Contents
September 2010
“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 2
Carl Bard
Columns...Articles...Stuff
Thought Humor Relationships Taste Health Inspiration Advice
6
It is not by the gray of the hair that one knows the age of the heart. Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
Publisher’s Letter
9 ASF 25th Silver Anniversary
Season shows include encores of the smash hits Peter Pan the Musical, Bear Country and Menopause the Musical.
16 Humor-Midlife Grocery Shopping page 20
Features 12 Rules of the Game
Mother-in-law vs Daughter -in-law.
Departments 15 Serving Community
Women of Hope Signature Luncheon with Sara Beasley
Cover Profile
Andy & Janet Krantz page 10
20 Grandkids Love a Surprise
“I like to surprise them with something new each time so they’ll look forward to the day.”
8 This and That
To use or not, a few tidbits of information.
BOOM GIVEAWAY page 17
24 Bucket List
I want to meet my pen pal of 75 years.
28 12 Things
Something to do for active Boomers and beyond.
Bucket List page 24
Next up is getting all germs and bacteria off the shopping cart handle before I touch it with bare hands.
18 The Wine Taste
Scotty Scott talks about lake wines.
19 Healthy Hearing
Dr. Borton on the cost of quality and other secrets of success.
23 Technology Helping to connect with family and friends.
27 Their Aging Brains
By 2050 there will be 1.1 million people 100 years old.
30 Do You Advertise? BOOM Ad Rates
page 30 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. 396.3073. Copyright 2010 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.
4 BOOM!
September 2010
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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publisher’s letter
The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson
jim@riverregionboom.com
Who’s Up for a Road Trip? A
s husbands we know our wives are better suited and skilled to manage certain aspects of our married lives. Sometimes it’s the shopping, organizing a party or how well they attend to our grandchildren. My wife loved her grandchildren very much, just like most grandmothers I know. She was showing them lots of love and I was watching, probably hoping I would get some of that love, too, and I did. But when she died, I realized my relationship with my five grandchildren needed some nurturing, which is not always a man’s best quality. I wanted to be my grandchildren’s favorite grandparent and without my wife to lead the way I needed to rethink my role in their lives.
Associate Editor Kelly Watson
kelly@riverregionboom.com
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
wendy@riverregionboom.com
Opinion Research Jo Newell
jo@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Lori Basheda
Dr. Bettie Borton
Barbara Graham Kelly Jackson Bethany Kandel Amy Schulman Scotty Scott
Amy Sherman
Cover Photography
Maria Wiggins, Reflections of Grace clay.maria@gmail.com
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution
Chris Johnson, Wendy McCollum, Amy Murray, Richard Ward, Lesa Youngblood
Printing
Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
For me, it was about my legacy. What will my legacy be? What will my grandchildren receive from me? A few material things will offer sentimental value, but for me it’s the memories and experiences of our relationships that will matter most. How will they describe me when I’m gone? What qualities will they observe and adopt as their own? Will I remain relevant or just become out of style in their contemporary world? With all this deep thought behind me, let me just say, the legacy I leave my grandkids will be based on the relationship I have with each one of them for the rest of our lives. Jim Watson, Publisher
Three summers ago, I came up with the idea of taking my three grandsons on a road trip to share new experiences and to nurture our relationships. My grandkids call me “Pop” so I called it “Pop’s Road Trip”. After traveling 1,829 miles, we all discovered it was great fun to hang out with each other. Every destination along the way was a surprise… The Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, the four hour canoe trip in Mammouth Cave National Park and King’s Island Amusement Park outside Cincinnati, where our goal was to ride the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, called The Beast! The element of surprise was important, anticipation and excitement grew throughout the trip and we met all expectations! Recently, we had the inaugural “Pop’s Road Trip, Girls Only” where I took my two granddaughters, Anna and Katie, along with my close friend, Jo, to Chicago. We had many surprises along the way, including Michael Jackson’ s childhood home, courtside seats at a WNBA Professional Women’s Basketball Game and autographs after, as well as shopping on The Magnificent Mile. On every road trip, we learn and laugh together. We connect, our relationships grow and the love is real. It’s great to invest time in your grandkids; the dividend could possibly be a cherished legacy no money could ever buy.
I like surprises and we offer some ideas in this issue of BOOM on how to get started surprising your grandkids, along with tips on keeping yourself from injury when you’re hanging out with them. “When I grow up…” is a theme for the new TV spots for AARP that show Boomers saying, “When I grow up I’m going to start a band” or “When I grow up I’m going to run a marathon,” and so on. This month we feature an 85-year-old woman who has a bucket list of things to do and she’ll remind you it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I want to mention one of our regular departments; we call it 12 Things. It’s kind of like our calendar and it’s simple and easy to digest. It’s for Boomers and beyond who may want to explore new events or experiences. Let’s face it, if we do one or two things a month like this, life can get a little busy! If you have something unique going on drop me an email. That’s what Belinda Bazinet did when she shared information about the Titus Bluegrass Festival happening September 25. If you do participate or attend one of the 12 Things, let me know how it was and if you’d recommend it in the future. Finally, Thanks to Pam and Doug Cook for participating in our Peter Frampton Concert Giveaway. They won and had a fantastic time, even at their ages! There’s a lot of rock and roll left in all of us. The Cooks will probably want to enter our Enjoy the Day Giveaway this month on page 17. Maybe you will, too! Since its Grandparents Day on September 12th, I hope all of you get to hang out with the grandkids so they’ll begin to experience your legacy.
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
6 BOOM!
September 2010
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
i
This & tHAT
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN RIVERWALK AMPHITHEATER
Riverwalk
Wine Festival
Don’t miss our first annual Riverwalk Wine Festival, Saturday, October 9th from 12p-4p in the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Tickets are limited to the first 1,000 so don’t wait. Ticket holders will receive a very nice wine goblet etched with our logo and an opportunity to sample 100 different wines from all over the world. Afterwards we will set sail for our Harriott II Wine Cruise from 5p6:30p featuring wine tasting, light Hors d’oeuvres and live music. Tickets for the cruise are just $10 with a Festival armband. For more info about special room rates and packages from The Renaissance Hotel please visit www.riverwalkwinefestival.com. Buy tickets at Ted the Wine Guy & Co., Online Now at E-tix, RSVP Montgomery, Riverfront Facilities, Derk’s Filet & Vine, Peppertree Steaks & Wine.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Mark your calendars and get it in Gear! College Gear that is, because on Friday, September 3rd everyone wears the college colors they will Scream, Yell and maybe even Cry for this 2010 College Football Season!
The Taste Of Montgomery is now The Taste of The River Region
Proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Montgomery
Sunday, September 26,2010 6 pm- 9 pm tickets $25 each or $500 (table of 10) Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center This event will showcase local restaurants and vendors and raise money for a good cause. Plan to Share a New Experience! tickets...www. jlmontgomery.org or 288-8816
Want a Better Night’s Sleep? We all know the health benefits of a good night’s sleep, but how many of us actually know how well we sleep at night? The SLEEPTRACKER Elite detects the movements associated with a light sleep stage and can gently wake you at the optimal time. SLEEPTRACKER Elite (www.sleeptracker.com) users can also benefit from the software that allows users to track and upload their sleep patterns to the PC or Mac each morning to see which lifestyle factors—a glass of wine, evening workout, poor mattress-- may have a negative effect on sleep cycles. A recent evaluation study showed that when comparing SLEEPTRACKER to lab tests with advanced laboratory equipment, the watch successfully detected moments of restlessness during sleep 91 percent of the time.
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September 2010
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Single and Group Tickets to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Spectacular Silver Anniversary Season Now On Sale! ASF kicks off its 25th anniversary season September 24-October 3 with the world premiere of Pearl Cleage’s hilarious comedy The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of its First One Hundred Years. The play is a joyous and irreverent romp through Montgomery, Alabama’s Black debutante society during the 1960s. The play features Tony Award winning actress Trazana Beverly and television, film and Broadway star Jasmine Guy. The House at Pooh Corner will run September 25-October 22 with performances only on Saturdays at 2 and 4 PM. Bettye Knapp’s adaption of one of A.A. Milne’s classic stories is a follow-up to ASF’s sold out Winnie the Pooh production in 2009. The biggest hit in ASF history, Peter Pan the Musical, is back for the holidays. Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell join the Lost Boys to take on the dreaded Captain Hook November 19-December 31. Peter Pan the Musical features a book by James Barrie and music by Carolyn Leigh and Mark Charlap. Bear Country, by Michael Vigilant will have its encore performance on the Festival stage January 13-23. ASF favorite Rodney Clark will reprise the role of legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
The world premieres of two Montgomery based stories The Flagmaker of Market Street by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder (February 4-March 19) and Blood Divided by Jeffry L. Chastang (February 20-March 20) will be part of the State of Alabama’s commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War.
Shakespeare’s witty comedy Much Ado About Nothing will run April 14 –May 21. The devious Don John crashes the wedding of a young couple, and worse, trashes the reputation of the brideto-be. Good friends Beatrice and Benedick come to the rescue and do their hilarious best to save the day.
The Flagmaker of Market Street follows the true story of Montgomery merchant George Cowles who was tapped by Jefferson Davis to create the Confederacy’s first flag. But while Cowles worked on the project, he was also holding secret meetings with Unionist sympathizers in the back of his store, placing him and all of those close to him in mortal danger. In Blood Divided friends, relatives and community clash as prominent Montgomerians Dr. William Baldwin and William Lowndes Yancey take opposite sides of impending secession and battle for the hearts and minds of their fellow citizens as well as the people they love.
William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar will conclude the repertory season April 16-May 21. In this extraordinary tragedy members of Rome’s political elite are concerned about Caesar’s growing power and gather to plot his murder.
ASF’s spring repertory season will open with Ron Hutchinson’s gut busting comedy Moonlight and Magnolias April 8 to May 29. Production on the epic film Gone with the Wind has been stopped. Producer David O. Selznick has a plan to save movie but his phenomenal new writer hasn’t read the novel! Can hundreds of bananas, millions of peanuts and five days locked in the producer’s office turn this bomb into a blockbuster?
ASF will complete its Silver Anniversary Season with its biggest summertime smash hit ever Menopause the Musical, July 8-24. Jennie Linders’ hot flash of a musical tells the story of four very different ladies going through the same “Change.” The 25-song score features unforgettable parodies of baby boomer tunes such as My Thighs (My Guy), Stayin’ Awake (Stayin’ Alive) and Hot Flash (Heat Wave).
MAKE PLANS TO EXPERIENCE THE ARTS...
Tickets are available by calling the ASF box office at 1.800.841.4273 or by visiting online at www. asf.net. A limited number of seats are available for as little as $25. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is located at 1 Festival Drive in Montgomery’s beautiful Blount Cultural Park.
september 25 – OctOber 16, 2010 www.asf.net | 800.841.4273 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
twitter.com/alabamashakes
facebook.com/alabamashakes September 2010
BOOM!
9
Happiness in a Crowded Kitchen
Cover Profile Andy & Janet Krantz
F
or Andy and Janet Krantz happiness is a crowded kitchen. In fact, as they both admit, if you just steer the conversation toward food or mention the idea of a get together, as quick as you can say “Fresh Market” they’ve begun planning a gathering. But Janet insists, “It’s not that we’re big partiers, we just love cooking and having folks around. It’s all about the relationships.” Both Janet and Andy like to cook. Over the years they’ve learned that when planning a dinner they first have to decide who’s doing the cooking. “We both enjoy the creative process of researching ingredients and cooking,” Andy says with the kind of smile that strongly encourages you to read between the lines. “Somehow we’ve developed this non-verbal language that lets you know if you’re going to be the one who chops vegetables and cleans dishes – you know – the chef’s assistant.” As for guests, they’re easy to come by. In addition to hosting family and close friends, they have three teenage children and enjoy opening their home to their young friends. “We want our home to be a place where our children bring their friends,” Janet says. “We believe our children make good choices in find-
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September 2010
ing friends, and having friends over for meals is just a way for us to affirm that. Besides, they’re fun to have around!” Both in their early fifties, Janet and Andy are in the “sandwich” age – adults whose care is shared with children as well as senior family members. Recently Janet and Andy sat down with BOOM! Magazine to share their life experience as part of the Boomer generation. BOOM!: What’s with all the dinner parties? Janet: Oh they’re not parties; we just enjoy food, friends and family, and some good music! Andy: Think of them as little celebrations. Janet: As challenging as life is, we have a lot to be thankful for. It’s important to take time to celebrate now and then. You know, focus on the positive things that God has done for us. And we’re not talking about being fancy or elegant. Our focus is on the fellowship, after all what’s more basic than having food to eat and having a good time preparing it for others? BOOM!: You mentioned being grateful to God. Is that important? Andy: Yes, it goes all the way back to our wedding. We planned the ceremony
making sure that the Gospel of Christ was presented. We wanted a worshipful service and a time for us to seek God’s blessings in our marriage. BOOM!: Did it work? Janet: The wedding? Well we’re married aren’t we? BOOM!: No, asking for God’s blessing. Andy: We’ve been blessed throughout our marriage, but it’s probably not what you think. The blessing we’re looking for – that we have learned to look for– is for us to be in harmony with God’s will. We don’t expect or believe that life will be easy, in fact we know it’s not. We do expect that God will sustain us and guide us in the decisions we make. But we have to keep remembering to seek him. Janet: We don’t always make the right choices… Andy: Right, but we do know who to turn to. It’s a matter of knowing your creator and acknowledging his role in your life. BOOM!: Tell us about caring for your parents. Janet: Andy cared for his Dad here for two years before he died. Andy moved him here from Atlanta when his health started going downhill. It was a combination of joy, sorrow and frustration. My parents moved here from Florida 8 years ago when they were starting to experience some health problems. My Dad passed away a few years later. I must say, we wanted to be caregivers, our parents did it for their folks and it seemed right for us to assume the responsibility. Now we help my mom, aunt and uncle periodically. They all live together here in Montgomery. They are a trip! I can’t seem to win a game of Scrabble with them. BOOM!: Is caring for parents difficult for you? Andy: The reward is greater than the challenge.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM!: What do you mean by that? Andy: Our children have all had the opportunity to know their grandparents well – when they were healthy and when they were not. I don’t know of any substitute for that. Frankly, we may need our children to be there for us when we’re older and they have a model to follow. Janet: And when I consider the reward, I realize that the times we have spent and continue to spend caring for our loved ones leads to a more intimate and deep relationship with them. I mean, when you’re in the hospital room discussing some tough healthcare decisions or helping with some basic human needs – the deep love you have for your senior family member is upfront and real. Don’t get me wrong, we would all agree that the stress on everyone can be overwhelming at times. The thing is, we love them and caring for each other is the right thing to do. We continue to be blessed by our senior loved ones. BOOM!: What did you learn from your folks that you want to teach your children? Andy: As “boomers”, we were raised by the “Greatest Generation”. They believed in truth in word and deed, hard work, kindness to others, and taking responsibility for your actions. How can we go wrong with teaching those life lessons to our children? BOOM!: What do you think of Montgomery as a place to raise a family? Janet: That’s funny you asked! When Rheem Manufacturing relocated us 17 years ago from Atlanta to Montgomery everyone seemed to say “at least Montgomery is a great place to raise a family!” Frankly, it took a little while to get settled in here. Once we found a church home and got involved in our neighborhood, things changed. We made special friendships and began to feel at home here. Montgomery continues to grow in its offerings for things to do, and we enjoy being able to get anywhere without the traffic jams – remember we’re from Atlanta! In fact, we had a terrific time staying downtown on July 4th weekend and enjoyed our family “staycation”.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Montgomery is a great place for families. BOOM!: What’s the biggest challenge balancing your busy life? Janet: Getting everyone where they need to be! There has been a time when I needed to drop off one child for softball practice on the way to taking Mom to her doctor’s appointment. It all works out. BOOM!: What’s your secret for a successful marriage? Andy: Keeping our marriage centered on our faith in Christ, and keeping humor alive in our relationship with each other. I love the fact that, even after 20 years together, I can still make Janet laugh at some of my same old antics! Janet: I do still think he’s funny, most of the time. Honestly, when a despairing thought comes across my mind, I remember our marriage covenant and how God brought two old single people together to build this special family. I won’t give up on that. BOOM!: What do you look forward to in the future? Janet: This past year has been quite challenging with Andy’s job elimination and career transition, especially during this tough economic downturn. We have seen how God has provided for us, and opened new doors in ways that we couldn’t have dreamed. Andy is a marketing communications consultant now and we are excited about opportunities and directions for all of us that weren’t in our plans a year ago. We have learned that being in the “boom” years can be filled with positive changes. Andy: Janet and I are in a phase of reinvention. We are reinventing careers, our lifestyle, our financial priorities and how we value relationships. I often think, hang in there - it’s going to be quite a ride! The Krantz’s have 3 children, Drew, 16, Olivia, 14 and Isabel, 12. Andy is a Marketing Communications Consultant, currently consulting full time for FAST Software L.L.C. and Janet is the secretary at Blount Elementary. They are members of St. James UMC. Thanks to Andy and Janet for sharing a glimpse into their lives. They are a joy to know! Please share your comments with BOOM at jim@riverregionboom.com
September 2010
BOOM!
11
Rules of the Game
By Barbara Graham
S
ince the publication of my book “Eye of My Heart,” I’ve been running around the country talking to groups of grandparents, and the single most radioactive topic wherever I go is _ guess what? _ tension between mothers-in-law and daughters-inlaw. I hate it when cliches turn out to contain more truth than rumor, but so many grandparents on the paternal side feel like second-class citizens, compared with maternal grandparents. In many families, the mom’s mom and dad often have easier and more frequent access to the kids. In other families, maternal grandmothers even act the part of what I call alpha nanas. One paternal grandmother who came to my talk in Las Vegas complained that her daughter-in-law’s mother expects the grandkids to be with her side of the family on all major holidays _ and her daughter goes along with it.
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September 2010
Mothers-In-Law VS Daughters-In-Law On the other hand, daughters-inlaw don’t necessarily have it any easier. There are mothers-in-law who, while not clinically deaf, routinely ignore their daughters-inlaw’s perfectly reasonable requests. “Tomorrow is not a good day to visit,” one daughter-in-law said to her husband’s mother, but the grandmother turned a deaf ear and showed up anyway _ and not for the first time. As a mother-in-law _ and one who has worked hard to earn the trust of my daughter-in-law _ I’ve come up with 12 rules to help both groups get along. And the key to them all, for both sides? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. For Mothers-in-law 1. Respect your daughter-in-law’s parenting style _ even if you don’t agree with it. Much has changed since you were raising kids. More to the point, you’re the grandparent now and you’re not in charge. Earn your daughter-in-law’s trust
by playing by her rules when you’re with the kids.
2. Respect her relationship with her mom _ and don’t try to compete. You’ll lose. 3. Respect her relationship with your son _ and don’t badmouth her to him. You’ll lose that battle, too.
4. Remember, good parenting is learned on the job _ and she’s doing the best she can. Give her the benefit of the doubt, and never forget how sensitive you were as a young parent trying to do your best. For Daughters-in-law
1. Respect your son’s relationship with his mother _ whatever your opinion of her. You may get him on your side of your conflict with her, but your entire family, especially your children, will suffer as a result. 2. Remember that all grandparents _ unless they are abusive or their
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
everyone wants to belong. Whether you are new to the Montgomery area, looking for a church home, or just seeking the next step in your life journey, Frazer is a place that you can belong. We welcome you. We invite you to get to know us.
check out frazerumc.org, or come by one of our campuses.
m a i n
c ampus
8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. c o n t e m p o r a r y a n d tr a d i t i o n a l a s b u r y
c a m p u s
9:30 a.m. Traditional 11 a.m. gospel
m a i n c a m p u s : 6 0 0 0 at l a n ta h i g h way 3 3 4 . 2 7 2 . 8 6 2 2 asbury campus: 4540 narrow lane road 334-281-8971
www. frazerumc .org
behavior is in some way harmful to the kids _ deserve to know their grandchildren, and vice-versa. If possible, let all the grandparents spend time alone with the kids. That is the only way they can establish lasting bonds. 3. Cut the grandparents some slack _ within reason. They may buy the kids two scoops of ice cream instead of one, or ridiculous, overpriced toys _ and then let them stay up an hour past bedtime. They don’t mean to dis you; this is just their way of showing their extravagant love for your children. 4. If you happen to be the mother of sons, beware. Someday, if you’re lucky, you’ll be a mother-in-law with grandchildren, too. Behave accordingly.
For Both Mothers-in-law and Daughters-in-law 1. “Boundaries” is not a dirty word. In fact, it’s one of the best words in the English language _ and in practice, healthy boundaries are what keep us sane and foster friendly relations. Set boundaries for yourself, and respect your in-law’s boundaries. When you do stray into each other’s crosshairs, try to see the situation from her point of view.
2. Let go of your expectations about how things should be and work with the way things are. This means accepting the complete cast of characters who make up your whole crazy extended family, as well as other nonnegotiable circumstances. 3. Always think of the kids. Model the values you want the children to
learn. Do you want to train them in sniping and disrespect, or trust and compassion?
4. Remember, the heart is a generous muscle, and there’s enough love to go around. The Beatles said it best: And, in the end, the love you take/is equal to the love you make. Barbara Graham, a Grandparents.com columnist,
is the editor of the anthology, “Eye of My Heart: 27 Writers Reveal the Hidden Pleasures and Perils of Being a Grandmother” (Harper, 2009), which tells “the whole crazy, complicated truth about being a grandmother in today’s world.” (c) 2010, Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Please share your comments with jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472
The Boomer Market is Too Big to Ignore, how will you seize the opportunity?
© 2010 American Cancer Society, Inc.
A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays. Join us to make strides and create more birthdays in the Jackson community. Together, we’ll stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 9 at 8 a.m. Huntingdon College, Montgomery Learn more at makingstridesmontgomery.org or call 334-288-8543
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September 2010
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Serving Comm u n i t y
Women of Hope Signature Luncheon September 30, 2010 Women of Hope, a non-profit organization of men and women dedicated to offering education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer families, will host their annual signature luncheon and fashion show on September 30, 2010. Carrabba’s Italian Grill will cater the lunch while Henig Furs provides the fashion show. Breast cancer survivor and prominent Montgomery citizen, Sara Beasley, will be the featured speaker. The event will be held at Frazer United Methodist Church, Wesley Hall, 6000 Atlanta Highway . Doors open at 11:00 with lunch being served at 11:30. Tickets are $30, $25 of which is tax deductible. Tickets are available from any WOH member. Sponsorships and vendor tables are also available for this event. For information please call 334-220-4599 or email womenofhope@charter.net.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Proceeds will benefit Women of Hope’s support group programs for those families coping with breast cancer. 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. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. @ Frazer United Methodist Church, Room 8114, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery AL. WOH Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/ survivors, family or friends. Snacks will be served prior to an informative speaker or presentation. Everyone is welcome. Call 334-2204599 for more information or email @ womenofhope@ charter.net
September 2010
BOOM!
15
MidLife Grocery Shopping How midlife grocery shopping differs: The first thing I do is look for a parking space in the shade as close to the front door as is humanly possible. I have a handicap tag which I borrow from my ancient mother and I try very hard not to abuse it, but if it's raining, it's every handicapped for him/herself. I'm not above feigning a slight limp on my way in either, just in case I run into someone in a grocery scooter who is legally entitled to park in these spaces.
Next up is getting all germs and bacteria off the shopping cart handle before I touch it with bare hands. God knows how many small children have wiped their drooling, snotty, little noses and then asked Mommy if they could push the cart. And, I'm always appalled whenever I see an even smaller tot with its little bottom sitting in the front section of the cart which is so obviously constructed for women's' purses. I would never ever ever put any fresh produce, for example, in that section of the cart for fear of cross contamination from those little, diapered human butts. No more endless chit chat when confronted by someone I either know or knew and haven't seen in years. These people always seem to turn up at the grocery store when I do. I have no idea why. It's manspeak for me, "Hi, Genie, great to see you, planning a party, gotta run. Ciao." They usually haven't spit out their own salutation before I've rounded the corner from aisle 4 to 5. No time, not interested, looking for important items.
And, speaking of important items, they have changed over the years. I now seek flavored "dried plums" which is groceryspeak for prunes. When once I purchased items to keep my body looking good, I now seek those that serve the purposes of daily functioning only, and fiber is key. I am intimately familiar with the frozen food section. Cooking is for the young. I still shop in the makeup section of the store, but only for eyebrow pencil because my eyebrows went bald several years ago. I buy both wine and cat food in gallon containers. In addition to toothpaste, I throw a box of denture cleaner in the basket. I have to find room in the basket for these groceries because the middle aged always buy at least one potted plant on our way in or out of the store.
Muzac in grocery stores hasn't changed since the Eagles had their first hit song which pleases me as I do the middleaged-white-woman-boogie through the produce section. I have to contain myself from singing at the top of my lungs. My embarrassment at doing this went the way of my embarrassment over buying baby wipes to go along with the 8-pack mega rolls of toilet tissue. Then we come to the check-out counter. I no longer reach for the National Enquirer, but eagerly scan through the Reader's Digest Abridged Edition as I await my turn. I hand the clerk the sixteen coupons I have cut out of the Sunday paper. If I had a million dollars, I would still cut out coupons. It's free money. I can't help myself. I watch the
Humor by Kelly Jackson
items being purchased by the eighteenyear-old, tanned, tight-skinned young boy in front of me as they slowly roll along the conveyor belt and giggle under my breath at his stupidity and bad habits. I do also furtively glance at whoever is waiting their turn behind me, because I know they are judging my choices and giggling for entirely different reasons.
The only exercise I get on grocery days is schlepping my groceries from the cart out to my car myself so that I don't have to do the superficial bagger chat with the nice young man or woman who would otherwise help me to my car, "Nice weather finally, isn't it, Ms. Midlife?" "Why, yes it is." (No, it's not. It's hot as hell.), "Oh, nice car, ma'am." "Thanks." (It ought to be. I earned it), "There you go, have a nice day." "And the same to you." (Right, whatever.). If any of you middle aged have ever had just one of these experiences, please raise your hand. I thought so. Ms. Jackson is a fifty-five-year-old certified yoga instructor living in Austin, Texas. She has been divorced "a time or two" and presently resides with her sister and their mother, for whom she and her sister serve as baby-boomer caregivers. Share comments on this article with jim@riverregionboom.com
The Boomer Market is Too Big to Ignore, how will you seize the opportunity?
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The Wine Taste
by Scotty Scott
scotty @ tedthewineguy.com
Wine for the Lake...
Riverwalk Wine Festival Tickets Available
Hot days call for cool drinks….drinks that refresh, revive and soothe us. Although all white wines are served chilled, not all are well suited for a hot afternoon on the back deck or lake. I’d like to share with you some thoughts about wines to help you beat the heat and humidity.
Now, you might think that I’m about to go rattling on about the usual suspects such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Those wines have certainly earned their places among the classic grapes of the world, but I have some different things in mind. One of my favorite things about wine is the excitement and sense of discovery when I find something new and interesting.
First, there is Rose’ wine. If you are only familiar with White Zinfandel, let me say that it is only the tip of the iceberg. Rose’ wines, White Zin included, can be made from any red grape. All the color in wine comes from the skin of the grape. With Rose’, the winemaker lets the juice stay in contact with the skins for only a very short time. The result is a light-bodied pink wine with some of the flavor of the red grape, but practically none of the harshness sometimes associated with red wine. Some of the most popular Rose’ wines are made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Grenache or Syrah and just about all of them are dry wines. Rose’ is a fantastic
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wine for sipping, but also pairs very well with a wide variety of foods. Next up we go to Argentina to find Torrontes. Argentina is an increasingly important wine producing country, and with foreign investment and modern winemaking practices the quality to price ratio is incredible. Torrontes is an indigenous grape, grown almost nowhere else, and makes wines full of perfumey flowery aromas and spicy citrus flavors. Quite a few are available here, and like I said, the price to quality ratio (some like the term “taste per dollar”) is excellent. Another out of the box choice is Gruner Veltliner. This Austrian white is light and crisp and will appeal even to hardcore Pinot Grigio drinkers. Many of these come in 1 Liter bottles, which gives you an extra glass of juice, and are closed with a bottle top. To borrow a phrase from a friend, Gruner is a great summer “slammer”!
Our last stop today is Chenin Blanc. Chenin is grown all over, predominantly in the Vouvray wine from France, in South Africa where they are sometimes called Steen, and in the U.S. Chenin Blanc is known for its refreshing acidity and fresh tropical fruit and melon flavors. To further complicate things, Chenin can be made as either a dry or sweet wine. So there you have it…four wine styles to help you make it through, if not entirely forget, the summer heat and humidity. Until next time, Scotty Scott Wine Guy
Scotty Scott is a local wine consultant and co-owner of Ted “The Wine Guy” & Co. He welcomes your wine questions at scotty @ tedthewineguy.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Healthy Hearing
by Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D. bchampion1@aol.com
Seeking Hearing Help...The Cost of Quality and other secrets of success
Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D.
So, you finally made and KEPT that appointment for a hearing evaluation. Congratulations! You took that all-important first step to a better quality of life.
First and foremost, be sure your hearing evaluation was done by an audiologist who holds Board Certification from the American Board of Audiology. A hearing evaluation is a test which allows this professional to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Hearing evaluations are simple, quick, and painless, providing the information needed to make recommendations to improve the quality of life - YOUR life.
Ah, but the results of that evaluation were not… what you were hoping? No ear wax or infection...instead you’ve been told you are a hearing aid candidate. Finding the best hearing aids is a process that is unique to each person with hearing loss. It is important to work closely with your audiologist to determine which hearing aids best fit your hearing loss, lifestyle, listening needs and budget. Take heart…You’re going to love what you hear. You may not, however, love the price tag, but please keep reading. Hearing aids are a worthy investment for you and those you love.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Most hearing aids range in price from around $1000-$3000 per instrument. And remember that in most cases you will be buying a pair. Whether we’re talking about cars, clothes or hearing aids, quality costs more. We’re not talking about those ear amps they sell on TV so “you can watch TV without disturbing your partner. ONLY $14.95!!!!” Such personal sound amplifiers (PSA) are devices that are intended for people with no hearing loss to aid in various recreational activities, not to amplify sound for The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
those with documented hearing loss. The FDA recently felt it necessary to clarify for consumers the different between a PSA and a hearing aid in order to protect consumers. Unlike hearing aids, PSA devices are “one size fits all”, and a recent study at Michigan State University determined that PSA devices were directly correlated to low consumer satisfaction and are potentially harmful to hearing. A common question among consumers is “which hearing aids are best?” The best hearing aids are those chosen based on your unique hearing loss, hearing needs and lifestyle issues. Work with your audiologist to prioritize your needs, wants and budget and let them help guide you in selecting the best hearing aids for you.
So, what things should you consider when shopping for your first set of hearing aids, or looking to replace the pair that you’ve enjoyed all these years? Which features are important to you? Live in a hot and humid climate and enjoy being outdoors? Hitting the tennis courts each morning? Or maybe you walk or run with friends. In general, the more active lifestyle you lead, the more sophisticated hearing aid you will need. If you lead an active life – playing golf, jogging in the morning or just out and about, buy hearing aids that reduce wind noise and protect against moisture build-up are worth the extra money. If you lead a quiet, sedate life, you may not need extra technology to get you through the day. Call it self-image or self-confidence, there’s a stigma in some people’s minds about hearing aids. Concerned about cosmetics? With today’s technology, no problem! Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and sizes for those looking for a discreet fit.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids slip into the ear canal and are nearly invisible. Custom made hearing aids block natural sound, and often create a “stuffy ear” feeling, but the latest “open
ear” devices are light and powerful. These units are remarkably cosmetically appealing, utilizing a thin transparent tube to deliver sound into the ear. So, if you’re concerned about how others will see you with hearing aids, the cosmetic appeal of an open fit is ideal.
Are you glued to a cell phone a couple of hours a day on the road? Does your PDA ring every 10 minutes? Do you have a music device like an iPod you enjoy listening to? Today’s hearing aids offer wireless connectivity to a range of Bluetooth compatible devices so you can stay in touch with family, friends and the folks back in the office using your hearing devices. You can now use your cell phone hands free, routed directly through your hearing instruments! Not exactly your grandmother’s hearing aid! On the other hand, if you still think a Blackberry is simply a tasty fruit, why spend extra for wireless connectivity? So forget the PSA gizmos if you have a diagnosed hearing loss. They can make a bad situation worse. If you can afford the top of the line, there are some fantastic technologies available. But if you are on a budget, know there are still many options for you and your decision should be made based on exactly what you need and will use. You need and want to enjoy the sounds around you everyday, and that’s something on which you just can’t put a price. You’re going to love what you hear.
HEARING IMPAIRED SUPPORT GROUP
The group will meet the second Thurs. of each month at First Methodist Church, 4-6 PM, refreshments and speakers will be provided. Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama, was the first board certified audiologist in Montgomery, and recently served as National Chair of the American Board of Audiology. She and her husband, Dr. Tom Borton, are the only audiologists with ABA certification in the Montgomery area.
September 2010
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Grandkids Love a Surprise 8 great ways to surprise your grandkids
Guess Who! Every child loves a
surprise, especially one that's filled with their grandparents' love. When they least expect it, make your grandkids' day with one of these creative ideas. SWEEP THEM OFF THEIR FEET Myron Kandel, of New York, father of this reporter, and grandfather of four, created "Grandpa's Day" as a special way to bond with his grandkids. He takes each child out, separately, for a full day of fun. The dates are not a surprise, but the itineraries always are; they have included museum visits, lunch in Chinatown, movies, and walks across the Brooklyn Bridge. "It's a neat experience for both of us," he says. "I like to surprise them with something new each time so they'll look forward to the day."
COME TO THEIR BIRTHDAY PARTY _ VIRTUALLY No children expect a grandparent who lives far away to make it to their birthday party. But you can bowl them over by making your presence felt, remotely. Using your computer's webcam and a Skype account (it's free), it's almost like you're there. You can hang a happybirthday banner and float balloons behind you, sing along when they cut the cake and watch them open the presents you mailed _ all over the Internet.
TURN YOUR HOME INTO A RESTAURANT Phyllis Tannenbaum of New York has turned her kitchen into Chez Grandma when her three grandkids visit for a sleepover, without parents. When they arrive, the children discover a huge menu of child-friendly goodies
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to order. But the best surprise, she says, is that "we let them have ice cream instead of their meal. That got me into real trouble with their parents!" INTRODUCE A NEW HOLIDAY
Everyone knows about Mother's Day, July Fourth, and Thanksgiving. But how many kids get a surprise coupon from their grandparents for special treats during National Ice Cream Month (July) or a magic kit on March 24, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Harry Houdini's birthday? Make every holiday count, even those they never heard of.
next time they visit, they'll be shocked to see their pictures hanging on your wall beside your other fine art.
GIVE THEM A PICK-ME-UP Surprise your grandkids by picking them up from school, day care or soccer once in a while. Or show up unexpectedly at their school show or both of us,” he says. dance recital with a bouquet of flowers.
“It’s a neat experience for “I like to surprise them with something new each time so they’ll look forward to the day.”
ROAD TRIP! Scoop up the kids for a highway adventure; just don't tell them where you're going. "We don't tell them until we are in the car and out of the driveway," says Patty Campeau, of Newport, Mich. "Once we didn't tell them we were going camping until we pulled into the campsite and they saw the camper all set up and ready to go." Teresa, 6, and Julius, 3, really look forward to the surprises. "They try B to pry the secret out of us," Campeau says, "but it can't be done!" M
(c) 2010, By Bethany Kandel Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Share comments on this article with jim@riverregionboom.com
5 ways to keep up with kids ... without getting hurt The news made headlines: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that children suffer fewer injures while spending time with grandparents than when they are with other caregivers. Unfortunately, as you may already know, the opposite is not true: Even the youngest and fittest grandparents can get aches and pains, and even injuries, during a visit with their grandchildren. “I expect kids to crawl on me, but you have to get in awkward positions because that’s where they want you,” says Irvin Rohe, 62, a grandfather of two, who stays fit with Pilates, yoga and weight training. “So when I come home from seeing our grandkids, I am sore all over _ but I wouldn’t take any of the pain back.” The most common areas of vulnerability are the shoulders, neck, back, and knees, according to physical therapist Rosalie Begun of Begun Physical Therapy Center in Washington, which are also the areas prone to develop problems as people age. Here are five tips to stay pain-free even while the kids pile on Grandma and Grandpa:
1. Use it so you don’t lose it It’s better to stay active when the kids aren’t around. “Maintaining an active lifestyle is an integral part of keeping joints healthy and effectively lubricated. If you don’t use it, you lose it,” says physical therapist Todd Roberts. You already know that working out is good for you _ but any type of physical activity will make it easier to keep up with the kids.
By Bethany Kandel
OPEN A MUSEUM Have drawings grandchildren have sent you, or special cards they've made, professionally matted and framed. The The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
2. Carry them away Have you ever had to carry a child out of the mall because learning how to use the fancy foreign stroller was too intimidating or because the BabyBjorn had too many hooks? Take the time to get a lesson from your kids in using their baby carriers, because the products can really save your back. 3. Don’t repeat yourself Just because you can’t keep a game of Hide and Seek going all afternoon doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play the game anymore; it just means you need to know when to stop. When your grandchildren want to keep playing, listen to your body, stop when you get tired and steer the kids to a break, or at least a different activity.
4. Maintain your balance Carrying squirming toddlers around the house can wreak havoc on your balance. Begun stresses using good body mechanics when lifting, no matter the child’s age or temperament: “When picking up the child, bend at your knees, not hips; widen your legs to get a broader base of support; hold the child close to your body so it is closer to your center of gravity; keep your shoulders back; and avoid slouching.” 5. Encourage independent steps Lifting your grandchildren on and off the potty, or in and out of a car, stroller, or booster seat, over and over again, can give your muscles a pounding. A humble step stool can be your best friend. Let kids use the stool to try to get themselves on the potty or in their car seats themselves. It will give them a sense of accomplishment, create memories of achieving independence on your watch, and save wear and tear on your arms, legs, and back. Keeping fit and taking a few precautions can ensure that you stay strong enough to get the most out of your days with your grandchildren. As one 55 year old grandmother says, “No matter how bad you feel before you see them or after they leave, it is so worth it!” By Amy Schulman September 2010
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Serving Comm u nit y
Family Walk Run 2010
Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, The Shoppes at EastChase 5K & 10K Walk/Run, free child care, pre-run “Boot Camp” warm-up, and a post-run party!
Registration (non-refundable) Early registrations accepted through Saturday, September 4, 2010. You can mail us the attached registration form or register on-line at www.active.com.
The Top Male and Top Female Overall winners will receive $125.00 gift certificates to Academy Sports. A wide range of age group winners will receive medals. Child Care Children 10 and under can
enjoy the free, indoor child care area from 7:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Parents must drop-off and pick up their child in-person. Child care is supervised by early child care professionals.
Pre-Run Warm-Up “Boot Camp” stretching and warm-up exercise is offered by Fit 4 Christ and will start at 7:45 AM at the EastChase fountain.
The Course The River Region Running Club is designing the marked 5K and 10K courses to include scenic portions of EastChase and surround-
ing neighborhoods. Water stations will be placed along the course. Course monitors help guide your way. Restrooms are located at Race Central in EastChase.
Post Run Party, Shopping and Car Show! After the Walk/Run, join us for the Post-Run Party at Race Central at EastChase. Lunch will be provided to all 5K, 10K, and Virtual registrants. Guests are invited to purchase a Meal Ticket for $5.00. Also, be sure to enjoy all the wonderful shopping at The Shoppes at EastChase after the race, and don’t miss the 3rd Annual Open
Car & Truck Show with their $1,000 Money Tree, 9am3pm, at EastChase. Massages Zink Chiropractic will provide complimentary, postrun massages for walkers and runners at Race Central. T-Shirts All registrants receive an event T-shirt. Those who pre- register by September 4th for the 5K, 10K or Virtual Run will receive a T-shirt on race day. Day-ofevent registrants can pick up a T-shirt in the days following the event. Call 271.4100
Montgomery Ballet presents
“Carmina burana” october 16th with the Montgomery chorale “sleeping beauty” october 17th for the whole family At the Historic davis theatre...Call 334.409.0522 for tickets
Montgomery Ballet in Gloria, photo by Chris Helton
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Technology
Connect with Family & Friends Twelve years into his retirement, former dentist Bruce Foote has happily traded tongue depressors and dental drills for smart phones and mobile applications. “I do my banking on my iPhone, read newspapers, check e-mail, use Google maps to find where I am going on vacation. I even used an app to navigate the subways safely the last time we were in New York City.” Technology use may also be a healthy endeavor. Spending time online may reduce the risk of developing depression by 20 percent for Boomers and beyond, according to a recent report by the Phoenix Center. It simply enables them to maintain relationships with family and friends at a time in their lives when travel and mobility is more difficult. Smart Phones: Check with your cell phone carriers and ask about new models coming out with features designed for us. Some will feature an extra loud ring, an “SOS” button that dials 9-1-1 with a single tap and a button that flashes after a call or text is missed. AT&T offers the Pantech Ease, which has a “say a command” feature that makes calls, texts or operates an application with voice prompts. www.wireless.att.com. Motorola H17txt with Motospeak, reads text messages aloud, and the MOTONAV TN700, has a spoken-command feature, as well as a large screen that makes it easier to read maps. www.motorola.com. Doro Mobile offers cell phones featuring big keys, four memory numbers, an LCD screen, a neck strap and soft touch numbers. www.easytousemobiles.com. APPS Emerging Healthcare Solutions, offers the Auto-Med app for the iPhone, which for $10 a month will automatically call users every day to remind them at the precise time of day what medication and dosage they are supposed to take. iPad users can also consider the free WebMD app to check symptoms, access drug and treatment information. Get the app at itunes.apple.com. Verizon offers the Pill Phone app for $3.99 a month, which also provides information about medications, dosages, side effects and more. The skynetMD Diet Fitness Diary app provides a calorie, fat and protein counter and a burn meter containing more than 40 recommended exercises, for $2.49 a month. Get more info at www.verizonwireless.com. Blackberry users might consider the Calorie Tracker app for $2.99, which creates a digital diary and tracks calorie, fat, cholesterol and sodium intake www.blackberry.com. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
July 2010
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Be Inspired
Her bucket list?
By Lori Basheda
Meet pen pal of 75 years!
What do you do when you turn 85 years old with two new shoulders, one fake hip, chronic arthritis and five back surgeries under your belt? Well, if you’re Cay Tretheway, you park your walker, drag yourself up a ridiculous number of steps, on a Carnival cruise ship no less, and rocket down a four-story water slide, wearing a one-piece, of course. “I was laughing so hard my mouth was open and I got a mouthful of water,” she says.
Sunset Beach, Calif., home she shared with Jesse James and his wandering eye. Win a big lottery, No. 9 on her list, is another wish she can’t exactly make come true.
Then she gave a thumbs up to the crowd that had gathered “I was laughing so hard my to cheer her on, mouth was open and I got a took a small bow mouthful of water,” she says. and checked one more thing off her recently drawn up bucket list. Six down. Nine to And if she doesn’t win the lottery, there’s go. Swim with dolphins: Check. little chance that she will ever experiGo up in a hot-air balloon: Check. ence item No. 10 on her list, Become a Jump out of an airplane: Check. (“Oh, philanthropist, seeing how she is retired it was freeing,” she says.) Learn to line from her job at 7-Eleven and residing in a dance: This one actually gets a half check mobile home park in Tustin, Calif. because she went down to the local Elks Then there’s item No. 13, right above the Lodge to give it a shot, but line dancing Slide on tall water slide. and walkers go together like Mel Gibson It reads: Go to England to meet pen pal of and answering machines. 75 years. Cay concedes there are probably a few You heard it right. other items that will never happen: MeetAnd she does mean pen pal. The two ing Sandra Bullock, for instance, particuwomen have been writing letters to each larly now that the star has left behind the
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other in longhand since 1935, never bothering to switch to e-mail with the rest of the world in the ‘90s. They have never asked each other for a phone number for that matter, so they have yet to hear each other’s voice. Cay was 10 years old when her big sister Alice found a pen pal in England, a boy named George Bonny. When the two exchanged letters, they learned that each had a little sister the same age.
Cay was living in Terra Haute, Ind., when she wrote her first letter overseas, still playing marbles and still going by her given name, Carol. Peggy wrote back letters from somewhere near London, and sometimes, in the early 1940s, from bomb shelters. Rare is the child, though, who has the foresight to realize that their letters might be saved as a record of life’s ups and downs, the marriages and divorces, the births and deaths, the small joys and disappointments. So the earliest surviving missive that Cay kept is dated 1953. “My dearest Carol,” Peggy writes. “The kiddies are getting ready for Santa. Theresa wishes for a doll with hair she can wash. We tried to explain she cannot have a doll like that.” The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
A letter from 1954 begins: “Dearest Carol ... Our Queen is home again and what a lovely day we had welcoming her back.” She then goes on to say she listened to the homecoming on the radio. The first sign of a possible pen pal summit comes after 21 years of correspondence. In May of 1956, Peggy writes: “I love to think that in one year I shall open the door to see you standing there. How I’ve planned in my mind what to do when you get here.” But by November, 1963, the meeting still hadn’t happened and Peggy sent this sympathy letter: “Let me express a great sorrow at the death of your great president, John Kennedy.”
In a letter dated 1972 Peggy grows reflective: “How the years have flown Carol. Remember our first letters? Every year we say maybe we might see each other one day. It seems to get farther away.” And in 1975, Peggy asks “How many years now Carol since we started writing? Really, 40 years is it? How frightening. One is getting a little gray streaks at the edges, eh?” Later that year came bad news: “My darling (husband) Ricky collapsed and died with a heart attack,” Peggy wrote. “I can only say that my life is without color.” But most of the letters, that Cay keeps bundled in neat stacks with rubber bands, chronicle the lighter moments of life. “Dear Carol, I’m sitting listening to Captain and Tennille and suddenly thought of you,” begins one 1978 letter. In 1979, Peggy tries to make sense of another American phenomenon: “I have been watching a TV serial called Dallas with hopes of getting some idea of country and people. My goodness it’s a terrible thing. I have given up watching now.” In 1996, upon turning 70 several months after Cay, Peggy writes: “I do not feel 70. One looks in the mirror though and there I am.”
The following year, a letter reads “We had a week in which we did not know what day it was.” That would be the week Princess Diana died. Cay still has a copy of a letter she sent that same year to Peggy’s home in Kent: “So dear Peggy,” she The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
wrote. “within six months perhaps, we will finally meet.” “I look forward to at last meeting you,” Peggy wrote back. But the meeting never happened. Cay says she doesn’t even remember why. “It was just wishful thinking I suppose. I didn’t have any more money then than I do now.” Cay isn’t all that surprised that she and Peggy, having never spoken, are still writing after 75 years. “We have a lot in common,” she says. Cay had five children, one of whom died at age 28. Peggy had four.
Cay became a single mom when her husband left. Peggy became a single mom when her husband died. “We didn’t confide secrets,” Cay says. “But we sympathized with one another.” And they shared in one another’s small triumphs. Like parking your walker to B shoot down a four-story water slide. M
Lori Basheda is a writer for the Orange County Register. Share comments on this article with jim@riverregionboom.com
AlAbAmA SHAkeSpeAre FeStivAl
ASF Academy Acting clASSeS For All AgeS Young Actors Rising staRs • Grades 3-5
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Stage Door • Grades 6-8
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
For Home-Schoolers aDventureS in acting • Ages 7-11
on Stage • Ages 12-17
For Adults
For teens
actor’S WorkShop
curtain call playerS
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14. Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14 Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Cost: $200 (Ten Sessions) Fall: Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 Winter: Jan. 10 – Mar. 14 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
For more information contact the Education Department at (334) 271-5393 or greta Lambert at glambert@asf.net September 2010
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Their Aging Brains By Amy Sherman
There was a recent article in my local paper about brain fitness and how to retain optimal brain function well into our senior years. As boomers, we are all concerned about moments of memory loss and wonder if we are experiencing dementia or other signs of cognitive impairment.
important to learn challenging new experiences, but it is important to do so in a social setting, connecting and interacting with others. The University of Southern California has been studying this concept with a group of seniors who are well into their 90s. The key to their brain health is their afternoon bridge game Chances are where they In The Year 2050: 1.1 million people our memory are required will be over 100 years old! loss is more to maintain a about our strong focus ability to retrieve information and by remembering the bidding, the filter out unnecessary irrelevant dealt hands and the strategies of material than it is about cognitive their partner. decline and illness. Because there's so much information bogging us These residents in Southern Calidown and distracting us, it becomes fornia are considered the most difficult to shut off the "noise" long successful seniors enough to remember what we want in the world. In to remember. That makes us feel fact, this research forgetful and susceptible to those is altering the numerous senior moments. way scientists are looking at the However, we can't ignore that cogaging brain. While nitive decline may happen, but we mental exercises don't have to feel helpless to the agand good diet ing process. Most researchers will can't hurt to keep agree that a challenged, stimulated you healthy and brain will retain and regenerate alert, it seems brain cells and that translates into you need to be maintaining, restoring and revitalinvolved socially izing cognitive acuity well into the with others to golden years of our lives. maintain your Therefore, if you want to slow up cognitive alertthe aging process, you may want to ness and acuity. learn a new language, do crossword Successful aging puzzles, play Sudoku or take piano is really based on lessons to reduce your risk of getlifelong choices, ting Alzheimer's or other forms of a good attitude dementia. and a keen sense of your life's Research is now taking aging a step purpose. The further. Apparently, not only is it Census Bureau The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Embrace Your Health estimates that by 2050 there will be 1.1 million people 100 years old. Baby boomers who continue to train their brain on a regular basis are twice as likely to retain high cognitive function than someone who doesn't. This means that if you start now, you'll reap the rewards of a healthy, sharp, active brain for many fruitful years to come. Amy Sherman is a licensed mental health counselor and trainer. She is the founder of Baby Boomers’ Network, a resource designed to give baby boomers the insights, information and inspiration they need to live their best lives. She is the author of the ebook, “Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer’s Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life” and “The Joy of Optimism 10-Lesson eCourse.” To learn more, go to www. bummedoutboomer.com. Amy can be reached at amy@bummedoutboomer.com
September 2010
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SEPTEMBER 2010
{12 Things} and a few more
for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY
MONTGOMERY
Rosa Parks Museum September 1 - October 31
Artful Bistro Dinner Friday, September 10
The Gandhi/King/Ikeda exhibit is a nation-
Join us on Friday, September 10 at 6:30 P.M.
ally renowned exhibit extolling human-
ist virtues and its champions. Originally
Charles Walker and the Dynamites
commissioned in 1999 by Dean Lawrence
for art, fine food, and enjoyable wine. For $65 per person, enjoy a private tour, a fourcourse meal, and two glasses of wine.
Seating is limited to 40. Call 334.240.4333
Carter of the Morehouse College (Atlanta,
GA), it has been held at universities such as
for reservations. Cafe M at the Montgomery
of Oregon. The exhibit provides a holistic
MONTGOMERY
Museum of Fine Art. www.mmfa.org
University of Missouri, Ohio State University, Cal State Los Angeles and University
look at Gandhi, King, and Ikeda’s non-violence movement and accomplishments to world peace. Free and Open to the Public. Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Learn to Play Bridge Tuesday, September 14, 1 or 6 pm Lagoon Golf Championship
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
And it does it in an Easy and Friendly approach. Certified Instructor(s).
LAKE MARTIN
cation is the Montgomery Bridge Club, 1711 Mulberry St. , Montgomery. For additional information call 334.244.5052
The Russell Lands On Lake Martin Summer
liner Corey Smith will be joined by special guests Shooter Jennings and the Benjy Davis
Refresh-
ments served. Partners guaranteed. The Lo-
Labor Day Weekend Concert Sunday, September 5
min’ Labor Day Weekend concert. Head-
ridge is a class that teaches the student (re-
gardless of age) how to play Modern Bridge.
334.341.8615
Concert Series climaxes with another jam-
Join us; the first 4 weeks are FREE. Easyb-
Objects of Wonder
MONTGOMERY
Wine Tasting/Donation Party Thursday, September 16, 5:30-8 pm
Project to serve up a great end-of-summer
$10 (cash/check) gets you into a wine tast-
ticketmaster, $25 the day of the show.
coming American Cancer Society’s Vintage
show at THE AMP. Gates open 4:00pm, Show starts 6:00pm Tickets: $20 in advance at Children 6 and under free. www.lmat.org
28 BOOM!
September 2010
ing at Ted The Wine Guy & Co, where you can
purchase wine items for donation to the up-
Affair. Please call Ashley at the Cancer Society to reserve your glass, 334.612.8178.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY
TITUS
MONTGOMERY
Broadway Under The Stars Thursday, September 16, 7:30 pm
Titus Bluegrass Festival Saturday, September 25, 10 – 6 pm
Zoobilation Thursday, September 30, 6:30 pm
The Montgomery Symphony will present
Some of the best bluegrass bands in Alabama
Grab some friends and join us for a night
2010 at 7:30 pm. Picnic baskets and coolers
25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The music festival,
Zoo.
its 24th annual Broadway Under The Stars
Pops Concert on Thursday, September 16, are welcome at this free concert of Broadway show tunes performed lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Come early and bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this family-friendly event.
www.montgomerysymphony.org
HARPERSVILLE
Grape Stomp Saturday, September 18, 10 - 4 pm Take off your shoes, jump in barefoot to one
will perform at this year’s Titus Bluegrass
Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September now in its 10th year, allows attendees to
relax and enjoy the picking and grinning of
live bluegrass music. Admission is $5.00 for
adults and children under 12 get in free. The Titus Community Center is located approxi-
mately 10 miles north of Wetumpka on U.S.
Highway 231, then north on County Road 29. More information is available on the web
at www.titusbluegrassfestival.com or by contacting Hinton at 334.567.9059.
of the winery’s many barrels and crush grapes
in the style of winemakers of old. Every Grape events. There’s even a Luck-look-alike contest
with cash prizes for those willing to dress up
LATIONONLINE.com or over the phone at
(334) 240-4900. All proceeds from this annual fundraiser will benefit the SKY LIFT
PROJECT 800.841.4273 or visit www.asf.net.
www.RiverRocksChattanooga.com
MONTGOMERY
The House at Pooh Corner September 25-October 22
a great event to explore the many tastes of
Perfect for a date with the Grandkids! The
Montgomery and the Alabama Restarant Asso-
Saturdays at 2 and 4 PM. Bettye Knapp’s
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
may be purchased online at www.ZOOBI-
ing, trail running events and much more.
205.672.2073, www.morgancreekwinery.com
www. jlmontgomery.org or 288-8816
included in the price of admission. Tickets
bird watching, rock climbing, mountain bik-
ery. 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville, AL,
Share a New Experience! tickets at
food, desserts, beverages, and open bar are
paddle rides, geocaching, casual bike rides,
BBQ. Approximately 90 miles from Montgom-
Help raise money for a good cause, so plan to
tion items. Tickets are $25 per person. All
tivities, canoe jousting, kayak races & leisure
food or pick up something from Full Moon
at the Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center.
to a vast collection of live and silent auc-
Park, IMAX great adventure films, kids ac-
cluded in the admission price. Bring your own
ciation. Tickets $25 each or $500 (table of 10)
live entertainment, and bid the night away
thrills aboard hot air balloons in Coolidge
ing, winery tours and wine tasting are also in-
drink for in support of the Junior League of
dance under the stars to the jazzy vibe of
appeal to a broad range of visitors including
nus Round Admission is $5.00/person. Park-
our restaurant community. Plenty of food and
its from the River Region’s finest eateries,
More than 90 events are planned that will
as the ultimate grape-stomper. Music by Bo-
Formerly know as the Taste of Montgomery,
Enjoy delectable delights and spir-
RIVERROCKS FESTIVAL October 1-10
personal (and purple) souvenir of the day’s
MONTGOMERY
located on the grounds of the Montgomery
CHATTANOOGA
Stomp participant leaves with their very own
Taste of the River Region Sunday, September 26,2010 6-9 pm
of fun and adventure at the Overlook Cafe
MONTGOMERY
Culinary Creations Cooking Classes Thursdays, October 7, 14, and 21; November 4, 6 to 8 P.M.
House at Pooh Corner will run September
Have you registered for Culinary Creations
adaption of one of A.A. Milne’s classic stories
on October 7 through November 4th for cook-
25-October 22 with performances only on is a follow-up to ASF’s sold out Winnie the Pooh production in 2009. www.asf.net
Please submit any events/pictures to jim@riverregionboom.com
Cooking Classes with Jennie Weller and friends? Join us on Thursdays from 6 to 8 P.M.
ing instruction made easy and fun in the Museum’s catering kitchen. Call 334.240.4333
for reservations. The member price is $245 and the non-member price is $295.
September 2010
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Do You Advertise...?
The Boomer Market is Too Big to Ignore, how will you seize the opportunity?
Boomers -- those individuals born between 1946 and 1964 -- the largest demographic segment in the United States, numbering 78 million, and leading the nation in spending at roughly $2 trillion annually! People over 50, collectively have $2.5 trillion in annual income and 2 times the discretionary spending power of any other group, are set to inherit between $14 trillion and $20 trillion in the next 20 years, and account for 60 percent of the spending on packaged goods. And then there are cars. The average American household buys 13 cars in its lifetime, but here’s the best part: Seven of those cars are bought after the head of household is over 50. New Empty-Nesters transitioning out of their child-rearing years, nearly 4 in 10 Boomers who have children are now empty-nesters, and report a new level of financial freedom as a consequence—with an additional $315 a month of disposable income.
BOOM! Magazine Delivers the Boomer Market
The Engstrom Institute
Take advantage of this new opportunity, contact Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 or jim@riverregionboom.com
30 BOOM!
September 2010
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine