Brian Gary, MD The first surgeon in Montgomery to perform robotic Single-Site™ gallbladder removal. Dr. Brian Gary is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgical services, including robotic procedures with the da VinciŽ Surgical System. He treats patients with an array of surgical needs, including cancer, hernia, and endocrine, gastrointestinal and colorectal disorders. Dr. Gary is located in Suite 503 of the Goode Building on the Jackson Hospital campus. Schedule an appointment today. Call 334-293-6858.
Another great reason to choose www.jackson.org/clinic
HealthNEWS
for Boomers and Beyond
July 2013
Gallstones: The Female Risk Factor At this very moment your body could be hiding a potentially painful surprise. Gallstones—clusters of solid material that form in the gallbladder—occur in up to 20 percent of U.S. women by age 60, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. In comparison to men, women are twice as likely to develop gallstones. Many risk factors for gallstones are specific to women. Your risk is greater, for example, if you are overweight, have had multiple pregnancies or take birth control pills. Gallstones are also more likely to develop if you have diabetes. People who have diabetes generally have high levels of triglycerides, a form of fat in the blood, that may increase the risk of gallstones. While gradual weight loss may lower the risk of gallstones, losing too much weight too quickly can actually increase your risk. Gallstones are common among people who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight.
The Story of Stones Gallstones form when liquid stored in your gallbladder hardens into pieces of stonelike material. Many people have gallstones, but don’t have symptoms. With these silent stones, you may never need treatment. The situation changes when a gallstone blocks the passage of bile between your gallbladder and small intestine. Symptoms can include sudden severe pain in the upper right part of your belly, under your right shoulder or in your chest. If you have frequent gallbladder attacks, your doctor may recommend
surgery to remove your gallbladder. Alternatives to surgery include medicine to dissolve the stones and sound wave therapy to break them up.
New Surgical Options If your doctor recommends removing your gallbladder, there are a few ways it can be done. In an open surgery, a five- to seven-inch cut is made on your belly and the gallbladder is removed through the incision. The more common method is a laparoscopic surgery, where three to four small cuts are made on your belly. The surgeon uses a laparoscope and other instruments to view the organ and remove it. Recently, a new option for robotically assisted gallbladder removal has been approved. The da Vinci® Single-SiteTM procedure is performed by specially trained surgeons through a single cut made in your belly button. This results in almost no visible scarring and typically a faster recovery and less pain than traditional open surgery. Not all patients are candidates for this new procedure, so talk to your doctor about all your surgical treatment options.
In comparison to men, women are twice as likely to develop gallstones.
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
July 2013
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Volume 3 Issue 12
Carl Bard
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 6 Publisher’s Letter 9 Best Plus-Size Clothing WebSites 12 BOOM! Cover Profile 15 Boomerpreneur Revolution
page 16
18 The Nose, From a Doctor’s Perspective
Features 8 Katie Deal:
Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Departments 10 This and That Have you heard...?
16 Trading Ages You will be elderly too, if you are lucky
28 {12} Things
Solutions for bored Boomers
25 Blind Curves
When life throws you a curve, what do you do?
30 Greg Budell 5 To See, 5 To Skip
20 Fitness Over Fifty, The “Real Thing” 22 Healthy Hearing, Caring for Hearing Devices in Summer 24 MATCH MADE Adventures in Online Dating 27 Art & Soul
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COVER PROFILE page12
page 8 page 10
page 30
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 6398 Eastwood Glen Pl., Montgomery, AL 36117. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2013 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
Creativity 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.
I recently had a reader drop me a note to tell me about a few typos in the last issue of BOOM! She was kind enough to tell me that all of the local magazines had typos in them, but she wanted to share with me because she really loves BOOM! and the articles. She went on to ask if she could be part of the creative effort behind BOOM!, such as editing and proofreading.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson, 334.523.9510
During a conversation over coffee I discovered it was her creativity she wanted to offer, she wanted to be a contributing writer. Her contribution was creative and interesting. She reminded me of something Sophia Loren, the ageless Italian actress once said, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Not only is Sophia Loren a beautiful actress, she offers us this unique insight on how to age properly. Bravo! Are you tapping your “Fountain of Youth?”
jim@riverregionboom.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Dr. Bettie Borton
Producing an issue of BOOM! each month is a terrific outlet for my creativity. It keeps me connected to my readers and the many businesses who want to have a relationship with them. More importantly, it connects me to our community and all the people I get to meet who happen to be 50+. Jim Watson, Publisher
Greg Budell Dr. Thomas H. Cawthon Christina DesMarais
This month’s BOOM! Cover Profile is one of them. She is Allison Posell and she’s an Associate Minister at Saint James UMC here in Montgomery. Allison told me she is a thinker and a recovering perfectionist, which means she is probably tapping into her “Fountain of Youth” developing creative ways to help those in need of counseling, which is a focus of her ministry. Allison was fun to get to know, I hope you enjoy her story.
Jace Evans Mia Hunter Bill Johnson Allison Posell Leigh Anne Richards
Cover Photography Lola Fine Art Photography twololas@lolafineartphotography.com
www.lolafineartphotography.com 334.551.2700
Advertising Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution Network Delivery
Printing Publications Press, Montgomery, AL
We have plenty of other good reads in this month’s issue including a story about what it feels like to be elderly by going through some simple exercises and experiencing the result, interesting. We have a story on a young woman, Katie Deal, who will be appearing at the Davis Theatre later this month who does a tribute to Patsy Cline. Who hasn’t song a few lines from “Crazy?” And then there’s the woman who wrote a book about how to deal with life when you’re thrown a curve, the book is titled, “Blind Curves.” Ever thought about your nose? Well we did, so Dr. Tom Cawthon, who knows them very well, helps us understand what’s going on with them and some changes you can make if you have the need or desire.
Finally we have more good reads from Greg Budell, the world traveler; Leigh Anne Richards from Metro who has real people our age tell us their stories about being fit. We also something for you girls who are in the dating scene, a new column called Match Made. This is a column about the adventures of online dating, which surprisingly has become quite mainstream in our culture and produces many happy marriages. But not for Mia Hunter, our new columnist. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and sharing BOOM! with a friend. Don’t forget, you can read digital BOOM! anytime at RiverRegionBoom.com. When you read the digital version you have all the links to advertiser’s websites and events, it makes reading BOOM! more like exploring. Please consider our advertisers when spending your money, I believe you’ll become satisfied customers. Stay independent and age well!
334.244.0436
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com _ 334.324.3472 cell/text _ 334.523.9510 office
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Katie Deal
Troy University Davis Theatre of Performing Arts Friday July 19 @ 7pm and Saturday, July 20 @ 2:30 & 7 pm Tickets, 334.244.3632
Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Growing up in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Katie Deal gained an early appreciation for all things country and all things musical. From her mother’s smooth contralto voice and her grandmother’s lively accordion, to her father’s lullabies and family reunions of pickin’ and grinnin’, music was everywhere. By the time Katie was eight years old, she was regularly performing at church, competing in 4-H, clogging in county fairs and tapping down the grocery store aisles. Wherever she went, there was sure to be a show. Not much has changed. By the age of sixteen, Katie had taught herself guitar and had become a regular act at local restaurants and coffee shops. Her diverse influences, including Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, and a little bit of Hank Sr., resulted in haunting melodies, candid lyrics and unique, folksy covers. While attending college, Katie discovered another love: theatre. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Piedmont College, Katie packed a single suitcase, said goodbye to her home in the hills and headed west for her first professional theatre gig in Memphis, Tennessee. It was there that she began her portrayal of her childhood hero, Patsy Cline. Since the role of Patsy had already been cast, Katie begged for the understudy role, and was given one performance a week for a total of six weeks. By combining her two loves: country music and theatre, Katie had found her niche, and audiences couldn’t agree more. Since then, she has traveled the country wowing fans with her uncanny portrayal of Ms. Patsy Cline. With two sell-out national tours and numerous productions in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming, Katie has procured a national following. About “Katie Deal in Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline”... Having sold out two national tours of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” Katie takes the stage with her own story of how the music and style of Patsy Cline have changed her life forever. With a new take on nostalgia, Katie’s one-woman show, “Katie Deal in Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline” features a live band, tight harmonies and a powerhouse singer. In this tribute, you’ll learn a little bit about Katie, a little bit about Ms. Patsy, and a lot about why Patsy’s music is loved by so many. While there will only ever be one Patsy Cline, Katie Deal sure does play a mean second fiddle. As a seasoned professional and a member of Actors Equity Association, Katie’s approach to Ms. Cline’s music is authentic and earnest. Katie truly captures the essence of Patsy with her energy, emotion and devotion to the subtle details in Patsy’s tremendous voice all the while spinning a tale of her own.
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Best Plus-Size Clothing WebSites
by Christina DesMarais
Considering that two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher as to why the fashion industry seems to cater mostly to people who aren’t. But the times in fashion are changing. Not only are there more and better ways to access plus-size fashion, online influencers are increasingly celebrating the fact that you don’t have to be a size 4 to rock the latest styles and look good doing so. For Younger or Fashion-Forward Shoppers TORRID Compared with the more ubiquitous Lane Bryant, Torrid has a fresher, younger vibe as well as an online presence that’s easier to navigate. What’s great about the site is its richness—across all fashion categories you have a wealth of fun and pretty styles to choose from, whether you’re looking for sexy skinny jeans, a rhinestone skull tee, a flouncy maxi dress or a black and pink leopard babydoll as well as a generous assortment of trendy swimwear, shoes and accessories. Offering sizes from 12-28, Torrid charges a flat rate of $6 for shipping within the United States; the cost of international deliveries to more than 150 countries depends on the weight of the order and where it’s going. Torrid’s loyalty program, Divastyle, is worth checking out. Once you spend $250 you’re considered a “Qualified Member” which gives you 5% off every purchase for a year, a special birthday offer and other special discounts.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Mainstream Shoppers LANE BRYANT, CATHERINE’S, SONSI You’re likely already familiar with Lane Bryant, Catherines and Sonsi, sister companies that offer classic fashion choices for plus-size shoppers. All charge a flat rate of $7.95 for shipping, although you can opt to have your order sent to a physical store near you for free. International shipping to more than 100 countries is also available. Familiarity aside, you might not know about some of the online perks these big brands offer. At Catherines you can buy a Perks Card for $25 that you can use to get 10% off every purchase you make in stores or online. Lane Bryant currently has a Real Women Dollars promotion going on through which you can get a $25 off coupon for every $50 you buy, although they can’t be redeemed at Lane Bryant Outlet stores. Sonsi offers a useful tool called Just For You, which queries you about your personal style then offers up suggestions on which items you might like best. SonsiLiving offers fashion advice and articles about beauty, health, entertaining and more. Lane Bryant has a similar community called InsideCurve. Extra Large Sizes ONE STOP PLUS Sites like Torrid and Lane Bryant can’t accommodate everyone since they only carry sizes up to 28. OneStopPlus is different because it sells items up to 44W or 6X. This is an immensely popular site—it
has nearly 240,000 fans on Facebook. It’s not just the larger sizes people like; there’s also a Designer section where you can peruse pieces by Yuliya Raquel and Eliza Parker, as well as a Juniors area where you can buy hip and sassy tees, jeans, prom dresses and more. For $19 a year you can join the OSP Shopper’s Club, which gives you shipping for only $2.99 on all orders, free returns and members-only discounts. OSP’s sister brand, Woman Within, offers clothing up to 48W or 7X. It features a bra club that rewards you with a certificate for a bra up to $25 in value after you buy three qualifying bras from any of the OSP group brands within 12 months. A Marketplace for Plus Size Clothing ABBEY POST AbbeyPost is sort of like eBay, but specifically focused on women’s plus-size clothing and lacking the auction element. The marketplace offers some second-hand items and pieces designed by independent plus-size designers as well as a generous selection of “new with tags” clothing, accessories, jewelry and shoes. It’s also a place to connect with like-minded shoppers through a variety of forums and the AbbeyPost blog is loaded with great advice, such as “How to Look Put Together Without Melting in the Summer Heat.” You’ll need a PayPal account to buy things here, as well as to get paid for items you’ve sold. This article was posted by Christina DesMarais at the website techlicious.com, a great source for keeping up with the fast pace of technology.
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This & tHAT Rosa Parks Museum
Jazz and blues inspired paintings and the vibrant fabric art of a Saint Croix-based couple will be on display at the Rosa Parks Museum from July 3-Aug. 29. The couple, John Obafemi Jones and Yemaya Jones, have lived and worked at their studio home on the Caribbean Island of Saint Croix for 35 years. Both artists will visit the museum for a discussion at 11am on July 13. Admission is free and open to the public. Using jazz and blues as principle elements of inspiration, John’s paintings explore tones, moods and improvisation in vivid colors and expressive compositions. “I frequently use jazz themes and icons because jazz and the blues are very much reflective of my environment, but more importantly because music as a whole has a complementary relationship with the visual arts,” he said.John has exhibited nationally and internationally over the past 40 years and his work is in numerous public and private collections. Yemaya is a pioneering artist in the field of fabric art design, particularly itajime (clamp resist) and batik. Her work has been featured in “Essence,” “Panache,” “Caribbean World” and “She” magazine, and has been exhibited in numerous galleries across the country including the Studio Museum of Harlem.The exhibit hall at the Rosa Parks Museum is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Visit
3 Best Cooking Apps for Your Kitchen Tablet Best Overall Cooking App: How To Cook Everything This is new, digital version of the popular How to Cook Everything cookbook includes more than 2,000 recipes with full color photographs and numerous how-to illustrations. It’s a great cookbook, and it’s made the transition to digital very well: providing high quality recipes that are easy to browse and search. Best Magazine-Style Cooking App: Panna Panna is a new kind of cookbook designed with your tablet in mind. It’s published like a magazine, with one issue every other month, but formatted like a cooking show with a focus on video. The Best Cooking App for Novices: The Photo Cookbook The Photo Cookbook is a collection of cooking apps that, as the name suggests, focuses on taking you through each step of the recipe with high resolution photos. This very visual cookbook makes recipes as straightforward as possible and is perfect for novice cooks. All Apps available in iTunes Store.
The Wetumpka Depot Players Present Noises Off
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Filled with slapstick humor and some of the funniest dialogue ever written, the farce is crowd pleaser. Noises Off follows the on-and off-stage antics of an acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. Everything that can go wrong does, as actors desperately try to hang on to their lines, their performances and the furniture. Add a slippery plate of sardines, many slamming doors and one abused telephone and you have what the New York Post calls “the funniest farce ever written.” Depot veteran, Kim Mason is directing this ambitious production. The cast of Noises Off will be playing on a modified two-story set featuring numerous doors and windows. The script calls for a set that rotates 360 degrees. “Many theatres shy away from this show because of the complicated set and technical challenges, but the Depot Players have an amazing group of set builders who have devoted weeks to making this set work in our space,” said Mason. “The design allows the audience to see the play-within-a-play presented from two perspectives – on stage and back stage.” Show dates are July 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 at 7:30pm and July 21 at 2pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 334.868.1440 or online at wetumpkadepot.com The theatre is located at 300 S Main St in historic downtown Wetumpka. July 2013
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RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash will be the hottest show in the South when it opens at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on July 11 and runs through August 4.The production will feature Jason Edwards who starred in the Broadway production. Edwards will also direct Ring of Fire at ASF. Tickets for Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash start at $30 and may be obtained by calling 800.841.4273, on line at www.asf.net or by visiting the ASF box office. Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash has gone from Broadway to sell out performances across the country and includes more than 30 songs that Cash wrote or performed in the production. Favorites include Folsom Prison Blues, A Boy Named Sue, I Walk the Line, I’ve Been Everywhere, Hurt and the musical’s namesake, Ring of Fire.
Volunteers Sought for Cancer Study A long-term study that may change the future of cancer research and prevention is enrolling volunteers from the River Region. The American Cancer Society is leading Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS3), a large, national study that began enrolling in 2006. The study is open to anyone between the ages of 30 and 65 who has never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancers), who is willing to make a long-term commitment. Participants will be followed for at least 20 years. To sign up for the Cancer Prevention Study 3, begin by logging on to www.cps3montgomery.org
Bonefish Grill Now Does Brunch! Monet In Mississippi: A Summer Adventure with the MMFA Travel in style to the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson to see Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting from the Wadsworth Atheneum. The exhibition is a survey of French paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries, featuring artists you know and love from the Old Masters, such as Poussin, to Romantics, such as Delacroix, to Modern Masters Monet, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The cost includes transportation, lunch at the Museum cafe, admissions, and a light meal on the way home. Films will be shown on the coach. For a taste of Southern greatness, the group will visit the Eudora Welty house before returning. Tuesday, August 13, 7am to 8pm. Member Cost $146, non-members $156 To make a reservation, please contact Norean Pritts at 334.240.4341 by July 15th
Linette Wright Now at The Waters Jennifer Atkins, Qualifying Broker and Vice President for New Waters Realty Company recently announced the addition of Linette Wright as a New Home Sales Specialist for New Waters Realty Company. New Waters Realty Company is the marketing and sales company for The Waters, a master planned residential community located in Pike Road, Alabama. “New Waters Realty Company is proud to welcome someone with Linette’s experience and personal touch. She has made a great addition to our Sales Team.”, stated Atkins. Wright, formerly with Remax Tri-Star, comes to The Waters with more than 10 years of experience in the marketing and real estate industry. “I am excited to be a new homeowner in The Waters and a new sales agent. This is an exciting time in Pike Road with the new school system in development.” stated Wright. Linette and her husband, Lee, have lived in Montgomery for more than 30 years. She managed the Children’s Ministry at Heritage Baptist Church for the majority of that time and has found that being a Realtor gives her another avenue to serve people. Visit thewatersal.com for more information. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Allison Posell, Healing & Helping This month’s BOOM! church based counseling profile is Allison Posell. ministry resulted in, Allison is an Associate seven weeks later, joining Minister at Saint James the staff as an associate UMC in Montgomery minister. It has been an and prior to joining the unexpected move full staff at Saint James, of surprises! After 21 she was on staff at years in Niceville, we the Niceville UMC in find ourselves settling Florida until late 2012. into life in Montgomery. Having spent many Our daughter Kelli lives years in and around in Atlanta with her Air Force Bases, she husband, Michael; our is no stranger to the son Kyle lives in Niceville River Region where her with his wife heather, father was stationed our son Alan lives with at Maxwell AFB when his wife, Tonya, in Fort Allson was a little Walton Beach, and girl and they lived daughter Frances lives in Prattville. She has with her husband, James, Son Kyle, Allison, Steve, step father Kent, mother Judy, son-in-law Michael, daughter Kelli come full circle and is in Mexico Beach. eager to grow a new life with her husband commission into the Air Force. My first Steve and serve those in need. We visited BOOM!: As the recently appointed Associate adventure to “see the world” was at Keesler with Allison recently and she shared some of Minister at St. James United Methodist AFB in Biloxi, MS. There, I specialized in her life’s journey with us. She’s an interesting Church could you share your calling into the critical care, got married, and was reassigned woman from our 50+ community and we ministry with our readers? What are some to Goldsboro, NC where my two children, Kelli hope you enjoy getting to know her as much of the blessings and challenges of being a and Kyle, were born. The stress of a growing as we have. woman in ministry? family increased and I left active duty, entered into the AF reserves, and worked BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. Allison: Years ago I completed a one year part-time in a local hospital and as a clinical where you’re from, education, what brought Bible study and, at the end of it, participants nursing instructor in a nursing program. My you to the Montgomery area, did you raise were asked the question, “Do you feel as marriage ended in divorce and, in response your family here, schools, married, family, though you are being called into full time to Operation Desert Shield, I was immediately etc? ministry?” I answered it with a “yes” and recalled to active duty and moved to Tyndall assumed that, because I was in the Air Force, AFB. Operation Desert Storm ushered in a Allison: My father was in the Air Force and I was already where I needed to be. The permanent active duty assignment to Eglin even though I took my first breath in Reno, work remained the same but my heart, while AFB and, with the help of a friend who knew Nevada in 1961, it wasn’t long before I moved in the work, changed and work became an my family from our earlier days at Maxwell, to Florida and then to Germany. In the midopportunity to serve. Once I was retired, I I was able to begin settling into Niceville. In 60’s, my father was assigned to Maxwell AFB shared a talk on a weekend event and during 1991, I married Steve Posell and we began and, prior to moving on base, we lived in that talk, I experienced an overwhelming life together as a blended family with five Prattville. We moved to Southern California in sense of God’s presence and a compelling children. Three years later, I was medically 1969 and, four years later, moved to Tyndall urge to respond to it. When I asked a spiritual retired from the Air Force, entered Troy State AFB in Panama City, Florida. (I tell you what director what was happening, he told me University, and graduated with a Master’s going from the west coast to the panhandle he believed I was being called into ordained Degree in Counseling and Psychology. I also of Florida in the early 70’s was like going ministry. From there, I began the process completed the graduate courses necessary back in time! I thought, “People talk very of discovery the nature of this “call” - this for ordination in the United Methodist Church differently here” and “they have interesting compelling urge that, without a response, from Asbury Theological Seminary. For eight names for their grandmothers”. I had much would consume my thoughts and energy. years, I served on staff at Niceville United to learn!) Methodist Church as Church Counselor, Blessings and challenges in ministry aren’t Assistant Congregational Care Minister, and My father retired from the Air Force and limited to just women - my male colleagues Ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery. when he and my mother built a house have struggles too! That said, because I in Panama City, that became “home”. I am a woman I am able to more closely and Nearly a year ago, I had an informal meeting graduated from Rutherford High School in vulnerably minister to women of all ages. with Allen Newton, lead pastor, and Scooter 1979, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing My insight and experience supports my Leonard, executive director, at Saint James from Auburn in 1983, and received a direct male colleagues and offers the chance for UMC. What began as an inquiry into a
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trips to Busch Gardens. Now, I love anywhere careers, especially if they’ve experienced the successful teamwork in ministry. As far as I can see/hear water or nature. My favorite empty nest syndrome of their kids moving challenges - most male colleagues don’t fret travel dream would include a villa in Tuscany on. How would you describe this sense of about a “frizzy hair” day, what clothes they and the chance to experience the Italian renewal in your life? Any preached in the week culture apart from a large tour. advice for the rest of us before, or not having seeking renewal? the right slip for the BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in outfit! Seriously, I am community, civic or other activities? Allison: Our move to regularly challenged Montgomery was two with being attentive Allison: Beyond activities associated months prior to Kyle’s to not making things a with ministry, not yet. It has been a busy wedding (talk about gender issue - granted, adventure of settling in! We have thoroughly multi-level changes) and the world doesn’t enjoyed connecting with the symphony and changing our address always do that. I am look forward to other musical opportunities and getting new plates thankful for the words in the area. on our cars “forced” of the Apostle Paul, Allison with son Kyle us into moving on. The “There is neither Jew BOOM!: Do you have a favorite book/ circumstances around us nor Gentile, neither scripture of the Bible? Why? helped us be intentional about focusing on slave nor free, nor is there male and female, the days ahead with our own for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” I like that. Allison: Just one? Yikes! goals in mind. This “season of It was during a sermon life” change for us comes on BOOM!: As a Licensed Mental Health series on “Lessons from the heels of an extraordinary Counselor please describe your approach to Abram” that Steve recovery from an accident I counseling those in need. What are Season’s and I both felt God was in four years ago and I am of Life Issues? was calling us to move eager, excited, and attentive to to Montgomery. The the opportunities of each day. Allison: I used to say my approach was to Lord told Abram to, I would be remiss if I didn’t “help people make sense of their pain” and “Leave your country, address the grief related to then I realized I couldn’t even make sense your people, and your some of the changes. For all of my own! Pain in any area of our lives - be father’s household and of us, courageous and healthy it physical, emotional, or spiritual not only go to the land I will grief allows us to experience affects the other two but also the relationship show you” and “Abram deep emotion which adds with self, God, and others in community. In left, as The Lord told richness to our lives! From counseling, I am invited to walk alongside him.” (Genesis 12). A there, we can confidently step those in need. I put all I have learned into the Daughter Kelli, Allison, mother Judy verse we have favored into whatever lies ahead. Don’t hands of a loving God who seeks to make all for years is Malachi 3:10, “Bring the whole hold back! things new and when invited to walk along tithe into the storehouse...test me in this”, side someone in need, I do so with the desire says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not BOOM!: What are you most passionate to help them learn to walk in spite of their throw open the floodgates of heaven and about? hurts, habits, and hang-ups. That is a journey pour out so much blessing that you will not never meant for any of have room enough for it.” We feel blessed Allison: Celebrating us to travel alone. beyond measure! physical, emotional, and spiritually healing “Season’s of Life” issues BOOM!: Every spouse plays an important and helping others describe predictable role in a minister’s life; would you please experience the joy of times of change describe your husband’s role in yours? doing the same! getting married (or divorced), a child going Allison: In our blended family, we have BOOM!: How do you from home to school been through it!! In ministry, Steve has been like to relax and wind (be it Kindergarten supportive of me from day one. He knows down from a hard or college), death of how to speak into areas of my life that can day’s work? parents, etc. High limit my response to God and he knows school graduation, when to be quiet to allow me to “work it Allison: I can spend 30 especially of the out” with God so I can grow and mature youngest child, ushers Allison in her favorite “Footie” Pajamas with Steve minutes with a “spot in my faith. Perhaps more noteworthy has o’ tea” sitting outside/ in multi-level changes. been his support over the last four years. reading a book or listen to a loud music with Because these have become so typical, I Seriously, many men would not have been as a good dancing beat. If the latter, sitting still is think we have forgotten or neglected the diligent in caring for me and maintaining our not an option! impact the change has on us and, as a result, household as he did. He tired, but he never we aren’t prepared for the struggles or wavered, and I attribute much of my physical BOOM!: Favorite vacation spot? Any travel opportunities that follow. recovery to his faithfulness in caring for me. dreams planned for the future? This month, we will travel on a mission trip BOOM!: Many Boomers are experiencing a together - that will be a first! Allison: For years, our family loved annual renewed sense of purpose, new goals, new
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BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? Allison: Being back in the River Region gives me a sense of coming “full circle”. The houses in which I lived in Prattville are still there and I was totally surprised when I found “Kiddie College” (When I attended, there was a turtle on the door!). Now, I am meeting people who grew up with the friends we made and that is exciting. Military families don’t get a chance to grow roots and it is a gift that the bulk of my memories early in life began here.
I can do feels new and grabs my attention. I am thoroughly enjoying yardwork, going to the gym, and taking walks. Seriously, when I do something I have not thought I would be able to do again, I stop and celebrate. It makes life so much more fun. BOOM!: What future challenges do you have as a Christian leader?
Allison: If we can develop an authentic spiritual community, in and outside of the church, people will come to know their The formative history of, and in, Montgomery Creator and how a relationship with Him is something I want to embrace. Albeit painful can change their lives and the world! and rich, it is also redemptive. Loving broken people can get messy and BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how uncomfortable and have your ambitions changed? sometimes we fear doing so. Also, we are Allison: I used to want to gain effective at dividing to keep; now I gain and give it society into groups of away. “Simplify” has become a people and, when we do new motto! I am a recovering that, we miss the chance perfectionist and now I love to build relationships to laugh and be real, even if that bridge the Allison and Caden - a special friend it means crying in public. As a generations. I think we tear drips down my cheek I tell people, “don’t need to be reaching both ways - to someone hand me a tissue...I paid thousands of dollars older who can mentor and guide us and to to learn how to cry in public and I am going to someone younger who needs a mentor and a celebrate that tear!” Otherwise, I don’t think guide. Faith, love, and relationship is the gift my other ambitions have changed - I am just that keeps on giving! becoming less fearful in pursuing them. BOOM!:Technology is rooted in almost BOOM!: Give us three words that describe every aspect of our lives. How do you use you? technology to better serve the needs of your congregation? Allison: Intuitive, loyal, and alive! BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other Allison: Technology assists in rapid activities that grab your attention? communication of all sorts of information and in gathering and organizing data for later use. Allison: With my physical recovery, everything Utilizing technology in the worship setting
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appeals to various worship and learning styles, for people of all ages, and that helps in teaching, building, and equipping people for relationships and ministry. Technology can help us make productive use of our time and resources - thereby freeing us up for ministry activities. BOOM!: You recently launched a new blog, spiraclemoments.org, what is a Spiracle Moment? Allison: First a short note about spiracles. Spiracles are tiny openings along the sides of a butterfly’s body that enable confined spaces to communicate with the outer air. Through these spaces, or spiracles, a butterfly breathes. In our lives, confined spaces are often places of pain, emptiness, and loss. In those moments when we can’t breathe, something greater than us gives utterance to our deepest need. After the death of Christ, when the disciples were fearful and gathered together, they had to be gasping not only for air, but for hope. They didn’t know what to do; Jesus knew what they needed. He showed up and said to them, “Peace be with you...” and with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22). A spiracle moment is one in which, through pain or loss, one receives the life-giving breath! If you have any questions for Allison, you can reach her at APosell@sjlife.com. We want to thank Allison and the team at Lola Fine Art Photography for the fun photo shoot at The Shoppes at Eastchase. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to jim@riverregionboom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
A New Book for Baby Boomer Entrepreneurs The Boomerpreneur Revolution:
How Baby Boomers Are Turning Their Knowledge Into Profits
Over the past decade, the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity belongs to the 55 to 64 age group, according to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, a Kansas City, MO based entrepreneurship institute. Baby Boomers have the knowledge, wisdom and experience to advise on all kinds of activities from improving relationships, making more money, career performance and advancement, hobbies, crafts -- the list goes on. If you can talk about your skills because you are passionate about them, then you can develop, teach, and sell information products. Richard Grehalva’s book The Boomerpreneur Revolution: How Baby Boomers are Turning Their Knowledge Into Profits will show you how to answer this question “where do I start?” This book gives you a step-by-step system to develop, create and publish an online information product business. The book describes Grehalva’s system he calls the 5 Knowledge Activators - Knowledge Activator Number 1 - Know Yourself,
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Knowledge Activator Number 2 - Know your Message, Knowledge Activator Number 3 - Know your Market, Knowledge Activator Number 4 - Know your Business, Knowledge Activator Number 5 - Know your Movement and much more. Grehalva said, “Knowledge and experience is valuable”. The self help market is 11 billion dollars. There is no shortage of customers who are are willing and wanting to buy products and services that will help them make more money, improve their relationships, help them with their career, be healthier or improve their skills in their hobbies or spiritual awareness. “This book is a blueprint for building an information product business for Baby Boomers and for those who are not yet a boomer” says Richard Grehalva. “If you already have a business this book will teach you how to attract more customers by becoming the trusted expert in your market,” he added. TheBoomerpreneurRevolution.com to get the book and two free training programs to help you launch your information products or visit Amazon.
About Richard Grehalva, Richard Grehalva (RichardGrehalva.com) is the President and Founder of RGI Inc. a speaker, consultant, coach and author of Unleashing the Power of Consultative Selling and The Boomerpreneur Revolution. A recognized industry expert in persuasion and influence in creating a consultative mindset in sales, leadership and life. A sought after speaker he has positively impacted thousands of people and organizations worldwide. He also successfully developed a registered and trademarked sales methodology. He took an exceptional career as a Senior Vice President to help develop his programs. He is a Master Practitioner NLP, Certified Trainer Accelerated Behavior Change, Certified Leader for ManKind Organization, trained in the Language and Behavior Profile, and a Compression Planning facilitator. He also brings in the teaching of his father Greywolf an elder and teacher to his programs. To maintain his competitive juices he is a race car driver. He uses in car video to illustrate his points in his motivational speaking programs. He is a member of the Experts Industry Association.
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Trading Ages
By Bill Johnson
You will be elderly too, if you are lucky
OK, it is confession time. And I feel very bad about this: I have been known on occasion to make fun of old people. I am not proud of this. It is nothing I have ever done outside of my own head, but there is this need to come clean about it. The reason, mostly, is because the other day I sat through a workshop in Irvine, Calif., where I was challenged to “walk in the shoes” of older adults. They are not, I must tell you now, at all comfortable, nor ones I want to wear anytime soon. The workshop was put on by SCAN Health Plan, a not-for-profit Medicare Advantage organization, which is dedicated to finding better ways for seniors to manage their health and to control where and how they live. “Trading Ages,” they called it. It would, they promised of the workshop, give me a new and better understanding of the challenges associated with aging. Did it ever. There were about a dozen of us, most of the others field representatives for congressmen and members of the state Assembly, the idea being to better sensitize officials to their constituents’ needs and issues. Jacque (pronounced “Jackie”) Lauder, a gerontologist and our instructor for the day, walked into the room with a question. “Who is going to be younger tomorrow than they are today?” she asked, scanning the room. There was not a sound. “No one is,” she finally said. “The goal IS to get older. You either get older or you get dead.” It caught our attention. And then she asked us about the elderly, and our thoughts about them. She played around with it for awhile, displaying photographs of various seniors, and asking us to give our take
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on what might be happening in them. One couple I assumed, mostly because they were old, was at a funeral. Actually, they were getting married. “They were getting married in their 80s,” Lauder said. “Why? He said because he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.” She just as quickly stopped everyone cold. “You are someday going to be one of THEM!” she said, looking each of us in the eye. “Appearances can be deceiving. We are here today to strip away the boxes we put people into.” First, she had some numbers. In Orange County, Calif., alone, about 400,000, or 10 percent of the county population, are Medicare recipients. And in the county, five people turn 60 every hour. In 27 years, 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. She begins the exercises by having each of us write down five things we hold most dear on five separate pieces of paper. She has us hold them over our heads before walking past and ripping one from our hands. I lose “children.”
“How did it feel?” she asks. “There are those in this county who lose all five for real and in a short period of time. These things are going to happen. There is no way around it. Think about this when you communicate with an older person.” We are then instructed to open a small blue bag each of us has placed on the table before us. Each one has a small label. Mine says “painful feet.” I got off easy, it turned out. Seated next to me is Scott Peotter, field representative for a local politician. His bag tag reads “stroke.” Inside his bag is a long elastic bandage and he must tie his left arm to his body to disable it. I simply have to pour equally a bag of popcorn seeds into both of my shoes. In truth, the popcorn didn’t feel so bad. We are told to put earplugs into our ears, and are handed a bag of potato chips to eat. Lauder begins speaking. We can hear nothing but the chips. Loss of hearing, she tells us.
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What happened next sort of got to me. Lauder generalized her as “Aunt Millie,” but I did once have an older aunt who at family gatherings always sat apart from the rest of us. She looked, as Lauder put it, rather regal sitting there. “But what was actually going on?” she asked. “She couldn’t hear you! So she isolated herself.”
down the street. We have seen them hunched over, walking and bobbing slowly as they go. I always assumed that, well, that is just what old people do. I missed something crucial: They are looking hard for things lying on that same sidewalk. They are trying to judge the depth of the curb. They are, more than anything, trying to avoid anything that will make them fall down, which I learned on this day is the one thing that ultimately kills many elderly people.
There were exercises with cardboard glasses like the kind they used to give out at 3-D movies. One was yellow, another spotted, still another so hazy you could barely see through them. Eyesight of the elderly.
pattern differences, the things we make judgments and assumptions about them that they honestly cannot know about. “Someday, someone,” Lauder said, “will be making the same assumptions about you.”
Amazing? Scary? It was all of that.
It went on like this for two hours. It was the last glasses exercise, though, that really got to me.
“This has been all about how we treat people,” Jacque Lauder said when we finished. “It’s about you. What can you do to change how you deal with the elderly? It’s also about your future.” Hence my confession.
We have all seen the elderly walking
Distributed by MCT Information Services
“Some elderly people simply cannot see the wrinkles in their clothing,” she said. “They can’t see the stains, the
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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The Nose Presented by River Region Facial Plastics
We all have one - a nose. There are all sizes, shapes, colors, and some work better than others. The nose is frequently talked about in saying someone is “nosey”, the horse “won by a nose” at the races, or one is “nosing around”. However, with all this about noses surveys suggest that ninety percent of people dislike something about their nose.
between the tip of the nose and the dorsum of the nose. Few if any noses where born with this distinction, and it was almost as if the surgeon was trying to separate the tip of the nose and its cartilages as a distinction from the rest of the nose. Nasal aesthetics today are more like the Egyptian nose with a long slender, aqualine appearance without a supratip break, but separate from the forehead. When looking at actors, actresses and models today, noses that have that appearance are deemed beautiful.
Besides being a structure to hold our glasses and sunglasses, what does our nose do? Almost all of us breathe, or should, through our nose. The air that we breath through our nose is filtered, warmed, and humidified by it. Our sense of smell is via our noses which communicate this sensation to our brains through our olfactory nerve. When a molecule of aromatic gas is inspired through our noses, a chemical reaction occurs with our olfactory nerve endings within the lining membrane of the nose. Our brain then allows interpretation of that reaction as a good or bad aroma. Certain chemicals, colds, or any form of reaction or infection or obstruction can affect our sense of smell. Children can be born with an imperfect communication from the nose to the throat, a condition called choanal atresia which requires surgical repair. If both sides of the nose are obstructed, very early surgical correction is required or the child will not suckle. As estimated ten percent of adults have acquired a traumatic obstruction to their noses from a birthing injury to the nasal septum, the center portion of our noses. Broken noses and noses that grew crooked from birth constitute the majority of the remaining defective noses. The nose bones are the most frequently broken bones of the face. Obstruction to nasal breathing can affect sleep apnea, loss of smell, and many impaired body functions. In addition to the deviation of nasal septums, other causes include nasal allergy, turbinate enlargement, nasal polyps, and tumors. Nasal allergies, colds, and overly sensitive noses to environmental exposures (cold air, perfumes, smoke, etc.) enlarge the turbinates within our noses. Turbinates are enriched with many blood vessels and are long somewhat cylindrical structures on the lateral sides of the nasal interior. There is a large, medium, and small turbinate on each side. These are the “warmers and humidifiers” of our noses, but when swollen from conditions mentioned above our nasal respirations are disturbed.
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Nose drawings by John K. Lei
Our air conditioners and heated houses often dehydrate our air so hydration of our noses with saline nasal sprays and saline washing of them is essential. For the allergic individual, prescription steroidal nasal sprays and antihistamines can help. Allergy testing and/ or allergy shots can prove helpful also. For others, corrective surgery may be needed. The person who has a deviated nasal septum or enlarged turbinates are candidates for a septal straightening, (septoplasty), or a turbinate reduction procedure. Surgical procedures are also available in treatment for chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and tumors with far less invasive approaches. To correct misshaped noses, a surgery called rhinoplasty or “nose job” is available. All noses are different and need to be surgically treated differently. The most difficult cosmetic surgical procedure is the rhinoplasty. You can perform the surgery perfectly and still have an unexpected result due to healing irregularities. When someone desires the need of cosmetic or functional septorhinoplasty make sure your surgeon has a long sustained history of many good results. A good benchmark of the surgeon is that he or she is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery or has similar credentials. The concept of perceived nasal aesthetic beauty has changed through the ages. Egyptians in their concept of nasal appearance show in their artworks to have the forehead and nose share the same slope as if they are one. Their noses, thought to be beautiful, showed few contours between the nose and forehead on profiles. When I trained in the 1970’s the concept of a beautiful nose was one that had a “supratip break”. There was a gentle concavity
If one needs or desires to have nasal reconstruction how do you proceed? Make sure the surgeon is qualified to provide both functional and cosmetic quality results. Request photos of former patients and ask what changes your surgeon plans for your nose. Nasal surgery is much improved today from proceeding years in the fact that seldom is nasal packing required. The surgery is performed on an outpatient bases with general anesthesia usually requiring one to two hours in the operating room. My personal preference is an “open” approach with a delicate incision on the mid portion of the base of the nose, the columella or the portion of the nose between nostrils. The incisions along with internal incisions allow direct access to all component parts of the nose which can be changed to reconstruct for function and aesthetics. Healing of the external incision is within one to two weeks and frequently invisible. If bruising or swelling is minimal the patient can be presentable and can return to work within that time. So when you think about your nose and if dissatisfied about its appearance and function or both, then you are not alone. Nine out of ten of those around you share your sentiments. Seek consultation with a qualified nasal surgeon. Results can be both gratifying from appearance and breathing and often life changing in self esteem and quality of life. Better sleeping habits breed better daily functions and nasal breathing and nasal beauty are so important to that end. Yours in Good Health, Dr. Thomas H. Cawthon tomcawthon43@gmail.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Fitness over Fifty
The “Real Thing”
By Leigh Anne Richards
Stories about Exercise and Aging over the Decades As I contemplated what to write this month, I decided to let some of my friends and clients basically write the article for me. There is nothing better Leigh Anne Richards than reading testimonials by “REAL” people. Research can be presented in every article that is written, but let’s hear it straight from the horse’s mouth about what exercise has done in these people’s lives right here in Montgomery, Alabama. The ages range from the 50’s- 80’s and here are their stories.
Mary Robin Jurkiewicz- age 51
“I have been exercising regularly since college, so that is 33 years and counting. I played soccer in high school. When I got into an organized exercise program in the 80’s, it was exclusively step and floor aerobics (high impact), along with an occasional body sculpting class. At one point I worked with a trainer and I also jogged but that did not make my joints and organs happy. About 7 years ago, I added yoga into the mix and felt like I now covered all 3 legs of the fitness stool- cardio, strength and flexibility. I have always struggled with my weight so exercise became essential for me to be able to (erroneously eat all I wanted and still fit into my clothes). I have grown beyond that as I have aged and have become hper aware of how I feel and how the body responds. Therefore, I have had to modify my exercise as I’ve aged. I have taken most impact out of classes and pay more strict attention to full range of motion along with proper form and alignment. Exercise has always been such apart of my life that I don’t honestly remember NOT exercising. I feel like the thing that makes me happiest is the ability to move through my days with ease, grace, and awareness. I currently work out 4-5 days at week at
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MetroFitness doing activities, such as Yoga, Turbokick, Zumba, body sculpting and spinning. I also walk at home with my husband a few mornings a week. Because of exercise, I am happy to be movin!!
that are beneficial for a cross section of people. My favorite class will have strength training and cardio. You must have both to keep fit and strong and that is my goal!
Larry Capilouto- age 65
Valerie has been exercising for 50 plus years. She played tennis as often as the weather permitted and did specific fitness exercises like step aerobics, cardio classes, strength training, free weights, elliptical machine as well as the treadmill and Pilates. Due to some aging injuries and joint problems she has stopped attending group classes but still continues to do the elliptical, but for not as long a period of time. With her strength training she has gone down in some of her weights but she still consistently does them. Valerie exercises about one and one half hours five days a week. She says, “I can’t imagine life without it. I have had two major health setbacks,- cancer and a broken hip- But if I had not been in really good physical shape because of the exercise it would have taken much longer to recover from these ailments.”
Larry has been exercising his entire life. He has done many different activitiesgolf, tennis, handball, racquet ball, distance running and weight training. As he has aged he must run slower but for a longer period of time and he lifts less weight but increases his reps and sets. Exercise for Larry has helped him maintain a better quality of life with his good health, his stress reduction and a confidence builder. Larry exercises four days a week, two times a day, for about three and half hours a day. Then the other three days, he exercises only once a day, but for 2 hours per day. He puts in a great amount of time with his exercise regimen. Larry currently runs and does a lot of strength training along with the tasks of yard work. His all time favorite thing to do is run because that is HIS time and gives him time to think and start his day right.
Winnie Stakley- age 73
“I began exercising regularly since I was 36 years old. I ran for several years and started joining classes at a gym. I also went a year or two with a trainer, Bart Spung, who was a great help in making me use the machines and weights properly. The greatest impact exercise has had on my life, has been able to keep up my passion for gardening- lots of digging, clipping and hauling. Exercise is also a great stress releaser to help me stay mentally alert. I currently go to group exercise classes at MetroFitness at least 3 times a week and try to walk and work in the yard. Metro has been a great help in keeping me fit with really good classes and instructors that are qualified. MetroFitness keeps up to date in the latest types of exercise classes
Valerie Wilkerson- age 81
Tennis is her favorite form of exercise but since those days are behind her the elliptical machine is her very favorite and Pilates runs a close second. Because of her stamina she still walks in the neighborhood and hauls hoses in the garden. As you can see from reading these stories from REAL people that many of us know, exercise is the KEY to keeping a quality of life at any age. You are never too old to start and never to old to quit!! Playing the “age card” is not allowed. 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 River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Healthy Hearing
By Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D.
NO SWEAT….how to care for hearing devices during the summer months Summer involves a lot of outdoor activities and traveling. This can present issues for hearing aid users—like repair issues while traveling with hearing aids or having a hearing device damaged from excess moisture Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. or sand. So, if you have travel plans and hearing devices, or you’re vacationing with someone who does, finding ways to protect your hearing devices this summer can help ensure hassle-free fun in the sun. The following tips will keep your hearing instruments clean and in proper working order this summer: • Moisture: Wipe the outside of the hearing aid daily with a soft, dry, low lint cloth to keep it free of wax and excess moisture. Since problems from moisture are insidious, a good investment would be a hearing aid dehumidifier, which is small enough to tuck into your suitcase when traveling. For behind the ear ( BTE) hearing aids, a Hearing Aid Sweat Band can help when you’re active outdoors during the summer. This product helps to absorb moisture-just like traditional sweatbands used for the head or wrists. Note: Be cautious when applying sunscreen on the face or around the ears--this can clog the instruments and lead to costly repairs. • Brush: Hearing aids often come with a specific tool or brush to remove wax and other debris from the hearing aid speaker and microphone screens. It’s good to use this tool more often, twice daily, during summer months, as excess sweat can increase the likelihood of unwanted debris getting into your hearing devices.
• Air: In addition to using the dehumidifier, there are “puffers” available that blow small amounts of air through a hearing aid or through hearing aid tubing and earmolds to keep them clean, dry, and obstruction free. Also, to minimize moisture build up in your hearing aids, remember to keep the battery
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compartment open when not in use or in the dehumidifier overnight.
• Tubing: BTE hearing aids have a tube that connects from the inner ear piece to the outer shell of the hearing aid. Tubes and earhooks often contain filters that need to be replaced or cleaned more often during the hot summer months. If you’re using an open fit device, purchase extra tubing for travel to make sure that any unforeseen complication with this part of your devices can be easily remedied. • Audiologist: If you are unsure how to clean your hearing aid before you set sail, fly by or hop off the RV and talk to your audiologist about getting your hearing aids professionally cleaned before you take off. Summer heat and humidity pose a greater risk for hearing aid users than other times of the year, so see your audiologist ahead of time to make sure you are protecting your investment. Also remember to pick up the essentials for cleaning your hearing aids: a brush, cloth, and wax kit. And if problems arise while en route, call your audiologist’s office for a referral to another qualified professional in your travel destination area. Call Doctors Hearing Clinic to schedule a professional cleaning at (334) 396-1635. Tips for traveling with hearing aids
Stock Up—if your hearing aid requires them, bring extra tubes and domes, and unless your batteries are rechargeable, make sure you bring extra batteries. The typical battery lasts between five and fourteen days. Remember to keep your batteries in a waterproof bag. Insurance--Talk to your audiologist about purchasing insurance for your hearing aids in the event they are lost or stolen. Hearing aid insurance, much like trip insurance, helps to give you peace of mind when traveling. Assistive listening devices (ALD)’s—can help diminish background noise in airports and other noisy public places and make traveling safer. Speak to your audiologist about which of these exciting accessories would best be suited for your summer travel needs.
Hearing Loop Logo Note: When traveling oversees many public places—churches, museums, even taxis, are marked with a hearing loop logo. This means any hearing aid equipped with a telecoil (T-coil) can be switched on, delivering news and important information directly into the hearing aids. Traveling by Plane/Airport Survival: • Security—there is no need to remove your hearing aid when going through screening check points. It may be helpful to make security aware of your hearing loss. • Security requires that you send your assistive listening devices (ALD) through x-ray screening. X-rays will not hurt the device or your hearing aids. • Ask that alerts like gate changes be sent to your cell phone. • Despite the warning to, “Turn off all electronic devices” there is no need to turn off your hearing aids when flying. Unless, of course, the pressure in the plane causes you discomfort. Hotel Rooms: • Make sure to inform the hotel that you are hearing impaired, so that you can be given a room that meets your needs. Hotels are required to provide rooms accessible for those with hearing loss to ensure access to visual notifications for alarms, phones, and doors. • Keep your room key away from your hearing aid as your hearing aid can demagnetize the key! Traveling can be a hectic, fast paced experience. The most important travel tip of all is to relax and stay calm. Speak with your audiologist about tuning your hearing aids or upgrading before you set out on your adventure! For more information please contact Doctors Hearing Clinic at (334) 396–1635. Content adapted from the People Hearing Better website.
Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama, was the first board certified audiologist in Montgomery, served as National Chair of the American Board of Audiology, and was recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology. Co-authored by Dr.Brittany Spahr and Casey Gonzalez, Doctoral Extern, LSUHSC.
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MATCH MADE adventures in online dating with Mia Hunter
In 2009, I found myself single. Again. It’s one thing to be single and 20. Or 30. The world is your oyster. The market for mates is as alive and busy as Times Square. Everyone knows somebody eligible and single and is dying to fix you up. You are, to quote James Taylor, “wild with expectation on the edge of the unknown”. When you are single and 50, the world is more like the Hansel and Gretel forest full of dark scary things and missing the breadcrumb trail. You wonder how in the heck this happened to you? After all, you were the Domestic Goddess who juggled work and laundry and his morning breath and dirty socks and thought it was your Happily Ever After. And now here you are, having no clue where other single people are or how you will ever meet any of them. It is icky. I’m a woman who loves men. I prefer their company over that of women in just about every situation. Women are mean - men are fun. Men are easier to get along with and usually not programmed for drama. I needed to reconnect and reassess. I needed to gas up and pull back on the dating highway, even though I had a Toyota instead of a Maserati. But how? I became an Online Dater. According to AARP, singles 50 and older are the fastest growing group of subscribers to online dating sites like Match.com, eHarmony.com and PlentyOfFish.com. I quickly found that the beauty of using one
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of these sites - or two or three because hey, the odds are better - is that you can remain somewhat anonymous while shopping for a date. You are known by a username of your own creation and submit as many or as few photos as you like.You don’t share your real name, or your address, or any personal information. You bait your hook, put on your best smile, and click through a basic profile creation. And in a matter of hours, “matches” are served up to you like the specials at Publix. Don’t expect every one, or even half of them, to be men you want to date. This is entertainment, ladies. It’s like a Whitman’s Sampler of possibility. Lots of candies you would not eat - like Roman nougat or coconut cups and some you love - like caramels or chocolate cherries. Best of all, you can shop in your favorite pajamas. If you see something with potential, you message each other. You can share enough information to get three dates out of the way before ever meeting face to face. Weeding out the negative is much easier and quicker this way, and you can do it without makeup.
I have had quite a few dates over the course of my online dating adventures. There was Mr. Air Guitar, the frustrated musician...Mr. Me, whose favorite person was himself... Baby Bird, who just needed a mama...The Photographer, one of the most handsome men I have ever met...Grey Fox, whose photos showed him ten years younger and a hundred pounds lighter...and a Yul Brynner lookalike from Argentina who had the most amazing accent. How many “wowed” me? Maybe two. But I have had fabulous experiences. I’ve flown in a vintage Russian plane, eaten ridiculously exotic foods, learned some Italian, laughed until my belly hurt and kissed some pretty nice faces. I have not had a single scary experience. So, ladies, you do not have to sit at home on Friday nights. Do not be intimidated!! Be smart, be safe and be brave. Remember three important things: If it seems too good to be true, it is; people aren’t always honest, so being a skeptic is a good thing; and be true to yourself! You are driving the train. You decide when and where it stops, and for how long. You can refuse any passenger if they make you feel weird or seem sketchy. The scenery is great and the fun is in the journey. Off to meet Mr. Next!!! Mia Hunter is a mother, grandmother and equestrienne. Born and raised in the River Region, she stays busy writing, riding her horses and feeding her creativity. She is still looking for Mr. Right. Send all comments to Miahunter58@gmail.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Blind Curves When life throws you a curve, what do you do? ‘Blind Curves’ is one woman’s answer.
“Blind Curves, One Woman’s Unusual Journey to Reinvent Herself and Answer: What now?” by Linda Crill tells to the story of Crill’s struggle to move on following her husband’s death and her subsequent journey of self-discovery. The story, told in an effective narrative form, follows Crill’s preparations and 10-day motorcycle journey along the coast of the Pacific Ocean that spans from Vancouver to Mendocino, Calif., and back. Crill agreed to the 2,500 mile journey 18 months after the passing of her husband Bill from cancer. This book is a good read because of the story’s dual purposes. Sure, Crill’s journey to both learn how to ride a motorcycle and then actually go on a massive bike trip is a good, often humorous tale, but the underlying points of the book make it much more enriching. For Crill, this trip was one of selfdiscovery. Crill’s story is one of accomplishing goals and how you can examine and reinvent yourself when life gives you a curveball. Crill’s trip was, in many ways, an examination The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
of life and love. While her journey allowed her to fully move on after being widowed at 57, the lessons Crill imparts are sure to resonate with any reader who has experienced sadness or loss, or who has reached a crossroads in life and doesn’t know where to go next. Written in first person, Crill allows the reader to get inside her head on her journey. Given the subject matter,
this is an effective technique that gives the reader a greater emotional attachment. Each chapter is broken up into numerous easy-to-read sections. Humorous illustrations done by Kevin L. Miller help to further break up the text, making the 256page “Blind Curves” a quick read.
Crill employs the use of flashbacks periodically throughout the book. While an effective technique for the most part, it can get a little confusing from time to time. Crill uses flashbacks to tell the story of meeting her husband Bill, his diagnosis and eventual death from cancer. While some may want this story more upfront rather than two-thirds into the book, its placement in the narrative is effective and well done. All-in-all, this is a good book about life and learning from a first-time author. Prior to going on her journey and writing this story, Crill had worked in the corporate world, most notably as the vice president of organizational development and training for the private banking division of Citicorp for By Jace Evans five years and as the founder and CEO of Opus Development, a consulting firm. “Blind Curves; One Woman’s Unusual Journey to Reinvent Herself and Answer: What Now?” (Opus Intl., $16.95) can be found on Amazon and other online retailers. Distributed by MCT Information Services
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Fe at u re d A r t i st This Month, Carol Barksdale Carol says, “Art When Carol isn’t is now and has teaching, she is always been painting. She a very large entered “Sing Me part of my life. The Blues” into the When I was juried Selma Art a small child, Guild Show and it I remember won 2nd place in creating art the mixed media Wetumpka Library Summer Reading Program with my mother category. while my father was away in Viet Nam. My vision is to try to share Carol then entered the Kelly my gift and knowledge with the Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery next generation, to help them Exhibit, understand, appreciate and Genius Loci: express their feelings through art.” The Spirit of Place and Carol has been an active two of her participant in the Wetumpka paintings Library Summer Reading Program were for the last 15 years. This year accepted she taught 91 children from into the Kindergarden to 6th grade. Evening Glow Carol is a member of the New Home Baptist Church where she competition, Evening Glow has taught Sunday School for and Girls of Poughkeepsie. This a number years, and is in the show opens July 5th and closes middle of Vacation Bible School September 27th this week. An interesting item, they have their The final photograph is of Vacation Bible Carol and her daughter, School at night, so Jessie Barksdale with all the families can her painting, Equus V go together with which was juried into the their children, Montgomery Art Guild they have covered Competition, exhibited at dish dinners the Montgomery Museum together and of Fine Arts. enjoy fellowship activities. Carol’s father was an officer in the Army, so Sing Me the Blues she was very fortunate 26 BOOM!
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as most of her childhood she lived in several foreign countries. Germany, Norway, the Philippines and Italy have all had a profound
Girls of Poughkeepsie
impact on her paintings subject and medium. After high school graduation at Mary Mount International School in Rome, Italy, she returned to the United States to her father’s home town, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Carol graduated from the University of Alabama in 1978. She earned a
Jessie Barksdale and Carol Barksdale and Carol’s entry, “Equus V.”
B.A. in English Literature. After college, she began painting professionally and teaching in the public as well as private schools. Visit Gallery One Fine Art 423 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL Gallery Director Sandi Aplin sandiaplin@aol.com 334.269.1114 www.galleryonefineart.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Sandi Aplin
Art & Soul
The Montgomery Ballet Hosts
International Students and “Don Quixote” Performance The Montgomery Ballet is pleased to announce that the “Performing in America: International Workshop 2013” will be held July 1st thru July 28th in Montgomery. Established in 1958, The Montgomery Ballet is comprised of a professional company, which maintains 30 full time dancers, a ballet school and offers over 2,200 classes to students, annually. The Montgomery Ballet is the only professional ballet company in the Capital City and River Region. I spoke with Whitney Griswold, Director of Development and External Relations and she shared, “This workshop will offer international students the opportunity to further enhance their professional resume and gain valuable stage experience with the production of the classical ballet, Don Quixote.”
is inviting local businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring an event or hosting a meal during the international dancers’ month-long stay in Montgomery to please contact Whitney Griswold with The Montgomery Ballet. As a finale to the International Workshop, the Montgomery
Ballet Professional Company and International Workshop Participants will present “Don Quixote” on Friday, July 26th at the Davis Theatre. A L.E.A.P. (Linking Education and the Arts Program) Performance will be held at 10 a.m. and a Public Performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. To purchase your tickets for the Montgomery Ballet’s “Don Quixote” visit www.etix. com online or contact The Montgomery Ballet office at 334.409.0522. For more information about the Performing in America: International Workshop 2013 please visit www.MontgomeryBallet.org or call our office. Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A free lance writer living in Montgomery, Alabama www.galleryonefineart.com
Over thirty dancers from ten different nations will arrive in Montgomery on Monday July 1st to begin a month-long intensive training session led by Montgomery Ballet Artistic Director, Darren McIntyre. The Montgomery Ballet The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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July 2013
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
PIKE ROAD
Summer Fest at The Waters Annual July 4th Celebration Wednesday, July 4th, 6 pm
The Town of Pike Road will host Summer Fest, its annual Fourth of July celebration, on Thursday, July 4, at The Waters on Marler Road. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and admission is $10 per vehicle. This year’s Summer Fest will feature food, fun and fireworks. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the musical offerings of Brandon Self and the Outlaw Revival The night’s fireworks extravaganza will begin at nightfall. For more information, 272.9883.
SANTUCK
Santuck Flea Market July 6th, until 2 pm (rain or shine) First Saturday of the Month March through December Antiques and collectibles, books, new clothing, kitchenware, crafts, furniture, jewelry, new and used merchandise, fresh produce, and toys. Locations, Highway 9, Wetumpka, Alabama, twenty-five miles north of Montgomery. Take Route 231 North to Highway 9; then turn right and market will be six miles down, on the right. santuckfleamarket.com
ORANGE BEACH
Blue Marlin Grand Championship The Wharf in Orange Beach July 9th-14th The Blue Marlin Grand Championship combines the sophistication and excitement of the incomparable Wharf Entertainment Complex in Orange Beach, Alabama with the innovative and creative minds of Rocky Jones, Scott Burt and Chris Miller to bring you the hottest new Billfish Tournament of the Gulf Coast. Everything about the event is Grand. The venue, with its unlimited choices of exciting restaurant
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and entertainment options. Lavish billfish parties, incredible street entertainment each night, weigh ceremonies unlike anywhere in the world and the one and only - Miss Billfish! Fish with champions. Party like a rock star. But, don’t wait. Entry positions are strictly limited. Visit thewharfmarina.com/bmgc for more info.
MONTGOMERY
High Renaissance & Baroque Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Tues-Fri., July 9-19, Noon Tues-Fri., July 23-August 2, Noon
Many American artists featured in the MMFA collection turned to European Old Masters for inspiration. Participate in a two-week exploration of the classically-inspired art of the High Renaissance, the theatrical Baroque, or both. This lunchtime course will be led by Assistant Curator of Education Alice Novak. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch. Please contact Max Milligan to register 334.240.4365, edsecy@mmfa. org. This short course is offered FREE of charge.
MONTGOMERY
Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash ASF July 11 -August 4 The Music of Johnny Cash will be the hottest show in the South when it opens at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on July 11 and runs through August 4.The production will feature Jason Edwards who starred in the Broadway production. This song-filled country music cavalcade pays homage to the life and times of John R. “Johnny” Cash, one of America’s greatest music icons. More than 30 songs that Cash wrote or performed are featured in the production. Favorites include Folsom Prison Blues, A Boy Named Sue, I Walk the Line, I’ve Been Everywhere, Hurt and the musical’s namesake, Ring of Fire. Tickets for Ring of
Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash start at $30 and may be obtained by calling 800.841.4273, on line at asf. net
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Second Saturdays Riverfront Festivals Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday, July 13th, 5-8 pm
Come to Riverfront Park for a free family-friendly event from 5 pm to 8 pm. The fun includes live entertainment, games for all ages (bocce ball and more!), food vendors and adult libations at the SandBAR at the Silos. Special Event for July: Enjoy a Jet Ski Show on the Alabama River in the afternoon, and Reverse Order, the New Jersey boy band sensation from America’s Got Talent, will take the stage at 6 pm. Visit: funontheriver.net
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Katie Deal in Today, Tomorrow & Forever-A Tribute to Patsy Cline Davis Theatre for Performing Arts Friday/Saturday, July 19th/20th
Having sold out two national tours of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,” Katie takes the stage with her own story of how the music and style of Patsy Cline have changed her life forever. With a new take on nostalgia, Katie’s one-woman show, “Katie Deal in Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline” features a live band, tight harmonies and a powerhouse singer. In this tribute, you’ll learn a little bit about Katie, a little bit about Ms. Patsy, and a lot about why Patsy’s music is loved by so many. While there will only ever be one Patsy Cline, Katie Deal sure does play a mean second fiddle. Tickets, 334.244.3632
WETUMPKA
River and Blues, Music & Arts Festival “Cookin’ on the Coosa” BBQ Cook-Off The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Wetumpka Gold Star Park Saturday, July 20th 2-10 pm A little slice of New Orleans and its music in Wetumpka, Alabama. Come and join in the fun and bring the whole family. There will be vendors, food, activities for kids, and, of course, lots of music! From zydeco to blues to jazz and best of all, IT’S FREE!!! You’re sure to find something to dance to! Mark your calendar for July 20th, the fun begins at 2pm and lasts until 10pm! Visit: riverandblues.net
MONTGOMERY
The Brothers Size Cloverdale Playhouse July 25-28 7:30pm & 2:30pm Infused with the music and rhythms of Africa and the South, The Brothers Size transforms West African mythology into a modern-day drama set in the Louisiana bayou. After his release from prison, Oshoosi seeks to enjoy his new freedom and find his way back into society. Ogun, his older brother, attempts to help by hiring Oshoosi at his car shop. The arrival of someone from Oshoosi’s past threatens both his freedom and bond with his brother. ** “Contains adult situ-
ations, explicit language, and partial nudity. Ages 18 and over recommended. Tickets, 334.262.1530, Visit: cloverdaleplayhouse.org
FORT PAYNE
World’s Longest Yard Sale Fort Payne Thursday-Sunday, August 1 - 4th Travel the scenic byways of America for more than 450 miles of yard sales and unique treasures. Follow the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden, Ala., to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the southern portion of the sale. Connect with U.S. Highway 127 in Chattanooga for the remainder of the route to Hudson, Mich. Visit: 127sale.com
AUBURN
Aesthetic Earth: A Selection from the Dwight and Helen Carlisle Collection of Belleek Porcelain Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University Among the earliest gifts to the museum’s permanent collection is a large group of fine ceramics produced by the Belleek Pottery Works in
Northern Ireland. Established in 1857, and still in operation today, Belleek is renowned internationally for its production of intricately patterned tableware, sculpture, and decorative objects. Executed in a type of porcelain known as parian china, the resulting white ceramic prior to glazing is said to resemble the marble quarried on the Greek island of Paros. 901 South College Street, Auburn. visit: jcsm.auburn.edu, Phone 334.844.1484
EASTCHASE
Farmers Market The Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays thru August 31, 7-12 noon The Farmers Market is currently open and will be at The Shoppes every Saturday from 7 a.m. - noon through Saturday, August 31. The Farmers Market producers and growers offer unique items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and hand-made soaps, honey, sprout breads, plants, fruit pastries, bird houses and handmade jewelry—all made from local vendors and locally grown ingredients. For more information on The Shoppes at EastChase or its Farmers Market, call 334.279.6046. I t ’s a G r e a t T i m e to B e B ooming! P l ea s e s u b m i t a ny ev ent s / pictures to j i m @ r i v er r eg i o n b o o m.com
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By Greg Budell
MALE CALL
TOURIST STOPS! 5 TO SEE, 5 TO SKIP USA Today recently published a survey of world travelers, listing their Top 5 most over-rated attractions. I’ll show you my best after I show you their worst.
1. STONEHENGE - You can’t get close to it anymore. The Brits closed access because people kept chipping away souvenir pieces. Since you can pretty much see this rock arrangement from a distant highway, why bother? Besides, the Griswolds knocked it down in “European Vacation”. 2. THE BLARNEY STONE - My daughter was in Ireland and loved it- but I don’t know if she tried to kiss this rock. I hope not, because while it is mythical- it’s a long line to endure only to put your lips into someone else’s slobber.
3. THE PYRAMIDS - When I was a kid, the pyramids seemed like a cool place to see. I asked my Dad if we could go and he took us to Michigan instead. The letdown here comes from the nearby KFCs and Pizza Huts. While they seem to rise from the vast expanse of the Egyptian desert, in reality it looks like they were put on the Eastern Bypass. 4. LEANING TOWER OF PISA - The article says the LTOP is a long 4 hour drive from Rome, is not that tall, and everyone takes the same silly photopretending to single-handedly hold it up. If you want to see leaning buildings that will eventually collapse, Detroit is closer.
5. TIMES SQUARE- I was there in the early 80s and it was all panhandlers and peep shows. Rudy Guliani cleaned it up and I liked it much better minus the trash. While all the digital signage could provoke a seizure, it’s a cool place to walk through but there is no one big attraction. Now, here are my Top 5 attractionsplaces I hope you will get to see this July or in a future summer vacation.
5. TOWER OF LONDON - I thought this was incredibly cool, mostly because it was built around 1100 AD- and there it sits,
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surrounded by modern London. You can tour the place and see the relics of human torture. We tend to look at some of the monsters making the news today and wonder WTF, but let me tell you- there were some sick pups using the Tower during its history. Was this building the inspiration for 50 Shades of Grey?
4. TOP OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING Sophisticated New Yorkers may scoff at me, but this is a celebrity building. While the structure itself is kind of dull, I love the fact that one can take the elevator to the observation deck and go outside! So there you are, surrounded by suicide-prevention fencing, wondering how the heck do construction workers do what they do at this altitude? I have been to the top of every major skyscraper in America but this is still the best IMHO.
3. EIFFEL TOWER - It really is not a European cliché. Like the Empire State, it is a celebrity structure, probably the most famous in the world. When you first see it, it’s like seeing Tom Cruise in public except the Eiffel is much taller (I have seen both). Wow! There it is! I stood on the third deck with my daughter’s mother before we got married and it was romantic/mushy. Paris may also be the most beautiful city on the planet in terms of layout and design, something appreciated from ET‘s observation deck. The people of Paris were not as rude as I thought they would be, either. I am glad I went when I did, because as a smoker, any flight is miserable, so I won’t be making one of 7 hours.
2. YANKEE STADIUM - You have to be a lifelong baseball junkie to understand why this is so high on my list. Really, the park (not the recently opened stadium) was a dump and the concessions were obscenely priced. I almost felt like it was a tourist thing, which visitors paid one price for a wiener and New Yorkers got the secret price. The field itself, where the legends of Ruth and Gehrig played, that is to baseball fans what the Vatican is to a Catholic. I haven’t been to the Vatican so I put Yankee Stadium here instead. AND (drum roll please)….
1. MT. RUSHMORE - This is truly something one can’t appreciate from pictures. I will never forget, sitting in the back of the family Plymouth station wagon many years ago, what it was like to come around the side of a South Dakota hill and see those 4 Presidents come into view. On a beautiful day, it’s all the more amazing. If we didn’t have the direct evidence of its construction last century, we’d think aliens did it - or some superior civilization. You can whet your appetite by watching the great Hitchcock film, “North By Northwest”. We actually ate in the restaurant where Cary Grant got shot in the movie by Eva Marie Saint. Mt. Rushmore is a great American experience for a family. COMING NEXT MONTH- My top 10 Griswoldian Tourist Attractions!
Yes. There really is a giant ball of twine in Kansas!
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his dog Hershey. 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 River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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