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. eniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Retired teachers restarted community theater company, which reaches thousands

Susan Thompson, left, and Deanna Knox restarted the Dream Weavers community theater group after retiring and have helped it thrive. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

Two months before Susan Thompson retired as the drama teacher at Austin High chool in , she began ma ing plans for a pro ect to ll her time. She called her good friend and fellow theater lover Deanna Knox.

“I answered the phone and Susan said, ‘Hey, do you want to restart Dream Weavers with me?’ I said, ‘Yes,’” said Knox, who excitedly recalled the conversation.

Since that moment six years ago, Thompson and Knox, who retired in as the drama teacher at eon heffield agnet chool, have reached hundreds of actors and thousands of spectators through Dream Weavers, a community theater group.

“There was already some momentum in the theater community built up because Bank Street Players

a Decatur based community theater group had re formed a few years before. The idea of restarting Dream Weavers seemed like it should happen next. When you get those ideas flowing, you ust have to go with them,” Thompson said.

As retired drama teachers, both nox, , and hompson, , now the importance of exposing children and the community to the arts.

“Theater gives people a place to belong,” Knox said. “It also teaches children about teamwork

Director Susan Thompson works with the cast of Dream Weavers’ “Frozen Jr.” in 2020 [DECATUR DAILY FILE]

Susan Thompson, as Golde, third from left, rehearses a scene in Bank Street Players’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2017. [DECATUR DAILY FILE]

and communication and gives them con dence.

Neither Knox, who graduated from Austin High, nor Thompson, who graduated from Decatur High, participated in theater as children.

“I have always loved to sing and was the teacher in our class play in the fth grade, but my rst community theater show wasn t until with the Decatur Civic Chorus. It was ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and I was Dolly,” Knox said. “From that point on, theater was a huge part of my life.”

i e nox, hompson s rst exposure to the performing arts came through singing.

“I grew up in a musical family. I was always surrounded by music,” Thompson said. “In high school, I tried out for Decatur Civic Chorus shows, but wasn’t really involved with theater.”

er rst theatrical experience came when Decatur High staged “My Fair ady her unior year.

“Back then Decatur High did one show every four years,” Thompson

said. “None of my friends were in theater and it was something I’d never done before, but it felt right. In theater, I found my happy place.”

TEACHING DRAMA

Thompson’s theater education continued at Auburn University, where she minored in theater, sang with the Auburn singers and acted in plays.

When she returned to Decatur after graduation, Thompson immersed herself in the community theater scene, playing the role of do nnie, her rst speaking role, in “Oklahoma,” opposite of Knox, who played Aunt Eller. Thompson also directed “The Elves and the Shoemaker” for Dream Weavers.

During the s and s, the heyday of community theater in Decatur, Thompson and Knox were mainstays of the scene, performing in shows, directing and serving on the Dream Weavers board.

Their passion for theater extended to the schools.

nox, who taught at a eview, Francis Nungester and Austinville,

ended her career with Decatur City Schools at the magnet school, teaching drama. eon heffield s annual shows at the Princess Theatre averaged more than children.

Thompson retired after 25 years as a Decatur City Schools educator, including years at Frances Nungester and 15 years at Austin High.

“Deanna had an amazing drama program at eon heffield and I inherited a very strong drama program at Austin High,” Thompson said. “We knew the type of talent we had here in Decatur and wanted them to have opportunities beyond the school system. That’s why we need Dream Weavers.”

The inaugural season after the reorganization of Dream Weavers featured “Charlotte’s Web” with a cast of , illy on a r.” with a cast of and the patriotic show merican Made.” Those numbers brought assurance to Thompson and Knox.

“We felt pretty excited about the turnout. It was way, way above what we expected. We were amazed by how many people came out,” Knox said.

“The comment had been made to us, ‘Oh, I hope it will survive because kids are so busy these days.’ It made me scared for that rst season, hompson said. “But from the beginning we have had so much support from the community. This was something the community was yearning for.”

For the rst three seasons, Thompson and Knox directed every Dream Weavers show, working for free hundreds of hours to ensure, when the curtain rose, everything, from the sets to the costumes to the lighting to the acting, was top quality.

“We have a vast amount of talent within our community. It is amazing. I feel like our community is blessed and I feel like our community has welcomed and embraced theater,” Knox said.

Susan Thompson, left, and Deanna Knox, right, perform in the musical “Oklahoma” in the early 1980s. They are longtime members of the local theater community. Thompson played Ado Annie in “Oklahoma” and Knox portrayed Aunt Eller. [COURTESY PHOTO]

KEEPING UP TRADITION

Some of that talent was cultivated through the original Dream Weavers theater company, which was active in the community in the s, s and s. auren antrell, theater director at Calhoun Community ollege, acy adner, drama teacher at eon heffield, udith ar , former drama teacher at Decatur High School, and Courtney Kellough, former drama teacher at Austin High School, all grew up in Dream Weavers.

Drew Sybert, who starred as Buddy in F presented by Dream eavers and an treet layers in and directed Dream eavers production of “Snow White,” also has roots in the community theater group.

“I remember being in the magnet system in Decatur City Schools and they would take us to see shows a lot at the Princess Theatre. Dream Weavers was on the forefront of the shows we would see. To be able to see those types of things right here where I was growing up was magical as a kid,” Sybert said.

In , ybert auditioned for his rst Dream eavers production and landed the lead role of Troy in “High School Musical” directed by Thompson.

“It was a fantastic experience and put me on that creative career path and made me con dent to go out into the world,” Sybert said. “My goal for a long time has been to try to gain experience and bring it back to my community and do what Susan and Deanna and Dream Weavers did for me. Susan and Deanna are driving forces in the performing arts in this town.”

Sybert will direct Bank Street Players’ summer production “The ittle ermaid on uly at the Princess Theatre. Cantrell will direct Dream Weavers’ summer production “Hello Dolly,” starring Thompson as Dolly Madison, on July 14-16 at the Princess Theatre.

The next generation of theater leaders includes Knox’s niece Whitney Miles, who will become the director of Austin High’s drama program beginning July 31.

Watching the next generation of leaders in the community theater scene step up elates Thompson and Knox.

“It makes getting old not so bad,” Knox said.

“It also gives us assurance that as we bac off and let someone else ta e over, those young people can take over. We are leaving it in great hands,” Thompson said.

“Maybe better hands,” Knox said with a laugh.

For tickets to “Hello Dolly” and “The ittle ermaid, go to princesstheatre.org.

“If there ever was a time in the city of Decatur where somebody wants to know what the arts are like here, it is now,” Thompson said. “The casts for ello Dolly and he ittle ermaid are amazing.”

Seeing the growth of the arts in Decatur from 15 years ago to now amazes Thompson and Knox.

“Having the arts here gives a whole different element to our city, which provides so much for people that are outdoorsy. The performing arts makes our city more colorful,” Thompson said. “Decatur is saturated in all types of art. People don’t realize how much joy art whether it’s performance or visual brings. When you have it so available, sometimes you take it for granted. We are very lucky.”

ONE-ON-ONE WITH DEANNA KNOX AND SUSAN THOMPSON

Do you prefer to act or direct?

Knox: I love to act, but there is something about watching your vision come alive as a director. I wish I had words to describe it. I know what I want to see as a director, but

Susan Thompson, left, and Deanna Knox perform in the 1981 production of the musical “Oklahoma” in Decatur. [COURTESY PHOTO]

Susan Thompson, left, and Deanna Knox have shared a friendship and numerous collaborations in Decatur community theater. This photo was taken while they worked on a production of “Angel By My Side,” a play written by Decatur native Darren Butler. [COURTESY PHOTO]

most times, the cast members go over and beyond that. They make it come alive much more than what I see in my head.

Thompson: At the stage of life I’m in right now, I feel like my stage time is a little more limited, so performing, right now, makes my heart skip a little faster. But there is nothing like taking a book and, several months later, seeing it come to life on the stage.

What is one of your favorite roles?

Knox: Miriam the librarian in “The Music Man.” Susan directed that. Another favorite was “Grease.” My husband, Ronnie, and I did that in 1986. Kim Chaney, who is awesome, directed it. Ronnie was Roger and I was Marty.

Thompson: I enjoyed being the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Peter Pan was also one of my favorite roles.

What shows that you directed stand out to you?

Knox: “Grease.” I just really love “Grease.” It is one of my favorite shows and is so much fun with great music. I directed it for Dream Weavers and both my daughter and

my son were in it. My other favorite was F It was enchanting and Drew Sybert was absolutely amazing. The role of Buddy was made for him.

Thompson: igh chool usical in . It was brand new and we were the rst group in the area to do it. Back then we were selling general admission tickets. Drew Sybert played Troy and Judith Park played Gabrielle. We about got knocked down by the people when we opened the doors. We sold out every show. It was just great. You could feel the electricity in the air.

Expert reveals ‘Grandparent scam,’ ‘Romance scam’ and others targeting seniors of Alabama

By METRO NEWS

According to the consumer sentinel network data book, , mericans over the age of reported being the victims of fraud last year, totaling a loss of , , million dollars. Fraudsters often take advantage of those who aren’t tech-savvy, so familiarizing yourself with scams can lead to preventing the fraudsters from being successful. Cybersecurity expert Brandon King from Home Security Heroes has compiled a list of tips to spot and prevent fraud.

According to the consumer sentinel network data book, , mericans over the age of reported being the victims of fraud in .

Alabama ranked as the ninth state where the most fraud was reported in . here were over , cases of elder fraud reported.

What is elder fraud and who are the targets?

Fraudsters target seniors in elder fraud by tricking them into giving sensitive information or offering fa e nancial bene ts. erpetrators could be strangers or nown to the

elderly, like family, friends or colleagues, and victims can lose their savings and suffer devastating conse uences.

Older adults are a prime target for fraudsters. They normally target victims in retirement or close to retirement as they have a steady income, excellent credit history, and more savings than younger people.

The most common scams for elders to look out for:

• Grandparent scams: Scammers often pose as the victim’s grandchild to dupe seniors into sending money urgently for emergency expenses like overdue rent or car

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repairs. They often ask for secrecy, and in one case, an elderly woman in hio was scammed of , by someone posing as law enforcement in .

• Romance scams: Romance scams often target women and above, but men can be victims too. cammers will usually target seniors who have lost their spouses and are looking for companionship. An example would be perpetrators requesting money transfers or gift card vouchers sent to an email address.

• False charity scams: Fraudsters may pose as representatives from a real charity or create ctitious charity organizations. They can make calls, text, or send emails. In some cases, they may even visit seniors in person. False charity schemes commonly happen after a signi cant event, like a health crisis, global socio-political campaigns, or a natural disaster.

• Medical scams: Seniors may feel overwhelmed by edicaid, edicare, the ffordable are ct, and the recurring complexity of the healthcare system. This can make them vulnerable to criminals. Scammers may impersonate Medicare representatives to entice seniors into disclosing personal information like Social Security numbers.

Protecting seniors from scams is crucial, as scammers use various methods to steal personal information and money. To avoid falling victim, seniors and their loved ones should research charities, verify emails and phone calls, and

be cautious of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.

Tips to prevent seniors from being scammed:

• Stay connected to your loved ones to prevent isolation, which makes seniors more vulnerable to scams.

• Never share sensitive information to anyone other than those you trust.

• Create strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them.

• imit online shopping to trusted retailers and chec for secure websites.

• Never click on suspicious links in emails, social media messages, texts, or take calls from fake caller IDs.

• Monitor monthly banking statements for signs of identity theft or unauthorized accounts. Shred statements before disposing of them.

• Protect social media accounts by only accepting friend requests from people they know, updating privacy settings, and using multi-factor authentication. Delete messages from strangers and avoid odd payment types.

If you nd yourself a victim of elder fraud, document everything that has happened, including phone call logs, text messages, and emails, and report the scam to the Federal rade ommission F and the person s ban and credit card providers. File a report with the local police and change all passwords to stronger ones, including social media accounts and investment pro les, setting different passwords for each site and enabling 2-Factor Authentication.

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Memorable ways to celebrate DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY

The following are some ways to make this year’s day for dads one to remember.

By METRO NEWS

Dads do a lot for their families, and Father’s Day is the perfect time to ac nowledge those efforts. he days when dads would receive a colorful necktie for Father s Day are largely and, for fathers, than fully a relic of the past. Modern Father’s Day celebrations tend to involve more careful planning, and the following are some ways to make this year’s day for dads one to remember.

· Take Dad on a tour through his own history. The popularity of genealogy has skyrocketed over the last decade plus, as various rms have made it easier than ever for individuals to trace their family histories. If Dad counts himself among the millions across

the globe interested in their family histories, moms and kids can work together to create a virtual tour through that history. Present the history as a printed book or as a video, sharing interesting things you learned about Dad’s ancestors but also highlighting key moments in his life. This presentation can be accompanied by a subscription to a genealogy service and a tour of some of Dad’s childhood haunts before the family enjoys brunch or dinner in the neighborhood where Dad grew up.

· Take to the great outdoors. Father’s Day is celebrated in mid-June, making the day a perfect time to en oy the great outdoors weather permitting . lan a day around Dad’s favorite outdoor activity. If Dad is an avid sherman, boo a family outing on a charter boat so Dad can focus on catching sh and not navigating. If Dad loves

being in natural settings, camp out the night before Father’s Day so he can wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the crisp morning air. If Dad has a favorite baseball team, take him out to the ballgame so he can soak up some Father’s Day sun.

· Book a private chef. If Dad has a fascination with food, perhaps nothing can make Father’s Day more memorable than a delicious meal served by a private chef. Private chefs will do all the work, giving moms and kids more time to spend with Dad throughout the day, and then the whole family can enjoy a special meal made by someone whose specialty is crafting delicious dinners. fferings vary, but many private chefs handle all the cooking and cleaning. Identify Dad’s favorite dish and then look for a chef who specializes in that type of cuisine.

· Appeal to Dad’s inner adventurer. Some Dads may just want to relax on Father’s Day, while others

may prefer a more adventurous celebration. If Dad falls into the latter group, book a fun and adventurous activity the whole family can enjoy together. A kayaking trip, a skydiving session, a round of paintball, or even tickets to a rock concert on Father’s Day weekend can connect Dad with his inner adventurer.

There’s no shortage of ways for families to make this Father’s Day one Dad won’t soon forget.

Who invented THE BANANA SPLIT?

Did you know that in 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in July? Now you do.

Ice cream a cionados en oy it in many different forms from cups to cones - but sundaes truly can be the ultimate treat. The impressive and often enormous “banana split” may be the king of all sundaes, with ice cream shops scooping them out in record numbers when the weather warms. Because banana splits are so large, they’re often the perfect desserts to share on date night.

When taking a spoonful of a banana split, some people may ponder where this sweet reward came from. As with many food origin stories, various people lay claim to the inventor of the banana split. A trusted historical account points to atrobe, a. as the home of the rst banana split. egend has it that atrobe

pharmacy owner David Strickler sliced a banana in two, added scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, three inds of flavored toppings, and whipped cream in . tric ler also enlisted the help of a glassmaker to create the rst banana boat vessel to house his newfangled dessert.

WONDERS

Carving birds becomes passion for Danny Rodgers

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

In , wooden bird sculptures at Calhoun Community College’s Wildfowl Festival captivated the imagination of a then year old Danny Rodgers.

“They were amazing. I thought one done by Dir ibrans of Decatur was a stuffed bird. I came home and that s all I could talk about,” Rodgers said.

That Christmas, Rodgers’ older sister, Melea, gifted him a book on carving wood.

“That’s how I learned. I did two or three, but never got a chance to show them because they quit having the festival,” Rodgers said.

Thirty years would pass before Rodgers, a retired real estate broker, would return to wood carving.

Rodgers credits the establishment of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in , the opening of the labama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur in , the creation of iver lay Fine rts Festival in and the forming of the Festival of the Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife

efuge in for re igniting his interest.

“I thank Decatur for what they started doing downtown and how they celebrate the arts. I never would’ve thought when I was in high school that Decatur would become what it has become and is still becoming. It’s something else,” the 62-year-old Rodgers said.

Born in 1961 in Florence, Rodgers moved to Decatur in 1962 with his parents and two sisters. Growing up, Rodgers would draw while listening to his mother play the piano.

Woodworker Danny Rodgers won best in show at the Carnegie’s Embracing Art show for his carving of a whooping crane out of tupelo wood. [JERONIMO NISA]

“My mother has art in her genes. I think music and art go hand in hand. She would always play the piano at home and still does,” Rodgers said.

After graduating from Austin High School, Rodgers attended the University of Alabama in hopes of walking on the football team. He was a member of the team for 2½ years before being diagnosed with diabetes.

While at Alabama, he took one art class.

“I would have loved to study art, but my father wanted me to get into business administration, so that is

what I did,” Rodgers said. “After I did those few bird sculptures in the early s, I didn t do anything with art for decades.”

The establishment of River Clay, the Carnegie and the Alabama Center for the Arts rekindled Rodgers’ interest in wood carving.

“Seeing the works of other artists and knowing I could possibly get the chance to show my work to the public through the arts center and the Carnegie got me very excited,” Rodgers said.

e transformed a by foot outdoor storage room at his Southeast Decatur home into a workshop and started collecting books and tools, including bandsaws, drill pieces, razor blades, carving knives and a foredom tool.

I ve had the foredom since I rst started carving. You have to have it if you are going to carve birds,” Rodgers said.

ne of the rst carvings odgers completed featured a snow goose made of pine.

“It was so hard. I got the boards of pine from Home Depot and glued them

together to come out with a big block and carved away from that,” Rodgers said. “I tried balsa wood, but it gets real fussy when you try to carve it with a power tool. Someone eventually told me about tupelo wood. It’s like carving butter. There is hardly any grain and it is so soft. It’s all I use now.”

Rodgers used tupelo wood he ordered online to carve a whooping crane, which won best in show at the mbracing rts show at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. The sculpture, which measures inches long and features a whooping crane standing on one leg, took Rodgers a year to complete.

The award surprised Rodgers, who previously placed third at the show in for a sculpture of a reater Yellowlegs” and received honorable mention in for an labama Yellow Hammer” carving.

“I was shocked,” Rodgers said. “I couldn’t go to the awards ceremony at the Carnegie, so I had no idea about the award until I logged onto Facebook at p.m. and saw a congratulatory note from Noel King. I didn’t believe it. I called my mother and she was almost

Danny Rodgers in 2017 at the Alabama Center for the Arts with the snow goose he carved out of pine. [COURTESY PHOTO]

in tears. Even though it’s just a local art show, I’m very proud. It means a lot to me.”

he mbracing rts show included wor s of art from professional and amateur artists.

Rodgers opted to carve the whooping crane and a sandhill crane

because of the annual Festival of the Cranes held at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

“I love the refuge. I go two times a week to look at the birds,” said Rodgers who used to duc hunt and sh at the refuge. “That place is something else. That place is heaven on Earth and

the people that don’t go and visit that place are just missing out. Whenever I have artist s bloc , I ta e my abrador Boone and go to the refuge. When you start seeing all that wildlife, it provides motivation.”

Rodgers is currently carving a lifesize great blue heron.

I love birds. ntil I get pro cient with them, I’m not going to try to do other animals. Eventually, though, I would like to do a red fox because we have a lot of them where I live,” Rodgers said.

When starting a sculpture, Rodgers turns to boo s and the internet to nd images of a bird.

“One day there was a yellowhammer in my back yard. I decided to carve one since it is our state bird. I probably looked at hundreds of photos before I decided on what pose to use,” Rodgers said.

nce he decides on the pro le, he sketches out the image on a piece of paper with 1-inch squares and creates a side view and overhead views. After

Danny Rodgers carved a whooping crane out of tupelo wood. [COURTESY PHOTO].

Danny Rodgers carved each feather of the whooping crane by hand. [COURTESY PHOTO]

placing the side and overhead views on a block of wood so the eyes, tail and beak line up, Rodgers takes a bandsaw and carves the outline of the sculpture.

“After that you have a rough image of the bird. Then I start carving with knives and rounding the edges. Once you start carving detail, it is up to what you want it to look like in your mind,” Rodgers said.

For inspiration, Rodgers also turns to Floyd Scholtz’s Facebook page.

“He is the best in the world when it comes to carving birds,” Rodgers said. “I go to his page for motivation.”

Along with carving wood, Rodgers occasionally paints.

“I gave one small painting of a duck stamp to a friend when I was younger. After that, I didn’t paint until recently. I’m still

learning. I’ve shown a couple of paintings at the Carnegie and the art center, but I’d rather do wooden birds. The only problem with the carvings is you can’t have prints made out of those. You have one and that is it,” Rodgers said.

Every day, Rodgers, who oversees the Charleston Place office building, which his father established, on Fourteenth treet outheast, nds time to create art whether painting at his office or carving wood at home.

“I love art. That’s what I’d rather do than anything. And I’m too crippled to do anything else. I’m 62, have had two back surgeries and two shoulder surgeries, thanks to football, and triple bypass, thanks to diabetes,” Rodgers said. “Art is what keeps me sane. It is what I love doing. It’s what keeps me going.”

Danny Rodgers earned best in show at the Embracing Art exhibit for his wood carving of a whooping crane. [JERONIMO NISA]

By METRO NEWS

Awareness of the importance of recognizing mental health issues has grown considerably in recent years. Prominent individuals from various industries have come forward to speak about their struggles, and that has done much to remove the stigma that was long associated with mental health.

Though recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues has increased in recent years, there’s still much to be done, particularly regarding men and mental health. study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health noted that men have historically been more hesitant than women to seek help for mental health difficulties. hat hesitancy can have grave consequences, as the Centers for Disease Control

Though recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues has increased in recent years, there’s still much to be done, particularly regarding men and mental health.

and Prevention notes that men are more likely to die by suicide than women.

Recognition of the symptoms that suggest someone is experiencing mental health troubles could compel men to seek treatment or lead to their family members encouraging them to get help. The NIMH notes that men and women can experience the same mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, that does not mean their experiences will be the same. In fact, experiences can differ widely among men as well. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that men who exhibit stereotypically masculine personality traits often have worse mental health outcomes than men who do not exhibit such traits.

Despite the differences in responses to mental health issues, it’s still important for individuals to learn the symptoms of mental health issues. Such recognition may compel individuals to seek help for their own issues or serve as warning signs to concerned friends and family members, potentially prompting them to initiate discussions that can save a loved one’s life. According to the NIMH, the following are some symptoms of mental health problems.

· Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

· Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

· Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

· Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

· Increased worry or feeling stressed

· Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs

· Sadness or hopelessness

· Suicidal thoughts

· Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

· Engaging in high-risk activities

· Aches, headaches, and/or digestive problems without a clear cause

· Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

· Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

· Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people

The NIMH urges individuals in crisis or people who suspect someone is in crisis to call 911 or to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. More information about mental health can be found at nimh.nih.gov.

PASSING DOWN KNOWLEDGE

Guides at local museums teach guests and stay busy in retirement

By DEBORAH STOREY Living 50 Plus

Stay active. Make new friends. Inspire young people. Stay sharp. For seniors and retirees, these are great reasons to volunteer.

Another is that volunteering in the community just makes people feel good about themselves.

acy laten, volunteer coordinator at the Cook Museum of Natural

Science in Decatur, said the museum has roughly active volunteers right now and has had as many as through the years.

They explain exhibits in the galleries and assist with animal care, education, programs and administrative tasks.

“They are crucial to the day-to-day operations of the museum as well as the big picture, acy said. he ma ority, she gures, are senior citi ens.

“It’s a great place to be connected and involved in the community and

to help with kids of all ages learning about science, especially for the retired community,” she said.

“It’s a great spot to do all of those things locally. Even if it’s not working with the public there are still many opportunities.”

oulton resident arry ast retired from in Decatur in and volunteers at Cook’s among other places.

“I realized that in retirement I needed some things to do, ast said.

He loves kids. He and his wife raised and home schooled .

ast heard about the oo useum and attended a volunteer recruitment session before it even opened.

“I talked to them and realized that it was something I de nitely wanted to do in retirement,” he said.

ast is what s called a gallery explainer, which means he is on the floor interacting with guests during his shift.

“I get to talk science, basically, and most of the time to kids,” said the

year old. I en oy it. I do it one day a week. I work a four-hour shift, typically.”

He likes talking to school groups but interacts with anyone who happens to come through the science museum, from families with young children to retirees.

“Four- and 5-year-olds are going to ask me pretty basic questions,” he said.

For instance, the museum has an exhibit with live juvenile alligators in a tank.

“Sometimes kids will talk about the crocodiles and I’ll go over there and say, ow wait a minute, there s a difference between crocodiles and alligators,’ and explain the difference to them, he said.

At the popular snake exhibit, kids usually ask which ones are poisonous.

“I like that question because I always say, ‘There’s no such thing as a poisonous snake.’ And they’ll look at me like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And I say, ‘Snakes are venomous.’

ast, who has a h.D. in chemistry, tutors chemistry and physics and teaches Sunday school. A former Boy Scout leader, he works with an adventure and leadership program for boys in grades called rail ife. e s also president of the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Moulton.

ast volunteers at the library, too, and reads to children. When someone else didn’t show up at Easter, “they had a 6-foot-3 Easter bunny,” he said with a laugh.

Obviously, he likes to stay on the go during his retirement years.

“You’ve got to have a plan when you retire. Otherwise you sit in your recliner and you watch TV,” he said. “My wife

accuses me of being busier now than when I was working, and it’s probably true.”

Explaining rocket science

Craig Sumner has been volunteering at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in untsville since , even though he is still wor ing at almost age .

“I thought I would retire at age 55, when I was a young person,” he joked.

For someone who was interested in the space program as a youth, Sumner’s timing to enter the wor eld was excellent. He started in a co-op program with NASA in 1969, six months after the rst moon landing. e wor ed on the lunar rover with the Apollo 15, 16 and crews. e has a picture of himself wearing astronaut im ovell s training suit.

As a volunteer, Sumner loves being able to spend time in the Space & Rocket Center environment and tell stories.

“It’s my playroom in a sense because a lot of the hardware that’s out there, I got to work on,” Sumner said. “I get to share some of those experiences.”

Sumner tells young people “if you can dream about it, you can go do it.”

Terry Carver of Decatur also works as a Space & Rocket Center docent. The center has two types of volunteer docents, he explained, those who worked in the space program and others from the military.

“We’re retired military and generally we do volunteer work with Aviation Challenge,” said the Decatur resident. is wife ynne has volunteered at the center as well.

“We’re always looking for more military and NASA docents,” said arver, .

During his 26 years in the Air Force, Carver was a crew chief and aircraft technician. ne of the rst airframes he ever worked on was a C-5A. He knows the difference between the and aircraft, too, so he can talk knowledgeably about the planes on display. When he gives tours these days, he can discuss programs he was involved with in his younger days but couldn’t talk about at the time.

IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO BE CONNECTED AND INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO HELP WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES LEARNING ABOUT SCIENCE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE RETIRED COMMUNITY.

Larry Last talks to students in the Forests exhibit of the Cook Museum of Natural Science. Last retired from 3M in Decatur in 2017 and volunteers at the museum — among other places. [JERONIMO NISA]

During his service the Carvers were stationed at some great locations, including Germany, Spain and Greece.

e could drive across ve different countries, ust about, on a long Sunday drive,” he said. He was assigned to Germany at an ama ing time in history days before the erlin all came down.

Volunteers stay active

Carver retired from the military at age 45, then worked as a college professor for years and spent another years at SAIC.

In addition to volunteering at the the Space & Rocket Center, Carver works at Habitat for Humanity and volunteers to usher for ballets, plays and concerts at the Von Braun Center.

Volunteering is a great way to stay active and engaged, said the still-energetic Carver.

“It keeps me going. I get up and go every day. Except when I tore my shoulder last year I don’t sit around in front of the TV,” he said.

umner offers another good reason for seniors to volunteer.

“It’s an opportunity for me to give something back,” said Sumner. “I’ve been so blessed in my life and career.

“When you can save a company and taxpayers money by taking these highly passionate engineers and pointing them in the right direction” to help with needs in the community, he said, everyone bene ts.

For seniors looking for volunteer opportunities, the Volunteer Center of Morgan County website lists a number of ways to get involved. The center is always looking for people who can help with minor home repairs, grass mowing, building wheelchair ramps, collecting for critical needs and helping to shop for Christmas programs. Even fun events like the Dragon Boat Races at Point Mallard use volunteers.

Other places to check for volunteer opportunities include schools, hospice programs and United Way.

Larry Last asks students if they can tell to which animal the horn belongs during a school’s field trip to the Cook Museum of Natural Science. He began pursuing volunteer opportunities at the 4-year-old museum before it even opened. [JERONIMO NISA]

100 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH:

Historical events from June 1923

By METRO NEWS

The month of June has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in June 1923.

▸ The Polo Grounds in New York City hosts a boxing match between Frenchman Eugène Criqui and Johnny Kilbane on June 2. Among those in attendance to see Criqui knock out Kilbane in the sixth round was New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth, who arrived after a game at Yankee Stadium earlier in the day.

▸ n une , men begin what becomes a , mile voyage in a single lifeboat after they are forced to abandon the British cargo ship Trevessa as it begins to founder in the Indian Ocean.

▸ The Soviet Army defeats what is left of the White Army near Okhotsk on June 6, ending what proves to be the last major battle of the Russian Civil War.

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▸ On June 8, a bill is passed in the British House of Commons granting women the right to divorce their husbands on the grounds of in delity without having to prove cruelty or desertion.

▸ Bulgarian Prime Minister Aleksandar Stamboliyski is toppled in a bloodless coup orchestrated by a private organi ation of reserve officers on une . hough tamboliys i survived the coup long enough to flee to his home village of Slavovitsa, he is ultimately killed on June 14 by members of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, a group that had attempted to assassinate him four months earlier.

▸ egendary actor on haney gets the girl in he hoc , an merican silent lm released on une . Though Chaney often played characters who did not get the girl, “The Shock” ends with Chaney’s character, gangster Wilse Dilling, beginning a new life with Gertrude, whose freedom is assured thanks to a timely earthquake.

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▸ On June 12, magician Horace Goldin is granted a patent for the popular illusion of sawing a woman in half.

▸ ou ehrig ma es his debut for the New York Yankees on June 15. Gehrig replaces rst baseman ally ipp in the ninth inning, though this was not the most notable time Gehrig replaced Pipp. That would occur nearly two years later on June 2, 1925, when Gehrig started at rst base and too over for the slumping Pipp. Though the moment Gehrig replaced Pipp in the starting lineup is often remembered as the start of Gehrig’s consecutive games streak that would ultimately last nearly 14 years, the streak actually began a day earlier when the man eventually nicknamed “The Iron Horse” pinch hit for Pee-Wee Wanninger in the eighth inning.

▸ Scores of people cross the border from Northern Ireland into the neighboring Irish Free tate on une as a ban on unday alcohol sales goes into effect in the former locale.

▸ The popular newspaper comic strip “Moon Mullins” debuts on June 19. The strip ran until June 2, 1991.

▸ United States President Warren G. Harding departs ashington, D. ., on une to begin a cross country speaking tour. President Harding would never return to the nation’s capital, dying unexpectedly on August 2.

▸ ur ey hosts the rst general elections in the nation s history on June 28.

Lou Gehrig made his debut for the New York Yankees on June 15, 1923.

Impress guests with homemade burgers this Fourth of July

This recipe for “Mushroom and Swiss Burgers with Bacon and Aioli” from “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) by Will Budiaman is sure to make your Fourth of July festivities more flavorful.

By METRO NEWS

Backyard barbecues are a staple of summertime. In fact, many Fourth of July celebrations just wouldn’t feel right without hamburgers and hot dogs coo ing over an open flame in the bac yard. Burgers may not qualify as fancy fare, but they’re perfect for Independence Day celebrations. This year, party hosts can add a little something extra to their barbecues by whipping up some homemade hamburgers. This recipe for «Mushroom and Swiss Burgers with Bacon and Aioli» from he ssential amado rill oo boo oc ridge ress by ill udiaman is sure to ma e your Fourth of uly festivities more flavorful.

Mushroom and Swiss Burgers with Bacon and Aioli

Serves 4

8 bacon slices

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds ground beef Swiss cheese slices kaiser rolls, split cup aioli see below

➀ repare the grill for direct grilling at F, then preheat a inch cast iron s illet on the grate with the lid closed.

➁ Put the bacon in the skillet. Close the lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until browned and crispy around the edges. Transfer to a plate.

➂ Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Close the lid and coo , stirring once, for to minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Season with salt and pepper.

➃ Meanwhile, in a large bowl, season the beef with pepper and teaspoons of salt. Using your hands, mix until just incorporated; form into four 1-inch-thick patties with a slight dimple in the center.

➄ Put the burgers on the grate. Close the lid and cook, flipping halfway through, for to minutes total for medium, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers F. If using store bought ground beef, always coo it to F, or well done. In the last minute of cooking, top the patties with the cheese to melt and place the rolls cut-side down on the grate to toast.

➅ Spread the aioli on the buns and assemble the burgers, dividing the bacon and mushrooms between them. Serve immediately.

Aioli

Makes 11/4 cups

1 large egg

1 cup vegetable oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled teaspoon osher salt

➀ Put the egg in the bowl of a small food processor. Blend until beaten.

➁ With the machine running, slowly stream in the oil through the feed tube until emulsi ed the mixture thic ens .

➂ Blend in the garlic and salt.

➃ Transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and use within days.

Troubleshooting: Is your aioli just not coming together, staying thin and runny instead of thickening? You may be streaming in your oil too quickly. But don’t throw out the batch. Instead, pour it into a small cup or bowl, wash and dry the bowl and blade of the food processor, and start again with a fresh egg. Use the previous batch as your «oil.»

By METRO NEWS

Maintaining physical and mental health often requires a multi-faceted approach. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are part of a healthy regimen, but those are not the only components of a healthy lifestyle.

obbies can have a positive effect on overall health. Hobbies can seem like ways to simply pass the time or alleviate boredom. But a deeper exploration could shed light on just how healthy hobbies can be. In fact, it is essential to carve out time for hobbies because they can be so bene cial.

According to a study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, participation in leisure activities positively influences self perceived well being and depressive symptoms. «The blue zone» refers to the areas of the world that have the longest-living people on the planet, which include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, among others. Participation in activities that bring out a creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for long-term health. They also can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and it can negatively affect energy, mood and sleep.

While most leisure activities regularly engaged in can have positive effects on health, those that focus on a

combination of physical and mental stimulation are most bene cial. omen loo ing to change their daily routines may want to focus on these health-boosting hobbies.

▸ Dancing: augh, sweat and learn some footwor in a dance class. It can ma e exercise fun for those who nd traditional exercise does not keep their attention.

▸ Kayaking: There’s something serene about being on the water away from the hustle of life on land. Kayaking strengthens the body, but the calm of taking in the water and scenery nourishes the mind. Experts agree that outdoor hobbies add another bene t since sunlight helps the body release neuroreceptors that trigger more positive thoughts.

▸ Gardening: Gardening is physical, requires planning, involves spending time outdoors, and yields tangible results through thriving plants. These are all factors that promote good health.

▸ Fostering animals: Fostering animals offers them an opportunity to spend time in domestic settings before being adopted by permanent owners. For the foster person, having a dog involves going out on walks and play sessions in the backyard. A sense of purpose comes from helping out needy animals, and this hobby also taps into physical wellness.

▸ Volunteering: Being a presence in your community can foster social engagement and boost emotional health. It also can keep you physically active.

Various hobbies can be good for the mind and body, which ma es it worth anyone s effort to ma e more time for recreation and leisure.

DID YOU KNOW?

Men and women may have more free time after than they had in previous decades. As children grow more independent and even leave the house, parents loo to various activities, including travel, to ll their free time. ravel is often seen as a luxury, but heading off for parts un nown can produce some serious health bene ts. A joint study from the Global Coalition on Aging and the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that women who vacation at least twice a year have a lower risk for heart attack than those who travel once every six years. The study also found that men who do not take annual vacations are at a signi cantly higher ris of death percent and heart disease percent than those who ma e who ta e time to get away each year. Vacations don’t even need to be long to produce signi cant, positive results. study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that a fourday long weekend vacation positively affected well being, recovery, strain, and perceived stress for as long as 45 days.

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Decatur-Morgan

WALK THROUGH TIME

Easy, self-guided walking tours provide glimpses into Decatur’s history

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

Stories of a church founded by slaves, a bank that served as a hospital during the Civil War and a riverboat captain and his girlfriend, a brothel madam, await participants in Decatur’s self-guided walking tours.

ith flat streets and at a pace set by each participant, the selfguided wal ing tours offer seniors an opportunity to exercise and explore the city s architecture, notable gures and religious, military and cultural history.

Three of the most historic areas in the city are Old Decatur in Northeast Decatur, Albany in Southeast Decatur and Old Town, Decatur’s oldest neighborhood dating bac to the s, in Northwest Decatur.

Information and pamphlets on the walking tours are available at visitdecatural.org/historic-walkingtours.

Old Town

Nestled between the railroad tracks on the east and labama on the north, Old Town, a primarily Black neighborhood, includes three of the four buildings in the city that survived the Civil War, including the Old State

Bank, the Burleson-Hines-McEntire House and the Dancy Polk House.

A digital walking tour of Old Town features a eside igh, the city s high school for Blacks during segregation, the ottage ome In rmary and Nursing Training School opened in and First issionary aptist Church, founded by slaves and designed

by allace . ay eld, the second licensed Black architect in America.

Once one of Decatur’s most vibrant areas, Old Town’s Vine Street also included clothing stores, meat markets, barber shops and a movie theater, many Black-owned, until urban renewal in the s s resulted in the ra ing of the buildings.

Decatur historian and author Peggy Towns, standing at a marker in Old Town, says that community included the Vine Street business district that “was like a city within itself.” [JERONIMO NISA].

“Prior to integration and urban renewal, Old Town was a vibrant and bustling predominantly Black working-class community. Everyone knew everyone,” said historian and author Peggy Allen Towns, who grew up in Old Town. “The neighborhood had a kinship. We were engaged with religious, social, political, education, cultural and civic matters.

“The Vine Street business district was like a city within itself. African Americans from local towns like Trinity, riceville, illsboro and edar a e would come to town on Saturdays to do their shopping. Old Town had many professionals, doctors, dentists, beauty shops, barbers, bookstores, groceries and eateries. While Blacks couldn’t visit white restaurants, both Vine and Bank streets had Black establishments that one could frequent.”

One of the statement structures in Old Town still standing is the Old State Bank, which served as a Union army hospital during the Civil War.

Other stops on the digital listing for the tour include Newcomb Street Church of Christ, the Turner-Surles Community Center, the Decatur Union Depot, the Morgan County Archives, King’s Memorial United Methodist Church, Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Etta Freeman Park, named for longtime educator and community activist Etta Freeman who will turn the last week in July.

The tour also features the future site of the Scottsboro Boys-CEOTA elebrating arly ld own with rt Civil Rights Museum. To access the information on the historic sites and Old Town, individuals can scan the QR codes that appear on the plaques.

To decide what sites to include on the digital tour, the committee, which included Towns, looked at places that would keep the legacy of Old Town alive.

“We looked at the few remaining buildings and sights and the historical signi cance to not ust this neighborhood but Decatur. Then we

set out to tell those stories, many forgotten or not even known,” Towns said. “I hope that people will leave knowing Old Town’s extraordinary history, not just that it is the oldest neighborhood in town and the rst mayor and rst blac alderman lived there, but also that it is accepted as a part of Decatur’s rich history. As people learn about the community, they are inspired by the pride and determination of these remarkable people and their contribution to our city.”

While in Old Town, stop by the corner of Bank and Vine streets where a marker detailing Decatur’s role in the women’s suffrage movement stands at the former site of the Echols Opera House. That is where activists Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt spoke in 1895 at the invitation of Ellen Hildreth, who, in the early s, formed a suffrage club in Decatur labama s rst.

Also, on Bank Street sits Simp McGhee’s, a restaurant named after the riverboat captain Simp McKee, whose girlfriend, ate ac ner, better nown as Miss Kate, was the madam of the brothel on Bank Street.

Old Decatur and Albany

Known for a variety of architectural styles, the historic districts of Old Decatur and lbany offer visitors a pee into the past.

Expect to see styles ranging from American Foursquare, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Second Empire to English cottage, Colonial Revival, art deco, bungalow and arts and crafts.

Among the notable homes is The Todd House on afayette treet Northeast. Built in 1836, the two-room Georgian house is one of the city’s four buildings that survived the Civil War.

In Albany, visit Delano Park, which lies between Sixth Avenue and Somerville Road Southeast and Gordon and Prospect drives. Carolyn Corner Smith, who was raised in Courtland and was labama s rst licensed female architect, designed several phases of the park, including the Rose Garden and the bathhouse. mong the homes and churches Smith designed is the stone house at 623 Grant St. Smith designed the home, which was built from stones quarried near Russellville, for her mother.

Other walking tours include:

• Civil War “Battle for Decatur” walking tour, which includes 11 historic sites and traces the fourday clash for Decatur in 1864 between Union and Confederate forces.

• Trail of Tears Walking Tour, which tells the story of Native Americans brought to Rhodes Ferry during their forced removal by the U.S. government in 183738. They walked from the banks of the Tennessee River, where they arrived on steamboat, to the railroad station, where they boarded westward bound trains.

• Freedom Pioneers walking tour, which focuses on Old Town’s historic churches, prominent figures, the Tommy Lee Hines Trial and the Scottsboro Boys Trial.

WHAT SENIORS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TEACHING AS A SECOND CAREER

By METRO NEWS

As seniors live longer, they may have opportunities to explore completely new career paths. After retirement, older adults may want to explore second careers that help them inspire a new generation of people. Teaching is one such career.

A person is never too old to teach if he or she feels capable. In fact, more mature teachers may be coveted because they could bring life experience, social s ills and flexibility to school districts. While there are certain protocols in place to become uali ed to teach, than s to teacher shortages brought on by the recent global pandemic, many states now offer shorter routes to classrooms with alternative teacher certi cation programs that may not require master’s degrees.

There are various reasons seniors may want to consider becoming teachers, and there are many teaching positions and opportunities for their consideration.

Substitute teacher

Seniors can begin their pursuits as substitute teachers. This option may not re uire any certi cation, and substitutes may only need to undergo

background checks for eligibility to work in schools. Substituting enables individuals to work only as much as they desire.

Adjunct professor

Certain colleges and universities hire professionals to teach industryspeci c college courses. For example, a certi ed public accountant may teach an introductory accounting class. Adjunct professors typically are those who are still employed in their elds, but it may be possible to do this as a second career as well. This could be an option for someone who would like to devote more time to teaching at an advanced level.

Elementary school or high school teacher

These positions will require the most dedication and potential certi cation in a speci c area, such as grade level or coursework. General education teaching requires a term commitment commensurate to the school year. And

that commitment will be ve days per wee . here may be more flexibility if one were to teach a speci c special concentration class, such as a foreign language or art. However, certain school districts require such educators to float from school to school in the district during the week.

Preschool teacher

Seniors who aspire to shape the minds and skills of younger children could be drawn to preschool education. Education and other certi cations to wor in such settings may vary depending on the school. This type of position is ideal for compassionate individuals who have the patience for youngsters who may be nervous about being away from home.

Teaching is a potential second career for seniors looking for new challenges after retirement. Most alternative route certi cation courses are now offered online, which can align with any applicant’s schedule.

There are various reasons seniors may want to consider becoming teachers, and there are many teaching positions and opportunities for their consideration.

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