HealthNEWS
March 2015
for Boomers and Beyond
To Your Good Health—Simple Things Help Make Healthy Aging Possible Have you noticed that the numbers in the phone book seem to be getting smaller? Do you find it harder to get down on your knees to look under the bed—and to get up again? There’s no question that age brings changes to our lives. And yes, some of them we’d prefer to avoid. Physically, for example, stiffening joints can make it harder to get around. And many people find that their shortterm memory just isn’t what it used to be. Often, difficult personal situations, such as the death of a spouse, can add to the negative changes. But age can bring positive changes too. One survey found that many older people say they have less stress and more time for family, interests and hobbies than they used to. In fact, the vast majority of older people report they are satisfied with their lives. To a great extent, what older age will be like for you depends on how you live now and how you cope with the changes that come your way. You may not be able to turn back time, but you can move in a direction that may make getting older easier and more pleasant. Here are a few pointers:
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Decide to have an active mind and body. Remember the adage “Use it or lose it.” Opt to be involved. Isolation can contribute to depression and other health problems. So keep connected to family and friends. Social connections can help ensure that you have physical and emotional support for what comes your way. Choose a healthy lifestyle. The advice you heard when you were younger still applies: Eat well, maintain a healthy weight, get enough rest, don’t smoke, do what you can to stay safe and see your doctor regularly. Relish your leisure time. Do things you enjoy, and allow yourself some downtime. Too much stress can contribute to a host of health problems. Practice healthy ways to cope. Believe in yourself, and remember: You can handle whatever comes your way. As you age, it’s important to keep a good relationship with your primary care physician. Your doctor can help you to stay healthy and active. If you do not have a primary care physician, call the Jackson Clinic at (334) 293-8888.
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
April 2015
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Volume 5 Issue 10
Carl Bard
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 6 Publisher’s Letter
page 32
Features
25 Alzheimer’s Care Be positive. Be practical. And reclaim joy.
Departments 12 This and That
Now You’re “In the Know”
32 Barnsley Resort Bucket List Adventure: in North Georgia.
38 Dance Hosts Boogie... For retirement centers and cruises.
8 Do You Want To Tri? Leigh Anne Richards 9 Walk of Life 10 Survival of the Fittest...TEAM! with Brandt McDonald 12 Mint Juleps, Bourbon, Horses and Hats... 13 Cloverdale Concert Series
44 {12} Things
Solutions for Bored Boomers
16 BOOM! Cover Profile
46 Greg Budell
19 BOOM! Advertising
COLONOSCOPY!
20 Dating Advice: your online dating profile 22 Preparing for Social Summer Months Dr. Thomas cawthon 26 Tell The Kids About Their Inheritance? Ask an Elder Law Attorney page 38
page 37
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28 MANE’s 2015 Course for Hope Auction 30 Time to Spring Clean…. Your Ears???
COVER PROFILE page 16
37 Ask Nancy: Caring for Aging Relatives 41 It’s About How You LIVE
page 15 page 14
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 6398 Eastwood Glen Pl., Montgomery, AL 36117. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2015 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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Publisher’s Letter
Hat Event of the Year! The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com Jim Watson, Publisher
Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers
Do you wear hats? Sure some of us wear a baseball hat to work in the yard or maybe even to cover a “bad hair day.” But how many of us will go to great lengths to wear the best hat in the room? This kind of thing only happens once a year in Montgomery and its in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby. Hospice of Montgomery will be having their Annual Derby Day Fundraiser on Saturday, May 2nd from 3:30-6:30 at the Alley Station Ballroom and Rooftop in Downtown Montgomery. The tickets are $50, for a very worthy cause, and that includes plenty of fun, food and drink. But the most important thing is your hat. Women of the River Region, this is the only event of the year where you can show off your creativity, personality, and daring with...Your Hat! So grab some friends, get some tickets...and Get Your Hat On!
Call Amy at 279.6677 for tickets to the Hospice of Montgomery Derby Party This month’s issue includes another wonderful Cover Profile with a terrific story to share. Her name is Kitty Wasserman and she started her current business when she was sixty years old and she’s lovin’ it. She started Capital Realty Group River Region with the help of two close friends and now has a company with 20 agents. She even has a her best friend and husband Jeff working in the business too! There’s plenty more to her story and I think you’ll enjoy getting to know Kitty, she will inspire you!
Sandi Aplin Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Dr. Thomas H. Cawthon Lisa Copeland Diane Lade Brandt McDonald Leigh Anne Richards Katie Slade Brittany Spahr Nancy Stein Kitty Wasserman Raley L. Wiggins Susie Wilson Kathy Witt
Kathy Witt returns with one of her Bucket List Adventures on Barnsley Resort and it’s not far from here so it would worth a read. There’s another story about men who hire themselves out as Dance Hosts. What a great gig for an aging Fred Astaire wannabe, check it out. If you’ve ever considered online dating but were afraid to try...we’ve got some tips on how to create your online profile, it may be time? Greg Budell shares one of his life’s special moments, as only our friend can do. Brandt McDonald brings a unique perspective on the old adage “survival of the fittest” in helping you embrace your financial needs.
Cover Photography Kim Bethea The Studio @ EastChase thestudioateastchase@gmail.com
www.thestudioateastchase.com 334.239.3196
I hope you’ll find plenty more value as you read through this month’s issue, I’ve been told many times, it’s the best reading experience for the 50 + community in the River Region and we will strive to make it so. Please continue sharing, I love to listen. And if you’re going to spend some money please consider our advertisers, they value each of you and will work very hard to serve your needs. Remember, you can read and share the Digital & Interactive BOOM! online at RiverRegionBoom.com. Thanks again for being part of our BOOM! Community and allowing us to share stories with you.
Jim
Advertising
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
DIGITAL and INTERACTIVE?
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution
When you read the Digital version of BOOM! at
Network Delivery
RiverRegionBoom.com, you will be interactive with every
Printing Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436
website and email in the magazine. You can click through to your favorite advertiser’s website or send them an email requesting more info. You will also learn more from our
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
articles because if there’s more information to learn you can click the link and go learn more! “The best reading experience for the 50+ community”
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Do You Want To Tri? Does swimming, riding your bike and then walking/jogging sound like a fun morning? Why would you even want to do that? Because you can. We’re talking about a triathlon, a sporting event that combines swimming, biking and running- from the shorter “sprint” distance to the “Olympic” distance, up to the excruciating “Ironman.” Triathlons have exploded in the past 10 years. Interestingly, novice participation has increased 94% since 1994, according to the national sanctioning body USTA Triathlon. Next year more than 40,000 athletes will compete in some 700 sanctioned races. If you watch a triathlon, you will notice that the participants are not all lean and buff or hard body types. You don’t have to be Lance Armstrong or Marion Jones. You will see white haired grandfathers, middle aged moms and many people who look like they might not run to the mailbox. As they approach the finish line, at least one athletic guy will be lagging behind the sweet- looking grandmother. According to the USA Triathlon, the number of triathlon participants aged 60-69 is fully twice the athletes in their late teen (16-19), and triathletes in their 40’s easily outnumber those in their 20’s. More people seem to take up triathlons later in life and stay with it longer ( one elite example is Sister Madonna Buder, a 71 year old nun who completed more than a dozen Ironmen races). A professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Minnesota, Fred Apple, MD, explains it like this- “I’d call it maturity. You recognize that you don’t have to go out and kill yourself in the first five miles of a 10 mile race. You learn to understand your body better and recognize what it can endure,” said Apple. He goes on to state that this demographic is very in tune with their bodies. They have the wisdom to pace themselves and to think more about
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what they are doing. Their main goal is to pace themselves so they can finish A client at MetroFitness, Jim Bent is 65 years old and has decided to train for his first triathlon. I asked Jim a few questions and my biggest one was WHY??? His response is as follows: “For me, it is one
Fitness over Fifty by Leigh Anne Richards
of those bucket list items. I have done marathons, ½ marathons, 10 mile runs, 10Ks, 8Ks and 5Ks. Now I would like to finish a triathlon.” What is your goal Jim? My goal for the first triathlon (which will be a Sprint triathlon) is just to finish. I want to experience the event. I want to find out if this old body can actually complete the three events.
never thought of themselves as athletes before. Margaret Hawkins, manager of the American Association of Retired Person “Tri-Umph” triathlon series for people over 50, it’s the combination of sports. Putting swimming, biking, and running together means that you don’t have to do one sport to exhaustion- and in the time it takes to train for a marathon, people who cant imagine themselves running over 26 miles straight can cross-train and be ready for a middle distance triathlon. “Tri-Umph”, which began last year with six triathlons across the country, is sponsoring 15 races this year. Although more participants are in their 50’s, about 30% in some areas are between the ages of 60 and 74. Hawkins says older athletes and probably younger people of less athletic bent as well, are drawn to triathlons because it calls on mental strength as much as physical. If you decide to embark on training for a short triathlon, remember it does require training requirements. If you do not train appropriately you risk getting injured and end up not finishing the race.
Jim, have you always been an avid exerciser? I restarted an exercise program in July 2013 after a 10 year layoff from exercise. My program began with walking and then I graduated to running. Since July 2013, I have participated in 22 5K races, a 10 mile race and an 8K race. I also am strength training 2-3 times a week.
Group training sessions are available in many areas which will enhance the camaraderie of triathlon prep. Local places such as Montgomery Multi Sport and Fleet Feet hold coaching sessions for participants of all athletic levels as well as social events where participants can connect with other triathletes.
How are you currently training? I continue to run 4 times a week. I also bicycle 2 times a week. I do one short ride of 12 miles and one longer ride of at least 24 miles. I also swimming laps and continuing to strength train.
Age is only a number and does not limit us from living our dreams and setting new goals for ourselves. Do you want to Tri?
What is the name of the event and when will it be? I am competing in the Montgomery “Capital of Dreams” Sprint Triathlon on May 30, 2015.
** “Look Who’s Trying Triathlons” Web MD Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General ManagerMetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com
Triathlons appeal to a wide range of people of whom you might not think of as traditional athletes or people who have The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
TAKE STEPS TO STOP BREAST CANCER.
Saturday April 18, 2015
the 14th annual
5K Run|Walk and
Kids Dash
BENEFITING THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
SATURDAY
APRIL 18
2015
MCDONALD’S PROUDLY PRESENTS
Kids Dash
THE WITH RONALD MCDONALD & THE MONTGOMERY BISCUITS’ BIG MO beginning at 9:45am in
front of the Riverwalk Amphitheater stage. For only $10, all Kids Dash participants (3-8 years old) will receive a Kids Dash t-shirt, medal and other special goodies!
for more info and to register now, visit WalkofLife2015.org
FOR RACE INFO EMAIL
WALKOFLIFE@JOYTOLIFE.ORG O R C A L L 334-284-5433 proud 2015 sponsors of the Joy to Life Foundation
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Survival of the Fittest...TEAM! So I’m on this plane right now in route to Ft. Lauderdale for the first major conference of the year. And, as much as I love to travel, this part of it is always brutal. Long lines, masses of people, flight delays, and the proverbial middle seat! You get the picture. Eventually, I will arrive at my destination! And, hopefully find my luggage waiting on me at baggage claim. And, if I’m lucky I’ll get to my hotel room and find that I packed all the necessary items for my trip. Preparation is always the key isn’t it? And, putting up with the things we hate to do the most so that we can enjoy a successful outcome. This is how it is in almost every aspect of life I think. Do the hard work and good things will come from it. My daughter recently wrote a paper about Jack London. You may recall he is the famous author who wrote “Call of the Wild”. This is a story about an Alaskan sled dog named Buck. I remember reading this story as a child and will never forget how the words in that story leapt off the page and moved me profoundly. In her essay about Jack London, she appropriately describes him as a person who came from nothing and endured the struggles of an early childhood to discover his calling and passion as an author. He had to find a way to persevere. His novels are the result of his perseverance. I meet so many new people every day. All too often, I find that people are missing something in their lives and find it hard to get motivated to get on with this thing we call life. As Jack London said “You
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can’t wait for inspiration; you have to go after it with a club!”
Several chords bound together makes a rope. It’s the same way with any team. A team is made up of several members One of the things we love about working who all have a role. If each member with our client’s at McDonald, Barranco, executes properly, then success is and Hagen, is helping them verbalize sure to follow. Survival of the fittest? their dreams and passion in life. Money Yes! But not alone!! At our firm, we is nice. But, it’s not everything. Money is have individual teams who respect simply a means to an end; an exchange one another and have a vital role to of value. The goal play. When at our firm is to our client’s protect, preserve, hire our team, and grow this we become a value on behalf member of their with of our clients so team. Together, Brandt McDonald that one day they we help each may exchange its other survive. If value into grand life you don’t have experiences that are a financial team pre-ordained exclusively for them and working for you, as a fiduciary, someone their family. Our passion becomes their with only your best interests in my mind, passion! We want to partner then please consider a brief meeting with our clients to help them with a member of our team. Together, I prepare financially – pack the am confident we can help you navigate luggage for life if you will! the “Call of the Wild” And, go after it with a club!! If you’re stuck in neutral and Through strength and determination, you can’t figure a way forward, can experience financial success. “Life is we can help. According to Mr. not a matter of holding good cards, but London, “The proper function sometimes, playing a poor hand well.” of man is to live, not to exist. (Jack London) No matter the financial I shall not waste my days hand you are holding, play it well! in trying to prolong them. I Perhaps we all need a little bit of Buck in shall use my time.” According us! My challenge to you this month? Go to my daughter, “people find “Buck” in you. And, then come see in society must fight for me. I WANT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT! themselves because no one is going to get up and volunteer Until next time, never run with the herd, to do so for them. One must always be thankful, and look to the face the world with an open future with anticipation of what’s yet to mind and firm feet.” She’s pretty smart, come. huh? At least I think so. Let us help you Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner fight for yourself.
Financial Thoughts
Perhaps the single greatest theme in all of Mr. London’s stories is the concept of “survival of the fittest.” You see this theme interwoven in all of his stories. And, while I do subscribe to part of the tenet that emanates from this concept, I choose to believe that two is better than one, three is better than one and so forth. There is strength in numbers.
McDonald, Barranco & Hagen Wealth Management LPL Branch Manager MBCapitalWealth.com Direct comments and questions to bailey.worrell@lpl.com or 334.387.0094
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL Financial.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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This & tHAT Mint Juleps, Bourbon, Horses and Hats...
Get your Derby attire together and join Hospice of Montgomery as they bring Millionaire’s Row to the River Region. The Kentucky Derby Annual Benefit will take place Saturday, May 2nd from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Alley Station Ballroom and Rooftop. The event will be a fun-filled afternoon affair with a post-position horse draw, exclusive silent auction, hors d’ oeuvres, music, fabulous prizes and, of course, viewing of the Kentucky Derby! Attendance at the annual benefit supports Hospice of Montgomery, which is Montgomery’s only independent, nonprofit hospice provider in the River Region. Funds will provide counseling and bereavement services to families, community education seminars, and care for terminally ill patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Reserve your tickets today for the most exciting two minutes in racing! $50 General Admission or VIP Admission for $75 Single/$130 Couple (limited available). Sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at hospiceofmontgomery.org or biddingforgood.com/HospiceofMontgomery. New this year: Derby Hat Competition, Helping Hospice Live Auction, Online Silent Auction Bidding prior to the event- view and bid on items at biddingforgood.com/ HospiceofMontgomery and a VIP Pre-Party with open bar from 2:30-3:30. For more information contact Hospice of Montgomery at 334.279.6677 or agodsoe@hospiceofmontgomery.org
Filling Empty Bowls
Hundreds of “empty bowls” were filled with love and caring for the needy on Thursday, March 19th. That day marked the 9th Empty Bowls Montgomery charity event that supports the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This year Empty Bowls was held at the First Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery. More than 300 people attended and over $9000 was raised and donated to help combat hunger in our community. Preparations for this event begin many months before with local potters throwing, glazing and firing hundreds of bowls of different shapes, sizes and colors. These bowls became bright selections for the attendees of the Empty Bowl event. For a $25 ticket, a guest was able to select a special bowl of their choice, and enjoy a delicious serving from a selection of homemade soups, delicious breads and desserts. They also were able to participate in a silent auction with offerings from local artists. The silent auction included over 40 items, ranging from art work of all types, clothing, floral arrangements, to a herb planter and a lovely handmade child’s quilt.Every penny of the proceeds from this event goes to the Montgomery Area Food Bank! The raw materials for the bowls, soup, bread, drinks and desserts , floral arrangements, and photography as well as the venue were donated by caring citizens and local businesses! Carolyn Strickland, who is the co-chair of Empty Bowls in Montgomery remarked “There’s no overhead. Everything is donated.” Parke Hinman, MAFB executive director said “Every year, it (this event) is more successful and brings in a lot of financial support for our food bank, and a lot of awareness as well. For every dollar (that is raised), we can definitely provide up to 7 pounds of food for a needy person.” The Empty Bowls committee and the MAFB would like to thank the generous businesses and individuals who so have so graciously supported us on this journey over the past 9 years. We look forward to next year and invite anyone who has not had the opportunity to be with us to join us in the spring of 2016. For more information on how you can participate please contact montgomeryareafoodbank.org, or call 263.3784.
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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
Send Your Granddaughter to Fashion Camp This Summer! Fashion Camp at The Shoppes at EastChase is the premier destination for girls who have a passion for fashion and who want to feel confident and comfortable. An EastChase professional stylist will share the secrets of mastering makeup, the art of accessorizing, the ins-and outs of entertaining and how to develop a personal style. The one day camps are offered during June and July. COST: $65/ Child During Early Registration in April. $75/Child after Early Registration. Day includes lunch, a $25 gift card to The Shoppes at EastChase, a special gift, keepsake photo, and an official graduation certificate. TIME: 8:30 a.m. til 1 p.m. Register online at theshoppesateastchase.com or come to the Guest Services Office located next to Ware Jewelers starting in April. For more information about Fashion Camp, call 334.279.6046 or visit theshoppesateastchase.com.
Sunday Spring Concert Series in Cloverdale, Free Admission :) The 2015 Cloverdale-Idlewild Spring Concert Series starts Sunday, April 5th. This is the neighborhood’s most anticipated event of the year! It is always fun and a great way to meet your neighbors and visit with friends! Everyone is welcome, so bring all your friends and family!! Leashed dogs are also welcome, so bring your furry babies as well!! Hope to see y’all there!!! Cloverdale Bottom Park, Intersection of Cloverdale Road and Ponce de Leon Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106. Enjoy a few hours in the park, 4 - 7 pm! Concert Dates: ● April 5 - Fiberglass ● April 12 - Blackbird Pickers ● April 19 - Federal Expression ● April 27 - Ziggy ● May 3 - Ed Pickett ● May 10 - Stephen McCullough ● May 17 - Caribbean Chrome ● May 24 - The Back, Hines, Mason Dixon Trio, ADMISSION IS FREE! Bring your chairs or blankets (or both), coolers, snacks. Plan to sit under the beautiful oak trees in the park setting and enjoy the music. For more info visit the Facebook Page/Cloverdale-Idlewild-Association
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More
Capital City Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale The Capital City Master Gardeners are having their annual spring plant sale Saturday, April 25th from 7:30 until Noon. The sale will be at Frazer Church, on the corner of 6700 Atlanta Hwy and Burbank in Montgomery. There will be terrific plants at bargain prices. Plants for sale include: heirloom plants, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, ground covers, trees, shrubs and house plants. Garden items and potted container gardens also available for purchase. Beat the crowd and come early. The plants go quickly! We will also have children’s gardening activities from 9-11, free gardening demonstrations: 9 am-Growing Tomatoes and 11 amSucculent Gardening. For more information, go to capcitymga.org
Victory Gardens Celebrated at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Earth Day at The Gardens returns on April 25, from 11 – 4 pm in the Formal Garden in front of the Conservatory. This year, the annual celebration will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II by highlighting Victory Gardens. Displays and demonstrations will feature topics such as: 1940’s Victory Garden design, archival display of Victory Garden memorabilia, World War II Victory Garden propaganda movies, Victory Garden inspired art crafts, Story time with American Girl Molly and Victory Garden character actors. Focus will be maintained on how urban gardens impacted American culture during World War II and how they impacts us today. The event is free to the public. For more info visit bbgardens.org
FREE Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop Wednesday, April 8: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Archibald Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. Call 334.625.6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com.
Heart of Dixie Bridge Tournament Do you play Bridge? Do you like competition? Well get ready for the Bridge event of the year in the River Region. The Montgomery Bridge Club is hosting the Heart of Dixie Bridge Tournament beginning April 30 through May 3rd. The tournament will be held at the new location of the Montgomery Bridge Club at 1103 South Perry St, across from the Governor’s Mansion. Party Bridge players will have a separate game. Also, partners will be found if you need one. Session Fees: Charity Game $12, Open Pairs, KO and 299ers $11, and Swiss Team $100. $3 additional per session for non or unpaid ACBL members. Except Charity Game. Oodles of Southern Hospitality! For more info call 334.416.8014 or visit google.com/site/montgomerybridgecluborg/home
Pike Road Lions Club Hosting Community Wide Yard Sale Members of the Pike Road Lions Club are gearing up to host the fifth annual Community Wide Yard Sale. This event will take place at Pike Road Town Hall on Saturday, April 11 from 7 am to noon. Hundreds of shoppers are expected to stop by the yard sale! Anyone interested in selling items at the event can reserve a space by calling Tosha Thomley at Pike Road Town Hall 334.272.9883 or emailing her at tosha@pikeroad.us. Spaces are $25 for a standard parking spot size (8’x16’); tents, tables or electricity are not provided. Reservations are open to the public now through Friday, April 9 at 5 pm. Space is limited and no reservation will be held without payment. All vendor space proceeds benefit the Pike Road Lions Club and its local charities. 14 BOOM! April 2015 RiverRegionBoom.com
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3rd Annual Southern Makers 3rd Annual Southern Makers is May 2-3, celebrating creativity in Alabama. The purpose is to bring together highly curated, handpicked top talent - artists, chefs, breweries, craftsmen, and designers - to one central place, making it easy for adventurers to get a sampling of Alabama’s best. Rich with history in textiles, food, farming, literature, art and design, Southern Makers will explore contemporary Alabama-based food and design with panel discussions, demonstrations, tastings, workshops, maker conversations and a market featuring goods from these southern artisans and chefs. Southern Makers is created and curated by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Matter, and Southern Accents Architectural Antiques to benefit E.A.T. South. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit E.A.T. South, non-profit organization that encourages healthy lifestyles through education and sustainable food production in urban areas throughout the Southeast. For more info visit facebook.com/southernmakers or southernmakers.com.
10th Annual Alabama Book Festival The 10th Annual Alabama Book Festival will take place in the Old Alabama Town, Downtown Montgomery, Saturday, April 11th, 9 am - 4 pm. Free Admission. Your favorite authors, food and fun for the entire family. Pat Conroy, Rick Bragg, Ravi Howard, Daniel Wallace, Bryan Stevenson - the list goes on. More than 50 vendors and exhibitors add to the excitement of this 10th Annual Alabama Book Festival promoting reading and literacy to Alabamians of all ages and backgrounds. We’ll help celebrate Alabama’s Year of the Barbecue as well as International Table Top (Games) Day. For more information visit alabamabookfestival.org.
Living Well Alabama Chronic Disease Self Management Program If you have a chronic condition, live with someone with a chronic condition, or take care of someone with a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain , arthritis, anxiety or depression, the Living Well Alabama Workshop can help you take charge of your life. We will help caregivers needing respite care. Sign up now at Crump Senior Center, 1751 Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, AL. Class schedule is Thursday’s, April 9th – May 14th, 1 – 3:30 pm. Registration Required: Call Roxanne Diawara at 334.240.4666.
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Kitty Wasserman, Lovin’ It This month’s BOOM! profile is Kitty Mall and Zach is a Realtor with Capital Wasserman who is the owner of Capital Realty Group River Region. After living Realty Group River in different Region. Kitty started areas over the her business at the years including ripe young age of Birmingham, 60 with two of her South Florida closest friends as and Stamford, part of the team. CT, we came back She now has 20 agents, works with and settled in her best friend and Montgomery in husband, Jeff; and 1992 and have would do it forever, been back here if she could! When ever since, to many of us are be close to my slowing down, Kitty family and also is forging new paths a great place for her business to raise our and lovin’ it! We sat down with Kitty two youngest Kitty and Coco and her daughter children. I was Suzanna (who recommended her mom for this the men’s suit and sport coat Cover Profile) and had a great time getting buyer with Parisian until I to know her as well as Sammy and Coco. We married Jeff in 1982 and hope you enjoy getting to know Kitty as much then became a stay at home as we have.
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc?
Mom and assisted Jeff in his fashion accessories business.
ago after my children had graduated from High School, I decided to go after my original dream, a career in Real Estate. After spending four years at Prudential, I obtained my broker’s license and started my own company, Capital Realty Group River Region. I started with 2 of my best friends, Renee Richardson and Cathy Varner and now I have 20 incredible agents that have also become my friends! Regarding my leadership style, I thought it best to ask my teammates their opinion of that. Responses included: relaxed and professional; excellent guidance when needed; calming (which is extremely important in a real estate crisis!); very positive and optimistic in my approach; and that I lead by example. As far as my husband being on the team, all I can say is that Jeff has been my best friend since we married; we’ve always worked well together in business. It’s very natural to have him in the business; I really can’t imagine it any other way.
BOOM!: You are the Broker/ Owner of Capital Realty Group, what made you BOOM!: There seems decide to leave the retail to be more women industry and begin a real Kitty: I grew up here in Montgomery, than men in the real estate career? You work graduating from Robert E. Lee High estate business, can with many agents in your School in 1965. In fact I am looking Kitty and daughter Suzanna you explain why? What company, how would they forward to my 50TH reunion coming advice would you give describe your leadership up in April! I will to other Boomers, especially women, style? What’s it like be celebrating my wanting to start their own businesses? having your husband 33RD anniversary to on the team as an Jeff Wasserman. I Kitty: You’ll be surprised – in our agent? have three fabulous local Realtor Association, there are children, Jay, 45, approximately 60% women and 40% Kitty: In my early Suzanna, 31 and Zach, men – so closer numbers than the years I had wanted 30. Zach got married public’s perception. Actually, our office to go into the real to his wife Christa is equally balanced with both men estate industry, but I Wren Wasserman, and women. As far as advice to other had the opportunity Community Relations Boomers, I would say that you need a to work with Hart Director at Elmcroft, strong desire to start your own business. Schaffner and Marx THE ORIGINAL TEAM in 2013, Jay is It’s scary at first because YOU are the and then Parisian, Cathy, Kitty, and Renee Visual Merchandise one that makes the success happen. If so my career took a Manager at Dillard’s in Atlanta, Suzanna someone is like me and always wanted to completely different path. Twelve years is Marketing Director for Eastdale
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do something different, but it wasn’t the right time, eventually that time will come.
husband and I enjoy dinner out, relaxing on the patio and I love to paint when I get the chance.
the hard decisions you make with loved ones.
BOOM!: We learned from your website BOOM!: Many that you are an accomplished artist; Boomers are could you share more about your art? BOOM!: Favorite experiencing a What makes it unique? vacation spot? Any renewed sense travel dreams planned of purpose, new Kitty: I have always loved art in any for the future? goals, new careers, form. My style is known as photorealism. especially if they’ve This means I can take a photograph and Kitty: We traveled to experienced the reproduce the image as realistically as Italy back in 2003. I empty nest syndrome possible in another medium, oil paint. absolutely fell in love of their kids moving Recently I have begun to explore acrylic with the country. The on. How would you paint and a more contemporary style. I people, the food, the Kitty and Jeff at Vintage Affair describe this sense don’t sell my art, but give pieces to my architecture and the of renewal in your family and friends as gifts. At my office history are simply life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking I have paintings of my art along with amazing. With all of the responsibility of renewal? some wonderful work of my daughter, the company, we don’t get away much, Suzanna, also an artist. but we definitely plan on going back to Kitty: For me starting my own company Italy again someday. at 60 years old was probably the scariest BOOM!: What is it thing I’ve ever done, but the BEST thing about living in the BOOM!: As a busy I’ve ever done! It has broadened my Montgomery/River entrepreneur, do horizons, kept me young and given me Region area that you like? you have time the opportunity to meet and help so to be involved in many people sell their home or buy Kitty: Montgomery is my community, civic or their dream home. As I said in the last home. I moved away for other activities? question, you need the desire to do about 20 years, living in something new and never, say never. Get Birmingham, Atlanta, Fort Kitty: I have been out there and find a passion to pursue. Lauderdale and Stamford, involved with CT, where I met the Chamber of BOOM!: What are you most passionate wonderful people and Commerce as an about? experienced a different Ambassador, and lifestyle. I believe that also involved with Kitty: I am passionate about everything, all of these experiences the American my children, my husband, my family, have helped me in my Cancer Society, but Christa, Kitty, Suzanna my friends, my company, my clients, my real estate business, most of my spare sweet especially with clients that relocate time over the last 10 puppies, here from another area of the country. years has been as care everything Moving back to Montgomery in 1992 giver to my Aunt with and was the best place to raise our children Alzheimer’s. Up until everyone and be around my family. My husband, last year she lived with that is Jeff, a New Yorker even brought his dad us. I tried for many important and brother here to live in Montgomery! years to take care of her to me. Oh Jeff has loved Montgomery and he has with the help of many and also become a real southerner, in fact his aides, and after much my art! northern friends tell him he speaks with hesitation and counsel a southern drawl, although I know he has from others; I made the BOOM!: never lost that northern way of speaking decision that a facility How do or driving! with skilled nursing care you like to would be a much better Kitty, Jay, Suzanna, Zach and Jeff relax and BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your environment for her. And wind down from a hard day’s work? ambitions changed? it has been. She is thriving and I enjoy my daily visits with her. I am sure that other Kitty: After we leave the office, my Kitty: As I have aged, I have actually Boomers can relate to this situation and
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has really expanded and I look toward the future expansion coming from the rental market, which has given us a 25% increase over the last year and the sales market, which, I am thrilled to say, the market is definitely coming back. We are always looking to increase our business and continually improve our services. Our company slogan Mom, Kitty, Suzzana, and Aunt Margie since we opened is “When it BOOM!: How has technology comes to US, changed the real estate it’s all about BOOM!: Give us three words that industry? How challenging is it YOU!!!” We feel describe you? to keep up with? though we are in the real estate Kitty: Organized, compassionate and Kitty: Technology has Jay, Zach, and Jeff at Zach’s wedding industry, we are driven. changed the real in the people business. Taking care of estate industry others is what we pride ourselves in, and BOOM!: We know tremendously. We all is what we do best. As far as retiring you enjoy playing in know there is constant and traveling – that is not in my plans for the garden, what do change in technology the immediate future! I feel so lucky to you like to do there? for every business. be in a business that I love and can do Flowers? Vegetables? With the help of forever!!! professionals, we We want to thank Kitty for sharing her Kitty: Spring is my are able to meet this story with us this month. If you have any favorite season. I challenge. questions for Kitty, you can visit her website at love to work in my capitalrealtyriverregion.com or email her at flower beds! I can be BOOM!: What future Kittywasserman@aol.com. We want to give a special shout out to her daughter Suzanna for out there for 8 hours challenges do you Kitty’s Sweet Babies, Sammy and Coco nominating her mom to be this month’s cover and it feels like it’s have? Would you profile, well done! As always, thanks to Kim only been 1 hour. I am so busy working like to expand your business? Start new Bethea from The Studio @ Eastchase for her with clients and the company, I don’t ones? Or maybe just retire and travel? professional cover photos. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to get the opportunity to enjoy my flower jim@riverregionboom.com Kitty: Over the last 8 years our business gardening, and before I know it is May become more ambitious than ever! I am so thrilled with what I have accomplished, and my teammates at Capital Realty Group River Region are constantly thanking me for a warm, family environment to work in. That’s part of the reason I have a drive and passion for our company.
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and I am in a panic to get it done! I do a lot of container gardening now to have beautiful color, but save on time. I also have many perennials that come back every year, as well as ferns and natural areas. I must say, I receive great joy and peace in my garden.
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We Love Women Over 50! If your Target Audience are Women with Money and Desire, BOOM! readers are your customers...70% of our readers are Mature Women, 75% of US wealth is owned by Mature Women age 50+, and Mature Women spend 2.5 times what the average person spends and they spend it on things like Beauty, Grand Kids, Pets, Fitness, Gifts, Restaurants, Healthcare, Financial Services, Caregiving, Classes, Fashion, Home & Garden, Concerts, Entertaining, Travel, and much more!
r WOMEN r MONEY r DESIRE Reasonable Ad Rates, Complimentary Ad Creation, 12,500 Readers*, Locally Focused Content, 300+ Locations, Complimentary Digital Editions *5,000 copies, 2.5 readers per issue
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DATING Coach
9 Essential rules for writing your online dating profile Your online dating profile is the first introduction a man has to you. You are literally marketing yourself to the male population online. For some women that sounds horrid but in real life we do it all the time. If you met a man at a party, you would be doing the same thing; showing him your best side. The only difference is in real life you have time to immediately correct a faux pas. Online, you don’t have that luxury so you need your profile to show you off in a way that will catch a man’s eye and interest right away. Since this is your first meet and greet, you want your profile to sound flirty and fun. That’s how you would be in real life. Think again about when you met someone in person. You might laugh more at his jokes, you pay closer attention to what he says, and you show your best side. Here are the nine rules for doing the same thing online. 1. Be exciting. Excitement is what you want a man to feel when he’s done reading what you’ve written. You want him to push that email button as fast as he can to contact and meet you. When determining what you want to put in your profile, you need to first know what your best qualities are. There’s nothing sexier to a man than your confidence. When you feel good about yourself, you will become a male magnet. 2. Be creative. Come up with ideas or small stories that paint a picture of the two of you that a man can imagine himself in. You want to use a scene like this to capture the interest of a man. He won’t see the scene exactly like you do, but he is capable of visualizing the story you’ve created with him in it. And if he does, you’ve hooked him. If he can picture himself in your story, more than likely he will write to you.
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Make your profile flirty. He doesn’t need to know everything about you in this first introduction. 3. The fewer “I’s” the better. Think about it. When you go to a party and you meet someone who keeps saying, “I do this, I like that, I am this,” don’t you get bored? You might get stuck with that person for a long time unless someone rescues you. Online, you have fewer than 10 seconds to get his attention before he moves on. Make them count! Try making your profile title catchy, using activities you’re involved with to create your online name. They can be kind of silly, but that’s okay. Your goal is to get a man’s attention quickly. Between your smile, a great picture and a goofy or clever name, you’ve got a chance to stand out from everyone else and be noticed. 4. Use proper spelling and grammar. One big pet peeve for many men is horrible spelling and grammar in profiles. You can write your profile in Microsoft Word or other document programs so that it highlights any mistakes, and then cut and paste the paragraphs you’ve written to your profile online. Little things like typos can be enough to make men quickly move on to someone else’s profile. 5. Don’t include these common faux pas. I want you to know that in my 40’s, I made some of the dumbest mistakes when it came to profiles. I wrote things about making love on a beach with my soul mate. What in the world was I thinking? It sounded romantic to me. Leave sex out of your profile. It gives men the wrong impression and encourages those you probably aren’t interested in to write to you. Leave out the words I’m looking for my soul mate from your profile. Men have told me they see it in every woman’s profile. Your goal is to look unique; not the same as everyone else.
6. Don’t brag. Particularly, don’t brag about your out-ofthis-world looks. Men see what you look like but if you tell them in a bragging way, they’ll think you’re stuck up and move on. 7. Don’t make demands. Try not to make demands in your profile about salaries and how you’d like to be entertained at the most expensive restaurants in your area. Even guys with money don’t want a woman telling them where to go and what to do. They’ve had enough demands in their life including those put on them by ex-wives and families. They’re not looking for a repeat of what they just left. 8. Be true to who you are. Otherwise it’s like false advertising, which is hard to keep up. Don’t try and pretend to be a certain way just to attract a Quality Man, when in reality, you are not that woman. You have no control over who he ultimately wants or is looking for. You only have control over what you want in a Quality Man. In fact, you do yourself a disservice pretending to be who you think a man wants. It actually sets you up for the wrong type of man to come into your life. Plus, it starts the relationship off in a false way. Be your authentic self and convey that in your profile. 9. End with a hook. End your profile with a sentence that asks a man to show you he is interested. For example, “If romance and passion appeal to you like they do to me, let me know.” In other words, if he likes what you like, let you know by writing back. Lisa Copeland, “The Dating Coach Who Makes Dating Fun and Easier after 50!” Find out more at Findaqualityman.com (c)2014, Lisa Copeland, findaqualityman.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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21 hearinglife.com
Preparing for Social Summer Months Presented by River Region Facial Plastics
Hello, this is Dr. Thomas Cawthon at River Region Facial Plastics. While we have all lamented the fact that we have endured a bitter cold winter with lots of rain, Dr. Thomas H. Cawthon I am happy to say that as I’m writing this article we are enjoying a refreshing dose of sun exposure with temperature in 80’s! It is like recharging your battery to see the sun shining, grass turning green, flowers blooming, and knowing that spring is on its way. After we have come through the long winter, we begin to think about not only refreshing our homes, but also our appearance. New hairstyles, new clothing and summer plans are underway. We have talked about surgical treatment for facial rejuvenation in past articles, but perhaps it is time to reenter this subject arena. We are now celebrating our 4th year performing the QuickLift® (mid/lower facelift). Dr. Bowman and I are trained by the hands of Dr. Dominic Brandy who trademarked the term QuickLift®. The results in his hands were so beautiful that we wanted to emulate the results he was consistently getting with his patients. We have utilized our training from Dr. Brandy and have made it available to our population in the River Region. The trademark QuickLift® licenses us as the sole providers in the central Alabama region. The results have been very gratifying in our hands as well. Our patients have enjoyed the changes to their personal appearance with the Quicklift®. A Quicklift® is a modification of a facelift that allows the placement of suspensory
sutures that lift the underlying tissues of the face and neck in a vertical manner such that the patients’ results are very natural looking and gratifying. Typically, less incisional surgery is required which allows for quicker healing time, less complications, and less bruising. The Quicklift® can be combined with other surgeries such as blepharoplasty (eye lid surgery), sub mental liposurgery, or other facial surgeries. The QuickLift® is performed in our surgical suite using oral sedation and local anesthetic such as lidocaine/ Marcaine, which means the individual is not placed under general anesthetic. This combination allows the procedure to be comfortably performed. Using this method of anesthesia has opened doors for patients considering a facelift that have previously been afraid of being put to sleep. During your surgery a registered nurse is dedicated to caring for you, and he/she also monitors your vital signs. Our patients love the idea of not undergoing a general anesthetic for a facelift. While there are other trademarked facelift procedures, I have performed the traditional facelift for over 25 years and find this method of facial rejuvenation with the QuickLift® to produce as good of a result as a traditional facelift, if not better. Leaving patients with less bruising, less time away from activities and work, and a refreshing result. We prefer quality to quantity. The postsurgical feedback from some of our actual patients provides excellent testimonials for this procedure: • “So happy to have had the procedure; more energetic and self confident” • “First week was difficult, but care during this episode was outstanding”
• “I always knew the first week after surgery would be tough; I would do it again, very pleased, all good!” • “Expectations were very clear… y’all were fantastic” • “I did not feel pain after a week passed; I am very glad to have had the QuickLift®” • “Excited to start my new face routine” Both Dr. Bowman and I are board certified Ear Nose and Throat surgeons, which includes extensive study of facial plastic surgery. My mentor at Tulane University was Dr. Jack Anderson, renowned facial plastic surgeon, who gave me the background training that allows my results to have such quality. Along with the training from Dr. Brandy, I endorse the QuickLift® as my facelift of choice. While there is no replacement to surgical intervention when needed, the facelift can be partnered with other products and procedures to refresh the facial appearance. Physician grade skin care, facial fillers and wrinkle relaxers often can enhance the appearance after a facelift is completed. The summer social season is approaching. April, May and June are perfect months to consider cosmetic surgery. With the minimal downtime the QuickLift® offers, you will be ready for the summer with a refreshed look. As you look in the mirror and you look in your yard and see the flowers blooming, allow your facial harmony to blossom before your mirror. Seek a consultation with us, and we will happily show you what we feel would be of greatest benefit to enhance your appearance. I look forward to seeing you for a complimentary consultation this spring to prepare you for your busy summer season! Do Something Beautiful, Thomas H. Cawthon, M.D.
FREE Illuminize® Peel or Botox® Cosmetic treatment!
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Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s Caregiving Be positive. Be practical. And reclaim joy. These are the caregiving cornerstones for patients and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, according to nationally known expert Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist, trainer and educator. “Knowledge is power. But there is a lot of bad information out there,” said Mary Barnes, CEO and president of Alzheimer’s Community Care, a nonprofit serving patients and their families.
trying to shove food in your mouth so you say no, maybe start shrieking at me, and I think you might need medication to calm down. But instead, if I just put the spoon in your hand and guide it toward your mouth ... your brain will remember that movement and your hand will take over the task. Q: You have had a long career doing many things, including working in a head injury clinic and with aging veterans. How did you become interested in Alzheimer’s? A: My grandmother had Alzheimer’s. And I worked with autistic kids as a teenager.
I’ve always been drawn to people who are challenged and find it fascinating to partner with them, and to find joy with them. Q: You talk a lot about the importance of people with Alzheimer’s and caregivers both embracing joy _ a word many don’t associate with such a devastating disease. How can that happen? A: We can find something in a moment and celebrate that. It could be something as simple as saying, ‘Come and dance with me.’ When that happens, you see inside the (patient) to that part of them that still exists. Q: What’s the biggest mistake caregivers make? A: No. 1, they try to do it all. By the time they are exhausted and realize they can’t, the disease has progressed, and switching gears is devastating. So build a team early and give yourself permission to step back a little.
Promoting skills to cope with Alzheimer’s is increasingly important, Snow said, as the number of patients is exploding. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 720,000 Floridians age 65 and older will have Alzheimer’s in 2025, an almost 70 percent increase over the present. “I’m committed to creating dementia-competent communities because of our aging population,” said Snow, who has created Positive Approach classes and CDs. “We have to realize we can’t hide people away. Families need to stop feeling that they can’t take (their loved ones with Alzheimer’s) out to church.”
Q: What are good ways for us all to improve our brain health? A: Engage socially and actively with other human beings, and I don’t mean in a chat room. Nurturing something, like caring for animals or plants, seems (helpful). Moving and singing at the same time, or ballroom dancing with a partner and learning new steps, is good. And finally, exercise and eat decently.
Snow, 60, spoke with the Sun Sentinel about how to embrace joy and avoid common caregiving mistakes. Q: What exactly does your Positive Approach involve? A: People with Alzheimer’s are trying to deal with what they have lost. We need to take a step back and realize they aren’t crazy. Our job is to figure out the reason why they are doing what they do, then modify or change things to make the situation better. Q: Can you give an example? A: Let’s say (you’re the patient) ... you aren’t eating and I’m worried. So I take a spoon and try to put it in your mouth. But it doesn’t feel natural that I’m The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Diane C. Lade Copyright (c) 2015, Sun Sentinel Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
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Ask an Elder Law Attorney By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
What Should You Tell The Kids About Their Inheritance? Money is still a taboo topic in polite society. We don’t engage in small talk with someone we’ve just met by asking them “So, how much did you pull down last year?” Instead, we stick towards mundane and unoffensive topics like the weather.
parents—as much as $12 trillion overall. That amount will be eclipsed when boomers leave it to their children. Now, I don’t recommend that you report every penny of your financial situation to your adult children on a regular basis. But, I do think it’s a good idea to inform them, at least generally, about the nature of your assets, your investment and savings goals, and your ultimate estate planning goals.
members can squander a $15,000 inheritance just as foolishly as they do a $1.5 Million.
So prepare your heirs by educating them about what they may or may not stand to receive at your death. Help them to understand that their But, this social taboo may extend to our inheritance is not a sure thing, nor is it a families as well. At one time or another, panacea for a lifetime of poor financial parents with inquisitive school-aged decisions. Help them understand that children will have to address a “fair” division of the inevitable questions your estate among from their young ones about your heirs doesn’t whether their family is “rich” Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop necessarily mean that or “poor.” Parents generally it is a mathematically Wednesday, April 8: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 pm find a way to dance around the “equal” division. at the Archibald Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This topic while landing somewhere educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins in the “middle class” Talking about your covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living neighborhood. financial situation with wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, your adult children is bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care Even after children are grown just as uncomfortable and have families of their as it was to answer and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. own, many parents don’t want the questions of your Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at to discuss their finances or young and curious www.redoaklegalpc.com. property with the kids—even children all those years if those kids are now in their ago. I realize that. If you intend to leave your kids some, 50’s. I think this is unfortunate. The But, a lot of things that are good for us but not all, of your estate, then it’s a fact is that most people want to leave are uncomfortable (I’m looking at you, good idea to tell them why you reached their property to their children one dentists). that decision. Billionaire Warren Buffet, day. If the kids are going to own it, who has famously decided to give why shouldn’t they know more about it Take some time, update your estate away most of his fortune rather than now? planning and financial documents, and leaving it to his children, thinks that the then have one nice long uncomfortable “correct” amount of money to leave Communication can go a long way conversation with your kids about it. the kids is “enough money so that they to smooth a transition from one would feel they could do anything, generation to the next. Consider Once it’s done, you’ll be relieved to but not so much that they could do the adult child who has to take over know you’ve finally gotten everything nothing.” And Buffet, who updates his managing a parent’s finances when the in order. estate plan fairly regularly, allows his parent can no longer manage on their children to read the latest version each own due to dementia. Clients often Raley L. Wiggins time a change is made. tell me that they don’t know where to Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC begin to look for their elderly parent’s 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com Most of us don’t have the kind of key financial information. 445 Dexter Avenue, ste 9000, Mont, AL 36104 “billionaire problems” that Warren www.redoaklegalpc.com Buffet has. Most of us hope that we As has been widely reported, the baby are in a position to leave our kids boomer generation have begun to anything at all. But, it is not the size of inherit the greatest inter-generational the inheritance that matters. Family transfer of wealth in history from their
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MANE’s 2015 Course for Hope “Buy It Now!” Auctions and Dinner There was a whole new lime twist to this year’s Course for Hope Dinner and Auction, which benefits the Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians (MANE) therapeutic riding program. Black, white and Regions Bank life green were the colors of the day, “Fill the Barn with LOVE” was the theme of the year, and “Buy It Now” was the innovative idea that had guests arriving early!!! Event Cochairs were Susie Wilson, Jenny Brown, and Denise DuCote.
entire roster of events which took place at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club on Monday, March 9th. The golf hole sponsors were Synovus; CB&T; AES Industries; Adams Drugs; Alabama Power; Aronov Realty Management, Inc.; Balch & Bingham; Beasley Allen; Brasfield & Gorrie; Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood; DR Horton; Hoar Construction; Iberia Bank; Merrill Lynch Private Banking & Investment Group; Neptune Technology Group; Protective Life Corporations; Ready MANE’s Course for Mix USA; and The W Hope is an event held A Williamson Family every other year to Foundation. The putting help provide funding green was sponsored for equine-assisted by Baptist Health; the Abby Houchin, MANE Instructor and Volunteer activities for Tri-county driving range by Habif, Coordinator; Miss Rodeo Alabama Chelsea Maness, MANE Volunteer; and Dr. Bettie Borton, children and adults who Arogeti & Wynne; the MANE’s Executive Director welcome and register have physical, cognitive, tee shot velocity tester guests at Course for Hope Dinner/Auction. developmental, and by Ainsworth Game emotional disabilities. Prior to the Dinner/ Technology; and the ballroom by US Foods. Auctions, 26 golf foursomes competed for big Wynlakes Head Golf Pro Steve Cutler and screen TVs, jawbone jamboxes, leather bags, general manager Brent Krause were the and a chance to win a million dollars over master minds and masters of ceremony for the course of 18 holes! The Course for Hope the golf portion of the day. Golf Tournament hole- in-one prizes included a Jack Ingram Mercedes GLA 250, a Capitol For the first time EVER at a local charity Chevrolet Malibu and a Rolex watch courtesy function, “Buy It Now” silent auction of Ware Jewelers. Wayne Pitchford won a opportunities began at 5:00PM in the main putting contest, before all golfers headed out Wynlakes Club House! Bidders had the for the shot gun start! option of bidding on each item or buying the Regions Bank was the lead sponsor for the item OUTRIGHT for the “Buy It Now” price!
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In addition, each and every “Buy It Now” item qualified the winner for fantastic prizes: Jayne Blake won a Spa Package from Doug’s 2 Salon Spa, courtesy of Doug’s 2, and Kim Alford won the table for 8 at “Broadway under the Stars”, courtesy of Regions Bank. Competition was fierce for the “Dine Fine for a Year” package from Pepper Tree Steaks N Wine, the gorgeous Cuff Bracelet with Blue Topaz donated by Cronier’s Jewelry, a stunning fur-collared cape from Henig Furs, plus fine art pieces from Pickwick Antiques, rugs, porcelain, furniture, restaurant packages and more, featured in the Silent Auction. Guests were greeted at the main entrance by volunteers from Huntingdon College, who work with MANE riders on a regular basis. Miss Rodeo Alabama Chelsea Maness directed party-goers to the registration table and Brenda Street from Atlanta played her magnificent harp. Apple-tini beverages for the silent auction party were inspired by event sponsor Region Bank’s life green color, which paired well with the “Fill the Barn with LOVE” color scheme and horsey theme. Excitement continued to crescendo as the silent auction sections closed and the SOLD OUT crowd of over 300 headed to the Wynlakes Ballroom. Dinner tables were dressed in black linens with black and white horse-head place mats and, life green LIVE auction item lists. Centerpieces of green apples, bottles of red wine and galvanized buckets filled with bottles of white wine were courtesy of United Johnson Brothers. The menu included blue cheese and bacon wedge
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
salad, entrée of delicious steak, shrimp, vegetable kabob, grit casserole and mushrooms in red wine sauce. The desert was layered pistachio cake and a big green heart cookie!
Johnson and David Rees.
Representing MANE’s lead sponsor of 2015 Course for Hope were Regions Bank’s Andrea McCain, HR Executive Director for Central Alabama; Joey White, Senior Credit Officer; Michael Hart, Consumer banking Executive; Lindsey Myers, Regions at Work Director; and Sean Johnson, Executive Vice President and Central Alabama Area President.
As guests were enjoying their dinner, Sean Johnson, the Executive Vice President and Central Alabama Area President of Regions Bank, blessed the food. Tom Crawford’s name was drawn to win a grill donated by DR Horton. Brent Krause announced the Golf Tournament Winners: 1st place - United Johnson Brothers: Matt Foster, Rucker Methvin, Chance Young, and Brook Sansom, 2nd place – Neptune Technology Group: Wayne Pitchford, Tom Crawford, Rod Wallace, and Tom Budauskas; 3rd place – Goodwin, Mills, and Cawood: John Bricken, Max Vaughn, Chris Conway, and Bill Wilson; and 4th place Regions Bank: Ron Birmingham, Lamar Brooks, Derek
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The atmosphere in the ballroom was intensified as 6 Granger Thaggard Auctioneers took their places among the tables in order to see each and every bidder. Jack Granger encouraged, coaxed, and coddled
Indy Grand Prix of Alabama; the Biscuits; the Regions Traditions Senior PGA; and a bridge luncheon; plus a magnificent painting by Becky Chrzanowski; and Chefs Table for 10! The “Catch A Miracle” program garnered more than 100 pledges of support, ensuring that more families than ever before will have access to MANE’s services and resources. The next MANE’s Course for Hope Golf Tournament Dinner and Auction on March 6, 2017!
Please mark your calendars for MANE’s “Raise the Roof” the audience to “Buy It party hosted by Tonight!” so that MANE Wintzell’s Oyster can continue providing House at MANE’s safe and effective therapeutic therapeutic horseback riding facility on riding. Thursday, October 22nd, 2015. Live auction items Visit MANE’s Wynlakes General Manager Brent Krause announces the included fabulous website www. winners of the Course for Hope Golf Tournament! accommodations in maneweb.org Killarney, Ireland; Whistler, British Columbia; for event updates and information about Napa Valley; Manciano, Italy; and Hopetown, riding, volunteering and donating. MANE Bahamas; sporting packages to a Titans prois located at 3699 Wallahatchie Road, Pike football game; deep-sea fishing out of Destin, Road, Alabama 36064. The MANE number is FL; speckled trout fishing in Venice, LA; the 334-213-0909.
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Time to Spring Clean….Your Ears??? It’s that time for spring cleaning, but did you know your ears need cleaning too…or do they? There are common misconceptions on how to clean your ears. Should you use a cotton swab, washcloth, hydrogen peroxide, ear candling?? It is important to remember that the ear is a delicate part of the body. The ear includes sensitive skin in your ear canal as well as your eardrum and it is important to know the proper way to clean your ears in order to avoid causing damage to either of those parts. It is important to visit your physician or audiologist to determine the need for earwax removal. Additionally, if you have hearing aids it is beneficial to know how to properly clean them so that they can function appropriately. Proper care and maintenance of hearing aids can also help to extend the life expectancy of the devices. Earwax, or cerumen, is healthy and natural in appropriate amounts in the ear canal. Earwax is composed of dead skin that is mixed with oils of the skin and is produced in the outer one-third of the ear canal. Earwax severs as lubrication, protection, and is composed of antibacterial properties. If the ear canal doesn’t have any earwax, it may result in itchy or dry ear canals. Earwax is poisonous to insects and bugs due to its chemical makeup and helps prevent them from entering too far into the ear and causing damage. The majority of the time your ear canals are self-cleaning themselves by slowly migrating the wax out of your ear. Since the ear canals are self-cleaning it isn’t really necessary to clean your ears. However, occasionally there can be an excessive amount of wax build up when the ear canal is not properly moving all of the earwax out of the ear. When there is an excessive amount of wax buildup it may cause fullness, partial hearing loss, tinnitus/ringing in the ears to become louder, or your hearing aid not to be working appropriately or creating feedback. It is important not to use cotton swabs when cleaning your ears. Cotton swabs
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are abrasive to the sensitive skin of the aids, you should have received a cleaning ear canal and can cause the ear canals to kit that included tools to help you clean become itchy and irritated. Using a cotton your hearing aids. Depending on the type swab can also push the wax further into of hearing aid you have will depend on the your ear making type of cleaning that is it even harder necessary. All hearing for the ear to aids have microphones By Dr. Katie Slade and Dr. Brittany Spahr clean itself. that pick up the Additionally, sound. It is important any foreign to gently brush off the objects such as microphones with a a cotton swab or small brush to help bobby-pin can remove any dust or accidently be debris that may have pushed in too accumulated over far and could time. Some hearing puncture the aids have a wax trap eardrum. It is a common myth to use ear located on the part of the hearing aid that candles for wax removal; however, ear goes into your ear canal that helps prevent candles are not safe and may result in any wax from getting into the hearing burns and perforations of the ear drum. aid. A small pick that should have been There have not been any controlled provided to you can be used to remove studies or scientific evidence that any wax from the wax trap, or you can indicates the effectiveness in cleaning the replace the old wax trap with a new one, ear canal with ear candling. if you have replacement wax traps. If you are uncertain on your cleaning tools or would like further instruction on how to To clean the ears use a wet cloth at the clean your hearing aids or your ears you opening of the ear canal but do not insert can contact Doctors Hearing Clinic (DHC) anything into your ear. You may also and an audiologist would gladly provide use a dry tissue to just gently wipe the further cleaning instructions. outside of the ear to remove any excess moisture. In cases of excessive earwax there are at home treatments that can It is important to know how to take care also be used to soften the wax making it of both your ears and your hearing aids. easier for the ear to help clean itself. One If you have any questions or concerns method is to put drops of half distilled on either cleaning your ears or cleaning water and half hydrogen peroxide into your hearing aids please contact Doctors the ear canal. Hydrogen peroxide use Hearing Clinic at (334.396.1635) to alone can cause the ear canal to become schedule an appointment with an dry and irritated, which may result in the audiologist. ear canal creating more earwax. There are other options at most pharmacies, Content adapted from: betterhearing.org/ including earwax irrigation kits or just the hearingpedia/health-conditions-hearinguse of earwax softening drops. If there is loss/hearing-health-medical-issuesa known perforation in your ear drum, ear explained and “Earwax” subject, which led drops should not be used. It is important to entnet.org/content/earwax-and-care to remember that if you wear hearing aids to let the ear canal become dry before Dr. Katie Slade is a Board Certified audiologist putting the hearing aid back in to prevent and fellow of the American Academy of moisture damage to the hearing aid. Audiology. Dr. Brittany Spahr is a Doctor
Healthy Hearing
If you have hearing aids it is important to know how to properly clean your hearing aids. When you were fit with your hearing
of Audiology and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Amy Davis is a Doctoral Extern from the University of South Alabama.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Bucket List Adventure by Kathy Witt
Barnsley Resort
Everyone needs an enchanted interlude, a special love spell granted by a fairy godmother . . . a boudoir transformed with dozens of tiny glowing candles, a bed blanketed in rose petals, bottle of champagne chilling next to a box of Godiva chocolates . . . This, in a magical storybook setting recalling an 18thcentury European village and hidden away in the Georgia countryside in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Barnsley Resort. It has everything fairy tales are made of, from a dashing gent who built a lavish manor for his true love and her tragic early death to a prince who saved the estate from ruin and a Fairy Godmother who makes wishes come true.
The story of this enchanted resort begins in the early 1840s when Godfrey Barnsley, a wealthy Britishman, bought 4,000 acres in northwest Georgia, a place he named Woodlands where he planned to build a massive Italianate villa surrounded by elaborate gardens inspired by those of celebrity landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing. Sadly, Barnsley’s wife, Julia, died three years before the house was completed in 1848.
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More than 140 years later, Prince Hubertus Fugger of Bavaria, Germany, became part of the story when he bought the estate, lock, stock and ruins, returned the gardens to their original breathtaking splendor and saved the remains of the original manor house. Today, visitors to Barnsley Resort may tour the Manor House Ruins, as
Godfrey and Julia’s home is now known, especially romantic and evocative when dusk settles over the resort. Overnighting at Barnsley is an escape to a private sanctuary, with one-bedroom cottages and cottages housing guest rooms and suites, all individually and beautifully decorated and surrounded by
sits outside the Ruins.
magnificent gardens of exotic plants and hundreds of varieties of roses. An elaborate parterre of manicured, formal boxwoods anchored by a fountain
YOUR WISH, HER COMMAND What makes a stay at this luxury country resort a singularly distinctive and memorable experience is the Fairy Godmother. Deemed as such by Prince Fugger himself, Fairy Godmother casts her spells of love and enchantment, with the help of an imagination that knows no bounds and a crystalencrusted wand, to create once-in-a-lifetime memories. “You never know what to expect,” says Fairy Godmother, who prefers to remain anonymous. With a job description that includes spreading joy and happiness to each and every guest at the resort, you may see Fairy riding a three-wheel bicycle through the village and handing out crazy cocktails or organizing Easter egg hunts and coloring eggs with pintsize guests. Fairy’s specialties are creating in-room love spells and breathtaking backdrops for proposals and other special moments in wooded hideaways on resort grounds. From making it “snow” in your room and creating a “shake your coconuts” adult playground with a grass skirt encircling your claw foot tub to designing a romance box The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
with massage oils from the onsite spa and a fabulous dinner in the Ruins with thousands of rose petals, dozens of shimmering tea lights and the moonlit sky as your ceiling, Fairy Godmother has an inexhaustible repertoire of magical spells. “It’s fun, intimate and just about you,” she says. “We want to entertain and be spectacular and we never do the same thing twice; there’s always a twist or turn to it.” Fairy Godmother is not alone in casting a spell on guests at Barnsley Resort. The whole resort is designed to enchant and entertain, from the spa with its treatments inspired by the garden’s heirloom roses and the Fazio-designed golf course to the historic Ruins and cozy dining options, including the Woodlands Grill, the Rice House, which is located in an 1840s farmhouse, and the casual Beer Garden. An outdoor lover’s paradise, Barnsley Resort offers sporting clays, canoeing and fly-fishing at the 10-acre lake, miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, saltwater swimming pool and tennis. What Fairy says of her spells is also true of the resort in general: “We want you to just have fun and take the time to fall in love with yourself and your family again.” ADVENTURE GUIDE TO DON’TMISS MOMENTS ● Book an in-room Fairy Godmother royal treatment and be prepared to be blown away. Each of Fairy’s spells is truly a work-of-art and personalized for the guest requesting it. Spells start at about $75. ● Take a tour of the grounds and The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
museum with resort historian Clent Coker, who has spent a lifetime researching and collecting memorabilia relating to the Barnsley family. ● Visit the European-inspired spa for the resort’s signature body treatment, one inspired by the blooms of the antique Barnsley rose. ● It’s a weekend in the country so clay shooting is a must, and Barnsley Resort has a 12-station course and a five-stand
And he knows the story. Coker has made Barnsley his life’s work, researching the family, collecting memorabilia that may be seen today in the museum adjacent to the Manor House Ruins, maintaining ties with the descendants of Godfrey Barnsley and joining Team Fugger to aid in the restoration when the Bavarian prince bought the land in 1988. By then, Coker had already spent 30 years collecting and preserving Barnsley history, hoping the land and its crumbling estate would be saved. Coker is a consummate storyteller who brings to life the story of wealthy British sea merchant, Godfrey Barnsley, his Savannah-born wife, Julia Scarborough Barnsley, their children and children’s children and their beloved Woodlands home. INFORMATION
for shooting in all weather. ● In addition to a Fairy Godmother, Barnsley Resort also has a resident Wine snob. Join him for a complimentary wine tasting or request his help in selecting the perfect pairing, not only for wine, but for spirits and brew, too. ADVENTURE GEAR TO ENHANCE THE JOURNEY What visitors need for a Barnsley Resort adventure is actually found at the destination: “Barnsley Gardens at Woodlands,” by Clent Coker. Subtitled “The Illustrious Dream, a century and a half of adventure, romance and mystery surrounding the Barnsleys,” Coker’s book narrates the story of the people and events that helped shape the magical world that Barnsley Resort is today.
Barnsley Resort is located in Adairsville, GA, about one hour north of Atlanta and one hour south of Chattanooga, TN. The resort offers a number of packages, including Bed and Breakfast, Ultimate Romance and Golfer’s Getaway. Upcoming specials: Easter Fun includes luxurious cottage accommodations and a $50 activity credit to use for horseback riding, golf, bicycling and more family fun, plus Easter activities, including egg dyeing with the Fairy Godmother and egg hunts on Sunday. Valid April 3 and 4, 2015 only. A Mother’s Day Special includes luxurious cottage accommodations, a $50 activity credit for each evening of the stay to use in The Spa or for horseback riding, bicycling or other activity and a calming gift from The Spa. Valid May 8 and 9, 2015 only. Visit the website for details. Barnsley Resort www.BarnsleyResort.com Author, travel and lifestyle writer, and travel goods expert Kathy Witt feels you should never get to the end of your bucket list; there’s just too much to see and do in the world. She can be reached at KathyWitt24@gmail.com or KathyWitt.com. (c)2015 Kathy Witt Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
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APRIL EXHIBITION: Gallery One Featured Artists
Main Street, 20x24 oil on canvas Anita Westerberg galleryonefineart.com/Anita-Westerberg
Riverside, 24x36 acrylic on canvas Carol Barksdale galleryonefineart.com/Carol-Barksdale
Solano, 40x30 mixed media Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett
Summer Light, 20x24 acrylic on canvas Shirley Esco galleryonefineart.com/Shirley-Esco
“A Duck Walks Into A Bar”, 20x16 oil on canvas Pam Wesley Copeland galleryonefineart.com/Pamela-Wesley-Copeland
The Spokeswoman, 16x20 oil on board John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon
Day & Night, 6” x 13.5” wood sculpture, Ken Lever galleryonefineart.com/Ken-Lever
Joy in the Jig, 30x24 mixed media on canvas Judith Ivy Hayden galleryonefineart.com/Judith-Ivy-Hayden
Mountain Trail, 16x20 oil on canvas, Anne Hugghins galleryonefineart.com/Anne-Hugghins
Snowball in Her Blanket, 18x24 oil on canvas John Mazaheri galleryonefineart.com/John-Mazaheri
Gallery One offers a wide selection of original art by gallery artist members. Style and price accommodate every taste and budget. As an Alabama not-for-profit cooperative gallery, Gallery One is actively engaged in the community. Gallery Director Sandi Aplin sandiaplin@aol.com, 334.269.1114 galleryonefineart.com
Morning Light II, 24x30 acrylic on canvas, Jane Segrest galleryonefineart.com/Jane-Segrest
By Sandi Aplin
Art & Soul
The Wonders of Alabama Art, Energen Art Exhibition We, at Gallery One Fine Art, are so pleased to have three of our artists selected again to participate in the exhibition which closed Sunday, March 22nd of this year. The following information is from the catalog Carol Barksdale with Tangerine Tango furnished by 48x436 acrylic on canvas. the Energen Corporation to the invited guests. A lovely reception welcomed the selected artists by Jurist Donny Finley of Birmingham, Alabama. Energen is celebrating its 16th annual art competition. Each year, Energen selects five winning pieces in the categories of grand prize, landscape, wildlife, employee choice and nonrepresentational/ abstract. The five winning paintings become a part of Energen’s permanent collection.
mental health counseling to women and children who do not have adequate resources to obtain care from private practitioners. The Exceptional Foundation serves mentally and physically challenged individuals in the Greater Birmingham, Alabama area by targeting social and recreational objectives not met by educational institutions or the community at Pamela Wesley Copeland with Main large. Street 24x30 oil on canvas
also very grateful to Energen Corporation for what they do to support Alabama artists as well as their other philanthropic endeavors in the community. Each year Energen donates the entry fees that artists pay to enter the show, plus an additional corporate contribution, to a different non-profit organization. Oasis
Shirley Esco with Endless Summer 24x30 acrylic on canvas
Counseling for Women and Children and The Exceptional Foundation are the recipients of the 2015 Energen Art Competition funds. Oasis provides high-quality, affordable,
The artists members of Gallery One Fine Art are very supportive in the participation of art enrichment and education. We are looking forward to the upcoming art events in Selma, Wetumpka and Montgomery this year.
Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A freelance writer living in Montgomery, AL sandiaplin@aol.com or galleryonefineart.com
For the 2015 competition, 416 pieces of art were entered into the competition, with173 selected to appear in the show. In total, 218 artists from throughout the state entered and 59 of those are new to the competition this year. Copeland says, “This is my third year to be accepted into the Energen Art Exhibition. I’m so pleased to have been selected for Honorable Mention in this year’s prestigious show celebrating Alabama artists. I’m
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Ask Nancy: Caring for Aging Relatives Mom’s move to assisted living facility is making her anxious
Q: My mother, age 84, recently decided that she wants to move to an Assisted Living Facility. Together we have done a lot of “homework” to find a community that offered the type of activities and accommodations that she was searching for. It’s also within 30 minutes of my home, so our visits and family activities won’t miss a beat. A real bonus! She is scheduled to move in soon, but now she is having second thoughts and jitters.She didn’t make the decision easily and spent a lot of time finding the best place for her. I think it’s just nerves; any thoughts? _Ellen J., Orlando, Florida.
with happy residents. Positivity is a good thing! ● While you are there, go together to her new apartment and talk about how her own furnishings will fit and how she
A: Your mother sounds like a very strong and decisive woman. To make such a big change in her life took a lot of courage and planning and it’s understandable that as moving day approaches the reality of it is sinking in and she may be having second thoughts. As with any transition, at any age, easing into a new situation can help to lessen anxieties. Here are some suggestions for making the change go smoother for her: ● In the next few weeks, arrange to have a few lunches with her at the ALF and make an effort to help her meet some residents. The executive director should be able to facilitate these introductions
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
wants to decorate it. ● Consider using a certified Senior Move Manager who is experienced in helping seniors through the emotional “downsizing” of their lives. She will work with your mother to determine which furniture pieces will fit in her new residence, and make all the arrangements for the move so everything
can be in place in a short amount of time. You can find a Move Manager on The National Association of Senior Move Managers Website (http://www.nasmm. org; www.nasmm.org.) ● On moving day, once everything is delivered, help her put her personal items away and display her family mementos so it quickly feels like her home. Finally, when the move is complete, break open a bottle of champagne and, with your family, and siblings, share a toast to her new life. Nancy Stein, Ph.D., is the founder of Seniority Matters (senioritymatters.com), a caregiver advisory and referral service in South Florida for seniors and their families. You can contact her at nancy@senioritymatters.com. (c)2015, Seniority Matters Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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Senior Dance Hosts Boogie...
for retirement centers, cruises
By Diane Lade
If you’re male, older than 60, look good in a tux and love to cut a rug, the world is your oyster. Such gents are in great demand as dance hosts. These suave fellows, a mash-up of Gilded Age elegance and Fred Astaire, are booked to even out the skewed ratio of senior guys to gals on dance floors at retirement communities, cruise ships and social gatherings. In exchange, they may earn some extra spending money, a deeply discounted room on a luxury liner, or free entry to a top-flight ballroom or A-list gala. The real payoff, though? More female attention than George Clooney could handle. With plenty of smiles as a tip. “If the ladies are smiling, then I’m smiling,” said Linda Lanson, director of community life at the Abbey Delray retirement center in Delray Beach. Lanson, like others who deal with senior event planning, has learned that dance hosts can make or break a party. “I can’t have a dance without them,” said Lanson. “If we have a new one show up, the ladies will want to know all about him. It’s better for them than vitamins.” One repeat attender at Abbey Delray: Paul Sciberras, 76, a retired oil company employee from Plantation. Sciberras, who grew up in Malta, has excellent manners and happy feet. Perhaps he understands the delicate dynamics of dance hosting because he took it up to ease his loneliness after his wife died 12 years ago. He describes his host duties this way: “You see an older lady sitting by herself, in a pretty dress. You see her tapping her foot. But a lot of people don’t ask old ladies to dance. So I go over and say, ‘Would you like to have a dance?’ She says, ‘Of course!’ She stands up and she is all smiles. I like to make people happy.”
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Hired dancer Mike Campbell, left, dances with Jackie Bowman during a Mardi Gras party (Jim Rassol/Sun Sentinel/TNS)
This scenario played out repeatedly during Abbey Delray’s Mardi Gras dance on a Thursday night in February. There was a live three-piece band, two wellstocked bars and a buffet. A string of wheelchairs and walkers were lined up outside the community room door, like fancy sedans at a valet station.
If the ladies resent the restrictions, they don’t mention it.
Sciberras showed up early, along with his friend and fellow dance host Michael Campbell, of Sunrise, and Dave Howell, a tall Delray Beach retiree and host whom Lanson often contacts for referrals. The men quietly assess the crowd, about 150 people, mostly women in their 70s and 80s, dressed in their glittery Mardi Gras finest.
Does she have a favorite host? “Oh no, I’ll take anyone,” she said.
Quickly, they agreed on how to divide up the room. And they were off. “Heeellloooo ladies!” Campbell, 77, called out loudly. “Nice to see you! Are you ready to dance?” He gave a short shake of his hips as the women giggled and clapped, then started moving among the brightly decorated tables. The hosts all know the rules: Each host must dance with each lady, but only once so others get a chance. No favorites. No romance.
“I just appreciate them being here. Look at them, aren’t they sweet?” said Lilyan Berkowitz, an 85-year-old widow who was waiting on the edge of the dance floor.
The fact that these dapper gentlemen are getting $70 each to whisk them away in a waltz doesn’t dampen the fun. “A lot of the ladies look forward to it,” said Claire Shaiman, 86. “To have your arms around a man again...” Yet the majority weren’t interested in having those arms around full-time. They were eager for mambo, not marriage. “I know they aren’t going to ask me out for coffee. I say that’s OK, as long as I can still cha-cha,” said Alzira Schaal, 82. Lightfooted and Brazilian-born, her Cleopatrastyle green, purple and gold tinsel wig shimmered as she tossed her head. Old boys who want to get lucky, however, should forget about dance hosting, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Sciberras and Campbell both say. “No romance” is the standard rule in just about every host situation dance they’ve encountered.
One company using Gentlemen Hosts is Cunard, the iconic 175-year-old cruise line whose famous ships have huge ballrooms and tend to attract older
Like at Abbey Delray, cruise lines require their hosts to constantly mingle and make small talk, not pillow talk, Sciberras and Campbell say. Just entering a passenger’s cabin can get you tossed off a ship.
ready. The men are required to have tuxedos and a good personality, as well as undergo a background check and an in-person interview before being signed up. “My hosts aren’t the kind of men who will be sneaking around in a cruise ship,” said Tracy Robison, Compass’ director of onboard programs. “Most are highly educated. They love to travel, meet new people and, of course, dance.” Ballrooms on the high seas aren’t the only ones in need of gentlemen dance hosts.
Millicent Silant dances with Dave Howell during the Mardi Gras dance (Jim Rassol/Sun Sentinel/TNS)
That doesn’t prevent the ladies from trying to lead hosts into temptation. “If she gives me the death grip, I know I’m in trouble,” Campbell said. “I have to say, ‘Please! We are not on the Titanic.’ “
travelers. Cunard spokeswoman Jackie Chase says there are no plans to dump the hosts who have been fox-trotting their unescorted ladies for several decades.
How does he diffuse such situations? “Carefully,” Campbell said. “You don’t want to offend them or make them feel terrible. I usually do fast dances, so we can’t get too committed.” Still, sometimes nature takes its course and wedding bells chime between host and guest. That’s fine, those who work with cruise lines say, as long as the courting starts after the ship has docked. Sciberras and Campbell both are part of the Gentlemen Host Program, which supplies experienced single, mature male ballroom dancers for luxury cruise lines. They like to share one of the cabins set aside for hosts, which costs them each $30 daily. Just about everything else is free. It’s not all wine, off-limits women and big band songs, however. There’s no smoking and limited drinking. If you’re not in your cabin, you’re expected to be dancing or chatting or smiling, Sciberras said. And your toes get stepped on. A lot. “Sometimes you’re tired and you don’t feel like dancing,” Sciberras said. “But you have to.” The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Helen Lamb, manager of the Goldcoast Ballroom in Coconut Creek, keeps on eye out for seniors with smooth moves on her dance floor. They are invited to come to dances, admission charge waived, as volunteer hosts. Lamb also refers her regulars, who set their own schedules and fees, to retirement complexes or events that need hosts. Older single women, most in their 80s and 90s, often come to Goldcoast afternoon dances “because their friends are here and they want to socialize,” Lamb said. They also want a dance partner, hence the volunteer hosts. “Everyone enjoys having someone to dance with,” Lamb said.
Hired dancer Mike Campbell dances with Stephanie Bildner during a Mardi Gras party (Jim Rassol/Sun Sentinel/TNS)
The program “has a very genteel aspect about it, like something from a bygone era,” Chase said. “I have watched the Gentlemen Hosts in action, and I always am impressed.” Many hosts are recruited through Compass Speakers and Entertainment, a Fort Lauderdale agency that keeps about 400 dancing kings ages 45 to 75 at the
Watch the video at: http://bit.ly/18yQ6NY (c)2015 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
To Juice or not to Juice, that is the question…. The concept of juicing - making a pure juice drink from single or mixed fruits and vegetables has plenty of similarities to smoothies, but there are also some notable differences.
If you have not seen a juicer, they do tend to be quite large. They will have somewhere that you can put in the whole or pieces of fruit and vegetables, somewhere that the juice is collected
All fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients – vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are always best when taken in their raw, pure form. Our bodies can digest and utilize them better this way, rather than popping a synthetic pill. Just like smoothies, juicing is a way of getting closer to or surpassing the 5 a day goal. When you “juice”, you get a concentrated amount of nutrients in the form of a pleasant tasting drink. In addition, they are low in fat, have zero added sugars and zero added salt. They do however, have both natural sugars and sodium, which are evident in all fruit and vegetables in varying quantities. (As a side point here, it should be noted that if you eat the required 5 a day of fruits and vegetables, you should naturally get what your body requires in sodium, without having to add salt to anything! Something we should all be aiming for.) The juice that you get from a juicer is also quite an easy drink to, well, drink! As opposed to smoothies, which can be quite thick in consistency and be very filling. I think you can see the pros and cons here – juicing is a good way to get your power pack of nutrients in an easyto-consume way, but it doesn’t fill you up in the same way a smoothie would. They lack the additional fiber and optional protein of smoothies and therefore are less viable as a meal replacement option, but great as a nutrient packed boost throughout the day.
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and somewhere that the pulp, peel, seeds, etc. are collected. Due to the fact that the pulp is extracted, the juice contains very little remaining fiber. Some people have gone to re-adding the pulp after the juice is made, which begs the question then, why juice? Why not just make a fruit/veg smoothie? In my opinion, if that’s what you plan to do, then don’t waste your money on a juicer, just use the blender you probably already have. For some people though, juicing is just a better option for them. If you don’t like the thickness/ pulpiness of a smoothie, or don’t need or want additional protein or fiber as you get it elsewhere in your diet. It is a high carb, low protein, low fiber drink, so as long as you are getting your protein and fiber from elsewhere then juicing is a good option for a vitamin and mineral boost. Of course, depending on what you choose to juice, you will get different benefits. Two of my favorites to add
to any juice, as they are both quite sweet in their own right, are red and black berries and carrots. Berries are a great source of anti-oxidants – great for beautiful skin and boosting your immune system. Carrot is one of the most healing foods that provides the finest and highest quality in nutrients, especially from its juice. It is an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, D, E, K, B1 and B6. It is also rich with biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic sodium and some trace minerals. There are so many fruits and vegetables out there that have so many different vitamin and mineral contents, that I can really only advise you here to Google the goal you have, for instance “fruits and vegetables for immunity boost” or “vegetables for great skin” and then choose the ones that you actually like (though it wouldn’t hurt to try one or two that you’ve never had before!) and incorporate those into your next juice. Just like with smoothies, it’s actually very hard to make something that tastes bad. For some reason you can mix up crazy sounding combinations and because it’s fresh and natural, it just tastes great! So, let’s try it – get juicing!! Tracy Bhalla, Owner/ Manager of Cool Beans Restaurant, 115 Montgomery Street, P: 334.416.8447, coolbeans.mgm@gmail.com or facebook.com/coolbeans.mgm Trained as an architect! Worked as a teacher of product design and graphic design for 9 years in England and Bermuda. Always had a love of healthy, good-for-you food. Always cooking for friends and family. Married a cardiologist in 2007. We have a shared passion about eating healthily (and wine) and both love to cook, so when Cool Beans became available we jumped at it.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
It’s About How You LIVE Encouraging individuals to make informed decisions about end-of-life care and services is about planning for the future. Communicating your end-of-life wishes to your loved ones, appointing a healthcare power of attorney, and addressing financial issues such as wills and paying for longterm care are just a few of the issues you can address today to plan ahead for tomorrow. A new study on advance directives among U.S. consumers which was published in the January 2014 edition of The American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that there is an over-whelming lack of awareness in making medical wishes known. Many Americans do not have an advance directive. An advance directive is a document that provides information to your physician and other health care workers about what your personal wishes and desires are concerning the type of health care you desire and/or do not desire. Advance care planning is making decisions about the care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These are YOUR decisions to make, regardless of what you choose for your care. “The importance of having an advance directive benefits not only the individual but the family members and other professional health care providers that may need to care for someone facing a serious or life-limiting illness,” says Jenille Ball, RN and Executive Director of Hospice of Montgomery. Equally important are the frank conversations that loved ones have with The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
each other and care providers about the care that they would or would not want. Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal, because it is impossible to foresee every type of circumstance or illness, it is essential to think in general about what is important to you. While it can be difficult to initiate these conversations, ultimately, they can be an invaluable gift to those you love and those caring for you. Complex choices about end-of-life care are difficult even when we are well, but if you are seriously ill, they can seem overwhelming. Avoiding these decisions, however, will only place a heavier burden on you and your loved ones later on. Communicating your wishes about end-oflife care will ensure that you face the end of your life with dignity and with the same values with which you have lived. Getting Started Call Hospice of Montgomery today to learn more about a quality of care that inspires living! If you have questions, we’ll make it easy to get answers or to talk to someone about your needs and concerns. Hospice of Montgomery is here, ready to give you more information about the benefits of hospice care, offer choices and options, or help you begin care. Anyone can ask for hospice care. For more information designed specifically to help individuals and families facing a serious illness gain resources and information to help them, visit hospiceofmontgomery.org or simply call us at 334-279-6677.
Planning Ahead Checklist ; Get the information you need to make informed choices about end-of-life care. ; Get to know end-of-life care services that are available. ; Discuss your thoughts, concerns and choices with your loved ones. ; Talk to your doctor about different treatments. ; Establish advance directives (a living will and medical power of attorney) for your state. ; Talk to your healthcare agent, family and doctor about your choices. ; Discuss your choices often, especially when your medical condition changes. ; Keep your completed advance directives in an accessible place. ; Give photocopies of the signed originals to your healthcare agent, alternate agents, doctor, family, friends, clergy and anyone else who might be involved in your healthcare. ; Assess your financial situation, create a financial inventory and determine what end-of-life goals you want to accomplish that involve money. ; Learn about the cost of end-of-life care, how medical bills and expenses will be paid for if you are not able to. ; Make financial decisions such as how you want to give your money and possessions to others upon your death. ; Prepare for the time when you cannot handle money matters; appoint a durable power of attorney. ; Plan your funeral/memorial service.
Hospice of Montgomery
Alabama’s First Hospice. Still Local. Still Non-Profit. R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
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Montessori@Mulberry advertorial
The River Region’s Preferred Montessori Preschool M@M’s New Expanded Campus
Montessori @ Mulberry has added a new building to its Mulberry Campus. The building is a charming house, newly renovated, next to the current location and includes a classroom, a Montessori Resource Center and an additional playground. We have also expanded our classroom to the outdoors with “The Children’s Garden.” Our students now participate in all the phases of gardening: from germination, planting, caring for and harvesting an organic crop. According to Jackie Maloy, Executive Director, “The response to our unique educational approach has been very positive and we are excited to offer more opportunities for parents who appreciate the Montessori Education we specialize in.”
M@M Location
Elena Olson-Shimp and Milan Crittenden
Montessori@Mulberry is centrally located in Midtown Montgomery a few blocks from Jackson Hospital and Huntingdon College. Conveniently located just blocks from Interstate I-85.
The M@M Classroom
In the Montessori classroom, each child is encouraged to reach his or her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. The classroom contains many multisensory, sequential and self-correcting materials that facilitate learning. Concepts are presented concretely and students work with materials until Neah James they are ready to move to more abstract materials. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen. All classrooms have multi-age groupings, which encourages a family-like atmosphere where learning can take place naturally. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to elementary school. Annalise Applegate
Why Choose Montessori @ Mulberry
Is it a coincidence that many of the mavericks on the leading edge of innovation and creativity in our culture are Montessori graduates? The founders of Google and Amazon.com along with T. Berry Brazelton, noted pediatrician, to Peter Drucker, the well known management guru, were all educated in the Montessori Classroom. As you research and think about how you want your child to begin his or her education, Montessori @ Mulberry should be at the top of your list. We offer certified Montessori teachers in each classroom and a quality environment designed for fostering the love of learning. As a parent, you want the “peace of mind” knowing your child will have the opportunity to learn and grow according to his or her ability. We invite you to call Jackie MaloySriram Madadi Watson at 265.7733 to schedule a tour and discover why Montessori @ Mulberry is the River Region’s preferred Montessori Preschool. Begin your child’s education for life with the skilled staff at Montessori @ Mulberry.
Offering Exceptional Educational Experiences for children 12 months through Kindergarten. Limited space available beginning January 5th, 2015
Call Jackie Maloy-Watson Today to Schedule Your Tour @ 334-265-7733 or Cell 334-462-0548 casadebambini@aol.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
_ www.montessoriatmulberry.com _ 2034 Clubview District R ive r ReSt. gio nin Bo othe m . co Mulberry m April 2015 BOOM!
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April 2015
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
PINE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA Celebrate Spring! Callaway Gardens Now through April 19th
A series of themed weekends, known collectively as Celebrate Spring!, feature special activities and events for families and friends to share against the backdrop of Callaway Gardens’ dazzling display of native and cultivated azaleas – more than 20,000 of them – plus fresh blooms of dogwoods, crabapples, daffodils, tulips and more. This year’s themed weekends will pay tribute to: Flight in the Gardens, Colors of the Gardens, Renewal in the Gardens, Gardening in the Gardens and Flavors in the Gardens. For more info call 1.800.225.5292 or visit callawaygardens.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Capitol Sounds Concert Band Spring Showcase Concert, with Young Artist Competition Winner, Salvador Hernandez Frazer UMC-Wesley Hall. Thursday, April 9th
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Zoo Weekend Montgomery Zoo Saturday & Sunday, April 11-12, 9 am - 6 pm
montgomeryzoo.com
Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL. For more info call 334.240.4900 or visit
ENTERPRISE, ALABAMA
Piney Woods Arts Festival A Juried Arts & Crafts Show Enterprise State Community College Apr 11 & 12, 2015
The “Spring Showcase” will treat the audience to a number of selections demonstrating the range and versatility of the concert band. Attendees will be treated to From Tropic to Tropic, Die Fledermaus, Deep River, and music from Oklahoma! among other pieces. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band hosted its first annual Young Artists Competition in February. Alabama State University Senior Salvador Hernandez placed first in the competition and will be a featured soloists at the concert. Hernandez will be performing the Franz Strauss Horn Concerto, Op 8, Mvt 1 with accompaniment by the Capitol Sounds Concert Band. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Capitol Sounds, visit capitolsounds.org.
The 41st Annual Piney Woods Arts Festival takes place April 11 & 12, 2015, on the grounds of Enterprise State Community College (on the running track) in Enterprise. One of the oldest juried arts and crafts show in the area, Piney Woods features original art and crafts by approximately 100 artists, a children’s fun center, food and entertainment. Special events include a Civil War Living Display and the Weevil City Cruisers Car and Truck Show. Free admission. Gold Corporate Sponsor: West Gate Center Enterprise. For information, call 334.406.2787 or visit CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
WETUMPKA, ALABAMA
“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!” The lust for power is all in this epic tale of a once noble monarch driven to madness and ruin by family betrayal, treachery and regret. Experience the fall of a dynasty in one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. For more information call 334.271.5353 or visit asf.net
The last concert performed in the Montgomery Chamber Music Organization’s 2014-15 season takes place on Sunday, April 12 at 2:30 pm at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Preceding the concert there will be an optional gourmet “Spring Fling Tailgate” luncheon in Cafe M. The concert will feature Trio Solisti which was called
King Lear Alabama Shakespeare Festival - ASF April 10th - May 10th, various times
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Trio Solista MMFA Wilson Auditorium Sunday, April 12th, 2:30 pm
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
“The most exciting piano trio in America” - The New Yorker. For more info visit triosolisti.com. For more information and tickets visit montgomerychambermusic.org or call 334.277.3505.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Civil War Walking Tour Downtown Montgomery Saturday, April 18th, 9 am
Join historians Mary Ann Neeley, noted historian and author, and Bob Bradley, chief curator for the Alabama Department of Archives and History, for this fascinating tour of Civil War sites in downtown Montgomery. See the Winter Building where the telegraph went out to fire on Fort Sumter and the Capitol steps where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the president of the Confederacy. Wear comfortable shoe and bring a bottle of water for this walking tour from the Capitol to the river.
Oakwood Cemetery Tour Downtown Montgomery Saturday, April 18, 25, 9 am
Mary Ann Neeley, retired director of Old Alabama Town, leads this tour of Montgomery’s oldest cemetery. Meet inside the front gate of the cemetery on Wetumpka Road for a glimpse into the lives of some of Montgomery’s most interesting former residents. For more info visit oldalabamatown.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Frazer Singles’ Missions Flea Market Parking Lot by Frazer Soccer Fields Saturday, May 2nd, 7 am-1 pm 9:30 to 4:30 pm Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure! And whether it’s junk or treasure, the annual Missions Flea Market sponsored by the Frazer Single Adult Ministry makes something wonderful of it by raising funds o support mission projects that reach out to those in need here in Montgomery and in some of the darkest corners of the world. Participate in one of three ways: Donate Items: If it’s time for Spring Cleaning, bring your “pre-loved” items to the Singles Ministry and we’ll sell them for you. Pick-up available. Rent a Booth: space to sell your own stuff at this high-traffic market costs only $20. Come and Shop! It’s fun, and remember, all proceeds go to Frazer missions. To donate items or rent a booth, contact Caroline in the Singles Minisry office, 334.272.8622 or caroline@frazerumc.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Walk for Life Young Meadows Presbyterian Church Saturday, May 2nd, 8:30-10:30 am
Sav-A-Life Montgomery is gearing up for its annual Walk for Life, the second-largest fundraiser for the ministry each year. The Walk will be on Saturday, May 2, at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church on Vaughn Road. It’s an event for young and old, and dogs, bikes, skates, and strollers are welcome for this easy, one-mile walk. After the Walk, there will be festivities for all, with music, food and children’s activities like inflatables and face painting. There is no charge for this event, but participants are encouraged to recruit family and friends who will sponsor them as they walk for Sav-A-Life. For more information visit savalifemtg.org or call 334.260.8010 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
CLOVERDALE, ALABAMA
Capri To Present Plays From SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE Sundays 2 pm, May 3rd, June 27th, July 12th
The Capri Theatre in Montgomery will be presenting five plays from Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London beginning March 1st and running through July. The plays are presented in high definition digital and starring some of the best British stage actors working today. Shows are monthly on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Tickets for these special presentations are $20 for the general public and $18 for Capri Theatre members. For more info visit capritheatre.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Taste of the Gardens 2015 Southern Homes & Gardens Thursday May 7th, 5-8 pm
Southern Homes & Gardens and the American Red Cross present Taste of the Gardens, a benefit for the American Red Cross, held annually at SH&G on Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL. Taste of the Gardens will be held Thursday, May 7th, from 5 to 8 pm The event includes a silent auction featuring works from local artists; tasting from the River Region’s finest restaurants & caterers; wine and music with Henry Pugh. Also, during the Taste of the Gardens event, items purchased at SH&G will be discounted 20%. Event tickets are $20, and may be purchased online at american.redcross.org/tasteofthegardens or at SH&G and Caffco Outlet. For more information contact Kari Hennagin at 334.260.4016 or email kari.hennagin2@redcross.org.
LAGRANGE, GEORGIA
The Hills and Dales Estate LaGrange, Georgia Daily (except Mon.), 10-6 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm
The centerpiece of the estate is a beautiful Georgian-Italian villa, designed by architects Hal Hentz & Neel Reid for textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway, Sr. Completed in 1916, the home complements the formal boxwood gardens planted earlier in the mid 19th century by Sarah Ferrell. The property has been lovingly preserved by two generations of the Callaway family and is now open for public visitation. Guests can explore educational exhibits and experience an engaging film that tells the story of the estate. Visitors are provided a guided tour of the home and given an opportunity to explore the historic Ferrell Gardens. Enjoy! For more info visit hillsanddales.org or call 706.882.3242
DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA ZZ Top, April 9th, MPAC, mpaconline.org Bob Dylan, April 15th, MPAC, mpaconline.org
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By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
COLONOSCOPY! On the 17th day God said “let there be light in the darkest of places and let there be vision where there is currently blindness”, so He invented The Colonoscopy.
topics in today’s talk radio.
There’s no shortage of
We have a President fully committed to ignoring the body of people overwhelmingly elected to stop his crackpot agenda, yet he forges ahead because those elected to stop him think the message was “roll over and play dead”. We have an Alabama Governor re-elected to a 2nd term on the promise “not to raise taxes” and he seems to have forgotten that pledge. Campaign promises from all sides crumble like potato chips to the bottom of the bag and lies are treated with expectancy rather than contempt. Allied nations are treated like enemies and trust is demanded when we negotiate with countries whose national anthem includes the lyrics “Death to America”.
on these important issues, but nothingNOTHING produced a greater volume of calls to my shows in 2015 like the aforementioned colonoscopy. I guess people feel powerless to do anything about Obama, Bentley and the insanity pervading today’s headlines. Why call? Nothing’s going to change. But when I asked the Newstalk 93.1 FM audience for advice on colonoscopies, my phones exploded like a digestive tract filled with the swill the doc makes you drink one day before the procedure. It was not my first. 11 years ago, I had one in Ft. Lauderdale and with the exception of one minor complication (her name was Felicia), it was a breeze in more ways than one. For that one I only had to drink 8 ounces of some putrid, over-the-counter colon cleanse. Felicia, whom I was dating at the time, offered to drive me to and from the hospital. When I came to in the recovery room, she was madder than a hornet in heat. What the hell could I have done to make her so mad while I was under anesthesia? “You proposed to every nurse that walked by”, she huffed.
The race card has been played so frivolously it has become the Joker in the deck. Make no mistake; talk radio suffers from no shortage of things worthy of discussion and debate.
I remembered none of it, and it took an expensive stone crab lunch to convince her I was not responsible for things said under the influence. It was never the same. Felicia and I broke up not long after C-1.
Some caring people do call to voice opinions
C-2 would be different. This time, instead of
a simple, over-the-counter cleanse, I went to Adams Drugs where my cheerful pharmacist Lamar handed me a large plastic gallon jug with powder, a substance known as PEG3350/ELECTROLYTES, a pharmaceutical term for “liquid plastic explosive”. Drinking this 4 liter bomb began with the swallowing of FOUR Dulcolax tablets! The individual responsible for this gawdawful concoction must be serving under the ISIS flag today. Listeners by the droves offered advice; “mix in Crystal Light”- “refrigerate it to the coldest possible temperature”- “close your eyes” and the consensus opinion- “stay close to a toilet” (some suggesting I dispatch a friend for an adult diaper, which I chose NOT to do). Of course, before The Big Swill, you must cease eating anything you enjoy so your mouth can fully appreciate the bitter/sour/ slimy taste of the liquid explosive. So, after a farewell burger, I began to hit the jug after popping the 4 Dulcolax. It brought to mind an experience from 1991. I was in a post-op rehab following rotator cuff surgery, and found myself sharing a room with Alex Taylor. Alex, brother of James, was one of the most entertaining people I’ve ever met. He regaled us with stories about James and Carly Simon, John Belushi and life on Martha’s Vineyard (he claimed Belushi is not buried in the grave there- that, in fact, the SNL original was given a Viking burial at sea and his grave marker is just something for tourists to see). Alex was being prepped for a stomach surgery, and on its eve, he received the large jug of
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald, Barranco & Hagen Wealth Management
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cleansing solution. Alex picked it up for the umpteenth time and proclaimed “if this (expletive) was vodka I’d have finished it in an hour”. He left the next day for his successful procedure. I drank the (expletive) like a college frat boy. As Tom Petty once said, “the waiting is the hardest part”. After EIGHT hours, the volcano erupted. Let me just say that if you want a firmer fanny, drink this (expletive) once a week. You will discover a firming power through the Gluteus Squeeze, repeated often, while racing for comfort hoping to sit, before the big (expletive). At daybreak, wife Roz chauffeured me to Baptist East Surgical for the BM (big moment). They were quite efficient! Within an hour, a nurse said “now roll over on your side” and before I could ask what she thought of Governor Bentley’s tax agenda, I was out. Dr. Dalton said he removed one polyp- benignbut said I should now be having one of these ordeals every 3 years because of it. CRAP! Roz, though, said I behaved like a perfect gentleman with the nurses! I will need your advice again in 2018. Remember that number- 334.272.9228! And thank you! Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, children and dogs. He’s a 25 year veteran of radio who hosts the Greg & Susan morning show 6-9 am and Happy Hour 3-6 pm on NEWSTALK 93.1, Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
Register Now for Bible Study Fellowship’s New Study of Revelation
Study begins the week after Labor Day, but due to the high demand for this study, pre-registration is advised. All classes and materials are free of charge. Montgomery Women’s Day Class and Pre-school Program Ridgecrest Baptist Church Wednesdays @ 9:10 5260 Vaughn Road Register any Wednesday in March or April except March 25 If demand exceeds space, a Wednesday afternoon class will be offered. Montgomery Evening Women’s Class and School Program grades 1-12 Frazer UMC 401 Bldg Mondays @ 6:45 6000 Atlanta Highway Register any Monday in March or April except March 23 Montgomery Evening Men’s Class and School Program grades 1-12 Aldersgate Methodist Mondays @ 6:50 6610 Vaughn Rd Register any Monday in March or April except March 23 Auburn Women’s Day Satellite Class Parkway Baptist Church Thursdays @ 10:00 766 East University Drive, Auburn Registration any Thursday in March or April except March 26 Plans are pending for a Greenville Women’s Day Satellite Class. For information, call Tricia Seay @ 334-546-1386 or Sheryl Treadw ell @ 334-224-3497.
The Business Mini Directory
A Business Mini is a little fatter than your old business card and for a limited time we are offering a Business Mini to fit your budget. Fifty dollars will get your business message in front of thousands of people over 50 who have the money to buy stuff. Every business needs one more customer, where will yours come from? Call today and get your $50 Business Mini, 324.3472 or jim@riverregionboom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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