1
2 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Helpful Hints for Your Home Sponsored by Capital City Ace Hardware, The Helpful Place
How to Choose LED Light Bulbs Learn how to choose LED light bulbs the easy way - without the technical jargon. This 5-step guide from Ace simplifies all the technical terms. Instead of decoding how to convert watts to lumens and demystifying what kelvins are, you’ll get helpful tips to start saving time, money and energy right away. Think of it as a guide to buying LED Light Bulbs – unplugged.
1. PICK THE FIXTURES
Bring in your old bulb to match the correct base size. It’s a good idea to replace bulbs in your hardest to reach fixtures and your most used fixtures first. You could save dozens of trips up a ladder to change burnt out bulbs. And, you'll see the most immediate energy savings. 2. CHOOSE THE BRIGHTNESS LEDs burn as bright as incandescents but use far less energy (lower wattage) to do it. This brightness is referred to as "lumens." But you can just check the label for a "watt replacement" number that matches what you’ve got. When in doubt, 800 lumens is about equal to a 60 watt traditional bulb. 3. CHOOSE THE COLOR "Soft white" or “Daylight” bulbs are “user-friendly” terms for the color temperature of the light. Soft White bulbs are warm, cozy and amber - tinted - like incandescent light. They're popular in rooms you relax and entertain in. "Daylight" bulbs The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
over its lifetime. But, at first, it’s more than you’re used to paying. So, change bulbs in your hardest-to-reach and your most used fixtures first. LEDs last more than 20 years, so switching bulbs you can’t reach without a ladder could save about 25 trips. Switch to LED’s in the 5 fixtures you use most often, and you'll see the most immediate energy savings.
are cooler toned. They add contrast and make whites brighter. They're good where you need to see details clearly – like in a crafting room or for reading. Also, good if you have weakening eyesight or live in a region with short daylight hours. 4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT DIRECTION Pick a bulb that spreads the light in the right pattern for that spot. “Omni-directional” or all -around light distribution is best for main lighting like vanity fixtures, pendants, table lamps, ceiling lights, and chandeliers. The collar at the base of non omni-directional bulbs can block light from shining in some directions so use them in areas where a spotlight effect is OK, or in utility areas like a closet. 5. DIMMABLE OR NOT? You’ll need dimmable bulbs in fixtures controlled by a dimmer switch. And 3-way bulbs for lamps that have a low, medium and high control. In areas like closets, or utility areas, or fixtures that aren’t on a dimmer, a nondimmable bulb can cost a little less. HELPFUL TIPS: UPGRADE IN PHASES An LED bulb saves energy and money
UPGRADE CAN LIGHTS Instead of replacing bulbs in your can lights, LED retrofit kits combine the bulb and trim ring for a more polished, flush
appearance. They install so easily, and it could be 20 years or more before you must replace one. UPGRADE DIMMER SWITCHES If you use LED’s in a standard dimmer switch, the bulbs may flicker, hum, or burn out within months. Newer “universal” dimmers are made to regulate the current to the electronic circuits in an LED bulb. For more helpful tips and advice, visit your neighborhood Ace and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+. NOTE: Always follow manufacturer’s recommended safety precautions and instructions for the products you use.
We’re always here to help. We welcome our neighbors in Montgomery! Capital City Ace is a local family owned hardware store ready to meet all your needs in any area of improvement in your home or property. Come see us today, we are just a few miles from your Montgomery neighborhood. Our Hours are: Mon - Sat: 8 am - 7 pm and Sun: 11 am - 5 pm. Capital City Ace Hardware, 3215 Taylor Rd (1 block from Vaughn Rd.), Montgomery, AL. capitalcityace.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
3
5
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
August 2018 Volume 9 Issue 1
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
3 Choose LED Light Bulbs 8 Publisher’s Letter 10 Catalogs for AUM OLLI 2018/2019 Is Released 12 CARLETON’S GARDEN of DAYLILIES page 20
Features
20 Love With The Proper Senior
28 Ageism is Hurting Your Health
Departments 24 This and That
40 Cumberland Island Paradise Lost-Jeff Barganier
44 {12} Things
Interesting Stuff
16 The Joy of Living a Meaningful Life 18 Can Social Security Be Fixed? McDonald Hagen 24 ASF Presents Menopause the Musical
42 Greg Budell
Special Events for Boomers
14 Exercising In Hot Weather Leigh Anne Richards
The Pipe Club
25 National Senior Citizens Day 27 The King 30 Can You Live Without a Living Will? Ask an Elder Law Attorney 32 BOOM! Cover Profile
page 32
page 26
page 27
page 12
page 40
39 Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla: FoodSwitch 46 Beverly Washburn’s Favorite Co-stars
page 25
page 16
page 28
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 3966 Atlanta Hwy, Box 266, Montgomery, AL 36109. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2018 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
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
7
Publisher’s Letter
I recently spent a week in Indiana and Ohio. My main purpose was a weekend family reunion with two of my sisters and a few nephews and nieces. For some reason many of the family members were no shows, already committed to other plans, which is probably a sign of things to come. It's hard to continue keeping a family close, different interests and priorities more and more trump the sentimentality of family togetherness.
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 Austin Barranco Tracy Bhalla Kimberly Blaker Greg Budell
Linda Carleton Charlotte Meadows Leigh Anne Richards Nick Thomas Raley L. Wiggins Gil Zeimer
Cover Photography Shellee Roberts Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
Thanks Uncle Tom
We did have a special surprise this year because my Uncle Tom and his daughter's family joined us for a roomful of memories that will never end. My uncle is 90 years old. In the last three months he lost his wife, after 65 years of marriage. He is heartbroken and still deeply in love with his wife, Ginny. In the few hours we spent together, my uncle Jim Watson, Publisher blessed me with his wisdom and his unlimited capacity to love his wife. A reminder of my father, his older brother, who had similar family traits and a deep love for his wife, my mom. Thanks for the memory Uncle Tom. This month's cover profile is Charlotte Meadows, a focused woman who is an advocate for a quality public education in our community. For the last few months she has been working to get a new Charter Public School launched in Montgomery. It's called LEAD Academy and will probably open in 2019. I wish her well because we need innovation when it comes to setting and achieving high academic standards for our children. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know Charlotte this month, I certainly did! We have plenty more good reads in this issue like experiencing some new travel with Jeff Barganier. Jeff takes us to one of the isolated islands off Georgia's southern coast, he'll inspire you to go there or somewhere soon! Greg Budell shares some of his memories about growing up a boy in Chicago and discovering how he solved the mystery of the forbidden. Most "boys" our age can relate! We also, have a feature on ageism, it's real. Substitute any special interest group or ethnic name when people say dismissive things to older people or ridicule them for no reason, it won't take long to see it. We have plenty more to check out this month it should be a great reading experience, it's designed for you. Please share your thoughts to my cell/text or email, I love to listen and learn. Also, if you haven't started getting BOOM! to your email inbox each month it's a fun way to read the latest issues, convenient too! Please sign up for your free subscription to the Digital BOOM! online at RiverRegionBoom.com. Thanks for being part of our BOOM! Community.
Jim
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
Digital & Interactive
When you read the Digital & Interactive version of BOOM! on your digital device you will be interactive with every website and email link in the magazine. You can click through to a writer’s source, an
advertiser, send comments and suggestions, request more info and share your favorite reads on Facebook and Twitter. The Digital & Interactive version was built for the new you so go ahead and sign up for a free subscription at RiverRegionBoom.com “BOOM!, the best reading experience for the 50+ community”
8 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
9
Catalog for AUM OLLI Fall 2018 and Winter 2019 Is Released Fall Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 6, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Come meet instructors, visit with new and returning OLLI members. The fall 2018 schedule includes some exciting new workshops and presentations, several of which are on related subjects. Robert (Bob) Beshear will be teaching a course on Alabama Child and Family Well-Being. Bob’s wife, Lynn, the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, is making a lunch presentation on Mental Health Issues in Alabama. Cliff Browning’s film course focuses on two films about mental illness, especially bipolar disorder. Other new offerings include political courses. Jim Barber will begin a three-term (DVD) course on A History of Freedom, and Brad Moody is leading a study of the 2018 elections. Rick Anderson is introducing the writings of
10 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
James Lee Burke, a renowned mystery author. Cliff Browning and Nancy Anderson are again leading a discussion of capital punishment, but from a different perspective from the past two fall terms: Anthony Ray Hinton’s The Sun Does Shine and the film adaptation of Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying.
include Brain Bowl and the book discussion group. An added bonus opportunity on these same Tuesdays will be a writing workshop focused on Christmas memories (members can write a personal Christmas memory and add pictures for a personal Christmas giftbooklet for family and friends).
AUM OLLI is, for the first time, offering a training course to prepare individuals to become volunteers to assist Montgomery City/County Response Teams in case of disaster. OLLI members can also learn how to use Photoshop to enhance their photographs.
The Brown Bag lunch series also includes such subjects as the Battle of Mobile Bay, a study of apples, and a program on caving in Alabama.
Many popular offerings are once again on the schedule: investing, pine needle basket weaving, paper engineering (making pop-up books and cards), zentangle, jewelry making, line dancing, and ballroom dancing. Claude Frenchy Fortin is returning with his class on the U. S. intelligence community. Bonus opportunities on the first and third Tuesdays of each month will continue to
For more detailed information on all of these classes, see the new OLLI catalog on our website www.outreach.aum.edu/classes Register for classes online and receive $5.00 off. Come to the Open House on September 6 and bring some friends to introduce them to the enriching AUM OLLI program!! For more information about AUM OLLI or to request a catalog, contact: Brittany at 244-3804.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
11
By Linda Carleton
CARLETON’S GARDEN of DAYLILIES, A Love Story WELCOME to garden in to the home prairie soil and gardens often called of George “prairie and Linda mud”. Carleton, affectionately Each year referred to as a new bed “Otis Acres” was started named after until the a beloved house was German surrounded Carleton Garden Sally Lake Memorial Bed Shepard called with new “Otis”. It sits atop a hillside overlooking beds with new plantings. It was not until Lake Cameron in the town of Pike Road, 2012 that both George and Linda became with sweeping views visible for miles. interested in registered daylilies when Montgomery Area Daylily Society Most people believe that daylilies aren’t (MADS) president solicited their worth planting because they only last a membership. day. FALSE, daylilies bloom on scapes (stalk grows from the base of the crown; There was much to learn from sends up a single scape or can send up books as well as trial and error. two or three more during the bloom Daylilies don’t need a deep season). There might be three to ten bed because their roots spread scapes per clump of daylilies and possibly outward. They require three feet twenty blooms per scape. While it is between each plant to spread. true that each bloom does last one day, They love water and the proper there are many blooms that open the soil mixture (pine bark mulch, sand next day so that each plant blooms for and a mixture purchased from local weeks and even months. Some daylilies sand and gravel dealers). A costly mistake are rebloomers. They send up new scapes often is to plant the daylilies too deep and new blooms causing the plants to rot. for a second time during the There is a disease called rust season. There that daylilies can acquire are evergreen, that must be sprayed. The semi evergreen, best way to avoid rust is and dormant to carefully examine any daylilies. The plants that you purchase so evergreen and semi evergreen can be used as Curious George borders because they stay green all Winter. The Carleton garden was established in 2009 after Linda took the Master Gardener class in Montgomery. George made extensive changes to the landscaping around the house as a gift to Linda. A plan was established as a starting point by a graduate student in landscape design from Auburn University. It was necessary to bring in several loads of “Super Soil” and or “Black Magic” compost mix because it is very difficult
12 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
Spider Man that you don’t introduce rust into your garden. Commercial growers even isolate new plants until they know that they are disease free. The Carleton’s know there is still much to learn but also feel that they at least have a starting handle on the learning curve.
As gardening became more and more a part of their lives “the daylily fever” became stronger and stronger. With this passion growing, so have the daylily gardens around the house. Each bed has special meaning as members of MADS have provided the Carleton’s with; a prized birdhouse by Arthur Woods; many cultivars from Evelyn Miller, who “thought” she was downsizing her home and gardens; and special purchases of cultivars along the way. There are 176 different cultivars growing in the garden. Linda currently serves as President of the local daylily club, Montgomery Area Daylily Society.
Carleton Garden Hemerocallis is the scientific name for daylily, meaning beauty and day in Greek. Linda’s favorite daylily is ‘Curious George’ (Peat 2001) and George’s favorite is ‘Jolly White Giant’ (Ciavarelli 1984), both of which bloom and bloom all summer. Friends have encouraged them to plant all 15 acres in daylilies, however; the Carleton’s feel, due to the care the daylilies require and their ages, the current plantings are just about right. The Carleton’s gardens recently served as a tour garden for the Regional Spring Meeting at which time one hundred daylily enthusiasts from Mississippi and Alabama judged their individual plants and blooms. Linda Carleton, a Master Gardener of Class 2008, 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
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
13
Exercising In Hot Weather
Summer is officially here, and it is hot! Here in the South, we get to also experience high humidity which can lead to heat related exertional illnesses. Understanding warm/ hot weather definitions is very important for people who exercise outside during this time of year. Of the many relevant heat related definitions, the heat index is one of the most important. Heat related illnesses range from mild (heat rash, heat cramps), to life threatening heat stroke. Anyone is susceptible to heat related exertional illnesses. It is very important that the exercise understand the presentation of signs and symptoms associated with these heat related illnesses. The following are some terms that are necessary to know and understand if you exercise outside in the heat and humidity • Heat index: It is the combination of heat and humidity that gives a description of how the temperature feels. It is not actual air temperature. When the heat index is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme caution should be considered before exercising outdoors. • Heat cramps: They are associated with excessive sweating during exercise and are usually caused from dehydration,
14 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
electrolyte loss, and inadequate blood flow to the peripheral muscles. They
exhaustion may be pale and clammy, have a rapid or weak pulse, loss of coordination, decreased performance, dilated pupils, and profuse sweating. Treatment for heat exhaustion is to immediately stop the activity and hydrate with chilled water and/or an electrolyte replacement by Leigh Anne Richards sport drink. The exerciser should be cleared by a doctor before resuming strenuous outdoor activities. • Heat stroke (Hyperthermia)usually occur in the hamstrings, calves and This is a life- threatening condition in quadriceps. Treatment for heat cramps which the body’s thermal regulatory is rehydration with an electrolyte (salt) mechanism is overwhelmed. Key signs solution and muscle stretch of heat stroke are hot skin, pale or • Heat syncope: This results from physical ashen colored skin, high pulse rate, high exertion in a hot environment. In an respiratory rate, decreased urine output effort to increase heat loss, the skin and and a core temperature (taken rectally) blood vessels dilate to such an extent over 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Is to that blood flow to the brain is reduced move the person to a cool area and reduce causing symptoms of headache, dizziness, the body temperature immediately, Get faintness, increased heart rate, nausea, immediate medical attention. If immediate vomiting, restlessness, and even possibly medical attention is not possible or a loss of consciousness. Treatment is to available, immerse the person in a cool sit or lie down in a cool environment with bath while covering the extremities elevation of the feet. Hydration is very with cool wet cloths and massaging the important as well. extremities to propel the cooled blood • Heat exhaustion: This is a shock like back into the core. condition that occurs when excessive • Exercise Induced Hypotremia (water sweating causes dehydration and intoxication) This is most commonly electrolyte loss. A person with heat associated with prolonged exertion during
Fitness over Fifty
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
sustained, high intensity endurance activities such as marathons or triathlons. It is attributable to excess free water intake, which fails to replenish the sometimes-massive sodium losses that result from sweating. Symptoms of hypotremia can vary from light headedness, malaise, nausea, altered mental status. Risk factors include hot weather, female athletes/exercisers, poor performance, and possibly the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment advises exercisers to drink only as much fluid as they lose during sweating. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about 300 Americans die every year of heat related illness. Most of these deaths can be avoided if people better understand the dangers. Everyone is at risk if he or she does not stay hydrated, but there are certain people who are at a greater risk: • Those who are active, exercise, or spend a lot of time outside. • Elderly people. • People with chronic illnesses who are taking certain medicines. • People who are severely obese. • Outdoor workers such as construction workers. • Athletes who train outside in the heat
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
replenish the water that is lost, you will become dehydrated.
• People with low cardiac reserve whose hearts are unable to quickly adjust to the changes the body goes through in extreme heat. Patients with heart failure should not exercise in the very hot and humid weather. Their hearts have less reserve capacity to transport heat from the body and their hearts can become overworked. It is very important for the body to sweat. Up to 60% of the human body is water and only about 10% of this water is in the bloodstream. A lot of water in the bloodstream can be lost through sweating. In fact, during very hot and humid conditions, we can sweat up to 3 liters, which is almost all of the water in our bloodstream. To replace the water that is lost from the bloodstream, the body takes water from its tissues or uses the fluids that you drink during exercise. In humid conditions, the body tries to cool itself by sweating even more. If you do not
Here are some tips for elderly people or chronically ill patients for patients to handle the summer heat and humidity while exercising • Continue your usual exercise habits but move indoor to a cool, air-conditioned space. Try walking on an indoor track or a mall instead of the park • Weigh yourself before you exercise or exert yourself outside. If your weight drops more than 2 or 3 pounds from your usual “dry weight”, call your Dr. to see if your medicines may need adjusting • Be cautious and take frequent cooling breaks if you must be outside. Summer weather does not have to sideline your exercise regimen. The above suggestions can help you plan and understand ways to modify your routines to exercise safely.
Sources:
Exercising in Hot Weather, Fit for Duty Fit for Life. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Medicinenet.com- Hyperthermia: A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People Hot Weather Exercise Tips, Texas Heart Institute Information Center Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General ManagerMetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
15
By Kimberly Blaker
The Joy of Living a Meaningful Life How to Find Meaning and Overcome Road Blocks "It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts."Adlai Stevenson
greatest risk may simply be taking a chance and an unrealistic fear of failure – and the biggest sacrifice may be little more than stepping outside your comfort zone or setting aside a little happiness in exchange for something more uplifting and meaningful.
The point Stevenson illustrates is how so many of us live our lives falling short of real meaning. It's an interesting phenomenon the amount of time, energy, and money most of us invest in living healthier, longer, and happier lives. Despite this, many of us still feel largely unsatisfied and that our lives are devoid of meaning. When it comes to living a meaningful life, there's no one size fits all solution. What makes life meaningful is unique to every person who walks the planet. So you need to explore and discover what speaks to you. Meaning can come from many different things. Unlike happiness, which stems from taking or doing things for yourself, meaning comes from giving or doing something for others. Perhaps it comes from fostering a close family relationship. For some, it's about choosing a fulfilling career path that involves helping others whether it's through teaching, nursing, counseling, or coaching. For others, it's about giving back to their community by joining the Kiwanis or volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister. It can also come from forming an organization for a national cause you're passionate about. Or maybe taking up a hobby you enjoy such as gardening and donating the excess produce to a soup kitchen.
16 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
If these are the things holding you back, work on changing your frame of mind. Schedule 20 minutes a day to sit in solitude with your eyes closed and envision your meaningful life. Allow yourself to build excitement and desire for that which will bring Schedule 20 minutes a day to sit in solitude meaning. with your eyes closed and envision your Also, spend time meaningful life. daily reading or listening to Before you begin your journey to audiobooks and watching videos online explore new avenues, evaluate what that are relevant to the thing that you're doing with your life right now. would provide you a meaningful life. Maybe you're already giving in a way you don't even realize. You might just If you're still holding back, talk to need to work on changing your frame supportive family members and of mind by realizing what you do does friends, and ask them to hold you to matter. If it still doesn't feel like enough it. You might also consider seeking a to satisfy you, explore other avenues counselor or coach who can support that are important to you. you and help you move in the direction Once you've decided what will bring meaning to your life is where the challenge often lies. You must make a conscious decision and concerted effort to follow through. Maybe you've chosen a challenging path that involves both sacrifice and risk. Only you can decide if those sacrifices and risks are worth a more meaningful life. Often though, we blow those sacrifices and risks way out of proportion. The
of your goals.
Whatever path you choose and regardless of the outcome, give yourself credit not only for a job well done but for all of your efforts. Always remember, the meaning of your life is as much about how you perceive your actions as it is about what you've done. Kimberly Blaker is a lifestyle and parenting freelance writer. She also writes a blog, The Young Gma's Guide to Parenting at www.theyounggma.com
Copyright © 2018 Kimberly Blaker, All rights reserved.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
17
Can Social Security Be Fixed? Brandt McDonald introduces his guest columnist, Austin Barranco… From time to time, I will be introducing several of our advisors through this column. They will share personalized insights into financial markets, financial planning, and overall wealth management concepts. At McDonald & Hagen, we have a deep bench of talent that is eager to serve our firm’s clients and our local community. This month’s column is written by Austin Barranco. Austin entered the financial industry in 2014 after earning a degree in Finance from The University of Alabama, with a specialization in Insurance and Risk Management, he has also earned the distinction of a FINRA General Securities Principal held with LPL. Austin and his wife Maghen live in East Montgomery with their dog Chip. In his free time Austin enjoys college football, golf, and traveling the world.
Will Social Security be different when you retire? Its reserves are projected to be depleted by 2034, and if that happens, the program could pay retirees only about 80% of projected retirement benefits.1
Financial Thoughts
with Austin Barranco
Since 2010, Social Security has paid out more than it has taken in. With roughly 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day, this trend will continue for a while. At some point, public opinion will likely force Congress to “rescue” Social Security. How might that happen?
living adjustment (COLA) for current Social Security recipients might be adjusted so that COLAs become smaller. Or, the earnings cap on Social Security taxes paid by pre-retirees might be raised far above the current
Several fixes have been proposed. One idea involves gradually raising the program’s Full Retirement Age. Another would adjust the formula for calculating benefits, with wealthier retirees receiving less Social Security income than poorer retirees. The cost-of-
$127,200, which would pour more revenue into the Social Security Trust Funds.2 In 2015, the number of millennials began to exceed the number of baby boomers – a development that may
also help to sustain Social Security, as it will even out the ratio of working adults paying into the program and retired adults receiving payments.2 The question marks around Social Security may persist for years, and you should consider them as you prepare for retirement. Austin Barranco, Financial Advisor 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.
Sources/Disclaimers: This material was prepared for BOOM Magazine and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. 1 fool.com/retirement/2017/05/12/dont-believe-these-social-security-myths.aspx [5/12/17] 2 wisebread.com/5-sobering-facts-about-social-security-you-shouldnt-panic-over [5/4/17]
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m 18 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
19
Love With The Proper Senior Romance is still a big part of most peoples’ lives and it doesn’t stop at any age
You’re Never Too Old for Love
do find true love in old age.
Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated seniors do it. “It” is falling in love. But in the case of our parents, “it” is maintaining the love in their relationships over many decades.
How Do Single People Find Romantic Love? For any relationship of any length, at any age, couples meet in a variety of ways:
Enjoying Romantic Love in Older Age Romance is still a big part of most peoples’ lives and it doesn’t stop at any age. Whether with their original spouses or remarried, our parents are used to sharing their lives with someone for companionship and true love during their golden years. In fact, recent studies of romance among older Americans may surprise you: > A National Poll on Aging from the University of Michigan found that 72% of those 65–80 years old reported having a current romantic partner. > An AARP survey of 800 older women in Southern California found that those under 55 and over 80 were most likely to say they were satisfied with the romance in their lives. A Few Examples of Real-Life Romantic Love in Later Years When my wife’s mother died, my father-in-law moved to Leisure World in Southern California. Because he was a spry 71, had a heartbeat, a condo, and a car, he was soon on the receiving end of the “casserole brigade” –– widows on the hunt for their next husband. A year later, he met and quickly married a younger woman at Leisure World. They didn’t have much in common, so that relationship only lasted a few months. Later that year, he met another woman at a weekly bridge game. They were a much
20 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
better match and were married for 15 years until he passed. A friend of my mother was married four times in her 60s and 70s. Ironically, the fourth husband was the funeral director who she had grown to know after planning the final rights for her first three husbands. Lonely, But Not Alone: Aging in Place with 24 Hour Care After my father passed at the age of 89, my mother chose not to remarry. She’s now nearly 101 and frequently tells me, “My kids and grandkids give me plenty of hugs and kisses.” My family has chosen to let our Mom “age in place” in the comfort of the Marin County condo she’s owned since 1971. Because of memory issues, she has 24/7 care. My siblings and I visit her frequently, often bringing long-time family friends along. One neighbor of a good friend became her “boyfriend” for a while, meaning that they got together every few months for an extended lunch. Unfortunately, after she forgot to tell her caregiver about a lunch date she’d made, my mom was out of the house when he arrived with a lavish meal. That was the end of that friendship, but many people
I Friends and family members introduce some couples to each other. I Some meet each other at a friend’s house. I Some try online dating services. There are many, from AARP’s “How About We” to eHarmony Senior Dating, Our Time, Senior Friend / Finder and numerous niche sites geared towards religious affiliation, gender orientation, and location. I You can also engage a dating coach, service, or a good old-fashioned matchmaker. I Community centers and senior centers where elderly people meet for daytime activities are excellent ways to meet new folks. I Seniors meet other seniors at their library, grocery store, and hobby venue. Finally, many people find companionship and love in older age at senior living communities offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. In fact, up to 90% of people who move into these communities are single. So as you can see, romance can happen at any age. And it’s comforting to know that you’re never too old to find love… or to find love again. Gil Zeimer cares for his mother several days a week since a brain injury caused short-term memory loss. Gil is a freelance writer with vast experience covering the Baby Boomer market including healthcare, senior living, and medical devices. Gil is an award-winning writer in healthcare, senior living and medical devices. He has been nominated for 5 CLIO awards. Visit www.Zeimer.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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 Kristy today for your free in-home consultation!
Call today!
334-593-3988 Changing the Way the World Ages
HomeCareAssistanceMontgomery.com
Everyone has influence and the ability to create positive change. When you improve your leadership, you impact lives, churches, businesses, governments, schools and families. A world-class event, The Global Leadership Summit is simulcast LIVE in HD to more than 600 Premier Host Site locations in North America. You are invited to join an expected 445,000+ participants in 135+ countries in 2018.
Craig Groeschel
Angela Ahrendts
Erwin McManus
Danny Meyer
Rasmus Ankersen
Strive Masiyiwa
T.D. Jakes
Simon Sinek
David Dr. Nthabiseng Livermore, Ph.D. Legoete
Sheila Heen
Rory Vaden
Register today willowcreek.com/summit
Montgomery Area Site: Frazer United Methodist Church frazer.church/summit
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
@wcagls
@wcagls
John C. Maxwell @wcagls
Carla Harris
glspodcast.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
*Lineup subject to change
followthegls.com
August 2018
BOOM!
21
i
This & tHAT
Labor Day, High Hot Air Balloon Festival
Labor Day weekend, August 31-September 2, kicks off with the extraordinary Friday Night Balloon Glow and continues all weekend long. Watch beautiful balloons all aglow or hop in a basket for your own tethered balloon ride. Saturday is filled with family-friendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Kids Zone and much more. There's something for everyone with a classic car show, disc dog demonstrations and entertaining performers. If you're a photography buff, you can sign up for our hands-on "Mastering Night Photography" course. Plus, you'll find drink specials and sports on the televisions at the Beach Bar. Cap off the weekend with a final balloon glow Sunday night on Robin Lake Beach. With this exciting line-up of events, surrounded by the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens, there's no better way to say "farewell" to Summer 2018. For more info visit www.callawaygardens.com
How Much Money Do You Need to Be Wealthy in America? Many Americans cite leading a stress-free life and having “peace of mind” as their personal definition of wealth. That doesn’t sound too money-centric on the face of it—until you consider that money, or specifically the lack of it, is a major source of stress. Americans don’t like to admit that assets can buy happiness—just 11 percent of those surveyed for the second annual Modern Wealth Index from Charles Schwab chose “having lots of money” as their definition of wealth. But while most respondents selected more high-minded concepts as their keys to contentment, they weren’t afraid to put a number on what they needed to get there. To be financially comfortable in America today requires an average of $1.4 million, up from $1.2 million a year ago, according to the survey. The net worth needed to be “wealthy”? That’s an average $2.4 million, the same as last year in the online survey of 1,000 Americans between age 21 and 75.
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m 22 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
MACOA Seeks Nominations for 2018 Seniors of Achievement The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) is accepting nominations for the 2018 Seniors of Achievement. 2018 marks the 31st year of the Seniors of Achievement (SOA) Awards program, which recognizes seniors who have made significant lifetime contributions to their communities. Since the inception in 1988, close to 400 seniors have been selected to receive this outstanding award. These distinguished citizens come from every walk of life. The purpose of Seniors of Achievement is to recognize those who have truly blessed the lives of others through their community and volunteer, professional or personal achievements. These individuals who are at least 65 years of age, have made significant contributions to their community, and live in Montgomery, Autauga, Coosa, Elmore, or Tallapoosa counties. The Special Friend of MACOA award was established as an additional honor to recognize people who have contributed to the success of MACOA and its programs and service for seniors. Nominations are being accepted now through August 17th. To download a nomination form, to view a list of past recipients, and to learn more visit www.macoa.org/seniors-awards/ or call 334.263.0532. Awards will be presented on October 11th at a recognition luncheon to be held at the Montgomery Country Club.
Broadway Under The Stars Pops Concert The Montgomery Symphony will present its 32nd annual Broadway Under The Stars Pops Concert this August 23, 2018 at 7:30pm. Coolers, baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome at this free concert of Broadway show tunes performed lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Gates open at 5:00 p.m for picnicking. Broadway Under the Stars concert is generously sponsored by Regions Bank. For more info visit www.montgomerysymphony.org
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Grief Support Sessions
Overview of Grief Process, Where are You in Your Grief? Coping with Emotions: anger, guilt, sadness. What new roles are you learning and which are most difficult?
Hospice of Montgomery September 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 to 11:30 am HOM office, 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery, AL 36117 Call Chaplain Winston Brooks 334.279.6677 FREE, OPEN to All!
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
23
This & tHAT
i
More
ASF Presents Menopause the Musical ASF Presents Menopause the Musical beginning August 25 and running through September 16. COME JOIN OUR SISTERHOOD! Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 16 years! It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!® Recommended ages 13+ Runtime: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes* and does not have an intermission. For more info and ticket sales visit www.asf.net.
Show Your Support & Attend Valiant Cross Academy’s Opening Day Ceremony!
Please join the Valiant Cross Academy staff on our Opening Day Ceremony August 6th, 8-9 am, to show support for our new class of scholars at Valiant Cross Academy! We want to show our young men that they have the full support of the community behind them! We will be sending our first class of scholars off to our new high school at Troy University Montgomery! All are welcome! Valiant Cross Academy is loocated at 301 Dexter Avenue, Downton Montgomery. For more information, call 334.694.9200 visit www.facebook.com/events/249057549021923/
or
Capital City Master Gardener Association Presents Free Lunch & Learn 2018 Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2018 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. We meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars, August 1st, Grow Your Fall Salad by Mike Forster, Master Gardener-September 5th, Decorating with Gourds, Sandy Rosamond, Master Gardener-October 3rd, Native Drought Tolerant Plants, Dr. Sue Webb, Petals from the Past. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org. FREE GARDEN HELPLINE: Can’t find the answer to a home gardening question? Call our Free Help Line for the general public. 1-877-252-GROW (4769), Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm I March-August. The help line is operated by Master Gardener Volunteers who use research-based information to best answer your gardening questions.
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m 24 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Vicarious Vacations Defend yourself against the dreaded doldrums of DOG DAYS! Spend every Saturday of August traveling the world in the cool confines of the auditorium in Old Alabama Town. For the seventh year, Landmarks Foundation offers exciting seated trips led by seasoned travelers who will take us on four free VICARIOUS VACATIONS! August 4: Planes, Trains & Automobiles The Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu, Rich and Christy Anderson August 11: A Cruise to the Orkney Islands & Iceland, Ann and Steve Linder The Old Man of Hoy in Orkney August 18: World War I Battlefields, Jim Hodgson and Steve Brickley August 25: Hiking Mt. Rainier’s Wonderland Trail, McDowell Crook Saturdays in August, 11 am, Hobbs Auditorium, Loeb Reception Center, 301 Columbus St. Free to the public. For more info visit www.oldalabamatown.com
Memory Cafés at the Whole Foods Market in Montgomery Whole Foods and Dementia Friendly Alabama have partnered and are delighted to announce they will be hosting Memory Cafés at the Whole Foods Market in Montgomery. The next Memory café will be Friday, August 10th, 10-11 am. Memory Cafés are social engagement opportunities for people with dementia and their care partners to come together and just have some fun. We will provide an engaging sensory tour where they will experience tastes, touch and smells from all over the world. At any given café, organizers encourage attendees to not focus on the disease and have fun with the group. Please call 334.240.4680, ext 105 to let us know you’re coming. For more information visit www. facebook.com/events/183062925761705/
National Senior Citizens Day
Alabama Dance Theatre Fall Classes
Is your Granddaughter signed up? The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering classes in classical ballet, pointe, pre-ballet (beginning at age 3), modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and tap beginning Monday, August 20th. Company Auditions for the Alabama Dance Theatre will be held Sunday, August 19th. Classes will be held at the Armory Learning CaraVita Village is celebrating our seniors with a special event Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre for everyone interested in celebrating with us! Bring your located at 1018 Madison friends and Seniors in your family on Tuesday, August 21 from 1-3pm at CaraVita Village, located at 4000 Fieldcrest Dr, Avenue. For registration or more information Montgomery, AL 36111. We'll have LIVE entertainment with please call 334-625-2590, the soulful sounds of Preston Frazier Jr, Vendor tables, door or visit the website at www.alabamadancetheatre.com. prizes & healthy snacks plus great information for seniors. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
25
This & tHAT
i
More
Montgomery Dragon Boat Race & Festival The Dragons return to the water Saturday, August 25th for their 9th year here in the Capital City! Over 60 teams from Central Alabama and beyond will converge downtown at Riverfront Park to paddle and party for a cause while in pursuit of the Grand Championship Trophy! Off the water, browse various goods from local exhibitors and artists, enjoy food and drink from local vendors, and find a spot to watch the live music from the Amphitheatre stage. The Festival is part of a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose events act as fundraisers for local non-profits. About the organization: The Montgomery Dragon Boat Race and Festival is part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to coordinate events as fundraisers. The proceeds of the Festival go directly to building and maintaining the programs and services of one or more local non-profits. In our efforts to raise funding for our beneficiaries, we also aim to provide a unique and exciting way to engage the community. The Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival has grown to become the largest outdoor event in the City due to the involvement of a large and diverse group of participants; individuals from fitness clubs, church groups, City departments, banks, local businesses, Maxwell AFB, and other areas. In 2017, Dragons shared the water with Stand-Up-Paddleboarders for the first Gun Island Chute SUP Cup, and we’re proud to be hosting this event for the second time this year! We create a full day of racing for the teams, but also a full day of entertainment for both the paddlers and the public by filling Riverfront Park with vendors and exhibitors, with a focus on local shops and businesses. Visit www.montgomerydragonboat.org
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.
Support Meetings for Cancer Patients and Caregivers
Support Meetings for Cancer Patients and Caregivers. Includes monthly education series, encouragement from cancer Survivors, caregiver support and sharing common experiences and solutions. August 14, September 11, October 9. All meetings held in Education Conference Room, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. Education series starts at 12N; Support meeting starts at 1pm. Call 334.273.2275 for more information.
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m 26 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Retirees... Help Wanted! Delivering BOOM! 2 days per month
email: jim@riverregionboom.com
Women of Hope
Breast Cancer Support Group Tuesday, August 14th, 5:30 p.m. Frazer UMC, Room 8114 6000 Atlanta Highway Enjoy fun and fellowship with your breast cancer “sisters” and friends!
The program will be:
I’m too Blessed to be Stressed! Presented by Tammy Powell Breast Cancer Survivor
Everyone is Welcome!
For information please call 334-220-4599 or email womenofhope@charter.net www.thewomenofhope.org
Capri Theatre Showing The King The King, i.e., Elvis Presley, is widely considered to be dead. And whereas some may believe reports of his death were greatly exaggerated, Eugene Jarecki believes Elvis is not only dead, but that his death is a metaphor for the decline of America. To illustrate his point, Jarecki hops in Elvis's 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V and sets off on a musical road trip across the country. Along the way, musicians ride along with him to talk about Elvis's impact and on their careers, whether they're famous, like Emmylou Harris, or unheard of to anyone outside their own town, and many of them demonstrate Elvis's influence on them by giving deeply private performances. Interspersed with the music are interviews with experts, celebrities, and fans, and clips from TV shows and movies. The result is a lively, frenetic, almost interactive documentary. If you shout something at the screen, we can't guarantee you'll get an answer back. But we can guarantee you've never seen a documentary like this before. Showing at the Capri Theatre, August 24-28. For more info visit www.theking.film and www.capritheatre.org
Alabama Antique Trail Sale
Over 120 antique shops and malls in numerous Alabama towns will be participating in the Alabama Antique Trail Sale, September 1 30, 2018. Some stores will have selected items on sale. Other stores may have a percentage off everything. The largest Antique sale in the South! To find the location, hours, and type of store go to: AlabamaAntiqueTrail.com. AlabamaAntiqueTrail.com was the original state of AntiqueTrail.com. It was started by an Alabama resident. There are now over 1300 stores in 18 states on www.alabamaantiquetrail.com. For more info call 256.797.5640
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
27
Ageism is Hurting Your Health Rampant ageism profoundly affects the health and wellbeing of older adults. Here’s what you can do about it.
workers age 40 and over. However, the reality is that as many as twothirds of workers between the ages of 45 and 74 report experiencing age discrimination at work. Older workers who become unemployed spend longer searching for a new job than younger counterparts, and if they do manage to find work, it often pays less than their previous job.
Ageism, or prejudice against older people, is most widespread in high-income countries such as the United States, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). American culture puts a premium on youth, beauty, vitality and high earnings. Getting older is viewed as a process that reduces these perceived attributes. “The anxiety and the fear surrounding aging have increased,” says Tracey Gendron, a developmental psychologist and associate professor of gerontology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “Aging has a real image problem. As a culture, we see it as moving toward a period of decline, and we feel pressure to combat visible signs of aging.” Older people with negative concepts about aging live an average of 7.5 years less than those who have positive attitudes about growing older, according to the World Values Survey. Additionally, 60 percent of survey respondents said that older people are not respected. "This analysis confirms that ageism is extremely common. Yet most people are completely unaware of the subconscious stereotypes they hold about older people," said John Beard, WHO Director of Ageing and Life Course. "Like sexism and racism, changing social norms is possible. It is time to stop defining people by their age. It will result in more prosperous, equitable and healthier societies." What Constitutes Ageism? Prejudice against older adults can take many forms. Media often depict older people as frail or dependent. While some are, many older adults lead active,
28 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
thoughtful lives, and this reality needs to be shown as well. Policy decisions such as proposed reductions to Social Security and Medicare directly affect older Americans and can be considered ageism. “It’s not like we didn’t know the boomers would retire someday,” says Max Richtman, who chairs the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations in Washington, D.C. “America built schools when this growing demographic was young, houses as it matured and large surpluses in the Social Security Trust Fund in anticipation of its retirement. However, now that 10,000 boomers turn 65 each day, the graying of America is too often presented as simply a drain on our national resources and—even worse— used as an opportunity to pit generations against each other.”
Perhaps due to the internet revolution, ageism is hitting even 40-somethings. Tech companies fill their seats with millennials, and old-fashioned job security, like offering a pension, is as long gone as the copy machine. “There is no such thing as a linear career path anymore,” says Karen Shnek Lippman, managing director at the Koller Search Partners, a recruiting firm in New York. “The only career goal you should be focusing on right now is staying relevant.” An upper-level position used to mean stability and financial confidence, but an older worker today may be booted out of the workforce to make way for a younger, less expensive colleague.
Ageism in the Workplace In addition, institutional policies like a mandatory retirement age are discriminatory and fail to recognize the broad spectrum of abilities in older adults. While hiring managers are now instructed to avoid bias against women, LGBTQ people and minorities, age discrimination has failed to attract similar notice.
Ageism Affects All of Us Younger people are damaged by ageism, too, according to research by the Yale School of Public Health. The study detected an ominous link between prejudice toward older people at a young age and poor health later on. Making cruel jokes about older bodies, thinking of older adults as burdensome, and holding unflattering stereotypes of seniors reduced the likelihood their own old age would be healthy.
The Age Discrimination Employment Act makes it illegal to discriminate against
How Can We Change? We all have the power to avert a mentality
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
of ageism, both toward ourselves and older adults around us.
Even cues that lie below conscious thought can affect how we think and feel. When subliminally positive age stereotypes were presented across multiple sessions in a community of older adults, one study found measurable
you sending about aging? Are you making assumptions or blurting out, “You look great for your age!” instead of “You look great”? Do you think of yourself as old? How about tossing that label and finding specific words for how you feel.
Start by embracing your own age, no matter what it is. Stand in front of a mirror and announce: “I am the perfect age for me today. My worth is not “Take the judgment “Compliments” that are Really Ageist gauged by what away and say what Sometimes ageism takes the guise of a compliment. The following list shows how pervasive ageism I still do or what you really mean, not is in our society and is a reminder to watch what you say I can’t do. It is what’s convenient,” says I When a waiter asks an older patron, “What can I get you today, young lady?” not measured Gendron. Instead of I “My grandparents are adorable.” We’d much rather be considered “loving and wise.” by what I look saying, "I feel old," ask I “He’s 80 years young.” Why celebrate youth and not experience? like. My worth yourself if what you really I “You are still …” “Still” is a qualifier we are surprised about an activity. is based on my mean is "I feel tired" or "I I “You’re only 68. You’re not old.” There is nothing wrong with being old. I “You don’t look like you’re 70.” Well if someone is 70, then that’s what 70 looks like! whole story, the feel stressed." Similarly, I “You’re proof that 60 is the new 40.” Being 60 is just fine. person that I am.” if you catch yourself I “At your age, you’re allowed to …” Having a “senior moment” is not just for seniors. Anthony Cirillo, describing someone as I “Wow! She’s still all there.” Assume we have our wits about us and ask our opinions and desires. president of The having “a youthful spirit,” Aging Experience consider whether you and advocate for really mean the person is caregivers and older adults, asks audience lively, vibrant, energetic or engaged. gains not only in self-perception, but in members to perform this exercise when physical function. Those gains surpassed speaking to health care groups. If you can catch yourself making a previous study’s six-month exercise assumptions, you can begin to change intervention in a similar population. Speak up when you notice ageism your own perceptions, and that will Another study found cognitive happening. Call out the media. Educate benefit everyone. performance was positively affected by younger family members; studies show subliminal messaging as well. This article previously appeared in a Blog that our perceptions about aging are posting provided by Society of Certified Senior already forming by the time we are 6 Listen to yourself. What messages are Advisors, www.csa.us years old.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
29
Ask an Elder Law Attorney
By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
Can You Live Without a Living Will? Even among lawyers, there is a lot of confusion regarding which documents clients need when it comes to health care decision making. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the names of many of these documents—Living Wills, Advance Directives, Do Not Resuscitate Orders, Healthcare Proxies, and Healthcare Powers of Attorney—are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably. So, I thought I would address each of these documents in turn to try and clear up some of the confusion. Let’s start with a Power of Attorney. A power of attorney (“POA”) is any document in which a principal grants an agent the authority to legally act on behalf of the principal. For example, Joe Q. Client (the principal) may give his wife, Jane T. Client (his agent), power of attorney to handle business and financial affairs on his behalf. The POA Joe gave to Jane in this case is probably drafted very broadly to give Jane a lot of authority. On the other hand, you may have executed a very limited POA if you have ever traded in a car to a dealership. The dealership will typically have you sign a POA that gives it the limited authority to sign any paperwork necessary to transfer title to your trade-in when they sell it to the next buyer. But, POA’s aren’t just for financial transactions. Depending upon how it is drafted, your POA may include provisions for making health care decisions as well. If the POA document authorizes your agent (sometimes called your “attorney-in-fact”) to make health care decisions, then your agent may also have the authority to act as your health care proxy as well. More on that below. When it comes to granting an agent or proxy authority to make health care decisions, the law breaks down those decisions into two basic categories. The first category is end-of-life decision making, namely the decision to provide, withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment or artificially provided food and water. The
30 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
second category includes non-end-of-life decisions, i.e. decisions that do not involve withdrawing life sustaining treatment or artificially provided food and water. If you don’t appoint an agent pursuant to your POA to make healthcare decisions
A “Do Not Resuscitate Order” (commonly called a “DNR”) is also often confused with a living will. In a hospital setting, a patient will typically receive resuscitation efforts (such as CPR) unless a physician has given a “no-code” or “do not resuscitate” order. But such an order is not effective if the patient is discharged back into the community.
Attend Free Workshop
Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop Wednesday, September 26: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 pm at the Archibald Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. for you, then you may draft an Advance Directive. This is a document that appoints an agent, called a Health Care Proxy, to make decisions on your behalf. Unlike a POA, a Health Care Proxy appointed in an Advance Directive is limited to making health care decisions only, and does not have any financial authority. Stated differently, your agent under a POA may also qualify as a Health Care Proxy, but your Health Care Proxy appointed by an Advance Directive does not qualify as your financial Agent. Finally, you may also have a Living Will, which deals only with end-of-life decision making. Your Living Will may be a separate, stand-alone document, or it may be incorporated into your Advance Directive. It states whether you want to receive life sustaining treatment and/or artificially provided nutrition and hydration if you are faced with a terminal illness. Terminal illness is defined as a situation in which the patient’s death is imminent, or whose condition is hopeless unless the patient is artificially supported through the use of life-sustaining procedures, in the opinion of a qualified physician.
In that case, the patient must obtain a special doctor’s order called a DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) which must be issued by the physician on a special form obtained from the Health Department. Unless the patient has a DNAR and is wearing a DNAR bracelet, an EMT is legally required to attempt resuscitation. There are a number of issues regarding health care decision making which must be considered. Most people should have an Advance Directive and Living Will as part of their ordinary estate planning documents. We also recommend a separate POA to deal with financial decisions. Individuals faced with a terminal illness may also consider speaking to their physician about a DNAR order as well, if appropriate. Advance Directives and Living Wills do not typically expire by the passage of time. They may, however, get “stale.” This is not a legal concern, but a practical one. For example, health care providers may be more hesitant to follow your wishes if they are set forth in a 25 year old living will. As a result, it’s wise to update them from time to time to keep them “fresh.” Raley L. Wiggins Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 322 Catoma Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, www.redoaklegalpc.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
FREE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Estate Planning, Asset Protection & Medicaid Eligibility
CALL US OR REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
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.
Seats fill up quickly! Reserve your seat today:
(334) 625-6774 redoaklegalpc.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m August 2018 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
BOOM!
31
BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Charlotte Meadows, Education Advocate This month’s BOOM! Cover Profile is Charlotte Meadows. Charlotte is a leader and education advocate for public schools. After serving on the Montgomery County School Board for many years, she is now in the process of launching one of the first Charter Public Schools in the River Region. It's called LEAD Academy and it is an innovative alternative to the traditional public schools that many Montgomery citizens have become sorely indifferent too over the past 20 years. In our recent conversation, Charlotte shared some insight into the project and hopefully it becomes a catalyst for higher standards and better outcomes for Montgomery Public Education in the future. Charlotte and her husband, Dr. Allen Meadows, are engaging their passions and careers with energetic enthusiasm that most Millennials couldn't begin to understand. In fact, one of Charlotte's aging secrets is never be bored and to follow your purpose. I hope you enjoy getting to know Charlotte as much as we did!
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?
to work at children graduated from magnet schools night to run in Montgomery and went to Auburn the financial University. side of the practice. Our BOOM!: On your LinkedIn page, you family was call yourself a Public Education Reform complete in Advocate. Please share with our readers 1993 when what that name means and how you our daughter became involved with the challenges Melanie Beth of Public Education? What was your Charlotte: We were was born. involvement with StudentsFirst? born in Ft Knox, KY, but Our oldest, both of my parents, Dodgen was Charlotte: When our oldest son was in 9th Charles and Sylvia named after grade he was diagnosed with Asperger’s, a Borden, were born and his great high functioning form of autism. I realized raised in Montgomery. grandfather, quickly that Dodge was brilliant but We moved back to our middle needed a lot of parent support and help Montgomery in 3rd son, Charles with organization and that my personal grade and attended Daniel, was involvement at his school would help Dannelly Elementary, named both of us a lot. I volunteered with the Goodwyn Jr High and after his PTSA at BTW Magnet and soon came to Jeff Davis HS. I say grandfather realize how much impact a single voice Charlotte and Allen at Napa in October 2016 we because I have an and Melanie could have over school policy. As the identical twin sister, Melanie Little who Beth was a combination of her two aunts, PTSA President, I felt like I should attend lives in Decatur, AL, so I’ve always had my sisters. It may be a best friend; we were known in high obvious that we are very school as “the Borden twins”. We also close to our family and have a younger sister, Gini Beth Welch, we spend as much time who lives in Birmingham. Melanie and I with them as possible. went to Auburn, pledged Kappa Kappa Montgomery has been Gamma sorority and graduated with an a great location for an Accounting degree in 1984. Two years allergy practice and has later I married my husband Allen and we a welcoming medical moved to Mobile and then Denver, CO community and is also for him to complete his medical training a wonderful place to as a pediatrician and then an allergist. raise a family. Although Although he had always planned to we had a lot of support live in the Atlanta area, I said, ‘keep an from grandmothers, our open mind about Montgomery’. In 1991 parents, aunts, uncles we moved back to my home to start and cousins, we have Melanie, Terri, Gina and Charlotte in Alaska with wildflowers his allergy practice, Alabama Allergy & also enjoyed wonderful Asthma Clinic, as a solo doctor. With 2½ the local board meetings and realized that friendships with our church family at year old and 7 month old boys, I worked frequently the student and family needs Harvest Family Church. All 3 of our in his office during the day and returned were not being considered. That’s when I
32 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
decided to run for Board of Education and first Public Charter Schools in Alabama, encouraged them to contact their elected fortunately ran called LEAD Academy. Can you share officials to unopposed. the history of this new educational lobby for Those six years concept and the benefits to our changes. I taught me a lot community? Where will it be located? was proud to about politics, How many students/grades? How can say that I was education BOOM! readers help you improve Public a lobbyist for policy and Education in Montgomery? kids. I worked working with a for SF from board. During Charlotte: The those years biggest piece I believed of legislation that I could that we were be a voice for successful in the parents passing was Daniel, Charlotte, Dodge, Allen & Melanie Beth who were the Charter graduation trip to Costa Rica, May, 2016 struggling to School law get the system to work for their child passed in December while also working one or more jobs March of 2012 until and trying to find resources to provide 2015. Clearly June 2016. what their child needs. Although we had the state Towards the some tumultuous times, I really enjoyed needed more end of 2015 I trying to improve the system. One of my options for also added the focuses was on student achievement and parents to role of policy I really thrived on understanding the data choose for director to my from the system but was frustrated by the their students, job and got to lack of interest in the achievement data and our work with the by other board members and the central student scores great people office staff. During these years I realized on national in Legislative that all parents want the best for their tests were Reference child, regardless of their race or political pretty dismal. Services and persuasion, and that a great education By providing more directly is needed for competition a child to have for the local success in life. systems and Family ski trip - Melanie Beth, Brent, I decided to showing Charlotte, Allen, Rayna and Daniel in success with not run for a Breckenridge. March 2017 second term the same and completed students and teachers, a charter school my service in will prove that all children can learn at 2012 when I high levels. We knew at the end of the was offered a session that we had to ensure that the position with first charter schools in Alabama were StudentsFirst highly successful; but I felt like there were as their state groups around the country that would outreach storm the state to start charters. That did director. not happen, most likely because there is StudentsFirst no funding for starting a charter school. was a national I knew that any charter school needed education to have someone who would wake up Allen & Charlotte, Mom, Larry & Melanie, Daddy, Gini Beth & Bobby policy reform every day thinking “what can I do today in Switzerland, August 2017 organization to make this thing work for Montgomery that first came to Alabama to support an families?� With my background in politics with several legislative staff. It was a great effort to get charter schools started in and education policy and network of learning experience. our state. I was responsible for explaining education professionals, in March 2017 I the impact of various policies to parents, realized I could be that person. BOOM!: Charlotte, you are currently in teachers and community members. I then the early stages of launching one of the
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
33
After several false starts Charlotte: Due to my need to help my working with different own child, I got involved in the local charter management school board and thought I could help organizations, 3 others improve the system. While I did feel and I found a gentleman successful in making a difference for and his team who were individual children and families, I never willing to help us get felt like I got very far in changing the a charter application system. Somehow, I thought the Board written for Montgomery. of Ed was much more like the PTA but The board now consists it was much more political with other of me, Ryan Cantrell groups and politicians frequently trying with the PIE Network, to tell me how to vote on an issue. But Dr. Lori White, a Baptist I did gain tough skin and learned to let Hospital internist, William the negatives roll off my back and how Green, Montgomery city to condense important information into councilman and Mary understandable and short sentences. I Margaret Kyzer, a retired also built a great network of resources. I Campaigning with AL Strike Force in Sarasota, FL, Darlene, me, teacher. Each has their don’t have plans to run for any political Rene & Melanie. Oct 2016 own story as to why they office, as I believe that my work with the got involved, but we jointly have a vision Charter school is what God wants me to I am confident that there are enough for improving Montgomery’s education do right now. people in Montgomery who care and offerings by allowing parents to choose enough resources in Montgomery that we an option that may be a better fit for their BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you can raise the funds needed and get the child. A charter school is a public school spend time with family? supplies and furnishings that the school that must accept anyone who chooses will require before next August. LEAD to enroll, up until a maximum number is Charlotte: My family has always been Education Foundation is an IRS approved reached. The school has more autonomy the most 501c3 but also has more accountability to the important organization parents, the board and the state charter part of and we will be commission. After much discussion my life. having several we chose the name LEAD Academy, Allen and I fundraisers with the vision of building Leaders by have been over the next Engaging students in an educational partners in year, including program focusing on high Achievement raising our another and Developing the whole child into children, Boston Butt knowledgeable, productive and welldeveloping sale on rounded citizens. We plan to start with his medical August 30. 360 students in grades Kindergarten practice (Visit our FB through 5 and grow a grade or more and have page at LEAD each year until we have K-12 and 1248 loved Academystudents. being able Montgomery to travel for more My GNO's at a bridal shower in April 2017 One of our first big challenges was to together. details or our find a location and a suitable building for He is the biggest supporter of LEAD website at www.leadacademyal.org to LEAD Academy. Lori and I drove all over Academy and although we are both very donate). Public education in Montgomery Montgomery and worked with several busy, we prioritize time with each other, will improve when we all believe that realtors before being contacted by Mr. our children and our families. We travel every child can learn at high levels and Rod Frazier, a long-time Montgomery with my sisters and parents and also have have the expectation that our schools will businessman who has a heart to help co-ownership in a beach condo that we provide for each child. improve education in Montgomery. He visit regularly. We bought season tickets has given LEAD the opportunity to rent to Auburn games when our kids were BOOM!: You have been involved in the his buildings on the Eastern bypass that students there and saw them frequently. political arena, running for office and were known as the Algernon Blair and Thankfully Daniel and Rayna, our son and being a member of the Montgomery Castle buildings before becoming the daughter in law are not too far away, both County School Board for 6 years. How headquarters for SouthTrust Bank. The engineers in Georgia and living in Smyrna. did you get involved in politics and what buildings will both need significant indoor And Melanie Beth is a middle school math lessons have you learned in trying to make renovations but will be a beautiful campus teacher in the Birmingham area; we talk a difference in our community? Do you for our school. While we have many on the phone just about every day and plan to run for office in the future? other needs to get the school started, see each other often. My parents live on
34 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Lake Martin and I make a point to talk to them and see them regularly. BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
BOOM!: What are you most passionate about, besides public education? Charlotte: Probably because of our trips to other countries, I’ve really become interested in national and international politics in recent years. But I have particularly enjoyed local politics and I enjoy working on campaigns of people that I think are best for the job. I believe that the electorate should be much more informed about the candidates before voting, and it is our responsibility to get that information out to the public. LEAD Academy Location, Algernon Blair
Charlotte: One of the biggest honors of my time on the school board was to go to South Korea with Hyundai in 2011 for a week. We were treated like royalty as we toured the country and saw the inner workings, not only of Hyundai Motors, but also LEAD Academy Board Members L-R: Ryan Cantrell, Charsome of HMMA and the lotte, Lori White, MD and William Green Korean culture. I have an even greater appreciation for the work trips to Poland, and Germany. ethic and high value of education that our We also enjoy trips to the Korean friends have. beach, snorkeling and snow skiing with our children Allen and I took a 2-week trip to Italy and enjoyed taking them to Building, 2897 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery in 2012 with my sister Melanie and her historical places around the husband. Due to Allen being a solo BOOM!: How country, especially D.C. We have several physician, he had never taken a lot of do you like to relax and wind down from a trips planned in the next year as Allen vacation that was not in conjunction with hard day’s work? takes the position as President-elect and a medical conference. We loved our time then President of the American College in Europe and followed it up with another Charlotte: Although I don’t cook as much of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. That two weeks last summer on a River cruise as I did when the children were living at role will take us to Kenya, Portugal and on the Danube with my parents, both home, I still enjoy cooking and getting a Argentina in the next year. But our sisters and their husbands and a group meal on the table at the end of the day favorite spot has to be Gulf Shores where of friends. We’ve also enjoyed cruises to and following it up with a quiet evening we love the beautiful Alabama beaches. the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii and in front of TV or with a good book. I just
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
35
finished a “Man Called Ove” and started “Girl in Translation”. During the summer, we will often go for a swim after dinner in our pool to get some exercise. BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations? Charlotte: Well, I always say that people will make Montgomery Capital Rotary Club's L4L 6th grade graduation time to do the things celebration in Honduras. they choose to do. I am involved with a weekly Charlotte: I believe that I have learned Bible study with a group of ladies that to focus my time/energy on the things I’ve been praying with for almost 20 that really matter to me. I don’t spend as years. I’m a member of the Montgomery much time doing things that don’t make Capital Rotary Club and have just finished a difference, but I have learned to take two years as the club’s treasurer. I’ve better care of my own health and wellalso traveled to Honduras twice with being and especially put more emphasis our club to celebrate the graduations on exercising regularly. of the students we support through a Lunches for Learning program. I help BOOM!: Give us three words that describe plan the Republican Club of Central you? Alabama activities, a monthly club that meets at Faulkner University to get Charlotte: Loyal, confident and persistent. Republicans of all ages together to hear from elected officials and to hear about BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or policy positions. Allen and I are also other activities that grab your attention? both members of the local and state Republican executive committees. We Charlotte: I like to read, travel, garden and are also active members of Harvest Family go out with friends. I also like to cook for Church where I teach elementary children friends and entertain in my home and try on Wednesday nights. new recipes. I love to read cookbooks. I also have a group of medical wives that BOOM!: What is it about living in the meet once a month for dinner- we call Montgomery/River Region area that you ourselves the GNO’s (Girls’ Night Out) like? and provide support for life events as they happen. I am also on the advisory Charlotte: Montgomery has been a great board of a fairly new organization in place to grow up and a great place to raise Montgomery, Triumph, designed to help children. I love that we have world-class adults with disabilities learn to “live, work theater at ASF, that we are only 3 hours and play” independently. One of our new to the beach and 40 minutes to the lake favorite activities is getting together with and less than an hour to get to Auburn for other families who have adult children on games. And I really love being a part of a the autism spectrum. community where I know so many people and can feel the support of a large group BOOM!: Technology is rooted in almost of friends and acquaintances. every aspect of our lives. What’s your relationship with the digital world? How BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your will technology help you run a better priorities changed? charter school?
Charlotte: When I accepted the job with StudentsFirst, I think I was one of the 3 oldest people in the organization. I knew then that I would have a lot to learn about technology; fortunately, my colleagues helped out a lot, as do my children when it comes to doing something new. We are mostly Apple users, but I get along OK with a PC. And it takes me longer to get something done in the digital workplace than it would a 25-year-old, but I persist. I would probably still say I have a love/hate relationship with the digital world. And as the board chair, I won’t be running the school, but working with the principal and staff to make sure that our students get a Technology focused education. 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? Charlotte: I turned 56 this spring and have to say that my 50’s have been the best years so far. I can now do what I care most about. I know that a charter school in Montgomery can be instrumental in improving education for all children and I am committed to seeing LEAD Academy begin next fall. This has given me a new momentum to learn about best practices, student achievement and in general, what makes the best schools. I would encourage people that are discouraged or looking for a renewed purpose to continue to seek to learn about the things they are interested in. And to volunteer! There are so many needs in our area, that no one should ever be bored. We want to thank Charlotte for sharing some of her story for this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. If you want to reach out to Charlotte visit www. leadacademyal.org. She and her board would welcome your support in helping to launch LEAD Academy in Montgomery. If you have a passion for changing our public schools, Charlotte may be interested in helping you find a place to do that. We want to thank the portrait team at Total Image Portraits for their quality work. 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/
36 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
37
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.r ive rre gio n b o o m.co m
38 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
FoodSwitch A Smarter Way to Read Nutritional Labels We all know that reading nutritional labels is very important – let’s face it, advertising claims can be misleading and comparing nutritional tables is the only truly factual source of information we have. It is quite a process comparing one brand to another, however, particularly when trying to judge the overall “healthiness” of the product. It is easy enough to compare the salt content alone, or the saturated fat content, for example, and make a switch based solely on that, but it becomes a little more complex (and time-consuming) to compare all the nutritional data and make a judgment on that as a whole. FoodSwitch is a smartphone app, developed by The George Institute for Global Health and supported by Astra Zeneca, which aims to take all the hard work away and compare similar products for you. It is currently available in 8 countries around the world – just recently released here in the US. Put in a nutshell, it scans the barcode of a product, using the camera on your phone, then tells you whether it is less healthy, okay or a healthy option based on its total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt content and much, much more! It will then give you a list of healthier options. Let’s face it, sometimes the supermarket aisles are a little overwhelming with the amount of choice available, so having this little tool in your pocket can help you make
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
the switch to healthier options in seconds. Plus, if you don’t like the first brand you try, you have others, but at least you are safe in the knowledge that any switches are made for the overall benefit of your health! The whole premise is based on the fact that making small changes to our diets, such as consuming less salt and added sugar, eating less (bad) fat and energy that we don’t need (excess calories) could prevent many health problems in the US – including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and type 2 diabetes. In turn, this could help reduce incidents of heart attacks, strokes and even some cancers. How it works - Start by scanning a product’s barcode: Then choose whether to see the ratings in Health Star or Traffic Light mode. Traffic Light Labels show how foods rate using colors. In ‘Traffic Light’ Labelling mode, you’ll see color-coded ratings to let you know if a product is low (green), medium (amber) or high (red) for key food components (total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt). Red is less healthy, Amber is OK and Green is a healthier choice. Health Star ratings give an overall star rating of the food, from 0.5 to 5 stars, the higher the rating the more healthy the food. No matter which filter you’re using, healthier choices are first identified by comparing the overall nutritional value of foods based on the Health Star Rating
score algorithm, taking into account a range of different factors important to general health including saturated fat, sugars, salt, energy, protein, dietary fiber, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (FVNL) content, and for some products, calcium. You can then save your healthy options on a (shopping) list for when you go to the grocery store next. There is also the option (if you’re like me and buy many less well-known brands) of adding products to their database, by sending them photos of the label and nutritional table – simple! Oh! Did I mention, the FOODSWITCH app is FREE??? Completely and utterly no cost to you to get a healthier lifestyle. What could be better than that? Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure, so get on board and download the app. Take the first step towards a healthier you. (It is like a gym membership though – just downloading it is not enough, you do have to actually USE IT :) It is available for both Apple and Android, on the App Store and Google Play and yes, FREE on both. You really do have every reason to try it and I cannot think of one reason why you wouldn’t. It could save your life. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. To learn more visit www.georgeinstitute.org/projects/ foodswitch-usa
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.
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
39
Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
Cumberland Island Paradise Lost
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 – I’ve been reading about Cumberland Island: Georgia’s southernmost barrier island, about a six-hour drive from the River Region. I’m hooked! The island is only accessible by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia. Camping reservations must be made in advance because of demand. I secure my ferry tickets and campsite online, reserving campsite Stafford #4, only a short walk from the ocean. (This exact site is actually featured on a 12.06-minute YouTube video titled Cumberland Island dated 12/25/17.) I’ll leave a day early and spend the night in St. Marys. This will ensure ample time to check in at the National Seashore Visitors Center the following morning
Sunday morning on a secluded beach. What could be more sensational? Friday – I’m off! The route takes me through Union Springs, beautiful Eufaula, Albany, Tifton, and dozens of bucolic Georgia farming communities. I stop at Church’s Chicken just east of
Saturday – My hotel is on the outskirts of town a couple of miles from the ferry. I arise early, eat the free breakfast, check
Cumberland Sunrise Beach Bridge
Main Road
and arrive at the dock early. Biking is an excellent way to explore the island. The ferry charges a $10 bike fee and I must arrive early to make sure there’s a place for mine. I make a list of what I’ll need. There are no food or drink vendors on the island. Bottled water, of course, is a no-brainer; and bug spray is an absolute necessity. I’m looking forward to an Atlantic sunrise
40 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
Cuthbert for one of their crispy biscuits; then, again, at noon, for lunch in Tifton at the Old Times Country Buffet. Soon after, Highway 82 East is behind me and I’m rolling down the Okefenokee Parkway toward the southeastern corner of Georgia and the Atlantic Ocean. The riverside town of St. Marys (pop. 17,000) was founded in 1787! It’s a friendly, laid-back coastal community with a beautiful middle-school, lots of ancient live-oaks and historic structures, some of which are now bedand-breakfast establishments. Thanks to the National Seashore and nearby Kings Bay Naval Base, St. Marys’ residents include many outstanding U.S. Park Service and military personnel.
and re-pack my meager camping supplies; then drive to the Visitors Center, register, and obtain my ferry ticket. The National Seashore Visitors Center is first class, with a small museum/bookstore that sells souvenirs, shirts, hats, and, most of all, has clean restrooms and a cool, shady area to kill time watching boats on the St. Marys River. I decide to check out a local café and eat breakfast, again, as I have packed mostly water and disgusting stuff like sardines, crackers and trail-mix for my two-day adventure. Following a recommendation, I drive a block to the Cedar Oak Café and enjoy some excellent eggs Benedict. I sit outside where the flies are aggressive but scenery spectacular— moss-covered oaks, palms, historic homes, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
excursion to Cumberland Island. Even blue sky today, the manicured former-estate, with and seaoutbuildings, super-long pergola, vistas, breeze. After tabby columns and walls, is immaculately my second maintained. It’s a history lesson into breakfast, I how yesteryear’s super-rich lived in bike to the unimaginable grandeur in a wilderness ferry. I’m setting. I bike back to camp for rest only first to load to encounter unbearable heat under the my bike and sprawling oaks that trap humidity close to backpack. I the ground and block the ocean breeze. I have a chance shower, fully dressed, in cold water of the to chat with nearby bathhouse, then bike north Thomas and to another Carnegie mansion in Jodi from desperate effort to stay in a breeze. Savannah who Ruins of Dungeness, a once colossal mansion built by At Plumb Orchard, I sit on a picnic are making Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene table beneath a giant oak and eat a day-trip my sardines, crackers, and drink to the island. A park ranger warns us of suffocating heat will a 34-ounce bottle of water. A few ticks, wild horses, and the danger of not be murder. Instead, visitors are touring the house, but staying hydrated—all critical, albeit often we agree to share I’m exhausted from my strenuous ignored, advice. The forecast is for zero rain the site for the night. ride. I feel nauseous. Maybe it’s but life-threatening heat and humidity. At A possum joins us the sardines? Plumb Orchard 11:45, it’s 100 degrees in the shade. The after dark. Jeff @ the Ruins of Dungeness resembles The White House but ferry is crowded. I stand for most of the is surrounded by river, a real swamp 45-minute voyage in deference to women Sunday – I’m up at first light. I sneak out of and thick woods. It’s an 1898 Georgian and children. Once ashore, I check-in, grab camp, negotiate a narrow wooden bridge Revival mansion constructed for $10,000 a map at the ranger station, then bike 3.5 over a snaky marsh through intimidating by Thomas Carnegie’s son, George. As the miles north on the island’s sandy Main thickets and emerge upon a wide, scenic sun diligently searches for me, I sit quietly Road amid a high, thick mat of ubiquitous and isolated beach. I’m not disappointed. in the shade and ponder Cumberland yucca plants beneath moss-covered liveThe sunrise is stunning. After some Island. I think it’s a fabulous place to visit oaks. As expected, the island is gorgeous. beachcombing, I bike south 3.75 miles to but I wouldn’t want to live here. Then I But I feel for the poor souls who brought the ruins of Dungeness, a once colossal remember: this island was merely the the kitchen-sink and must now lug it up mansion built by Revolutionary War Carnegie’s winter residence. But even they to 9 sandy-miles in this extreme climate. General Nathanael Greene and later rebuilt couldn’t keep it. This wilderness inevitably I reach my reserved campsite inside 30 by Thomas Carnegie. While exploring its became their paradise lost. You must visit. minutes and discover 3 adults and 2 grounds, I encounter wild horses lazily Just don’t go in summer. See: children from an earlier ferry already grazing all around me, unmoved by my www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit encamped. We determine that their site is presence. When the Carnegie’s deserted actually 7 miles north at Brickhill Bluff, but the island a hundred years ago, they I haven’t the heart to ask them to leave turned their horses loose to roam freely. as the trek to Brickhill in thick sand and This historic site alone is worth a day Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and business manager of Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram: #jeffbarganier.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
41
By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
The Pipe Club If you’re reading this opening sentence in the August BOOM it means I have achieved the impossible- a family friendly column on how we BOOMers learned the facts of life! The topic may be adult in nature; however the learning process in the time of BOOMers was a sweet combination of juvenile ignorance and innocence. Even my earliest childhood memory is a bit twisted! My mother was holding me in her arms, and coffee clatching with next door neighbor Stella Watt in our house. I’m guessing I was 2? 3? For whatever reason, I took the palms of my hands and starting bouncing them off Stella’s chest. I remember my mother’s horrified reaction, placing me on the floor and sending me to my room. It wasn’t fair! I had no idea it was wrong, and Mom never explained the crime. Whatever it was, the traumatic memory stuck. It would be 13/14 years before my hands would again make contact with a woman’s bosom (with permission of course). The Post-Stella Watt era of sexual awakening began with National Geographic magazine. I think many of our parents subscribed to this magazine hoping we’d notice something beside dead volcano cores. NG was safe to leave out on the coffee table, and there, through inadvertent page turning we’d
happen upon the photos of African tribeswomen who lived a topless lifestyle. It took forever to learn the so-called Bird & Bees because uh, learning material was hard to come by. Sex wasn’t taught in schools then- but rather, schoolyards.
In our day, in the same way we walked 10 miles to school each way (and uphill no less), we had to network in a far more difficult way to see what we wanted to see. Curious kids today are a click away from whatever they want to see.
There are certain givens about X-rated material these days. Nobody admits they look at it. I’m certainly not going to confess anything here and I’ll bet most of you reading this never x-plore, right? YET- in spite of this amazing national celibacy, 3 of the Top 10 web sites in the US are hard pore cornagraphy addresses, easily passing E-Bay, Twitter and Wikipedia in total visits! Someone is looking at the stuff!
We had The Pipe Club. Our neighborhood sat next to an abandoned B-29 engine factory run by Ford during WWII. The parking lot was surrounded by pipes; about 10 feet long sitting on skinny pipe legs, and open on both ends. People rarely walked by so The Pipe became the perfect place to stash our trashy treasure. Me and 3 buddies managed to lay (no pun intended) a supply of “dirty” magazines, so we established a library of sorts in one of those pipes. There were 3 rules in Pipe Club. You were forbidden to talk about Pipe Club. You could only borrow one magazine at a time. If your parents caught you, membership was revoked.
Artist rendering of Stella Watt
LOL. Everyone but us. I don’t know whether to envy today’s curious teens or feel sorry for them. Let’s face it, the same kids we ask to fix our cell phones and laptops have probably figured out how to circumnavigate Mom and Dad’s Internet restrictions.
My parents never caught me (ahem), studying- yet I was a lousy sneak.
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management
42 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Whenever I walked in the kitchen door I’m certain my giveaway face screamed “The October Nugget is under my jacket!”. Mom probably ignored it.
the title “Sex and the Teenager”. This book would be my guide towards piecing together the nuggets gleaned from glossy photos.
Once I’d figured out how much I really enjoyed browsing these educational materials (I never once asked for Cliff’s Notes to Playboy), the next step was learning how to properly channel desire into production.
I began reading it that night, tucked into Baseball Digest magazine, in case my nosy parents barged in. “Hey Dad! Hank Aaron hit .312 last year!”.
When I was around 14. we had a week day off from school, so my somewhat older friend Cary Watt (yeah- Stella’s boy!) planned a caper. Someone older than both of us revealed it was easy to acquire fresh material by taking the bus to the slightly seedy areas of downtown Chicago where slightly seedy newsstands run by slightly seedy old guys sold really seedy magazines. So, take the bus we did to south State street, disembarking the CTA at the first seedy looking intersection. Sure enough, there were large green huts on every corner, and wowsers! Our older friend was right! Dozens of magazines were on open display. Our eyes scanned the racks (no pun intended), overwhelmed by the glossy, full-colorness of it all. For obsessed young teenage boys, it was OZ, and the cigar chomping geezer who sold us what we wanted without question was The Wizard. On that same adventure, we walked through a big book store, and there, I happened upon a paperback with a blue cover bearing, in very plain type font,
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
A NEW LOOK AT
ESSENTIAL OILS
Sex and the Teenager was disgusting at first. Really though, it was much like reading the instructions for building a model airplane (insofar as matching struts and the places they belonged). It remains the only book I’ve read 30 times. When the time came (NPI) years later to put all of this book/magazine wisdom to practice, well that’s another column (NPI) for another day. The circle of life has brought me back to National Geographic from time to time. As a BOOMER, I can truly appreciate the magnificence of those dead volcano cores. They’re fascinating. I guess somewhere along the way I growed up. NPI
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
to learn more visit my website
jimwatson.myzija.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
43
August 2018
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA The Beatles Yellow Submarine Capri Theatre August 3-9, matines, evenings
The music-loving inhabitants of Pepperland are under siege by the Blue Meanies, a nasty group of music-hating creatures. The Lord Mayor of Pepperland dispatches sailor Old Fred to Liverpool, England, where he is to recruit the help of the Beatles, the Original Fab Four. The sympathetic Beatles ride a yellow submarine to the occupied Pepperland, where the Blue Meanies have no chance against the Fab Four's groovy tunes. If the movie sounds like the Yellow Submarine that was first released in 1968, that's because it is. If it sounds like the people who made it were on drugs, that's because it came out fifty years ago, and they probably were. www.capritheatre.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Grandparents Event-Teddy Bear Clinic The Montgomery Zoo Saturday, August 4, 10 – 2 pm
Have you ever thought about how an elephant goes to the doctor? Or how a chimpanzee visits the dentist? Everyone needs a checkup now and then; humans, animals, and stuffed animals alike. The Montgomery Zoo is excited to announce their first ever Teddy Bear Clinic. On August 4, 10am - 2pm, bring your favorite stuffed animal friend out for a checkup. Let your furry friend be checked out by our vet staff, receive Band-Aids on any boo boos, repair any rips, and get an overall clear bill of health. Visit with zoo vet staff and learn how they take care of all the zoo animals, from the smallest birds to the largest elephant. Come out and enjoy a great Saturday at the zoo with your favorite stuffed animal friend. For more info, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com or give us a call at 334.625.4900.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Grandparents Event
August 2018
“One of the best family musicals ever penned” – Chicago Tribune. The sun will come out tomorrow! No one can resist the optimism of Annie – a little orphan girl who refuses to give up hope. The delightful cast of this feel-good musical will get toes tapping with memorable song-and-dance numbers, such as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow.” Recommended ages 4+ Runtime: approx. 2 1/2 hours with intermission. For more info and tickets visit www.asf.net/project/annie/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Artistic Summit Cloverdale Playhouse Thursday, August 9, 6:30 pm
The Cloverdale Playhouse Artistic Summit is designed to bring our community together for conversation and connection. On Thursday, August 9th at 6:30pm, join us in the Elizabeth Crump Theatre for a dialogue guided by Meg Lewis of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. We are inviting you to join us for this artistic focus group to get feedback about the work we are doing, what the community would like to see us doing, and how we can continue to serve the River Region as Montgomery's Community Theater. Please be sure to RSVP if you plan to attend. For more information, call 334.262.1530. This event is free. More Information at www.facebook.com/events/747525482275435/
PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Montgomery Restaurant Week Restaurants throughout River Region August 10 to August 19, various locations Restaurants around the River Region, including many featured in the popular “100 Dishes To Eat in Alabama Before You Die” brochure, invite diners to experience the wonderful culinary scene of Sweet Home Alabama in the River Region. Participating restaurants will offer specials throughout the week. There are no tickets or passes required for any restaurants. See individual restaurants for meal prices, to learn which restaurants are participating visit www.eatmgm.com and www. facebook.com/eatgump/ and www.alabamarestaurantweek.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Elvis: The Early Years with Scot Bruce ASF
Annie
44 BOOM!
ASF Through August 5, 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Digital & Interactive
f re e su bsc r i pt i on s at w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m Saturday, Aug. 11, 7:30 – 9:30 pm Elvis: The Early Years starring nationally renowned tribute artist, Scot Bruce, traditionally sells out at ASF! The performance features songs made famous by the king of rock ‘roll, Elvis Presley, including Hound Dog, Burnin’ Love, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender, Suspicious Minds and more. reviews: "TOP ELVIS IMPERSONATOR SCOT BRUCE HAS GOT IT GOING ON, HIS VOICE IS SO UNCANNILY LIKE THE KING’S YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE IN BLUE HAWAII." The Tennessean, Nashville Tickets range from $35-$60. To purchase, please visit www.asf.net or call the ASF Box Office at 800-841-4273.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Buckmasters Expo Montgomery Convention Center-201 Tallapoosa Street Friday-Sunday, August 17-19th Shop for hunting bargains from more than 300 exhibitors and vendors who are all a part of the biggest hunting sale ever! Experts from top manufacturers such as Mathews, Yamaha, Nikon and Easton will be manning booths to answer all your questions. Watch the nation’s best archers compete in the Top Bow World championship, It’s the nation’s highest-paying archery tournament. Bring your grandkids to the Young Bucks area for games, hunting-related activities, mascots Bucky and Droptine, Balloon Man and much more. Admittance to the expo is free with a donation of a canned good per person. The expo is open from 3 until 9 pm on Friday, 9 am until 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am until 5 pm on Sunday. For more info visit www.buckmasters.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Hogs Days of Summer BBQ-Concert Fundraiser The Train Shed Downtown Montgomery Saturday, August 18, 3-9 pm Hog Days of Summer is a BBQ & Music celebration raising money for Hogs For The Cause. The event aims to bring Montgomerians together in a family-friendly atmosphere to enjoy great food and Americana music. The 2018 ‘Hog Days’ will be held in Montgomery’s Union Station Train Shed on Saturday, August 18. The Druids Charity Club BBQ team has once again joined forces with Moe’s Original BBQ. Americana themed music component consisting of three bands will be rocking the shed. For more information, check out the website www.hogdaysofsummer.com
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
The 20th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Birmingham’s historic Theatre District August 20-26, various times A celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, is set to take place August 20-26, 2018. Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk. With ten screening venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District, spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. For more info visit www.sidewalkfest.com
LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA Sister Hazel in Concert Labor Day Weekend Concert The AMP on Lake Martin Sunday, September 3, 5 pm
The grassy lawn at The AMP on Lake Martin is a great place to wind down summer! The Bank Walkers will open and the headkliner Sister Hazel will take the stage with a new album and high energy! Don’t miss this great event, one night only, at The AMP on Lake Martin! Tickets are on line at The AMP. For more info call 256-397-1019 tickets www.theamponlakemartin.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Red Tails Over Montgomery Alabama Air National Guard/187th Fighter Wing 5187 Selma Hwy, Montgomery, AL Saturday, September 8, 9 am Come join the 187th Fighter Wing in celebrating the Red Tails over Montgomery Air Show, on September 8, 2018, gates open starting at 9 a.m. Come witness the ACC F-22 Demonstration Team, the USAF Wings of Blue Parachute Team, Gary Ward Aerobatics, F-86 Aerial Demonstration, P-51 Aerial Demonstration, Trojan Phlyers, and Alabama Boys (Greg Koontz)! Admission is free to the public. Premium Airshow Experience Tickets and Reserved Bleacher Seats available for purchase now on the premium ticket tab! Head on over to www.RedTailAirshow.com, or www.187fw.ang.af.mil/ AirShow to stay up to date with acts, activities, parking information and more. Free and open to the public! Call 334.394.7157 for more information.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA TOTO 40 Trips Around the Sun MPAC Sunday, October 21, 7:30pm
Historically, few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO. As individuals, the band members' performances can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a HALF A BILLION albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the collected works with 225 Grammy nominations. The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Visit www.mpaconline.org or www.totoofficial.com R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
45
Tinseltown Talks By Nick Thomas
Beverly Washburn’s Favorite Co-stars Beginning her career as a talented child actress, Beverly Washburn worked alongside Hollywood’s most popular actors and her list of favorites is long, see www.beverlywashburn.com. While she appeared in several “Wagon Train” episodes, her favorite was The Tobias Jones Story where Lou Costello plays a drunk accused of murder – a rare dramatic role for the comedian and one of his final acting appearances.
“It was a very bizarre movie made on a budget of just $65,000,” explained Washburn. “But I was excited to work with Lon Chaney and he turned out to be so dear. I remember one scene where he is crying on the porch and those were his real tears because he was so invested in the role.” Washburn, too, possessed that talent.
Beverly Washburn, then and now. Photos provided by Beverly Washburn
“I was a big Abbott & Costello fan, so it was a thrill to work with Lou,” said Washburn from Las Vegas where she has lived for over 20 years. “I just loved him, he was such a sweet man. But he was so used to ad-libbing in the comedy routines that he actually found it hard to stick to the script. When he forgot a line, he would look into the camera and say, ‘So how are ya?’ which always made me giggle."
In “The New Loretta Young Show” 196263 season, Young played a widow with 7 children. Washburn was a series regular as one of the kids.
“I could cry on cue which was usually required for playing the poor little orphan girl-type roles I often had. I would try to feel what the character was feeling and it would invariably make me cry. I suppose I’ve always been an emotional person, too. My brother would tease me and say I cried at supermarket openings!”
More than just a young actress who could cry on demand, her co-stars “She actually called were quick to me herself at home praise young to ask me on the Beverly’s show and I was Washburn appeared in the 1956 film mature acting thrilled because she version of “The Lone Ranger.” skills. After was such a sweet they worked woman,” recalled “Oh, I loved this one – I’m kidnapped by together, Washburn. “It was Indians and the Lone Ranger comes to Lou Costello one of those shows Lou Costello in a 1958 Wagon Train episode with Beverly publicly my rescue!” she said, laughing. “Clayton where we all felt like Washburn - NBC publicity photo. Provided by Beverly Washburn acknowledged Moore was just wonderful and one of my family. We’d go out funniest memories was while we were her for helping bring out his credible on weekends together, have parties or go all relaxing by the pool one weekend. In dramatic performance. to the beach. Loretta would have us all his contract, he over to her house wasn’t allowed to In her book, “Reel Tears: The Beverly for dinner.” be photographed Washburn Story, Take Two” re-released in without his mask 2013 by BearManor Media, Beverly shares Washburn was in on. Well, a lady many more stories from her career. her early 20s when recognized him she appeared in at the pool and “It hasn’t all been roses, as I talk about in “Spider Baby,” asked for a photo my book,” she adds, “but I have a lot of a Lon Chaney so he jumped up fond memories for sure.” Jr. dark horror and grabbed his comedy blending Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at mask. Seeing the Montgomery, Ala, and has written features, murder, madness, Lone Ranger in columns, and interviews for over 650 newspapers and mayhem and magazines. just swimming into the now cult trunks and a mask Clayton Moore, Beverly Washburn and Bonita Granville classic. was hilarious!” in 1956's The Lone Ranger movie - Warner Bros. Photo provided by Beverly Washburn
46 BOOM!
August 2018
RiverRegionBoom.com
Read Digital & Interactive BOOM! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine at RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
August 2018
BOOM!
47