HealthNEWS November 2012
for Boomers and Beyond
Coping with Diabetes You’ve just learned that you’re one of the more than 26 million people in the United States who have diabetes. Now what? Knowledge is empowering. Education about diabetes can help you manage your blood glucose and prevent long-term complications. So, now that diabetes has been diagnosed, it’s time to look forward. Ask yourself: What can I do now to control this disease? According to the American Diabetes Association, you should: Create a meal plan—and stick to it. Your doctor or a dietitian will help you adjust your diet to meet your blood sugar (glucose) goals. You can probably expect to: • Learn about simple and complex carbohydrates and how they effect your blood glucose levels. • Get more fiber, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Eat less salt and saturated fats. Exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control—and it even helps insulin work better. It’s also a great way to relieve stress. Try to work up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day, five days a week. Aim to do some strength training and stretching too. Work with your doctor to create an exercise plan that suits you. “Poor control of diabetes can lead to many complications including kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and stroke,” says Basil O. Burney, MD, endocrinologist with Jackson Clinic. “However, diabetes is very controllable and lots of advances have been made in the past few
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years with regards to insulin and non-insulin diabetes medications.” Know your blood glucose level. Your doctor will help you determine your target glucose level and how often you should check your blood. Many people test several times a day. Record the results to share with your doctor. You should also have an A1C test at least twice a year. It tests average blood glucose levels for the last three months. Managing blood sugar isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it. Over time, a high blood glucose level can damage nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes is also linked to many other serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss and kidney disease. Burney also notes that the single most important factor that helps in controlling diabetes is a patient’s understanding and the acceptance of the disease. It requires some lifestyle modifications, strict diet, frequent glucose testing, medication and insulin compliance, and also close follow-ups with your healthcare provider.
These tests will help you know if your levels are too high: • A1C. This is a measure of your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. The goal for most people is below 7 percent. The ADA recommends getting the test at least twice each year. • Blood pressure. For people with diabetes, high blood pressure starts at 130/80 mm Hg, a lower level than for the general public, advises the ADA. Have your blood pressure measured at each checkup. And test your blood pressure at home if advised by your healthcare provider. • Cholesterol. LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL of blood. Triglycerides, another harmful type of blood fat, should be under 150 mg/dL. And levels of HDL (good) cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL in men and above 50 mg/dL in women. Have your cholesterol measured at least yearly, advises the ADA.
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
November 2012
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Volume 3 Issue 4
Carl Bard
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 7 My Favorite Time of Year...Holidays! 8 Publisher’s Letter 12 Cover Profile 15 Four Moves to be Happier page 20
Features 18 Beautiful Boomer Women
20 Empty Nesters, Will Travel
Departments 10 This and That
28 {12} Things
With Style & Fashion
Have you heard...?
4 active international vacations
21 Seniors Stepping into Tattoos “5,6,7,8 Dance”
Solutions for bored people.
30 Male Call
Greg Budell, “God Bless Ceiling Fan”
22 Healthy Hearing, What’s Wrong With My Hearing Aids? 25 Art & Soul: Sandi Aplin 27 Christian Perspective: Sherry Debray 31 BOOM! Advertising
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COVER PROFILE page12
page 11 page 7
page 18
page 21
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 8637 Harvest Ridge Dr., Montgomery, AL 36116. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2012 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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F R A Z E R
DECEMbER
15 & 16 Wesley Hall
starts at 7 p. m .
U M C
P R E S E N T S
Experience the warmth, hope, laughter, and love that Christmas cards bring, brought
to life through stage and song.
Features over 200 voice choir, full orchestra, soloists and ensembles in musical styles ranging from traditional, to big band, to contemporary. The program is free, and childcare is available for ages infant to three.
FRAZER METHODIST Highway, Montgomery riverregionboom.comCHURCH • frazerumc.org • 6000 Atlanta November 2012 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine 6 BOOM! UNITED
“My Favorite Time of Year!”
Beginning Saturday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. It’s a parade for Santa’s arrival at The Shoppes at EastChase! The day will include a parade for Santa, carriage and train rides, cookies and cocoa stations, and face painting. Carriage and train rides will run until 2 p.m.
Photos with Santa: Starting Saturday, November 17, photos with Santa will be in the Guest Services office. Friday, November 23 and December 21 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. December 24 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Carriage Rides (next to Earth Fare Organic Grocer):
Starting Saturday, November 17 Shoppers can enjoy holiday carriage rides through The Shoppes at EastChase every Saturday from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Train Rides (next to Books-A-Million): Starting Saturday, November 17 Kids can experience the sites and sounds of Christmas with train rides through The Shoppes at EastChase every Saturday from 3:007:00 p.m. After Thanksgiving Gift Card Giveaway: The Shoppes at EastChase will be giving away $500 gift card every hour from
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. during Black Friday! There will also be other drawings at various destinations throughout the Shoppes. Breakfast with Santa: December 15 & 22 from 8-10 a.m. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at Panera Bread at The Shoppes at EastChase. $10 will include visits with Santa and breakfast. Participants must register by Wednesday, December 12. Baking Cookies with Santa: December 8, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Kids can bake with Santa at Williams-Sonoma at The Shoppes at EastChase! The baking fun will be $5 and participants must register by Wednesday, December 5.
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publisher’s letter
Something Good About A Road Trip 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.
Recently, Jackie and I were invited on a press tour to Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Roanoke Valley area which is centrally located in and around Roanoke, VA. We accepted the invitation and decided to drive and take in the fall colors. One of the main purposes of the trip was to experience some of the country’s best fall foliage along the historical Blue Ridge parkway and the surrounding mountains. It was the best we have ever seen. We must’ve heard the word “Peak” at least 100 times because that’s exactly how the locals described the fall foliage all around Roanoke. I will share more about our trip in the coming months but for now you may want to begin planning your fall trip for next year. You can begin the journey at www.visitroanokeva.com
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson
kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Dr. Bettie Borton Greg Budell Cheryl Carter Sherry Debray Bob Ekelund Vickie Lawrence Robert Nolin
Cover Photography Lola Fine Art Photography
twololas@lolafineartphotography.com
www.lolafineartphotography.com
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Monette Mottenon, 334.523.9510
monette@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution
Network Delivery
Printing
Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
I’m a fan of the “road trip!” I love getting in the car and just getting away from the normal. It’s a great time to catch up on some thinking and if the traffic’s not too congested, even some relaxing can be accomplished. One of my favorite things to do is spend time just talking. Jackie and Jim Watson, Publisher I spent nearly 10 hours in the car and the time went by very easily because we have so much to share and learn from each other. We shared about the new iphone 5 we had just bought, we laughed about how often we get lost, sometimes just trying to get out of a parking lot, no kidding! But the greatest thing is just hanging out with each other. We’ve got nowhere else to go, so we might as well sit and talk or sit and read, but we will sit and hang out together. The “road trip” is a good cure for the busyness of life and the addiction of technology. If you’re lucky, you might even break out in song, Jackie and I did.
This month’s issue of BOOM! is another example of the beautiful Boomer Women who live in the River Region. We were very fortunate to work with Elizabeth Richards of Copperwing Design, Vickie Lawrence, Marketing Manager for The Shoppes at Eastchase and Traci Smith, the fashion coordinator from The Shoppes at Eastchase in bringing together a fashion layout for women over 50. Thanks also to Talbots and Ann Taylor for sharing their fashions with our special models. Included with the models is the BOOM! Cover Profile, Cheryl Carter. Many of you will know her and the other models as well. Cheryl is the Executive Director of Leadership Montgomery and has spent many years in the River Region improving the quality of life for all of us when it comes to education, training and leadership for future generations. She shares an interesting perspective in this month’s Q & A. The rest of this month’s content includes my favorite radio guy, Greg Budell and his take on what he’s thankful for. Sherry Debray is back with her column from a Christian Perspective, especially those seeking help. There’s a few international travel destinations suggested for all of you empty nesters out there itching to pack your bags. And of course, we’re offering a little ditty about some seniors getting tattoos. You got yours? I’m sure there’s at least one thing you would be interested in doing from our 12 Things list. There’s even something this month about how to make yourself happy! Go ahead and give it a try. We have new advertisers this month because they value you. Most businesses know that the majority of our readers are women age 50+ and that they control most purchases and have the most wealth of any consumer group. We appreciate the opportunity to serve those businesses that value our readers, please consider their products and services. Thanks for sharing BOOM! with your friends and take time to thank those around you for the blessings they’ve become. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
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HEAR for the holidays RECONNECT. ENGAGE.
From the staff of Doctors Hearing Clinic:
Have a wonderful holiday! Bettie B. Borton, Au.D., FAAA, Board-certified Doctor of Audiology President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology
Friends & Family GIFT COUPON
Stop by our offices and pick up a $250 holiday gift certificate for your friends and family. This gift certificate is absolutely free and makes a wonderful holiday gift! Applicable toward an AGX 5, 7, or 9 two-device system. Expires 12/31/12.
Doctors Hearing Clinic Helping People Hear!
MONTGOMERY 7025 Halcyon Park Dr, Ste A
334.396.1635
2012 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
OpElika 2204-D Gateway Dr
334.745.1635
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This & tHAT
MMFA - Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Art In Concert is a brand new event, hosted by the MMFA’s Junior Executive Board, to be held on Friday, November 16. The event kicks off at 5 P.M. with a VIP preview party which offers early access to our annual Artist Market, along with hors d’oeuvres and a beer tasting. Following the preview party, the Dexateens and Fly Golden Eagle will perform live at 7:30 P.M. on the Museum’s lawn. For more information, please call the Museum at 334.240.4333. Concert Only: $12 advance/ $15 at the door. VIP Preview Party and Concert: 30 advance/ $35 at the door. (Rain or shine-Blankets and chairs welcomed-No outside food or drinks.)
Saturday, November 17, Artist Market 10 - 4 pm. The 3rd Annual Artist Market is FREE and open to the public. Browse works created by more than 30 regional artists who are represented in the Museum Store - paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry and more! For more info visit http://www.mmfa.org
Cookies Paired With Wine by Design Skip dinner and go straight for the cookies, perfectly paired with your favorite wine! Cookies, meet wine. You no longer have to decide, “Should I have a cookie or a glass of wine.” Cookies and Corks has brought two of life’s greatest pleasures together for you, creating a line of cookies specifically designed to pair with wine. There are red, white and sparkling pairing boxes, filled with a mix of cookies like Sea Salt Chocolate Oatmeal and White Cheddar Rosemary. Each box-by-wine-type has 15 cookies and sells for $7.95. If one cookie in particular knocks your socks off, you can also buy an entire box of your favorite savory or sweet delight. Five cookies to a box costs $3. Once you’ve got your cookies and wine in hand, the website gets even more specific, noting the ideal pairings by cookie and grape. Cookies and Corks can be purchased online or ask for them at your favorite wine store, for more info visit www.cookiesandcorks.com
The Homecoming at the Red Door Theatre The Homecoming, adapted from Earl Hamner’s book that gave us the beloved TV series, The Waltons, this play tells the heartwarming story of a large, depression-era family at Christmas, and a special gift from the father for his eldest son. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on November 28, 29, and December 1, are preceded by a seated dinner (reservations required). The Sunday, December 2, performance is a 2:30 p.m. matinee. This production will be presented in the historic Red Door Theatre in Union Springs, AL. Contact (334) 738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net for info. Visit www.reddoortheatre.org to learn more about the event and the theatre.
There’s an APP for Alabama’s Outdoorsman The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is proud to announce its first-ever mobile application now available on iTunes. The iPhone application, Outdoor Alabama, offers a variety of useful tools and information for on-the-go hunters, anglers and outdoorsman throughout the state of Alabama and can be downloaded for free by visiting the Apple iTunes store.
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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
Turkey Burner Race MetroFitness and Montgomery MultiSport host the Twelfth Annual “Turkey Burner” run/walk at Peppertree Center on November 17th, featuring a 5K run/walk at 8am followed by a 1Mile fun run at 9am with an award ceremony to follow. The local fitness partners are teaming up to contribute to the community through MMS Charities and the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Beside the runs, the morning will be filled with live music and entertainment, food and refreshments. All Participants are asked to bring two or more items of canned food as part of the entry fee. Registrations can be made online at active.com or dropped off at MetroFitness Club and Spa or Montgomery MultiSport. Race day registration for the 5K/1Mile runs is open from 6:30 to 7:30am. Participants registered by November 13th are guaranteed a Beefy-Tee cotton long-sleeve race shirt. “About 800 runners and walkers supported us in our fight against hunger and poverty across Alabama by taking part at last year’s Turkey Burner event”, says Park Hinman, executive director of the Montgomery Area Food Bank. “We are looking forward to another highly popular race this year and to making a difference in the Thanksgiving celebrations of the poorest amongst us.”
Frazer Older Adult Trip Ministry
Audigy Group Honors Bettie B. Borton, Au.D. with Growth Award The leadership and members of Audigy Group have recognized Dr. Bettie Borton, Au.D., with a 2012 Most Improved Business Award. Dr. Borton was one of 12 recipients of this award and was honored for her 44 percent business growth from 2011 to 2012. The award was presented to Dr. Borton before the 600 plus members attending Audigy Group’s Annual Team Summit in Las Vegas, NV. Like many small businesses, private-practice audiology clinics have faced challenging economic times in recent years. Despite these challenges, Dr. Borton’s audiology practice, Doctors Hearing Clinic, has experienced significant growth. Dr. Borton is delighted to be a recipient of this award and is optimistic about the future of her patient centered practice.
Frazer’s Older Adult MInistry will host a trip to the Biltmore Estate at Christmas time. The trip will take place Dec. 5-7, and the deadline to register and provide a deposit is Nov. 5. Contact Sandy Boswell, 495-6391, for trip details.
Harpsichord Ensemble Chamber Music Concert by Candlelight Delight in the true spirit of the Christmas season at the annual Harpsichord Ensemble Chamber Music Concert by Candlelight featuring the music of Corelli, Telemann, John Rutter et. al., performed at the Christchurch Sanctuary, 8800 Vaughn Rd., on Wednesday evening, December 12th at 6 pm. Featured artists are Margaret Cauthen, Choirmaster of Christchurch; Ahrim Kim, MSO Cello Fellow; Robin Scott, MSO Violin Fellow; Dr. Robert Scott, MSO Flautist; and the Christchurch Chancel Choir under the leadership of Maestro Thomas Hinds, as well as vocal soloists Christina Burrouhgs, Leah Dubberly, Amy Hanchey, and Lance Hensley. Christchurch welcomes you to warm your heart at this free concert. Guests are welcome to stay for the Champagne & Dessert Reception, to honor the musicians, and join in fellowship in this beautiful Christian setting. Obtain your tickets for the Champagne and Dessert reception by calling the church, 334-387-0566, ext. 203, beginning Wednesday, November 14th. Visit www. christchurchxp.net for more details.
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Cheryl Carter, Leader of the Pack
Clinton and Cheryl
Cheryl’s mother, Cheryl, sister Tina and sister-in-law Bonnie
This month’s BOOM! profile is Cheryl Carter. Many of you know Cheryl through her educational career in both the Montgomery Public Schools and St. James School. She is presently the Executive Director of Leadership Montgomery, which works closely with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce developing young professionals in the River Region for future leadership opportunities in our community. Cheryl recently shared some of her life’s journey with us including her thoughts on ambition, fashion and her husband of thirty years, former Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, Clinton Carter. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know Cheryl as much as we have.
period, I was drafted to the superintendent’s office to spearhead the writing of a Magnet Schools Assistance Grant, which netted the Montgomery Public School System $7,000,000 and launched seven of the school system’s first magnet schools. In 1996, I helped move the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Center into the Booker T. Washington Vocational Center, and I became the founding principal of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School.
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc.?
Along the way, I met my husband Clinton, who is the retired superintendent of the Montgomery Public School System. We have been happily married for over thirty years. He has two married daughters who live in Winston Salem, North Carolina; and we have one granddaughter, Erin, and a cat, Smokey, who is the real boss of our house.
Cheryl: I grew up in Winter Park, Florida, near Orlando, but since I have always had a curiosity about how other people live and think, it was natural for me to look for a college outside Florida. I graduated from a very large high school, so for a different experience, I sought a small college. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher, so after extensive research, I narrowed my choice of colleges to what was then Troy State, which had a stellar national reputation for preparing teachers. Once I obtained my undergraduate degree from Troy, I also secured a master’s degree in secondary school administration. I began my career as a secondary school English teacher in Henry County, Alabama instructing 7th-8th grade English for four years, followed by ten years of teaching 10th grade English at Robert E. Lee High School here in Montgomery. From this point I accepted a position as director of the first magnet program at Carver High School, known as the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Center. During this same
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After two years as principal, I became Director of Development for Saint James School, a position I held for nine years before accepting my current post as Executive Director of Leadership Montgomery.
After I moved to Montgomery, my entire family relocated to Montgomery, one by one, from Winter Park; so now everyone in my immediate family lives here, including my mother and two sisters. BOOM!: As the Executive Director of Leadership Montgomery, tell our readers the value of your organization to the River Region community? Cheryl: For twenty-nine years Leadership Montgomery has organized and hosted leadership classes that have fostered positive relationships among leaders who would likely never have had an opportunity to work together, to know one another, or to know about critical community issues if it hadn’t been for our organization. The results have been improved understanding among approximately 1,400 graduates of all races, socioeconomic groups, ages and religious persuasions; improved
Cheryl and Clinton in Jerusalem
understanding of issues in our community; and increased community involvement among these alumni that has made our city a better place in which to work and play. About five years ago, Leadership Montgomery recognized that the River Region also needed a program to attract and retain young professionals, so we joined hands with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce to develop a young professionals’ membership organization known as Emerge Montgomery, as well as a Torchbearers leadership class for young professionals. Emerge provides a vehicle for young professionals from the ages of 22-40 to network with each other, grow together, voice their opinions, and connect with one another. The Torchbearer leadership class provides an opportunity for this age group to learn about leadership, in addition to learning about current community issues. It also requires them to work collaboratively in small groups to solve actual community problems. This will be extremely valuable as we begin to turn our community over to the young leaders in the years ahead. BOOM!: In this month’s issue of BOOM! We are sharing a little fashion information for women over 50. Would you share your perspective on fashion for women over 50? Cheryl: As a society, we have allowed ourselves to become sloppy, when the beauty and charm of the Southern woman used to be a source of pride. Ladies don’t have to be young, wealthy or thin to look nice. Following a few basic rules would help any woman look well groomed. First, I think many women worry too much about the size of their clothes. It doesn’t matter what clothing tags say. If you see bulges when you try on a garment, then it’s too tight; and it doesn’t make you look good. The same can be said for something that swallows you. Buy clothing that fits and flatters you. Women can be comfortable, yet still be stylish.
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Second, just because it’s in style doesn’t mean you should buy it. If it doesn’t look good on you, or if you don’t feel like a million dollars in it, then don’t waste your money on it. Also, when it comes to shoes, if you can’t walk gracefully in them, leave them alone. If you find the newest fashions to be comfortable, and you can walk in them gracefully, then by all means buy them if you want them. If not, let someone else have them. For me, I just keep shopping until I find shoes that are comfortable, but also fashionable. It may take a while to find the right combination, but they are available. My last piece of advice is to spend your money on a few good basic pieces of clothing and then accessorize. You can do a lot with accessories. Belts, scarves, jewelry, bags, etc., are your friends. They can literally make a blah outfit spectacular! BOOM!: Many Boomers are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, new careers, especially if they’ve experienced the empty nest syndrome of their kids moving on. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? Cheryl: I have been fortunate because I have enjoyed several careers in my life, all of which have enabled me to help people in one respect or another, and all of which I have loved. My current position as Executive Director of Leadership Montgomery has given me a renewed sense of purpose because it has allowed me to work with and help influence the direction of a group of young professionals who will become the future leaders of our city. For those of you seeking renewal, I would offer this: the happiest people I know are the ones who serve others and give of their time and resources to something greater than themselves. Women who are rearing children are often so busy with the responsibilities inherent with this that they have little time or resources for much else. However, experiencing an empty nest for the first time could be the chance for a wonderful new beginning. There is no greater joy than knowing you have made a difference in someone else’s life, and the community is filled with agencies that are begging for volunteers who can devote just a few hours a week to their cause. There are so many people in our community who need a helping hand, a loving gesture, or a small donation. Find a cause you are passionate about and give a little of yourself. You will be rewarded beyond measure. BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?
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Cheryl: Oh, I’m passionate about so many things! I’m passionate about my church, Frazer United Methodist Church. The church does so much for so many!
BOOM!: With all your responsibilities with Leadership Montgomery, do you still have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities?
I’m also passionate about my family, especially my husband. He is the most wonderful person I have ever met. He is so caring and unselfish. His birthday was a couple of weeks ago, and we had just finished celebrating it. We were just riding quietly in the car, and he looked over at me and asked, “Do you know what the best part of my birthday was? It’s right now—riding along in this car with you beside me.” Is that not romantic?
Cheryl: We are very active in Frazer United Methodist Church, where we have been a member for over 30 years. I also serve on the Advisory Committee for Troy University Montgomery; I’m on the Education Task Force for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce; and I serve on the Board of Directors for the support organization for the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, among others. The Leadership Montgomery legacy class and the Torchbearer young professionals’ leadership class run simultaneously, and each class is assigned five to seven community projects as part of the class experience. Since I manage the classes and oversee the projects, whatever community organizations these project teams involve normally involves me in some way, so I remain engaged this way.
That’s why I’m so passionate about my husband. He’s so thoughtful and so special. He takes care of me and my entire family, including my 93 year old mother. He’s one in a million! And he makes me laugh—he has the quickest wit of anyone I have ever met. I never know what he’ll come out with next. I love being with him. If you are asking about my passion regarding issues, it would have to be domestic violence and rape. I have no patience for those who abuse women, and although I understand what the underlying causes of this behavior may be, I still have no tolerance for these two acts of violence. I’m also passionate about the arts and about finding a cure for ALS. I watched a close friend suffocate with ALS; it’s among the world’s most cruel diseases. BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work? Cheryl: I love to read. Also, I gave my husband an I Pad for Christmas in 2010, and I became an I Pad widow. In turn, he gave me one in 2011, so now I love my I Pad, and I relax by using mine. When I have time, I love to paint. I used to do a lot of painting, but I don’t really have a lot of time to paint since I’m still working full time. BOOM!: Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned for the future? Cheryl: We love Destin. We have a place there and go to the beach any time we can. We also love to travel. Our favorite trip was to the Holy Land, but we also love Europe, and we enjoyed the Baltics. As I mentioned, I like the unusual, so we traveled to the Canary Islands, mainly because we couldn’t find anyone who had been there. We loved the trip and found the Canary Islands to be extremely different from any islands we had ever experienced. Each island has a different topography, and the islands were nothing like what we had pictured. In April we are going back to Europe for twelve days; we’ll go back to Rome and Venice but spend most of the time in the Greek Isles. We’ve gone to Europe many times; it’s a favorite trip of ours.
BOOM!: If you weren’t in the leadership/ education business what kind of work would you be doing? Dream job? Cheryl: I love animals, so I would probably be doing something with animals or with the elderly. I relate well to both and love both, so either would interest me. However, I get emotionally attached very easily, so I’m not sure how well I’d do with separating myself from either of these. BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? Cheryl: I love Montgomery and the River Region because I’ve seen it morph into something exciting and beautiful. It’s not only growing, but it’s getting better. I love the fact that the city and county leaders work together collaboratively to make Montgomery a better place for all of us. This is unusual, and I hope our citizens appreciate the leadership. People’s attitudes are basically positive, and I have had a front row seat in observing our city change and improve through my interaction with the young people in the Emerge Program. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your ambitions changed? Cheryl: My ambitions used to be more for myself. Now they are more for the next generation, primarily that the next generation will work collaboratively to keep our community and this country strong and that they will recognize what will be needed in the future to ensure that people are allowed to flourish and develop to their fullest potential. Personally, I have shifted my ambitions to
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ensuring that my health remains good and that I am able to work for as long as I’d like to work. Once I decide not to work any longer, my ambition is to be able to do a little more traveling, especially within the United States, and to spend more time at the beach. BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you? Cheryl: Thankful, Driven, Confident BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? Cheryl: I love cooking, although I don’t have much time for it. I love to spend time with young professionals; they challenge me. I love interior decorating.
decision-making abilities. This can lead to impetuous decisions that can be costly. There is no substitute for experience. Some young professionals also tend not to understand the value of performing every aspect of a job before expecting to be promoted. This is challenging because they often expect salaries commensurate with those who have been on the job for much longer periods of time, and this poses a challenge for employers and for people like me who are challenged with providing realistic leadership training. Lastly, sometimes young professionals forget that brilliant ideas without follow through are not very useful. BOOM!: How would you describe best practices when it comes to leadership?
Cheryl: In the Leadership Montgomery classes, we use James Kouzes and Barry Posner as our favorite resources for best practices. First, great leaders are model leaders themselves. They inspire others to want to follow Cheryl: The young them. They inspire a shared professionals of today are vision; in other words, they are extremely smart, energetic visionary dreamers, and they Cheryl with nephew Nick and creative. They are a very encourage others to dream with promising generation and them. They also challenge how we should not underestimate their strengths things have always been done; they are rebels and abilities. I love working with them. One of the old, “It’s always been done this way” challenge, however, is that despite their philosophy. They also give power away, enabling strengths, some young professionals often others to act. And they are encouragers. They want to skip the learning curve that equipped motivate others to do well. most of the 50+ generation with superior BOOM!: What future challenges do you have in the area of developing tomorrow’s community leaders?
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BOOM!: As an educator and the founding principal for Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, what do parents expect from those who teach their children? Easter Sunday with Granddaughter Erin and Daughter and son in law
Cheryl: They Amy and Dave have a right to expect to speak with children’s teachers, provided they follow appropriate procedures set up by the school and/or the school system. They also have a right to examine children’s tests and children’s work and to receive clear and reasonable explanations as to grading procedures and any other procedures that may affect children’s progress. Parents should be made to feel welcome in the schools, provided they follow basic guidelines for visiting the schools. On the other hand, parents have a responsibility to support the schools by attending PTO meetings and respecting school policies.
If you have any questions for Cheryl you can reach her at 334.262.2261 or ccarter@leadershipmontgomery.org. We want to thank Vickie Lawrence and Traci Smith from the Shoppes at Eastchase, along with Elizabeth Richards from Copperwing Design for making this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile come together. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to jim@riverregionboom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
4 Moves to Feel Happier
Just as you strengthen muscles by using them, you can tone your positive personality traits, such as optimism. Adults who spent time exercising character strengths improved them, and their overall sense of well-being, better than a control group, according to a new study from the University of Zurich. Try these moves, based on the activities study participants completed. No sneakers required!
Montgomery Hospice Support Group-Connect
Beginning January 2013, Wednesdays at 11:00AM, biweekly These meetings last for 1hr-1 ½ hr. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. Though the initial pain does not lessen, you never truly stop grieving your loss and by remaining connected to a support system, the days ahead of you grow more bearable. Loneliness and isolation can be hard to overcome, but this group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a new, bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. This group will be ongoing and does not have a participant limit. It’s time to have fun again . . . Come join us! Call 334-279-6677
1. The Reach-Out Improves: Gratitude Write a letter or an e-mail to someone who has supported you or gone out of her way for you recently, and let her know that it mattered. Expressing gratitude can elicit positive emotions, which play a key role in boosting your mood, researchers say. 2. The Joint Effort Improves: Enthusiasm Lacking motivation to do the things you really want to do? Surround yourself with an energetic crowd, at a sporting event, an uplifting seminar, or even an aerobics class. Enthusiasm can be contagious and habit forming. 3. The Door Opener Improves: Optimism Think about a situation in which you lost out on something, whether the cause was bad luck or bad timing. Write it down, then identify a door that opened because of that closed one. This move helps you look on the bright side. 4. The Deeper Dig Improves: Curiosity Rather than simply wondering about a topic of interest (oysters? art?), prove further. Read an article or go to an exhibit. Journal about your experience or recap it on Facebook. Learning, and sharing, knowledge fosters curiosity. Distributed by MCT Information Services The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Beautiful Boomer Women
with Style & Fashion
Settling on a fitting style and current fashion for baby boomer women can present a challenge. Yet we’ve all seen them. Walking down the street or shopping, we come across an absolutely stunning 50, 60, or 70 year-old woman. They are head-turners even in their golden years. The problem isn’t being comfortable at 50 or over-50 skin: wisdom, maturity and fulfillment boost sense of well-being. Instead, the challenge is simply finding modern clothes to fit your lifestyle and figure. Professionals in the fashion industry promote fashion now as being ageless, but that’s no consolation when you have to pick through racks of miniskirts, low-rise jeans and displays of platform shoes to find styles you love. Keeping up with trends can be even more difficult because many fashion magazines ignore women over a certain age. And even when the magazines try to address the issue, they tend to forget that mature women can be just as fashionable as young girls.
Audrey Mitchell
Montgomery Public Schools
TALBOTS
Candy Cane Double-Breasted Coat Stand Collar, flap and seam pockets, long four-button vented sleeves. $289 - $309 Medallion Jacquard Pencil Skirt Cotton/polyester/silk lace with metallic shimmer. $129 - $149 Bubble Pearl Necklace $54.50
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Can baby boomers wear that trend? Designers and magazines show styles on youthful models, but realistic merchants know not everyone sports firm forearms and flat tummies. So while it may seem that stores are packed with teenage clothes, you can still find fresh, current looks that can work for you. Stores like Ann Taylor (updated separates) and Talbot’s (classics) at The Shoppes at EastChase are currently some of the most successful retailers in the Montgomery area, that show you are not alone in your quest for real fashion.
Cameron Martindale
Senior Vice President, Community Development, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce
ANN TAYLOR
Zebra Jacquard Jacket $138.00 Cotton Modal Color Block Blouse $58.00 Sablon Crepe Pintuck Pant $88.00 Faceted Glass Long Necklace $38.00
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Phyllis Fenn
Capitol City Club Membership Director
TALBOTS
Velvet – Collar Jacket Expertly woven Italian wool/ spandex flannel. Peplum hem, welt and flap pockets. $179 - $199 Jazz Pink Italian Flannel Sheath Dress $169 - $189 Interlink Necklace $64.50 Fireball Clasp Pearl $49.50
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Ann Davis
Information Technology Specialist at Maxwell-Gunter Annex Air Force Base
ANN TAYLOR
Three-Quater Sleeve Cowl Neck, Side Tie Miracle Dress in Brazon Blue $98.00 Honeycomb Bangle $38.00 Short Bow Necklace $38.00
Cheryl Carter
Executive Director, Leadership Montgomery
TALBOTS
Glen Plaid Sparkle Tweed Jacket $199.00 Ultimate Double Weave Ivory Pant $99.00 Pave’ Necklace $69.50
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EMPTY NESTERS...WILL TRAVEL
4 active international vacations for empty nesters
It may not be easy to let your kids fly the coup, but being an empty nester has its advantages _ especially when it comes to travel. Forget breaking up sibling rivalries in the backseat or searching for one affordable restaurant that pleases everyone’s palate. Empty nesters not only have a renewed sense of freedom, but also extra time and money that can afford them unique vacation opportunities. For mature travelers who are still young at heart and looking for adventure, we’ve found some of the best international destinations that get you back to the outdoors while offering a little something extra for your mature sensibilities.
1. Stockholm, Sweden
The nautical-themed Hotel J offers one-, two- or three-day excursions on their private sailboat. As one of the most lush (and underrated) places in the world, Sweden’s capital city boasts its eco-friendly atmosphere throughout its 14 interconnected waterways. And because of its far north locale in Scandinavia, daytime can last more than 19 hours during the summer season. With a strong focus on the outdoors, Stockholm makes for a great active getaway. The nautical-themed waterfront J Hotel is a secluded boutique property, perfect for couples looking for tranquility and activity. Guests of the J can rent bikes, hop aboard the hotel’s private sailboat or get a tai-chi lesson. The hotel also offers wine tastings and culinary classes for travelers to indulge in when (and if) the sun goes down.
2. Lima, Peru
The Runcu Hotel is centrally located for surfers and other beach-goers
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Hawaii is one of the most well-known surfing destinations, but Lima, also on the Pacific Ocean, actually offers some of the best waves in the world, should you want to discover a hidden talent. (It’s never too late!) And the South American city has plenty of culture both on and off the beach, known just as much as a gastronomical and shopping mecca as it is for its gnarly waves. Because of its central location, the Runcu Hotel in the Miraflores District of Lima makes for a great lodging option in between channeling your younger self hanging ten. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the beach and from the noted artifact museum Museo Amano, and is surrounded by restaurants, shops and ancient ruins on all sides. The City of Kings, as it’s known, may not be the best getaway for those on a tight budget, but those with extra cash to spend should take full advantage of everything Lima has to offer.
3. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
The upscale but rustic Nita Lake Lodge sits conveniently between the mountains and lake. Known for both extreme winter and summer sports, Whistler, British Columbia, is a full-scale ski resort village with plenty of scenic experiences for all seasons. For mind and body, lakeside yoga is a popular activity throughout the city, and mountain biking, four-wheeling and hiking are favorites outside of ski season. And the Nita Lake Lodge is a premier hotel for adrenaline-junkies looking
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to kick back in between jaunts on the mountain or on the water. The hotel offers complimentary bike loans, fishing rods and ski lockers, and has a yoga studio and plunge pool, all amenities that would excite any adventurous traveler, but especially ones who have earned the downtime.
4. Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Leisure, luxury and activity meld perfectly at La Lancha in Guatemala. With its dense rainforest, stunning lakes, mostly volcanoes, and countless other natural beauties, Guatemala is packed with adventure. Lake Peten Itza in the northern city of Flores is about 40 minutes away from Tikal National Park, and the hundreds of indigenous species it houses. Tikal was also the site of one of the most symbolic kingdoms of ancient Maya, and its ruins are still interwoven within the jungles of the historic land. After exploring some of the 222 square miles of remains, more distinguished guests can unwind at La Lancha right on the banks of Lake Peten Itza. The exclusive resort has hammocks, a split-level pool and in-room balconies for leisure, and can arrange boating, horseback riding and tons of other excursions for your heart-pumping getaway. At Oyster.com we uncover the truth, before it’s “uhoh” time. (c) 2012, www.Oyster.com. Distributed by MCT Information Services
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Seniors Stepping into Tattoos She’s strutted in full plumage across Vegas stages, high-kicked with the June Taylor Dancers on “The Jackie Gleason Show,” toured with bandleader Mitch Miller. But Joan Maret felt something in life was still missing: a tattoo. She decided to remedy that lack in February. So she waltzed off to Rock-A-Billy Tattoo in Lauderhill, Fla., where she had a pair of red and black tap shoes inked on the inside of her right calf. Maret is 70. “I decided to indulge in a dream I always had,” said Maret, who teaches tap dancing and choreography in Florida. The Plantation, Fla., woman is one of a limited but adventurous cadre of golden-agers who aren’t afraid to adorn themselves with colorful artwork. “You get them occasionally. It is more acceptable now,” said Jeffrey Goodgold, owner of Guru Tattoo in West Palm Beach. “I tried to talk my grandparents into getting a tattoo,” he said. “But they’re Jewish and (it’s forbidden).” A couple of years back, Goodgold inked a ladybug on a woman in her 80s. “She said she always wanted one, but her husband didn’t want her to get one and now he’s passed away,” the artist said. “I guess she was a little rebel.” Maret apparently has that rebel streak too. She had it done after her husband, Ron, died in December. “I always wanted to do it, but my husband unfortunately was kind of against tattoos, and out of respect for him I didn’t do it,” she said of the tat that cost her $125. Maret got the urge to sport ink after her daughter, Melanie, got a tattoo when she went off to college. Melanie, now 39 and living in Britain with a husband and child, recalls it a bit differently. “She gave me a hard time when I got my first one when I was 18,” she said by phone from England. “It’s just funny that now she decides she wants a tattoo. I definitely approve. It’s really cool.” Steve Whittenberger, who inked Maret’s tap shoes, said she was hardly his oldest
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Robert Nolin
client. That would be an 86-yearold woman who wanted a heart with a banner across it emblazoned with her late husband’s name. Stevie Moon, owner of a tattoo parlor that bears his name, had a 72-year-old woman who wanted a butterfly on her back. “The occasion was the unfortunate passing of her grandson,” Moon said. “He had a butterfly.” Apart from displays of grief, some look to tattoos to celebrate freedom. “Now that they’re able to, they kind of go wild,” Whittenberger said. He cited one man in his 80s who wanted “sleeves,” or fully covered arms, once he retired. “He got to the point where it didn’t matter,” he said. Moon said seniors make up a “tiny portion” of his business. “It’s not that frequent,” he said. “We get probably, in a year, a handful, a half a dozen.” Goodgold figures oldsters make up only about 10 percent of his clientele. “I haven’t noticed like a huge busload of older folks from Century Village stopping by my shop,” he said. Moon has elderly clients who have been getting tatted up all their lives, and just continued the practice into their older years. Others, he said, have seen the years cruelly pass and crave a touch of timelessness.
7, 8” imprinted on her calf. That’s the countdown dancers recite before starting a routine, she said. And while it took less than an hour to get her tattoo, Maret said it was a bit painful. She compared it to the sting of needles, or someone rubbing skin raw from sunburn. “Oh yes, it hurt,” she said. “I would say to a woman, ‘Just think: childbirth.’” “To me it was worth it,” Maret added. “Once you reach the age of 70, if you can’t choose what you want to do, there’s no hope.” Distributed by MCT Information Services
Tattoo artists said their older clients display no particular disposition for any set of designs. They select a vast array of body art that spans all age groups. Moon said seniors often choose designs that are small and inked in inconspicuous places. Along with her tap shoes, Maret had “5, 6, r i ve r reg i o n b o o m . co m
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Healthy Hearing
By Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D.
What’s Wrong With My Hearing Aids? Ways to troubleshoot common hearing aid problems
There’s nothing more frustrating than technology that doesn’t work correctly – especially when it’s something you depend upon, like your hearing aids. But before you take those hearing aids into Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. the repair center, take a moment to read this article. You may be able to solve the problem all by yourself!
Check the obvious. This may sound simplistic, but make sure your hearing aid is turned on and the volume is turned up. If your hearing aid still doesn’t work properly after checking these two features, examine the batteries. Are they the right size? Are they inserted properly? Do they need to be replaced? Most advanced hearing aids have a low battery warning when it is time to change the battery, but there may be some persons who do not have this feature or are unsure if they heard the warning tone. A good investment would be a hearing aid battery testing device. This can be purchased through your hearing healthcare provider. Having this accessory can come in handy and help reduce uncertainty regarding the viability of your power supply. Wondering if that package of batteries you bought is still good? Believe it or not, some batteries are “dead on arrival” – so having the capability to check batteries is really helpful. And no, it does not help to keep your batteries in the refrigerator!
After changing the battery, if your hearing aid has preset memory settings, toggle through them to see if that
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makes a difference in performance, and to ensure that you’re in the proper program.
Give your hearing device a thorough cleaning and inspection. If you wear a hearing aid with an earmold and tubing, make sure you remove any earwax or other debris. Try replacing the waxtrap on the hearing aid to see if this helps restore proper function to the device. More than likely, the tools you need to accomplish this were included with the purchase of your hearing aid. The tools can include wax prevention tools, brush, wire for cleaning through tubing, storage case, and other cleaning accessories. If not, hearing aid cleaning kits can be purchased inexpensively from the drugstore or your hearing healthcare provider. If there was a brush included in your cleaning kit, try using it to remove any debris from your hearing devices. Inspect the tubing carefully as well, to make sure there are no cracks, crimps, or other imperfections that might be interfering with performance. If the tubing has become stiff, brittle, or hard to remove from the hearing aid, it may be time to see your hearing health professional for a tubing change. Dry things out. Moisture is one of the biggest reasons hearing aids are taken in for repair. The tiny electronic components inside these instruments are sensitive to moisture, including humidity and perspiration. In order to keep your instrument dry, remove the batteries before you store it for the evening and wipe everything gently and thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. One of the best investments you can make for your hearing aid is a dehumidifier, or hearing aid dryer. This equipment is readily available from your hearing aid center or online manufacturers and could save you
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expensive repair or replacement costs. The dehumidifier is a good place to store your hearing aid at night, especially if you live in an environment with high humidity or perspire heavily. Hearing aid dehumidifiers are not a necessity but can help in increasing the longevity of your hearing aids.
Check the fit. If your hearing aid begins to whistle, turn down the volume and make sure it’s inserted into your ear properly. Over time, the size and shape of your ear may change, so have the fit adjusted by your audiologist. If the hearing aid still whistles after the adjustment, see your audiologist to have your ears checked thoroughly for cerumen build up. Sound will reflect off any blockage in your ear canal, such as earwax, and return to the hearing aid, causing feedback. Your hearing devices should be free from feedback when in normal everyday use. If these tips do not solve the whistle or feedback issue, you will want to visit your hearing healthcare provider to see if they can determine the cause of the problems. If your hearing aids still aren’t working after you’ve run through this entire checklist, visit your audiologist to determine whether your hearing aid needs to be readjusted to fit you properly or sent in for repair. Content adapted from “Healthy Hearing” (Oticon)
To learn more, visit doctorshearingclinic. com or call Doctors Hearing Clinic at (334) 396-1635. Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama, was the first board certified audiologist in Montgomery, served as National Chair of the American Board of Audiology, and was recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Fe at u re d A r t i st This Month, Bob Ekelund The following was written by Bob for his No Sunday Painter which ran in the November/ December 2011 edition of the Montgomery Art Guild Newsletter.
reignited my love for the arts, creating a lifetime art collector out of me and powering renewed interest in making art and music.
a regular basis. Although I painted still lives and florals primarily in oils and experimented in other media, I was introduced more formally to watercolor in the 1990’s by a A drawing wonderful teacher. Travel pad and a to Europe, the Caribbean piano were and, most especially, to never far away Taos, New Mexico over throughout the the past two decades robust reality of enlivened my interest obtaining the in landscape painting. I PhD. More than planned early retirement Close encounters with the arts are a four decades in from the academy in 2003 flirtatious, life-long romance and an unending the classroom primarily to paint. In quest. Grinding Crayolas into coloring books did not dim that effect, my earliest desires, and listening to classical music appear as quest. I pursued the Crayola-Victrola first memories speak. I do not remember art and music syndrome are at least in a time when drawing, painting, practicing classes and play. the piano and unrestricted reading were experiences as At the end, our in-box Taos Sunset, Pastel on Paper 14 x 11 not a substantial part of my life. Age often I wrote about will still be full. Someone Executed in Taos, NM, Summer 2012 brings us to such pursuits colder with fuller and taught will have to deal with recognitions of our talents or lack of them, the dismal science. (Indeed, I have been the unfinished business and stuff we leave. but my own intense desire to become an able to combine my interest in the arts and The great American artist Edward Hopper artist and musician – a person of the arts – economics with studies on auction estimates, believed, wrongly in his own case, that the has never wavered. a death effect on art prices and many other work of all but a tiny handful of artists would aspects of Mexican and American art and not survive 15 years after their death. We Everything began with those Crayolas and artists). But fate really moved my way when, work on because doing so makes us happy the 78 RPM records played on an old Victrola in 1996, I became part of a faculty committee and the activity supports our lives. We also by my mother. Their influence dominated to establish a seek to communicate to our contemporaries my life. Attempts at making art museum at Auburn and to those who come after what the world and even more serious assaults University. Thanks looked like to us and we continue to translate on classical piano punctuated my to the generosity our temporal observations, love of and entire youth. Having such different of Mr. Albert Smith feelings about life. interests in a Texas high school, that and others, the is, not being on the football team Jule Collins Smith Perhaps it is comforting to recall the wisdom or hunting animals with a gun, only Museum of Fine in Edgar Degas”s belief that “the real traveler expanded my desire to become Arts at Auburn is the person who never arrives.” an artist of some kind. Modest University became early success and kindly mentors, (Robert B. Ekelund, Jr. is Professor and Eminent Scholar a reality in 2003. I of Economics Emeritus in the College of Liberal Arts at including both of my parents, only remain a part of it Auburn University. He is the author of 27 books and encouraged me toward an artistic having served as 150 papers on economic theory and policy including career. Fortunately or unfortunately Acting Co-Director The Persistence of Myth and Tragedy in Twentieth that desire was thwarted by wellin 2006-2007 with Century Mexican Art (with Catherine Walsh). Ekelund meaning admonitions that a very competed in the 2009 Van Cliburn Amateur Pianist the current director competition and in 2010 presented a video tribute to large percentage of musicians and Dr. Marilyn Laufer. Sir Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890) the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth on youtube. artists starve or just get by. So I Work was never His work may be seen at Gallery One in Montgomery, Charcoal on Board, 11 x 14 (Not for Sale) chose first to pursue a pre-medical more fun. My Al or on line at www.galleryonefineart.com/Dr.-Robertcurriculum at the university. When delight in these Ekelund/ ). that became an unrelieved disaster I went on roles at the Museum has been the ability to English literature and ultimately to what to learn the great artists of the past first Visit Gallery One Fine Art became a lifelong career in economics. The hand and to interface personally with great 423 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL crown jewel of my university education was, contemporaries such as Hugh Williams and Gallery Director Sandi Aplin however, a field in art history taught by a Dale Kennington. sandiaplin@aol.com master. I learned to love economics in the 334.269.1114 ensuing years, but those art history classes Long before retirement I began to paint on www.galleryonefineart.com
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Sandi Aplin
Art & Soul
Ar t Opening of New Work Announcing the opening reception on Thursday, November 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 to showcase 50 pieces of original artwork produced by three very notable artists all sharing a positive, supportive connection with Auburn University. The artists are Kay DeMarsche, Bob Ekelund and Nancy Hartsfield.
depicting actual scenes, I have to have been there, and to have brought back memories of the emotional impact the scenes made on me. Sometimes my landscapes border on the abstract, as I try to recapture and express the moment.
ARTIST STATEMENTS Kay Urry DeMarsche Nature is the artist’s dictionary. Eugene Delacroix I am interested in our interaction with nature, our strong attraction to it and yet also our need to shape, control and protect it. My recent work has focused on the desert plants of arid gardens in the Southwest and also on the sheltered plants one finds in greenhouse environments. The attractive exotic plants of the desert are beautiful and amazingly resilient to their harsh climate. Yet their prickly outgrowth may be harmful to anyone brushing by them closely. The plants one finds in greenhouses are protected and nurtured by having been removed from the uncontrollable forces of nature. Of all of nature’s delights, I am most captivated by the way light illuminates a landscape image. The particular use of light can lend meaning to it. It can evoke an emotional tone, help direct the eye to significant aspects of an image and also have symbolic meaning, such as representing spirituality.
New Mexico and New Orleans influenced my landscapes in oil and pastel. The assemblage of watercolors (inspired by a trip to South Florida), drawings from nature, pastels of a Georgia pecan grove and two portraits, one in watercolor and one in charcoal. What a pleasure to go with one’s interest of the moment, in fact a happy year. Nancy Hartsfield Landscapes. Places I have been and the impressions made on me. Even in my abstracts I need a unifying theme to tie the paintings together into one group—such as in my series Pictures at an Exhibition, inspired by a musical composition. In my landscapes, paintings
While I was painting an Italian landscape scene on tile for a friend who was building a house, I became intrigued by the challenge of landscapes. And I conceived a series of paintings based on landscapes I’d experienced while traveling through Europe. This approach is consistent with my need to have a concept or theme for any group of paintings I undertake. These paintings constitute such a unified group. Encaustics Encaustic is a new medium for me. This year I accepted the challenge of learning to control hot wax. I chose to do a group of paintings in the same size and format, experimenting with various ways of applying the wax. It was fun, as the whimsical titles suggest. Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A free lance writer living in Montgomery, Alabama www.galleryonefineart.com
My images come from the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, the nearby Boyce Arboretum, the garden at the Huntington Museum in Pasadena, California and the Shore Acres Gardens in Coos Bay, Oregon. Bob Ekelund Variety is truly the spice of life. My paintings in this exhibition reflect a wide array of interests and subjects. Recent visits to Taos,
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
A Christian Perspective
By Sherry DeBray
From where does our help come? From where does our help come? The unwelcome news trembled the leader and sent great fear rushing over him. A vast army marches toward him, bent on destruction of his nation. The enemies bond together, to cast him and his people out of their land. An enemy once spared, now pays this nation back by an act of war. The leader searches, but knows not what to do. He knows the enemies fighting together are too strong for his warriors to defeat. He cries out to the only friend he has… Frightened The paragraph above paints a doom and gloom picture of a nation under attack. Who is to say it couldn’t happen to us. Yet, no one, at this moment, invades our shores. However, I couldn’t help but draw the comparisons, from this Old Testament history, of a king that lived in a different time and place.
King Jehoshaphat After King Solomon’s reign many kings would come to rule. Some of these kings were good, but many were bad. Jehoshaphat was a good king. He loved God and ruled fairly. He ruled over land that was given by God to the people of Israel before him. The land rightfully belongs to him and his people, yet, the enemies approached to steal it from them. When Jehoshaphat received the grave news, he became terrified and first went to the Lord to beg him for help. The king knew that the armies that bore down on his kingdom were too strong. So he fell to his knees and cried out, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven… You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”(2 Chronicles 20:5-6) Next, he confesses to God that he, the great king of this land, doesn’t have a clue how to survive this calamity. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Jehoshaphat didn’t stop there, either. He showed his faith in God and his nation by calling on his people to likewise take this matter very seriously. He told the people to listen and begin fasting and praying to God the ruler of all the kingdoms on earth. He warned the people to not let even their daily routine of eating get in the way of praying to God from where their help would come from.
How often when troubles come do we try everything we can think of first, before going to God? How often do we as a nation give up “anything” that would keep us from praying to God for help? Have you ever seen one of our leaders go to his knees, humbling himself before God with his people crying out, “I just don’t have the answer to this problem.” Of course not, it would be the end of his political career. Yet, a great and good king did just that…humbled himself before God and his people. Now for the rest of the story… Jehoshaphat finished praying before the people who had gathered in front of the Temple courtyards when a man shouted out, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This man was one of the prophets which God had spoken through and the king listened to his words. The next morning King Jehoshaphat gathered everyone together and consulted his people. He called for the singers to lead
his army to the hill where the enemy marched toward them singing to the Lord and praising Him for victory. As soon as they began singing it happened. Yes, it happened! The enemy was defeated. God caused them to fight each other. When King Jehoshaphat and his people reached the hill, as far as they could see, not one solider from the enemy was left alive. As it had been foretold, they would not lift one finger to defeat the enemy. The battle belonged to God. We may not be facing a war such as King Jehoshaphat, but war rages in many different forms. If God can stop a great army with a song, what might He do in your life? When Jehoshaphat gave the battle to God, it was already won.
This fall, we have many decisions to make when going to the polls. Don’t make them lightly. Do as King Jehoshaphat called his people to do…take it seriously. And just in case you haven’t read the history of King Jehoshaphat, you might find it interesting what the singers sang as they marched toward the enemy. “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” Don’t give up on the wars in your life. Don’t give up on our problems as a nation. Ask God for help. Then sing. Sherry DeBray Author/Columnist and owner of It’Za Gift in the Pepper Tree Shopping Center You can write Sherry at sherry.debray@ gmail.com
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November 2012
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
DOTHAN
National Peanut Festival, 69th Annual November 2-10
The nation’s largest peanut festival is held each fall to honor peanut growers and to celebrate the harvest season. Festivities include amusement rides, animal acts, agricultural displays, music concerts, beauty pageants, arts and crafts displays, contests, food, a two-hour parade, and tons of peanuts. Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; Sun., 1-10 p.m.; Mon.-Wed., 4-10 p.m.; Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., noon until. Call: 334.793.4323 or gregnpf@aol.com, www.nationalpeanutfestival.com
PIKE ROAD
Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday, November 3rd, 9-4 pm The 46th annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair will take place on the grounds of the historic Marks House. There will be more than 250 vendors selling many beautiful and unique arts and crafts just in time for Christmas. Delicious pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, homemade chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches and fried chicken will keep you from getting hungry. Special activities for the children. 9 - 4 pm Location: Pike Road AL, Contact: Bob Crowe 334.567.6461 or bnbcrowe@ att.net or www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com
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WETUMPKA
Alabama Frontier Days November 7-11, 8-4:30 Daily
Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site--Reenactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French Colonial times to the Early American period. Includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers, pottery making, dugout canoe construction, hide tanning and Creek Indian hunting camp. 8:30 - 4:30 pm Location: Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site, 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36093. Call 334.567.3002 or ftedu1@bellsouth.net Website: www.fttoulousejackson.org Prices: Students $6, Adults $7, Children 5 and under FREE
MONTGOMERY
Residential Document Shredding Patterson Field Fridaqy, November 16th, 7-1pm MAX Credit Union will host an on-site, free document destruction event on Nov. 16 to assist Montgomery residents in preventing identity theft. Thieves can use information such as names, addresses, social security numbers and other personal information from improperly disposed documents to steal the identities of unsuspecting citizens. The shredding event is intended for private, residential document shredding, not for
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business or company disposal. Residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of documents. All shredded paper from the event will be recycled. The event will take place in the Paterson Field parking lot at 1201 Madison Avenue from 7 - 1 pm
MONTGOMERY
A Christmas Carol, Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens Alabama Shakespeare Festival November 23 - December 23 The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday. Recommended for ages 6+. Appropriate for most audiences. Ticket information 1.800.841.4273 or visit www.asf.net or in person at the ASF box office located at 1 Festival Drive in the heart of Montgomery’s beautiful Blount Cultural Park.
MOBILE
Magic Christmas in Lights Bellingrath Gardens and Home Mobile Nov 23-Dec 31, 2012 Enjoy one of the most popular holiday events in the Southeast. Stroll through the gardens with more than three million twinkling lights in over 928 custom designed set pieces in 13 scenes. Tour the Bellingrath Home decorated in its holiday finery. Photos
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with Santa on weekends and the week of Christmas. Location: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, AL 36582. For more info, 800.247.8420 bellingrath@bellingrath.org. Website URL: www.bellingrath.org
TUSCALOOSA
Iron Bowl Saturday, November 24th, TBA The Alabama Crimson Tide football team goes head to head with the Auburn Tigers in one of the region’s best and biggest football challenges of the season. See these national champions battle it out in fierce gridiron competition. Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa. Website URL: www.rolltide.com or www.auburntigers.cstv.com
MONTGOMERY
Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit November 28th through December 2nd Welcome the season and invite the true meaning of Christmas into your holiday celebration by attending the 7th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit. You’ll see a stunning display of nativity scenes , remarkable in variety and craftsmanship. Stirring seasonal music filling you with the magic of Christmas will be provided by local musicians. Take your time to browse and be filled with the sights and sounds unique to this experience. The exhibit opens Nov. 28th and runs through Dec. 2nd. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. each day except Saturday, Dec. 1st when it opens at 11:00 a.m., and continues until 8:00 p.m. The display is located at 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL. For pictures and more information visit our website at www. MontgomeryNativity.com and our facebook page at Montgomery Interfaith Nativity Exhibit. Free Admission.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN
Baptist Health Care Presents: MERCY ME MPAC Thursday, November 29th, 7 pm
Dwight Yoakam in Concert MPAC Sunday, December 2nd, 8 pm
MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian band founded in Greenville, Texas. The band consists of vocalist Bart Millard, keyboardist James Bryson, percussionist Robin Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul. The band formed in 1994 and released six independent albums prior to signing with INO Records in 2001. The group first gained mainstream recognition with the crossover single, ?I Can Only Imagine? which elevated their debut album, Almost There, to becoming certified double platinum. Since then, the group has released five additional studio albums, three of which have been certified gold, and a greatest hits album. MercyMe has won numerous Dove Awards and has had various Grammy Award nominations. http://www.mpaconline.org
Dwight Yoakam captured the imagination of traditionalists and new listeners alike by giving hillbilly music a modern twist. Born in Kentucky but based in Los Angeles, Yoakam debuted with a twangy cover of Johnny Horton’s “Honky Tonk Man,” which led him to the ACM’s 1986 Top New Male Vocalist trophy. In all, Yoakam landed 14 Top 10 hits – some he wrote (“I Sang Dixie”) and others he revived (Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister”). Along with acclaimed albums and music videos, Yoakam proudly partnered with Buck Owens on the endearing 1988 duet, “Streets of Bakersfield.” www.mpaconline.org
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN The Sound of Christmas: The Empire Brass & Elisabeth von Trapp Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Saturday, December 1, 7pm
With a voice that critics have called “hauntingly clear” (New York Times), Elisabeth, along with the Empire Brass, “…will send a thrill of pleasure through your nervous system” (Boston Globe). Elisabeth is the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Singing professionally since childhood, Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America’s finest brass quintet, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and diverse repertoire. For ticket information call 334.241.9567. www.empirebrass.com www.elisabethvontrapp.com
It ’s a Great Time to Be Booming! Please submit any events/pictures to jim@riverregionboom.com
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By Greg Budell
MALE CALL
“GOD BLESS CEILING FAN” During those most precious of Daddy and Daughter days, Janelle and I had a sweet little routine for her bedtime. With her tucked in (after a dozen Little Mermaid videos and 3 stories), I’d kneel next to her bed and we’d say the “now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. At the conclusion, I would ask “now who should God bless?” For a long time, she’d recite the family names, her friends, the pets and sometimes a teacher. Then, it was lights out. One night, after the prayer and the follow-up question, she paused, and said “God bless ceiling fan”. I burst out laughing and lit my personal invention- the EXLODING TICKLE BOMB. From that point forward, the prayer always began with a special blessing for something silly. 20 years later, in an email or text, the tradition continues. After depositing her college rent money last week, I received a thank-you text signed with “God bless Wells Fargo”. I laughed just as hard.
Don’t get me wrong! I take the prayer thing very seriously. Like some, I tended to express gratitude to God only when something good happened. “Thank you God for- this new radio contract, this new Corvette, this hot new woman and yadda yadda yadda”.
It wasn’t until I learned to thank God for the worst moments in my life that I began to grow as a person. God Bless Maturity.
My addiction fueled behavior has put me in many unpleasant situations- from boss’s offices to a jail cell. It never failed- when I’d reach another one of those bottom-out crisis moments, someone with good intentions would happen by and point out how much the catastrophe at hand could “benefit” me- that one day I would thank God for the blessings of my dilemma. I just wish I could look up some of those folks and tell them I “get it“ now. Thank you!
God bless Second Chances, and the people that give them. I have a long, long gratitude list this November- and would have none of it had it not been for those hard lessons learned along the way. In fact- God bless IRONYthose stories of the past have become profit producers today- as I occasionally recount
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them during my radio shows (and sometimes this column) for a laugh and a paycheck. People far wiser than me always said “if you don’t think God has a sense of humor, tell Him your plans”. So true! Plans are almost as worthless as Facebook stock. My plan was to retire at 50 and use my accumulated wealth to travel America. I wanted to walk the streets of quirky little towns, eating at quirky little restaurants and meet quirky citizens from coast to coast. Maybe one day it’ll happen.
I have yet to pray “God bless Winnebago”.
Sometimes you DO get what you pray for. After recovering from a concussion 7 years ago I was again ready for radio and prayed for a job. I got one. I never said the gig had to be in Florida, so here I am, amusing the Almighty in my 8th year in Montgomery, Alabama. God Bless Details.
Now I am 10 past 50 and not only not retired, I’m “working” harder than ever, and doing something no other radio personality in America has ever done! I am competing against myself!
Thanks to modern technologies, I have 2 morning shows. One is a pre-produced music show on Q 96.1 FM, running opposite a live talk show on Newstalk 93.1 FM. The talk show is somewhat akin to Regis and Kelly, except my female partner (Susan Woody) is somewhat older than her TV counterpart. It’s more like Regis and Regisette. Anyway, it’s 2 shows at the same time and nobody else is doing it, anywhere. God Bless Digital!
The company figured only one morning show would succeed so it began as an experiment. Which would survive? Well, a year later both shows enjoy very healthy ratings so the “experiment” continues.
God bless that I can’t even kick my own butt! Oh, and I still do a live 3-hour afternoon talk show, too. (shameless plug again for Newstalk 93.1 FM)
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My daily routine is as follows:
2:30 AM wake up, on-line show prep and clean up 4:15 AM arrival at the station, downloading audio and lining up topics. 5:00 AM produce 4 hour music show 6:00 AM Live with Regisette. 9:00 AM leave and go home for lunch, a short nap. 11:30 AM wake up, rinse and repeat. 6:00 PM day is done. 8:00 PM bed time.
God Bless Columbian Dark Roast!
Honestly, I do this without breaking a sweat and it’s putting my daughter through college.
Weekends offer time to do some feel-good fun. Since I keep the same schedule on Saturday and Sunday (falling off that wagon would not be a good idea), I go to G & S donuts, a local Mom and Pop (and very real) donut shop and drop off goodie bags on the doorknobs of my senior citizen neighbors. They’re such incredible people (and they could care less about the calories)!
God bless Seniors. And G & S Donuts. In fact, God bless all the hard working small businesses in America. Their stamina has been tested during this never-ending recession but they hang in there and keep people workinglike this magazine. God Bless Boom!
And God bless you for reading us! Happy Thanksgiving!
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his dog Hershey. He’s a 25 year veteran of radio who hosts the Greg & Susan morning show 6-9 am and Happy Hour 3-6 pm on Newstalk 107.9, Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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