Boomers & Beyond August 2014 Issue

Sassy • Spirited • Successful

Mid August 2014

Lynn Edwards “ Running for My Life”

• Swinging Strong • Words from the Wise • Beautiful Boomers • Going Beyond

Sassy • Spirited • Successful Welcome to Boomers & Beyond, a publication celebrating the unique challenges and joys of being 50 plus. We will connect you to the sassy, spirited and successful in Northwest Ohio to add a bit of BOOM to the next chapter of your journey. Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Get ready to expand your mind and get to the heart of the matter as we embrace the now and prepare for the beyond. sas•sy

spir•it•ed

suc•cess•ful

adjective very stylish; confident and energetic

adjective full of courage or energy; very lively or determined

adjective having the correct or desired result; ending in success having achieved wealth, respect, or fame

BOOMERS & Beyond Bodacious Boomers Mary Helen Darah Nancy Jomantas Connie Torrey

Bond with the Boomers infoboomersandbeyond@gmail.com 419/824-0100 Beyond Boomer Consultant Sharon Lange Boomer Contributor Kathy Rotte

Digital Media Specialist Layne Torrey

Boomer Wanna-Be-Layout and Design Elissa Cary Boomers & Beyond-Logo Design Gregory Stone, Denver, CO

Boom Your Business with Advertising adsinboomersandbeyond@gmail.com 419/824-0100

On The Web sylvaniaadvantage.com/boomers-beyond

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Enjoy this issue!

• Nifty After Fifty

3

Keeping your golf game up to par

• Words From The Wise 4 91 year old keeps on running

• Beautified Boomers

5

How not to look like your grandparents!

• Words & a Gardener

6

The “Older Than Dirt” Italian Gardener

• Let’s Face It

7

What’s beyond for some boomers

• Books For Boomers

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Relax, take time & enjoy

• Going Beyond

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Life, community, service

BOOMERS

& Beyond

Nifty After Fifty Swinging Strong after Fifty Bryan Williams, Titleist CGFI Level II

Is your body tight during your golf swing and the ball not traveling as far? The answer may be in a simple routine of stretches to increase your flexibility. As we age we all lose some degree of the flexibility in our muscles, which results in more restricted movement patterns.

Some of the areas that these deficiencies occur are spinal rotation, hip rotation, and shoulder range of motion. Loss of range of motion in these areas will have a direct effect on how far the golfer can take back the club and can determine the length of follow through. Both of which will directly effect how much club head speed can

Quad Stretch Stand with your back to a chair and cross your arms over your chest. Place your left foot on the chair or bench.

Keep your left knee even with or behind your right knee. Tighten your left buttock muscles.

To mimic your backswing, rotate your shoulders and torso to the right and bend your left shoulder and trunk slightly toward the ground. Repeat on other side.

Hamstring Stretch Stand next to a step or low table. Hold a golf club behind your neck. Put your right foot on the step and bend your right knee slightly. Bend your upper body forward at your hips, keeping your spine straight until you feel a comfortable stretch in the back of your right thigh.

Maintain this stretch while rotating your back and shoulders to the left and to the right. Repeat on the other side.

Back Stretch Stand with your feet apart, facing the back of a chair. Hold on to the chair. Holding on to the chair and keeping your spine straight, move your body down and away from your hands until you feel a stretch near both armpits Hip Flexor Stretch Kneel on your right knee. Place your left foot in front of you, bending your knee.

Place your left hand on your left leg for stability. Keep your back straight and abdominal muscles tight. Lean forward, shifting more weight onto your left leg.

Repeat on other side.

MID AUGUST

be delivered to the golf ball. Flexibility of the body is also crucial for delivering a powerful strike to the golf ball.

Flexibility and improved range of motion will help your swing and the striking of the ball. Therefore, influencing the distance the ball travels.

Below are six great stretches that will help your body's flexibility and help you create a more efficient and more powerful golf swing. First, warm up with 5-10 minutes of light activity such as walking or riding a bike. When performing the stretches do not bounce. Get into the desired position and feel the stretch and hold the position for a minimum of 30 seconds. As you progress work your way up to 60 seconds.

Hip Stretch Sit on a chair. Place your right ankle on top of your left thigh Push down on your right knee. Then lean forward at your waist until you feel a gentle stretch in your right hip. Repeat on other side.

Shoulder and Lat Stretch Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart as though you’re addressing the golf ball.

Hold your left elbow with your right hand.

Keeping your left thumb pointed up, bend your left wrist toward your left thumb.

Rotate your trunk to the right. Pull on your left elbow until you feel a stretch in your back. To stretch the trailing (right) shoulder, grab your right elbow with your left hand. Then rotate your trunk to the left.

Putting it all together Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and fold your arms across your chest Bend your knees and lean forward slightly Rotate your trunk in your backswing motion Continue from the top of your backswing position to your follow-through

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Words from the Wise

Keep on Moving...Never Act Your Age—especially at 91

women in the world to finish an Ironman Triathlon. “I did

By Mary Helen Darah “I was in better shape and healthier at age 70 than I was the Ironman events for two years and then my dear husat age 40,” says Lynn Edwards, a 91-year-old cancer surband [Ed Edwards] had a stroke,” says Edwards. “During that time I started running shorter races. However, we still vivor and marathon runner. Edwards was thrilled to have were able to travel the world and I competed in internathe opportunity to tell Boomers to stay strong at any age. tional events. I also took up cross-country skiing, tennis “There are so many people who let go of their dreams as and squash.” they enter middle-age. When I got to be 40, I looked back A major roadblock on my life. Although I raised a beautiful family and had a In 2002 Edwards had a major setback when she was diwonderful husband, I asked myself what I was going to do agnosed with ovarian cancer. “I survived all that stuff but with the rest of my life,” states Edwards. “I felt matronly and fat. I was a smoker who spent most of my days playing my last chemo hit me out of the ballpark,” she says. Edbridge. My dad always told me to reach wards experienced neuropathy, numbness in her hands and feet, and was for the highest star. I went to UT [Uni- FROM THE COVER told by her doctor not to run unless it versity of Toledo] and signed up for was short distances and on grass. “I their master’s program at the age of 48 A few statistics from the 91 year old: didn’t listen to the doctor. I hit the and started subbing in the Sylvania Miles Run - 41,039 pavement. My son, who is a doctor, Schools. I loved it. They [Sylvania Miles Swam - 1,556 Miles Biked - 29,153 guided me through getting back out Schools] asked if I would teach an Triathlons completed there running,” states Edwards. “My English Comp. class for a couple of 47 husband, who lived 18 years after his days until they found another teacher Marathons Ran - 39 stroke, told me not to sit around and to take it over. A few days turned into an 18-year teaching adventure at Northview High School. I feel sorry for myself. He was an inspiration. He [Ed Edwards] started the Sylvania Northview High School Masalso started a new audio/visual class for students and a ters Club for swimming and helped lay the groundwork for teachers’ resource center for teachers. Mentally I was getting a workout and I was discovering the benefits of being Lourdes to become a university. He could not run but he kept swimming and played golf after this stroke. We were physically active. I jumped into running at age 50.” married 67 years.”

Endorphin rush Edwards is proud of her three children Dean, Dyke and “I never ran two steps in my life,” says Edwards. “I met Elizabeth and is currently living a full and active life in great people through running and I loved getting stronger North Carolina. “It is great fun running in the mountains,” and healthier.” Edwards had no idea what a triathlon was she states. Edwards wrote a book, “Running for My Life,” but when she and her running friends heard there was in hopes to inspire others. She is delighted that she only has going to be a triathlon held in Sylvania they signed up to to take one pill a day and urges everyone to keep moving enter. “I hadn’t ridden a bicycle since I was 17,” says Edand learning. Edwards says, “There are so many people wards. “But I loved to swim.” At 58 years old, Edwards finished her first triathlon and went on to be the first who reach the middle of their life and feel they are not strong. As long as you have a mind to think and a body to move, keep moving forward. Damn it, if I can do it, anyone can.”

Edwards’ book, “Running for My Life,” is available on Amazon and is sold locally at Dave’s Running Shop in Sylvania.

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Beautified Boomers Hair Style Tips for the Fifty Plus

ened, curled or in an up style. As long as it's flattering Phil Edinger has a long history on you, that's really all that matters. in Sylvania. His parents met in Incorporate your lifestyle into your look Sylvania while in kindergarten Ask yourself how much time you’re willing to spend at Central Elementary and were styling your hair each morning. married nearly seven Utilize new technology decades. Phil and his Blow drying your hair is an art into itself wife, Janice, have that requires the right brush, the right owned Attitudes A Phil Edinger dryer and a host of tricks and tips. A Salon since the good styling product is key to the perfect 1980s. It was originally opened by Phil’s blowout. Once you're finished and hair is sister in 1975 as New Identity. Phil grew 100 percent dry, wait until hair cools and up with four sisters, who were all licensed then palm a shine serum onto hair on the hair stylists. “I was always the model,” says bottom 3/4th of hair, avoiding the top, which Edinger, “Actually, more like the guinea pig.” can appear greasy. You can follow with Janice got her start at The Lion Store Ina Tuschman keeps hairspray.

If you often style your hair [now Dillard’s] after receiving her cosher locks looking trendy metology license from Sylvania with the help of stylist Jan- with hot tools or you color, bleach, or perm a lot, you can damage hair's proNorthview High School. She has been ice Edinger tective outer layer. The result is “split styling hair for 32 years. Phil is proud of ends.” Thankfully, there are hair products to his wife’s accomplishments. “It is rare to find help mend the damage. Look for conditionsomeone as hip. She definitely has her ers with protein. Choose shampoos and own style. She is not your mother’s hairconditioners designed for your hair type, dresser. Although she should be!” states such as those for oily, fine, or colorEdinger. Janice is proud to be able to edtreated hair. ucate her 40 plus hairdressers with the What worked for you years ago may not knowledge she has gained from attendnecessarily work for you now ing hairdressing academies around the Would you wear a shirt from 1980? Probaworld. Janice enjoys keeping her clients bly not. So why wear the same hairstyle? looking stylish and trendy. Below are a few of Dr. Larry Schmakel DDS, Dare to get a new look. Your youth fix her guidelines to keep Boomers looking is proof positive that doesn't have to come in a bottle. Your stylish, chic and in vogue as they head grey can be GREAT. hairstyle could actually take years off (or out into the next chapter of life. add to) your look.

Fifty shades of grey?

Make certain your hair compliments your Grey can be powerful. Nothing says “Take body type and face me seriously” like grey hair. Grey is also The secret to great haircuts is two-fold: very sexy. There is an attitude of confifirst, you must consider your face shape dence that accompanies men and and second, you need to choose a cut women who decide to go grey. that works with your hair's texture. Have Stay current a round face? Steer clear of short hair You don’t have to look middle-aged. You and fringe. Fine or limp hair? Add a root can be unique and trendy at any age. Antilifter to your styling arsenal. Avoid long hairaging tip number one? Mess it up a little. styles if you have a long face.

Go outside the box. Don’t be afraid of Patti Kelleher, with stylist change — cut it, let it grow, change your Have the courage to be who you are no Janice Edinger, takes adstyle altogether — staying young is about matter what your age. If you know yourvantage of new techniques feeling young. These days there are no self and what suits you, then you can and technologies by getting rules to hairstyles for women over age pull anything off. Express yourself! a Brazilian blowout.

50. You can wear your hair long, straight-

MID AUGUST

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A Tribute The (Older Than Dirt) Italian Gardener

By Rick Cozza I am a word-geek. To me, one of the most beautiful things in the whole world (other than a Hosta & Hydrangea garden) is a well-written short essay by a Pulitzer Prize winning author, with exactly the right words describing a subject, or a totally-unexpected phrase that describes something so perfectly.

See? Word-geek!

A thousand years ago, as I was going to school, I took the courses in ‘Classical Rhetoric,’ where we read Plato, Aristotle, H.D.F. Kitto and Edith Hamilton, and experienced the writing that has lasted for thousands of years. I never thought it was unusual for a ‘Genetics and Physiology’ major to have a minor in English Writing (along with Physics, Chemistry and Mathmatics).

It bothered me greatly that, even though I have written articles for national education journals, a colleague of mine, who worked in Social Services, had been regularly published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Magazine, while my attempts were always sent back to me. See? Word-geek!

Anyway, my reason for this diatribe is to give you a chance to read one of gardening’s greatest treasures, one that I had the honor to experience first-hand (a Pittsburgh phrase) when I lived in the Washington DC area many years ago. But you will have to work at it a bit, if you want the pleasure of the experience. The author is long-deceased, and the books are long out of print, but you can find them with a little work and perseverance.

Henry Mitchell was the long-admired and long-standing

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gardening editor for the Washington Post, for ten years my local newspaper. Every Sunday, thousands of readers would scan the latest on the Watergate scandal, then turn quickly to Henry’s column. The column had such a following that it often took up a full inside page (it began on the front page of the weekly Style section), following the wonderful and exquisite ramblings of a very colorful old curmudgeon that was beloved in his field and in his city. When I read that Henry Mitchell had died in 1993 (I was in Ohio by that time), I truly cried as if I had lost a long-time friend. I had, in actuality.

Henry wrote of toads in his garden, of his beloved old ‘hound,’ who loved to lie down in the shade garden (and invariably on his Impatients), of his long-planned spring bulb planting that seemed each spring to be decimated by the Washington spring hailstorms. But, with all these terribly-disheartening events, he philosophized that it was all “ . . . just a part of the gardener’s lot in life, to be optimistic while living at the mercy of nature.” And his command of words, phrases, and descriptions just made you lament (and rejoice) with him each time. It was as if he were talking just to you, his gardening neighbor. And I was! We all were.

Along with the weekly column, he wrote One Man’s Garden (my favorite), and his most popular, The Essential Earthman, both of which were best sellers in the D.C area. They are no longer in print or available easily, but can still be found at sites like Barnes & Noble’s archives or most likely Amazon or E-Bay. I recommend him highly to those of you who are, like I am, a bit ‘more seasoned,’ and who love gardening and (more than most else) love words and their wonderful usage.

He was, and is, a gem.

BOOMERS

& Beyond

Let’s face it...

You’re a boomer...what’s (your) beyond?

“Ragtime Rick” Grafing, Radio Show Host, Piano Player/Entertainer When Baby Boomers were young, we were told that we should prepare to work hard for 30 years or so, and then we could find all the joys of a great retirement. That may have worked well for some of us (and failed miserably for others), but I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy (almost) all the “work” I have done over the last 40+ years. I’m currently a Saturday morning radio show host, ragtime piano player/entertainer, leader of the “Chefs of Dixieland” Jazz Band, and co-chairman of an annual jazz festival in downtown Toledo. Those are the very sort of things I would like to do if I ever did “retire” (and it sure beats working for a living). So what’s beyond that? I have no idea - I’m just getting comfortable with what I’m doing now!

Sandy White, Director of Operations, Marathon Classic What is my goal for 50 and beyond? As the song goes “Girls Just Want to Have Fun!” That is what my goal is! I just purchased a camper this year and plan to enjoy that as much as I can. There is nothing like the peacefulness of camping and it’s even better if you can camp where there is no cell phone reception! I figured I’ve worked hard for the past 30-something years, starting at Owens Corning when I was just 17 years old, so now it is time to have fun. I plan to enjoy traveling, golfing and spending time with family and friends as well as my two dogs. I’m even planning on taking

up Pickle Ball that many of my friends are playing! Now that I’ve had my knee replacement the fun is endless! My job is so rewarding, and the money we raise for charity is a testimonial to the great community we live in. Trying to give as much to children’s charities as possible is my forever work goal. The more time I can spend in T-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes, the better!

Cynthia Ratkowski, BS., D.C. Advanced Wellness & Chiropractic I’ve spent my working years doing a people job. First as a medical technologist then a chiropractor. I haven’t thought of retiring YET! I still am learning and I want to expand my nutrition and bioenergy testing part of my practice. What may interest me in the future ... is being an ombudsman in a hospital, or part-time travel guide, or hospice volunteer, or play golf more than once a year!

Loviah Aldinger, Associate Director, Toledo Opera I am enjoying a second (or is it a third or fourth?) career as Associate Director of Toledo Opera where I manage learning programs for pre-K through high school students. It’s quite a thrill to receive students’ responses to an Opera on Wheels performance in their school. My all-time favorite from a third grader: “You rock!” I also love sports and am grateful for the game of golf at this time in life (no running or jumping required).

Books for Boomers

There is no better way to spend the last of the dog days of summer than with a good book!

Why not try some of these new, great selections from the Library? Your friendly librarians will be happy to help you with book selections available through the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system.

NON-FICTION “Flight 232: a Story of Disaster and Survival,”

by Laurence Gonzales Reconstructs the 1989 crash of United Airlines Flight 232, which hit the runway in a huge fireball after experiencing engine failure and loss of all flight controls and still had one hundred eighty-five survivors.

“Mockingbird Next Door,” by Marja Mills Underneath the plain, clear language of “The Mockingbird Next Door” is an enchanting, atmospheric portrait of two sisters and the southern town they inhabit.

“The Romanov Sisters: the Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra,” by Helen Rappaport A compelling portrait of the doomed grand duchesses.

“Flash Boys: a Wall Street Revolt,” by Michael Lewis A small group of Wall Street guys who figure out that the U.S. stock market has been rigged for the benefit of insiders at the big Wall Street banks expose this institutionalized injustice and go to war to fix it.

MID AUGUST

FICTION “Landline,” by Rainbow Rowell From New York Times bestselling author of “Eleanor & Park” and “Fangirl” comes a hilarious, heart-wrenching take on love, marriage, and magic phones.

“Black-Eyed Blonde: a Philip Marlowe Novel,”

by Benjamin Black Raymond Chandler’s incomparable private eye is back, pulled by a seductive young heiress into the most difficult and dangerous case of his career.

“Half a King,” by Joe Abercrombie Heir to the throne Yarvi, prompted by the murder of his father, embarks on a kingdom-transforming journey to regain the throne, even though having only one good hand means he cannot wield a weapon.

By Sue Schafer, Manager Sylvania Branch Toledo Lucas County Public Library

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GOINGBEYOND

attendEVENTS

searchWEBSITES

Art Walk—Downtown Toledo Thursday, August 28, 6-9 p.m.

30 art-related venues presented by The Arts Commission www.theartscommission.org

nationalgeographic.com our world, travel, apps & more woot.com buy cool stuff cheap mint.com manage financial accounts

Football: UT vs. Missouri Saturday, September 6, 12 noon University of Toledo Glassbowl www.utrockets.com

healthfinder.gov live well, learn how sporcle.com trivia, quizzes & brain games

Grugelfest 2014—Jazz Festival September 12-14 Five traditional New Orleans Jazz Bands and more Park Inn by Radisson, Summit St, Toledo www.grugelfest.com

helpCHARITIES

getMOVING

Dealin’ For Dogs 9th Annual Casino Event Saturday, September 13, 7-11:30 p.m., Seagate Centre, Toledo Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence - a program of The Ability Center www.dealinfordogs.com

Black Swamp Summer Bike Tour Saturday, September 6, Bowling Green 25/50/62/75/100 distances w/ Black Swamp Arts Fest http://www.bgfryes.com/bsbs 2014 Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure Sunday, September 28, Downtown Toledo Funds from Race for the Cure provides breast health screenings, education, outreach and treatment support for women in our community www.komennwohio.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/

buyLOCAL Farmers’ Markets: Downtown Sylvania: Westgate Shopping Area: Downtown Perrysburg: Downtown Toledo: Village of Whitehouse: Village of Swanton:

Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m.

Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m.

Thursdays, 3-8 p.m.

Saturdays 8 am-2 pm Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon

Localharvest.org Real Food, Real Farmers, Real Community® Events, shop, farms, memberships, information

Lace It Face It Walk Autism Society of Northwest Ohio Saturday, September 6, 8 a.m.

Olander Park, Sylvania asno.org

serveVOLUNTEER United Way Toledo Day of Caring On Sept. 12 revitalize a neighborhood with others www.unitedwaytoledo.org/daysofcaring

nightingales-harvest.org free food bank for cancer patients and their families need coupon cutters, food bank help & more Sylvania Area Historical Society educators, collection enthusiasts, historic interpreters, and historians needed www.sylvaniahistory.org