T O N S I D RE . R O L O C YO U R PUT YOUR SUNSCREEN ON!
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One person dies of melanoma ever y hour. One blistering sunburn in childhood can double your chances of developing melanoma.
Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and apply 20-30 minutes before going outdoors. Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition alabamacancercontrol.org facebook.com/ ALCompCancerCoalition
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
June 2011
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Volume I Issue 11
Carl Bard
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
5 Jackson Hospital’s Health News
Happy Father’s Day
6 Publisher’s Letter 12 Menopause The Musical 13 Menopause Ticket Giveaway page 20
17 Grandparent’s Family Outing
“He is the father of my country.” Bruce Springsteen
19 Olive Oil Myths
page 20
Features 14 Bridesmaids
A short look back at dresses and new advice.
16 Annual Checkup
The most important thing for good health.
Departments 8 This and That
28 {12} Things
Something interesting, even for you!
Plenty to do for Boomers and Beyond.
BOOM!
20 Bob Dylan is 70!
Fellow musicians reflect on his impact on our music.
COVER PROFILE
Where was I born?
page 13
page 10
24 EndNotes: Q & A 25 Cancer News
18 John Ed Mathison
Win Tickets to the #1 Girl’s Night Out!
22 Healthy Hearing, Rush Limbaugh Knows
24 Gift of Hearing Contest 27 Grandma Names NEW!S 30
Humor-Greg Budell
BOOM! Advertising Information-page 25 page 8
BOOM! magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 8637 Harvest Ridge Dr., Montgomery, AL 36116. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2011 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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publisher’s letter
“My Old Man” 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.
My old man. It’s an odd term to refer to someone’s dad but when I was growing up it was common for me and my friends to refer to our dads as “the old man”. It always struck me as disrespectful, almost derogatory towards a man I addressed as “dad”. But he was the old man. Being the old man created a distance between us, between our generations. As I got older, the distance in our ages seemed to grow shorter because we could now share common experiences like wives, children and jobs. But no matter how many experiences we shared, he still was the old man who had a very different mindset than what I had.
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson
kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Dr. Bettie Borton
Catherine Johnston John Ed Mathison Rebecca Nappi Greg Budell Robin Westen By Jon Bream
I’m 61 and I don’t see myself as “the old man”. My generation doesn’t seem very distant from my two sons, like mine did with my dad. In fact, many Jim Watson, Publisher times I see my relationship with my sons as I would my contemporaries. We like the same music and concerts, we share similar interests like cooking, conversation, wine and technology. And thanks to them, our faith is another area where we share common ground, as equals. We relate to each other more often than not.
As a father, when you can relate to your children, the rest is easy. I love my two sons, James and Jason. It is the easiest thing I do as their “old man”.
Cover Photography
Maria Wiggins, Reflections of Grace maria@reflectionsofgracestudios.com www.reflectionsofgracestudios.com
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Monette Mottenon, 334.523.9510
monette@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution
Network Delivery
Printing
Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
Speaking of easy, BOOM! made a lot of readers winners this past month. We gave away tickets to see Bruno Mars at Jubilee Cityfest. BTW, my granddaughters enjoyed the concert and fireworks very much! We also gave away lots of tickets to see the ASF production of Moonlight and Magnolias. The winner’s names are listed on page eight.
This month in BOOM! we have some interesting articles ranging from Bob Dylan to bridesmaids dresses to your annual health check-up and a variety of other goodies. One of the real treats for all of us at BOOM! was the cover profile of Greg Budell. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know Greg through our Q & A beginning on page 10. We’ve also asked Greg to write a column periodically to give our readers a taste of his humor. Ladies be sure to share Greg’s column with the men in your life, I’m confident they’ll return the favor!
Many of our readers may already know that Menopause the Musical is coming back to Montgomery beginning July 8th. It’s their 10th anniversary and to help them celebrate, BOOM! will be giving away tickets for this very special Girls Night Out Event! Check out page 13 for details.
The conversation about BOOM! has started and I want thank each of you for sharing BOOM! with your friends, please continue. The conversation about our cover profiles has been very enthusiastic, just ask Eve Moseley, our May cover profile. Also, advertisers are now recognizing the Buzz of BOOM! as they consider marketing to Boomer women and men. I have heard from many Boomers positive comments through email and personal conversations how they finally have a magazine they can relate too, Boomers are everywhere! It’s these conversations I treasure the most, the ones I have with you, my readers. Whether through email, phone or in person, you help educate me on how best to serve our Boomer Community. My email and phone are listed below; please share your thoughts, I love to listen. To every “old man” out there I hope you all have a terrific Father’s Day and remember, it’s an exciting time to be Booming!
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
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View our educational video on hearing at www.doctorshearingclinic.com
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i
This & tHAT
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN TO PERFORM AT CAPRI THEATRE BENEFIT
Nashville-based, Montgomery native singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman will headline a benefit concert for the Capri Theatre at the theatre on Saturday, July 2 2011 at 7:00pm. Ms Chapman and her band, along with special guests, will be raising funds for Montgomery’s only independent movie theatre, the non-profit Capri Theatre. Tickets are general admission and are a $40 donation to the Capri Community Film Society. Tickets are on sale now at the Capri Theatre boxoffice, and online at Brown Paper Tickets (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/173037Z). This concert is expected to be well attended, so fans are encouraged to buy tickets early. “We are excited to have Beth returning to Montgomery and the Capri Theatre,” said Capri Board President Jamie Durham. “Her performances are always wonderful and we are thrilled she is helping us save the Capri Theatre.”
BOOM! WINNERS
Congratulations to Boomers Who Won Tickets to See Bruno Mars at Jubilee Cityfest Mike and Pam Jernigan -- Camille Leonard and her daughter -- Jeanne and Ron Sellers (Jim, I just wanted to thank you again for the tickets to see Bruno Mars and the amazing fireworks. We enjoyed the concert very much! The fireworks were spectacular—more than we ever dreamed of! It was a night we won’t soon forget-and we did hold hands throughout the night! Thank you for everything! Boomers Ron and Jeanne Sellers) Congratulations to Boomers who won tickets to see ASF’s Moonlight and Magnolias Cynthia Atkinson -- Brenda Conway -- Priscilla James -- Steve Tomberlin -- Donnie Brennan -- Terri Mendez -- Shaun Thomas -Martha Davis -- Laura Hughes -- Kim Boatfield -- Rachel Harris
2011 Master Games for Seniors Seniors are preparing for the 2011 Masters Games of Alabama to take place at the Gillespie Senior Center in Prattville. . Men and women, age 55 and older, compete in events such as golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, table tennis, bowling, softball throw, and swimming. There are also table games such as dominoes, rook and checkers. New events include painting, quilting and line dancing. The competition begins on June 22-24 at the Gillespie Senior Center in Prattville. Some events such as swimming, tennis and billiards will be offered at the state competition only, but all participants must register at the district level. Entry fees include a one-time fee of $5.00, plus $20 for painting, $6.00 for bowling and $25.00 per day for golf. Lunch will be provided every day. For more information on the Masters Games or to obtain an entry form, contact Gayle Boswell at Central Alabama Aging Consortium at 334-240-4666.
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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
Hampstead Gradening Session
Boomers are invited to join us Saturday June 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for hands-on, organic gardening session with the Hampstead Institute’s own Farmer Anne and Farmer Jetson. The topic will be Cut flowers and Herbs – Growing for the backyard garden, plus flower arranging 101 (Hampstead Farms). Participants should be prepared to be outside: water, clothes that can get dirty and sunscreen are essentials! Sign up will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to each workshop. Cost: $5 per session.
Farmers Market Returns for Seventh Season at The Shoppes at EastChase The Shoppes at EastChase will present its Farmers Market again this year, every Saturday between May 28 and August 27, from 7 a.m. until noon. In addition to many inseason fruits and vegetables as well as fresh-cut flowers, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market producers and growers will offer unique items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and hand-made soaps, honey, sprout breads and fruit pastries all made from locally grown ingredients. Products are brought to market in season, ensuring the freshest, healthiest quality possible. The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market, held between Dillard’s and Earth Fare, will be sponsored by Mobilink, Jim Wilson & Associates, Tractor Supply Company and Earth Fare. For more information on The Shoppes at EastChase or its Farmers Market, call 334-279-6046.
Vicky Jones, Vice President to retire from Jackson Hospital
Victoria (Vicky) Jones, a longtime vice president at Jackson Hospital, will retire at the end of May after 30 years of service. “It is impossible to list the many contributions of Vicky Jones through the years to the operational success of Jackson Hospital, said President and CEO Don Henderson. “With thirty years of service, she has seen Jackson emerge from a small, family-run enterprise to the modern tertiary medical center it is today. We will miss Vicky’s compassion, wisdom, and political insight, and wish her and her husband Bill the best in the future.”
“FIRST FRIDAY BLOCK PARTY” Come join us for the “FIRST FRIDAY BLOCK PARTY” starting June 3rd! On the first Friday of every month, THE VINTAGE OLIVE, PepperTree Steak & Wine, Gallery East and other shops in the PepperTree Shopping Center will be hosting a First Friday Block Party! Live music, Olive Oil, Vinegar and Wine tasting, great food and an art showing. Make plans for all the fun! From 5pm until...
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Greg Budell, Ear Tickler!
personalities and didn’t like others. I began compiling formal studies on listeners and sold my first one to WLS the summer after graduating high school. I formed my own research company and worked it while going to the U. of Illinois at Chicago. I finished a research project for ABC-FM in 1973, when FM was first starting to take listeners from the AM dial. They wanted a different type of jock- a communicator and not a screamer. I began as an experiment. The ultimate reward is using the influence you build to help others. I love to laugh but my best shows have been in and around tough or dangerous times...9/11... Katrina... and these days, with people so worried about the future, it is rewarding to know they turn to you for a little escape. Becoming a part of someone’s daily routine is a real privilege, and one that has to be earned anew every single day.
This month’s BOOM! profile is Greg Budell. As many of you know, Greg is the morning radio personality, 5:30-10 am, for Q 96.1 FM and the host of Happy Hour from 4-6 pm on Newstalk 107.9 FM. Greg works hard at entertaining his audience through funny bits, music parodies and the greatest hits of all time on his morning show. The Newstalk show allows for more ranting and raving with plenty of listening to what’s on the minds of his audience. It may even involve comments about his producer, Susan Woody, and her relationship experiences! He recently offered his expert commentary following each week’s American Idol as a guest on WCOV News at 9. Greg has traveled many years and miles as a radio personality, from Chicago to South Florida, finally arriving in Montgomery six years ago. He is one of those River Region Boomers who seeks new challenges and a renewed spirit of discovery and mixes it up with wit and humor. Greg took a few minutes from his hectic schedule to answer some questions and shed some light on how a brain like his really works! He is certainly one of the more interesting Boomers of the River Region and he’s got quite a loyal audience to prove it! We hope you enjoy getting to know Greg as much as we did, to learn more give him a listen. BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc? Greg: In 2004, I asked a guest psychic on my morning show “Where will I be in 5 years”...I laughed as she said “the South”. I thought she was nuts. She persisted. She was right. I had always envisioned life in the south as more genteel and romantic so when I had the
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chance to build a new empire in Montgomery, I took it. BOOM!: You’ve been in the radio industry most of your life, why did you get into radio? What has been the most rewarding aspect about it? Greg: Radio got into me. In high school (Chicago) I was always curious about people’s listening habits. Why they liked certain
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? Greg: Keep learning. Many of my peers are out of the business now because they failed to reinvent themselves and adapt to changes. Always stay curious. Never question your ability to achieve a goal. I won the Alabama Broadcaster Association award for Best Morning Show last year. I have won similar awards during my career but that one meant the most. At 57 I was still fresh enough to stay ahead of the “whippersnappers”...lol. BOOM!: What are you most passionate about? Greg: Reclaiming America from the failed policies of liberal hijackers. I refuse to be part of a generation that left our sons and daughters a country in bad shape. BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work at the radio station?
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Greg: I hit a bucket of whiffle balls in my front yard … my personal driving range. When it’s time to lip-diddle, I watch the 3 Stooges, Curb Your Enthusiasm, All In The Family or an old Law & Order episode. BOOM!: With your busy schedule, do you get to travel much? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams for the future?
BOOM!: What is the future of radio? It seems everything has evolved into talk…politics, sports, morning shows. As Boomers we escaped to our transistor radios for cool music, now we can’t seem to escape the conversation. Where do we go from here?
challenge of radio. I have to do 250+ different shows a year while constantly refreshing material. Ray Kroc, the guy who founded McDonald’s, allowed only one old saying to be posted in his office- “When you’re green, you’ll grow and when you’re ripe, you’ll rot”. I am constantly trying to stay ahead of the ripening process.
BOOM!: With all the classic rock and oldies Greg: Radio is committing formats out there do you ever feel like we’re suicide with Government help. locked in some time warp? What do you lisDe-reguten to? Any current stuff you particulation in larly like? the Clinton Greg: I use all my vacayears killed Greg: I never listen to music away Greg’s daughter Janelle of which tion and travel to visit my competition from Q...but the reason the music he said, “being a dad to a daughdaughter in South Florida. I ter is the greatest thing a man can and part of from the 60s-80s endures is because have been here 6 years and competiit is melodic and is easily embraced by experience in this life time”... have wanted to visit Warm tion was new generations. Look at American Springs, Georgia (where developing Idol- most of this season was based on FDR died) and have failed to make that happersonalities. With music music from that era. pen. I love places with a lot of history...and so available and through NYC is a great place to visit. I want to see such personal delivery BOOM!: Many BOOM! readers aren’t Major League Baseball games at PNC Park in systems, it’s going to take aware of your writing skills. What got Painting of Greg’s beloved Pittsburgh and Pac Bell Park in San Francisco. the power of personality you interested in writing? What are dog, Hershey. The painting Baseball junkie, I am. to save it. The problem your writing aspirations, a novel, comwas done by local artist Jared mentary, humor? is, radio has discouraged Kelley. Check out his website BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montdeveloping them. Someat jaredkelley.com gomery/River Region area that you like? one will figure out how Greg: Writing is my first love, and I to take social networking have a great book to write. My life Greg: People and conveand make it into a rahas been one amazing ride...I want to tell the nience. I have a 6 minute dio format. Facebook story with humor. Dave Barry is a friend, and drive to work in the mornradio...news and info an influence. ing. I love the people will always be critical. here... it reminds me of Sports. BOOM!: Do you consider yourself an entreChicago growing up. You preneur as a radio personality? know your neighbors, BOOM!: If you they’re nice and you weren’t in radio what Greg: Yes, and soon I’ll be introducing some trust them- just like it kind of work would products born out of the radio shows. Stay was when I was growing you be doing? tuned! up. Montgomery and the Greg in his Newstalk 107.9 studio. Photo by Adrian If you have any questions for Greg you can Freeman Photography, adrianfreeman.com River Region has more Greg: A TV send them to gregbudell@aol. nice people per square weatherman com or call the radio station inch than any place I’ve lived or visited. 396-5477. For more info visit BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies q961fm.com or newstalk1079. BOOM!: You’re obviously a dog person beor other activities that grab your com. Check out some of Greg’s cause we’ve heard you talk about Hershey or attention? writings on buzzmontgomery. “Manshtaweenie”. Could you share your love com, under opinion called The for dogs and the odd name? Greg: I love to write...I am lucky in that I pretty much have fun all day Meltdown. We want to thank Greg: Everybody talks to their pets in a spedoing what I do, so I don’t need to Kathy and the good folks over cial language. I’m just goofy enough to do it in escape. I have really gotten into getat Lemongrass Salon & Spa for public. My daughter named him Hershey beting in shape so Gold’s Gym at East providing our Cover shot locacause he was chocolate brown as a pup. Like Chase gets at least 30 minutes of my tion and some good grooming all small dogs, he thought he was Mr Tough time 6 days a week. of Greg. If you have questions, Kathy Shelley, owner of so he went from Monster to Manstor and it comments or suggestions, Lemongrass Salon & Spa sort of evolved. He’s totally housebroken but BOOM!: Are you an entertainer or please send them to jim@ prepares Greg for his until he was, he was also called MishtaFoofcommentator or comedian? BOOM! Cover Shot riverregionboom.com infransh. Greg: I consider myself an entertainer…people don’t realize the
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HOT FLASH! MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Comes to Montgomery! Celebrating 10 Years of “The Change” Opens July 8, 2011 at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
It’s time to kick-up those high heels! The Off-Broadway and international hit sensation Menopause The Musical® is coming to Alabama Shakespeare Festival to celebrate its 10 years of “The Change!” The limited engagement runs from July 8 – 24, 2011 Preview tickets are $30, evening tickets are $40 and matinee tickets are $45. All are available through the ASF box office, online at www.asf.net or by calling 1.800.841.4273. ASF is located at 1 Festival Drive in Montgomery’s beautiful Blount Cultural Park. Group Discounts are available by calling Stan Thomas at (334) 271-5330. The hilarious musical is set in NYC’s Bloomingdale’s store, where four women
with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The cast laughs at their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage! It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal! Menopause The Musical® is the work of writer and producer, Jeanie Linders. The laughter-filled 90-minute production includes parodies from the classics of the ‘60s and ‘70s and ‘80s. Disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” Motown favorite “My Girl” is transformed into “My Thighs,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” switches to “In the Guest Room or on the
Sofa, My Husband Sleeps at Night,” and “Puff The Magic Dragon” becomes the anthem to exercise, “Puff, My God I’m Draggin’”. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer and producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”. “Most women know intuitively that every other woman is experiencing hot flashes or night sweats,” says Linders. “There is always a close friend or two who can sympathize or identify with her, but when they are sitting in a theatre with hundreds of other women, all laughing and shouting‚ ‘That’s me! That’s me on stage!’ they know what they are experiencing is normal. They aren’t alone…or crazy. It becomes a sisterhood.”
ON S
ALE N
OW!
July 8-24
Celebrating
(800) 841-4273 www.asf.net
www.MenopauseTheMusical.com 12 BOOM!
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10 Years of
“The Chang
e!”™
See what milli ons of women world wide have been lau ghing about for 10 y ears!
AlAbAMA ShAkeSpeAre FeSTivAl 1 Festival Drive • Montgomery, AL 36117
GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS 10+
(800) 841-4273 option 2 or sthomas@gmail.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Bridesmaids Revisited:
These women haul out their worst bridesmaids dresses and talk about what they learned while wearing them.
Carol Crosbie
Cassie Donnelly
Dress: Her
Dress: Her mom
mother made this
wore it in a
dress 40 years
1991 wedding.
ago for her sis-
Her advice:
ter’s wedding.
“Let everyone
Advice: It’s all
pick their own
about the bride,
dress in the same
so for your big
color,” she said.
day you should “do whatever you want to do!”
Jenny Geist
Shelli Sowles
Dress: Her mom
Dress: She wears
wore this “polyester
a dress she wore
princess” gown from
in a theme wed-
JC Penney to a wed-
ding – the bride
ding 30 years ago.
and groom met
Her dress advice:
in clogging class.
“Avoid ruffles. They
Her wedding
are not as timeless
advice: “Don’t
as you think,” she
do themes – it’s
said. “Also, not as
really fun for the
much sheen – flat
bride and groom,
colors will photo-
but not for the
graph better.”
guests,”
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Your Annual Checkup Is A Must
You feel terrific! So when strangers guess your age five years younger than your birth date, you’re flattered but not that surprised. After all, you exercise, watch your diet, and are fully engaged in life. While some of your friends may be visiting doctors like it’s their job, you never go – and pride yourself on it. So, what’s wrong with this picture of health? You’re missing your annual check-up – and medical experts say that’s a big mistake.
Now is a good time to remember that annual medical check-ups are the foundation of health. In fact, some medical experts say by missing them you may be risking your good health by letting the early stages of a possible disease go undiagnosed. The government agrees and that’s why the Health Care Reform Act puts a spotlight on preventive health. It’s expanded Medicare’s “Wellness Visit” from a one-time offer to an annual checkup. To make the most out of your visit, consider these suggested guidelines: • Make it clear when you’re making an appointment that this is a “wellness” check-up and you have no specific complaints or medical problems – if that’s the case. Remember, insurance will pay for an annual “wellness” visit, not necessarily for a complaint about a pain in your neck. • Prepare to devote between 30 to forty minutes for your visit. If it’s your first time at this doctor, get there early to fill out paperwork. • During an annual check-up you should be evaluated for all chronic medical conditions, which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or arthritis. Medications should be documented and analyzed, as should any medical problems, surgeries and any hospital admissions you may have had in the past. • The doctor should also take down your family history, including whether your parents are still alive. If not, what was the cause of death? Do you have brothers and sisters and are they healthy? How many children do you have? Are your children healthy? Is there a family history of diabetes, cancer, heart disease or memory loss? Don’t hold back. Be open.
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• Your doctor should also ask about your “healthy” habits which includes exercise routine, usual diet, how much alcohol you drink, whether you take recreational drugs, if you smoke and if you’re sexually active. You might be tempted here to fudge the truth, but it’s much better to be honest. • A physician will also read off a list of symptoms which will include questions asking if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations – all of which, for example, may indicate heart disease. • And of course there are the standards. Each examination should include a measurement of height, weight and blood pressure as well as an assessment of cognitive function. Your physician should conduct a careful examination of the head and neck, heart, lungs, abdomen and extremities. A pelvic exam might be needed if you have neglected annual visits to your gynecologist. • Medicare and other insurance policies also pay for screening tests approved by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. This includes blood tests for elevated cholesterol, diabetes and pap smears. Mammograms, colonoscopies, ultrasounds to detect aortic aneurysms, and a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis are also included. Depending on the clinical situation, nutrition counseling is covered, too. Be aware that several of these tests are not covered annually. They do, however, have recommended screening schedules that will be covered. Speak to your doctor about what they are. For example, regular screening for colorectal cancer starts at age fifty. Osteoporosis tests (bone density tests) usually are prescribed at age 65. If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, talk to your physician about whether you should be tested earlier. If you feel anxiety about visiting your doctor, try to relax. There’s an excellent chance you’ll leave your annual wellness visit with a clean bill of health.
Robin Westen is ThirdAge’s medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. BThird Age. Visit www.thirdage.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
GrandParent’s Family Outing Pick Your Own Fruit!
Remember to ALWAYS call the farm or orchard BEFORE you go - weather, heavy picking and business conditions can always affect their hours and crops. For a complete list of available farms go to www.pickyourown.org Autauga County • Autauga Hill Farms - Strawberries, peaches, new potatoes, peas, squash 152 Co Rd 27, Prattville, AL 36067. Phone: (334) 365-4340. June 1- Aug 1, Saturday only from 9 am - 3 pm. • Owen and Ellen Mims - Blueberries 704 Blueberry Hill Rd, Prattville, AL 36530. Phone: 334-365-9654. June 1 - July 31 Monday to Saturday, Daylight to dark. “Great Blueberries! Blueberries are large (the size of grapes). Only $7 a gallon. Nice people. At the end of the dirt road (blueberry Hill). I can’t wait to go pick again!” Chilton County • Bentley Farms - Peaches, nectarines, sweet potatoes. 20466 U.S. Highway 31 South, Thorsby, 800-489-3762. • Charles Culp Farms - Peaches, apples, nectarines, plums. 11602 County Road 51, Jemison, AL. Phone: 205-688-4553. • Doster Farm - blueberries 6525 County Road 16, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: 205-755-9763. • Jimmy Durbin Farms - U-Pick Strawberries, 3233 County Road 30, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: 205-280-0242. • G & G Farms - strawberries, prepicked produce. 592 County Road 422, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: 205-337-2649. • Petals from the Past - blueberries, blackberries, figs, muscadines, persimmons, kiwi, flowers, 16034 County Road 29, Jemison, AL 35085. Phone: 205-646-0069. • Roland and Elizabeth Miller Farm - Blueberries. 9502 County Road 15, Clanton, AL. Phone: 205-755-3681. • Rocky Top Peach Farm - Peaches. 4160 County Road 324, Maplesville, AL. Phone: 888-269-2415. • Weeks Blackberry Farm - Blackberries, elderberries, 314 County Road 114, Randolph , AL. Phone: 205-688-2805. Elmore County • Barber Berry Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, 2362 Alabama River Parkway, Millbrook, AL 36054. Phone: 334-549-4710. • J.& J. Berry Farm - Blueberries, blackberries, daylillies. Jo Ann Bailey 198 Windy Ridge Road, Wetumpka, AL 36093 (334) 567-4920. • Ledger’s Landing - blackberries, blueberries, figs, grapes, pears, persimmons, muscadines (many varieties). 3865 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36109. Phone: 334-514-0419. • Oakview Farms - blueberries, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, farm animals 164 Dewberry Trail, Wetumpka, AL 36093. Phone: 334-567-9221. • Witherspoon Fruit Farm - Peaches, blackberries and okra 7148 Coosa River Road, Deatsville, AL 36022. Phone: 334-569-3598. Montgomery County • K. M. Yawn - Muscadines, peaches, pears, 1 Watson Circle, Montgomery, AL 36109. Phone: (334) 279-6369. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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John Ed Mathison
Where Was I Born? Where is the state line between Alabama and Florida? I see those signs that tell me I am leaving Alabama and entering Florida, but where is the actual state line?
I became interested in a recent article on the question because I was born in Florala. Florala is near the state line. The name of the town – Florala - incorporates Florida and Alabama. I am actually listed as being born in Alabama, since Florala is a part of the state of Alabama. But is its location really accurate to the real state line? Could Florala be in Florida? I also was interested because the person who is solving the debate is a man from Tuscaloosa who is working with Auburn University to rediscover it. Anytime people from Tuscaloosa and Auburn work together, I know it has to be pretty important!
Milton Denny is a surveyor who is trying to rediscover the original state line. The original line was probably the least defined line between the states because of the references to a mound line and nobody knows where the mounds were.
Now actually the original line won’t change the official state line. Alabama and Florida have decided on 31 degrees latitude as the border. That can be located with modern technology. But the interesting thing is that land surveys on either side of the border are based on the original line.
Even with all of our modern technology and years of referring to the Alabama-Florida line, there are still unanswered questions today. There are a lot of people doing a lot of work to establish a standard to define accuracy and truth. That is really what the Bible is about. It is our standard. It is our plumb line. It is the accurate base line from which other decisions are made. It is the standard by which God has revealed Himself to us and the standard He sets for our relationships with Him and with each other.
Luke writes “…they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 NAS) Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures…” (John 5:39 NAS) Paul writes “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.” (II Timothy 3:16 NLV) For the time being, I am continuing to fill out any forms stating that I was born in Florala, Alabama. I don’t think the establishment of the original state line will change that. I am also certain that the Bible is the Word of God, is accurate, and it still speaks the truth! John Ed Mathison www.johnedmathison.org
Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group,
Tuesday, June 14th, 5:30 Frazer United Methodist Church, Room 8114, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery AL. Enjoy fun and fellowship with your breast cancer “sisters” and friends!
The program will be: ‘In the Pink for Life: Pilates for Breast Cancer’ presented by Lynne Ellen Kershaw & Leigh Ann Richards Everyone is Welcome! For information please call 334-220-4599 or email womenofhope@charter.net.
Our goal is to make sure that all women AND men are educated about breast cancer and the effects it has on family and friends. Hope is the assurance that one day we will be able to live cancer free! Your support is greatly appreciated and helps so many deserving breast cancer patients and survivors including their families. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month (Jan-Nov). Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Oil Drill
Many of us Boomers are turning to healthy oils to combine with food, whether cooking or flavoring. Olive oil is one of the most popular, but there are still myths about olive oils, so here’s the real skinny on one of America’s favorite fats. MYTH No. 1: Extra virgin olive oil loses its healthy properties when you cook with it. Cook with confidence: Most olive oils do not being to break down until heated more than 450 degrees, hotter than even typical deep-frying temperatures. Heat does diminish the oil’s flavor and aroma, so if you’ve invested in a fancy bottle of extra virgin, you may want to reserve it for uncooked uses such as salad dressing. MYTH No. 2: Light olive oil is less fattening than other olive oils. Manufacturers have created the illusion that certain olive oils contain fewer calories or fat grams by labeling them light. The term actually refers to the oil’s less intense flavor and aroma. You’ll still get a dose of monounsaturated fat, but these oils won’t contain the same levels of antioxidants as extra virgin. And they are no less fattening than other cooking oils. MYTH No. 3: Oil from the “first cold pressing” is healthier than other extra virgin olive oil. Any true extra virgin olive oil will be from the first, unheated pressing. A better indication of the oil’s nutritional profile is its harvest date, which you will find printed on some bottles. Fresher oil is always richer in antioxidants and other beneficial substances. Look for oil sold in opaque containers, not clear glass. Light degrades the oil. (c) 2011, Prevention magazine Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOB DYLAN IS 70 Some Reflections W e checked the itinerary: Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour did not have a concert scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, his 70th birthday. So he won’t be celebrating his birthday onstage. What will he do?
A friend of Dylan since they attended camp together as pre-teens, St. Paul businessman Dick Cohn has witnessed some Dylan birthdays. When the Minnesota icon turned 50, Cohn shared his mother’s advice with Dylan. “She told me that once you turn 50, you stop telling people your age. Bob said, ‘That’s easy for you. When I turned 50, my picture was on the cover of Time magazine.’” A snapshot from that day captured Dylan’s face aglow, just like any other birthday boy, blowing out the candles on a cake provided by a friend. Cohn doesn’t know what Dylan will be doing Tuesday, but we asked some other music stars to celebrate his 70th with a favorite Dylan story or a reflection on his career.
Encounters with Dylan: Robbie Robertson Guitarist of The Band, he toured with Dylan in 1966 in his first electric band, and again in 1974. “The first time we toured with him, everybody booed and threw stuff at us. I have to give him a lot of credit for not bowing to the pressure. The next time we did it, everybody cheered and said they knew it all along. We didn’t change a thing, but the world revolved and the world changed. And I thought: ‘That’s an interesting experiment in terror.’” Sheryl Crow She opened for him in the mid-1990s and he later gave her a then-unrecorded song, “Mississippi.” “The power went out on us onstage and I was in the middle of ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ so I continued to sing it at the top of my lungs so people could
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By Jon Bream
still hear me. He was standing on the side of the stage. The next night he called me into his dressing room beforehand and said, ‘I watched you. I believe you’ve got something. I’m always available if you ever need any advice about the business or anything else.’ And he’s been very consistent from that point on. Every time I see him, he’s been a very dear friend and I’ve reached out to him on a couple occasions about what I’m doing and what direction I’m going.” Al Kooper He played keyboards on Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” (1965) and “Blonde on Blonde” (1966). “’Highway 61’ was like a
proto-punk album because no one acted as a producer, per se, or music director, plus Dylan’s attitude, musically and singing-wise. When we went to Nashville (to record “Blonde”) it was the opposite. He brought me along to play and as music director. The musicians were the best players in town but they didn’t know much about Bob Dylan; he was off their radar. “Bob was still writing the lyrics when he came to town. He taught me the song, then I’d play it over and over again on the piano and he’d sit there and write lyrics. The sessions were incredibly long. He’d take a break and still be writing The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
lyrics _ maybe for sometimes five hours without budging from the piano _ and (the musicians) would play ping-pong, watch television, eat. And when he was ready, we’d go in and cut it.” Lucinda Williams She met Dylan in the late 1970s at New York’s Gerdes Folk City club when she was starting out. “I was asked to sit in and do a couple of songs. Dylan was sitting at the bar with this tall, beautiful black woman. I didn’t realize he was in there. (The owner) said to me, ‘I want you to meet a friend of mine.’ And I turned around and he said (Italian accent), ‘This is a-Bobby.’ And it’s still not registering. “Bobby a-Dylan.’ I put out my hand. He leaned over and said, ‘Keep in touch. We’re going to be going on the road soon.’” Bob Gaudio A member of the Four Seasons and later a songwriter/producer, he met Dylan in 1990. “I was introduced to him by Neil Diamond when we were recording ‘The Jazz Singer.’ I apologized for our Wonder Who (a Four Seasons novelty project with manipulated lead vocals to sound like mice), extremely playful version of his not-so-playful ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.’ He replied: ‘I wasn’t sure the first time I heard it that it was my song.’” Rosanne Cash She worked with Dylan twice in 1992. “He invited me to sing backup on David Letterman’s 10th anniversary special at Radio City Music Hall. The background singers for ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ were me, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, Michelle Shocked and Carole King. Then at his 30th anniversary (with Columbia Records) show at Madison Square Garden, I sang ‘You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’ with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin. My dad (Johnny Cash) introduced us. I remember I asked Bob before the show if he was nervous, and he said, ‘I wish I was.’” Merle Haggard The country legend opened for Dylan in 2005-06. “I was honored to go to his soundchecks every day. He came over, asked my opinion a couple of times. I The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
don’t think Bob Dylan asks very many people an opinion on anything. He asked, “How did the whole band sound?’ I responded to him and his soundman came over to me about eight months later and said, “What the (bleep) did you say to Bob?’ I said, ‘How much bass pedal do you want?’ The soundman said, ‘Goddamn, he’s been on my ass about that bass drum ever since you talked to him.’”
Chrissie Hynde “I recently read a great interview with him in Mojo magazine. He’s just so lucid and poetic and funny. Yeah, he’s the man.”
Dylan as lyricist:
Carlos Santana “He’s a great mirror for humans. We’ll learn about ourselves. His music is forever. It transcended the ‘60s. He’s the voice of just not one generation but he created some serious forever-hymns. And he did it when he was in his early 20s.”
Kris Kristofferson “When I was a teenager, popular songwriters were writing ‘How Much Is That Doggie in the Window.’ He lifted songwriting up into a different art form. He’s the reason that the rest of us who followed got any respect around the world.” Lucinda Williams “He was the first one that brought the two worlds together _ the literary world and the folk-rock world.” Rod Stewart “Absolutely overwhelming. He was a tremendous influence on me. Probably the all-time great lyricist. I can’t say enough about Bob.” Bob Seger “There’s never been anybody as good as him as far as writing lyrics. Ever. He’ll never do any wrong in my book. But he should take better care of his voice.” Dhani Harrison Son of George Harrison, who played with Dylan in the Traveling Wilburys. “He put words to things that no one in my father’s generation or in my generation can. There’s no one like him. He’s going to cut you in half with his tongue.”
His personality: Kris Kristofferson “I can’t say I was ever comfortable around him but he made me laugh and I really respect him. He’s kind of a genius. He’s totally unpredictable. He has an innocence of genius. There’s something about him almost like a little child.”
His legacy: Bruce Springsteen “He is the father of my country.”
Randy Newman “The work he did is just about the best it ever got. The early, early stuff. There was great song after great song on those records. It was the highest point in terms of lyrics that pop music has ever reached.” Pete Townshend of the Who “His contribution is as big or bigger than Brian Wilson or the Beatles, on the shaping and sharpening of modern pop music. True, in the late ‘50s there were rock artists like Chuck Berry who used smart lyrics, and those like Woody Guthrie who wrote political songs. But Dylan gathered it all up and made it seem possible to write a song about anything at all _ he tore down every boundary and yet remained true to a set of strong musical traditions. In other words, he did the impossible.” Merle Haggard “Take him out of the picture and it would be a mighty hole. Not just in his music but in Johnny Cash music and other songs you didn’t know he’s written. The list goes on. The biggest impression he made with me was when he sang with just his guitar: ‘The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind.’ It don’t get no bleepin’ better than that.” (c) 2011, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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Healthy Hearing
by Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D. bchampion1@aol.com
Cochlear Implants... A mEARcle for those with severe hearing loss, just ask Rush Limbaugh!
Whether you agree with his political stance or not, talk show host Rush Limbaugh is noted for his communication abilities - he makes his living as a top rated radio talk show host. Waking Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. up profoundly hearing impaired may not have been on Rush’s agenda, but just a few years ago he awoke to this face this very situation, and shortly thereafter received a cochlear implant. So what is this “miracle cure” for hearing impairment? Just what is the cochlear implant?
Hearing loss is the 3rd most prevalent chronic health condition in the United States (Hull, 1997). It affects more than 32 million adults in this country, and can significantly (and negatively) impact quality of life. Generally hearing loss comes on gradually, like a stealthy thief. For some adults, however, hearing loss is sudden, swift, and severe, and unresponsive to hearing aids.
For most adults dealing with age related hearing loss , today’s hearing aids provide an effective treatment option. However, for those with more severe hearing impairment, occasionally sudden in onset, cochlear implantation is currently the optimal standard of care. The cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted device designed to make sounds audible for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss so severe that they cannot derive significant benefit from conventional amplification devices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved early versions of the implant in the 80’s, and today thousands of adults here and abroad have received cochlear implants. In short, for those for whom hearing aids are not effective, the cochlear implant is nothing short of miraculous.
The cochlear implantation process is not without controversy, particularly from the culturally Deaf community, a small but vocal minority who believe this technology poses a threat to their very existence. Variability among patient outcomes has fueled this
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debate. However, the over-riding success of the cochlear implant has been undeniable, and this fact has silenced much of the criticism from the Deaf community. The device is now a widely accepted and utilized treatment option for severe to profoundly deafened children and adults. FACTORS INFLUENCING SUCCESS It is clear that children who are implanted at an early age perform significantly better on a variety of tasks than most hearing aid users with a similar degree of loss. (Niparko, 2000) Research also supports the fact that earlier implantation yields superior cochlear implant performance (FryaufBertschy et al., 1997), and not only for children. A continuing concern, however, is the wide range in performance among users. Many factors influence implant success for children or adults, and merit consideration when evaluating, treating, and counseling candidates for cochlear implantation and their families. Onset, duration, and etiology of hearing loss, age at implantation, daily usage patterns, therapeutic interventional strategies employed, prior use of amplification, family motivation and compliance are among the most common variables impacting the success of implant recipients. It is critical to establish realistic expectations for the CI patient and their families regarding the extent of post-operative rehabilitation.
CANDIDACY Candidacy requirements for cochlear implantation have become increasingly liberal over the past decade. The following criteria constitute some of the current candidacy requirements: O Severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss O No significant benefit from the use of amplification O No medical contraindications to implant surgery or utilization. O Highly motivated family with realistic performance expectations. The cochlear implant is a device designed to facilitate listening. Once a candidate has been implanted, efforts must be made to provide adequate aural rehabilitation. Implant recipients need structured opportunities to help them identify, recognize, and attach meaning to what they hear. Experience has shown that successfully implanted individuals are able to hear more
sounds over a broader range of frequencies than those using conventional hearing aids. Because cochlear implantation provides a dramatic increase in residual hearing for most, results of successful implantation can be dramatic. The cochlear implant enables profoundly deaf individuals to achieve better speech perception, and, as a by-product, develop better communicative skills. The cochlear implant provides improved high frequency hearing ability, and facilitates speech recognition ability.
It is important to remember that those with cochlear implants do not have normal hearing. Audiometric thresholds for CI users generally range from 20 to 40 dB HL in the implanted ear. While binaural implantation is becoming more common, intitially the procedure is done only monaurally (in one ear), with an option to do a second implant pending the need for and outcome of the first. As a consequence, ability to localize sound for implant recipients is limited until a second implant is done.
For those with implant technology, the system is not perfect. Ambient noise levels inherent to everyday listening situations can be challenging. There remains a huge variability in patient outcome and success, and the rehabilitation process can be daunting. Also confronting cochlear implant recipients is the decision regarding whether to continue the use of amplification on the non-implanted ear. Nevertheless, for those locked in a world of silence, the implant is nothing short of a miracle. Just ask Rush Limbaugh.
REFERENCES Fryhauf-Bertschy H, Tyler RS, Kelsay DM, Gantz BJ, Woodworth GG. Cochlear Implant use by prelingually-deafened children: the influences of age at implant use and length of device use. Gargiulo, Richard M., (2003). Special Education in Contemporary Society; An Introduction to Exceptionality. Belmont, CA.: Wadsworth Editor’s note - Dr. Bettie Borton was one of the first Audiologists in Alabama to work with patients receiving cochlear implants while working at The Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham. Today, she and her staff offer Montgomery’s only Cochlear Implant programming center for the Tri County region. To learn more, visit doctorshearingclinic.com or call for an evaluation at (334) 396-1635.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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By Catherine Johnston and Rebecca Nappi
EndNotes: Answers to questions about illness, death and grief Q: I know at the end of one’s life, it is
unlikely that a person wishes they had spent more time at work. But is there any research that tells us what people do long for at the end of life?
A: Think about a time of crisis in your own life. What did you think about? What was the first thing you had to do? Tidy the garage or remove the chocolate ice cream stain out of the family room carpet? Probably not. What we do think about is each other, our relationships. Dr. Ira Byock has cared for hospice and palliative care patients for more than 25 years. He says forgiveness, gratitude and love are what matter most to patients and their families at the end of life. In his book, “The Four Things That Matter Most” (Simon & Schuster, $24), Byock summarizes the essential message into phrases: I forgive you. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” Byock writes: “Ask a man who is being wheeled into transplant surgery or a woman facing chemotherapy for the third time what’s on his or her mind and the answer will always involve the people they love. Always.” When Catherine’s dad called to tell her his colon cancer had returned and metastasized, she flew to his Florida home to spend time with him. They sorted through sentimental family photos and treasures, visited favorite restaurants, relaxed on a friend’s boat along the Intracoastal Waterway. At the end of the bittersweet time together, he told her, “Thank you.” She replied, “It was my pleasure, Dad.” He said, “No, Cathy, thank you for everything, over the years, for everything.” She cried at the airport, at the gate, and on the flight back to Seattle. When her dad died four weeks later, Catherine was grateful for his loving words.
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The lesson we learn from Byock’s patients is to speak now and not wait until the crisis arrives to say these simple phrases to each other. We all have relationships that need attention so tend to those relationships now.
At the Hospice Foundation of America’s bereavement teleconference in April, panelist Kenneth Doka, a minister, gerontology professor, grief author and editor, told the story of a widow he once helped.
Call someone you hurt and ask for forgiveness – even if that pain was inflicted years ago. Tell your children, your spouse, your parents how much you love them and why.
The widow wanted to take off her ring because she planned to date again, but she was struggling with the decision. Her husband had been dead five years, but the ring symbolized the vows they took on their wedding day at a Catholic church, as well as the commitment she showed her husband in health and, especially, during his long illness.
Life brings challenges. Thank the people who have carried your burdens with you. If we wait until a crisis hits, we could miss our best chance to say the simple words that matter most.
Q: My wife has been dead six years now, and even though I’ve dated off and on, I still haven’t been able to remove my wedding ring. When and how should I do so?
A: The timetable for removing a wedding ring after a spouse’s death is completely personal. No etiquette can guide the “proper” time to remove it. And some widows and widowers wear their first-marriage rings to their own graves, even after they’ve remarried. Ask a dozen widows and widowers how they made the decision, and you’ll hear a dozen different stories. Here’s one: Catherine’s friend, Barbara, lost her young husband to cancer several years ago. She was a young mother who was often caught in the middle of the dynamics between her mother and mother-inlaw. About a year after her husband’s death, a surprise birthday party for Barbara got messed up due to those dynamics. “The only thing I could do that no one else had any control over was to take off my ring, which I did on my birthday,” she said. “For me, it really symbolized growing beyond my grief and becoming a single person. It was not rejecting my memory of my husband.”
Doka helped her fashion a ritual to remove the ring. After Mass one day, a priest stood with the widow in front of her family and friends and did the marriage vows “in reverse.” The priest asked: “Were you faithful in sickness and health, in good times and bad?” The ritual helped the woman remove the ring – in peace. She later interlocked her ring with her dead husband’s wedding band and welded them to the frame of their wedding picture. Doka coined the term “therapeutic rituals” to describe acts that help people grieve. Perhaps a ritual of some kind will help you remove your ring, when the time feels right. Catherine Johnston, a health care professional, and Rebecca Nappi, a newspaper journalist, welcome your questions about what to do in times of illness, dying, death and grief. Contact them through their EndNotes blog at spokesman.com/blogs/endnotes. (c) 2011, The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY BREAST CENTER DESIGNATED AN ACR BREAST IMAGING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Montgomery Breast Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy). Peer-review evaluations have determined that Montgomery Breast Center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs. “It’s a great honor to receive this designation,” said Tina Hodge, manager of breast imaging at Montgomery Breast Center. “Advanced imaging technology is a tool that’s saving lives every day, and we’re committed to providing the latest state-of-the-art diagnostics to the patients we serve.” Montgomery Breast Center, a subsidiary of Montgomery Cancer Center, is a nationally recognized leader in breast imaging. For more information visit www.montgomerybreastcenter.com.
American Cancer Society’s
Relay For Life of Montgomery Hosts 73 teams and raises $127K Montgomery, AL- Seventy-three teams made up of cancer survivors, families, caregivers, local faith-based groups, businesses and clubs walked 12 hours in the American Cancer Society ‘s Relay For Life of Montgomery on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 and raised more than $127,000. Relay For Life is a community-based, volunteerdriven event supporting the fight against cancer. Individuals and teams gather at a track or park to campout and walk overnight in confidence that their effort will lead to a cure. All walkers share the common goal of keeping at least one team member on the track throughout the event. Teams organize and complete fundraisers to raise money for the cause and fundraising may continue at the team’s campout during the event. These funds bring the American Cancer Society one step closer to its goal of helping people stay well; by helping them get well, by finding cures and fighting back.To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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The Gift of Hearing Contest... Winner can now pursue her life’s goal! The Montgomery DeRamus Hearing Center offered the ‘Gift of Hearing’ for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years. Phone companies claim more money is spent on long-distance calls on Mother’s Day than any other single day of the year. Thanks to Glenda DeRamus, owner and founder of DeRamus Hearing Center in Montgomery, at least one more mother was able to enjoy such a phone call this past Sunday. Glenda conducted a Mother’s Day essay contest to give away a free set of hearing aids to a deserving mother in the community. After narrowing the field to 12 mothers they were brought in for a hearing screening, fitting—and some welldeserved pampering. “When the women arrived, the entire center was covered in roses, and we had gift bags for each woman to take home,” reported DeRamus. “Some of them were truly overwhelmed—one woman broke down in tears as soon as we handed her a rose.” “This is such a beautiful day,” the woman told Sherri Elrod, public relations director at DeRamus. “I’ve never felt so special in my whole life.” The essays were as remarkable as the women themselves—one finalist was entered by her 11-year old son. But while each story was heart-warming and each contestant quite deserving, one stood out above the rest. The Winner was Ruby Pearl Jackson who has devoted her life to children—her own and those of her neighbors, some of whom consider her a second mother. In addition to her two biological children, Jackson was granted custody of two of her grandchildren in 2005. She has also taken in her young niece after Jackson’s sister, passed away a few years ago. Indeed Ruby Jackson, 63, has seen it all in raising her children—so she can be quite difficult to surprise. Glenda DeRamus called Jackson’s daughter, Vickie Washington, on Thursday
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afternoon with the news that Ruby was the contest winner. Washington knew immediately she’d need a good story to keep Ruby surprised. “I told Mama we were taking her out to dinner on Friday, so she got ready early,” said Washington Ruby’s hearing loss was one of the only things standing in the way of her accomplishing one of her life’s goals, Glenda DeRamus explained. “She spent her whole life raising children—hers and other people’s,” explained DeRamus. “When she turned 60, she decided to do something for herself.” Ruby’s dream was rather quaint—she wanted to learn to read. To do so, she turned to the Laubach Literacy Volunteers, who specialize in teaching adults to read and improve their language skills. Elva Goldman is the volunteer who’s been working with Ruby Jackson for the past three years. “This is going to make our lessons so much easier,” exclaimed Goldman. “We are both so grateful to these wonderful people who have provided her with these hearing aids. I cannot say enough about them.” When Vickie Washington entered Jackson into the contest by writing this essay, Goldman called Glenda DeRamus to vouch for Ruby. The judges were impressed enough last week to award Jackson the set of hearing aids—a $5,000 value. “I feel so blessed to be able to give this gift to my mother, after everything she had given to my family and I all these years,” said Washington. Youtube link of a wonderful video of the winner, http://youtu.be/ygxH8_r8WF4
FATHER’S DAY CONTEST Every year we look for the “PERFECT GIFT” for our father. This year give the Gift of Hearing. Enter your father in DeRamus Hearing Center essay contest to win a pair of FREE hearing aids for all the many hours he has loved and provided for you. The contest allows families to write an essay explaining why their father deserves a set of free hearing aids this Father’s Day. CONTEST RULES Essay may be written to explain reasons why their father deserves a free hearing aid. • Winners are expected to be announced on June 17th and fitted for Father’s Day. • Each essay should include the full name, mailing address and phone number of potential recipient as well as the full name, mailing address and phone number of the essay writer. • Essays should be no longer than 600 words All entries should be delivered or postmarked no later than June 10, 2011 and sent to: “Gift of Hearing” c/o Sherri Elrod DeRamus Hearing Center 2809 Chestnut Street Montgomery, AL 36107 (334) 220-5325 You can submit essay online on our website: DeramusHearingCenters.com Or send email to: sherri@DeramusHearingCenters.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Grandmother Names Bamaw, Bammaw, Big Mama
Bubbie, DaMa, Dama, Dammaw, Eema, emaw, Ema, G, Gada, GadGee, Gadgi, Gadgy, GaMa, Gamma, Gammi, Gammy, Gami, Ganna, Ganni, Ganny, Gani GanGan, G-ma, Gommie, Gommy Gram, Gramma, Grama, Grammie, Grammy, Gramommie, Grams Granana, Grananny, Grandama Grandgran, Grandma, Grandmom Grandmother Grandnan, Granma Granmama, Granmom, Granna Granny, Gumma, Jamma Mamaw, Mamey, Mammaw Mammy, Mams, Marmi, Marme MawMaw, MayMay, Maymee MeMa, Meema, MeMaw, Mimaw MeMo, MeeMo, Mimo, MeeMee, MeMe, MiMi, Mima, Mimma Mimmy, Mimsy, Minny, MoMa, MoMaw, MoMo, MomMom, Momsy, Mum, Mums, Mumsy, Mumsey, Nama, Namma, Nan, Nana, Nanna, Nanny, Ne-ma, NeNe, NiNi, Ninna Ninny, Ninni, Nona, Nonna Noni, NoNi, NoNee Nonni, Nonny Ona, Onna (c) 2011, Grandparents.com Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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June 2011
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
OLD CLOVERDALE
Corks in the Courtyard Thursday, June 2, 5:30-7:30 pm
Pugh. 334.356.4598
A&P Lofts, Old Cloverdale. Sip and stroll through the shops at the A&P with wine tastings, door prizes and live music by Henry
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN The FUTURE is NOW Exhibition BrewPub Friday, June 3, 5 pm until
The FUTURE Is NOW exhibition will focus on what YOU would like to see happen or change around our community. The idea is to bring your thoughts, ideas, strategies and desires and explain them so your goals are heard. NOW is your chance to come together with your community so that Montgomery can become the place you want to live. Helicity has formed this first-of-itskind, free event called Future is Now. “FiN” will be held at 12 West Jefferson Street in the building known as the former Montgomery Brewing Company. Future is Now will open at 5:00 Friday and then move to the Alley at 9:00, where there will be a free, all-ages showcase of local music from bands such as Church of My Love, Hail the Titans, Future Self, and Three Happenin’ Guys. For more information about showcasing your own ideas at “FiN”, please email Helicity.Montgomery@gmail.com and friend Helicity Montgomery on facebook.
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN BYOC-Bring Your Own Chair Concert Series Saturday, June 4, 6-10 pm
Featuring two Classic Rock bands. WISHBONE will open @ 6:30 followed by DR. FEELGOOD. Beer and wine is complimentary . BYOC is excited to announce the addition of singer/songwriter JESSICA WILLIAMS to the June 4 concert
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at the Montgomery Riverfront Train Shed. Jessica is an amazing artist on the rise and you will not want to miss her performance! There is more good news for those planning to attend the June 4 BYOC Train Shed Concert: BYOC welcomes local rockers MAC CONE and DAVID JACKSON to its list of performers. Family friendly...children 15 and under get in free with an adult ticket purchase. Women of Hope, who offers women with breast cancer support has joined us in this event. We will offer a percentage of ticket sales to their charity. For more info email womenofhope@ charter.net.
WETUMPKA
26th Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival Friday-Saturday, June 3-5, 2011,
This is a very exciting event with beginner to pro kayak rodeo, boat races, canoe competitions, sit on top kayak, stand up paddle board and river board events, a 50 foot Big Air Ramp which launches kayakers into the air, raffles, music and free kayaking clinics. There are events for every age and skill level. Canoe and sit on top kayak rentals are available for people who want to be spectators for the events taking place on the river. The Coosa is a wonderful river that offers some of the best whitewater in the area. It is fun for beginners and experts alike. A great opportunity to get to know the river and be introduced to the many ways that are now available to paddle down the river. Club members will be on hand to give you their wealth of information about the river and paddling. The Coosa River Whitewater Festival grounds are located at 172 River Road, Wetumpka, AL. For more information and registration: www.coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com; info@coosariverpaddlingclub.com; or call 1-800-874-3528 or 1-800-879-6370. Boat rentals: Coosa Outdoor Center 334-201-5510 www.coosaoutdoorcenter.com. Coosa River Adventures 334-514-0279 www.cooariveradventures.com
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Parrot Head Cruise Saturday, June 11, 4:30-6:30 pm
Get on board the Harriott II for a night of entertainment! Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
$32 per adult and $17 per child. Come down to the River and re-live history while enjoying a relaxing cruise on Montgomery’s greatest downtown attraction, the Harriott II. Docked beside the uniquely built Riverwalk Amphitheater, this elegant 19th Century riverboat is center stage of Montgomery’s entertainment district. 334.625.2100
MONTGOMERY
Military Salute at Riverwalk Stadium Saturday, June 11, 7-10 pm
Montgomery Biscuits vs Jacksonville Riverwalk Stadium. In recognition of their vital role in the community, military leaders and service men and women are invited to attend this annual event. The junior officers will be honored with a dinner at the Locomotive Loft. www.montgomerychamber.com
MONTGOMERY
Partyin’ for Parkinsons w/Gate Band Fundraiser at The Tipping Point Saturday, June 11, 5-9 pm
A Fundraiser Featuring THE GATE BAND benefiting the Parkinson Association of Alabama, Inc. Gates open at 4 p.m. Advance Ticket Sales $30. After June 6th $35 Prices includes concert, 2 drink tickets plus T-Shirt to 1st 250 Registrants Food available on site by Jim N Nick’s. Advance Tickets available at all Adams Drugs locations, online at parkinsonalabama.org or calling (334) 328-8702 or (205) 871-9941. More Info: www.parkinsonalabama.org
MONTGOMERY
Montgomery Museum of Fine Art The Lincoln Center Collection Exhibition
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Opening and Gallery Talk Thursday, June 16, 5-7 pm
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in 2009, 82 limited edition prints and posters commissioned by the Albert and Vera List Collection were exhibited at UBS Art Gallery in New York City. Beginning with the first limited edition serigraph poster by Ben Shahn announcing the opening of Philharmonic Hall in 1962, the Lincoln Center/List Collection commissioned works by a variety of prominent contemporary artists. Early posters by Marc Chagall, Larry Rivers, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol lent the fledgling program considerable impact and good will. Exhibit runs June 16, 2011 through September 11, 2011. www.mmfa.org
Projections and Reflections by Sally Wood Johnson June 16 through July 17
Projections & Reflections is a multi-media installation of painting, sculpture, prints, and photographs by Sally Wood Johnson and music by Dorothy Hindman—occasionally enlivened by performance of one or more people. The artists collaborated to create art influenced by John Cage (1912-92), an important avant-garde musician whose theories of aleatory music have driven the development of art, dance, and drama created and perceived by chance. The installation features photographs that capture aspects of the concrete wall outside Johnson’s Birmingham studio and an original composition for cello, French horn, timpani, and guitar, each played through separate speakers in the installation. A performance will occur in the installation during the opening reception, June 16, from 5:30 to 7 P.M., and Johnson will discuss her work with viewers at that time. www.mmfa.org
MONTGOMERY
Ron White, Comedian Thursday June 16th, 7:30 pm Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Tickets: $50
Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units, Ron has established himself as a star in his own right. for tickets go to www.mpaconline.org or ticketmaster. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
FOLEY
MONTGOMERY
More than 40 hot-air balloons are the stars of the seventh annual Gulf Coast Hot-Air Balloon festival. See the colorful balloons fly in competitions in the early mornings and glow in the evenings. During the day, enjoy more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, toe-tapping music, a children’s village, entertaining shows and festival food with a Southern, coastal flair. Foley Sportspark, Hwy. 98 West. www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com
Hey Boomers, grab some friends and invade the Hampstead Hop for cheap fun! Tickets are $10 and will include: The Tipping Point – seasonal beers and live music by the Goat Hill String Band. Ham and High – wine and whiskey tasting and live music by Henry Pugh. Farmhouse Kitchen – tastings of food and spirits.
Gulf Coast Hot-Air Balloon Festival June 17-19
BREWTON
Alabama Blueberry Festival Saturday, Jun 18, 8-3 pm
Original arts and crafts, live entertainment, an antique car show, children’s section, blueberries, blueberry bushes, cookbooks, T-shirts, festival food and more. Downtown Brewton - Burnt Corn Creek Park. www.alabamablueberryfestival.com
CLANTON
Chilton County Peach Festival Jun 18–25
Join us to celebrate Alabama peaches! Pageants and tournaments are held throughout the week, along with the “peach run,” art exhibitions, a cook-off, fishing tournament, live music, parades, live and silent auctions, barbecue and much more. Info 205-755-2400.
EVERYWHERE
Father’s Day Sunday, June 19, All Day Show Him Thanks and Love!
Henry James once defined life as that predicament which precedes death, and certainly nobody owes you a debt of honor or gratitude for getting him into that predicament. But a child does owe his father a debt, if Dad, having gotten him into this peck of trouble, takes off his coat and buckles down to the job of showing his son how best to crash through it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland
I t ’s a G reat Time to Be Booming! P l e a s e s u bmit any events/pictures to j i m @riverregionboom.com
Hampstead Hop Friday, June 24, 6-9 pm
MONTGOMERY
Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Jazz Jams Sunday, June 26, 2-4 pm
Enjoy the Museum and a little jazz on a Sunday afternoon. Seating is limited to 40. There is no charge for the event. Cafe M will have desserts, coffee and wine for purchase. www. mmfa.org
A Look Ahead to July...
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN July 1-Riverwalk Pub Crawl, 6 pm
Mark your calendar now for the 2011 Riverwalk Pub Crawl! There will be great entertainment and discounts, and the city trolley will make this hoppin’ event one you won’t want to miss.
July 2-Sister Hazel, 7 pm
Riverwalk Amphitheater. $10 advance and $15 at the gate. www.montgomeryal.gov
July 3-Capital City Downtown Streetfest 2-5 pm Bring the whole family for a day of fun! There will be inflatables and street vendors, a family-friendly event! www.montgomeryal.gov
July 4-Biscuits Baseball and Riverfront Celebration, 6 pm.
Riverwalk Amphitheater. Come out for a night of baseball, music and fun! There will be inflatables for the kids and Harriott II Riverboat rides as well as a MAX Fireworks Spectacular. www. montgomeryal.gov
MONTGOMERY
ASF-Menopause the Musical July 8-24
Hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss and chocolate binges have never been as funny as in this long-running smash hit. Menopause is a hilarious celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of or have survived The Change. The show features 25 parodies of classic baby boomer hits including “Hot Flash” (“Heat Wave”), “My Thighs” (“My Guy”) and “Stayin’ Awake” (“Stayin’ Alive”). Alabama Shakespeare Festival box office, on line at www.asf.net or by phone at 1.800.841.4273. r i ve r reg i o n b o o m . co m
June 2011
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By Greg Budell
In Memory of So-and-So! I recently went back to the Windy City for my ##th (number redacted) high school reunion. When I checked in for the event, I saw a list of familiar names from our class of 620. “What’s the deal with this group?” I asked, while pasting on my “HELLO MY NAME IS“ tag.
and preserved my looks—at least a little better than everyone else in the “Class of Redacted.”
Someone dies, you go to the wake, eat sausage, peppers and pasta at some “family” restaurant after the funeral and life goes on. Still, there were at least 40 names on the list! Jeez! You live long enough and you lose people—but you normally get the news one name at a time.
3. Who the heck are you? We went to school together for four years?
“Why, they’re dead, Greg.” My former classmate running the desk was rather nonchalant about it. (Can you even be “chalant”?) It’s a Midwestern thing.
People at high school reunions fall into three groups:
1. Those you recognize and remember their name. 2. Those you recognize but sneak-peek their “HELLO MY NAME IS” tag just to be sure before speaking a name.
“Did you hear about so-and-so?” “Yeah. Passed away.” “That’s a shame.”
This was like a mass so-and-so obituary with a giant headline—35 OF GREG BUDELL’S CLASSMATES DIE IN ONE NIGHT!
I didn’t burst into tears with sadness. Quite the opposite, actually. I felt lucky that I had managed to live to make it to the event. Those of you who know my prior life’s experiences know just how lucky I really am to be among the attendees and not on the “List of Deceased So-and-Sos.” I took a deep breath and scanned the crowd, alarmed at how generally crappy everyone looked. I know that sounds callous. If you’d been there, you’d have agreed with me. “This is gotta be some bowling banquet, here, Greg! Are you sure this is your class?“
As much as I thought living in South Florida might kill me one day, I now believe moving there in 1979 saved my life
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Each reunion is unique unto itself. At our 10 year, I was a hot shot radio jock and had the coolest career in our class. I was the Black Swan—the nerdy kid who evolved into something completely and shockingly unexpected. It was a night of showing off, sharing naughty ways to get buzzed and comparing stuff. Most people came stag. Girls who wouldn’t give me the time of day in high school were all over me. I chose one, and will spend the rest of my life wondering why Sue McRedacted didn’t follow up that night by accepting my invitation to Florida. I guess her husband wouldn’t let her, and for some reason, she hasn’t been to any subsequent Bogan High School gettogethers. (And she wasn’t on the List of Deceased So-and-Sos. I checked.) The 20 year reunion was more ... mature. I still had the coolest career in the class but with the added bonus of the
hottest wife in the sexiest dress. Sue McRedacted wasn’t there (darn it). I wanted her to be green with envy, seeing what she missed. Sue may have been at Bogan’s 25th. I flew to Chicago to attend it, hoping to then show off the hottest girl friend in the sexiest dress and make her jealous. Unfortunately I showed up to the banquet hall the day after it actually took place. This was the night I learned the importance of checking dates on tickets to events you spend $2,000 trying to attend.
I did not attend the 30th because I no longer had the coolest career or the hottest anything because I was in between jobs rebooting my life. Sad.
Odd, isn’t it? You spend four years in school with this totally random group of people and re-convene in this perpetual state of competition. After 10 years, it’s money and stuff. After 20, it’s kids and houses. If I had to pick the recurring theme of this most recent reunion, it was “retirement and grandchildren.” I was unqualified to discuss either so I did a lot of listening and nodding, secretly hoping Sue McRedacted would burst into the room and say “Greg! Thank God you’re here! Thank God you’re not dead! Let’s finish what we started at the 10th!”
Where is she? Perhaps she’ll show for the next one. I’ll be there. Not to show off a hot date or cool stuff. I just want to make sure my name isn‘t on the list of Deceased So-and Sos.
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his dog Hershey. He’s a 25 year veteran of radio who hosts the morning show on Montgomery’s Q96.1 and Happy Hour 4-6 pm on Newstalk 107.9. Please share any feedback with jim@riverregionboom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine