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Alabama Shakespeare Festival Announces 2021-22 Season, The 50th Anniversary!
ASF returns to its stages for its 50th season, filled with musicals, exciting new works, and one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Executive Director Todd Schmidt have announced the 2021-2022 Festival Season at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, which features nine productions exploring stories of contemporary culture, heroic activists, everyday people in extraordinary times, and lots of music. In its 50th season, ASF continues its mission of building community with captivating stories for that speak to and represent all people in the South. “It's time to come back together. The long intermission is finally coming to a close,” said ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine. “Plus, it’s a milestone year we are coming into: our 50th anniversary season! On July 12, 1972, in Anniston, AL, ASF had its inaugural season. I knew the 50th anniversary would be a year marked with celebration, but I didn’t realize it may very well be our most defining. What we do best is what people need most right now: we need to be together. This season spans real life to fairy tale. It celebrates families and heritage. It spans from Medieval Scotland to modern day Ferguson, MO. World premieres and some classics that never get old. There’s serious art and some pure campy moments. Almost all of the shows have never been performed at ASF.”
“I am thrilled with the new season and the diversity of the shows we are creating. And for the opportunity to bring the community together for live performances of professional theater in Montgomery,” said ASF Executive Director Todd Schmidt. “We look forward to seeing our wonderful audience again at ASF and will be taking every precaution to ensure their safety.” The season opens with the world premiere of Deneen ReynoldsKnott’s Shoebox Picnic Road Side: Route 1, a uniquely immersive outdoor experience for audiences. For the holidays, ASF returns to its Festival and Octagon stages with Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Greta Lambert’s one-woman adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In the new year, Shakespeare’s most famous power couple comes to life in Macbeth, followed by yet more blind ambition with the mega-hit musical Little Shop Of Horrors. The season continues with compelling stories based on actual events: Until the Flood and Freedom Rider (another world premiere). ASF wraps up its season with two summer musicals The Marvelous Wonderettes and American Mariachi. Subscriptions are on sale now at ASF.net or by calling the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353. Single tickets will go on sale September 15.
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The Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery presents Tavern Fest 2021. This year's event features Southern Rock greats, Wet Willie with 2021 Grammy winner, lead singer, and co founder, Jimmy Hall. Come and enjoy this outdoor event that benefits the community preservation and education efforts of the Landmarks Foundation and Old Alabama Town. The concert takes place, Saturday, September 25th with the gates opening at 5:00pm and Wet Willie going on around 6:30. The stage will be set on N. Hull Street, in the heart of Old Alabama Town. We'll have food trucks, local craft beer, and other vendors available throughout the event. For
Scan to Order TF Tickets more information visit www.landmarksfoundation.com
Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ The Armory, “Destructive Insects”
Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2021 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Armory Learning Arts Building, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, October 6, “Destructive Insects”, Anthony Yarbrough, Master Gardener, will be presenting the program, “Destructive Insects”. Join us to learn about insects causing problems in your home yard, garden, and elsewhere. Find out helpful remedies to control these nuisance pests! Plan to wear your mask and socially distance, as mandated by the City of Montgomery. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
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Montgomery’s Greek Community is Cooking Again! Labor Day Barbecue
For the 73rd straight year, Montgomery’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is sponsoring the Capital City’s largest Labor Day Barbecue, offering pit-smoked Boston butts, longsimmered camp stew, and, of course, their signature, mouth-watering Greek pastries. Hungry River Region residents can pre-order these long-time favorites to ensure they won’t miss out on any of these traditional Greek Labor Day specialities. Due to Covid 19, the event will once again be drive-thru only. “The big news for this year is that we’re bringing back the beloved camp stew and those delicious Greek pastries. And that makes all of us happy,” says Gus Katechis, co-chair of this year’s event. “We’re also cooking and selling Boston butts again, instead of making the traditional BBQ plates or additional meats. We did this for the first time last year, because of Covid 19, and it worked well. We’re taking every precaution to keep the general public, and our workers safe.” The cooked and wrapped Boston butts will be available for $35 each, through ticketed preorders. Camp stew is sold in quarts, for $14. Pastries are available in a Sampler box or a Baklava box. Any items not sold during the preorder period will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis during pickup hours, from 8:00-12:00 noon on Labor Day, September 6. Preordering isn’t required but it is definitely encouraged. To order tickets online visit: https:// annunciation-greek-orthodox-church-109609.square.site. Tickets may also be purchased at Chris’ Hotdogs in downtown Montgomery, and through Greek Orthodox Church community members. “The Greek Community has been sponsoring this barbecue in Montgomery since 1948. It’s an event our grandfathers started, and the
Scan to Order community is extremely proud of it. We still use the same rub on the meat and we cook the meat just the same
BBQ Tickets way as they did back then,” Katechis added with a grin. “We’re so incredibly thankful for all the support the River Region has provided our community through the past seven decades. We love to feed people and this big event is our way of saying thank-you to everyone.”
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Renfroe's Market_Adams Drugs_Sommer's Place_Fresh Market_Whole Foods Tomatino's_MCA Fitness_Vintage Cafe_Derk's_UPS Stores_Steak Out_Steaks & Wine The Vintage Olive_Capital City-Ace Hardware_Orange Therapy_Down the Street Chappy's Deli_Health Wise Foods_Eastbrook Flea Market_John Lee Paints Home Care Assistance_Doug's 2_Baumhower’s Restaurant_Jan's Beach House San Marcos_Chris' Hot Dogs_Lek's_SaZas_Mexico Tipico_La Zona Rosa Read the digital version from your phone, tablet, ipad or computer, www.RiverRegionBoom.com
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Grab the Grandkids, Jurassic Quest, Nation's Biggest Dinosaur Experience
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is BACK, BIGGER and BETTER than EVER! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to delight families when Jurassic Quest® heads to the Montgomery Convention Center October 1-3. 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, face painting, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more. Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon! Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty! More
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A 'Pop-Up' Walking Trail Coming to Cloverdale
Pedestrians will get their own lane along the streets of Cloverdale this fall as part of a temporary walking trail, and those behind the project hope it's just the beginning of something much bigger. River Region Trails is working with the city of Montgomery to connect a sidewalk walking path along Felder and Fairview avenues to a "buffered" pedestrian street lane along College Street and Cloverdale Road with cones and wayfaring signage. It will connect into a two-mile loop as part of a "pop-up" trail that lasts for 16 days starting October 8. While the trail is temporary, organizers say the point is to show people the appeal of walking trails, particularly in areas with wide streets and traffic mitigation needs. They're hoping that will help build momentum for a permanent, citywide project. "We’re telling people, look we need better pedestrian infrastructure. Here’s what that would look like," said Andrew Szymanski of the nonprofit River Region Trails. The pop-up project is being funded by an AARP Community Challenge grant, money that is meant to back a push for more livable communities. In the long term, River Region Trails is putting together a plan for a permanent, 85-mile web of walking and biking trails that would connect neighborhoods, colleges, retail areas, businesses and historic sites from the Montgomery Regional Airport to the Tallapoosa River. The Mission: River Region Trails, Inc. is committed to developing a network of pedestrian greenways, parks, and outdoor resources in the River Region. The organization will coordinate the efforts of citizens, corporate partners, and local governments to plan, fund, and develop natural space for public use, which will invariably have a positive impact on community health, quality of life, economic development, transportation, and neighborhood connectivity. You can see more about those plans at www.riverregiontrails.org.
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Opelika Songwriters Festival, October 15-17
Opelika Songwriters Festival consist of multiple venues in Historic Downtown Opelika that are transformed into listening rooms and host over 40 songwriters from our local artist to grammy award winning songwriters. Last year, festival goers came from all over Alabama, Georgia and Florida to listen! Your festival pass gets you access to every venue giving you the opportunity to experience many different locations and songwriters over the weekend. Rob & Jen Slocumb, aka Martha’s Trouble and owners of The Sound Wall founded the Opelika Songwriters Festival that debuted Memorial Day Weekend 2019 in Downtown Opelika. Opelika Songwriters Festival is Produced by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM). RCAM has coproduced the prestigious 30a Songwriters Festival for the past 11 years on the Northwest Florida Coast. To see the lineup of artists and venues, visit
www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com
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How to Not Outlive Your Retirement Income
On Wednesday, September 22nd, Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. will be conducting a complimentary webinar on methods of how to not outlive your retirement income. The workshop covers a number of issues including factoring in the above-mentioned changes to traditional assumptions, key risks (i.e., sequence rate of return and inflation), and various approaches to mitigating the risks of outliving your income. If you would like to be included in the webinar, please call 334.270.1672 or sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com.
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Renfroe's Market_Adams Drugs_Sommer's Place_Fresh Market_Whole Foods Tomatino's_MCA Fitness_Vintage Cafe_Derk's_UPS Stores_Steak Out_Steaks & Wine The Vintage Olive_Capital City-Ace Hardware_Orange Therapy_Down the Street Chappy's Deli_Health Wise Foods_Eastbrook Flea Market_John Lee Paints Home Care Assistance_Doug's 2_Baumhower’s Restaurant_Jan's Beach House San Marcos_Chris' Hot Dogs_Lek's_SaZas_Mexico Tipico_La Zona Rosa Read the digital version from your phone, tablet, ipad or computer, www.RiverRegionBoom.com
Whether you enjoy Improved Campgrounds, Primitive Campgrounds or Group Camping, Cheaha has something for you! The park has 77 improved campsites including ADA campsites in the Upper and Lower Improved Campgrounds. All improved campsites have 20,30, and 50 amp electrical hook-ups with water and sewer hook-ups, picnic table, grill or fire-ring, and access to a bathhouse. Visit www.alapark.com/parks/
cheaha-state-park/campgrounds
Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Martha Perry
Martha is a very reliable and dependable caregiver. She is compassionate, kind, caring and goes over and beyond to care for her clients. She treats them with the uttermost dignity and provides them with the same love and respect that she would give her own family. Not only is she dedicated to making sure her clients are happy, she also shows that same level of concern and respect to the staff in the office. To top it off, Martha is a great cook and her clients rave at the variety and selection of meals that she prepares.
For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com
Lisa Beers, Retired & Ready
This month’s cover profile is a woman who has reached that long-awaited milestone of retirement. Lisa Beers has been working for WSFA-12 since 1981, forty years! Yes, to work with a company that long says she knows a good thing when she sees it. The WSFA Team was like family, and she owes them many thanks for the memorable moments she experienced during her rewarding career with WSFA. She now begins her journey as a newly minted retiree and Lisa is ready to take it all in and enjoy the many opportunities to explore life through service, travel and of course being a wedding planner for her daughter Nicole. She has experienced much during the last few years, losing her husband Gary to Parkinson’s Disease, and suffering a heart attack in 2018. Challenges for any life to be sure. But, as she put it, Lisa is filled with joie de vivre, a joy of living, an attitude that will serve her well on life’s next journey on the road of retirement. We hope you enjoy getting to know Lisa as much as we did, and we also hope you’ll share her story with friends and family.
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, marriage, family, etc.?
Lisa: I was born in Montgomery at Jackson Hospital on September 16, 1954. Yes, I’ll be 67 this year. Birth Certificate reads: Lisa Marian Palmer. My father began his Orthopedic Surgery practice at the hospital after he and my mother moved to Montgomery in 1950. She was from the “Crescent City”, New Orleans, where they met, and my father was raised in the beautiful mountains of “Wild, Wonderful” West Virginia. So, I’m the result of two transplants. a B.A. in Communication Arts and a concentration in Broadcast Journalism.
Soon after, I met Gary, who loved life and convinced me right away that I would never have a dull moment as long as we were together. We brought a blue eyed, blond (I have brown hair and brown eyes) into the world who was Gary’s twin. We named her Nicole. One cannot tell which baby is which from their pictures.
Lisa Dressed as Audrey Hepburn for a WSFA 50’s Employee Appreciation party at the Capitol City Club
I’m the patient, doesn’t like to rock- the-boat, social, loyal, peoplepleasing, independent, peace-loving middle child among an older brother and sister, Daria and Chris, and a younger brother and sister, Anita, and Matt. Whew. Raised Catholic, I attended Our Lady Queen of Mercy grammar school, (no longer in existence), and graduated high school from Montgomery Catholic High School, now Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Then, I headed straight to Spring Hill College in Mobile where I received a Jesuit education and graduated with
BOOM!: Up until a few days ago you were a Senior Account Executive at WSFA 12 News. Please share with us how you got involved with broadcasting and WSFA? What did you do as a Senior Account Executive Late Husband Gary and me at Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs for WSFA? Lisa: Within a week after graduating college, I worked at WHHY/Y102 Radio as the Copywriter which was a great starting point in broadcast. On my first
day, the Osmonds came to the station to visit. I had a feeling I had landed in the right job. In 1981, I made the move to WSFA as the Creative Services Copywriter and 6 months later, I was promoted to Creative Services Director, writing, and producing commercials, a special show here and there and video presentations. I also served as talent which was a welcome outlet for me. I can be a ham on occasion. All of this would not be possible without the heaps of help from a very talented Videographer, as well as Directors, our Production Manager and Program Manager … all who had been at the station a good many years and taught me mountains. It was in 1999 that I decided to finally move into the Sales Department, and I never looked back. I loved production as I am a right brain kind of person, and it will always be my first love at the station, but, because you really must be creative in sales, I adored meeting with our advertisers and being that partner on whom they could
lean, trust, and depend on for solid advice on how to grow their business with broadcast and digital options. BOOM!: Many of our readers have been watching WSFA for many years, they probably consider many of the station’s on-air personalities like family. You worked at WSFA for 40 years, describe your experience with the people you worked with at the station, both on and off the air? Lisa: This point may seem obvious and trite, but, when you hear a WSFA employee say that everyone who works there is like family, it’s the honest truth. You can’t work as many hours with others as so many do from dusk til dawn and into the night, without learning to live with those outside of your family … and growing to love them. My friends are in the news department, the sales department, the engineering department, the business department, and the marketing department. On-air personalities come into our living rooms each and every day, and the people behind the cameras who support everything we do make the magic happen.
Guide Helps Lisa and Nicole Go Snorkeling in Jamaica
I have been immensely proud to have been in the presence of individuals who take their positions very seriously because they realize that many viewers, advertisers, businesses, organizations, and communities are depending on WSFA to be a good partner, a great communicator and a committed community leader. My station family made all the difference in appreciating the journey. The memories are immeasurable.
Lisa, Gary and Nicole
Celebrating Thanksgiving BOOM!: Like many of us as we age, we at the Grove Park Inn experience the loss of a beloved spouse.
Lisa and Nicole in Montreal, Canada Lisa and Gary Celebrating Christmas in New Orleans at Cafe Du Monde
You lost your husband, Gary, two years ago. Would you please share your experience with our readers? How would you describe being a widow? What thoughts would you share with others dealing with losing their spouse? I will be honest; it’s been a rough few years. In 2018, I had a heart attack. Ten months later, I lost Gary. Seven months later, WSFA sent us home to work and to keep their employees safe happy, funny, talented man but I know that I have much to be thankful for and when it comes to moving forward, I can hear Gary whisper in my ear and say: “Hit it and get it!” This was a favorite expression of his indicating that it was time to get going in a big way.
Lisa: Gary was 11 years older than me and was the epitome of being young at heart. I learned so much from him and nothing could keep us apart. He was the glaze on my doughnut. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 59. This change in his health would prove devastating because Gary was very athletic growing up playing hockey and more as well as playing on the golf team at Western Michigan. He was an avid golfer, scratch, in fact. He lived with the many challenges of PD for 17 years. Not once did I hear him complain of his condition. He had the best of attitudes. That was his nature. He pushed himself as much as he could. I made it a point to be there for him, to care for him, to have his back as I had done all of our 42 years together. After all, he always had my back. The vows we made, to “have and to hold in sickness and in health” in 1977, resonated these years later and grew stronger every day. I read everything I could about Parkinson’s, kept notebooks full of medical records, while watching the changes in Gary, year after year. Don’t think that wasn’t difficult because it was, but I couldn’t let him see my concerns and worry. He had a way of keeping my spirits high as he told me that he was my biggest fan. Now, it was my turn to return the favor. I never felt that taking care of Gary was anything but a true honor. He deserved that. from the pandemic. Isolation is hard enough but isolation without your husband is even worse. But I made it through because after every storm the birds come out to sing. The first time I had to acknowledge that I was a widow was when I was filling out forms in a doctor’s office. I had been so used to marking my identity as “married” but this was different, now “widowed” got the checkmark. It gave me a sinking feeling. I’m not sure I will ever get used to being called a widow or get over being married to a smart, BOOM!: As we mentioned, you have been part of WSFA for the last 40 years and just a few days ago you officially retired! So, what next? Short term? Long term? What do you think of getting older? Could you share some ideas on how to age well? Lisa: Yes, officially, August 20th was my last day. My daughter is getting married in December to
Lisa Enjoying Time with Friends
Eileen Jones and Kim Hendrix her fiancé and I am thrilled. They had their first date only a month or so before Gary passed away, so, I believe Gary sent Matti to Nicole. I will give my undivided attention to all the details of their wedding. College Days, Lisa, 3rd from Left Top Row I love a good party, you know. Long term, I will continue to be involved in our River Region community and will continue to serve on the River Region United Way Board and the American
Lisa with the WSFA Sales Team...A Day Away from the Office, Axe Throwing!
Cancer Society Counsel. When I am comfortable traveling some distance, I plan on seeing parts of our beautiful
Lisa Goes to Europe as a Sixteen Year Old
country I have never seen before and to other countries. I have college friends planning a trip to Ireland next year and would like to be part of the adventure. I always wanted to kiss the Blarney Stone. I want to start playing my piano again, take cooking classes and try my skills at art, just to name a few.
Getting older is a state of mind. The number you are in years has nothing to do with your desire to live life to its fullest. I was blessed to grow up in a family who enjoyed living and had that “Joie de vivre”. After all, life is a gift and I believe gratitude is always the best attitude.
I’m not sure I am an expert on knowing how to age well but I would have to say that a good start is eating healthy. We all know what a chocolate brownie tastes like. I was taught to stay away from anything that will put you in harm’s way. Be positive, learn like you’re going to live forever. Curiosity is a good thing. I enjoy beginning each day with meditation. KEEP MOVING!
BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations? Why do you think it’s important to serve in the community?
Lisa: I remember reading a quote years ago. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” - Mahatma Gandhi. I think this is a great summation of how I feel about helping others. I like waking up each day and feeling as though I have a purpose in this world. Since the pandemic, it’s been more difficult for many churches and non-profits to operate in the usual way. They need our help.
I am a member of St. Peter Catholic Church since I was 6 weeks old and have served on the Parish Council and as a Communion Minister. The church was the first Catholic church built in Montgomery and reflects Spanish style architecture which I love. The interior is breathtaking. It’s seen many baptisms, marriages, Red Masses, graduations, and funerals.
BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a mom?
Lisa: I’m a big eater so I love lunches and dinners with family and friends. A relaxed meal is a wonderful time for relevant conversation and plenty of laughter.
Becoming a mother was the most important day in my life. I had no idea until my role changed. I’m very lucky that Gary and I raised a loving, funny, loyal, independent and kind woman. But the credit is all hers.
I’m so proud of Nicole who is a Regional Manager for Schumacher in Atlanta. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with her. She never takes anything for granted and is anything but a spoiled only child. Gary and I always wanted her to be self-reliant and she is just that.
Lisa Visits Cuba
Lisa Visits The Tower of London
I don’t see her as only my daughter. I see her as my best friend. We have an unbreakable bond.
BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
Lisa: I traveled abroad with a friend when I was 16. It was a whirlwind tour of Europe, and it was an amazing eyeopener for me. For many years, Gary and Nicole and I planned some wonderful Thanksgivings in Natchez, Charleston, Savannah and more. We cherished our beach trips. There are so many beautiful places in the Caribbean we’ve visited but I think going to Cuba was incredibly interesting. Nicole and I have many more places we plan to visit in Europe. One of our favorite spots close to home is Point Clear/Fairhope. I think it goes back to attending college in Mobile.
BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?
Lisa: My family, my faith, the arts, travel, and a positive environment. Living in peace and harmony.
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work?
Lisa: Actually, I’ve not been a master at relaxing after a hard day’s work because I often continued to work at night, whether it was writing copy or creating a proposal. I kept a Dolly Parton quote on my desk for many years, “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” You’ll appreciate making a living a lot more when you heed that advice. I do enjoy cooking and eating so even a quick, well-prepared meal at the end of the day is important with, of course, a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Good music. (I’ve had a crush on Jimmy Buffet for decades.)
BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?
Lisa: I relish being in a big city because of the entertainment value but there is much to be said about growing up and living in a smaller town like Montgomery where you’ve known a group of people your whole life. At the same time, meeting new people who can see the value and the good in Montgomery/River Region is a plus. I would love to see our area continue to thrive.
We could use more locally owned restaurants with diverse menus. We’ve become a town of fast food and franchises. Southern food is in a category all of its own. I do miss the old haunts like the Elite, the Sahara, the Blue Moon, Corsino’s, Joe’s Delicatessen and the Pont Rouge. I’m grateful to the few restaurateurs we have now.
We need more entertainment to keep our young people here and more opportunity for careers which is no easy feat.
BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Lisa: Diligent. Empathetic. Aesthetic.
BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?
Lisa: As I mentioned before, I love traveling to new places. Since I’m retired now, I think I need to hurry up and develop more hobbies.
BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Lisa: I think it was when I had a close call in October 2018, that it came to light, stronger than before, how precious each day truly is in our lives. Spending more time with family is a priority. No more “Cats in the Cradle” days as my brother, Chris, and I call them. Giving more time to myself is also important.
I feel I have more serenity too. I accept those things I cannot change. I find that I don’t lose my temper anymore. Keep calm and carry on, right? My diet is much healthier. I’m crazy about my fruit and vegetables. I’m now focused on making my health a prime concern.
BOOM!: Many people over 50 are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?
Lisa: I’m a firm believer in not looking in the rear-view mirror. Take what you have experienced in life and make teaching moments of those times. Then move ahead. Don’t think about the past in a negative sense which can cause you to be sad and depressed. Don’t think about the future in a negative sense because dwelling on the future only causes anxiety. Live in the present moment. You’ll feel more content and happier. Because I’m a TV girl, I’ll tell you that life is like a camera recording video. If it didn’t work out on the first take, you always have the chance to take another shot. That’s renewal.
For me, I’m going to just tell myself that I’m 27 again. This is where my next story begins.
We want to thank Lisa for sharing some of her story with us this month, especially some of the challenges of caring for her husband as he dealt with Parkinson’s Disease. We want to thank Lisa for all her service to our community and hope she will continue investing her time to make The River Region a better place to live. Thanks also to DiAnna Paulk for her quality cover photo of Lisa taken in the new Montgomery Botanical Gardens in Oak Park. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com.