Secret Heart
The
to a
Woman’s
A woman’s heart beats proud and true. The secret to keeping it that way? Living a heart-healthy life. So make sure to have a heart-toheart with your physician and learn all t h e way s yo u c a n k e e p yo u r h e a r t healthy, proud, and true.
Heart-healthy tip # 4
I t ’s n o s e c r e t — h a n d l e s t r e s s by exercising or sharing feelings with a trusted friend.
Heart Center www.jackson.org/heart
HealthNEWS April 2012
for Boomers and Beyond
Urinary Incontinence—Don’t Suffer in Silence If you’re one of the millions of Americans with a bladder control problem, you know the challenges it creates. Worries about urine leaking may make you reluctant to leave home, socialize and do things you enjoy. And that can—shall we say—dampen your enthusiasm for life. It doesn’t have to. With help, urinary incontinence (UI) can be managed and you can get back to your normal routine. “For patients suffering with urinary incontinence, the most important issue is to determine the underlying cause of the leakage of urine,” says Brian Richardson, MD, urologist at the Jackson Clinic. “Once this has been determined, we are able to target treatment to each patient’s specific problem.”
There are several types of UI •
• • • •
Stress incontinence is the most common type and occurs when there’s pressure on the bladder. This may be a result of coughing, sneezing, or physical activity. Urge incontinence causes a strong, sudden need to urinate. It’s sometimes called overactive bladder. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t completely empty and urine leaks out. Functional incontinence refers to trouble reaching a toilet in time due to problems such as immobility or dementia. Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more types of incontinence.
Why it happens
Incontinence can affect anyone, but it’s more common as people age. It’s also much more prevalent in women than men. Changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth are reasons for women’s higher rates. Labor and vaginal delivery, for example, can weaken muscles and damage nerves that control bladder function. Women are also more vulnerable to incontinence because loss of estrogen after menopause may weaken tissues that normally prevent urine from leaking. In men, an enlarged prostate and treatment for prostate cancer are frequent triggers of UI. In addition, factors such as having diabetes, being overweight, and taking certain medications can lead to UI in both men and women.
Get medical help
Incontinence isn’t easy to talk about, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed to mention it to your doctor. The type of UI you have will determine its treatment.
Some treatments are fairly simple. For example, your doctor may recommend that you lose weight to relieve pressure on your bladder or that you limit your fluid intake. Other options include: • Kegel exercises. These help strengthen the muscles that stop urine flow. • Bladder retraining. By going to the bathroom on a schedule, you can learn to lengthen the time between trips as you gain control. • Medication. Certain medicines reduce urine production, enable the bladder to empty better, or shrink a man’s prostate gland. Others tighten muscles that help stop leakage or block abnormal nerve signals to the bladder. • Medical devices. A pessary can be inserted into a woman’s vagina to reposition the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the body—and reduce leakage. Other devices may be helpful for men. If these treatments don’t help, surgery may be considered. Often the right treatment provides a cure, but even when it doesn’t, your doctor can help you take control of your bladder problem and feel more confident. “There are exciting areas of progress for symptoms of overactive bladder, including new oral medications, minimally invasive office procedures, and even using Botox for certain bladder conditions,” says Richardson. “These advancements have lead to improvements in quality of life for patients suffering from overactive bladder and associated urinary incontinence.”
According to the American Urogynecologic Society, surgery is usually considered when UI is troublesome and other treatments haven’t offered relief. Generally, surgery is used for stress incontinence.These surgeries are varied and may include: • Periurethral injection. • Colposuspension • Sling procedures Currently, the success rate for surgical correction of stress urinary incontinence is around 85%. For more information, talk to your doctor or call Jackson Clinic Urology at 334-293-8588.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Urological Association; National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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April 2012
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the 11th annual
5K Run|Walk & Kids Dash TAKE STEPS
TO STOP
ALL NEW FOR THE WALK OF LIFE 2012
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CANCER
OUR ROUTE IS NOW USATF CERTIFIED!
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
April 2012 Volume 2 Issue 9
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 8 Publisher’s Letter 12 Cover Profile 16 Walk of Life: Taking Steps to Fight Cancer 17 Montgomery Street Fair: Revival
page 25
17 Living & Enjoying Your Second Act
Features 14 Sandestin Wine Festival 19 Communal Living More than 600 wines to taste!
Departments 10 This and That
More 60-Something Women. .
28 {12} Things
You may learn something.
21 New Career at 97 She has 200 paintings!
22 Healthy Hearing, What’s the big deal? 25 Greatest Mom Contest
24 Sherry Debray
You can’t do them all.
20 Relay for Life: More Birthdays!
He Lives!
26 Male Call: Greg Budell 27 Art & Soul: Sandi Aplin
BOOM!
COVER PROFILE
30 BOOM! Advertising
page12
page 30 page 28 page 19 BOOM! magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 8637 Harvest Ridge Dr., Montgomery, AL 36116. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2012 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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publisher’s letter
Let Me Introduce… 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.
As it turned out, my lady friend accepted the Leap Year challenge where a woman can rightfully ask her man to marry her. She began by taking me to our favorite restaurant, and we continued the conversation that started 429 days earlier on our first date in the same private table we were sitting at. We communicate naturally, but this evening was filled with expectation and we both seemed to stutter a few times. After a glass of wine or two and a delicious meal, she caught my eyes with hers and simply said, “Will you marry me?” At first I wasn’t at all sure I even heard the words but I saw her mouth move, I read her lips and they said, “Will you marry me?”
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson
kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Dr. Bettie Borton
Greg Budell Sherry Debray Karen Deer Dee Mooty Martha Nelson
My first proposal! My late wife Marty and I were high school friends and sweethearts, we got married as teenagers and the only thing that resembled a marriage proposal was a discussion about marriage while I was away at college, eventually Jim Watson, Publisher we just decided to be married. No surprises, just some young love and desire to build a life together. We did build that life together, until she passed away in 2006 from breast cancer. Since her death, good loving has been hard to come by. So when I got my first proposal, I began to see more clearly the light at the end of that tunnel I’d been traveling through. The Beatles were right, “all you need is love.” I said “yes.”
Cover Photography
Maria Wiggins, Reflections of Grace maria@reflectionsofgracestudios.com www.reflectionsofgracestudios.com
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Monette Mottenon, 334.523.9510
monette@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution
Network Delivery
Printing
Publications Press, Montgomery, AL 334.244.0436
Her name is Jackie Maloy; my son Jason introduced us because he thought Jackie was the kind of woman I’d be interested in. I was, quickly. We have many things in common. Jackie is a Christian, also widowed, her late husband’s name was Jim, she has two sons like I do and she’s from Cincinnati, my hometown. She’s an entrepreneur, a gardener, and she inspires me. Most importantly, we’re in love! I’m looking forward to sharing a long life with you.
In this month’s issue of BOOM! we feature a woman who is experiencing a long life. She’s 97 years old and she started a new career as a painter. She now has 200 paintings for sale! I wonder what my new career will be at 97. Another feature we have is about us 60 something’s and how many of the women in this group are seeking a communal arrangement with their girlfriends. Can anyone say the Golden Girls? Many of these women are widowed, divorced and from what I can tell, don’t even want a man around. Thanks again Jackie. Finally, for those of you who enjoy a taste of the grape, there’s a fantastic wine festival in Sandestin coming up at the end of April that sounds like a great way for some of you Boomers to spend a few days relaxing and sharing a new experience. Downtown Montgomery seems to be the destination for big events this month and they are conveniently all held on the same day, Saturday the 21st. The walk of Life kicks the day off with a great way to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. I hope you all can lead your families and friends to participate. Be an instigator in this fight, rally your group and get pink for the Joy to Life Foundation! After the Walk of Life, you may want to check out the Alabama Book Festival, the state’s biggest, at Old Alabama Town. Starting at 3 pm, something new to the city, The Montgomery Street Fair: Revival. This event will definitely be a new experience for you and the grandkids, the last one they had was in 1899! To appreciate our community we have to experience it. A group called Helicity is organizing this unique event. They are young leaders trying to reshape Montgomery in a positive direction for young and old to share. I hope you’ll show support. Do you have the world’s greatest mom? Is she fun, creative, nurturing, inspiring? Then enter her in the ArtsQuest contest. You could win a really cool trip on Mother’s Day weekend to Seaside. Hurry, entries have to be in by the 15th.
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
Thanks again for your comments, feedback and friendship. Just a word about business. If you or someone you know makes marketing decisions, please mention BOOM! to them. Most of our readers are women, Boomer Women are the most powerful consumers in the community. They make decisions in every aspect of life, from helping their parents get a reverse mortgage to buying the grandkids an Easter outfit. I could go on, so I’ve included the BOOM! advertising info on page 30 for anyone interested in attracting the attention of “Boomer Women.” Have a great April! Jim jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
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Meet the doctor who’s all ears. Ask audiologist Dr. Bettie Borton how many ears she’s treated and she’ll say “thousands.” It’s the voice of experience. As a board-certified audiologist with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Borton is recognized as an expert in hearing health care. The only AudigyCertifiedTM provider in Alabama, Dr. Borton has been helping your friends and neighbors get the most out of life for years. Call for a complimentary hearing screening. Then put yourself in the hands of someone who has done it a thousand times before.
Bettie B. Borton, Au.D., FAAA Board Certified Doctor of Audiology Former National Chair of the American Board of Audiology President-Elect of the American Academy of Audiology For your convenience,
call us toll-free at
888.805.5295
MontgoMery
7025 Halcyon Park Dr, Ste A
oPeLIKA
Doctors Hearing Clinic
2204-D Gateway Dr
View our virtual seminar at www.doctorshearingclinic.com
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i
This & tHAT Hospice of Montgomery Plans Monte Carlo 2012
Hospice of Montgomery’s 18th annual fundraiser, Monte Carlo 2012, is set for Thursday evening, April 19th at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club from 6:30 to 10:00pm. Our event helps fund Hospice of Montgomery services to provide care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families throughout the River Region. Monte Carlo 2012 will feature the evening’s highlight, a Silent Auction of original art by local artists, baskets filled with gift certificates and items from local businesses, garden and landscape opportunities, elegant home furnishings and antiques, exquisite jewelry, sports items and memorabilia, trips, and a collection of fine wines. Wynlakes executive chef will present a delectable buffet of hors d’oeuvres and desserts for the palate. Auction items may be viewed at www.hospiceofmontgomery.org. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased on our secure website by credit card or by mail: Hospice of Montgomery, 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery, AL 36117.
“Ride to the Capitol” Dixie ABATE will sponsor a “Ride to the Capitol” in support of motorcycle safety and awareness April 28. Riders will leave the Walmart Shopping Ctr. parking lot on Atlanta Hwy. at 12:00 sharp with a police escort, destination state capitol. Join us and show your support. www.DixieABATE.org or vrumble@dixieabate.org.
Grandparents step up and show your little girl you have style! The Shoppes at EastChase will host Fashion Camps for ages 6-12 during the months of June and July. The one-day camps will be separated into two age groups: ages 6-8 and ages 9-12. The sessions will take place two weeks in June and two weeks in July, and each fashion camp will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with the cost of $65 per child. Little fashionistas will learn about subjects such as Style 101, accessorizing, makeup, decorating and entertaining with the breakout sessions hosted by Williams-Sonoma, Claire’s, Earth Fare Organic Grocer, GAP, Anthony Vince Nail Spa, The Studio at EastChase and Dillards. The day also includes lunch, a $25 gift card to The Shoppes at EastChase, a special gift and an official graduation certificate. Space is limited. To register, stop by Guest Services located next to Ware Jewelers or call the main office at 334-279-6046.
Boomers, Best Party of the Day! Join us in 2012 for The Annual Autism Crawfish Boil, or Mud Bug Ball! The BEST crawfish in town, along with live music and cold beer! This is always the best party in The Gump! All the proceeds will be donated to assist with Autism programs in the River Region. WHEN: Saturday April 7, 2012, 1-7pm. WHERE: Roux Restaurant and Courtyard at 503 Cloverdale Road. Trolley service available from various locations from 12-6pm. WHAT: All You Can Eat Crawfish, Sausage, Corn, Potatoes, Etc, Live Music And Cold Beer!
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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
The Boys Next Door @ Cloverdale Playhouse April 12 – 22, 2012 Norman, Arnold, Barry, & Lucien are not your typical neighbors. Sharing a home as they attempt to transition back into society brings enough riotous challenges to test the best of them. With the help of Jack, their counselor, these unforgettable “boys” work, play, dance (kind of), fall in love, and yes, even give golf lessons. All of which testify to the power of the human spirit that can rise above just about anything. Tom Griffin’s amazing play will tap into your compassion and lift your heart. *Subject May Not Be Suitable For Children under 12 Yrs* www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org The sixth annual Alabama Book Festival (ABF) will be held in historic downtown Montgomery at Old Alabama Town on April 16, 10 am - 4 pm. The free public event is the state’s premier book festival— with more than thirty writers and 4,000 visitors from around the country to meet with and hear from their favorite authors and musicians. Programs and activities include author appearances, book signings, musical performances, and an exhibit area featuring literary organizations and vendors selling books and other items of interest to booklovers. A children’s activity area organized by Alabama Public Television is sure to make this a day of fun for the entire family. For more information, including a full list of participating authors and directions visit www.alabamabookfestival.org or call 1-888-240-1850. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Montgomery Zoo are proud to announce a new shared retail store in Downtown Montgomery. The store will be called Arts Gone Wild. The space will feature merchandise from each organization and serve as a satellite box office for tickets to ASF productions, admission to the zoo and tickets to special events at the museum. The new store will be located at 200 Tallapoosa Street, across the street from the Renaissance Hotel. Check it out! Jubilee CityFest, Alabama’s premier festival is excited to announce the dates of this year’s events Friday, May 18th and Saturday 19th in downtown Montgomery at the Amphitheater and RiverWalk. After great participation last year Jubilee CityFest will again produce Bama’s Big Bang, Alabama’s largest pyro music spectacular, to be held on Saturday, May 19th. The fireworks spectacular will follow the music concert. Bama’s Big Bang is presented by Creek Casinos. In addition to Bama’s Big Bang Saturday, Jubilee will kick off the weekend with BrewFest and BBQ Cook-off on Friday. On Saturday morning the Jubilee Run for Cancer sponsored by ALFA Insurance will start at 7 am followed by KidsFest from 1-5 pm and the evening cap off with a music concert and Bama’s Big Bang. Tickets go on sale April 5 through the Jubilee CityFest website (www.jubileecityfest.org) and Bama’s Big Bang website (www. bamasbigbang.com), Maxwell ITT, and the Montgomery Visitor Center.
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Dee Mooty, Heart Advocate This month’s BOOM! profile is Dee Mooty. Dee is the Executive Director at The Alabama Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, where she sets her own hours, working part time so she can be involved with her church and the community. She is a new grandmother and already has a unique name she wants to be called by her first grandchild, Liddie. As with all of our BOOM! Cover Profiles, Dee has many passions and interests, she is an advocate for heart health, reducing child obesity and teaching children how to have success. Dee shared some of her life’s journey with us recently, we hope you’ll enjoy getting to know Dee as much as we have.
to Washington D.C., to meet with their Alabama Congressional Delegation every year to discuss face to face the needs of the patient in Alabama. This year we were honored to hear retired four-star general in the United States Army, General Stanley McChrystal, speak on innovative leadership styles. His last assignment was as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan; the White House tapped General McChrystal to head a new advisory board to support military families. The Alabama Chapter is working hard to keep the BOOM! readers healthy by being up to date on patient care and making their patients aware of the major risk factors of heart disease: Dee, son Hal, new grand daughter Liddie, daughter in law Katie and husband Dean high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The American College of Cardiology BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. BOOM!: As the Executive Director at The has an excellent patient education program where you’re from, education, what brought Alabama Chapter of the American College of on www.Cardiosmart.org that would be a you to the Montgomery area, did you raise Cardiology tell us about what you do, how good resource for BOOM! Readers. your family here, schools, married, family, etc? does your work effect BOOM! readers? Dee: I am from Nashville TN and graduated from Judson College where I met my husband Dean who was a cadet at Marion Military Institute, we were married when he was in law school at the University of Alabama and when Dean graduated he accepted a job in Montgomery. Our son Hal was four months old when we pulled into town, it was an exciting time. Our second son Robert was born three years later and we are so thankful they were both raised in Montgomery; we have lived here 29 years. Hal and his wife Katie Granlund Mooty practice law in Huntsville and are having fun being new parents. Robert is a recent law school graduate and joined his dad’s firm Mooty and Associates in August. Robert and his wife Katherine Lester Mooty are enjoying being newlyweds in Montgomery.
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Dee: Heart disease is the number one killer in Alabama and it takes a team of professionals to care for so many sick people. The American College of Cardiology responded to the increase in patient need several years ago by including advance practice cardiovascular nurses and practice managers in their membership. I keep my ear to the ground for this exceptional group of people who are dedicated to the health of their patients. When I hear something that is urgent, I contact the officers of the Chapter and disseminate the information to the members, this could be patient care information, state legislative, state regulatory, or Congressional. The Chapter also is continuingly identifying new science or practice trends that will improve the doctor and nurse care of the patient in Alabama and presenting these topics at our state education meetings. I take a group of volunteers
BOOM!: The BOOM! cover photo was taken at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Tell us why this is such a special place for you? Dee: You only get one chance at making a good first impression, and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort did that for my husband and me 25 years ago when we attended the Young Lawyer Convention. The beach is the prettiest we have ever seen and the staff consistently knocks themselves out to make your visit wonderful. When the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Cardiology was looking for a convention site, I recommended Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and they have happily returned for 19 years. Now the cardiology kids who were small have grown up and each June we feel like we are putting on a family reunion with a high powered educational meeting.
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Dee: I do have time, one of my employment art. And the Board of Directors approved the requests was to work part time and set my hiring of a part time administrative assistant own hours so that I could support my church and we hired my dream employee, Mark and community. My interests are very McLemore, NBC Sing Off star who writes, diverse and cover arranges, and sings with the a cappella group, a wide scale of Street Corner Symphony. He is an amazing what I value. I am talent and makes the workday my dream job, involved in Chi sing on the job! Rho Kids, Montgomery Chorale, BOOM!: What is it about living in the MontTobacco Free AlaDee: I have a sense of fulgomery/River Region area that you like? bama, Alabama fillment from reaching the Obesity Task parenting finish line and Dee: From my house I like walking to the Force, and puppy my advice to myself is to drug store, bakery, restaurants, the movie, class. The Chi set a new tempo! The last the theatre, the places where you see your Rho Kids is a faith two years have been wonneighbors and friends. The Alabama Chapter based program at derfully fast paced with office is on Jackson Street downtown behind my church Christtwo weddings and our the Capitol and my view is amazing of ChurchXP. The first grandbaby. Now it is downtown Montgomery and it reminds me mission is to give time to adjust to a pace I of growing up in the Capitol of Tennessee. I Chi Rho Kids, pre-kindergarten music class I teach at my church, ChristChurch XP. families of preset, and not set for me. I really like the workday energy downtown, the school children heard an interview of a Biscuits, the riverfront development, the new the skills they will need to be successful in recently retired female CEO who was asked performing arts center. I also like the national school and to purthe same question, her answer has stuck with celebrity we sue God’s purposes me, she said you have to expect ambiguity in have for bringing in their lives. This your day. Hyundai to the program is unique United States BOOM!: What are you most passionate about? because it requires of America. My a once a month parfriend Ellen G. Dee: What I am loudest about is heart health, ent enrichment proMcNair, CEcD, the epidemic of childhood obesity, and Alagram that gives the Senior Vice bama football. child’s parents the President of support they need Corporate DevelBOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind for their four year opment at the down from a hard day’s work? olds to be ready for Chamber was kindergarten. I am one of the key Dee: Walk in the neighborhood with girltheir music teacher brains and brawn Montgomery Chorale Sound of Music Sing A Long at the Capri Theater friends, or alone with my iPod, throw a ball and this year’s class behind that sucDee Mooty, as Maria, Tricia Seay, Fraulein, Pat Dunn, the Baroness, to our two labs, just being outside helps me has really kept me cess story. (She Lynne Kuhlmann, the Nun. unwind. on my toes, they says she was part are eager to learn new music and instruments of a team). I like knowing Ellen and people BOOM!: Favorite vacation spot? Any travel and can sing any song you teach them. They like her in leadership who are dedicated to dreams planned for the are all a joy! making Montgomery a progressive, contemfuture? porary city with a small town feel. BOOM!: If Dee: My favorite vacayou weren’t BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your tion spot is Sandestin the Executive ambitions changed? Golf and Beach Resort. Director at My travel dream is to ACC, what kind Dee: My ambitions have gone from grand load up a huge SUV, of work would to small. Completing small goals give me which we do not own, you be doing? more joy than achieving big ambitions. My and take the grandDream Job? colleagues who are my age are saying the baby, new daughter in same thing; we don’t feel like we have to laws with our sons, of Dee: The test ourselves which is what we have done in course, and two sets of media is the past. Today my goals are to increase the golf clubs to our house always after attendance at the AL Chapter Annual Meeting Dee Mooty with Alabama Chapter leadership, in Sandestin, right now the Boomers in June, to get the puppy to walk on a loose Dr. Phillip Laney and Dr. Carl Gessler in Washington DC that is a big dream! to reconsider leash and have the Chi Rho Kids ready to sing with keynote speaker Gen. Stanley McChrystal their work at at their graduation ceremony. BOOM!: As a busy midlife so I Executive Director, do you have time to be inhave, and my dream job is still working with BOOM!: Give us three words that describe volved in community, civic or other activities? a group of professionals who inspire me with you? Faith based organizations? their dedication to their patients, science, and continued page 14 BOOM!: Many Boomers are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, new careers, especially if they’ve experienced the empty nest syndrome of their kids moving on. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?
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Dee: Happy, innovative, people-person BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? Dee: My favorite sport is golf. I have been playing since I was a little girl and met my husband on the tee box at college. My husband and I enjoy playing together in the late afternoons after work. We’ve not played as much as we would have liked this past year because of two weddings and the new grandbaby but we plan to get back out there. The Montgomery Chorale grabs my attention, it is awesome. Coming from Nashville and having music teachers who were Julliard graduates my expectation for Montgomery was low, but wow, was I wrong. The level of professionalism in the voices and the concerts are something Montgomery should be extremely proud of. Becky Taylor, the artistic director and conductor is an amazing talent. She has the unique ability to master classical and popular music. She just conducted a 30 piece orchestra and the Chorale performing Mendelssohn’s Elijah. The Nashville Symphony and Chorus have it on their schedule next year and it will be fun to hear how they do, maybe not as well? BOOM!: How’s it feel to be a new grandmother? What would you like your grandchildren to call you?
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Dee: Being a new grandmother is entering a secret society, people come up to me and say, “I heard you were a new grandmother, there is nothing like it, you are not going to believe how special the love is,” or my favorite from a cardiologist friend, “it’s like God giving you an unexpected bonus.” The actual feeling is like the rush of a roller coaster. I thought long and hard about what I would like to be called, one of my criteria was I wanted to be a grandmother so I thought GranDee would be a nice fit.
father was in a hospital in Nashville with heart failure and never saw the same cardiologist. He was frustrated by having to give answers over and over. Unfortunately, he died suddenly in the hospital and his long time physician who The new puppy, Rosie on a brief stay command had admitted BOOM!: Because your work involves the him was not notified. I saw Daddy’s doctor by health care industry, where do you think chance the next day at the grocery store and we’re heading? More government control or had to tell him myself, he was shocked and more individual choice? sad and I was too. Dee: Right now our community is protected from government control because of the dedication of the private practice physician. In large cities, the majority of the cardiologists are working for a hospital which is heavily controlled by government. Will the results of the presidential election in November drive the remaining doctors to be employed by hospitals? I hope not because your individual choice will be limited or eliminated. My
If you have any questions for Dee you can reach her at dee.mooty@gmail.com. We want to thank Dee and the good folks at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for providing our cover photo for this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to jim@ riverregionboom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Three Cheers for the Sandestin Wine Festival One of the longstanding traditions at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the Sandestin Wine Festival. It’s one of the resort’s major events that Ms. Mooty and her friends hope to attend this year. Scheduled for this April 26-29, the Sandestin Wine Festival has affectionately been called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals” because of its popularity and grandeur. It is a picture-perfect festival, complete with white tents, the pouring of more than 600 wines, gourmet food and live music at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Beginning April 26, leading Village restaurants will offer special wine dinners, paring delicious culinary options with delicious wines. Then on Friday April 27, guests can experience one-of-a-kind seminars focused on wines and even bourbon. These seminars are enjoyable opportunities for participants to their expand knowledge with information shared
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
by leading experts in their fields. More than 600 Wines to Taste Grand Wine
Tastings are held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from 1- 5 p.m. Wine connoisseurs to wine novices join together to find favorite wines to sample. New this year will be an expanded Culinary Pavilion with a Mediterranean theme, wine celebrities and demonstrations from well-known chefs. After a full day of sampling wines and finding new favorites, guests can check out the retail tent that is available each day. Unlike other wine events, the Sandestin Wine Festival
offers attendees the chance to purchase and transport wine sampled that day. Accommodations from the Beach to the Bay. To thoroughly enjoy the events surrounding the Sandestin Wine Festival, guests take advantage of staying at one of the many Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s beautiful units. Special rates for units from the beach to the bay are available with complimentary amenities including tennis court time and fitness center access. Guests are encouraged to reserve accommodations early for this year’s spectacular event. Call 866-91-BEACH or visit www.sandestin.com. For more information about the Sandestin Wine Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, visit www. sandestinwinefestival.com. For added savings, purchase tickets online prior to the event. Group discounts are also available.
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Bring a Friend and a Team, Join Us! Since 2001, we have gathered at the WALK OF LIFE as a community to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer in Alabama. Your donations, contributions and support benefit the Joy to Life Foundation, whose mission is to provide life-saving mammograms for medically underserved women in Alabama. We could have never helped so many women in need without your generosity! We thank you! And the many, many women who have been helped thank you! LET’S TAKE STEPS TO STOP BREAST CANCER!
The Walk of Life is a 5K RUN/WALK through historic downtown Montgomery that begins at 8:30am. Runners and walkers alike will enjoy traversing the USATF certified course with all participants being able to take advantage of optional chip timing (provided by About Time Events in Wetumpka) to record their official start and finish times. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall male and female finishers. After finishing the 5K, participants are encouraged to attend the Post-Event Party in Montgomery’s Riverfront Park and Amphitheater for of Family Fun!
Registration information: LAST CHANCE DISCOUNT (April 1-18): 5K $35 & Kids Dash $15 LATE REGISTRATION (April 20-21): 5K $40 & Kids Dash $20 ONLINE REGISTRATION closes at 5PM on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. TEAM REGISTRATION is available only at www.joytolife.org and closes on April 11, 2012 at 5PM. PAPER REGISTRATION is available to download at www.joytolife. org. All paper registrations must be RECEIVED by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 13, 2012. LATE REGISTRATION will be held at Union Train Shed in downtown Montgomery on Friday, April 20, 10AM - 7PM and Saturday, April 21, 6 - 8AM.
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Have you heard about the JUMBOTRON? It’s a 9ft by 12ft LED screen located in Riverfront Park that will feature all kinds of videos, “live” events, interviews and a very special slideshow to honor and remember the ones we are walking for! Do you have someone you want to honor? Submit your photos today online at www.joytolife.org or by visiting one of the Capitol Filmworks locations in Montgomery. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
If you don’t plan on running or walking, you can register as a Volunteer or Virtual Participant. Whatever your level of participation, we need your help to reach our fundraising goal of $250,000! Everyone who registers will receive a link to some great, new 2012 fundraising tools and will be one step closer to earning a fabulous Fundraising PRIZE! CHECK OUT EVENT INFO AT WWW.JOYTOLIFE. ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION, then gather your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and families and join us for WALK OF LIFE 2012 on Saturday, April 21!
www.joytolife.org
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
HELICITY MONTGOMERY HOSTS 1st ANNUAL MONTGOMERY STREET FAIR:THE REVIVAL, Saturday, April 21st, 3-9 pm Helicity Montgomery is excited to announce the 1st annual Montgomery Street Fair: Revival! The original Montgomery Street Fair took place in 1899 with vendors selling their wares up and down Dexter Avenue. The fair was the first free street fair in the South, and, lasting a week long, is estimated to have seen anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 in attendance. In its revival, the street fair will once again bring the greater community together and become the avenue through which Montgomery can enjoy the many creative talents of our local artisans, vendors, performers, and culinary extraordinaire – all of the things that make our Capital of Dreams truly unique.
The day will be filled with plenty to see and do for everyone! Face painting, craft-making, storytellers, play areas, and much more will be available for children’s entertainment. Participants can look forward to tasting some of our local fare including Chris’s Hotdogs, Coolbeans, Country’s Barbecue, Capital City Oyster Bar and Grill, and Montgomery Super Suppers. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will host a City of Montgomery scavenger hunt that will highlight some of our downtown’s hidden gems. There will also be a Chris Hotdog’s eating competition for those who are up for the challenge. All of this will be taking place while aerialists, jugglers, dancers, and musicians are dispersed among the crowds. Night activities will focus on live musical performances. And, attendees will be the first to hear a very, very special announcement regarding next year’s street fair! For more information, visit www.montgomerystreetfair.com.
Don’t forget to participate in the Joy to Life walk and Old Alabama Town Book Fair that are happening earlier in the day. Spend your day in downtown Montgomery! It’s a great time to be living in our city!
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Dr. Bettie Borton, CEO of Doctors Hearing Clinic,
recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Bettie Borton, CEO of Doctors Hearing Clinic, was recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology. Founded in January of 1988, the American Academy of Audiology is the world’s largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. With a membership of more than 12,000 worldwide, the Academy represents audiology professionals from across the United States. The organization is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. Dr. Borton will begin her 3 year commitment with a term as President Elect starting in July of 2012, and assume the Presidency of the organization in July of 2013. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama with board certification in Audiology from the American Board of Audiology. Dr. Borton holds a BS degree with CED Certification in Education of the Deaf from the University of Texas, a Masters’ degree in audiology from the Louisiana State University Medical Center, and a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida. Dr. Borton has served
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hearing impaired and multi-handicapped children and adults and their families in a variety of settings for more than 30 years, including Bright Preschool for Hearing Impaired Children in New Orleans, Tennessee Infant Parent Service (TIPS), and as the Director of the Early Intervention Program for the State of Alabama. Dr. Borton is the currently the owner and Director of Doctors Hearing Clinic, a full service private practice in Audiology with offices in Montgomery and Auburn/Opelika. She was recently honored as a recipient of the prestigious Oticon “Focus on People” award, which annually recognizes 12 individuals across the nation for their dedication to helping those with hearing impairment. Dr. Borton and her practice have garnered numerous national awards, including The Hearing Review’s Best of 2011 Hearing Healthcare Professionals. A lifelong equine enthusiast, Bettie is also the Executive Director of Montgomery Area Non-
traditional Equestrians (MANE), Alabama’s largest public PATH Premier accredited nonprofit therapeutic riding center for children and adults with disabilities. Her efforts at MANE were recently recognized with the MAX Community Achievement Award. “I am honored to have been elected to this position”, states Borton, “and look forward to serving both the profession of Audiology as well as those with hearing loss and their families on a broader basis. Guiding the Academy through these turbulent economic times will be a challenge. In today’s health-care arena, only a professional organization that embodies excellence and promotes accountability will succeed in achieving its goals. It will be a privilege to serve as president of the Academy, and I will work diligently to promote its priorities, strengthen its foundations, and advocate for the professionals and consumers it represents.”
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Communal Living Attracting More 60-Something Women
Some say the ‘60s hippies are going back to the commune. Others call the growing number of female Baby Boomers rooming together “‘The Golden Girls’ phenomenon.” Author Martha Nelson, who at 65 is on the leading edge of a tsunami of retiring Boomers, says it’s really all about choosing the company of friends. “As a group, we’ve been empowered more than past generations of women,” says Nelson, whose debut novel, Black Chokeberry (www.BlackChokeberryTheBook.com), is the story of three disparate older women who unexpectedly end up sharing a home. “We’re more worldly, stronger, financially savvy and healthier than our ancestors – through no fault of their own – and we know what we want.” Increasingly, what they want is to actively age with the camaraderie, laughter, understanding and support of other women who share their ideas of healthy lifestyles, good food from their own gardens, green living, and myriad activities on a moment’s notice. In 2010, 480,000 Baby Boom women lived with a least one unrelated female, according to an AARP analysis. The growing number of U.S. HomeShare programs, which help connect people interested in sharing a house, say their numbers have been steadily rising since the economy belly-flopped. “This concept is really trending on the East and West Coasts and is very big in Europe,” says Ryan Cowmeadow, vice president of the National Shared Housing Resource Center, an all-volunteer clearinghouse of HomeShare programs. “Our numbers are up about 15 percent since 2007, and about 75 percent of applicants are female,” he says. “We’re hoping to see a real surge with the Boomers entering retirement age now. They’re the ones who didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Home-sharing just makes sense.” Nelson notes that there are several reasons why women more than men are gravitating to communal living as an alternative lifestyle. “Women typically live longer than men, and
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Martha Nelson
men are more likely to remarry quickly after a divorce or the death of a spouse,” she says. “And fundamentally I think it’s as much about the special bonds women share. We form these Author Says Women are Choosing to Age wonderful, with the Support of Friends. supportive, ‘tell the truth’ friendships, which survive the demands of living communities include health and safety, husbands, children and careers. Whether care in times of an accident or medical living alone or with a spouse or partner, emergency, and saving money, a concern for women cling to their friendships. When a many women who find themselves single or woman considers living alone as she ages, it’s widowed after long marriages, Nelson says. a natural progression to seek the company of her best friends.” But Boomers are renowned for demanding That’s what happened to Nelson, a former journalist and educator, whose long marriage ended in divorce when she was in her 50s. In regaining her balance as a single woman, she sought time alone to heal, then turned to her trusted friends as she stepped back into life. Her happiest moments came from long conversations over coffee, laughter over meals and movies, and, occasionally, indulgent tears she felt safe to shed. “I came to fully understand the importance of women friends in my life,” she says. “They are the gold standard and as we age, they are critical to happiness, regardless if one is married or in a committed relationship.” The movement for cohousing – where residents have private living spaces but share common areas, such as dining rooms, and tasks, such as cooking -- started in Denmark and is catching on in the United States. There are model programs in Boulder, Colo., and other communities, including three cohousing projects being planned in the greater Nashville area, where Nelson lives. Practical considerations of creating close
more than creature comforts from life, she adds.
“We want to be happy; we’re healthy, active and we want to enjoy ourselves as we age. We want to travel, go to a movie with a neighbor or housemate, cook a meal, share a garden, and feel that we are contributing to our communities. “What started with Rosie the Riveter has brought us to this,” says Nelson who is happily married again, but fascinated by the new movement of cohousing. “We’re strong women and we can choose to live the way we want as we get older. Very often, that will mean with other women in close knit communities.” About Martha Nelson Martha Nelson is an award-winning former investigative reporter, columnist and editor at two New York newspapers. She also is a former educational and nonprofit executive, consultant, and chef. She retired in 2010 and settled in to write Black Chokeberry, a coming-of-age novel about three women confronting crisis and change on the other side of 50.
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The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. Celebrate - The Survivors Lap Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.
Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.
More Birthdays! No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Your reasons for walking in the Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays! For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/montgomery Montgomery Event Details Friday, April 27, 2012 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
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Crampton Bowl Opening Ceremony: 6:00 p.m. Survivor Lap: 6:30 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony: 6:00 a.m. Charlene Rabren to Serve as Honorary Chair for American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Pike Road, Alabama. The American Cancer Society has selected Charlene Rabren to serve as honorary chair for this year’s Relay For Life® of Pike Road, which will take place at The Waters on Friday, May 4, 2012.Charlene Rabren was born and raised in the Pike Road community and has served as town clerk since the town incorporated in 1997. Charlene and her husband, Wayne, who served as Pike Road’s first mayor, are members of Pike Road Baptist Church. Charlene has two children and seven grandchildren. “Here in Pike Road, funds raised by our Relay For Life event are making an impact on so many lives, said Rabren. “From making possible the vital American Cancer Society programs and services that support those in our community facing a diagnosis, to life-changing cancer research and medical discovery, to advocacy for access to quality health care for everyone affected by cancer, the money raised through Relay For Life of Pike Road is helping further the vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.” For information about joining the committee or about the event, call 1-800-227-2345 or 334-612-8177 or visit www.relayforlife. org/pikeroadal. 2012 Relay For Life Survivor’s Dinner at Faulkner University
On Thursday, April 12, Relay For Life of Montgomery will honor cancer survivors with a dinner at Faulkner University Gym, 5345 Atlanta Highway, at 5:30pm. Survivors will join together for a fun evening of food catered by Carrabba’s, giveaways and stories of survival.
If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver and would like to take part in the Relay For Life of Montgomery, please visit www. RelayForLife.org/Montgomery.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Karen Deer
Woman starts her painting career at 97 Virginia Leitner bursts through the door of the gallery at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre in St. Peters, Mo., talking rapidly about the 40 or so paintings that line two walls, all of them hers. “What do you think of this abstract one?” She beams with pride at her work. Leitner is as excited as many artists getting their first gallery showing. Only difference is, she’s 97 years old. In grade school she loved to draw and paint. “I may have been shy, but I showed an aptitude for art,” Leitner says. She continued to dabble in art for the next 90 years, but never considered it a career _ until now. In 1937, Leitner married John Burton Davis, a gunsmith and pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. She painted china plates but never made a penny with her works. She gave the china plates away to family and friends and kept some for herself. In the early 40s, she began making ceramics and 10 years later starting playing the piano and sketching prints. She turned sketches into watercolor and oil paintings. But once again, Leitner kept her creations mostly to herself. In 1968, Davis died and Leitner joined the workforce. “I had to eat,” she recalls. She became a floral designer at Ladue Florist and stayed with the
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
company for 20 years. In 1989, she met her second husband, Frank Leo Leitner, and retired. It wasn’t until 2007, at the age of 93, that Leitner took her painting skills to the next level. She began working with Jerry Thomas of Creve Coeur, Mo., a wellknown artist and teacher. She had known him through a family member when he came to her retirement home to teach painting classes on Fridays. “I was hooked, and I took four more years of lessons,” Leitner says.
a basic bowl of fruit, which happens to be one of her favorites. She has a few of her originals framed and hanging on her living room walls. “This year her fellow artists, her teacher Jerry Thomas and I told her it was time to have her first showing,” says Cindy DuBois, cultural arts leader at the Cultural Arts Centre. On Feb. 2, she received what she calls her best birthday gift ever from her husband. He rented gallery space at the Cultural Arts Centre, had her paintings hung and invited friends and family for a showing. “I had about 75 people show up for the opening reception,” says Leitner, who is still waiting for that first sale. “She’s an inspiration to anyone, especially for those who say ‘I can’t do that,’” DuBois says. She is the oldest featured artist we have ever had.” Leitner says she’s determined to keep going well past 97, and that’s part of her reason for painting. “If you do anything that you are interested in, that helps keep you learning,” and that keeps you young. “I ate a lot of vegetables growing up, and I attribute that to my good health, too” she adds.
Thomas encouraged Leitner and gave her guidance in color theory and the technical aspects of painting during classes he taught at the Oak Tree Village Retirement Community in St. Peters. Later, Leitner signed up for classes at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre under Thomas’ direction. “I teach three-hour art classes and can remember Leitner standing the entire time,” he said. “I was amazed how long she stood for her age.”
She also continues to paint, she says with a chuckle, because “I want to help supplement our income.”
Leitner says she is “inspired by God’s creations.” Her paintings showcase flowers, trees, pets, abstracts and even
Distributed by MCT Information Services
VIRGINIA LEITNER PAINTINGS Leitner’s paintings run from $75 to $225. Contact her at 636-397-6903 or vrleitner@yahoo.com
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Healthy Hearing
by Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D. bchampion1@aol.com
So I probably have some hearing loss… What’s the big deal? Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you’ve already been wondering about the possibility of hearing loss, or you know someone who is. Not surprising given the prevalence of hearing loss – some Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. 37 million people in the United States alone reportedly have significant hearing impairment.
Interestingly, studies show that people with hearing loss wait an average of 5-15 years before seeking treatment. No big deal, right? WRONG! With many things in life that seem easy to procrastinate about, there are often unintended consequences. Since most people wait an average of 7 years from the time they know they have hearing loss until they actually purchase and wear hearing devices, during those years some undesirable things happen.
Medically speaking, the biggest problem with allowing hearing loss to go untreated may be a condition known as Auditory Deprivation. You see, our auditory pathways are designed to stay viable only with appropriate levels of input/stimulation. Hearing loss “turns down the volume”, and if left untreated, the auditory pathway is negatively impacted. In other words, we have a “use it or lose it” scenario. Failure to provide adequate stimulation to the auditory pathway from the inner ear to the brain takes a toll on speech recognition ability, and the jury is still out as to whether that damage is recoverable when hearing devices are implemented. Much like a muscle that becomes weak over time, prolonged auditory deprivation may cause your auditory pathway to perform less efficiently. Even if these areas are stimulated again through amplification, the brain may no longer be able to efficiently interpret the signals. Auditory deprivation was also mentioned in a recent Johns Hopkins study that shows a link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. The study was published
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in the February 2011 Archives of Neurology. It used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA), which has tracked various health factors of thousands of men, women, and children over decades. About a quarter of the over 600 volunteers the study focused on had hearing loss at the start of the study, but none had dementia. Participants were closely followed for nearly 20 years. Afterward, nearly 10% of them had developed dementia. Compared to those with normal hearing, participants with mild hearing loss were twice as likely to develop dementia over time. Those with moderate hearing loss were three times as likely. And those with severe hearing loss were five times as likely. In fact, the study shows that for every 10 decibels of hearing loss, the risk of developing dementia increases by 20 percent. Further research is required to determine the exact reason why hearing loss and dementia are connected, but auditory deprivation and the isolation inherent in hearing loss are two possible contributors proposed by the study.
• Significant others may be required to interpret for the individual with hearing loss causing stressful logistical and conversational difficulties • Feelings of guilt arising from not including an individual with hearing loss in conversation or activities • Feelings of resentment at not being able to enjoy certain activities because of reclusive behavior of an individual with hearing loss • Constant concern or anxiety about the safety of an individual with hearing loss
•Tension, irritation, or frustration at communication difficulties • Feelings of inadequacy in everyday interactions or isolation • Fear of appearing less intelligent or prematurely old • Misunderstanding because of communication difficulties in the work setting, leading to employment risk or underemployment • Tendency to avoid social gatherings, outdoor activities, and personal interactions • Embarrassment at having to ask for repetitions or at not understanding conversations • Physical fatigue from straining to hear and personal safety risks
1) Rawool V.: Effectiveness of Informal Counseling on Acceptance of Hearing Loss Among Older Adults, The Hearing Review. 2009;16(6):22 2) Silman S, Gelfand S & Silveman C: Effects of monaural versus binaural aids. JASA 1984; 76 (11): 1357-1362 3) Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. (2011). Hearing loss and dementia linked in study. [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/ hearing_loss_and_dementia_linked_in_study
Hearing loss is not just a physical problem. From a lifestyle point of view, hearing loss can create many negative effects, both for the individual with loss and his or her family, friends, or work associates. Individuals with hearing loss are more likely to experience:
The effects of hearing loss on the friends, family, and associates of an individual with loss often include: • Relationship problems from misunderstandings. Someone with hearing loss may answer a question inappropriately or not at all, or may incorrectly hear requests, comments, or instructions leading to undesired action or inaction.
The good news is that many of these negative physical and lifestyle effects can be greatly diminished or even eliminated through proper treatment. Hearing devices can compensate for loss in targeted frequency ranges, so your brain maintains its ability to comprehend speech. They also provide auditory stimulation, which not only allows you to interact with loved ones again, but it may contribute to delaying or even preventing dementia.
There are certainly many ways in which treating your hearing is good for you physically. But the lifestyle benefits may make the largest difference. Those benefits keep expanding every time you don’t have to ask, “What?” and can instead enjoy a worryfree conversation. So is hearing loss life threatening? Well, it won’t kill you. But left untreated, hearing loss can certainly kill your quality of life.
References: Better Hearing Institute (BHI) To learn more, visit doctorshearingclinic.com or call for an evaluation at (334) 396-1635.
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.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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A Christian Perspective
Sherry DeBray
“In her words, he cried too, and he is risen.” Is Jesus Enough? Recently I met a young mother, through a co-worker, who has been battling cancer for the past five years. The first thing I noticed about her was her smile. A beautiful glow came from within her. In that brief moment, I could feel her spirit. Over the past month, I’ve been prayerful about writing this Easter column. With only a few days until my deadline, the friend who had introduced me to this wonderful woman had me read her blog on the Caring Bridge website. It was then I knew my prayers for this column had been answered, but “what if” your prayers go unanswered? Read, as I did, the entry of this astounding young mother and find the answer to unanswered prayers.
In Her Words.
“It’s hard to believe that it was five years ago today that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve grown so accustom to this life style that it seems much longer than five years. Then again, when I look back to that day in March, it feels like yesterday. Today I wanted to look back at my journey. I wanted to go back and really look at the past and think about what I’ve learned from the five years I’ve battled cancer. I read several of my early entries and what struck me most was how many of my most precious prayers had not been answered. All of my secondary prayers, all the prayers for logistics, help, apparent needs, those have been answered. But the prayers that form or formed the deepest desires of my heart, all have been left unanswered. I prayed that the cancer was contained and would not be in any other part of my body. That prayer request was denied. I prayed my daughter [whom I was carrying at the time] would have no complications at the time of her birth. That prayer, too, was denied. I prayed for healing over and over again. A prayer to this day that is denied. It all seems so cruel. Every deep seeded request of my heart, every prayer, every tear, all my worry, anxieties and fears were DENIED! Yes, it seems so cruel.
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Then, why is it after five years, this Jesus, this one person who has the power to grant me every desire of my heart and yet has chosen to deny me all of them, why is it now I love Him more than I ever have before? It doesn’t make sense. And that’s when I found what I had been looking for.”
He cried too and was denied. It was in a garden that Jesus prayed, “Father please take this cup of suffering from me.” The cup, Jesus was referring to, was the overflowing cup of the sins of mankind, a cup of death. Jesus, too, understands our denied prayers.
When on the cross, as He bore death for you and me, He cried out, “Father why have you forsaken me?” Only earlier He had shed His tears and fears to God the Father, “If it is possible take this suffering away from me. Yet, I want your will not mine.” (Matthew 26:39) It was through a denied prayer that the young mother with cancer has the hope of life. Maybe not extended life on earth, but eternal life with God. It was denied prayer that lead to death being defeated. You see, death comes to all of us once, but to those who die without Christ it comes twice. On the cross, Jesus, God as man, took the sting out of death. The Father denied the prayer of Jesus, a sacrifice made for the greater good. Sin was defeated at the moment the precious Lamb of God died for all mankind. There was nothing else needed. There are no creeds, special ceremonies or sacrifices needed to redeem us from sin. However, it didn’t end with only the death, but with an empty tomb. Do you fear death? I once did, but not any more. He (Jesus) lives so, I know that no matter how death comes to me here on this earth, I need not fear the second death
that would separate me from a loving Holy God. All I ever needed I found in Him (Jesus). Yes, that counts denied prayers. I, too, have had many.
I think I’ll let the young woman fighting breast cancer have the final word. She says it best.
In Her Words.
“Then I found what I had been looking for. The most important thing I learned over the past five years is this: Jesus is enough. It’s not profound. That is it. Jesus is enough. While my love for Him doesn’t neglect the desires of my heart (I still have them and they are oh, so strong). This love does provide a soothing balm to my weary soul. Jesus heals my soul despite my broken and failing body. You see, a healed soul allows me to look at the cruel circumstances and find a faithful Father. The presence of a faithful Father allows me to feel safe in cruel circumstances. I found Jesus to be true, so sure, so certain so faithful. I found all I need is Him. I learned Jesus is enough.” Jesus was and is enough. Nothing else is needed. It’s really simple. Embrace the love and receive the Grace. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)
He is risen! Sherry DeBray is an Author/Columnist and owner of It’Za Gift in the Pepper Tree Shopping Center. You can write to Sherry at Sherry. debray@gmail.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Do you have the world’s greatest mom?
Is she fun, creative, nurturing, inspiring? Does she have a love of the arts and a love of the beach?
“ArtsQUEST For The Greatest Mom” Contest Tell us why the mom in your life is the greatest, and she could win a trip to ArtsQuest, Mother’s Day Weekend (May 11-13, 2012) in Seaside, FL to enjoy a special weekend of artistic fun and relaxation in South Walton.
The winner will receive: A 2-night stay (May 11-13) courtesy of the Cottage Rental Agency, the premier vacation provider in Seaside, FL. The winning mom and her family will stay in the Savannah Sands, a luxurious three-bedroom, gulf front home, featuring spectacular views of the sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico. Two tickets to the Friday night concert in Ruskin Park featuring David Ryan Harris and Michelle Malone. Dinner for four at the famed Bud & Alley’s Restaurant in Seaside overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Beach Ready Spa Massage for Mom at the Beach Ready Spa in Seaside where the team will pamper Mom. Mother’s Day Brunch at the First Note Cafe in Blue Mountain Beach. With a brunch menu firmly rooted in Southern traditions, First Note combines deliciously diverse fare with musical artistry.
Nominate your Mom at www.artsquestflorida.com/mothersdaycontest entry deadline is April 15th. Visit the Artsquest website for additional information about ArtsQuest Fine Arts and Music Festival.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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MALE CALL
By Greg Budell
“WHAT I LERNED FROM THE 3 STOOGES” Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!
broken marriages, alcoholism and poor health. Whether it was too many slaps in the face or vases broken over his head, he had numerous strokes and was gone at age 48.
I am here to write a wrong.
It is my mission to correct the impression that The Three Stooges are a mindless, stupid, juvenile waste of time.
In contemporary cinema, The Farrelly Brothers, producers of numerous comedic box office successes (There’s Something About Mary, Shallow Hal and others) have been working on a Three Stooges movie. The project has been completed and the new Stooges debut this month (the 13th).
My DVR has been busy lately. AMC and IFC have been re-running Moe, Larry, Curly and the highly underrated Shemp almost daily and my machine records them all.
As a talk show host, I spend the day reading stories of corrupt, spineless buffoons running (ruining) everything from our Government to our schools. These stories make me angry. They make a lot of people angry.
As gas and grocery prices rise, and people wonder from day to day whether the job they hate, but need, will be there the next day. They can escape through the traditional means, turning to something in a can, glass or rolling paper. Those methods don’t work for me, so I have turned back to the men who made me smile as a kid. The Stooges became a habit for me in 1st grade. At 4PM, WGN-TV ran an hour of these (now) 75 year old shorts. Scottsdale Avenue on Chicago’s southwest side emptied at 4 because everyone watched them and our stay-at-home Moms had dinner ready at 5. Sure, there were plenty of slaps and stunts and many of the 220+ episodes were beyond silly- but I submit- GASP!- they were also educational.
In the Stooges’ early days, Moe and Company were often seen begging for food, or chased by the police for watermelon theft. I asked my Dad why they always had it so tough and he told me about the Great Depression. When I asked him why hamburgers were only a dime, he taught me about inflation. When I asked how all three stooges could fit in a garbage can, he had no answer.
The Stooges won an Oscar, you know. 1935’s “Men In Black” was the Short Subject winner and it was based on the 3 of them playing doctors. In that one episode, I learned
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about coma, anesthesia and their mutual dedication to “duty and humanity” so I learned about values, too.
All Three Stooges were Jewish. When Hitler came to power, several of their episodes mocked him. In fact, they were ridiculing Adolph well before the start of WWII. Charlie Chaplin is praised for “The Great Dictator”- a pre-war Hitler spoof -but the Stooges skewered him several times over. Moe, he of the sugar bowl haircut, said late in his life that “You Nazty Spy” and “I’ll Never Heil Again” were his favorite episodes because while funny, they also sent an important historical message. From watching those Stooges shorts produced in the early 40s, I also learned about rationing, blackouts, and the design of the Japanese flag. Hitler was so infuriated at Moe’s multiple (and dead-on) characterizations that he placed Moe on his personal “death list”. It is worth noting that the Stooges were on to Hitler when America was still isolationist and wanting nothing to do with events in Europe at the time. Pretty gutsy if you ask me. Consumers of modern comedy point to the genius of John Belushi and Chris Farley – large men who delivered huge laughs with nimble stunt comedy. I love them both- but Curly was their comedic forefather in the Funny-But-Tragic Big Man category.
Like many comic geniuses, Curly was a reallife disaster (uh, Charlie Sheen anyone?). He’s made several generations of Americans chuckle- but his personal life was one of
While eager to see the new Stooges, I am skeptical they can meet the standards set by the originls.
William Bendix was a pretty decent actor in his time but one movie- “The Babe Ruth Story”- made him a laughingstock because he just wasn’t Babe-like in any way. John Goodman tried to play The Babe too, and his version was even more pathetic. Actor Will Sasso has the daunting task of playing Curly. I like Sasso- he’s a funny guy who did some brilliant sketch comedy on MAD TV. (His Tony Soprano is classic- look it up on You Tube) When the original Curly’s declining health forced him to quit the Stooges, his own brother couldn’t quiet the critics. Rather than judge him for his own brilliance (Shemp mugged liked no one else), Shemp became known as the Stooge who wasn’t Curly. The Farrelly Brothers have their work cut out for them.
And when I cut out of work, I shut out the real world and pop on a Stooge short. The silliness and sound effects offer respite from the stooges making news these days. Those stooges drive my talk show, but also drive me crazy. Unlike the Original Three, they can be replaced.
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his dog Hershey. He’s a 25 year veteran of radio who hosts the Greg & Susan morning show 6-9 am and Happy Hour 3-6 pm on Newstalk 107.9, Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
AN ELEGANT STROLL THROUGH
ART IN THE GARDEN
Featuring Lifestyle Expert James Farmer On April 14th, 2012, the Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in Auburn, Alabama will host the third annual Art in the Garden event. Lynn Huggins, Special Private Event Coordinator, invited Gallery One Fine Art in Montgomery, Alabama, to participate again this year. This will be the 6th year our artist members have made contributions and worked with JCSM for the success of their spring fundraisers. JCSM Marketing and Events Manager, Colleen Bourdeau, says, “Outstanding food, wine, live music, a silent auction and landscape vignettes will introduce a delightful evening full of entertainment, including special guest speaker James Farmer. Beginning at 4:30p.m. on Saturday, guests will have an opportunity to admire the scenic landscape vignettes, sip wine and bid on fabulous auction items while enjoying live music by The Georgia
Art & Soul Songbird, E.G. Kight. Ursula’s Catering will offer food throughout the night to accompany the ongoing events. “Legendary AU football coach Pat Dye will be at the JCSM on Saturday, April 14th from 8am until 8pm selling his famous Japanese maple trees from his private nursery, Quail Hollow Gardens. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit “Art in the Garden.” The silent auction will consist of a variety of items available for bidding, including works of art, travel packages, spa packages, Disney World passes, airline tickets and much more. The remainder of the evening will include live music by Joey Allcorn and The Can’t Hardly Playboys and dancing under the stars.” Bourdeau continues, “James Farmer is a Georgia native and Auburn University graduate. He was raised to use the family garden for food, décor and flavor in his home. Farmer believes cooking and gardening go hand in hand. He will advise attendees on how to live the garden life. He regularly contributes his unique work to Southern Living Magazine, and his first book, A Time to Plant, was released in September 2011.
By Sandi Aplin Proceeds from Art in the Garden will benefit JCSM Exhibitions and Educational Programs. Tickets are $75. Per person. To sponsor this event or purchase tickets contact JCSM at 334.844.3005 or www.jcsm@ auburn.edu .” Gallery One Fine Art will also be working with Lynn Huggins on two other fundraising projects again this year. They are AU/ AUM Schools of Nursing Blue Jean BallCoach Dye’s Crooked Oaks/Auburn Oaks and AUM School of Education Scholarship Luau-Children’s Harbor, Alabama (Lake Martin). Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A free lance writer living in Montgomery, Alabama www.galleryonefineart.com
CAROL BARKSDALE and JOHN MAZAHERI Accepted into ENERGEN Competition
Adirondack Chairs for Leadership Montgomery
On March 25th Energen celebrated their 13th annual art competition. A record 511 pieces of art were submitted into the competition and 195 were selected to appear in the juried show. Gallery One Fine Art is pleased we were represented this year by our members Carol and John in this very presti- John Mazaheri and Carol Barksdale gious competition.
Julia Wallace is one of our member artists and art chair for the Leadership Montgomery, Quality of Life Committee. Julia explains, “This is a Leadership Montgomery Class XXVIII Quality of Life team project, designed to promote the arts in and beautification of Montgomery’s new Overlook Park and riverfront area. The Adirondack Chair – Corporate Challenge features 23 chairs designed by Alabama artists and will be on display permanently in the Overlook Park/Downtown Park area as well as some sponsor locations from April to May 2012. L-R, Shirley Esco, Cecily Hulett and Carol Barksdale The funds raised by Leadership Montgomery will be used for installing three new permanent sculptures in the downtown area. A local metal artist will be chosen to design and build the sculptures with the theme of Water, Rail and Wind to promote Montgomery’s rich heritage. Montgomery is a town that was built on the river, it grew through the use of railways as a means of trade and transportation and finally to air via the Wright Brothers Flight School which is now the home of Maxwell Air Force Base.” The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Gallery One Fine Art located at 423 Cloverdale Road, here in Montgomery next door to Filet and Vine’s excellent restaurant and wine shop. Our next Gallery Opening will be May 10th 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring new works by Carol Barksdale, Shirley Esco, Michelle Giddens and Kenneth Lever.
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April 2012
{12 Things} and a few more
for active boomers and beyond
CLOVERDALE
Thursday, April 12th, 6 pm
Cloverdale-Idlewild Spring Concert Series Cloverdale Bottom Park April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 4 pm
Rob Thornhill on Sunday, April 1st; Altison on Sunday, April 8th ; John Bull and Sheffield Walker on Sunday, April 15th; Ed Pickett on Sunday, April 22nd; Blackbird on Sunday, April 29th; all concerts at Cloverdale Bottom Park (Cloverdale Road at Ponce de Leon Avenue)
RIVER REGION
April Walking Tours April 7, 14, 21, 28
Experience the culture and history of Alabama this spring with Saturday Walking Tours. Some 25 towns across the state are offering free guided walking tours each Saturday morning in April. Each tour begins at 10 a.m. and is approximately one hour long. Community leaders will escort you through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns, sharing their personal remembrances and some tall tales from the old days. 2012 Tour Dates: April 7 | April 14 | April 21 | April 28. All tours offered on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Montgomery meets at Montgomery Area Visitor Center. Prattville meets at Autauga County Heritage Center. Selma meets at Dallas County Public Library. Tallassee meets at Mt. Vernom Theatre. Wetumpka meets at Chamber of Commerce
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN 14th Annual Dog U Tante Ball Let’s Go Hollywood
RSA Activity Center, Montgomery Downtown
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This is a fun filled evening to celebrate and show off your four legged friends. Dress up “Hollywood” style or come business casual A photographer will be taking pictures of you and your dog(s). As you enjoy bidding on great Silent Auction items, having drinks and a buffet dinner a babysitter (Montgomery Humane Society’s great Volunteers) will be taking care of your dog(s) for you! Don’t have a dog? Well there will be adoptable dogs presented that evening as well! Tickets (actually reservations) are $40 per person, $75 couple or $400 for a table of 8. $150 additional to present your dog or sponsor a shelter dog! Call Lea Turbert today to get your reservations at 334-409-0622 ext. 207 or email leaturbert@montgomeryhumane.com It’s going to be a BALL!! www.montgomeryhumane.com
MONTGOMERY
Junior League’s Annual Bloomingdeals April 13th and 14th
Bloomingdeals, the Junior League’s annual rummage sale, is held in the spring of each year. This is an opportunity to purchase new and gently used items donated to our sale. We will have furniture, men, women and children’s clothing and shoes, housewares, and our most popular area, the babies department. Don’t forget, all proceeds benefit our community projects. We look forward to seeing you there! Bloomingdeals, the Junior League’s annual rummage sale, will be held on April 13 - 14 at Garrett Coliseum. This is an opportunity to purchase wonderful new and gently used items. Bloomingdeals Hours Friday, April 13 (5pm-9pm) Saturday, April 14 (8am-10am)
MONTGOMERY
The Merry Wives of Windsor Henry VIII The Thirty Nine Steps Travels My Aunt Beginning April 13 Through May 20
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will roll merrily into its repertory season when William Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor opens on April 13 followed by Henry VIII on April 19. In addition to the openings of these two Shakespearean works, two hilarious comedies The Thirty Nine Steps and Travels My Aunt will reopen for the second half of their runs on April 22. ASF’s Extreme Weekends, in which theatre lovers can see all four repertory shows Friday through Sunday are available April 20-22 and 27-29 as well as May 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20. Tickets are available by calling 800.841.4273, visiting on line at www.asf.net or at the ASF box office located at 1 Festival Drive in the heart of Montgomery’s beautiful Blount Cultural Park.
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN James Gregory “The Funniest Man in America” Saturday, April 14, 7:30 pm Tickets: $30, $20
Gregory’s success, like his comedy, is the direct result of the values he grew up with. And now, twenty something years later, it is this unique brand of humor that packs the crowds into his sold-out shows. The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life”, Gregory reflects. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
It ’s a G re at T i m e to B e B o o m i n g ! P l e a s e s u b m i t a ny event s / p i c t u re s to j i m @ r i ve r re g i o n b o o m . co m
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Second Saturdays Riverfront Festivals Riverfront Amphitheater April 14, 5-8 pm
Beginning April 14th, Montgomery’s Riverfront comes alive from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. every second Saturday through September. So plan on it, program it in and circle it on your calendar! To kick off the Second Saturday Riverfront Festivals, join us as WCOV and Baptist Health present a FREE family event featuring live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages and food concessions from Cantina, Dreamland BBQ, Peppertree Steaks and Wine, Cheezies Pizza, Nancy’s Italian Ice, Bruster’s Ice Cream and Nathan’s Hot Dogs. We will also be celebrating the grand opening of The Sand Bar at the Silos situated high atop Riverfront Park. Be sure to stick around on April 14th as John Lee Paints sponsors the “Paint the Sky” fireworks show at 8pm. The folks at Riverfront Facilities are making every Second Saturday special all the way through September!
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Montgomery Ballet Gala Celebration Montgomery Performing Arts Centre April 20 and 21st
Montgomery Ballet will be mounting its Spring Gala Celebration at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre on April 20 and 21, 2012. A celebration of classical and contemporary dance, the Spring Gala features an exclusive world premiere, a sensual neo-classical exploration of human love and attraction, and a condensed version of a classical favorite. Guest artists Adria Ferrali of Florence, Italy and Australian Timothy O’Donnell will be premiering new contemporary ballets for southeastern audiences, and the Montgomery Ballet’s own Darren McIntyre will be re-staging the classic le Corsaire. Montgomery Ballet’s Spring Gala Celebration 2012 will take place at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre on April 20th at 7:30p and April 21 at 2:30p. Admission is $45, $35, $25, and $15 with discounts available for seniors, children, students, and military. Tickets can be purchased through the MPAC box office at 334.481.5100 and 800.745.3000, or online at www.montgomeryballet.org.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
PRATTVILLE
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN
The city of Prattville will offer children and grandparents a chance to explore different types of vehicles at the “Touch a Truck” event at Pratt Park on Saturday, April 21. Kids will be able to experience what it’s like to be inside the vehicles while learning about how they operate. There will be various types of vehicles available for kids to explore, including A ladder fire truck, an ambulance, a police swat truck, a garbage truck, a wrecker, a rollback, a motor grader, an excavator, a radio station truck, a dump truck, a television truck and more. The event is free and will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
BGarrison Keillor was born in 1942 in Anoka, Minnesota, and began his radio career as a freshman at the University of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1966. He went to work for Minnesota Public Radio in 1969, and on July 6, 1974, he hosted the first broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion in St. Paul. The show ended in 1987, resumed in 1989 in New York as The American Radio Company, returned to Minnesota, and in 1993 resumed the name A Prairie Home Companion. Over 3 million listeners on more than 450 public radio stations now hear the show each week. www.mpaconline.org
Touch a Truck Pratt Park Saturday, April 21st, 10-2 pm
MONTGOMERY Plant It Montgomery Oak Park April 21st, 9 am
“Plant It” Montgomery will be held on April 21st, beginning at 9 a.m. in Oak Park. There will be giveaways of Crepe Myrtles, Gardenias and Tomato Plants. Along with the giveaways activities will be available for children, speakers on hand as well as a presentation of the Fitzgerald Award.
UNION SPRINGS
The Passing of Pearl The Red Door Theatre April 26-29, Dinner at 6 p.m. play at 7:30 p.m
The Passing of Pearl at the Red Door Theatre, Union Springs, April 26-29, 2012 A play about friendship, forgiveness, acceptance and love, ‘The Passing of Pearl’ is set in a diner in Memphis in the 1980s. It tells the story of a brash, outspoken, hilarious and wise waitress trying, along with her good friend and colleague Daphne, to pick up the pieces and carry on after the death of Pearl, the kindhearted old lady who owned the diner.” (Bluefield Daily Telegraph) This production will be presented in the historic Red Door Theatre. Each performance will be preceded by a seated dinner. Performances on 4/26, 4/27, 4/28, 5/4, & 5/5. Dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required); play at 7:30 p.m. each evening except 5/5 when dinner is at 12:30 p.m.; play at 2:00 p.m. Contact (334) 738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net for info. Visit www.reddoortheatre.org
An Evening with Garrison Keillor MPAC Wednesday, April 25 at 8:00 pm
SANDESTIN
Sandestin Wine Festival April 26 - 29th
Sandestin Wine Festival Times vary. Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Florida. The Sandestin Wine Festival brings an opportunity for discovery with four days of unique events from private dinners, participating in auctions for rare and distinctive wines and taking part in wine tastings that showcase an unprecedented 600 wines. Enjoy live music, interactive experiences at the Culinary Pavilion and shops and dining in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Ticket prices vary. www.sandestinwinefestival.com
TROY
Troyfest April 28-29
Times vary. Downtown Troy. Held in honor of Jean Lake, TroyFest is the premier fine art and craft festival for the central Alabama region. The weekend long show draws upward of 10,000 people to downtown Troy to celebrate the arts. Enjoy a wonderful selection of art, food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Free admission. www.troyfest.com
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Shhhhhh……Baby is sleeping. The only way for your baby to sleep is:
A
ALONE, by him/her self and no one else No toys No parents No blankets No animals
B C
BACK, on their backs (face up) NOT side, NOT tummy NOT propped up with blankets or cushions
CRIB NO adult bed NO couch or sofa NO lounge chair NO futon
G A L 1-800 - 545 -1098
www. a d p h. o rg /g a l