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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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MCA Fitness Celebrates Grand Opening M
ontgomery offers a wide variety of exercise facilities from Pilates and yogainspired regimes to rough-and-tough CrossFit. But perhaps none are as unique as the MCA Health & Fitness Center which has successfully and quietly operated for over 20 years in the shadow of Baptist South on the ground floor of the UAB Building. The center has filled a unique niche for mature adults and senior citizens especially, who realize exercise and fitness is vital to not only looking and feeling good but to health, longevity and, most of all, to maintain mobility and independence. MCA has left its Southern Boulevard address and moved to a centrally located new facility in Festival Plaza at the intersection of Vaughn and Taylor Roads. No one is more excited than Director Wilson
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Cutting the ceremonial ribbon are (l to r): Instructors Reece Anderson and Roshnique Cox; Amy B. Cooper, M.D., FACC; Scott W. Sims, M.D.; H. Forrest Flemming, M.D., FACC; Paul B. Moore, M.D., FACC, FACP; Director Wilson Scott; Assistant Director Stephanie Kennedy and Instructor Madeline Smith.
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The photo on the far left shows Director Wilson Scott making some remarks and welcoming those who attended the opening. Above left he is interviewded for television news. At left and above are scenes of some who came to work out and enjoy the day’s festivities. Below shows the large crowd gathered for the opening.
Scott who comments, “About 20 years ago some smart doctors at Montgomery Cardiovascular Associates decided that some of the best medicine for their heart patients was exercise. And they put their money where their mouth was. Today it is gospel that exercise is critical to cardiovascular health.” The fresh new facility features a wide range of top-notch exercise machines, an extended walking track and, most of all, a qualified staff to design personal exercise programs, take blood pressure readings and keep track of members’ progress. Fitness Director Wilson Scott and Associate Director Stephanie Kennedy hold degrees in Exercise Science and Sports & Fitness Management respectively. “We have equipment for every fitness level,” says Scott. “Most members just come in street clothes. We want exercise to fit in with their daily lives and not be a chore.” “We have seen an increased knowledge, especially among
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
seniors who understand the importance of fitness not just to feel better but to increase longevity and mobility. The desire to be independent longer is a very powerful motivator.” Scott continues, “In my years as Director, I have seen older individuals often recovering from surgery, strokes and heart problems come in on walkers, and even wheelchairs, and leave walking tall under their own power. It is absolutely the best part of my job. It is the reason I get up in the morning.” n
Find out more about
MCA Health & Fitness Center 7917 VAUGHN ROAD 334-280-1409
Flexible Hours: Monday thru Friday — 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Sunday — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Montgomery Cardiovascular Associates Facility
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
May 2019 Volume 9 Issue 9
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom C.S. Lewis
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“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
6 MCA Fitness Grand Opening Celebration 9 Publisher's Column 12 AUM OLLI Members Attest to the Value of the Program 13 Emerging Athlete Runs Her Own Race 14 Memories of a Hyacinth Bulb Lisa Highfield
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Features
18 Home Care vs. Home Health Care & What Caregivers Do
26 What I’ve learned 42 Tips for older adults after becoming a parent to remain active, in my 50s engaged
44 Travel Experiences with Jeff BarganierHigh Point Market
22 MCMO Presents Miro Quartet
Departments 30 This and That Interesting Stuff
16 Need Motivation to Exercise? Leigh Anne Richards
48 {12} Things For Active Boomers
46 Greg Budell A PANSY FOR MOTHER’S DAY
23 Beware Simple Phone Scam 24 Keep Your Head in the Game: McDonald Hagen Wealth 28 3 Estate Planning Mistakes Ask an Elder Law Attorney page 14
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page 13
page 26
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31 MMFA Annual Flimp Festival 32 Jim and Elmore Inscoe Receive Lifetime Achievement Award 36 BOOM! Cover Profile 50 Antibiotic Resistance Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
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BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 6203, Montgomery, AL 36106. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2019 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.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Publisher’s Letter
Art Experiences 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
Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Christine Smith Davis Angie Dodson Lisa Highfield Amanda Lambert Jim Leinfelder Brandt McDonald Leigh Anne Richards Sherry Saturno Raley L. Wiggins
Cover Photography Shellee Roberts Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Every now and then you need to expose yourself to different ideas, to explore creativity from a different perspective. Get out of the same old same old and immerse yourself into nothing but different. I did this recently at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art (MMFA). What a great place to reboot your creativity and kick start idea generation. Art speaks differently to each of us and sometimes it’s good to take time and go listen. I hope you take time and appreciate the art in our community, it’s well worth the experience. Speaking of art, we are honored to have the new Director at MMFA as this month’s Cover Profile. Angie Dodson has been in her new job for just a few months but she’s fully engaging into our community. MMFA was her career starting point back in the early nineties, but she moved Jim Watson, Publisher on after a few years a and wound up spending the last 20 years in Washington D.C. as part of the management team of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Her experience and leadership will be an asset to our art community. We recently found Angie in the MMFA Sculpture Garden where we did out Cover Photo Shoot. It’s a cool area to hang out in and a good one for Angie to show off some of the unique sculpture pieces on display. It’s a great art experience! Angie shared some of her story with us and it was wonderful meeting her through her own words, I think you’ll feel the same way. Enjoy! We have other good reads this month. Jeff Barganier traveled up to the High Point Market with his wife Cindy, who is an Interior Designer, no one tells like Jeff! We have another story about a man who became a parent after fifty, his thoughts may reflect your own if you ever though about what that would be like. If you need motivation to exercise, Leigh Anne Richards with MetroFitness knows what you need, you may end up healthier and happier! Greg Budell shares a special story about a PANSY, I’ll let you guess who it is.
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There’s plenty more and I hope you have time to sit down, relax with your favorite beverage and enjoy the BOOM! reading experience. We make aging fun! Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom
Please consider our advertisers when you have needs, they’re all on the right side of positive aging and would love to do business with each of you. Please share your thoughts on this issue or any other ideas regarding BOOM! I love to listen. Explore new art experiences this month
Jim jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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AUM OLLI Members Attest to the Value of the Program According to the website for the Bernard Osher Foundation, “In the fall of 2000, the Foundation began to consider programs targeted toward more mature students not necessarily well served by standard continuing education curricula….the interest of many older adults, especially those who have retired, is in learning for the joy of learning – without examinations or grades – and keeping in touch with a larger world.” To fulfill this “joy of learning” and providing information about “a larger world,” the Osher Foundation began to fund such programs at universities and colleges. AUM became part of the Auburn OLLI program in 2015, transitioning from the more traditional continuing education program. It seeks to fulfill the goal of providing courses about “a larger world” and for the “joy of learning,” whether study-discussion classes, hands-on classes, or active classes. AUM OLLI must be succeeding since the membership continues to increase.
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The success of an organization can best be measured in the words of the members. In a recent poll, AUM OLLI members cited exciting, challenging courses, excellent instructors, new friendships, and the importance of learning as an end in itself. The members’ own words make their points more effectively than any summary: The enrichment that comes from fellowship with others who are excited & interested in learning is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s refreshing and stimulating to gather together. I’m hooked on OLLI, no doubt about it. Where else can retirees learn, laugh, and teach with like-minded people? Being a member of OLLI has given me an opportunity to expand my interests in retirement. I have enjoyed the courses and the interactions with persons of diverse backgrounds.
The many classes offered are invigorating and thought-provoking. All the members look forward to each new quarter! Finally making time in my schedule to enroll in OLLI classes has brought me great pleasure in learning new things and becoming acquainted with events and places in Alabama that I have heard about but never visited. The instructors are awesome! OLLI got my brain working again! OLLI provides a venue for furthering adult learning in a non-stressful, enjoyable setting. OLLI has given me the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new friends. We are now more able to spend quality time together. An outstanding program!....Wide variety of valuable topics!
If you would be interested in becoming an OLLI member, you can join online at www.aum.edu/OLLI OR contact Brittany Thomasson at 334-244-3804.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Emerging Athlete Runs Her Own Race Mable Sager, a 78-year-old resident of Prattville, Ala. participated in the Emerging Elite Athlete Track and Field Invitational competition in Oxford, Alabama on December 1, 2018. For over 4 months, Mrs. Sager has been training at the track at Prattville Junior High School, formerly North Highland High School. Chris Davis, Mrs. Sager’s Coach and Sister has been working with her and several other Autauga County residents to promote their general health and wellbeing through physical activity. In August 2018, Ms. Davis started the Prattville Walkers group using the Go4Life Exercise and Physical Activity Chris Davis, Alabama Senior Olympics guidelines approved by the National Institute on Aging. Through weekly training sessions, Ms. Davis stressed the importance of regular exercise and physical activity to improve overall physical and mental health. According to the National Institute on Aging, the benefits of regular exercise indicate that it is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, balance problems and difficulty walking. Several months ago, Mable Sager realized she needed to include physical activity Mable Sager & Chris Davis, Emerging Athletes 2018 in her lifestyle regime. Using the Go4life guide, Ms. Sager gradually incorporated endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercises in her daily routine. After several months of training, Mrs. Sager decided to test her performance at a higher level and registered to compete in the 60-meter track event sponsored by the Emerging Elite Athlete. On December 1, 2018, at 78 years of age, Mrs., Sager competed in her first EVER track meet She ran with several women in different age divisions and obtained first place for her age group. She ran 60 meters in 14.94 seconds. Following the completion of the competition, Mrs. Sager stated she was pleased with her performance and she is looking forward to her next race. At the conclusion of the event, Mrs. Sager received outstanding accolades from the spectators and athletes. Through competition in the Emerging Athlete Track and Field event, Mrs. Sager has set a new standard for older adults to run their own race. Christine Smith Davis has also used this platform to encourage other older adults to compete in the National Seniors Games. Christine Smith Davis is a National Senior Games Ambassador / competitor and will represent Alabama at the National Seniors Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the 60- and 100-meter sprints on June 14 - 25, 2019. Davis also previously competed in the World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia in 2002 and placed 8th in the world in the 100-meter sprint. If you would like to contact Christine, you can email her at ldavis5212@aol.com
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By Lisa Highfield
Memories of a Hyacinth Bulb
Who knew that a hyacinth bulb would be the start of my love for gardening? One of my fondest and earliest memories as a child is of my mother teaching me to grow beautiful and fragrant hyacinths by placing bulbs in a shallow bowl of pebbles and water. Since the bulbs had to be kept in a cool, dark place, we kept the bowl in our living room under an end table. At that time, the living room was kept closed off most of the winter with the wall heaters turned off. It provided the perfect cool, dark environment for the bulbs to grow. Checking every day to see if anything was happening, roots finally began to grow from the bottoms of the bulbs. Then green shoots started to appear and inch their way up a little more each day until tiny, purple flower buds appeared in the middle of the foliage. We took the bulbs out from under the end table and moved them into the sun by the windows. Within a couple of weeks, we had full, beautiful, fragrant hyacinths! It was magical! Truly a miracle that a beautiful, fragrant flower could grow from a dried-up looking brown bulb! The fragrance from the hyacinth was heavenly and still brings those childhood memories flooding back. My mother taught me the joy of watching the miracles that happen in the garden. To think that a seed placed in the right environment, and given the right amount of sun and water, can produce a living
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flower, vegetable, fruit, or tree is truly one of God’s miracles. This experience started my love for gardening that I’m so thankful for.
My mother’s love of gardening came from her mother. During their early lives, gardening was not as much of a hobby as it was a necessity. Later in their lives, they enjoyed raising flowers and both had a love for African Violets that they grew in colorful McCoy flower pots that are now collectables. After getting married, I immediately started my own window garden of African Violets. Getting cuttings from my grandmother and mother, I potted them in my very own hand-medown, colorful McCoy pots. The fact that my African Violets lived was a miracle and gave me such a feeling of success to see those beautiful little flowers surviving! While raising my own three children, I didn’t have a lot of time for gardening but did manage to let each child plant their own small garden patch one summer. They selected the
plants they wanted to grow, such as watermelon, strawberries and okra. Each child did all the work in their own little garden patch, including harvesting what was not eaten by the squirrels and birds. I know we must have planted 30 plants in those small garden patches, and though it wasn’t a great success in the amount of yield, their little garden was one of their favorite things. They loved checking their garden for growth, weeding and watering their plants. I’m happy to say that all three of my now adult children have had gardens of their own and are much better gardeners than their mother! My two young grandsons, Mason and Jack, are also being taught to garden by their parents, and have helped produce a successful garden for the last two summers. They are also learning to love the miracles and joys of gardening and I like to think that it all started with that one hyacinth bulb many years ago. Lisa Highfield, an intern in the 2019 Master Gardener Class, lives in Pike Road. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Need Motivation to Exercise?
Here are a few reasons...
Spring is here and it is time to shed our “winter mold.” This month I want to give us motivation to exercise and improve our life- starting now! Spring is a new fresh start. The merits of exercise from preventing chronic disease to elevating our confidence and self esteem are hard to ignore. All the benefits are yours regardless of age, sex, or physical prowess. Need more proof? Check out ways to improve your entire life. 1. Exercise improves your mood. Need to get your frustrations out from a bad day and blow off some steam? Put those gym clothes on and get a workout in or go for a 30-minute walk to calm you down. Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals which leaves your feeling happier and calmer than before you worked out. Exercise reduces those feelings of depressions and anxiety without medication. When you look and feel better it automatically boosts your self image and your confidence.
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2. Exercise combats chronic disease. As we age, we begin to worry more about heart disease, cancers, osteoporosis, etc. Regular exercise can help reduce our chances of developing some of these chronic diseases. Exercise reduces the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and it increases the high – density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. This action makes our blood flow more smoothly by lowering the plaque buildup in the arteries. 3. Exercise helps manage your weight. Don’t be a couch potato- MOVE!! Trade in sofa time for walking or any other physical activity. This is basic mathcalories in = calories out to keep the waist line in check. When you exercise you burn calories. The more intensely you exercise the more calories you burn. However, you don’t have to set aside major blocks of time for working
Fitness over Fifty by Leigh Anne Richards
out. You can do it in 10-minute bouts. Burn extra calories by taking the stairs instead of elevator; park the car a distance from wherever you are going, so you have to take more steps. If you are watching TV, do jumping jacks during commercials. There are all kinds of ways to get exercise. It does not have to be just scheduled “gym” time. The more activity you do throughout the day helps burn calories too. 4. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs. How do you feel when you climb stairs, carry in your groceries or do yard work? Are you huffing and puffing? Regular exercise can help you breathe easier. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Regular
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7. Exercise can be FUN. Exercise is not synonymous with drudgery and boredom. You must do something you like in order to stick with it. Find hiking trails, ride bikes as a family, take dance lessons, etc. The list is endless. Get an accountability partner and use the exercise time as a social outlet as well. Keeping the FUN in fitness keeps you motivated.
exercise helps the entire cardio respiratory system by helping the circulation of the blood through the heart and vessels work more efficiently. Can’t really see that happening, huh? You will feel it though because when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy and stamina to do the things you enjoy. 5. Exercise promotes better sleep. Is it hard to fall asleep or even stay asleep during the night? Exercise is sometime the key to a better night’s sleep because it can help you fall asleep faster and deepen the sleep. Just make sure that your afternoon workouts are spaced about 5-6 hours before bedtime because the natural dip in body temperature after exercise can help you fall asleep. Otherwise, it might rejuvenate you and then you will find it hard to fall asleep.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
6. Exercise can put the spark back in your sex life. Are you too tired for sex? Do you feel badly about the way your body looks? What about loss of desire? Exercise to the rescue. Exercise physically improves the circulation that leads to more satisfying sex. Men who exercise are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction as they get older. Also, remember exercise boosts your self esteem, gives your more confidence so that makes for a positive effect on your sex life.
Convinced yet? Get out there and move and start reaping the benefits of physical activity today!! 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
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By Amanda Lambert
Home Care vs. Home Health Care & What Caregivers Do Home Care: An Invaluable Resource Mom has a fall and everything changes. If you haven’t had this experience, or one like it, chances are you will. Knowing available supports and resources can make a huge difference. Home care can lessen stress, provide support, and hasten recovery. Home care can be your best friend. The Terminology of Home Care Non-medical home care goes by a couple of different terms. It is important to distinguish between non-medical home care and medical home health. Both can be critical to recovery and ongoing quality of life. Home care is also known by the terms: personal care, or private duty care. Medical home health typically goes by the term: home health. What is Home Health Care? Home health provides limited medical support covered by insurance. This includes nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, aides and social work. A doctor’s order is required for home health to begin and certain criteria must be met. When can you get home health care? Typically, a doctor will request home health under these conditions: I The person must be homebound. This means that leaving the home takes significant effort. If your parent or spouse is still driving, they probably will not qualify. I There has to be a skilled need such as nursing to manage medications, check blood sugar, blood pressure or provide wound care to name a few. How much home health care can you get? There are defined limits on home health care, depending on your location and benefits. I Time is limited except in certain circumstances. Some neurological conditions can qualify for unlimited home health. Typically, home health can provide services for a 60-day period. I The skilled services offered by home health rarely exceed two to three times a week per discipline.
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As you can see in this story, a home care caregiver helps Betty recover more quickly, and more safely. What Tasks Do Caregivers Do? Home care can be a vital lifeline. Although “home care” caregivers don’t provide medical services, there is so much more they can do:
People who can benefit from home health may need help managing a chronic medical condition. Or they may need help recovering from hospitalization, injury or illness. What is Home Care? Home care offers non-medical assistance. The terms are so similar, it is easy to confuse them. Home health care is medical and prescribed by a doctor, but home care is non-medical and does not require a doctor’s prescription. Let’s take a look at a typical scenario where home care can be a critical layer of support and encouragement. Betty is a 91-year-old woman in good physical shape. She doesn’t use a walker or a cane. One day she loses her balance and falls against the railing of the independent senior living community where she lives and breaks a rib. She goes to the emergency room and is sent home with pain medication. Her mobility is compromised, and she is confused about her medications. Her husband has his own medical problems and is of limited help. She is provided three home health visits each week. But this is not enough support for Betty, so with the assistance of the social worker from home health, she calls a home care agency. The agency provides a caregiver in the morning and evening, seven days a week. The caregiver makes meals and does some light housekeeping. The caregiver also encourages Betty to walk, do her breathing exercises, and stands by while Betty is in the shower. The caregiver also reminds Betty to take her medications. These have been set up in a weekly medication box by the nurse from home health.
Companionship and Socialization Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in this country. Loneliness can adversely affect physical and mental health. A caregiver can help end loneliness by being a nurturing and comforting companion. A caregiver can also benefit people who have dementia. Research has shown that mentally engaging activities can have a positive influence on people’s mood and outlook on life. Nutrition, Hydration and Breathing Nutrition and hydration are very important factors in recovery. A caregiver can make balanced, appetizing meals. They can encourage adequate nutrition, track fluid intake, and shop for groceries. In some cases, they can check blood pressure and encourage deep breathing to prevent pneumonia. Dressing, Bathing and Transferring Imagine you have broken your arm, shoulder, hip, rib or leg. If you have had this experience you know how challenging it is to get dressed and to bathe. Not to mention cook, clean and drive. A caregiver can assist with helping someone get dressed and out of bed. They can help someone take a shower and monitor their walking. Home caregivers can also help someone transfer from bed or to the toilet. Movement Staying active can be one of the most important factors in recovery from illness or surgery. Studies have even shown that people with dementia can improve their mood with increased physical activity. Physical therapists provided by home healthcare can get people started on the right track. A caregiver can help reinforce and encourage physical therapy activities when the physical therapist is not there.
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Recovery Recovery for most of us means getting back to our previous level of functioning. There are numerous situations that can affect someone’s health: hospitalization, an illness, a rehab stay or general decline that results in frailty. Recovery in older adults generally takes longer. Returning to health can also be complicated by coexisting medical problems. A home care caregiver can be an invaluable support. A good care plan developed with the care manager, family and client can encourage a safe recovery. Help with Medications Medication mismanagement can be a big problem. This can include not taking some medications, missing doses, or taking medications at the wrong time. Professional home caregivers can give reminders and check the medication pill box for accuracy. Problems are reported to the family or the nurse from home health. Caregivers can also pick medications up at the pharmacy.
able to stay living at home. This includes doctor’s appointments, shopping, medication pick-ups, and other errands. Home caregivers can perform all of these tasks.
Transportation Transportation is a vital part of being
Primary Family Caregiver is No Longer Available
Specialty Care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Cancer and Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s and other dementias can have a devastating impact on families. Caregiving in these situations is particularly challenging, time consuming and arduous. A hired caregiver can provide mental stimulation, help with bathing, eating, and activity. Many caregivers are trained in dementia care. They will engage a parent or spouse in mental and physical activities designed for people with cognitive impairment. Many agencies offer caregivers who are familiar with the unique needs of people living with Parkinson’s or undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment or palliative care. In these cases, a caregiver can provide an added layer of care and companionship.
What happens when the primary family caregiver is no longer available? Sometimes a caregiving spouse or family member will no longer be able to fulfill their caregiving obligations. A home care provider can step in and assume these duties, keeping a parent or spouse safe and stable with respite care. Paying for Home Care In some circumstances, home care can be paid for through long-term care insurance, veteran benefits and Medicaid. Otherwise, home care is private pay. How to Get Started Arranging for home care is as simple as making a phone call. A physician’s order is not required. During the initial call you can describe the situation. Explain the needs of your parent or spouse, and the amount of time per day you want care. Whatever you arrange is flexible and subject to change based on individual needs. Home care staff can come to someone’s home, assisted living, memory care or a nursing home. It is flexible, supportive and tailored to meet your spouse or parent’s need.
T This article is sponsored by Home Care Assistance, for more info visit www.homecareassistance.com
Live Well at Home with a Higher Class of Care We do home care differently • 24/7 Live-in and Hourly Care • Balanced Care Method™ to promote healthy longevity • Cognitive Therapeutics Method™ to boost brain health • Hospital to Home Care Call today!
334-593-3988 Changing the Way the World Ages The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
HomeCareAssistanceMontgomery.com
Call Kristy today for your free in-home consultation!
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contniues on page 24
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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“Throughout, the Miró. played with explosive vigor and technical finesse." – New York Times "Clive Greensmith is one of the pre-eminent cellists of the 20th century." - Geneva Music Festival Montgomery Chamber Music Organization Presents
Plan a NEW EXPERIENCE
Daniel Ching-Violin, William Fedkenheuer-Violin, John Largess-Violist, Joshua Gindele-Cellist
Sunday, May 5th, 2:30 at Wilson Auditorium, located inside the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. A special pre-concert luncheon will be held on the MMFA Terrace at 12:30. To purchase tickets for the luncheon and concert call 334.277.3505. Formed in 1995, the Miró Quartet is consistently praised for their deeply musical interpretations, exciting performances, & thoughtful programming. Each season, they perform throughout the world on the most important chamber music series & on the most prestigious concert stages, garnering accolades from critics & audiences alike. Based in Austin, TX, the Miró Quartet took its name from the Spanish artist, Joan Miró, whose surrealist works — with subject matter drawn from the realm of memory and imaginative fantasy — are some of the most original of the 20th century. Concert highlights of recent seasons include a highly anticipated and sold out return to Carnegie Hall to perform Beethoven’s complete Opus 59 Quartets; collaborations with award-winning actor Stephen Dillane as part of Lincoln Center’s White Lights Festival; Miró Quartet took first prizes at several national and international competitions including the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Competition. In 2005, the Miró Quartet became the first ensemble ever to be awarded the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant. For more info visit www.montgomery-chamber-music.org or www.miroquartet.com
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This simple phone scam is stealing thousands from older Americans Your beloved niece calls in the middle of the night, saying she’s been in a car accident and needs cash to pay for the repair. Or your boss asks you to send a holiday present to a handful of staffers on his behalf and tells you he’ll reimburse you next week. People of all ages have fallen victim to the scam, losing a median of about $2,000, but, troublingly, those over age 70 were likely to lose higher amounts. These are just a couple of variations of a type of scam, known as imposter scams, that the Federal Trade Commission says cost consumer $41 million last year—an increase of nearly 60% over the previous year. Older people who fell for the scam— also known as the Grandparents Scam, because the scammers often call pretending to be a grandchild, usually in some kind of legal trouble—are likely to send cash, and those who did sent a median of $9,000.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The following tips can help protect you and your loved ones. Confirm the story Hearing that a family member is in a perilous situation can cause emotions to run high, which might prevent you from asking logical questions. But if they ask you not to tell anyone else about it or want to remain on the phone with you while you make arrangements to send money, that’s a red flag that you could be dealing with a scammer. And be on especially high alert if the caller requests cash. One in four victims of the Grandparent Scam over age 70 sent cash in the mail to their scammer, up from one in 14 the year before. Before agreeing to send funds, hang up and dial their phone number directly or call a mutual friend to get their thoughts. “You can short-circuit a scam by doublechecking with your loved ones,” says Michael Hackard, an attorney and author of The Wolf at the Door: Undue Influence and Elder Financial Abuse.
Don’t overshare on social media Scammers often mine sites like Facebook and Instagram for material they can use. Posting personal information, travel plans, or even family photos on social media can give criminals material to create a more believable story. So even if the caller requesting money offers personal details, that’s not proof that the call is legit. “They may have information that can make the calls sound very convincing,” says John Breyault, vice president, public policy, telecommunications and fraud, at the National Consumers League. Report any suspect calls Law officials can only protect you from crimes they know about. If you believe you’ve been the victim of an imposter scam or any other fraud, report it to your local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and Fraud.org, which shares complaints with a network of more than 200 law enforcement and consumer protection professionals.
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Keep Your Head in the Game:
Avoiding Mental Errors When You Invest Investors may want to avoid these common errors when saving for retirement. In the sports world, a mental error can cost your team the big game. When you are investing, a mental error can put your retirement portfolio at risk. Mistakes often result from letting misconceptions and emotions affect your decisions. Successful investing generally requires logic and reasoning. To avoid a fumble, you may want to guard against these four behavior patterns. Overconfident Quarterbacking Some people tend to overestimate their investment abilities. Like the overconfident quarterback who always wants to throw a pass, the overconfident investor may want to change investments frequently. However, any changes in your investment strategy should be based on careful consideration, not "gut feelings." Rash decisions could cost you the game.
Financial Thoughts
with Brandt McDonald
Freezing Under Pressure Fear of being tackled can cause a player to freeze up on the football field. Likewise, fear of making an investment mistake can cause a retirement investor to postpone decisions. For example, an investor may delay switching out of an investment that has consistently underperformed. While the investor is lingering over the decision, the investment may be losing even more value. If you determine that an investment no longer fits in with your game plan, the sooner you make the substitution, the better. Assuming a Winning Streak Is Unbreakable If an investment, or its sector, has performed extremely well over the long term, you may believe it is unbeatable. But even the best teams may lose at some point -- and even
the most consistent investment may sometimes falter. Instead of simply assuming a "star" investment still has a winning record, periodically review its performance. If it experiences a temporary setback but still fits in with your game plan, you may want to keep it in your roster. But, if a former winner is now on a long-term losing streak, it may be time to switch investments. Focusing on Short-Term Losses Instead of Long-Term Gains In football, a long pass down the field may lead to a touchdown. But it's also very risky because the other team could intercept the ball. Like a long pass, a stock investment can be risky because of the potential for losses. Stocks, however, also offer greater potential for long-term gains than less risky asset classes. For a better chance of getting into the end zone, retirement investors may want to include stock investments in their portfolios. Your situation is unique, so be sure to consult a professional before taking action. Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management LPL Branch Manager www.mcdonaldhagen.com Direct comments and questions to Jennifer.Hunt@LPL.com or 334.387.0094
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advice offered through McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial. McDonald and Hagen Wealth Management, Machen McChesney and LPL Financial are separate entities. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by DST Systems, Inc. or its sources, neither DST Systems, Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall DST Systems, Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber's or others' use of the content.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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By Jim Leinfelder
What I’ve learned after becoming a parent in my 50s Having a child later in life is not for the faint of heart—or knees While most of my married peers with children are either coming to terms with “empty nest syndrome,” or well past it, I am the happy father of a six-year-old daughter.
Brothers, I somehow landed on James Taylor’s lullaby, You Can Close Your Eyes.
I’m 62, which means I worry less about the empty nest and more about what I call “open casket syndrome.” I have never in my life been remotely as happy as I am right now. It’s the greatest period of my life that I never saw coming. But the actuarial tables are out there. I will depart from my daughter’s life much earlier than her peers will lose their fathers. It informs my long-deferred life as a parent in both good and bad ways. First, as older dads go, I am maybe more robust than many. Before fatherhood, I ran six miles a day with a long run on the weekends and worked out with weights every other day. Just as my now-wife and I began dating, I took up the very much age-inappropriate sport of hurling, a fast-moving running game that’s been played for centuries in Ireland. As I became more experienced at hurling, if I spotted an older jock gone a bit to seed turning up at the pitch, I’d give him counsel: “Hurling’s not a game you play to get in shape. It’s a sport you get in shape to play. Come back when you’re fit.” I’d give much the same advice to anyone becoming a parent past 50. The double-edged sword Becoming a parent when some of your peers are becoming grandparents is a double-edged sword. You’ll be wiser and more patient than your younger self. Your paternal energies will not be competing with career anxieties and social needs.
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Becoming a parent when some of your peers are becoming grandparents is a double-edged sword. But you’ll also have less endurance and be decades closer to the unknown hour of your death. Your friends and loved ones will kindly assure you that you’re a virtual Methuselah. And I dearly hope their optimism is borne out. But, to quote Damon Runyon: “The race isn’t always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the smart way to bet.” You will die earlier in your child’s life than if you’d had kids at a more traditional age. That will seem like a bearable abstraction to you in the early going when you’re coming to terms with your lousy odds at procreating at all. But, after you miraculously procreate against the odds, in the wee hours, rocking and singing your baby to sleep, it will descend on you like the ghost of Christmas Future how preciously short your time with this person will be. For me, it was in her infancy, rocking her to sleep, a little fragile from sleep deprivation, and singing every song I could recall from memory. Having exhausted the Irish canon of The Clancy
I used to listen to Linda Ronstadt’s version on her Heart Like A Wheel album on my divorced father’s stereo. Apparently, I had committed it to memory. When I reached this stanza— “So close your eyes You can close your eyes, it’s all right I don’t know no love songs And I can’t sing the blues anymore But I can sing this song And you can sing this song When I’m gone.” —it caught in my throat like a burr on a labradoodle, which we now have, by the way, and I quietly wept over my infant daughter, still rocking her in the darkness, never again to feel the lightness of being that informed my life before fatherhood. That was the first epiphany. Here are four more. Your child won’t keep you young Despite what people like to hear themselves tell you, your child will not keep you young. That ship has sailed. You’re already not young and won’t ever be again. But even if you don’t join a gym to keep yourself viable to the task, simply getting up and down off the floor more times in the first year of your child’s life than you have in the preceding two decades will unavoidably jack up your core, leg, and arm strength. And the ability to get up off the floor using only your legs is said to be a predictor of longevity. I would also advise quitting any extreme sport, which I did in the case of hurling, to increase the odds you’ll have the knees to be a fun, physical dad. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
What’s the rush? Even though she isn’t keeping me young, my daughter is slowing down time. When we walk home from school, I enter her time scheme. We literally stop and smell the roses and anything else with an aroma. We splash in puddles and rescue newly-hatched snapping turtles from the bike path and ease their way to the lake. We use her empty plastic milk bottle to capture tadpoles, which we will raise and later repatriate as grey tree frogs. I hold my breath as she hops deftly from rock to rock at the fairy rock spiral in the woods. What’s the rush? For me, it’s only to pack as much living together as possible. You’re on your own Prepare to go through this largely on your own. Your friends, those who’ve procreated, have already seen this movie. They wish you well and are happy for you. But go easy on the adorable anecdotes. They’ve forgotten more than you’ve been through.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The parents of your child’s peers, while polite, will regard you with some judgment. And, in fairness, they won’t see you as a peer because, well, you’re not. Yes, you’re parenting a child their child’s age. But you’re likely closer to their parents’ age than you are theirs. When to answer the age question This one I’m still sorting out myself: When to explain all this to my daughter? Right now, she’s still figuring out people’s relative ages. But from talking to friends who had older parents, it sounds like it would be best if I broach the subject of my age before some peer makes a remark, or, worse, an insensitive adult remarks about my age. I don’t have it all sorted out, but I think it’ll go along the lines of something like this: “Sweetheart, I understand why you might wish you had a younger daddy. I sometimes wish I’d become a father earlier in life. But then I remind myself that life is a package deal. If someone offered me a ride on a time machine so
that I could go back and start a family in my 20s or 30s, I wouldn’t take the ticket. Because none of those kids would be you. And I wouldn’t trade you for anything, not even for more time on this earth. My hope is that by the time I die, you’ll be well along to a life of your own.” The great Negro League pitcher, Satchel Paige, who at 42, became the oldest rookie in Major League Baseball, famously asked: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” Ultimately, it is in Paige’s spirit that I throw off my self-pity and, instead, hurl myself, heart and soul, into parenting my daughter. In so many wonderful moments with her, I allow myself to forget my age, and just experience the unalloyed joy of being a father to this darling girl. Source: www.considerable.com Jim Leinfelder is a father, a TV producer, and a writer in Minneapolis.
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Ask an Elder Law Attorney By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
3 Common Estate Planning Mistakes In our practice, we commonly see the same mistakes being made time and again. Sometimes we see the client early enough to correct the mistake before any harm is done, but not always. Read on to learn about three of the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
“everything” they may need to address. Instead, you have to specifically state that your agent has the power to handle certain kinds of transactions. That’s why it is important to include expanded powers in your power of attorney, particularly for clients over age 65.
MISTAKE ONE NOT PLANNING FOR DISABILITY
MISTAKE TWO NOT KNOWING HOW YOU OWN YOUR ASSETS
People are living longer than ever before. If you need proof, just look around at the number of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and similar organizations that care for the ever-growing senior population. The longer we live, the more likely it is that we will deal with a period of disability late in life during which we will need others to help care for us.
I regularly teach an educational workshop on estate planning to members of the public, and one of the topics that tends to get people’s attention is the discussion of how you own your assets. You see, the way your assets are held or titled can have a significant effect upon whether your estate plan “works” the way that you hope it does.
The starting point in disability planning is to be sure that you have, at a minimum, a durable power of attorney and an advance directive in place. Note that not all of these documents are created equal. For example, most advance directives focus on end-of-life scenarios in the event that we are in a coma, or require machines to keep us alive. They often fail to adequately address a more common scenario—one in which we require nursing home or other long-term care for an extended period of time.
Attend Free Workshop
at the Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This 322 Archibald Catoma Street downtown Montgomery. This educational educational workshopbypresented by local attorney Raleycovers L. Wiggins workshop presented local attorney Raley L. Wiggins wills, covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors,divorce administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. qualification. Registration is required. Call 334-625-6774 today to Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at reserve your seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. www.redoaklegalpc.com.
Under the new Alabama Uniform Power of Attorney Act (effective January 1, 2012), granting your agent the power to do “everything” you could do yourself, doesn’t actually mean that the agent can handle May 2015 May 2019
MISTAKE THREE LEAVING ASSETS OUTRIGHT TO THE SPOUSE
This mistake is not true in all cases, but consider the increasingly common second marriage. When each spouse has their own children, this can be a source of hurt feelings when one spouse dies before the other. The children of the deceased spouse often resent step-parent Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop their for spending “their” Wednesday, May June 20: 19: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 pm inheritance.
While the advance directive deals with health care issues, a durable power of attorney grants a person of your choosing (your agent) the authority to handle your business and financial affairs. Importantly, however, the law is clear that your agent only has the powers which are granted to her in the power of attorney. The problem is that just reading the terms of the POA won’t necessarily give you the complete picture of what powers your agent does or doesn’t have.
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Assume John jointly owns a house with his wife, Jane. He has a 401(k) that names Jane as the death beneficiary, and a life insurance policy that names his son, Billy as the beneficiary. At John’s death, his wife Jane will own the house and get the money in the 401(k), while Billy gets the life insurance money. Even though the will leaves “everything” to Sally, she won’t actually inherit anything at all.
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For example, many kinds of jointly owned property will automatically become the sole property of the surviving joint owner upon the death of the other owner, regardless of what the deceased person’s will says about who gets the property. Similarly, beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other accounts will determine who actually gets the money in those accounts after the owner’s death. For an average middle class family, the bulk of their estate’s value will consist of three types of assets—the home, retirement accounts, and life insurance proceeds. Consider John Doe, whose will leaves his entire estate to his favorite niece, Sally.
The better choice is to leave those assets in trust. For example, John and Jane get married. They are both in their 50’s, and each have their own children from prior marriages. John dies first. His will leaves the bulk of his estate to Jane, in trust, to make sure her basic needs are provided for. The terms of the trust, however, prevent Jane from leaving John’s money to her new spouse (if she remarries) or to her own children. Instead, whatever is left will pass to John’s children after her death. In conclusion, I’ll leave you with a question: Do any of these examples sound familiar to you? Raley L. Wiggins
Raley L. Wiggins Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC 334-239-3625| |info@redoaklegalpc.com info@redoaklegalpc.com 334-239-3625 445Catoma Dexter Street, Avenue, ste 9000, Mont, AL 36104 322 Montgomery, AL 36104, www.redoaklegalpc.com www.redoaklegalpc.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
ARE YOU MAKING A COMMON ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKE? Not planning for disability Not knowing how you own your assets Leaving assets outright to your spouse
Sound Familiar?
We can help.
FREE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Estate Planning, Asset Protection & Medicaid Eligibility
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Join local attorney Raley L. Wiggins to discuss wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting your assets, bankruptcy, divorce & remarriage, nursing homes, long term care and medicaid qualification.
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Sunday Spring Concert Series in Cloverdale, Free Admission :) The 2019 Cloverdale-Idlewild Spring Concert Series continues in May. This is the neighborhood’s most anticipated event of the year! It is always fun and a great way to meet your neighbors and visit with friends! Everyone is welcome, so bring all your friends and family!! Leashed dogs are also welcome, so bring your furry babies as well!! Hope to see y’all there!!! Cloverdale Bottom Park, Intersection of Cloverdale Road and Ponce de Leon Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106. Enjoy a few hours in the park, starting at 4 pm! May Concert Dates: ● May 5 - Federal Expression ● May 12 - Windrider Band ● May 19 - The Marvtones ● May 26 - Electric Blue Yonder. ADMISSION IS FREE! Bring your chairs or blankets (or both), coolers, snacks. Plan to sit under the beautiful oak trees in the park setting and enjoy the music. For more info visit the Facebook Page/Cloverdale-Idlewild-Association
Agape Run for a Mom Agape of Central Alabama will hold its 8th annual Run for a Mom 5k and Fun Run on May 11th, 730-10 am at Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Road in Montgomery. This event is an effort to bring people together to honor the role of mom, featuring family friendly entertainment, food, and games. All proceeds from Run for a Mom will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children, and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. Please go to www.runforamom.org to register, volunteer, or to get more information.
Gallery One Fine Art presents new work by Trish Gober and Langley Tolbert
Gallery One Fine Art will be presenting new work from artists Trish Gober and Langley Tolbert with an opening reception on Thursday, May 9, 5:30-7 pm. Their work will be on display through mid-June. Trish Gober: Trish Gober is an Alabama native who loves landscapes. Like many artists, she is a late bloomer. She began painting after retirement and enjoys plein air painting as well as working in her studio. She is continuing her art journey by studying with such respected art teachers as Ron Thompson in Florida, Perry Austin in Alabama, Julee Hutchison in Colorado, Chris Groves in South Carolina and several excellent Montgomery artists. She is represented by Gallery One Fine Art in Montgomery, Alabama. Langley Tolbert: Langley Tolbert is an abstract artist known for her use of color and texture. She studied art at the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and continues to study with artists that inspire her. She is also inspired by Lake Martin, where she works from a studio she designed herself. Her paintings in acrylics and mixed media have won numerous awards and been chosen for collections at Jackson Hospital, Montgomery’s Renaissance Hotel and Alabama Art Colony. She is represented by Gallery One in Montgomery. Gallery One Fine Art, 423 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL, www.GalleryOneFineArt.com, 334.269.1114, Open Tues.-Fri. 10-4 & Sat. 10-1. Check us Langley Tolbert Trish Gober “Party of Many” 30x40 Acrylic out on Facebook and Instagram. "Twilight" 20x20 Oil on Canvas
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MMFA Annual Flimp Festival-Bring the Grandkids! The Flimp Festival is the Museum’s annual public celebration of imagination, humor, and creativity taking place Saturday, May 4 from 10-2 pm. Meant to bring out the artist in all of us, Flimp nourishes our creative side and provides inspiration to make this world a more colorful place to live. Flimp and all of its activities are free to all visitors. Music and Entertainment from Beatin' Path Rhythm Events, Dave Holland and Booker T. Washington Magnet High School student performances featuring music, dance, and theatre. Food Vendors include Little Donkey, Mexican Restaurant, That's My Dog Montgomery, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region. For more information, call 334.240.4333 or visit www.mmfa.org. Because this is Flimp’s first time in the Caddell Sculpture Garden, this year’s art activities, chalk art, and activities all celebrate garden and nature themes. Art activities include: beaded garden art, bird feeders, clay and yarn sculptures, Flimp houses, flower color wheels, flower prints, leaf rubbings, painted balloons, pinwheels, wind chimes, and sun catchers. Other garden-focused activities include bubbles, a kid color zone especially for those under the age of 4, a treasure hunt, yard games, plus all that the Museum’s interactive gallery, ArtWorks, has to offer.
Free Subscriptions @ w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m The Temptations and Four Tops @ MPAC Sunday June 23 at 6pm. It’s a Motown, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Lifetime Achievement double header featuring The TEMPTATIONS performing all their hits such as; “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Just My Imagination” in addition to The FOUR TOPS performing hits like; “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Reach Out I’ll be There,” “Bernadette,” “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I’ve Got”). The Temptations include original member Otis Williams. The Four Tops include original member Abdul “Duke” Fakir. For more info and tickets visit www.mpaconline.org.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The Temptations and The Four Tops
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Jim and Elmore Inscoe to Receive Jonnie Dee Riley Little Lifetime Achievement Award The Alabama State Council on the Arts will honor outstanding Alabamians at the “Celebration of the Arts” awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, located at 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery. A coffee and dessert reception will immediately follow the awards ceremony in the lobby of the theatre. The event is FREE and open to the public, but reservations and tickets are required. The Jonnie Dee Riley Little Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late Jonnie Dee Riley Little, represents recognition for an individual who has devoted significant leadership, service, and support to the arts in Alabama. The 2019 Jonnie Dee Riley Little Award recipients are Jim and Elmore Inscoe of Montgomery. The Inscoes are known for their establishment of the Jasmine Hill Arts Council, their community leadership and arts patronage across the state. In 1984, Jim Inscoe was appointed by Governor George C. Wallace to serve on the Alabama State Elmore and Jim Inscoe Council on the Arts. He served on the Council from 1984-1989 and was Council Chairman from 1988-1989. Jim and his wife Elmore are known for the beautifully managed Jasmine Hill Gardens in Wetumpka and the outdoor musical productions mounted on the grounds of its amphitheater. Since 1971, Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum has been nurtured and supported by the Inscoes. The Olympian Centre of the gardens was built to replicate the Temple of Hera. It is the world's only full-scale reproduction of the Temple. The paths of the gardens are crafted from native stone harvested from neighboring valleys. Elmore’s love of gardens comes naturally to her due to many happy childhood visits at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile County. She is a granddaughter of William Bellingrath, the older brother of Walter Bellingrath. Mrs. Inscoe served as a trustee on the board of the Bellingrath Morse Foundation aiding in the preservation of Mr. Bellingrath’s vision and wishes for the home and gardens. Complimentary tickets are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve tickets, please contact: The Alabama Shakespeare Box Office at 334.271.5353.
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w w w. r i ve rre gio n b o o m.co m River Region Volunteers Honored Hundreds gathered at Montgomery's Trinity Presbyterian Church in April for the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Awards to honor volunteers for their incredible gifts of service and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of others. Co-sponsored by the Junior League of Montgomery, HandsOn River Region initiated the ceremony 45 years ago after its first year in operation as a way to publicly recognize the outstanding service provided by community volunteers. The following were honored at the ceremony: • Adult – Whitney Griswold Califf for her contributions benefiting Child Protect, Montgomery Clean City Commission and That’s My Child • Adult Group – Faulkner Law School Alternate Dispute Resolution Program for the program they present to 6th, 7th and 8th graders teaching them to be better communicators and problem solvers • Senior – Andrew Lindsey for his involvement with the English as Second Language Andrew Lindsey program and the Caring Center at First Baptist Church • Youth – Richelleng Ramirez Pieruccini who founded the Heart of Gold Foundation to assist children with Diabetes • Youth Group – MPACT Electrical Group in honor of their work distributing and installing smoke detectors for the elderly and low-income residents. As a part of each award and thanks to event sponsors Lamar Advertising and WSFA 12 News, a $300 contribution was made on behalf of each winner to the nonprofit agency that nominated them. HandsOn River Region mobilizes volunteers and connects people, information and services to meet local needs and build a strong, caring community. To learn more, visit www.handsonriverregion.org or call 334.264.3335.
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Master Gardener Associations Presents Free Lunch & Learn Programs Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars, May 1st, Container Gardening, Eric Leatherwood, Leatherwood Nursery and June 5th Your Farm in the City: Eat South, Caylor Roling, Farm Dir. Eat South. Autauga County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Thursday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville 36066. Mark your calendars, May 2nd Roses For Our Area, Gloria Purnell, Master Rosarian and June 6th, Backyard Berries, Mallory Kelley, Horticulturist, ACES. Elmore County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Ann Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36092. Mark your calendars, May 14th, Effective Use of Plants in the Landscape, Rip Weaver, Director of Aldridge Gardens and June 11th, Hello Hydrangeas, David Doggett, Jefferson County MG. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
Free Subscriptions @ w w w.r ive rre gio n b o o m.co m The CAF AirPower History Tour is coming to Dannelly Field! Experience the sights, smells and sounds of historic World War II aircraft. The B-29/B-24 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force brings together the aircraft, pilots and crews from over 70 CAF units across the country to create the AirPower Squadron – an ever changing assortment of military aircraft touring together to bring the sights, sounds and smells of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United States. The AirPower Squadron always includes at least one of the two rarest World War II bombers in the world – FIFI, the most famous, flying Boeing B-29 Superfortress and Diamond Lil, an equally rare B-24 Liberator. Aircraft accompanying the B-29 or B-24 will include other World War II aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-25 Mitchell, along with an assortment of fighters, trainers and liaison aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to: Get up close & touch the aircraft, Tour the cockpit, Talk to the crews, Teach the younger generations, See the planes FLY, Take a Ride! Friday-Sunday May 17-19, 9-5 pm. For schedules and more visit www.airpowersquadron.org
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MANE’s 2019 Course for Hope Golf Tournament Renderings of Pegasus helped illustrate the theme of MANE’s Course for Hope 2019, which was to “Inspire New Heights”! Course for Hope is an event held every other year at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club to help provide funding for the equine-assisted activities program for River Region children and adults (including veterans) who have physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Regions Bank was the lead sponsor for the entire roster of events. Mark Snead, the President and CEO of Synovus in Montgomery, welcomed golfers to the lunch sponsored by Synovus. The driving ranges, putting green and the 18 golf hole were sponsored by Adams Drugs; AES Industries; Ainsworth Game Technology, Alabama Power Company; Aprio, LLP; Aronov Realty Management, Inc.; Balch & Bingham, LLP; Baptist Health; Beasley Allen; Brasfield & Gorrie; CMH Architects; Dixie Electric, Plumbing, & Air; Evans Meats and Seafood; Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood; HOAR Construction; Neptune Technology Group; Power South; Ready Mix USA; Stewart MANE’s staff and mascot are ready to greet the golfers! Perry Construction; Sysco Central Alabama; and The W A Williamson Family Foundation. Despite chilly temperatures and drizzling rain, participants gave a good ole college try and had a successful day of golfing! Tournament Champions were team Bobby Kemp, John Bricken, Max Vaughn, and Rick Wendling (Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood) who won Lenovo Smart Displays. Runners-up were team Eric Schroeder, John Archuleta, Alan Reeves, Mel Adair (Ainsworth) who won Apple Watches. Third place winners were team Greg Newton, Gary Headley, Steve Livingston, and Jason Baker (Dixie Electric) won Apple 4K TV’s. The next MANE’s Course for Hope Golf Tournament Dinner and Auction is on March 1st, 2021! Visit MANE’s website www.maneweb.org for event updates and information about riding, volunteering and donating. MANE is located at 3699 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, Alabama 36064. The MANE number is 334.213.0909. Please mark your calendars for MANE’s “Raise the Roof” party hosted by Wintzell’s Oyster House at MANE’s therapeutic riding facility on Thursday, October 24nd, 2019.
Opelika Songwriters Festival May 24-26 The Opelika Songwriters Festival, a new annual event based in Opelika, Alabama, will entertain music fans at its inaugural celebration over Memorial Day Weekend at multiple venues in the town's historic downtown. Attendees from across the Southeast and further afield are expected to gather for this very special event. More than 30 singer-songwriters will make up the roster of performers, from local acts to internationally touring artists, including Grammy Award-winner Dan Navarro, Kate Campbell, Harpeth Rising, and many more. The festival will take place in Downtown Opelika at more than nine venues, including John Emerald Distillery, Sneak & Dawdle, Irish Bred Pub, Eighth & Rail, Ma Fia's Outdoor Patio, The Depot Outdoor Stage, Zazu Gastro Pub, and Studio 319 - Festival Merch Hub. For tickets and more info vist www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com
Shawn Mullins
Caring for the Caregiver, Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 1-3 pm at ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL. A place for RESPITE: a pause or rest, EXCHANGING: practical information on caregiving problems, possible solutions, and resources in our community, SHARING: needs and concerns, TALKING: through challenges and discovering new ways to cope. Often, we hear caregivers say they are looking for support from people who “really understand because we have been there too.” This group offers just that-a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. We welcome caregivers. For more info call 334.462.2613.
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Farmers Market Grand Opening
The 15th Annual Farmers Market is set to open on Saturday, May 11 with a Grand Opening celebration from 7 AM Noon. Since opening in 2004, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market has grown every year and is now one of the top five largest markets in Alabama. Several popular farms are scheduled to make their return with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Oakview Farms, Penton Someone’s Grandchild Farms, and Leatherwood Nursery and many more!Needs The Grand Opening will feature liveYour chef demonstrations, live Support music by the Blackbird Pickers and children's activities, all starting at 9 AM. The very popular 'Garden Cart Giveaway’ is back with prizes from featured vendors and the winner will be selected at 11:30 AM. This year’s Farmers Market will run through September 28th. For more information about The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market, contact Suzanna Wasserman at 334.279.6046 or swasserman@bayerproperties.com or www.theshoppesateastchase.com/farmersMarket/
Downtown Thursday Night Jazz & Blues Mark your calendars for every Thursday night in May for jazz & blues in downtown Montgomery! Starting May 2, there will be #live #jazz & #blues music from our local talented musician pool at participating downtown businesses - EVERY Thursday night! Join us on May 2nd from 6-9pm at Mission House for live music from Montgomery's own Coleman Woodson III! Mark your calendars for every Thursday night in May for even more jazz & blues in downtown Montgomery: May 9 - Tatayana Webb at Common Bond Brewers, May 16 - Jazz Jam Session at Commerce Beerworks, May 23 - Robert Morgan at Prevail Union Montgomery, May 30 - Frank Gray at Island Delight at Dexter. #Bonus: In addition to bringing more live, local music in downtown Montgomery, this new music series also supports our friends at Nat King Cole Society who preserve and promote an important part of our city's rich musical history! #dbamgm #ourmgm. Contact dbamontgomery@gmail.com for more information or visit www.facebook.com/events/275046153376748/
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w w w. r i ve r re gio n b o o m.co m Evening with The Eagles Join us Wednesday, May 29, 2019 @ 7:00 pm for an evening of celebrating American airpower as we hear stories of leadership, overcoming adversity, and heroism from three aeronautical pioneers. Join Gen Kevin Chilton, Col Walt Watson, and SMSgt Thomas Case in an intimate setting where they will share their stories about the profession of arms. It’s an evening for the community to celebrate airpower heritage and a chance to strengthen the already close bonds between the community and military members that live in the River Region. General admission is $30. Call 1.800.841.4273 for more information or visit www.asf.net The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Angie Dodson, The Artful Life This month’s cover profile is Angie Dodson. Angie is the new Director of Montgomery Museum of Fine Art (MMFA). She started her artful career at the museum back in the early nineties but left after a few years and has been working at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, in Washington, DC for nearly 20 years. Angie has returned to some of her roots here in Montgomery to direct MMFA to a new level of awareness in the ever changing and growing River Region Community. Her smooth transition from Washington began with her home in Montgomery’s Old Cloverdale neighborhood, which had a similar vibe to her DC surroundings. She values the historical nature of Montgomery and looks forward to sharing and experiencing the many aspects of what we have to offer. Angie is launching a new beginning in an old place; her past experiences should serve our community very well as she energizes the leadership of MMFA, one of our proudest attractions. She recently shared some of her life’s journey with us and it was a pleasure to get to know her, we think you’ll agree. Enjoy the reading experience. I’ve not married but enjoy a life filled with the most lovely and loving circles of friends from every chapter of life. And then there are the pets—my current love is Ben, a rescued lab mix who is the best and most game boy a dog mamma could ask for. The guy has ever met a pillow he didn’t want to flop down on…. or a countertop he didn’t want to cruise!
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where were you born, education, family, what brought you to the Montgomery area, etc.?
Angie: My father’s BOOM!: In October of last year you long career with were selected as the new Director of what is now Bank Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts of America took us (MMFA), replacing retired long-time wherever the bank director, Mark Johnson. Would you intended to expand. please describe your art journey to I was born in High MMFA, including your experience at Point, NC and spent Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, in the first 10 years of my life growing up there and in nearby Greensboro, NC. The next five or so Angie, new Director of MMFA years were spent (photography by Linda Heinrich) in Charlotte, NC. I consider Charlotte to be my hometown Davidson, NC even though my family moved to Tampa, retirement FL where I finished my last two years of community— high school. still drinking wine, having I am the only child of the best parents snacks, and a girl could want and, while I lost my watching mother to breast cancer in 1991, Dad and golf together I have been quite the dynamic duo ever on Saturday since—always having a big time whether afternoons. just hanging out at home watching golf or And watching Angie, January 2, 1992, her first year anniversary at MMFA and after 25 years in taking to the road—we’ve covered a lot of birds with our other museums, she has returned as the new Director of MMFA territory over the years—places ranging Peterson’s Washington, DC? What are your main from the North Carolina mountains to Guild in hand—we do an awful lot of that. responsibilities? Moscow! These days, we spend a couple of weekends a month together at his
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Angie: I received a BA in Art History from the University of Florida in in 1990 and a MAT in Museum Education from the George Washington University in 1995.
The long way around the block:
also a big believer in the importance of people being self-knowing and being the right fit for their place and work at that very moment, about addressing those matters—with tough love—when that was not so. From her I also deepened my love for being professionally generous, the value of focusing on the greatest good rather than just staying in your own lane, head down.
My practice is a mash up of lots of influences. All my life, my natural default is to assume the best, to My trust. And, professional growing up, path began my parents at the modeled a Montgomery deep-seated Museum concern for Another favorite colleague at Hillwood of Fine Arts just being taught me about the value of systems where I calm, decent, and structures, of analysis, of finding served as and kind stories in data that help us make the best Assistant to all. They possible decisions. She was also so good Curator of showed me at reflective practice—the discipline of Education how to showapplying past lessons to future work. for Adult up, be all-in, Other beloved beings there taught me to Programs shoulder-in approach big event days like they were big (1991and get it athletic events, their “we’ve got this” and 94). After done for and “let’s git er done” mantras were powerful graduate with others models of leading from the top, bottom, school, I above, below, middle, and sides. It was like they always returned At a gallery opening at Kress on Dexter with Expose Art House's and beside walked around with an imaginary game to my Chintia Kirana and Boston Globe Correspondent Linda Matchan you…even day wipe board and play books bobbing hometown, when it’d be easier to run the other way and weaving as the day required. Charlotte, NC, to serve as Curator or phone it in. From my first boss at the of Education at the Museum of the MMFA, I learned to prize intellectual play And then there’s what I take from my New South (1995-96). Missing life in and creativity—the lesson that it’s not just spiritual side…much of that being the Washington, I returned to serve as about getting things done, also about how lessons of St. Benedict who was all about Curator of Education at the Octagon, the the work is done, that, just because its all that it takes to live and work well in Museum of the American Architectural work, it does not have to be drudgery. She community. For me, that’s getting quiet, Foundation (1997-98). Then, for nearly underscored the import of working wholelistening, being mindful. It’s also about twenty years, I served on staff at Hillwood heartedly, going well beyond rounding taking seriously the stuff that gets in the Estate, Museum & Gardens. There, I the bases, ticking boxes, checking off list way of living and working well together— held a number of positions ranging from items. for me, not Assistant Head of Interpretation to Chief doing what Operating Officer and Director of Learning Grad school is yours to & Engagement. In October 2018, I taught me do and the returned to my first professional love--the about human corrosive Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts--where development— effects of I now serve as director. While the work to get to the grousing. settings have changed—art museum, heart of why we I have no history center, historic house, estate people do what patience museum—the constants in my quarter we do, and how either of century or so of work in museums has to help navigate those things. been object-centered life-long learning, the stuff of life, audience engagement, and institutional be our best. The short sustainability. Another favorite way around boss, my first the block: How would you describe your leadership at Hillwood, Once upon style? After reading the New York Times Angie, hanging out with the MMFA art collection (photography by Sarah Graves) was all about a time, I Sunday Business section’s Corner Office attending to us as whole people—helping walked past a church marquee just off for years now, you’d think I’d have an us do well in our work but also addressing Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square…it answer to this classic at the ready…but no. the stuff about us that might hold us read: “To lead the people, walk behind Perhaps you should get the staff’s take on back on our forward journeys. She was them.” –Lao Tzu (Chinese philosopher and me here at the six-months-in mark?! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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founder of Taoism who wrote the Tao Te Ching or “The Book of the Way). I said to myself, “yep, that’s it…”
messiest ways imaginable. How best to combat mess: humor! That’s where the creativity and intellectual playfulness
What do you love about working in the art world? I love that I don’t take museumgoing for granted. Because I didn’t grow-up going to museums, I’ve always come at my work with an advocate’s heart, positioning museums to be more like Angie with Jim and Jane Barganier at the Sculpture Garden opening, libraries—trusted September, 2018. community comes in. Creating a trusting space where institutions, safe and welcoming places folks feel comfortable “what if we”-ing with worlds to offer. So, for me, the art and “how about”-ing. I think Hallmark has world is about facilitating connections, or had staff come together in something helping people learn to learn from art they called their “Collaboratory.” That’s the way we’ve been taught to learn always stuck with me. I imagine the from words via books, movies, and TV. writing rooms of Saturday Night Live and Presenting art as a means of developing a all of the late night shows also have a better understanding of ourselves, each, Collabroatory-ish quality about them. And other, and the world we share…just as we know what happens when they bring sports do that for the sports-minded, all that they are to bear and come at us music does that for the musically-inclined, with new ways of dealing with a reality of etc.… For me, the art world is about our time! making sure those of us who look to art have opportunities for finding ourselves in the stories art and museums tell. It is about the art and science of being evermore accessible in every sense of that word. BOOM!: In a recent interview, you mentioned learning about the power of collaborative work and intellectual play/ creativity when you worked at MMFA during the early 1990s, could you share more about these ideas as it relates to museums? Angie: Some of that is covered above. In addition: I’m a big believer in honoring the unique contributions that each of us brings to the life in the workplace— whether it’s just who we are and how we roll or what we’ve learned along the way and how we bring that to the moment at hand. Collaborative learning and teaching and working is a platform for bringing all of that together, sometimes in the
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put yourself out there or suspend disbelief or whatever—and so many of us are (to some degree) risk-averse—there’s a chance of calling something collaborative when it’s really just jargon or an intention/ aspiration or thin veil for something less than democratic, something highly controlled, even. Most of us have probably experienced something of that at some point and that can bring out the cynic in the least skeptical of us. All that said, attention must be paid when you set out to bring out a collective’s creative best… BOOM!: Tell us more about the art collections and exhibitions at MMFA? Angie: While the Museum’s collection is still home to the art of many of the regional artists who first established it, over time, it has become known for its strength in American art and Old Master Prints. Recent, important acquisitions of art made by African-American and Asian artists and works inspired by images and themes related to the experiences of these groups position us to better represent the breadth and depth of the lives and concerns of those who now call Montgomery and the River Region home. Through the exhibition of this work as well as the programs and events that help connect our communities with it, the MMFA is recognized as a leading arts and cultural resource here in the state and Southeastern region.
Sometimes our changing exhibitions allow us to explore strong themes in our collection and, at other times, they allow us to share stories that One of Angie's favorite art pieces...Robin Rose (American, born 1946) Delirium, 1982, our collection encaustic on linen aluminum laminate, 47 1/4 x 72 inches, Montgomery Museum of does not Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Canter, 1984. 5 support as well. Perhaps the most exciting of the changing exhibitions are those found The funny thing about being collaborative in the stunning, three-acre John and is that, for many, it’s a high-risk Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden that proposition—because it requires you to
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
opened last autumn. We still have a few months to enjoy the first rotation of outdoor sculpture—some of which are by Alabama artists in recognition of the state’s bicentennial—but are also already securing loans and commissions for the next wave of installations which will begin to make their appearances in 2020. Whether we are talking about our indoor or new outdoor galleries, the whole idea is to make sure that there’s always something new to see and do at the museum.
and used these fascinating things. Fashion and jewelry are something we can all connect with—on one level or another— we all get dressed in the morning in a manner that—whether we intend for it to or not—speaks volumes about how we perceive ourselves, how we want others to perceive us, what’s important and not, all of that. Funny to think about finding myself in the Faberge story… but I do. They made fancy boxes (that happened to be shaped like eggs for people to
How do you determine what At the Inside Out Project Photobooth truck at the Museum's recent Native American Day types of exhibits (photography by Sophie Szpalski) to present? We plan exhibitions 3-5 or more years enjoy in their in advance—so, we pick individual homes), I have exhibitions that work within that larger lots of interesting context. We look for shows that will: boxes and things attract visitors to the museum and sitting around sponsors for exhibitions; play to curatorial my home that and collection strengths or supplement say something gaps, generating new scholarship where about who I am needed; feature artists, themes, and and what I like interpretation that increasingly reflect the and can afford, breadth of identities and experiences of too…none shaped those who reside in and visit Montgomery like eggs, made and the larger River Region; promote new of precious ways of thinking about art and human materials but, creativity and what it tells us about our really the same own lived experiences; allow us to strike ideas are at a strong balance of media, messages, and play—just at a eras, styles, etc.…; and be affordable (the more modest can cost great sums to create or borrow!). level!!! In your experience, what types of art/ exhibits are the most popular? Well, at Hillwood, exhibitions about the big luxury design houses were always wellreceived. Faberge, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton…all the red-carpet names. They were fun ones to work on—not because I’m a shiny and sparkly kind of gal—but because jewelry and fashion and luxury goods were always a great hook, something to lure people in…and then you could tell the stories of the experiences of the people who made The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
different place or idea—from a night time walk on the beach to the place my head/ heart go when I remember to take time and try to take a few minutes’ leave from my “monkey mind”—I think that’s what Buddhists call all the mental clutter that swirls in our modern minds… BOOM!: Many of our readers are grandparents and they are always looking for ways to interact with their grandchildren, in what ways does MMFA help make this happen? Angie: The Museum’s interactive center— ArtWorks—and its related programs are designed for intergenerational learning. For details, check out the Museum’s website at https://mmfa. org/discover/ artworks/. BOOM!: With a busy schedule as the new Director of MMFA, have you found time to serve in civic groups or community?
Angie: It’s hard to draw the line between what I do for my work versus what I do as a citizen at large. The beauty of Museum work—perhaps especially in a community of this size—is that most Angie with Ben (her current love), finding her Inside Out of what you do Project pic at One Court Square, Downtown Montgomery satisfies the need Do you have and want to engage in both ways. Having favorite works of art in the collection? said all of that, I do want to get involved My favorite is Robin Rose’s 1982 Delirium. in something related to voter registration It’s a large, black canvas—a minimalist and election participation. That’s always work, one about which art skeptics might been an area of interest for me and, to say— “that’s art?” or “my child could have do that here with the potency of the Civil done that.” But close looking rewards Rights Movement as a backdrop, it’s hard the viewer as the layers of encaustic—a to imagine not engaging in something as waxy medium—are built up to suggest a important as helping everyone live into geometric platform with arcing, black-on the promise of the right and responsibility black lines that give a sense of the space that is civic engagement, that is voting. beyond that threshold. For 25 years it has drawn me in, each time taking me to a
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BOOM!: Many people over 50 experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, or maybe new careers…How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? Angie: I love stories about people— especially women who only hit their real stride at mid-life (like my beloved Julia Child) or those who continued to flourish and contribute well into old age (like my art heroine Eva Zeisel who made dishes with Crate and Barrel when she was 100—and that was just one of many of her late-in-life enterprises which continue to produce all these years since her passing). As for me, I’m not sure what the interconnection is, exactly between turning 50 and deciding to plunge back into life in Alabama. But, yes, it has been surprisingly exhilarating—at a time when life can sometimes feel a bit depleting— the strain and sorrows of elder caring, especially at distance, all that. For a while I’d been concerned about my capacity for resilience… Not quite sure why or how but being here—even with the stresses of packing up one home and establishing another along with all that is the work of a new job—but I am aware that I’m working with a new sense of reserve. I’ll have to pay better attention to this—to read and think more about it…so that I can maybe recreate a little of it next time the well’s feeling a bit dry. BOOM!: What are you most passionate about…besides the art world? Angie: Can’t separate my art and non-art lives. I love being back here with so many of the artists I’ve loved for so long and all the ones that are new to me, now with the resources to bring their work into my home and life, and with so many new linear feet of hanging space on my big walls! But besides art…for a long time it’s been food—making it, seeking it out, the more exotic or sophisticated the better. But anymore, I’m just happy to make something fresh and healthy at home and enjoy it with friends, preferably outside! It’s all about the go-to meals and the communion with the favorite folks in our lives.
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Aside from all that, I do like to set-up a good home, one that reflects all that I’ve come to learn and love in life—family and estate furniture, travel souvenirs… and then there’s always the art. Just can’t get away from that. I like a place where people want to be, where they are comfortable, at home, know they can tuck their feet under them on the sofa, know that they don’t have to call before stopping by. My friends and I half-joke— that I’m trying to go from a “cottage of contents” to a “cottage of content” as I get my new place sorted! Two of them even got tee shirts printed to that effect for the weekend they came down to help me really get that work underway! I also need for my home to be my retreat, my weekend place away, every day. Some of that is in the setting up, and some of it is in the remembering to use it as I intend to, sitting on the porch, in the yard, staring at the gardens, working in the yard, remembering to plant tomatoes and keep them watered! BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned? Angie: Love traveling—the going away, the coming home. Favorite times have been those spent with a dozen or so friends whose loose traveling group I’ve joined in the last 10 or so years. Because there are so many of us to share costs we rent the most magnificent places—I’m talking Architectural Digest-worthy places—sometimes just in the North Carolina Mountains, other times on the Italian lakes just outside of Milan, in the countryside near Bordeaux, on an island off the coast of British Columbia. While there are outings, these places are so lovely there’s always just a lot of sitting and staring and chatting and eating/ drinking. I love to explore foreign grocery stores and make simple suppers for this crew. That’s my traveling thing—to do ordinary things in extraordinary places. A lot of this travel has been “destination birthday-ing”—we’ve all been figuring how to mark our 50ths, and—all of the sudden—more and more 60ths! Coming from DC, with so many friends in foreign service, I’ve also really come to love dropping into their lives, and
just “doing life” with them. Navigating a hardware store in search of some needed thing with one of their ‘tweens as your language and cultural interpreter, going it alone for the day when everyone’s at work or school—museum, walking, just trying to be a good world citizen when in a foreign land—playing by their rules, all that. As for future plans—Canada’s eastern provinces are pretty high on my list as are the Scandinavian countries. And, I’ve been working on my family history so a trip to the Northern English countryside seems to be in order. But, being new to AL, I’m really more about hosting travelers eager to see what we are all about than I am about being a traveler… BOOM!: You relocated to Alabama’s capital from the nation’s capital, in your short time here, how would you describe the quality of life in the Montgomery/ River Region area? What would you like to see more of? Angie: Well, I tell everyone that I lived a lovely little life in great big DC. I lived and worked in the same neighborhood where I could walk up or down the street to get groceries, meet for a drink or meal. No commuting for me. I sought out a similar situation here, finding it in lovely Old Cloverdale. So, I’ve managed to retain all of that…and, now I also have gobs of outdoor space, plenty of beds and baths for any and all who come, plenty of new house and garden projects to figure out. Here, I love walking over to the Cloverdale Playhouse for their Guitar Pulls or over to the Capri for an artsy film. I’m still trying to figure out how to figure out what’s going on—for example when/where Electric Blue Yonder or ASF’s Ambuscadoes are playing next, what’s going on down at the Kress Building, who’s got a boat and wants to take to the river, all that. Love all the figuring out but hate it when I miss something. That’s what MGM is for me— the gatherings that are soul soothing, stimulating, satisfying. Everything about here that you’d expect…but, moreover, all that you might not. More, please. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Angie: I used to be quite the culture vulture—had to see every exhibit, every concert, try every new restaurant—I was that gal. And, now, like I’ve said I’m more judicious with my time and love. Come to my house for supper or I’ll come to yours, when possible with dogs. Come sit out back and let’s wait for the Barred Owl to ask “Who-Cooks-For-You?” Host a valentine’s card making party, just to brighten the winter doldrums. Do creative things, for others. Less is more. BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you? Angie: Asked a friend. She says: Insightful, steady, responsive. BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? Angie: Cooking and watching PBS cooking shows. I’d like to say reading but, it’s official, I’m now as bad at making time for that as I used to be good at it. Occasional concert-going, usually only in venues where I can perch and where they have tasty beer. Love hockey, especially after last year’s Stanley Cup—Let’s go Caps! Same for baseball—even though I now take my “Nattitude” from the Washington Nationals along with me when I go root, root, root for the Biscuits. And, I’ll always love me my ACC basketball and PGA tourneys. And, I’m becoming an unintentional birder. Un/fortunately, the bird food place is right next to the dog food place so I’m collecting quite the array of feeders and food in my back yard. Now, if I could only figure out where my bird book and binoculars are. All the boxes are unpacked now, so this is something of a great mystery. BOOM!: Many attractions and exhibits have become more interactive, using technology to enhance a visitor’s experience. If possible, how does MMFA use technology to enhance a visitor’s experience? What role does technology play in managing the museum? Angie: We value both the actual experience of being with us at the Museum and the virtual experience of The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
being with us via our website, social media, or other digital platforms. We hope that online participation will encourage onsite participation but we know that will not always be, so honor that difference. And recognizing that, for some, digital access is not always accessible, we seek non-tech ways of connecting with the community beyond the walls of the museum. Onsite, most of our interactive technologies are found in our interactive center, ArtWorks, where there are tech- and non-tech tools to help folks— particularly young learners—connect with and learn from art. Technology emerges in the gallery in a couple of different ways—stops on the permanent
The newest art experience at MMFA...Sculpture Garden
collection’s guide-by-phone system tell the stories behind select works and those who made them. And in the changing exhibition galleries, some featured artists present audio- and or video-based immersive and or interactive works that can transport viewers into altogether different experiences. Behind the scenes at the museum… well, we are a little microcosm—lots of the same business systems you’d find in any workplace—point of sale systems to support the Café and Museum Shop, accounting systems that allow us to manage the Museum Association’s funds and align our bookkeeping with the City’s since we are three-quarters funded by the City and County. And then there are the systems that are more unique to the museum—donor databases, collections databases, digital asset databases, all that. BOOM!: What does the future look like for MMFA?
Angie: The MMFA has weathered great change in recent years. And, while it’s still early days, I am justifiably optimistic that we are identifying the most important issues as priorities and are creating wellinformed and interesting ways to address them. Montgomery is on the rise and so is the Museum. In the spirit of “a rising tide lifts all ships,” we hope to leverage our rise to support the Region’s and vice versa. Cultural institutions are highly visible contributors to a places vibrance—we take that charge very seriously here at the Museum and are poised to deliver on that very promise. BOOM!: Volunteers are an important part of operating MMFA. Please share why volunteers are so valuable and how can our readers get involved with your Projects? Angie: Volunteers extend the Museum’s capacity to reflect and meet the community in conversation about art, in ways that inform our life experiences and enable us to flourish individually and collectively. A few of our current ones arrived on the scene before I did in 1991 and continue to exceed standards of performance every year. They are our best ambassadors, our most devoted colleagues, and we have the best time figuring it all out with them at our sides! Readers interested in exploring this merry band of magic makers can visit our website at https://mmfa.org/ support/volunteer/ or call our volunteer coordinator at 334.625.4349. We want to thank Angie for sharing some of her story for this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. Also a big thanks to Cynthia Milledge, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for her valuable assistance in coordinating Angie's profile. If you would like to learn more about Angie and MMFA visit www.MMFA.org or email her at adodson@mmfa.org. We also want to thank Shellee Roberts of Total Image Portraits, www.totalimage.com, for her cover photo for this month's cover. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com Read all of the BOOM! Cover Profiles at www.riverregionboom.com/archive/
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Tips for older adults to remain active, engaged By Sherry Saturno
As executive director of Gramatan Village, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with vibrant and active older adults. I have witnessed countless times how critical the importance of human relationships and connection is for elders. There is a strong correlation between human connection and engagement and the overall impact on an elder’s physical and mental health. Seniors who are imbued with a sense of purpose are less likely to succumb to the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness. Isolation can increase the risk of mortality, falls, and re-hospitalization among older adults. Feelings of loneliness have a negative impact upon an individual’s physical and mental health, and perceived aloneness may contribute to cognitive decline. Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to elder abuse, and it can instill a sense of pessimism about the future. How can seniors avoid becoming socially isolated and reap the benefits of remaining engaged? Volunteer: Freely offering your time and
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skills can decrease social isolation and feelings of solitariness . When you help others, you will find something greater than yourself. This experience is an opportunity to channel energy and, for some elders, their grief and challenges into something constructive and meaningful. For example, the national Senior Corps specializes in placing adults ages 55 and over in volunteer placements where their wisdom, talent, and skills may be best utilized. Prioritize Engagement: Recognize that your mental health and well-being is equally as important as your physical health. Honor your social engagements as you would a doctor’s appointment. Be Curious: Venture out of your comfort zones, take risks, and try activities you never attempted before. Remaining curious about the world, about learning, and about others is a powerful way to stay engaged. Obtain Transportation: Physical and geographic location often lead to seclusion, and in the case of seniors who cannot drive, transportation challenges remain a significant barrier to living a full life. Seek out organizations near you that provide transport for elders such as RideConnect and Paratransit. Address hearing and vision deficits Promote Purpose: Find what matters most to you. Keep learning: Embracing learning can also help promote overall well-being and
create opportunities for socialization through classes and discussion. DOROT offers the University Without Walls, for seniors who would like to learn more about history, art, and culture via instructional classes over the phone. Take a class.\ Seek intergenerational mentoring and activities Care for an animal: Your new friend doesn’t have to live in your home. Walk dogs at an animal shelter or play with kittens. Adapt social technology: Learn about social media/technology so that you can connect with new people on-line and friends and family. Take part in activities at the local library Explore Your Local Senior Center It takes a Village: Join a Village near you that supports aging in the communityconnect with the national Village to Village Network. Faith Communities: Contact local churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations as they offer activities and opportunities for socialization. Take up a hobby: Encouraging hobbies and activities is crucial to remaining engaged in the everyday. What do you love to do? Source: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) www.helpstartshere.org
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
High Point
The World’s Largest Home Furnishings Market Twice a year, 75,000+ people from the world over flock to 11.5 million square feet of show space in North Carolina where they source an expansive collection High Point Market Showroom of products of every professionals. Cindy immediately conceivable price point in over 2000 engages her passion of getting showrooms. This massive market acquainted, sharing info and picking is a social gathering that provides brains. After the long trip, I’m slowly and unparalleled opportunities for contently quaffing a wonderful, dark, networking, exposure to new ideas, six-dollar beer. But Cindy spots two ladies and trends shaping the interior design sitting a mile away across the spacious industry. The City of High Point (pop. lounge and springs into action. “I’m going 114,000) swells each April and October to meet them.” And off she goes. I watch as it hosts this amazing event. High Point them laugh and talk Market is huge! One can shop the Atlanta like old friends. I Market in a few days. But High Point finish my beer, stroll takes a week, and even then, only if one over and introduce is well-organized. Cindy and I recently myself as Cindy’s attended the April market. Here’s our delivery boy. They all story: cackle. Sheila Lyon is Market accommodations are scarce; so, I book a room at Hampton Inn, Salisbury, 36 miles shy. We fly Delta, with an Atlanta layover, to Charlotte Douglas International and rent a car. In route to Salisbury, Ashley Gilbreath of Montgomery’s Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design calls. She’s vacating early at the High Point Marriott and offers us her room, an unexpected blessing! We get closer to High Point and Cindy’s excitement intensifies. The Courtyard Marriott at High Point Mall is slammed with designers and various industry
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a successful Houston CPA-turned-designer. She employs several designers and does a whopping business. Her friend “Cricket”—I didn’t catch her last name— has connections to Montgomery. They’re delightful ladies. We spend the evening together over dinner.
I drive Cindy to the High Point Market Center and drop her off. Market parking is severely limited. I drive back to the mall parking lot, park and catch the Greyhound-sized shuttle bus back. I disembark in a vast outdoor Grand Central Station surrounded by huge structures and search for ginormous Building 2. I see Sheila and Cricket stepping from the hotel shuttle. They walk the opposite direction and I realize I’m going the wrong way. Cindy’s texting: “Come to the 11th floor of Building 2. Follow ‘green’ to the club ballroom.” I finally find the place. A thousand women and scattering of men are scarfing up what’s left of the complimentary breakfast buffet. I grab some cold eggs and take a seat at a round table with Cindy and designers from Maine and Virginia. A dozen or so “trend-spotters” take the stage and highlight their favorite market “finds” that are then simultaneously featured on a large screen. Cindy takes notes as new trends and colors are discussed. Then we depart on a daylong exploratory stroll through what seems like endless caverns of furnishings, accessories, art and antiques. I marvel at the immensity of the market. It’s like drinking art and design from a fire hydrant!
As I dodge the roving hoards swirling around me, Cindy’s right at home, calling people by name, like “Mehmet” from whom we have purchased chandeliers; Cindy's Lamp @ Paragon High Point Showroom “Steve” whom Cindy Next morning, we knew when she worked for Easters miss the 7:10 a.m. market shuttle; so,
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Casual Designs in Montgomery decades ago; and numerous designers, old friends. We stop in Paragon’s showroom where Cindy’s lamp line is debuting, chat with sales reps, snap photos and post a video to Instagram. Cindy leaves to visit other showrooms but I stay in Paragon’s dining area, munch on goodies and watch buyers come and go. A couple of ladies stroll in and take the table beside me. I ask them where they’re from. Ontario. They ask if I’m a designer. I explain that I’m merely a delivery boy. They smile politely. “But I’m here with designer Cindy Barganier,” I gush. As their curiosity in me fades I quickly add, “after market, I wrap her feet in hot towels and massage her legs,” whereupon, they gaze at me anew.
serve daily meals to the public as a mission’s fundraiser. I especially enjoy my generous slice of pecan pie for dessert.
Day four. The Hampton Inn’s delightful “Miss Peggy” is making my waffle. She’s insisting it be darker and that I use real butter not margarine. She’s right, of course, and it’s delicious. “I’m eighty-six,” she explains. “My husband was a veteran of the Korean War. It’s just me now. I’m just hanging out,” she laughs.
“Really? What does she pay you? Ever been to Canada?” Day two. We have several meetings with antique dealers and a wallpaper manufacturer—Cindy’s turning her fabric designs into wallpaper. We locate Cindy’s Instagram friend, the lovely and talented artist Windy O’Connor. Once the throngs of fans surrounding Windy finally leave, we enjoy a pleasant visit amid her colorful art and pillows. For lunch, we drive to The Parson’s Table at the United Methodist Church on Main Street where the Women of the Church
Day three. We drive back to the Salisbury Hampton Inn with its excellent staff and great service. We check in, then leave to explore Salisbury. George Washington visited here in 1791. And in 1865, Stoneman’s U.S. Calvary destroyed the town’s Confederate military infrastructure. We visit beautiful Salisbury Depot, an active Amtrak Station. There’s a plethora of historic homes and churches here; an art district, theatres, coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and pubs in the original downtown.
Artist Windy O'Conner and Designer Cindy Barganier
We visit more showrooms, encountering bright students from renowned High Point College. I pass out cards. “Down the road, we’ll be looking for one of you to come take over our business; so, stay in touch!” I visit my friend Marco who owns an amazing company that makes furniture in Italy. It’s been several years since we’ve talked. He sternly warns me about the evil of socialism and the havoc it’s wrought in his country.
We arrived at the airport and returned the rental car early. We’re sitting in rocking chairs now at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport listening to a young man play melodious tunes on a grand piano. If you have to sit in an airport for 5 hours, it doesn’t get much better than this! It’s a soothing way to conclude a fast-paced, mind-blowing High Point Market trip. For more info visit: www.highpointmarket.org
Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram #jeffbarganier.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
A PANSY FOR MOTHER’S DAY
(This story was suggested for the May column by a Newstalk 93.1 listener, who heard me tell it on the air, and thought it was great for Mother’s Day. I agree!)
All Moms have that inner-tiger, the protective instinct. Carol Budell was generally an even keeled woman, but her tiger roared when Kimmy was in high school. My genius sister (IQ 183, really) had aced every course every semester, into high school. In her sophomore year, she had a tumor removed from her thigh bone and had to sit on the sideline during Gym class. The Phys Ed teacher gave her a “B”.
BOOMers, our Moms were a pretty special group of women. Many of our Moms were touched by the Great Depression, then helped win World War II by working traditionally male jobs. When the war ended, they joined a new production lineus!
"Pansy" and Mom were hardcore Yahtzee players! (Greg claims he let her win-not!)
My Mom was just young enough to miss World War II, only 16 when it ended. Mom had dropped out of high school after a couple years to work at Chicago’s legendary Marshall Field’s department store. Adult women were needed in the B-29 engine plants and other assembly lines. Young girls dropped out by the thousands during the war to carry on the business of shopping. All Mom ever told us about high school was that Mel Torme was a classmate. I’m not sure what happened between them but whatever it was, she didn’t care for him- and that’s being kind to the late Crooner. I did not know my mother’s “shame” as a dropout until I was in my 20s. Inspired by an episode of “All In The Family”, she snuck off to a local community college
a couple nights a week until she earned her GED. She was so proud, as were we. None of us knew. Hell, our Moms were Management, and masters at the craft. They never took a day off from the most important job in this life- parenting. I was born. By the time I was walking my brother and future doctor, Dave was born. 13 months later, my sister Jody came along. We thought membership in that club was closed until a shocking day in 1965 when Mom announced there would be a 4th. Just as the family trio was becoming somewhat self-sufficient, BOOM, my sister Kim arrived. I’ll say thisKim’s older siblings were very helpful. We adored our little sister, who is currently a nuclear physicist.
Kimmy came home with tears. Upon seeing this atrocity, Mom got in the car, drove to the school, walked past the staff into the principal’s office and announced, “YOU’RE CHANGING THIS GRADE!”. Mom was not going to let Kim’s perfect scholastic record be ruined by a situation over which she had no control. There was no quibbling by Mr. Bloom. The grade was changed, and Kim soared through the rest of her academic career without the blemish of anything less than an “A”. Perfect. I know how that Principal felt. I also had a “come to Jesus” moment with Mom, who could be an irresistible force when her tiger was ticked. It was the summer after graduating high school. The culture was changing at warp speed. My hair had grown long, and I’d adopted the fashions of the time. One
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
summer afternoon, I was out in front of the house sporting my elephant bells topped by a garishly flowered shirt. I was chatting with a neighborhood buddy when our family’s Plymouth Fury station wagon pulled into the driveway. Mom hopped out, dropped the tail gate, and began hauling bags of groceries into the house. To my everlasting embarrassment and shame, I did NOTHING to help. Paralyzed by laziness, I stood there pretending no help was needed and offered none.
walking straight to the nearby shopping mall making a bee-line for Wieboldt’s department store at the closest entrance. I walked into the personnel office and said, “I need a job”. “Good”, said the lady at the desk. “Fill out this application and I’ll be back in 10 minutes”. She returned, looked at my application and said, “when can you start?”. “Immediately”, I replied. I think she could sense I was under some duress.
After the last bag was placed in the kitchen, Mom came down to the street where I was standing in all my flower power glory and looked at me with a face I saw only that day. She stood there, hands on hips, looked me up and down, and said “Why don’t you get a job, you PANSY!”. She spun around and walked back into the house.
“Great! Come back tonight at 6:30 and we’ll train you to work in the luggage department. Oh- and please wear a white shirt, tie and slacks. That outfit you have on won’t do”.
It was the greatest motivational speech I ever heard. Ever.
“I got a job at Wieboldt’s, Mom. I start tonight”.
You can tout Tony Robbins and those guys all you want. There was no way I could walk into that house, because Mom would probably promote me from Pansy to something worse.
She looked stunned, her eyes turning to the kitchen clock. I’d transformed from Pansy to Mighty Oak in just 84 minutes. She smiled, hugged me and offered to press my pants.
Instead, survival instincts had me
We laughed at that story many times in
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
I about-faced, reversed my Walk of Shame back to the house, walked into the kitchen and found Mom.
the years to come- to the point where she kind of felt bad about it and said so once while we were playing her favorite game, Yahtzee. “MOM! You gave me exactly what I needed at that moment!”. I wish I had the presence of mind to add “just like you have my entire life”. So, I’m saying it here. Mom. All BOOMer Moms. You. Were. Amazing. FOOTNOTE- (If your Mom is still around, give her an extra hug from me, please? If she asks, “what was that for?” tell her it was from the Big Pansy on the radio.) Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and is marking 12 years in the River Region in 2017. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Emily Hayes, 6-9AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Joey Clark. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
Free Subscriptions www.RiverRegionBoom.com
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May 2019
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
First Friday Cruise-Ins Lower Dexter, Downtown Montgomery Fridays, May 3 and June 7, 5:30-7 pm Come out for the 2019 Lower Dexter First Friday Cruise-ins! The lower block of Dexter Ave. will be closed off once the featured vehicles are in place. Numerous restaurants and food trucks will be open including Alabama Sweet Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, FRIOS Pops, Prevail Union, Cuco’s Mexican Café and others. Interested in showing your car? Apply at www.LowerDexter.org. Join us for some free family friendly fun on Lower Dexter! Call 334.273.0313 for more information. For more info visit www.lowerdexter.org/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Grandparents Event
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts’ Flimp Festival MMFA Saturday, May 4th, 10–2 pm
The 30th annual Flimp Festival will be held at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Saturday, May 4, 10 AM to 2 PM, complete with hands-on art activities for children, music, dance, theatrical performances, a treasure hunt in the galleries, a sidewalk-art competition, food, and more. Flimp’s first time in the Caddell Sculpture Garden, this year’s art activities, chalk art, and activities all celebrate garden and nature themes. Art activities include: beaded garden art, bird feeders, clay and yarn sculptures, Flimp houses, flower color wheels, flower prints, leaf rubbings, painted balloons, pinwheels, wind chimes, and sun catchers. Other garden-focused activities include bubbles, a kid color zone especially for those under the age of 4, a treasure hunt, yard games, plus all that the Museum’s interactive gallery, ArtWorks, has to offer. For more info visit www.mmfa.org
PIKE ROAD, ALABAMA
Music in May at The Waters The Waters Town Square Sundays in May-5, 12, 19. 26, 4-6 pm Looking for a fun family event this spring? Join others at The Waters in Pike Road for Music in May - LIVE MUSIC at The Square from 4-6pm each Sunday! We have an awesome line-up of local artists coming your
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way. So, grab your lawn chairs, snacks & friends for a series of great afternoons at The Waters’ Town Square. 201 Waters View Drive Pike Road, AL 36064 • 4-6pm May 5th: Brett Burcham May 12th: Jason Givens May 19th: Laurel Taylor & James Keith Posey May 26th: Gypsy Cornbread. For more info call 334.272.3200 or visit www.facebook.com/ pg/TheWatersAL/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
“Alabama Then & Now” Bicentennial Art Exhibition Pike Road Town Hall May 6-17, m-f, 8-4:30 pm and Saturday May 11, 10-2 pm The Town of Pike Road is excited to host "Alabama Then & Now," a traveling bicentennial art exhibition presented by the Alabama Plein Air Artists (APAA), at Town Hall May 6 - 17 in celebration of the State of Alabama's Bicentennial. The exhibition will feature original paintings portraying places of historical significance across Alabama. The community is invited to view the exhibition from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. All are invited to join us and celebrate Alabama's history through the arts! Call 334.272.9883 for more information or visit www.pikeroad.us
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Hand-lettering Class Southern Art & Makers Collective Thursday, May 9, 5:30-7:30 pm
Join Kaitlyn Weardon in a beginner class that will introduce you to the world of hand-lettering and modern informal calligraphy at Southern Art & Makers Collective (formerly Product of Montgomery).You will learn the basic strokes to use for hand-lettering and become familiar with pen pressure and stroke width. You will learn two techniques for developing your own handwriting style of lettering. You will also learn how to letter a short quote of your choosing. This class will also introduce a few different kinds of lettering pens. If you are a beginner with no lettering experience, this class is for you. All supplies for the class are included in ticket price. Class is Thursday, May 9, 5:307:30. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.southernartmakers.com/events. For more info call 334.303.2558.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Taco Libre 2019 Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Saturday, May 11th, 2-10 pm
TACOS: We are bringing Alabama's Taco Festival back to Montgomery on The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Saturday, May 11, 2019! Alabama's 4th Annual Taco, Beer and Music Festival, celebrating taquerias, restaurants and food trucks from all over the state and featuring Cerveza Modelo, Corona Light, Victoria, Corona Premier, and Pacifico. This is a multi-tiered designed festival that features entertainment and activities for all ages and is family friendly. As the evening progresses the music ramps up from 8pm to 10pm. Follow the Facebook event for the most up to date information. Get your tickets at www.lightninglinemgm.com or visit www.facebook.com/ events/1066056866909543/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Second Sundays @ MMFA Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Sunday, May 12, 2-4 pm Some things are better together! Family Art Affair, Jazz Jams, and our popular docent-led Sunday tours are now on the second Sunday of every month. Bring the whole family for this multifaceted Museum experience. Family Art Affair: Folk art and self-taught artists often use materials and inspiration that surround them. Learn, listen, and create using your imagination just like the artists in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts’ collection. Jazz Jams: Come to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy a lively afternoon of jazz performed by local musicians. Talking Points: Learn more about the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts! Docents lead you in exploring the artistic treasures on view during these free, half-hour tours. Tours will begin every 20 minutes in the Museum’s lobby. For more information, call 334.625.4333 or visit www.mmfa.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Dinner on Dexter Dexter Avenue, Downtown Montgomery Thursday, May 16, 6-9 pm You are invited to a fabulous evening of music, food and entertainment to support all of the amazing programs offered by your Montgomery CityCounty Public Library. The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour of live music, followed by a multi-course meal prepared by local top chefs and ends with dancing under the stars on the historic Dexter Avenue. Tickets are live on our website at www. dinnerondexter.com or on Eventbrite. Individual tickets are $100. Couple's tickets are $150.00. For more info, call 334.240.4300 or visit www.dinnerondexter.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Hampstead Food Truck Takeover Spring Hampstead Living-Taylor Road Sunday, May 19, 12-3 pm Come join local Food Trucks for delicious street food in Hampstead this Spring! Enjoy local food, great drinks, parks and play space, and a walkable neighborhood on these fun Sunday Fundays! A variety of local trucks may include Little Donkey, Wharf Casual Seafood Montgomery, Smokin' Wells BBQ, Sno Ta Go, Taqueria El Campesino, Fire Meats Wood LLC, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region, That's My Dog Montgomery, Alabama Sweet Tea Co., Cheesecake Empori-Yum, and Dynamite Dogs. Enjoy craft beer, wine, and cocktails at our Town Center businesses including The Tipping Point (open for drinks and snacks - food truck food The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
may be brought in) and TASTE serving Sunday Brunch. Call 334.270.6730 for more information. For more info visit www.facebook.com/events/776328292743604/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Apollo 11 Capri Theatre, Cloverdale May 24-30, Fri-Sat-Sun: 5:00-7:30, Mon-Thurs: 7:30 Last month, mankind got its first photo of a black hole. Fifty years ago, mankind got people on the moon for the first time. Oh, the neverending desire for discovery that humans have. You know the story, but you've never seen it like this before. We don't just have newly-restored film footage, we have newly-discovered film footage. Most impressive is how the filmmakers captured what it felt like to take that first step with Armstrong all over again. Yes, it's a documentary. Yes, it will eventually be online somewhere. But this, people, is the first time man walked on the moon. Something that amazing deserves to be experienced on the bigger than your TV. For more info visit www.capritheatre.org.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA The Charlie Daniels Band MPAC, Downtown Montgomery Friday, August 2, 8 pm
From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 81, Charlie has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need. For tickets and info visit www. mpaconline.org or www.charliedaniels.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band MPAC Sunday, August 11, 7:30 pm Lyle Lovett and His Large Band was released in early 1989. Critics and fans lauded the album, which eventually went gold. The album was heavily influenced by jazz, R&B, and swing, but it still managed to produce the minor country hit "I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You." His rendition of Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" also received a good deal of attention. Then he starred in the Robert Altman film "The Player" in 1992 and met co-star Julia Roberts. The two wed after just three weeks of dating and embarked on a very high-profile yet short-lived marriage. For ticket info visit www.mpaconline.org and www.lylelovett.com R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
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Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
Antibiotic Resistance
First of all, I would encourage you to listen to the following TedTalk on YouTube, Antibiotic Resistance: What You Can Do to Prevent a Future Pandemic | Ravina Kullar | TEDxBend (https://youtu.be/ tGtYvQCSfFA); it truly brings to light the reality of antibiotic resistance in real life. It’s one thing being informed that there are strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, but it’s quite another seeing what that actually means – 700,000 deaths a year! At the current trajectory, that will increase to 10,000,000 a year by 2050, if left unchecked. Dr. Alexander Flemming, the man who discovered Penicillin, predicted this catastrophe 70 years ago, but it has taken us until now to finally take it seriously. People are dying because they get an infection after a relatively straight forward surgery and they never recover because none of the antibiotics work. Every time we use an antibiotic, its effects are lessened for using it again because the bacteria are building up their resistance to it. The problem has become so severe that antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. A growing list of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhea, and foodborne diseases – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective. In some areas, antibiotics can be bought for human or animal use without a prescription and this causes the emergence and spread of resistance to be made worse by rampant overuse. Similarly, in countries without standard treatment guidelines, antibiotics are often over-prescribed by health workers and veterinarians and over-used by the public. Even in countries with guidelines they are often mis-prescribed, for example for the treatment of a virus, like a cold, where it has no effect anyway.
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Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill.
The World Health Organization advises us that we as individuals can help prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance by following the guidelines below: • Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a certified health professional. • Never demand antibiotics if your health worker says you don’t need them. • Always follow your health worker’s advice when using antibiotics. • Never share or use leftover antibiotics. • Prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, practicing safer sex, and keeping vaccinations up to date. • Prepare food hygienically, following the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food (keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, use safe water and raw materials) • Choose foods that have been produced without the use of antibiotics for growth promotion or disease prevention in healthy animals. Tyson foods was one of the first to make the move to alternative practices to keep animals healthy – too many companies use antibiotics (a) to encourage growth – though there is now an Act passed to prevent that, and (b) as a “preventative” measure for infections, as opposed to keeping animals healthy in the first place. See their Antibiotic Use declaration below: Tyson Foods is the world’s largest producer of no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) chicken. All chickens raised for the Tyson® retail brand are grown without using any antibiotics – ever. In addition, Tyson Foodservice offers chicken raised with no antibiotics ever under the Tyson Red Label™ brand Tyson True®Tenderpressed® brand and select Tyson® individually frozen bone-in products. For the 2018-19 school year, all of Tyson K-12 commodity eligible poultry
products will transition to no artificial ingredients and no antibiotics ever.
We’ve been able to reduce the use of antibiotics in our chicken flocks through the use of antibiotics alternatives, such as probiotics and essential oils, as well as improved housing and breeding practices. Because of our commitment to animal welfare we will still treat sick flocks with antibiotics, when necessary, however, these birds will not be used for products sold under the NAE label. We report on the use of antibiotics in our chicken business in our annual SUSTAINABILITY REPORT.” Any food company that is this transparent regarding the information they supply to the consumer has to be doing the right thing. Tyson is a huge company and therefore has a huge market, so it is great to see such a giant making this move. Hopefully many others will follow. For now, it is up to you to continue to do your own research, READ THE LABELS, look for the USDA Organic symbol, or “No antibiotics used in the raising of these animals”. It will definitely be stated on the label; if it is not, you can assume that the animal was raised with antibiotics. By eating that meat, you are eating any antibiotic resistant bacteria that the animal contained and therefore if you ever get an infection yourself, even from a simple cut, the antibiotics prescribed have a significant chance of not working. This is a serious problem, please consider your options carefully when purchasing meat. Tracy Bhalla, Independent Consultant with NYR Organics, website: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/ tracybhalla email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com You can also visit Tracy’s blog at Tracybhalla.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.
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