BOOM! February 2016

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Secret Heart

The to a Woman’s A woman’s heart beats proud and true. The secret to keeping it that way? Living a heart-healthy life. Learn all the ways you can keep your heart healthy, proud, and true by joining us at Jackson Hospital for our free Women’s Heart Health Seminar.

Women’s Heart Health Seminar Wednesday, Feb. 24 Noon (lunch included) Presenter: Wynne Crawford, MD 11th Floor, Goode Building COST IS $5 (free to My Hospital Card members). Seating is limited, reservations required. Visit jackson.org/events or call 334-293-8805.

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www.jackson.org/heart The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


HealthNEWS

February 2016

for Boomers and Beyond

Have a Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day On Feb. 14, hearts are the star of the show. Of course, they don’t look anything like the real deal—the hardworking muscle that sets the beat for life every day, all year long. To show your love for all the beating hearts you hold dear, why not plan a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day? These four ideas can get you started:

directly linked to heart disease, it can cause heart-related health issues—like higher blood pressure and damaged arteries.

Good gifts for reducing stress include:

1. Roses are red…and so are strawberries.

Dip them in dark chocolate for a delicious treat that provides flavonoids from the chocolate and fiber, phytochemicals and potassium from the fruit—all of which promote heart health. And for a meal that’s true to the day’s festive hue, include dishes that feature red produce such as apples, beets, cherries, grapes, peppers and pomegranate seeds.

2. Exercise is one key to a healthy heart.

So plan an active date with your heartthrob. Skate hand-in-hand around the local ice rink. Try something new together, like hitting balls at an indoor batting cage. Chop and stack wood for the evening’s romantic fire. Dance the night away. And make a pact to exercise together regularly.

Women’s Heart Health Seminar

3. Valentine’s Day gifts can be both from the heart and for the heart, especially if they help reduce stress. Although stress hasn’t been

&

• A gym membership. • A gift certificate for a massage. • Some scented soap to use in a soothing bath.

4. Kids are sweethearts too. To set a healthy

example for your little valentines, take them on an active family outing every Feb. 14. For classroom parties, help kids choose healthy tokens of affection, like whole-wheat pretzels (the heart-shaped ones, of course!) or mini boxes of raisins decorated with seasonal stickers. Valentine’s Day comes just once a year. But it’s a great reminder to strive for a lifetime of healthy hearts.

Screening

Learn more about women’s heart health and living with heart disease at this seminar from Wynne Crawford, MD of Montgomery Cardiovascular Associates, P.C.

Wednesday, February 24 Screening begins 11am. Lunch and seminar at 12pm $5 fee includes glucose, blood pressure testing and heart-healthy lunch! (Free for My Hospital Card members!)

Register at jackson.org/events or call 334-293-8805 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents

February 2016

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard

Volume 6 Issue 7

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 8 Publisher’s Letter 10 Jackie Maloy-Watson 12 Physical Exercise and Your Brain, Leigh Anne Richards 10 Side by Side Singers 14 Write a Valentine’s Letter Brandt McDonald page 17

16 Jewish Food Festival 22 BOOM! Cover Profile

Features 30 Grandma Goes to Comedy College Beverly Munter is 81...

36 7 Ways to Be a Cool Grandparent

Make the most of your time...

26 The Kelly Presents “Abandoned Rural America”

40 SHAKER VILLAGE of Pleasant Hill

27 Healthy Hearing Casey Gonzalez

Travel Trends with Kathy Witt

Departments 18 This and That

Now You’re “In the Know”

52 {12} Things

BOOM!

COVER PROFILE

32 Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla: Immunity Boosting

44 Greg Budell

Solutions for Bored Boomers

28 Beauty Buzz New Product Spotlight

VALENTINE’S SPESHUL

Lady BOOMer’s Guide to the BOOMer Guy 34 Plan for Long-Term Care Ask an Elder Law Attorney

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38 Try Meditation 39 Dating Coach: My older boyfriend doesn’t trust me 43 Happenings at Gallery One Fine Art

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46 Boomers find Booming Business with Pot Shop 49 Ask Nancy: You can’t be too prepared 50 BOOM! Advertising 51 More Than Just Patient Care

BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 6398 Eastwood Glen Pl., Montgomery, AL 36117. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2016 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

I am Alone 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, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

Associate Editor Kelly Watson

Jackie and Jim, doing a selfie from Israel and loving it!

kelly@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell

Lisa Carpenter Lisa Copeland Erica Curless Casey Gonzalez Brandt McDonald Charlotte Mussafer Joe Mussafer Leigh Anne Richards Nancy Stein Nicole Tsong Raley L. Wiggins Kathy Witt

Cover Photography Kim Bethea Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080

One of the most profound aspects of life is when you lose your wife suddenly to something medically you had know idea existed. I know this because my wife Jackie died suddenly on the morning of January 4th of this year. I was cleaning up the kitchen after an early breakfast when she cried out for me to come and help her. She felt some pain in her jaw and she wanted to lie down and rest for a few moments before she went to work. Moments later she collapsed in my arms and became unresponsive. Myself and her son Ian tried frantically to resuscitate her, the paramedics came and they did the same. When we got to the hospital, nothing else could be done. Jackie was gone and there wasn’t anything I could do to help her.

For those who knew Jackie, her laugh was infectious and she always engaged with you. She loved you before you even knew it. Her servant heart would embarrass you, because she was unselfish and generous. What a joy to be in her presence. She was approachable and lovable. We loved each other far beyond expectations and that surprised us nearly every day. I share a tribute to Jackie on page 10 for those of you who want to know more about our life together. This month’s issue of BOOM! is bigger than ever which means there are more features and other content that will be of interest. Our BOOM! Cover Profile is a couple that has lived in the Montgomery area for decades and has been intentional about making a contribution to the quality of life we all enjoy today. Joe and Charlotte Mussafer have had successful careers in Montgomery, and they have provided leadership throughout their lives here and continue to do so even today. I have known Joe and Charlotte for many years and its a pleasure to share some of their story with our readers, I know you’ll enjoy reading more about them. There’s plenty more to engage with in this month’s issue of BOOM! You know your way around the magazine so enjoy. Finally, let me say thank you to all of the outpouring of love that has been given to myself and our family in this difficult time of mourning. Jackie knew many people and they have shared their love for her with me and her son Ian. Jackie was deeply loved and so are we. Thank you.

Jim

Advertising

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472

jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text

jim@riverregionboom.com

Design & Layout Lake House Graphics

Distribution

Network Delivery

Printing Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436 publicationspress.com

Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!

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Jackie Maloy-Watson My wife Jackie passed away suddenly on the morning of January 4, 2016. My heart broke, shattered. Within a matter of moments, the love of my life was gone from every room I would ever walk in again. The disbelief still fills my thoughts every day, but the reality of her passing fades into the beautiful memories we created during the 1,803 days of our lives together. Everyone knows that we measure what’s important to us, and somewhere during the first few weeks of our relationship I told Jackie we had been together for 34 days. Sometime later, I would share that it had been 83 days of being together. Measuring our lives together in days became one of those fun things people in love do. It was one of our love games. She would ask, out of the blue, “How long has it been Jim?” And without hesitating I would say 185 days! I knew the number because every day was a special gift of time we would share together. Jackie and I came into our relationship as widows. We were both 60-somethings with a whole lot of life’s experiences between us...the “been there done that” thing. Neither one of us were looking for a new spouse or much else in the way of a committed relationship. But from day one, our life experiences created a new love that was fresh, exciting and engaging in a way neither of us had experienced before. We shared our days in so many ways. Much time was spent working in the garden she loved. I never worked so hard helping her create the garden she was

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May 27, 1948 - January 4, 2016

in managing BOOM! as well. From proofreading many pages each month to providing creativity in cover design and layout, she was my go to for so much. I miss her. We also shared in the sorrows of life. Jackie’s sister, Astri, and her youngest son, Justin, died during our days together. What a difficult time to even speak, let alone try and share our special love. We learned to grieve together, to comfort without words... being there for each other was all that mattered. In time, we found hope with each other and the life we wanted to continue to build. Our dreams began to grow more than ever; our conversations were generous, loving and respectful; sharing our thoughts created an intimacy we both longed for.

always re-imagining. From eclectic to meditation themes; fountains and flower beds; the Garden House and blueberries; oranges and chickens. What a creative woman she was. What a great companion to have in the garden. Jackie and I shared our businesses with each other and spent many days engaging in how to improve and solve problems for a better result. We spent many days in her business, Montessori @ Mulberry, building sidewalks and gardens, renovating rooms, or just hauling dirt, sand and gravel to make the campus more beautiful. We brainstormed ideas and came up with marketing plans to help grow the school. Jackie shared

Jackie and I shared our Christian faith. We worshiped together. We prayed together. We shared in God’s grace. We both knew that God had everything to do with us being in each other’s lives. It was part of our conversation. We were in awe of how life seems so arranged. God is good. My faith assures me of Jackie’s presence with the Lord. She is rejoicing and I am at peace. The theme of our life together was “you’re never too old to dream a new dream”, and for 1,803 days we dreamed many new dreams. I love you, Jackie.

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Physical Exercise and Your Brain Over the past few months, I have been thinking about the aging process especially about my memory, and staying mentally sharp. The locker room chats at MetroFitness seem to always lead to one of my BOOM! articles. One of my close friends, Susan Hornsby, always inspires me to research something. She has recently started playing her clarinet again for the orchestra at First Baptist Church. She talked about how after this many years of not playing things have changed- finger coordination, eye hand coordination and just the brain reading music so quickly. I began to think about physical exercise and wanted more info on how physical exercise does affect our brains. We know that science has proven how exercise helps in weight loss and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, but could working out improve the health of your brain and make you smarter? Your brain is no different from the rest of your muscles in your body- use it or lose it. We use the gym to stimulate muscle growth of muscle cells as you use a brain fitness program to increase connections in your brain. You can actually get a brain boost by working out. Physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has positive effects on brain function ranging from the

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molecular to behavioral level. A study done at the University of Georgia showed that even exercising for 20 minutes facilitates information processing and memory functions. From a study published in the “Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience”- It states that research shows the tremendous benefit of aerobic exercise on a person’s

Fitness over Fifty by Leigh Anne Richards

memory and demonstrates that aerobic exercise can reduce both the biological and cognitive consequences of aging. A study dating back to 2006, showed that exercise not only improved brain function but actually increased brain volume in older adults. Exercise increases the heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain. It also causes the body to release different kinds of hormones which participate in aiding and nourishing an environment for the growth of brain cells. Recent research from UCLA demonstrated that exercise increased growth factors in the brain making it easier for the brain to grow new neuronal connections. From a behavioral

perspective, the same antidepressant effect associated with the “runners high” is associated with a drop in stress. This “high” was associated with more cell growth in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and professor at New York University says that exercise not only improves memory but creativity as well. Suzuki says ”It helps parts of the brain important for attention, for memory and for mood, and it does this by doing things like changing the anatomical structure of the brain- it actually increases the size of some of those areas and enhances the responses of these areas.” Dr. Wendy Suzuki is an award winning neuroscientist. She always focused her entire life on work and research. She realized that all work was not necessarily a good thing so she set out to change her life. She set out on a journey that would change her body, mind, and brain. The first step was an exercise regime that would make her body more fit. In the process she found herself focusing better, working smarter and getting more accomplished in less time. As her body changed, her determination grew and she set out to develop and build a better social life, spark her creativity, and engage in meditation and other mindful activities. She used her expertise in neuroscience to pinpoint exactly how exercise not only made her brain work better but also made her feel happy and

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well. In her book Healthy Brain, Happy Life, she tells how everything she did for her body changed her brain. Suziki also states that if you put animals on exercise, you can help protect their brains from lots of stress but not only that- if animals are already stressed and you put them on an exercise program, you can regrow these brain areas being attacked by stress hormones in the blood stream. The usage of physical exercise in conjunction with brain training (Suziki calls Brain hacks) increases your chance of increasing cognitive functions within parameters, including time of exercise and style of exercise. Interestingly, differences between exercise types such as opting for cycling over running is associated with an enhanced brain function during and after a workout. Ballroom dancing, an activity with physical and mental demands has a higher impact on cognitive function over exercise or mental tasks alone indicating that brain health workouts should involve those that integrate different parts of the brain such as coordination, rhythm, and strategy. The following are some tips for choosing

the right physical exercise for brain health: • In general, anything that is good for your heart is good for your brain. • Aerobic exercise is great for body and brain. It acts as a “first aid kit” on damaged brain cells. • Exercise in the morning not only spikes brain activity and prepares you for mental stress for the rest of the day, but produces increases in retention of new information, and better reaction to complex situations. • Opt for circuit types workouts which spike your heart rate but also redirects your attention. • Look for an activity that incorporates coordination along with cardiovascular exercise, such as a dance class or a type of choreographed class. • If you walk your dog, go a different route to mix up the pattern • Try an activity that is completely new. • If you are becoming mentally exhausted for a certain reason, try rebooting your brain with a few jumping jacks or walk around. To reap the maximum benefits of exercise, it is still important to get plenty of mental stimulation. Some other ideas Suzuki has in this area is to try new things- if you

don’t sing, try and sing. If you don’t play an instrument, take lessons. If you don’t read the business section of the paper, start reading it. These types of things build new pathways in the brain. Now I understand why I need to be doing exercise that also makes me think and concentrate while I am doing it. I suggest to you that you try a dance class (Zumba Gold at MetroFitness), even a boxing class that helps coordination, agility and balance. Who knew all these exercise formats not only help our bodies but our brains too!! Sources: Wendy Suzuki, Healthy Brain, Happy LifeHow Exercise Can Enhance Memory and Learning- Fox News January 2016 “Aerobic Exercise Can Improve Your Memory and Slow Aging, Study shows”- Huffington Post 2016 “Physical Exercise for Brain Health”www.brainhq.com Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General Manager- MetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com

The Side by Side Singers are dedicated to sharing music to keep our minds strong. Music can improve our mood and boost cognitive skills. We invite those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care-partners to join us for 8-week sessions each Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The music we sing ranges from Sinatra to Elvis. photo by Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser

SIDEbySIDE singers singers

Please contact Jack Horner at ivortickle@aol.com or Laura Selby at 834-8990 for more information.

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NO FEE, PLEASE JOIN THE FELLOWSHIP!

First United METHODIST CHURCH

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

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Write Yourself a Valentine’s Letter The mystery that surrounds Valentine’s Day and its origin has been the subject of debate for centuries. St. Valentine himself is a widely misunderstood figure from history. There are different versions of who this martyred Catholic Saint truly was. One version holds that he was a priest that violated Emperor Claudius II order that young men not be allowed to marry or have families. St. Valentine defied the order and chose to marry young lovers in secret. His actions were soon discovered and he was put to death. Another story holds that St. Valentine came to the aide of imprisoned Romans who were gruesomely beaten and tortured in Roman prisons. When Valentine himself was imprisoned, supposedly the jailor’s daughter visited him regularly to provide comfort to this widely respected Priest. Before he died he wrote this woman a letter of thanks and signed it “From Your Valentine!” Who knows whether any of these stories are true or not. But one thing we do know is that St. Valentine was widely considered to be a man of boldness, a man of sympathy, who took decisive action towards the plight of others. And, yes he was a romantic – but not in the sense you might think. He possessed dramatic written and oratory skills designed to uplift others who were in bondage. Put simply, he had a burning desire to move people from a place of bondage to a place of freedom. This year when you think about Valentine’s Day, consider more than just a night out and a sweet card. If you truly love your family, think about the big picture and carefully consider where you are financially. Are you in financial bondage? Is your financial plan, or lack thereof off track? Is your investment portfolio stuck in neutral? If so, it’s time

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to love on yourself and your family. You can be St. Valentine to not only your wife or that special someone but also to your future, your family’s future and the future of generations to follow after you. In January alone I think my team has prepared over 20 brand new financial and retirement plans for new customers of our firm. The relief that we see on their faces is priceless and is one of the most rewarding parts of our job. If you have with money invested in Brandt McDonald the markets now is THE TIME to be absolutely sure you know what you own and why you own it. The current state of the markets is not something to take lightly.

Financial Thoughts

When you consider that the global growth rate is practically zero; that central banks around the world continue

to print more and more of their local currency; that China has seen a sharp deceleration in growth; that Europe is stuck in neutral; and that our own Federal Reserve is boxed in to a near zero interest rate; that U.S. jobs and corporate earnings are now suspect – well, you need to be very careful. This will undoubtedly be one of the more challenging years in global markets and investment selection will be critical. The month of January alone has seen roughly a 10% decline in equity market

valuation. One thing we have always strived to do here at McDonald & Hagen, Wealth Management is to absolutely know who our client is and the goals we are attempting to attain for them. To that end, we try and be as proactive as possible in asset allocation and security selection with both a short-term and long-term outlook. Matching our client’s risk profile with our investment thesis is paramount to success. Regardless of where you get your financial advice, now is the time to take stock of your current household financial planning objectives. This year, when you give that Valentine’s card, think like St. Valentine himself. Consider adopting his sympathetic plight to those you care about. Clearly articulate that you wish to be the leader of your home. Make bold, heroic decisions that are designed to move your family from potential financial bondage to financial freedom. Be sure that everyone in your family is on the same page and willing to be a true part of the team. Lead them with written and oratory skills that help them buy into your vision. And, of course, sign the card “From Your Valentine.” From all of us here at McDonald & Hagen, Wealth Management we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. As I always say, until next time, remember to never run with the herd, always be thankful, and look to the future with anticipation of what’s yet to come. Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner 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.

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Montgomery’s Annual Jewish Food Festival Sponsored by Temple Beth Or to be Held on Sunday, February 28, 2016. ~We look forward to coming every year. I get excited when I see the signs around town announcing the date.~ ~Love, love, love the food. I wish they would hold it every month!~

Comments by past visitors of Temple Beth Or’s Jewish Food Festival

Over the years thousands of men, women and children have enjoyed the Jewish Food Festival, including sampling the food; visiting the Treasure Market, with 6 rooms of top-shelf items donated by our members; and stopping by our Temple Beth Or Gift Shop, which has a wonderful selection of jewelry and other gifts. Many also take the opportunity to attend a short session in the Temple’s sanctuary with Rabbi Elliot Stevens to learn about Jewish customs. The central attraction, of course, is the Jewish Food Festival food that may be purchased and most of which have been handmade by Temple members. They include pastries such as rugelach, strudel and mondel bread; plates of brisket or corned beef; matzo 16 BOOM!

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cheesecakes, direct from the famous Carnegie Deli and sold by the slice or cake.

ball soup; potato latkes; and quajado (spinach pie). “Imported” from New York are New York

Temple Beth Or’s Rabbi Stevens says, “I always enjoy the authentic Jewish cooking and the variety of wonderful dishes, but for me the best part is reconnecting with neighbors and friends from across our community. It’s so gratifying to see the role our Festival has played in terms of interfaith relations and understanding. I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.” What: Jewish Food Festival Where: Temple Beth Or 2246 Narrow Lane Road Montgomery, AL 36106 When: February 28, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Additional info: www.templebethor.net Admission and Parking Free The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


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Montgomery Pinot Festival Join Ted the Wine Guy & 129 Coosa for an unforgettable evening of Oregon & California Wine Tasting on Wednesday, February 17th from 6 - 8 p.m. About 100 wines will be open to taste. Advance tickets are on sale now for $33 and can be purchased at Ted the Wine Guy. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 each. Tax included. This is a fantastic event in a beautiful venue. The event will be held at 129 Coosa, above Central Restaurant in downtown Montgomery. For those unfamiliar with the event, it is essentially a wine trade show with an emphasis on Oregon Pinot Noir, with a sprinkle of some California and Burgundy juice to add a little extra flavor. Tickets can be purchased at Ted, the Wine Guy located 3062 Zelda Rd. Some of the Wineries expected to attend are Adelsheim, Amalie Robert, Walnut City Wineworks, Chehalem, J. Christopher, Owen Roe, Pali, Point North, King Estate, Torii Mor and Hyland Estate with more to follow. For more info call 334.395.9911 or visit tedthewineguy.com

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra continues their 2016 season with a water themed concert featuring Strauss’ On the Beautiful Danube, Smetna’s The Moldau, along with Respighi’s Fountains of Rome, which depicts Rome’s fountains at different times of the day. Join them for this evening of beautiful music on Monday, February 15th, 2016 at 7:30 PM at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $15-$35. Individual classical concert tickets (if available) are sold in the weeks before the concert from the Symphony office, and on the night of the performance from the Davis Theatre Box Office. For more information, call 334-240-4004. For more info visit: montgomerysymphony.org

Wetumpka Depot Presents Steel Magnolias “If you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!” The Wetumpka Depot Players are inviting audiences to pull up a chair and enjoy the gossip and more of a small town beauty shop. An Off Broadway hit and later a successful film, Robert Harling’s semi autobiographical play is directed by Carol Heier. Kicking off the 36th Season at the Depot, the River Region’s oldest community theatre invites audiences to join the unforgettable ladies of Chinqapin Parrish, LA for an evening of theatre as Southern as Truvy’s famous Cupa Cupa Cupa! “Alternately hilarious and touching, the play celebrates the strength of Southern women,” said Kristy Meanor, Depot executive director. “Our audiences are going to love this fresh take on this classic show.” Tickets are available February 11-13, 19-20, 25-27 at 7:30pm and February 14 at 2pm with some dates getting limited. To purchase tickets call 334.868.1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday 9am-3pm and the theatre is located at 300 S Main St. in historic downtown Wetumpka.

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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE by Christopher Durang won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, and you’ll see why, February 25 - March 6, 2016. Vanya and Sonia are a middle-aged brother and sister who live in their family home together, mostly peacefully, until their movie-star sister Masha drops in for a visit with her new flame, Spike. Their psychic housekeeper Cassandra had just warned them of coming danger, but is it Masha and Spike, or sweet Nina from next door, or a silly costume party that will change their lives? Get This cast has laughed a lot during rehearsals, your tickets for this hilarious, acclaimed first play of the 2016 Season. Tickets and we hope you will, too! are $18 general admission, or $10 students. Groups of 10+ get a group rate of $12/each. Please note: this play includes strong language, references to adult situations, and a character who likes to walk around in his underpants (Spike). When you’re ready to get your tickets to meet Vanya, Sonia, Masha, Spike, Cassandra, and Nina, call our Box Office at 334.262.1530 or visit cloverdaleplayhouse.org

Shrove (“Fat”) Tuesday Pancake Dinner Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be hosting a Shrove (“Fat”) Tuesday Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016, in the Christian Activity Center. Dinner will be served from 5-7pm, with both dine-in and take-out available. This meal will include pancakes (all-you-can-eat), sausage, coffee, hot chocolate, and juice for only $5.00 per person. All proceeds with go to benefit the Aldersgate 2016 short-term mission team to Ecuador. Reservations can be made by contacting the church office at 334.272.6152 or email to office@aldersgateumc.org

Get Your Affairs in Order, FREE Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop Wednesday, February 24: 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.

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AUM/CAAC Chinese New Year celebration AUM’s annual Chinese New Year celebration will take place February 7, at 2:30 pm, guests can enjoy Chinese culture, food and entertainment. The celebration, hosted by AUM’s Confucius Institute in partnership with the Central Alabama Association of Chinese (CAAC), will feature numerous performances of traditional Chinese arts followed by a dinner. The event will take place at Alcazar Shrine Temple, 555 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117. Admission for Non-CAAC member, $12; CAAC member, $8; students with ID, $8; children ages 3 to 10, $5; children under 3, free. This year, the celebration will include a professional folk dance, lion dance and Chinese acrobats. Participants also can enjoy demonstrations of Chinese Kung Fu and traditional musical instruments. “Chinese Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays,” says Dr. Eric Yang, dean of the AUM Confucius Institute and director of East Asia Initiatives. “It is the most anticipated celebration of the year in China. We are excited to be collaborating again with the CAAC for this festive celebration since our two organizations share the goal of increasing understanding about China in Alabama.” For more info email, confuciusinstitute@aum.edu or call 334.244.3624.

Do you know an outstanding volunteer? HandsOn River Region and the Junior League of Montgomery are now accepting nominations for the 2016 River Region Volunteer of the Year. All nominees will be recognized, receive a certificate and gift during the ceremony to be held on Thursday, April 14 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Thanks to the generous support of our community sponsors, a $500 cash contribution will be made on behalf of each award recipient to the nominating nonprofit agency. Don’t delay! The deadline for nominations is March 1st. for more information contact Becky Duncan at 334.264.3335 or go to handsonriverregion.org to nominate your volunteer.

People Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia ...Let’s Sing! The Side by Side Singers are dedicated to sharing music to keep our minds strong. Music can improve our mood and boost cognitive skills. Those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care-partners are invited to join the 8-week sessions each Tuesday, 1-2 pm at First United Methodist Church located at 2416 W. Cloverdale Park in Montgomery. The music ranges from Sinatra to Elvis. No fee. For more info call 334.834.8990 or visit fumcmontgomery.org

NOW AVAILABLE AT You can now pick up your copy of BOOM! each month in the magazine racks located in the entry area of Publix Grocery

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MACOA’s 21st Annual Culinary Caper Benefitting Meals On Wheels Chefs from Montgomery’s finest restaurants and caterers will host the 22nd Annual Culinary Caper to benefit the Montgomery Area Council On Aging (MACOA) and its Meals On Wheels program on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the Alabama Activity Center. The 2016 Presenting Sponsor is Baptist Health. Each chef will prepare a signature item and serve their dish as part of a carefully planned menu for guests at this highly anticipated seated luncheon and silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person. Tables of eight may be purchased for $750 to ensure preferred seating requests with your group. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at the $5,000, $3,500, and $1,200 level. A portion of tickets, table purchases, and sponsorships is tax deductible. 11:00am Silent Auction Opens, 12:00pm Reception, 12:30pm Lunch Is Served. In addition to the gourmet dishes of the day, a Silent Auction with a variety of items and a “Dine Out On Us” raffle featuring $1,000 worth of restaurant gift cards will serve as another special highlight of this charity benefit. We are also pleased to honor John and Joyce Caddell with the Rick Heinzman Memorial Meals On Wheels Award at this year’s caper. The goal of the Culinary Caper is to raise $50,000 to support MACOA and our Meals On Wheels program that serves 371 homebound seniors hot noon meals Monday through Friday. Currently, we have 275 clients on our waiting list to be added to a delivery route. With activities such as the Culinary Caper, we are working to expand this program and eliminate the number on the waiting list for this much needed service. For Culinary Caper reservations and more information, please contact Chacolby BurnsJohnson, MACOA Development Coordinator, at 334.263.0532 or cjohnson@macoa.org or visit macoa.org

Landmarks Foundation Presents Cultural Crossroads Join the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery and the Caroline Marshall Draughan Center for the Arts and Humanities of Auburn University as they continue their exploration of early Alabama history with Cultural Crossroads XV, “The Mississippi Territory in Becoming Alabama.” This annual symposium will take place on February 13, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL. Seven scholars will present thirty minute talks on topics relating Alabama’s history with that of its western neighbor. One of the talks will be on Montgomery County and its founding on December 6, 1816, as a part of the large Mississippi Territory. Other talks will focus on the people, lifestyles, boundaries, and internal issues. Cost: $45 General Admission; $40 Member Admission (Landmarks, ADAH, Draughan); $25 Student and Faculty; (Admission includes lunch, vegetarian option available). For further information and reservations, please call Landmarks Foundation at 334.240.4500 or visit landmarksfoundation.com

Tennis Anyone? Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) will host its 6th annual Hittin’ for Hospice Tennis Tournament on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Montgomery Country Club, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by lunch. Players can register as an individual or a team, but pairings will be by USTA rating and 1st and 2nd place will be recognized for 3 separate levels. Participation in the Hittin’ for Hospice Tennis Tournament supports Hospice of Montgomery, which is the River Region’s ONLY independent, nonprofit hospice care provider. Funds raised through this event helps provide medical care for the seriously ill, bereavement and grief counseling for families, as well as caregiver support. Cost is $100 Team of 2/$50.00 Individual and includes continental breakfast, lunch, individual player gift and fabulous prizes. Need a second chance? Tennis Mulligans will be available for purchase. Reservations are required. Register online at www.hospiceofmontgomery.org. For more information call 334.279.6677. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

Joe & Charlotte Mussafer, Lasting Love This month’s BOOM! Cover Profile I finished college. We are two very special people to the moved back to Montgomery Montgomery Community. Joe and at the end of that year, Charlotte Mussafer. They have lived 1961, and have lived here their lives here since 1961 and created ever since. We raised a lasting love over that time. They three wonderful children produced three wonderful children and here. I attended Jones Law eight grandchildren. They continue to School when it was on the serve our community through their Huntingdon campus and volunteer efforts and remain examples owned by the University of the quality leadership Montgomery of Alabama, then worked has benefitted from for many years. in the law field in various Joe and Charlotte are retired from their ways for a number of years. business and law careers but continue Prior to law school, I was at to challenge themselves with new a television station doing Joe and Charlotte celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary languages, news travel, courses and from the interviews. I also my working life here in Montgomery, Alabama worked at the retiring some 6 years ago. World Affairs Voluntary Action Council...and of Center as the first BOOM!: The Montgomery/ River Region has a big heart when it comes to serving course keeping director. others, you’ve lived here many years and up with their given your time in service, how do you grandchildren! Joe: Except for explain why so many want to volunteer We recently the years in New and serve in our community? spent some Orleans at Tulane time with Joe University, I have Charlotte: Volunteering is a way to give and Charlotte lived in Montgomery of yourself to help others. I have often and they shared and attended school said that I received much more than I some of their here. It has been a Joe and Charlotte traveling in South America ever have given through volunteering. thoughts about wonderful place to It is a way to meet and work with the journey they’ve been on together live and raise a family. We have been people that you would not have known for the last 56 years. We hope you enjoy very fortunate to have my brother and getting to know them as much as we his wife, have. Maurice and Peggy BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, Mussafer, and i.e. are you from the Montgomery area, my sister and did you raise your family here, schools, her husband, marriage, family, etc? Gracie and Jack Charlotte: I grew up in Alexandria, Hanchrow, Louisiana, went to school there, and living here. spent a lot of Sundays visiting family I was in around the state. I attended Newcomb the alcohol College of Tulane University in New beverage Orleans. Joe and I met there and stayed business all of Mussafer family Thanksgiving 2015 at Lake martin in New Orleans after our marriage while

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otherwise courses, which I have enjoyed for many while Charlotte and to learn years. It has been an important part of finished at so much more my life. Newcomb and about your taught school, community. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your and Joe worked There is also ambitions changed? in retail. We a sense of then moved to satisfaction Charlotte: Rather than working and Montgomery that is having as many meetings, there is now and had our unmatched more time to enjoy family, friends, and first child, in other much that the community offers. Caren, the next ways. I am fall. Sherry most proud Joe: Throughout my career in business, and Mark were Howard & Caren with their 2 daughters, Hannah & Rebecca...Roll Tide! born in the of working I always stressed the importance of as the first growing as a company. Now that my next seven director of the Voluntary Action Center business career is over, I spend more years. The most important things to a and being one of those that started time on other activities, such as studying successful relationship are love, caring Leadership Montgomery. In addition, Spanish. for each other, and communication. being President of Temple Beth Or and serving on the board of Jackson Hospital BOOM!: Joe BOOM!: What is meant a lot to me. and Charlotte, it about living in give us three the Montgomery Joe: People in general have a feeling words that River Region that of giving and caring. I have had a great describe you? you like? sense of satisfaction from working with Your marriage? charitable organizations. Charlotte: First Charlotte: are the people. BOOM!: Since Valentine’s Day is around Varied interests, The friendly, the corner would you share with our caring, and wonderful, readers your love story, how you sensitive. sharing people met and some of the secrets to your of the River marriage success? Joe: Caring, Region. Then there are all the Sherry & husband Jerry with son David and daughter Cameron sharing, and Charlotte and Joe: We knew each other loving. things that are to say “Hi” around campus at Tulane offered in this region; the Montgomery until a friend of Joe’s suggested that he Our Marriage is lasting, loving, and Symphony, the Alabama Shakespeare ask me out on a fun!!! Festival, the date. After two Performing dates, we were BOOM!: What are you most passionate Arts Center, madly in love about? and the and no longer many fine interested in Charlotte: Family, friends, working restaurants, dating others. toward health, and the environment. just to name a We became few. It is also “pinned”, Joe: I finally am able to spend more easier living engaged, and time with my beautiful wife. here than in then married many of the within the BOOM!: Favorite vacation spot? Any big cities, Son Mark with his wife, Natalie next year. Joe travel dreams planned for the future? although they had just graduated from college, and are nice to visit. Charlotte had one semester left to Charlotte and Joe: Lake Martin!!! A go. We lived in New Orleans for a year few short trips, but we look for time Joe: There are an abundance of golf

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to get to our home at Lake Martin when we are not busy here. Joe is also interested in traveling to Spanish speaking countries, and Charlotte is interested in places that are close to nature.

contact, particularly in working with committees and non-profits. Neither of us have embraced social media. BOOM!: Charlotte, you’re a member of Temple Beth Or and one of their great outreaches to the River Region is the Jewish Food Festival, can you share more about this special event and what it means to the cultural landscape of Montgomery?

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? Charlotte: A little time for bridge and reading. Also walking as much as possible. Joe: Golf, studying Spanish, the Montgomery Symphony, and being a member of a literary club. In addition, I have been a member of the YMCA and have exercised there for around fifty years. BOOM!: You both have had successful careers and now retirement…and you seem to embrace aging well, what advice can you share about what that means to you? Charlotte: This is a different stage of life. One must make the most of each stage of life, as each offers its own wonders. Of course, health is most important at this time.

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Mark & Natalie’s children: The twins, Evan and Jake with big brother, Cannon

Joe: Each day is a gift, and we must make the most of each day. BOOM!: How do you approach technology and how helpful is it to your daily lives? Charlotte and Joe: We use a good bit of technology, such as computers and cell phones. Email and texts are a very expedient way of keeping

Charlotte: The Temple Beth Or Jewish Food Festival is well established in Montgomery, and many people look forward to attending and enjoying the food, as well as searching for treasures in the Treasure Market. The members work together over several months to make the delicious pastries, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, and spinach casseroles. They also prepare the corned beef, kosher hotdogs, juicy brisket, and other sides. Then there are the slices of Carnegie deli cheesecake, which are always welcomed. These also can be enjoyed on site or taken out. By the way, whole cheesecakes may be purchased. Of course, the cheesecake sale in the fall is another opportunity to have the delicious cheesecakes for the holidays. Tours of the sanctuary also are offered by the Rabbi so those unfamiliar

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with the Jewish religion can learn more. This offers an opportunity to learn about another culture here in Montgomery. The Food Festival will be held on Sunday, February 28.

Caren & Howard’s children: Hannah, Josh, Rebecca... Vermont Grandkids

BOOM!: Joe, you support the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra by serving on their Board of Directors as President. Would you please share your thoughts on the impact the Montgomery Symphony has had on our community and its quality of life?

ability of our city to attract industry and business. We feel that the symphony was a part of the puzzle that helped us attract the Hyundai Motor Company.

BOOM!: Would you share your grandparenting experience with us? What do they call you?

in snowboard competitions.) Then Cameron and David were born. And finally Cannon was born followed by the twins. They live in Stowe, Vermont; Atlanta, Georgia; and in Birmingham. So trying to see the families as much as we can throughout the year is one challenge. Our home at Lake Martin is where we all try to come together each summer for the fourth of July. Some of us are also there at other times in the summer. We spend every other Thanksgiving together. Large families are so special, and we love it. Charlotte is called Lala, and Joe is called Papa Joe.

Charlotte and Joe: We We want to have eight thank Joe and grandchildren Charlotte for ages that sharing their Caren & Howard’s daughter Hannah, range from “our snowboarding champion” story with us this 23 to our month. They are six-year-old twin boys, two of the most gracious people you will ever Evan and Jake. The thrill meet. As always, thanks to Kim Bethea from Joe: Towns are that we had with the birth Total Image Portraits for her professional cover photo of Joe and Charlotte, she makes taking measured by of our first grandson, pictures fun! If you have questions, comments their culture, and Josh, has continued with or suggestions about our cover profiles, Sherry & Jerry’s daughter Cameron with Montgomery is each birth. Rebecca family favorite “Jackson” including nominating someone, please send fortunate to have and Hannah followed them to jim@riverregionboom.com a first rate symphony. This enhances the Josh. (Hannah is having great success

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The Kelly Presents “Abandoned Rural America” Wetumpka’s Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery, through the sponsorship Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, is hosting an exhibition that runs through April 22 and is sure to tug on the heartstrings of many Alabamians. “Abandoned Rural America”, an exhibition originating in Madison, Georgia will make its first appearance outside of Georgia. The exhibit is the brainchild of Peter Muzyka, a graphic designer in Madison. Muzyka grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania and now makes his home in Georgia. In both locations he was struck by the disappearance of structures and scenes that were familiar during the first half of his life. The exhibition contains paintings, sculpture, photography from dozens of artists, as well as writing and even a vignette of a present day goat farm. “Abandoned Rural America” has appeared in numerous museums throughout Georgia. According to Muzyka, “The ARA team is very excited about our Alabama premiere. We are pleased to be invited, and we’ve enjoyed visiting the area to see and paint abandoned farm scenes in central Alabama.” In conjunction with the visiting ARA, Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery is hosting an invitational show entitled “The Land, God’s Gift”. The show will feature work from area artists depicting the joy and vitality of life in rural Alabama. According to Kathy Willis, President of KFMG, the two combined exhibitions are expected to be a favorite of KFMG members and the public. “We are so grateful to Central Alabama Electric Cooperative for sponsoring this show.

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Their generous support has enabled us to bring the ARA exhibition to Alabama and to present a first class exhibition of our own. This is going to be exciting!” Shirley Esco of Deatsville is well known for her paintings of peaceful landscapes as well close ups of cotton as grown in the fields near her home. She says, “The upcoming Rural America Show really speaks to me because if anyone asks me about my favorite subject to paint, it would be rural landscapes. My strong southern roots run deep. I can sit for hours painting and soaking up the beauty of a peaceful lake scene or the rural view of miles of cotton fields on both sides of a dirt road. These scenes evoke a quiet, peaceful and serene calmness in my world.” Carol Hickman of Equality looks forward to entering this show. “My parents and grandparents always had a garden. My mother’s favorite magazine was “Organic Gardening” where she learned to make compost before compost was cool. Her love of nature inspired me to paint natural and farm scenes. Old trucks, old barns, old home places, old churches and farm scenes inspire my creative nature. I live in the country so I have an abundance of current and abandoned farms to use as inspiration. I keep my camera with me so that I can record interesting venues that I might want to paint. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me. I love to record it on my canvases.”

Theresa Wayne, of Wetumpka and Director of the Alabama River Region Arts Center, says of her artwork: “When I was six my mother declared me an artist. I had just drawn a gold fish with as many scales as I could fit in the fish-shaped outline. What she did not realize is that I was looking at the scales through magnifying properties of water. It wasn’t until I was nine they realized that I seriously need glasses. Like most who put on their first pair of glasses I was amazed that I could see leaves on trees and blades of grass. What a beautiful world we live in. My photograph and paintings attempts to capture the beauty I see, God’s grace and responsible use of the land.” Mack Gothard of Clanton retired from a career teaching in Georgia to return to his roots in Alabama. Now he raises, cures and carves gourds to create bird houses and other works of art. Although a math major, he had enough college art courses to get a degree in art and finally wrangled a position teaching art for the last 10 years of his teaching career. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather as a gourd farmer, he is involved with the Alabama Gourd Society and art shows where gourds are the featured medium. Wetumpka’s Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery is located in the second floor of the City of Wetumpka Administrative Building, 408 S. Main Street, Wetumpka. Admission is free. The Gallery is open during business hours for the City, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. An opening reception will be held from 5:30 pm – 7 pm, Friday, Feb. 12. 2016. The public is invited. KFMG, known locally as “The Kelly” is a membership organization and all citizens who are interested in promoting art in the community are invited to join the organization and take an active role. For more info visit the website, thekelly. org and the “Abandoned Rural America” website at abandonedruralamerica.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Could You Be Using Medications That Cause Hearing Loss? Did you know that approximately 200 prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning “poisonous to the ears”? Ototoxic drugs have the potential to damage the inner ear or cause vestibular dysfunction, which can result in hearing loss, tinnitus or even balance disorders. Many ototoxic effects are temporary and go away once a medication is stopped, but some effects can be long term or even permanent. Which medications are ototoxic? Determining a drug’s ototoxic capabilities is a long process, comprised of extensive scientific studies. This makes it difficult to compile a complete list, especially with newer medications. That said, many of the medications in use have been tested, and the list of known ototoxic drugs includes: ▪ Aspirin ▪ Quinine ▪ Loop diuretics (or “water pills”) ▪ Certain antibiotics ▪ Some anti-cancer drugs ▪ Some anesthetics

What can you do? Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to preventing ototoxic-related hearing loss. However, certain preventative measures can be implemented. ▪ Before treating serious illnesses or medical conditions with ototoxic drugs, discuss the risks versus benefits with your healthcare team. ▪ Follow medication instructions carefully. ▪ Avoid taking multiple ototoxic drugs simultaneously, if possible (like aspirin and loop diuretics). ▪ When around environmental chemicals, ensure proper ventilation and minimize usage and exposure. Get a hearing screening Before receiving treatment conditions that involves known or suspected ototoxic drugs (both prescribed or over-thecounter), get a hearing screening from a licensed audiologist. A pre-treatment hearing screening will set a baseline to measure against during

Fact: HEART Health

Links to HEARING Health February is Heart Month! Help a Loved One With Hearing Loss! Make an appointment before February 25th to receive special offers!

the course of your treatment. Regular hearing tests throughout treatment can help detect any changes, which you can and should share with your healthcare professional.

Healthy Hearing By Casey Gonzalez, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA Montgomery Hearing Services

Casey Gonzalez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University, and earned her Doctorate of Audiology degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center. Casey holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Call Montgomery Hearing Services today for a complimentary hearing screening for yourself or a loved one: (334) 651-0500.

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Beauty Buzz What we LOVE right now at RRFP New Product Spotlight S High Five for HA5 Hydration! SkinMedica® does it again! HA5 is the newest and most

provides short-term hydration, the long-term benefits of antioxidants in hyaluronic acid will continue to protect against environmental aggressors. A 2-ounce bottle of ‘exponentially smooth’ HA5 retails for $178 and offers 100 Brilliant Distinctions points, which equals a $10 repurchase coupon on anything in the Allergan line (Botox® Cosmetic, Juvederm®, Voluma®, SkinMedica® and Latisse®).

advanced topical hyaluronic acid product on the market. Historically, the particle size of hyaluronic acid has been too large to penetrate deeply into the skin, which is why we inject fillers into the dermal layers, or the dermis. While HA5 is not a replacement for a filler injection, it is the newest and best answer to plumping the epidermis. The new formulation For information in HA5 uses VITISENSCE™ Technology, Stem Cell & appointments Extract from grape flowers, to help the hyaluronic call 270.2003 acid penetrate the stratum corneum (the horny outer layer of skin) and to plump the epidermis (skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin). Standard HA products would barely last through your morning workout. Now that we have the new HA5 product available, it will provide plumping satisfaction up to 8 hours! The hyaluronic acid is cross-linked for a timedrelease effect.

HA5 is appropriate for all skin types and while the product

Our recommended steps to perfect skin are: Apply your growth factor after cleansing (TNS Essential Serum® or TNS Recovery Complex®) Wait a few minutes and let that layer absorb Apply Lytera® Brightening Complex Wait a few minutes and let that layer absorb Apply HA5 then moisturizer or sunscreen to finish (for morning routine) Time for your evening routine? Apply Retinol after Lytera® then HA5 and moisturizer if needed.

Visit with one of our beauty coaches at RRFP to begin your journey toward hydrating rejuvenation.

Your Anti-Aging Arsenal If you have fine lines and want to improve the tone and texture of your skin, check your anti-aging arsenal to be sure you have our TOP PRODUCTS by SkinMedica® at your fingertips:

1) Live growth factor is a “protein shake” for your skin…you can get this with TNS Essential Serum® or TNS Recovery Complex® 2) Retinol!! Longest researched product and highly endorsed by our facial plastic surgeons 3) Sunscreen, but which one?? The one you will use EVERYDAY. We recommend TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20 or Total Defense and Repair SPF 34 and 50. Any sunscreen you choose needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.

Feel like your new cream or serum isn’t living up to its promise? Our 3 tips to get the most from your skin care products.

1) Exfoliate dead skin cells daily with the use of an exfoliating cleanser such as SkinMedica® AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. Tiny little micro beads gently remove dead skin cells so that your serum may penetrate healthy new skin cells. Dead skin cells act as a barrier between you and a fresh glow. 2) Store products properly. Antioxidants and plant extracts do better when not exposed to sunlight. Store your products in a cool dark place.

3) Tweak your skin care routine occasionally without tossing out products completely. When your skin isn’t giving you the glow you need, you may need to modify. Work with your skin care coach to change things up a bit, but without having to toss out your favorite products. Will one Botox® Cosmetic treatment be enough to get rid of my wrinkles? When addressing fine lines across the forehead, between the eyes and around the eyes, Botox® Cosmetic injections can indeed relax the muscle movement enough to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; however, maintaining the injections every 4 – 6 months is the key. We have all witnessed amazing before and after photos showing vanishing fine lines and wrinkles. Setting realistic expectations is important when addressing the possibility of diminishing your fine lines. Botox® Cosmetic assists to relax the muscle movement that creates the wrinkling motion. As we keep that motion at bay with Botox® Cosmetic, you will also want to use a topical serum daily, such as TNS Essential Serum®. The combination of continual muscle relaxation and collagen stimulation is how to achieve your own amazing results!

Please contact us via email at Doctors@RiverRegionFacialPlastics.com with your questions or comments!

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Grandma Goes to Comedy College LEVITTOWN, N.Y. Backstage at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown, Beverly Munter sat waiting in a room as the chatter of more than 100 audience members permeated the walls. After taking stand-up comedy classes for eight weeks, Munter, 81, was about to perform her first show before a paying crowd. “I’m very excited,” said Munter, who had a list of her jokes to help remember them before going on stage Sunday evening, Jan. 10. “I love performing in front of an audience.” The Plainview grandmother of three was one of seven fledgling comedians who recently participated in Governor’s Comedy College, an eight-week workshop culminating in two performances on the club’s stage, where professionals are booked every week. John Trueson, a stand-up comedy veteran with 30 years’ experience, taught the students how to write and deliver jokes. Their first show Sunday also featured several veteran comics. Of all the older students Trueson has taught, he said, Munter just may be the best _ and the raunchiest. “She looks like a sweet old lady, but she’s the sort of bawdy old grandma that everybody wanted to have,” said Trueson, who lives in Levittown. “She will talk about sexual topics and things of that nature. If people are expecting a sweet old lady when she walks out, they’re in for a rude awakening.” Demonstrating his confidence in Munter, he gave her the tall order of closing the show. The audiences sat at tables lined in rows, some very close to the stage, which was more like a platform about the size of two king mattresses. The setup created an intimate feeling with the comics who seemed within reaching distance. For

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Beverly Munter with a street mime in Edinborough

each of the performers, the reception was hearty and warm; family members and friends of the first-timers, especially, turned out to support. When Munter stepped on stage, the greeting was wildly enthusiastic. She began her prepared material, rattling off one joke after another, gesturing to accentuate her punch lines. No joke was too edgy for Munter, and her upbeat attitude was infectious. She told a story about meeting a 90-year-old man through online dating. “He was lovely,” Munter said. “I had such a wonderful dinner with this guy, but he didn’t call me. And after two weeks, I was so upset. But, then I read in the newspaper ... he died ... and I felt so much better.” The audience howled. Munter’s comedic chops came as no surprise to her daughter, Holly Koenig, 57, a Westbury resident who attended Comedy College with her mom and also performed Sunday night. “She’s the type of person that sits next to you on a train

or an airplane and you want to talk to her for an hour.” Koenig said. Munter said she owes a lot of her personality to growing up in Hollis, where she lived with her parents and aunts’ families in the same Queens, home. Leisure time was often spent watching comedy films starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. “I went to every one of their movies when I was young,” she said. Lucille Ball was another favorite. As the youngest child in her home, Munter said, entertaining came naturally to her. “Anything that came out of my mouth, everyone would look to me to see what I was saying because I was the youngest,” she said. “So, I think that’s where the comedy came in. I would want to make them laugh and I would want to perform in front of them.” Inspiration was provided by her mother and father, she said. When her mother was young, she was a professional tango dancer in Harlem’s Apollo Theater. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Munter’s father, a World War I veteran, was a traveling salesman in Manhattan, hawking various items like towels and Christmas ornaments. Her father wrote jokes on 3-inch by 5-inch cards, using his prepared material to make his customers laugh, she recalled, and she was his practice audience. “I was very lucky,” Munter said. “I had a wonderful relationship with my parents.” Munter said her comedy is more like storytelling and that she draws from life experiences, both happy and sad. When she was 18, she left Queens to live in Dayton, Ohio, and married Paul Leon Munter, who was a 1st lieutenant working as an aeronautical engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In the mid-1950s, they moved to Long Island where they raised Holly and a son, Rick Munter, who is a dentist in Jericho. She lost her husband, who had endured many years of physical problems, in 2004. The couple was married for 51 years, and she still calls him her soul

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

mate. After he died, she briefly attended a bereavement group. “I didn’t care for that at all,” Munter said. “That wasn’t my nature. I wanted to go forward and start a new life.” In 2012 and 2013, she volunteered as a motivational speaker for senior citizens in local community centers and public libraries. Her talks were meant to inspire: drawing on her own experience of finding love again as an older person after losing a spouse. Two years after she began online dating, she said, she had “met” 1,200 men and dated 44 of them. The last one was a keeper. H. Barry Waldman, whom she affectionately calls “No. 44,” has been her companion now for nine years. Waldman, 80, a dentist who is a distinguished teaching professor in the Department of General Dentistry at Stony Brook University, said he loves Munter’s colorful personality.

“Of the women I had been with, she seemed to be on a different plane,” said Waldman, who lives with Munter. “She has the capacity to make friends with the world inside of minutes.” The two often travel the world together. Munter retired in 2010 after working for more than 35 years as a top administrator for a medical/dental insurance company in Hicksville. There, she gave corporate speeches and used her humor to “roast” workers who were retiring or had hit a career milestone. Her public speaking for the company provided her with endless “stage” time, and she always felt comfortable in front of a crowd. Performing as a stand-up comic meant she could scratch that goal off her bucket list. But, she said after the show, it may not have been a one-time deal. “I love people and I love making them laugh.” (c)2016 Newsday Visit Newsday at www.newsday.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Winter Immunity Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla

Boosting Favorites

To add these foods would be an improvement to anyone’s diet at any time of the year, but in winter they are particularly useful. The fact that many of them can be used together is an added advantage: Honey, Lemon, and Ginger.

The health benefits of lemon include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, fever, rheumatism, burns, obesity, respiratory disorders and high blood pressure, while it also benefits hair and skin care. Known for its therapeutic property for centuries, lemon helps to strengthen your immune system, cleanse your stomach, and is considered a blood purifier. The multitude of health benefits are due to its many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein. Lemon is a fruit that contains flavonoids, which are composites that contain antioxidant and cancer fighting properties. Studies conducted at the American Urological Association highlight the fact that lemonade or lemon juice can eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals. Worth considering if you have a family history. This time of year coughs, colds and throat infections are rampant. Lemon is an excellent starting point to help protect you against problems related to throat infections, due to its well-known antibacterial properties. Add it to hot water with honey for a daily health infusion and you have a real winter winner. We have discussed the multiple benefits of honey before, but honey can also help in weight loss when consumed with warm water and lemon juice. Start every day with this immunity boosting tonic:

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before breakfast, mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it. Many people use this start to their day as a way of stimulating weight loss, but it also has many immunity boosting benefits. Honey is packed with 22 amino acids and a number of valuable vitamins and minerals, many of which benefit the body’s metabolism. By regulating the function of the metabolism, food is utilized properly, fat is converted into usable energy, and overall health is improved. Amongst the many health benefits of honey, one of its most impressive is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. Its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve the digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. The lemon juice in this mixture also is loaded with Vitamin-C (also known as ascorbic acid), which increases liver function and fat metabolism. Furthermore, lemon juice increases the function of glutathione, which is a key antioxidant for detoxification and quick slimming. Combining the weight loss powers of lemon juice with the metabolismstimulating effects of honey, this elixir is a win-win. Ginger can also be added to this tonic for an extra health and taste dimension. It has been used medicinally in many cultures as a part of regular diet. Ginger can even be applied topically to reduce swelling, it is that strong. It has a warm, spicy flavor that is particularly soothing this time of year. It can be used in breakfast smoothies, lunch salad dressings, or ground as a spice for dinner. It makes great tea and now it’s replacing less healthy candy options

as well. As with everything, do check the labels, ginger cookies and ginger bread are delicious, but only of any health benefit if it contains real ginger extract, not an artificial substitute. If you are making it yourself, using fresh or crystallized ginger usually has a better taste and effect than the powdered form, but use what you have available. Ginger is a great digestion aid – it can calm indigestion or reduce stomach pain. It also reduces nausea, particularly useful for pregnant ladies, but also if you get the flu or, indeed, to treat the nausea associated with chemotherapy. The good thing is there are zero side effects. Due to its ability to aid digestion and therefore flush out toxins from the body, ginger assists in strengthening your immune system. Without toxins your body is able to function more efficiently, you will have more energy when your body digests regularly because your blood will be able to carry oxygen to the body and help the brain function properly. It also helps over time to reduce inflammation and fight viruses. Add it to the daily tonic or to whatever takes your fancy. Due to its warm, spicy flavor it is popular this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it all year round. Tracy Bhalla, Independent Consultant with NYR Organics, website: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/ tracybhalla email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com Continuing my obsession with all things organic, I have been working with NYR for two years now, using their skincare products myself for over 25 years! Your skin is the body’s largest organ, it deserves to be well looked after. I am here to answer any questions you may have. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group Tuesday, February 9th, 5:30 p.m. Frazer UMC, Room 8114 6000 Atlanta Highway

Enjoy fun and fellowship with your breast cancer “sisters” and friends!

The program will be:

Fighting the Fear

“You’ve won the physical battle, now you must win the emotional war” Presented by Ronda Walker, Breast Cancer Survivor

Everyone is Welcome!

For information please call 334-220-4599 or email womenofhope@charter.net.

Our goal is to make sure that all women AND men are educated about breast cancer and the effects it has on family and friends. Hope is the assurance that one day we will be able to live cancer free! Your support is greatly appreciated and helps so many deserving breast cancer patients and survivors including their families. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month (Jan-Nov). Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m.

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Ask an Elder Law Attorney By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC

Why We Fail to Plan for Long-Term Care Most either don’t know, or refuse to accept, the facts surrounding the potential need for long-term care— not to mention the exorbitant cost associated with it. This was reconfirmed recently in a telephone survey of 1,735 Americans over the age of 40, funded by the SCAN Foundation and conducted by the AP–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This survey highlights many common misconceptions about longterm care, including the potential that a loved one may need some sort of long-term care within the next 5 years; lack of understanding of who will pay for care (Medicare? Medicaid? Private insurance?); and an increased lack of concern over failure to plan for the costs associated with long-term care.

insurance plans will not cover long-term services like a nursing home, or ongoing care provided at home by a licensed home health care aide. Yet, the survey revealed that 18% of Americans age 40 and older believe that their insurance will cover nursing home care, while 25% believe their plan will pay for ongoing care at home.

Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care services. Medicaid is a federally and Who Will Need Long-Term Care state funded needs-based benefit that According to the latest Genworth Cost of will provide for various types of long-term Care Survey, 70% of Americans over the age of 65 will eventually need some type of longEstate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop term care. By Wednesday, February 24: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 the year 2040, pm at the Archibald Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This 22% of the educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins population covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living will be over the age of wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, 65—a 10% bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care increase since and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. the year 2000. Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at Even so, an www.redoaklegalpc.com. increasing number of care depending on the state’s regulations. Americans over 40 refuse to believe they In 2013, Medicaid paid for 51% of the will ever need long-term care. national long-term care bill, and as much as 66% of such costs in Alabama. Despite Cost of Care those figures, 51% of Americans age Most people have no idea who actually 40 and older reported that they don’t pays for long-term care. The truth is expect to have to rely on Medicaid to help that Medicare does not pay for ongoing pay for their ongoing living assistance long-term care (although it will pay for expenses as they age. intermittent rehab stays in a nursing home). The actual costs for long-term care are staggering. The Genworth Survey As for private insurance, most health

Attend Free Workshop

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reported that, nationwide, the average bill for a nursing home is approximately $80,300 and for home health care, approximately $44,616, with a variety of options among and in between these levels of care. Planning for Care Most Americans are woefully unprepared. Only one-third of those surveyed were “very or extremely confident” in their ability to pay for long-term care. While many individuals reported being concerned over leaving family with debt or becoming a burden on loved ones, many decline to actually do anything about it. In fact, just over 30% of those over age 65 reported being concerned with such planning, while twothirds of those over 40 reported that they had not undertaken any planning at all. The survey points to the conclusion that most of us are reluctant to face the possible loss of independence related to aging. Apparently, this plays a role in the unwillingness to plan for the possibility of needing assistance later in life. As an example, there was an interesting difference in the number of people surveyed who had planned, or talked to loved ones about, their funeral arrangements (65%), in those who had discussed care preferences with family (42%) and in those who had saved money for long-term care (33%). Apparently it’s easier for us to talk to loved ones about our deaths than the potential future need for long-term care. Raley L. Wiggins Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 445 Dexter Avenue, ste 9000, Mont, AL 36104 www.redoaklegalpc.com

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7 Ways to Be a Cool Grandparent Make the most of your time together — or bridge the distance — with these tips As a baby boomer, I like to think of myself as being pretty hip. And even though my middle child, a Millennial and the mother of two, doesn’t always see me that way, she does admit that I am one cool grandma. My grandsons, 5 and 2, think I’m a pretty neat grandma, too. How do I know? Last January, when I visited them in Arizona, I brought some artificial snow mix and combined the synthetic polymer powder with water right before their eyes to create buckets of the fluffy white stuff. As they frolicked in the faux snow on their backyard trampoline under the hot desert sun, the older one shouted, “This is soooo cool, Gramma! You bring the best stuff ever!” How to Up Your Cool-Grandparent Status We boomers may be the first demographic ever to care about being considered cool by our grandchildren, as opposed to just being loving, fun and supportive. And one of the top ways to achieve that status isn’t by just giving them stuff, but by spending quality oneon-one time together cultivating a close, strong — and cool — relationship. Granted, it’s a subjective term, but for kids under age 12, “cool” grandparents are those who consistently and continually entertain, educate, support and make themselves relevant to their grandchildren’s lives in unique and interesting ways. “In previous generations, some grandparents played important roles in their grandchildren’s lives, and some did not,” says Susan Adcox, grandparenting channel editor at About.com and a grandparent herself. “It was largely a function of geographical closeness and other circumstances.” Today, however, even long-distance grandparents (like me) can use technology to be integral parts of our

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grandchildren’s lives. But that still requires some work. “The bonds that we crave won’t just happen,” Adcox says. Make It Happen: 7 Ways to Be a Cool Grandparent Bouncing little Adam on your knee for two minutes before complaining about your arthritis or taking Madison to the zoo doesn’t cut it anymore. We don’t have to engage in the same old ways, and in being creative we’ll enrich our relationships and jazz ourselves even more in the process. 1. Buy your grandchild’s domain name. As soon as possible, snatch up your grandchild’s domain name via GoDaddy or a similar site. For less than $15 a year, you can hold her place in cyberspace. Once she is ready to use the domain, together brainstorm ideas then build a website that’s a virtual scrapbook or, as blogger Kc Waddell calls it, “the world’s best Grandma’s brag book.” This can include chronicling in words and photos the milestones big and small — from birthdays and special occasions to first steps and first days of school. Waddell started AmaraLand when her only grandchild, Amara, was 5 years old. Now 9, Amara takes a more active role in the site. “We love baking together, and she told me recently that she wants me to add a new section to her blog where we can post our recipes,” Waddell says. “This blog has given us a special bond.” She reminds grandparents to get the parents’ permission first. “Be very clear about what you will and won’t publish,” Waddell says. “Decide on things, like whether you will include information on what city you live in or what school they go to.” When in doubt, she adds, leave it out. 2. Make their cause your cause — or help them find a cause. “Children are such idealists,” Adcox says. “They really believe that they can change the world.”

Make the most of that idealism by combining quality time with making a difference on a cause the child believes in or together find things that do interest them. Whether those interests relate to bullying, saving the whales or feeding the hungry, opportunities can be found through VolunteerMatch.org, Volunteer. gov and Serve.gov. Each site offers the ability to search according to interest, geographic area and age. Even small kids can participate in big causes, like cheering on runners in charitable races or being the subjects who hide from guide dogs in training for K-9 units. Vet the tasks to ensure activities fit not only the child’s age, but their maturity and ability, as well. As a bonus, Adcox notes, “people who begin volunteer work early are more likely to make a lifelong commitment to service.” 3. Get (more) tech-savvy. Most grandparents have enjoyed virtual visits with grandchildren via Skype or FaceTime. But there are many more sophisticated ways to interact digitally. If you have webcams, you can both sign up for Google+ and download the free hangout plugin. Then just “hang out” — with up to 10 grandkids at a time. The real-time tete-a-tetes via webcam hangouts are similar to Skype sessions in that people visit privately, with only those invited to join being able to participate. More than just chitchat, though, additional applications allow participants to wear silly headwear (think tiaras, facial hair), read stories together, play online games and more. There are plenty of other interactive online and phone apps designed specifically for children to safely connect with relatives, including Blogglebeans, Grandoodlez and Be There Bedtime Stories. These membership-only sites provide opportunities to share activities, stories and artwork in animated environments. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Sara Hanlon, chief executive of Blogglebeans, says to look for products that have a parent-approval process to ensure kids connect only with grandparents or other pre-approved relatives, like aunts and uncles. Hanlon also says to use only sites designed specifically for children and that comply with the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). One of the coolest things you can do with your grandchild is play online games together. “They love that you understand what they are doing and that you’re having fun doing it with them — or at least giving it the ‘old college try,’” says Kaye Swain of SandwichINK for the Sandwich Generation. If you have two computers, engage in side-by-side competition, suggests Swain, herself an online gaming aficionada. “You can even play some of the tournament games with long-distance grandkids while chatting with them on the phone,” she says. Aside from its entertainment value, she adds, high-tech game play provides “grand opportunities for us to teach important lessons, like good sportsmanship, kindness and respect.” Swain recommends beginning with Jumpstart’s Mathblaster or Webkinz, her personal favorite. (Mathblaster is

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intended for ages 3 to 12, and Webkinz, though for all ages, is appreciated most by kids 6 to 13, as the gameplay characters are stuffed animals.) For adults struggling to learn a hightech game, Swain suggests asking the grandchild to help them. “Kids often love to be the teacher,” she says. 4. Share each other’s music. Bond with your grandchild by turning each other on to your cherished playlists. Then take it to the next level by attending live concerts together. You might have to sit through a Justin Bieber experience, but it will be worth it when you see your little one tapping her toes and singing along with Alabama Shakes or one of your favorite artists. 5. Bring school lessons to life. Even the best schools have their limitations. Discuss subjects that have captured your grandchild’s attention, then run with it. If he’s learning French, for example, take him out for French cuisine — or a visit to France. Do bees delight your granddaughter? Pay a visit to a local beekeeper. Judy Von Feldt , a blogger and retired human resources executive, regularly treats her two grandchildren to these kinds of educational outings. She says her granddaughter “loves horses and

racehorse trivia the way young boys like baseball cards and stats, so last year we went to Saratoga Springs racetrack, and this year we visited Belmont to see where Ruffian is buried.” 6. Take a class together. Along similar lines, sign up to learn about something cool together — something unrelated to their schoolwork or your professional pursuits. Consider things like photography, bird identification, guitar lessons or ceramics offered at local community education centers or local business establishments. 7. Foster an appreciation of foreign films. There’s a wealth of children’s foreign films with English subtitles. Delphis Films — a Montreal-based company specializing in quality family feature films and children’s TV programming — has an impressive roster of family-friendly flicks that even the youngest of kids will enjoy. Themes run the gamut from music (Mozart in China) and magic (Ice Dragon) to sports (A No-Hit, No-Run Summer) and oddball comedies (My Grandpa the Bank Robber). Freelance writer Lisa Carpenter runs the website grandmasbriefs.com

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By Nicole Tsong, The Seattle Times

Want to Reduce Anxiety, and Increase Cognitive Ability and Memory? Try Meditation Like a workout, meditation has its good days and its tough ones. Some days when I meditate, I spend much of the time making lists, hoping desperately I’ll remember them by the end of my 15 to 20 minutes. Sometimes, I can barely sit still. Some days, I feel calm. I spend more time focusing on my breath than distractions. Like a physical workout, no matter how it felt during the activity, I always feel better afterward. Meditation is a training ground for your brain to become more mindful and conscious, creating a more stable and clear mind and emotional balance, according to a Scientific American story on meditation. Like a muscle that needs regular workouts to get stronger, your brain needs disciplined training to learn to, well, be present and relax.

“We learn about ourselves as we practice,” he says. With any activity that requires discipline, I require some of it to be fun or to feel like the outcome is valuable. Gaylord concurs. You can’t meditate because your doctor told you to do so; you have to experience it for yourself.

Everyone is present at some point during the day. The first step is to ask yourself whether you know when you are present. Get curious, Gaylord says. Sitting in meditation gives you the space to ask the question and observe the answer.

The Meditation Center teaches a mindful awareness meditation that is based on awareness of your body and your breath. The technique is simple and easy for people to learn, Gaylord says, though it is hard to maintain for long periods of time. Thus, the training.

You might see as you meditate that your emotional reactivity goes down. You might be less inclined to yell at someone in traffic. In turn, you are less emotional, and less exhausted. You can do a better job at work or be more satisfied in your work, or in your life, he says.

Like exercising a muscle, “Every time we come back to the present, we are increasing our mental strength,” he says. February 2016

As you become more aware of when you are present and mindful, self-awareness arises, Gaylord says. Similar to lifting weights or exercise, the more you work out, the more you understand your body, from its limits to what feels right. You apply the same technique to your mind.

Think of it this way: When you’re busy, driving to work, dropping off kids or answering emails, your day doesn’t often allow much time to notice whether you’re present.

“Sitting in the present moment is a kind of clear mind,” says Tom Gaylord, director of the Seattle Meditation Center. “Distraction is a fuzzy, often ruminating mind.”

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Meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, and lead to more empathy, cognitive ability and an improvement in memory. A Harvard study showed that after eight weeks of mindfulness training, people’s brains showed a decrease in density in the amygdala, known to play a role in anxiety and stress.

(c)2016 The Seattle Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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DATING Coach

My older boyfriend doesn’t trust me

Dear Lisa, I’ve had men write me online but I just don’t know how to answer them. Any suggestions? _ Margie Margie, I like to look at online dating as if it’s a virtual cocktail party. How would you act at a party? You’d be fun, flirty and cute. Your flow of emails are the same as cocktail party conversation, light and fun. To do this, take a few moments to collect your thoughts before answering a man’s letter. Keep your answers short and be sure to ask a fun question he can respond to. You’ll find if questions aren’t asked, email flow can end. If he starts asking serious questions in his emails, then suggest taking your conversation to the phone. See this as the fun/flirty phase of opening up a conversation to see whether you want to talk or meet a new man. Dear Lisa, I’ve dated off and on since my divorce. About three years ago, I met a man named Steve. After a couple of dates with a little bit of kissing and some minor touchy feely playing around, we realized we were not meant to be in a romantic relationship with each other. Yet we enjoyed our friendship and began meeting for lunch once or twice a month. When it comes to paying, we always take turns or we split the bill. We both enjoy this friendship but have no desire for any more than that. About six months ago, I began dating an older man. I am 57 and he’s 68.

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He thinks this friendship is wrong and I’m being disrespectful of him by doing this.

This man would likely lay down his life for you.

He believes men and women heading into a serious relationship should not be friends with a member of the opposite sex they once dated even if it was brief.

Think of men who, in Medieval times, would have dueled for your heart, believing may the best man win.

I’m having a hard time with this since my friend and I have known each other longer then this man and I have. I don’t understand why this is such a big deal. I’m not romantically interested in Steve at all. I’m not sure what to do about this. I’d love to get your insights. _ Livia Livia, I’ve known many men and women including myself who have stayed friends with people they briefly dated. Often a romantic relationship won’t work but a plutonic one does quite well. It sounds like your boyfriend might have some trust issues. There’s always the possibility a woman in his past cheated on him and he’s projecting his distrust upon you out of fear you’ll do the same thing. Also, your current boyfriend is a member of the Silent Generation, the men and women born prior to Baby Boomers. What might help you is to understand this man comes from a generation where honor, respect and doing the right thing are part of his core.

To your boyfriend, Steve is being disrespectful of his territory, which he sees you as a part of. Boomers view life differently than many from the generation before them. They grew up with free love and give peace a chance. This is the reason for the conflict you have in your relationship. So where do you go? If your relationship with this man is something you want to continue, you will probably have to give up your relationship with Steve. I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s likely the only way you’ll have peace with your boyfriend. It sounds like there’s no room for compromise here. Or you can find a man who may have female friends of his own and will be fine with your friendship with Steve. Your heart is a great guidance system. Check in and see what feels best to you to get your answer. 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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Travel Trending with Kathy Witt

SHAKER VILLAGE of Pleasant Hill

For more and more people, getting away from it all isn’t all about the R&R but the hands-on adventure, and the more authentic the experience, the better. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a landmark destination located in Harrodsburg, Ky., offers visitors an active experience in the spirit of the Kentucky Shakers. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, or Shakers as they were more commonly known because of the exuberance they brought to meetinghouse worship, sought to create utopia. They practiced celibacy, believed in racial and gender equality and were challenged to make the most of their time and talents. During an active experience, one could make bundle brush and turkey-wing hand-tied brooms. Achieve serenity through a candlelight or standup paddleboard yoga class. Savor dishes made from heirloom recipes using ingredients grown in gardens not far from the restaurant. Learn to use the same tools as nocturnal creatures as you move stealthily through the woods. Today, the campus they originally settled in 1805 is a place for active and immersive exploration and adventure. Situated on 3,000 acres of rolling countryside is The Historic Centre, The Farm and The Preserve, each a historic showplace of Shaker ingenuity and philosophy that informs active programming designed to spark curiosity and inspire discovery.

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You don’t just go behind-the-scenes; you hunker down at the workbench, head into the woods and dig into the dirt. DISCOVERY DESTINATION Fireside chats about the Shaker lifestyle, themed night hikes and wildlife treks, making natural cleaners, bourbon and bluegrass wagon tours, architecture tours, wilderness first aid certification, because of its everexpanding roster of experientialbased activities in nature, science, history, culture, adventure and animals, Shaker Village was selected in the fall of 2015 as a founding member of Discovery Destinations. This collection of distinct, independent destination

properties offers top-notch opportunities for travelers eager to go hands-on. “Discovery Destinations offers travelers and fans alike new ways to discover the world first-hand, taking the picturesque scenes and exploration of Discovery’s on-air content to the next level through immersive experiences that entertain and inspire,” said Robert Marick, VP of Global Location Based Entertainment for Discovery Consumer Products. “Whether you seek an adventurous excursion or a guided tour rich in history, each partner resort asks guests to expect the unexpected as they experience aspects of discovery that are authentic to their surroundings and local culture.” Affiliation with the world’s No. 1 paytv programmer means that Shaker Village will be able to more proactively care for its historic buildings and land, invest in learning and exploration and establish a premier destination for 21st century travelers. It also opens the door to innovative guest services in line with Shaker Village values, including becoming one of five Tesla Destination The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Supercharger Stations in Kentucky.

members: Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina, House on Metolous in Oregon and Goldmoor Inn in Illinois.

EXPERIENCING SHAKER VILLAGE Daily Adventures at Shaker Village include visits to working artist studios and the bird blind, staff-led tours, excursions aboard the sternwheeler, Dixie Belle, musical entertainment, woodworking demos, perhaps sowing seeds in the garden. Discovery Treks, built on Shaker lessons of community, sustainability and ingenuity and created to offer guests more in-depth, interactive experiences, include Paddle + Yoga Weekends, Intro to Beekeeping and other workshops, and Family Explorer Programs like archaeology digs and learning to become an animal tracker.

TRENDING S In the Shaker fashion, make the most of your time and talents at one of the Shaker Makers: Hand-tied Brooms workshops. The Shakers are worldfamous for their flat brooms and you can learn this traditional craft by making two functional hand-held brooms: a bundle brush and a turkey-wing. The next workshop takes place 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Feb. 6. S What the Shakers achieved through dance and song, that is, a higher state, you can attain through Candlelight Herbal Yoga (next session is 7 p.m. Feb.12), a gentle yoga flow by candlelight incorporating the essence of Shaker herbs, held not far from their former meetinghouse. Namaste. S Taste the authenticity of locally grown and produced foodstuff with themed Fresh Food Adventures, like the four-course bourbon dinner, featuring Kentucky’s Four Roses bourbon, planned for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12.

“We’ve been offering introductory workshops for some time, but we’re getting requests for the option to go deeper into more intermediate/advanced knowledge,” said Amy Bugg, director of marketing and communications. “Most programs welcome all skill levels, but with great partnerships and the expertise of key staff members, we are able to offer multiple levels of instruction at the same time.” Additionally, Shaker Village has Signature Events that take place throughout the year. These include a Fresh Food Adventures Dining Series, the springtime Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass and Well-Crafted, Brews + Band, a summer celebration of local musicians and craft beer. Experiencing all of Shaker Village means spending the night where the Shakers once slept. Guestrooms, suites and private cottages are tucked into 13 restored Shaker buildings, each evoking the Shaker sensibility of simplicity through Shaker reproduction furniture and original hardwood floors and offering magnificent countryside views outside their windows. Also not to be missed is dining at Trustees’ Table, where menus celebrate Shaker Village’s roots by serving up dishes made of seasonal ingredients fresh from its own garden and the

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gardens of local farmers. While classic Southern dishes, fried chicken, corn pudding, tomato celery soup and coleslaw and corn sticks are menu staples (the latter two items are always set out for lunch and dinner for guest enjoyment), dishes inspired by the seasons make frequent appearances as well. In addition to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, these three properties also joined Discovery Destinations as founding

INFORMATION For more information about programming at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, its Everyday Adventures, Discovery Treks and Signature Events, as well as lodging and dining options, visit www.ShakerVillageKy.org. To plan a visit to Harrodsburg, visit www.HarrodsburgKy.com. To learn more about other Discovery Destination members, visit their individual websites: Goldmoor Inn, Illinois, www.Goldmoor.com House on Metolous, Oregon, www.Metolius.com Nantahala Outdoor Center, North Carolina, www.NOC.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

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A small glimpse of the Cecily Hulett and John Wagnon February 11th Opening

Gaucho’s Sister, 18x14 oil on canvas John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon

Hopeful , 24x48 mixed media, Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett

Urban, 48x48 mixed media, Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett

The Belle of Tupelo, 20x16 oil on board John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon

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Snapper for Dinner, 30x30 oil on canvas John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon

A Grand Gesture, 36x36 oil on canvas John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon

RiverRegionBoom.com

Yo!, 9x7 oil on paper John Wagnon galleryonefineart.com/John-Wagnon

Returning Shadow , 20x20 mixed media, Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett

Pilgrimage, 40x40 mixed media, Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett

Moonless Night, 40x30 mixed media, Cecily Hulett galleryonefineart.com/Cecily-Hulett

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


By Sandi Aplin

Art & Soul

Happenings at Gallery One Fine Art Art, Fashion, Opening Exhibit

Art and Fashion, our quarterly trunk show of the Carlisle Collection, NY will be in full swing February 1st continuing through the 6th. We are so excited about the Spring Collection CARLISLE-PER SE TRUNK SHOW. These designers are really in tune with the women of today. Today’s women are busy! Our casual to cocktail look fills the need of today’s women. For our invitation we selected these three pieces from the PER SE Collection, Emery (193) is a White, Macadamia, Jackson Blue knit. A flattering silhouette with long linear stripes in a lightweight textured cardigan with hook and eye front. A coordinating second piece of the three is Emery (194) a honeycomb and stripe layering long shell and these are shown with the Macadamia skirt which is seamed and shaped to be especially flattering, the pencil skirt in rich satin-backed crepe that’s matte outside. Shaped with princess and angled yoke seems, finished with topstitching. This collection is shown by appointment.

when our show is over at seven, Jake, Cissie and friends have reservations down the street at Vintage Year for dinner. Hulett says, “This show is a process of exploration in layers of colors, thick and thin over a textured surface. There is no subject matter. Each painting is an arrangement of color, line and contrast in a combination that is pleasing to me. I want to paint something visually compelling that encourages the viewer to make his own interpretations.”

Wagnon says, “Come to our Birthday Party, look at our paintings while drinking cheap wine with a piece of cheese. I am happy to answer any questions about my work”. This amazing show is already hanging on the wall. We will be closing the Carlisle Trunk Show on the 7th and we welcome our friends to drop by beginning February 8th to preview the paintings prior to the opening on the 11th.

Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A freelance writer living in Montgomery, AL sandiaplin@aol.com or galleryonefineart.com

Art Opening featuring Cecily Hulett and John Wagnon on Thursday, February 11th, beginning at 5:30 until 7pm. This party is also a birthday party for Jake and Cissie. FYI-a little birdie whispered that The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

VALENTINE’S SPESHUL

Lady BOOMer’s Guide to the BOOMer Guy you really don’t want to know.

I recently finished the book, “Understanding Women” (pictured).

By way of example, women who married men under age 30 well know the flexibility required to make an early marriage last longer than 2 or 3 years. When he insists the only bowling league with openings is the 3AM Beerbusters Group, you believe him or grieve him.

I would have preferred the Cliff’s Notes. Men, being simpler creatures, can be explained in one magazine column. Women, too, say they don’t understand men. That thinking is based on the false presumption that men are as complicated as women and that’s just not true. Honestly, I don’t understand men that well myself because I’m not a typical guy. I am a man, a flaming heterosexual, but beyond that, most men and I don‘t have much in common. I did try, for years, to be “one of the boys”. It just didn’t work out. Most guys know cars. I don’t. In my teens, Pops would try and guide me into a proper manhood by taking me outside on a minus 15 degree Chicago afternoon, pop the car hood open and announce- “son, this is how you gap a spark plug”. As Dad’s lecture ricocheted off my forehead, it sounded like the gunfire in a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western. With that disclaimer of untypicality,

Research shows that what men in the pre-30 demographic want is to not be married, but they do it anyway. Phase 1 is also known as the Era of Low Expectations.

the BOOMer guy can be explained by studying the Three Phases of Life he’s already lived.

Physically, men in this pre-30 group have an average waist size of 32” or less (unless he is over 5’4” tall), and are generally capable of “performing” several times a day, oftentimes with a partner.

Phase 1- PUBERTY TO AGE 30: During this phase, the average male expects every woman he dates to be a virgin. He will grill you on every guy you ever dated, and will not be happy until you’ve verbally ground the guys he’s not even competing against anymore into dust as certified losers. However, his life, prior to meeting you, is not covered under the 1983 Freedom of Information act, so it’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Ask. And

Phase 2 - AGE 31 TO BOOM: This group of men has learned a few lessons from the previous phase, and as a result is somewhat improved. Women find this is especially true if you are 7 to 15 years younger than he is. Your chances for success will improve dramatically if you’ve never given birth, so if you’re hitting the singles market and have a child or children, conceal them until you’ve dated for 6 months or until

The new book “Understanding Women”

Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald, Barranco & Hagen Wealth Management

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


you’re certain beyond doubt he’s good and whipped. To his credit, men of this phase have cut their drinking back from 7 days a week to just drinking daily, and he rarely bowls. Now, he is a golfer, so plan your Saturdays without him between the hours of 7AM and dusk. Golf is exhausting, especially the last 5 or 6 cocktails, so don’t pressure him to take you anywhere on Saturday nights. Physically, a man in this age group can be active (with you) as often as 2 or 3 times a month- less, if married. His waist size should be 36-42, and he’ll shop the “relaxed fit” jean section. The women’s OPT OUT CLAUSE- You can end this (or any) relationship at any point by telling him “Let’s go dancing!”. Phase 3- REAL BOOMERS 50+: This is when men enter the female equivalent of menopause. Known as “mid-life crisis”, this period can extend well into a man’s 70s, and he’ll begin to wonder why you are aging so much faster

than he is. The crux of the crisis is his realization that he has no chance to score with a Kate Upton type chick ever again even though he’s not even trying. It’s a guy thing. On the positive side, men in this group mature and become more accepting and appreciative of women. Physically, he’ll take anything in the “XXL” section at Target that ties in the front and looks good with Skechers Relaxed fit shoes. He is still a capable lover, especially with the advent of the internet and medications offered by Canadian pharmacies through spam e-mails. Men in this group become content and finally realize that settling down is not a death trap. Single men in this group however, either need to be rich or….no. They need to have a few bucks. I wrote this in good fun, of course. My favorite TV commercial is for the senior dating site “Our Time”. In it, a cop raps

on the window of a car, the windows of which are being steamed up by a couple of passionate BOOMers making out. Realizing these are 2 grown adults, the cop walks away with a smirk and the BOOMers go back to making more steam. In the BOOMer classic hit Loggins & Messina song, “Your Mama Don’t Dance”, the cop who interrupts a backseat romance yells, “outta the car long hair”. The song still plays, but in 2016 the cop says “way to go, kids!”. That’s my suggestion. Find a place to park, get in the back seat and give the cops a reason to knock on your window. Keep it steamy, my BOOMer friends! 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

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

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Boomers find Booming Business with Pot Shop By Erica Curless, The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.)

Cathy Smith, right, one of the owners of Sativa Sisters Recreational Marijuana Store in Spokane Valley, Wash., checks out a popular vaporizer with salesman Eric Garcia on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review/TNS)

They were just retired, or near retirement, baby boomers looking for a new business opportunity. So what if they knew nothing about marijuana except perhaps the fleeting memory of dried out stems and leaves smoked in college four decades ago. “We treated it like the end of prohibition and the start of the first liquor stores, said Don Henricks, 65, while sitting in Sativa Sisters, a retail recreational marijuana shop on Trent Avenue, with his three partners who include his wife, Gale and long-time friends Cary and Cathy Smith. The couples opened Sativa Sisters in August 2014, along with the adjoining Amsterdam Coffee Club. Sativa Sisters is now one of the steady top six grossing

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marijuana retailers in the state, with total sales of $6 million since opening in 2014 and $2.1 million paid in excise taxes to the state. In December, total sales were $571,039 for the month, according to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.

“What kind of edibles do you got?” a middle-age man with shoulder-length silver hair said, pushing his reading glasses up his forehead so he could look at the back row display of cookies and other marijuana-infused goodies.

One of the things the owners didn’t expect was that the majority of customers would look like them: older, retired, grandparents. There are youngsters in their 20s but many of the customers are at least 40 with many in the baby boom bracket, the very people who made up the stereotypical image of rebellious long-haired youngsters smoking weed in the ‘60s and ‘70s. On this particular Friday afternoon, the steady flow of customers did seem older, lots of gray hair and less than babysmooth skin.

Any theory that boomers are beefing up retail pot sales is purely anecdotal. Brian Smith, spokesman for the state Liquor and Cannabis Board, said age information isn’t collected on customers, except that they must be older than 21. When the stores first opened, the prices were high and it seems older, more affluent customers were prevalent. Perhaps people who hadn’t used marijuana for decades and were curious now that it was legal. “Certainly it’s across the market now,” Smith said about the age ranges, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


especially after the number of stores permitted expanded and prices dropped. Regardless of age, the customers are coming and buying a wide variety of marijuana products. Some days the store has hit nearly 1,000 customers. The state estimates sales will hit more than $1 billion during the next four years, according to a budget forecast published by the Office of Financial Management. Washington is one of four states to make marijuana legal for recreational use. The others are Alaska, Oregon, and Colorado, plus the District of Columbia. Cathy Smith, who often runs the counter and is in charge of marketing, said first-timers usually go for edibles, spicy cheese nips, dried fruit nuggets, candy; “stoners,” or the frequent users, prefer the oils. The store has other options, from drinks, skin patches, tinctures and capsules to the icon bud. Smith, 64, said perhaps Sativa Sisters attracts older customers because older people own the store and often are behind the counter, although they do employ younger sales people known as budtenders. While the business is very serious with some of the strictest government oversight of any product, the Sativa Sisters still find time for fun. After all, the idea of marijuana is to facilitate relaxation and enjoyment. Gale Henrichs, 60, is known as “Mary” while Cathy is “Jane”; they joke that the guys are also sisters. “People are shocked we aren’t all young, happening people, that we are four blue hairs,” Gale said with a big grin. Her hair is long and silver, which she calls in a sassy tone “arctic blonde.” Cary Smith, 67, was the only Sativa Sister who hadn’t tried marijuana. He wears a button-down navy dress shirt and a rust-colored sweater. He is dressed like an older, conservative businessman, sporting a gold marijuana pin on his collar. It’s a nod to his new profession, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

which in some ways mirrors his retired profession as a timber buyer. Today, he buys bud. And yes, that means he tries the product.

wrapped separately. Unlike smoking or vaping, the effects of ingested marijuana aren’t instant. It can take up to two hours.

He was shocked how many people he knew were secretly using marijuana, a fact he discovered when recreational marijuana became legal and they learned of his new business venture. Smith said a lot of people used marijuana in college but then quit once jobs and family took priority. Cathy Smith added that many people feared getting caught and losing their jobs, businesses and children. She laughs that she was too much of a “goodie two-shoes” to use pot while in college.

The Washington Poison Center reports the number of calls regarding marijuana increased in 2015, with 133 cases, in the first two quarters of the year. That’s up from 109 calls in 2014. The Toxic Trends Report states that the increase could be due to increased education efforts on what to do if “someone is having a bad experience with marijuana.”

She told of an older man when the store first opened who gawked at the selection of marijuana products. “He put his hat over his heart and said, ‘I (didn’t) believe I was ever going to see this in my life time,’ “ she said. Gale Henricks told of two sisters in their 80s who use a couple puffs of sativa for energy to get their gardening done. Cathy Smith uses marijuana to help her sleep. Gale Henrichs has multiple sclerosis. She’s done lots of research and found what helps her sleep and what helps ease the pain in her legs and increase mobility. Because Sativa Sisters is not a medical marijuana retailer, it can’t give medical advice. When customers ask about how to relieve symptoms they refer them to the Medical Jane website and ask them to do their own research. They are careful to warn newbies, especially the boomers, that marijuana is very different from the ‘60s. Today’s buds have higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels and are more pure. All the products sold in Washington are inspected, lab tested and labeled with amounts and THC levels, the psychoactive agent. Smith, of the Liquor and Cannabis Board, said that overdoses have always been a concern, especially with edible marijuana products. That’s why each dose is

The report concluded that the majority of exposures in the first half of 2015 resulted in minor effects, meaning “minimally bothersome to the patients.” No deaths were reported and the report said that more than half of the cases involved intentional use of marijuana with abuse as the top reason for why poison control was contacted. But not everyone is looking for a “high.” Now that marijuana is more mainstream and recognized for its health benefits, people are wanting it for everything from arthritis, cancers and Alzheimer’s to pain relief and sleeping issues, just like a couple of the Sativa Sisters. There are strains that have lower levels of THC and higher levels of cannabidiol, called CBD, that makes it more appealing for therapy. Don Henrichs, a local architect, said the beauty of the new marijuana stores is that people have a choice and can get the product that suits them best. “I used to buy a lid that was mostly weeds, seeds, stems and maybe a little bud,” Henrichs said. “It could have been oregano. But now everything is inspected and tested. You know what you are getting.” The 411 on the 420 For more information about Sativa Sisters, go to www.sativasisters.com or call 509.381.1502. To research the medical benefits of marijuana and recent studies, go to www.medicaljane.com. (c)2016 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Tennis Tournament

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Montgomery Country Club 8:30am to 12:30pm

Food, Fun, and Fabulous Prizes Register by calling Wade at (334) 263-3213 or on-line at hospiceofmontgomery.org.

It’s in our touch. Hospice of Montgomery

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


Ask Nancy: Caring for Aging Relatives You can’t be too prepared

Q: My mother, 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 at the end 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. 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 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 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 (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. Q: I am 80 years old. My husband, age 84, has memory issues and while our life thus far remains largely unchanged, I am beginning to see changes in him that are evidence of dementia. I think we’ve prepared ourselves very well for what may come down the road. We have three adult children whom we are very close to but who all live far from us. My biggest concern is what should happen to my husband if something should happen to me first and I’m no longer able to help him myself, or manage his care. _Barbara H., Miami, Florida A: It’s wise of you to think ahead, considering different scenarios that you should be prepared for and involving your husband in the decision-making while he is able. It seems that there are three options that you and your husband, along with your adult children, should consider and discuss together. The first is to remain in your home with an aide. The number of hours and their duties can be augmented as your needs change.

change. Living close to them, whether you are living independently or in an assisted living facility, will enable them to be actively involved in your and your husband’s care. I’d like to suggest other ways that you can be prepared and help your children to be effective caregivers with the least amount of stress. ; Prepare a binder (choose a bright color, label it in big letters, and keep it in a visible place) and place the following information inside: ; Contact information for family members, in order of who is to be contacted in the event of an emergency. ; List of doctors (primary care and specialists) with their contact information. ; Durable Power of Attorney with a separate HIPAA insertion so that doctors will be able to talk to each child. ; A list of current medications (including dosage, what condition it is for, as well as the name of the prescribing physician). ; Copies of medicare cards and other supplemental insurance policies.

You can also investigate assisted living facilities in your area that offer memory care. This would make it possible for both of you to reside in the same facility even if only one of you requires this extra level of care.

I also suggest that each of your children retain their own copies of the Power of Attorney and HIPAA forms, so that they have them if they are first to reach your or your husband in the event of an emergency. This will avoid confusion and unnecessary delays in decision making.

Alternatively, you can move to be near one of your adult children. They can assist you in the care of your husband as well as yourself, should your own needs

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

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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!

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Women Over 50 are Power Consumers! Call Jim Watson to learn more about BOOM! Marketing 334.324.3472 O jim@riverregionboom.com O RiverRegionBoom.com

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More Than Just Patient Care “The word ‘hospice’ makes us all think the worst. The end. Or at least, the end is very close.” These are the words of Rory Feek, of the critically acclaimed country vocal-duo, Joey and Rory. Rory’s wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and he has been documenting her journey in his blog thislifeilive.com.

and create time for closure; time to say “goodbye” and “I love you”.

have shown incredible strength and an unwavering bond with their mothers.

Hospice has a bereavement program, which also helps children. It is important to prepare children for what they are likely to experience. Many join the older adults in the role as caregiver.

“Last year when my mother was dying of cancer- after hospice was brought in… mom lived another 3 or more months before she breathed her last.”

“You know that you can’t change this event and it’s going to have a big impact on these children’s lives,” said Ball. “We feel compelled to continue to support our families, and thanks to the community’s support, we were able to deliver 100% donated, brand new gifts to these 5 children this past Christmas.”

Mrs. Casperson, a current Hospice of Montgomery Like Joey Feek, these women patient, has want to be remembered as a selfless loving mothers. Not by their 8-year old illness. daughter who has assisted “You see them playing,” says in caregiving Ball, “and you think, they activities for shouldn’t have to experience her mother for this. They are growing up years. While without their parent, maybe other children without really knowing them.” are going off to camp and As a nonprofit hospice playing at the care provider, Hospice of pool during Montgomery relies on the the summer, community’s generous support Grace is busy of their efforts to provide 8-year old Grace Casperson with her Mother’s helping her programs and services to nurse, Nedra Kelly, from Hospice of Montgomery dad and patients and families here in assisting with the care of her mother the River Region. Financial support helps where she can. defray the cost of patient and family care not covered by Medicare, Medicaid The family remains the primary support and/or private insurance companies to the hospice patient. The hospice team and allows Hospice of Montgomery to recognizes how difficult the role of the brighten the day for family members like caregiver can be. A unique feature of Grace. hospice care is the recognition that endof-life care is hard work and the family If you or a loved one is facing a serious or deserves our care, attention, and support life-limiting illness, the time to find out during this time. The family, not just the more about hospice is right now. If you patient, is the “unit of care” and each have questions, Hospice of Montgomery patient-family unit is unique, and hospice makes it easy to get answers or to talk care accommodates that family’s specific to someone about your needs and needs. concerns. We understand that your advancing illness is not only touching The family’s needs may differ when young your life but your family’s lives as well. children are a part of the story. So we’ll be there to comfort you and your family to help you through any Ms. Rudolph, a 27 year old former challenging days ahead. Hospice of Montgomery patient, passed For more information or to make a donation away just a few weeks before Christmas, visit hospiceofmontgomery.org or simply call leaving behind 4 children under the age us at 334-279-6677. of 10. The Rudolph children and Grace

Now hospice has been brought in again, but this time for his wife. Not an elderly woman, but a young woman with a toddler and two teenage step-daughters. “The doctors gave us an estimate of how much time they believe that Joey has, and we both looked at the calendar that hangs by our kitchen door, then I took the calendar off the wall and threw it in the trash can,” writes Feek. “So we don’t have forever. We’ve got right now. And that’s enough.” One misconception about hospice is that it’s strictly for the patient. It is for the patient, but it is also for the patient’s family. “Many people believe hospice is strictly for our elder community members, as well, but serious illness does not discriminate against age,” said Jenille Ball, Executive Director for Hospice of Montgomery. “Unfortunately, we see patients like Joey, coming to us younger and with children. Our goal is simple”, said Ball, “we are here to support these families before, during and after loss.” Hospice care is more than just medical care for the terminally ill. Much like physicians and midwives prepare families for the birth of a child, the hospice team helps families prepare for the death of a loved one by: • Helping families understand what is happening, and preparing them for what might happen next. • Working with families to focus on time that is rich in quality, if not quantity. • Helping families prepare emotionally The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Hospice of Montgomery. It’s in our touch.

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February 2016

{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

featuring performances by the internationally respected opera veteran David Cangelosi and fellow operatic artists. Concert begins at 7 pm. For more information, call 334.240.4004 or visit huntingdon.edu/about/ college-communications/cultural-events

Ain’t Misbehavin’ will be on stage at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, January 28 - February 13. Join five performers on a journey through the timeless music of Thomas “Fats” Waller, as the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s comes to life. For more information call 334.271.5353 or visit asf.net

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Ain’t Misbehavin’ ASF Through February 13, various times

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Fat Tuesday Fun Run Old Cloverdale Tuesday, February 9th, 6-10 pm

Fleet Feet Sports is bringing back their Fat Tuesday Fun Run on Tuesday, February 9th at 6pm. Take a fun run through old cloverdale and stick around afterwards for some fun with your friends on the back patio of Leroy!, 2752 Boultier St, Montgomery, AL. For more information, call 334.356.5412 or visit facebook.com/ events/1037346782952808/

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Harriott II Love Cruise Downtown Montgomery Thursday-Sunday, February 11-14th, 6:30-9 pm

Spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart on the Harriott II Riverboat. Enjoy a full meal, three roses and Champagne with a commemorative glass. Live entertainment provided. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. and the boat will cruise from 7- 9 pm. Tickets $155/couple. To purchase tickets visit funinmontgomery.com or call 334.625.2100.

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA The Vann Vocal Celebrity Recital Huntingdon College in Ligon Chapel Thursday, February 11th, 7-9 pm

Join the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, February 11th for The Vann Vocal Celebrity Recital at Huntingdon College in Ligon Chapel, 1500 E Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL. Offered in partnership with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra;

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Valentine’s Day Blues Show Garrett Coliseum Saturday, February 13th, 7 pm

Killer Diller Productions and Budweiser present the 2016 Valentine’s Day Blues Show featuring Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Wyndell “B”, J-Wonn & Vick Allen on Saturday, February 13th at 7pm at Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL. Hosted by Darryl “E” & Ms. Mary. Advance Tickets on sale at Garrett Coliseum Office Mon.Fri. 9:00 - 4:00. Table Seating $45.00 - Arena Seating $40.00. For more information, call 334.356.6866.

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Beer My Valentine Tipping Point, Hampstead Enterprise, Alabama Saturday, February 13th, 4-10pm

Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Tipping Point way- with beer! They’ll be offering an expertly paired beer & chocolate flight on the day before Valentine’s Day. Bring your valentine, platonic friend, or just show some love to you by treating yourself to a special Valentine’s Day weekend treat! For more information, call 334.260.9110 or visit facebook.com/events/760596357405501/

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Elvis and Buddy, Love Songs Alabama Shakespeare Festival Sunday, February 14th, 7:30-9:30 pm

Hearts will flutter and hips will shake when Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly return to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Sunday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. for a special Valentine’s Day concert featuring the love songs of two Rock‘n Roll giants. Elvis will be performed by Scot Bruce and Buddy will be performed by John Mueller. This show sells out year after year! Don’t miss it! Tickets can be purchased online at asf.net or by phone 800.841.4273, or by visiting the ASF box office. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

The always witty Vince Gill and the reliably wry Lyle Lovett are reuniting for a 13 city tour that will take place through February and March 2016. After teaming up for a series of concerts earlier this year, Gill and Lovett saw that the shows were so successful that they decided to continue the tour. Each show will be a series of intimate solo and duo performances, during which the artists will serve as their own accompanists. “Just two guys sitting on stools, telling stories and singing songs,” Gill says. “No big bands. I saw James Taylor once with just him and his guitar, and after that show I felt like I knew him a whole lot better than I ever did before. That’s what’ll happen between Lyle and me, too, and I’m looking forward to it.” Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 For more info visit mpaconline.org

On February 21st, the Sunday prior to their Lockwood Tour of Homes, the Landmarks Foundation will host a lecture on one of Montgomery’s premier architects in the early 20th Century. John Scott will present Frank Lockwood: The Man, at 2:00 p.m. at the Loeb Reception Center at Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St., Montgomery, AL. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call 334.240,4500 or visit landmarksfoundation.com

Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett “Songs and Stories” MPAC Renaissance, Downtown Montgomery Wednesday, February 17th, 7:30 pm

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

CASC Montgomery Gun & Knife Show Multiplex at Crampton Bowl Saturday & Sunday, February 20-21, 9-5 & 10-4

The CASC Montgomery Gun & Knife Show will be held on February 20-21, 2016 in Montgomery, at the Multiplex at Crampton Bowl, 1022 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL. These shows are hosted by Collectors and Shooters Club of Alabama. Over 350 exhibitors will be present. All federal, state and local firearm ordinances and laws must be obeyed. Admission is $7 for adults, children 12& under are free. For more information, call 334.322.8818 or visit gunshowtrader.com/gunshows/casc-montgomery-gun-show

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Life Drawing Groups The Sanctuary, Downtown Montgomery Sunday, February 21st, 2:30-5:30 pm

Join the Sanctuary for a series of Life Drawing Groups throughout 2016. All sessions start at 2:30 p.m. and include three hours of drawing from a live model. Lots of space. Feel free to bring easels. Future dates: March 20th, April 17th, May 22nd, June 19th, July 24th, August 21st, September 18th, October 23rd, November 20th, December 18th. $10 artist fee. For more info, call 334.328.5171 or visit facebook.com/events/1713801462190108/. The Sanctuary is lcoated at 432 S Goldthwaite St, Montgomery, AL 36104

Lockwood Tour of Home Loeb Reception Center at Old Alabama Town Sunday, February 21st, 2-4 pm

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Greater Montgomery Home Building and Remodeling Expo Multiplex at Cramton Bowl Friday-Saturday-Sunday, February 26-28, 10-6 & 12-6

The 2016 Home Building and Remodeling Expo will be held February 26-28, 2016 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street, Montgomery, AL. Since 1994, the Greater Montgomery Home Expo has been the area’s premier source for those consumers interested in building or remodeling their home. This year’s expo will also feature special guest, Matt Blashaw, from DIY Network and HGTV. Tickets are $6 Adults; Children under 12 free. For more information, call 334.277.7766. For more Info visit gmhba.org

MOBILE, ALABAMA

Mardi Gras Day in Mobile Downtown Mobile Through February 9th, various times and venues Mobile is not only recognized as the location of the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 (yes, even before New Orleans), but also as home to “America’s Family Mardi Gras” delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts over two and a half weeks and concludes on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliantly colored floats and, of course, teeming crowds of parade-goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing “throws” such as beads, MoonPies, doubloons and candy. Mardi Gras must be experienced to be fully understood, and Mobile is the perfect place. For more info visit mobilebay.org

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m

February 2016

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54 BOOM!

February 2016

RiverRegionBoom.com

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine


The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m

February 2016

BOOM!

55



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