Living 50 Plus Magazine June/July 2022

COMPLIMENTARY

Decatur-Morgan

JUNE/ JULY 2022

Immersed in fitness

Two-time cancer survivor Haruki Yokochi uses swimming to stay healthy, Page 12

Continuing to serve

Love of learning

American Legion members give back to community and develop friendships, Page 6

Carol Shaw built connections with students in 40 years as an educator, the past 39 in Decatur, Page 22

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Publisher CLINT SHELTON Operations Director SCOTT BROWN Executive Editor BRUCE MCLELLAN Living 50 Plus Editor LORI FEW City Editor ERIC FLEISCHAUER Assistant City Editor FRANKLIN HARRIS Living 50 Plus Writers CATHERINE GODBEY • MICHAEL WETZEL BAYNE HUGHES • WES TOMLINSON ERICA SMITH

A FEW STATISTICS ABOUT GRANDPARENTING

Living 50 Plus Photographer JERONIMO NISA Circulation Director WALTER GOGGINS Circulation Manager REBECCA BRAUN Advertising Director BARETTA TAYLOR Advertising Graphic Artists STEPHEN JOHNSON • RHONDA STENNETT Retail Advertising TERRI HASTON • BECKY SPIVEY SHELIA SMITH • EDDIE JOHNS ANNA BAKER Website DANIEL BUFORD Decatur-Morgan

Visit us at living50plusdm.com HOW TO REACH US For story ideas or comments: Bruce McLellan 256-340-2431 For distribution questions: Rebecca Braun 256-340-2414

For advertising questions: Baretta Taylor 256-340-2370 For website questions: Daniel Buford 256-340-2408 Published by Decatur Daily Tennessee Valley Media

ON THE COVER: Two-time cancer survivor Haruki Yokochi is a competitive masters swimmer at age 70. Photo by Jeronimo Nisa.

Cover design by Stephen Johnson.

4 Decatur Living 50 Plus

S

chool is out for summer, meaning a greater number of grandparents will be caring for their grandchildren while parents are at work. Here are a few facts to think about when it comes to grandparenting.

1. The grandparent/grandchild relationship is second in emotional importance only to the parent/child relationship.

2. Some research shows that as many as 9 out of 10 adult grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their values and behaviors. Grandparents transmit to their grandchildren the values and norms of social order.

Without such intergenerational continuity, some theorists say the stage is set for conflict and disruptive change, not only within the family but also in the broader society.

3. Grandparents take care of their grandchildren by babysitting, with one in ten living in the same household with their grandchildren, and 5 percent of those being the primary caregiver.

Grandkids are the elixir of life! The greater emotional support grandparents and grandchildren receive from one another, the better their psychological and physiological health.

• Grandparents agree that having grandchildren has a positive impact on mental health.

• Grandchildren also make grandparents more sociable and more physically active.

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Decatur Living 50 Plus 5

STILL SERVING

AMERICAN LEGION OFFERS VETERANS FRIENDSHIPS AND WAYS TO HELP OTHERS

By MICHAEL WETZEL Living 50 Plus

M

ore than 300 military veterans in Morgan County find fellowship, comfort and a sense of belonging when they visit the American Legion Post 15 on U.S. 31 South in Decatur. But most of all, the membership, with an average age in the mid-60s, concentrates on community service, post members say.

“Anytime you walk into a new place and you don’t know anybody, you will be a little bit on the edge, of course. But if a veteran comes into an American Legion, they know they are talking to other veterans. It makes it a whole lot easier to come in and strike up a conversation and start making friends right away,” said U.S. Air Force retiree Bill Cole, who serves as junior vice commander with the post.

“Camaraderie amongst veterans is important. In the American Legion, you have no military grade. It doesn’t matter 6 Decatur Living 50 Plus

The honor guard prepares to leave the American Legion Post 15 building on U.S. 31 South in Decatur on its way to a funeral in May. [MICHAEL WETZEL]

if you were a lieutenant colonel or an E5 in the military. Here we are all on the same level. Most everybody who comes here is very willing to help serve. Most people join the American Legion to continue to serve. We’re serving veterans, serving veterans’ families and serving the community.”

Cole, 81, also leads the honor guard, which performs at funerals for military veterans across north Alabama.

Marsha King, Post 15 auxiliary president, said about 75% of the membership is over 50 years old and all are proud of their service.

“Mental health wise, it is very important to be involved in something outside of the home,” she said. “Our members come here to a very trusted environment. Everyone here has a military background, and they can come here and feel safe.

When you come here there is a brotherhood, a sisterhood.

Bill Cole

American Legion honor guard members — from left, James Larsen, Charles Anglin, Bob Train, George Marsh and Bill Cole — practice before performing at a veteran’s funeral in Courtland in May. [MICHAEL WETZEL]

We’re a family with a goal to help our members. It is a great way to get our veterans involved in community service. Our motto is ‘service, not self.’”

Bingo, dances and dinner banquets are frequent activities, which provide members ways to stay involved, post members say. Bingo every Saturday at 6 p.m. does more than send lucky winners home with $3,500 in cash, it generates revenue for

college scholarships, funeral honors and money to charities.

Bingo chairman and past post commander Harald Belletete, 77, said the post is required by city ordinance to give away at least 51% of the net proceeds from the bingo games.

The U.S. Army retiree said about 150 people regularly attend the Saturday night games.

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HELPING YOUTH AND VETERANS Post Commander and retired U.S. Army Capt. Joseph Woodbury said JROTC and the American Legion’s Boys and Girls State programs are among the benefactors.

“We are sponsoring 29 boys and girls for Boys and Girls State this summer in Troy,” he said. “They’ll spend a week creating a government and learn how it works.”

He said the members also honor 18 outstanding citizens and public servants in Morgan County at an annual banquet.

“American Legion members provide care and support for fellow veterans, too,” said Woodbury, 56. “We recently built a handicapped ramp at no cost to the veteran at the veteran’s home.”

He said the post members occasionally will visit homebound veterans. “It gives them an opportunity to talk with a friendly face and share stories with other veterans,” Woodbury said.

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INSTANT BOND Gold star mother and post facility manager Violet Kaylor, 60, said she never served in the military but lost her son, John-Erik Loney, when he was killed in Iraq in 2006. She said she became interested in joining the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars groups after his death. Loney graduated from Danville High in 2003 before he joined the U.S. Army a year later, Harald Belletete she said.

She added the veterans’ spouses, motorcycle-riding veterans, and families of veterans also have branches of the American Legion they can participate in.

“The fellowship with these groups is special,” she said. “I see it when members come in and there is that instant bond. They understand what each of them have been through. We take pride in the community service our veterans provide.”

8 Decatur Living 50 Plus

An M-50 tank sits in front of the American Legion Post 15 building on U.S. 31 South in Decatur. [MICHAEL WETZEL]

Belletete, born in Stuttgart, Germany, said the activities keep the veterans busy plus some helped renovate the 10,000-square-foot facility in 2018 and 2019.

“We’ve got so many skilled people who offered their

talents in this renovation,” he said. “It took about five months. … Members come in and are very respectful to each other and that respect turns into friendships. The friendships you build here are friendships for life.”

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Decatur Living 50 Plus 9

By METRO NEWS

R

aising children is a significant responsibility. Parents know there’s no such thing as a day off, which is why the first day they come home to an empty nest can be so confounding.

HOW EMPTY NESTERS

can overcome boredom EMPTY NESTERS LOOKING TO BANISH BOREDOM CAN CONSIDER THESE STRATEGIES

After roughly two busy and likely hectic decades or more of looking after their children, parents whose sons or daughters have left home for the first time may experience feelings of sadness and loss. That’s not unusual, as the Mayo Clinic notes it’s a phenomenon known as “empty nest syndrome.” Though it’s not a clinical diagnosis, empty nest syndrome can be a difficult hurdle to overcome, especially for parents who find themselves suddenly bored after years of being so busy. Empty nesters looking to banish boredom can consider these strategies.

10 Decatur Living 50 Plus

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· Give your home a new look.

Parents go to great lengths to make their homes welcoming safe havens for their children. Moms and dads often joke that, between play rooms and study areas, kids get the bulk of the real estate under their roofs.

Now that the children have moved out, parents can take back that space and refresh their homes.

A home that’s adapted for empty nesters will look quite different from one designed for families with young children. So a renovation or redesign can provide plenty of work that can fill idle time and instill a sense of excitement about the future. · Become a weekend road warrior.

Newly minted empty nesters are likely still working full-time. But now that there’s no soccer practices or band recitals taking up valuable real estate on your weekend schedule, Saturdays and Sundays

can provide perfect opportunities to travel. Plan routine weekend getaways, choosing different locales for each trip. Visit a city one weekend and devote a subsequent trip to the great outdoors. · Reconnect with old friends.

Some individuals experiencing empty nest syndrome may be hesitant to admit they’re experiencing feelings of sadness and loneliness. But a recent Sky Mobile study of parents of teenagers in England found that 47 percent were fretting about having an empty nest. So it’s likely that old friends and fellow parents are experiencing feelings associated with empty nest syndrome. Reaching out to old friends is a great way to reconnect and can provide an outlet to discuss feelings parents might be hesitant to share with others. But empty nesters who experience significant feelings of sadness and loneliness

are urged to speak with a health care professional as well. · Replace kids’ activities with your own. After years of toting kids from one extracurricular activity to another, empty nesters can now do the same for themselves. Visit local community centers and libraries and ask about classes for adults.

Many offer classes on everything from crafts to sports. Adults also can research continuing education programs at local colleges and universities if they’re interested in a career change or pursuing an advanced degree for personal enrichment.

Newly minted empty nesters can look at their empty nest as an opportunity to engage in activities that pique their interests after years of catering to the needs and wants of their children.

S

tudents often experience some jitters on the first day of school, but the prospect of such nervousness doesn’t appear to be too great a deterrent for students 60 and older. Officials at Toronto’s York University estimated they had around 430 students aged 60 and older in undergraduate and graduate programs in 2021.

AGE IS NO DETERRENT when it comes to academics

Increased enrollment among people at or nearing what is often considered retirement age could be a reflection of what the AARP notes has been an increase in continuing education courses at many colleges and universities. Such courses may be offered to individuals of a certain age at reduced tuition. They also can help workers over 50 learn new skills that can benefit them in an everadapting professional landscape that increasingly relies on technologies that may not have been around when older professionals attended college and began their careers.

Decatur Living 50 Plus 11

WATER WARRIOR

Two-time cancer survivor jumps headfirst into swimming As told to CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

F

Haruki Yokochi trains at the Aquadome Recreation Center pool. The 70-year-old typically swims 10 to 15 hours a week.

[JERONIMO NISA]

12 Decatur Living 50 Plus

our years ago, after completing rounds of chemotherapy and radiation during his second battle with colon cancer, Haruki Yokochi searched for a way to stay healthy.

“After I got cancer the first time, I went to the gym five days a week and lifted weights and ran on the treadmill. After my second cancer, I stopped going to the gym. I wanted to find another way to get in shape,” the 70-year-old Decatur resident said.

Drawn to the mental and physical benefits of swimming — specifically for older adults — Yokochi jumped headfirst into the sport.

“I knew how to swim, but it was never my sport,” he said. “YouTube was my coach. I learned to flip turn, to work on interval training and on techniques to gain endurance and speed.”

During his lunch hour, Yokochi practiced the techniques he learned on YouTube at the Aquadome Recreation Center.

“Haruki is one of the reasons I want to keep swimming. He is a great example of the benefits of swimming.

Swimming is something you can do all your life,” said Dawn McAfee, who coaches Yokochi and the Decatur Area Swim Team.

Those benefits include increasing endurance and oxygen intake levels while, at the same time, limiting stress on the joints.

“Swimming doesn’t have the same

Haruki Yokochi, right, stands with Madison Titans coach Roger von Jouanne at the Southeastern Zone Masters Championships in Auburn.

Yokochi finished second in his age group at the meet, and the Titans were the team runner-up.

[COURTESY PHOTO]

impact on the body that running has,” McAfee said. “Saying that, water does put pressure all over the body.

Essentially it strengthens everything it touches.”

SWIMMING IN RETIREMENT When Yokochi retired from Toray last year, his pursuit of swimming

expanded. In February 2021, he joined the Madison Titans, a masters swim team.

To participate in the masters swimming program, individuals must be at least 18 and swim 25 to 50 yards.

Yokochi represents the oldest member in the Madison Titans’ 20-year history.

Coached by Roger von Jouanne,

who swam internationally for the United States, the Madison Titans practice every weekday from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Yokochi attends every practice.

“This means I have to get up at 5 a.m. when it’s still dark out to drive to ... Dublin Park in Madison where the pool is located. As I was never a morning person, it takes a lot of determination and commitment to stay on the team,” Yokochi said.

During a typical practice, Yokochi swims 2,000 to 3,000 yards — that equals anywhere from 80 to 120 lengths of a 25-yard pool.

“Roger and other teammates were very receptive to my joining the team although my level of swimming was way below their abilities. I am the oldest and slowest of the group, but I work hard. By the time I get out of the pool I am exhausted. But I also feel a sense of accomplishment. It is a great way to start the day,” Yokochi said.

AGE GROUP RUNNER-UP In March of this year, Yokochi competed with the Madison Titans during the Southeastern Zone Masters Championships in Auburn.

Haruki Yokochi swims laps in freestyle at the Aquadome pool. He is a two-time cancer survivor.

[JERONIMO NISA]

Decatur Living 50 Plus 13

Haruki Yokochi trains at the Aquadome pool. He spends much of his training time at the Dublin Park pool in Madison where he works out with the Madison Titans. [JERONIMO NISA]

The Southeastern Zone covers eight states and 35 teams competed in the championships. The Titans placed second.

Yokochi, who participated in eight individual events and two relays, came in second in his age group.

“It was a little intimidating at first. I have made some mistakes due to lack of experience, but I was happy to complete all events,” Yokochi said. “I think I enjoyed the relays the most. When it comes to relays, not only do you swim for yourself, but for your entire team. It gives me an extra motivation to swim faster.”

McAfee described Yokochi as “a beast.”

“I want Yokochi to visit with my youth swim teams. They need to see how hard he works. He is amazing,” McAfee said.

Yokochi typically swims 10 to 15 hours a week, divided between one session at the Aquadome and five sessions at Madison’s Dublin Park.

14 Decatur Living 50 Plus

He plans on swimming as long as physically possible.

“Swimming and retirement form a synergy. I cannot think of retirement without swimming and vice-versa.

Swimming is a complex and technical sport. I am only beginning to learn it. It takes a lot of dedication and long hours of training to be a good swimmer. I have utmost respect for all seasoned swimmers,” Yokochi said.

The Aquadome pool is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $25 per quarter for ages 62 and older and $50 per quarter for ages 61 and younger. The facility also offers water aerobics Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 to 9:55 a.m., and water walking Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10-10:55 a.m. The cost of the classes is $10 per month.

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Decatur Living 50 Plus 15

HOW TO ORGANIZE A SOCIAL CLUB

THESE TIPS CAN HELP INDIVIDUALS OVER 50 START SOCIAL CLUBS THAT APPEAL TO LOCALS WHO ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FUN WAYS TO MEET NEW PEOPLE

T

he early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic taught the world many lessons, not the least of which was how easy it can be take socializing for granted.

Lockdown was a big part of life during the early days of the pandemic, as people were forced to stay home from work and school and remain largely isolated, even from their own friends and family members.

The sense of isolation that many people developed 16 Decatur Living 50 Plus

during those early days of the pandemic likely didn’t come as a surprise to medical researchers, particularly those who have studied the effects of isolation on aging populations. The National Institute on Aging indicates that social isolation and loneliness are linked to depression as well as a host of other negative health outcomes, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and cognitive decline.

Social clubs can be a great way for adults over 50 to avoid isolation and loneliness. Such clubs can provide opportunities to connect with individuals who share similar interests, laying the foundation for new friendships that can be hard to develop in midlife.

Perhaps the best thing about social clubs is that anyone can start one. These tips can help individuals over 50 start social clubs that appeal to locals who are on the lookout for fun ways to meet new people. · Think of a hobby unique to your location. One of the best ways to attract other locals is to find a hobby that caters to residents in your area. For example, coastal residents may want to start a local fishing club, while city dwellers may draw more interest starting a club focused on local museums or restaurants. · Take all comers. Individuals over 50 may aspire to meet people in situations similar to their own, but they should still allow anyone interested in their club to join. Adults in the early stages of midlife (i.e., their thirties and forties) are often too busy with their personal and professional lives to make much time for social clubs, so it’s likely that those interested will

be 50 or older. But accepting all who are interested can increases the chances of starting a diverse and engaging group. · Spread the word. Meetup (meetup.com) has been facilitating connections for two decades, making it a great place to start a group for people with shared interests. In addition to utilizing a service like Meetup, founders can spread the word through their social media apps and create fliers to post on public boards at local community centers and libraries. · Find a public place to get together. It’s best to avoid hosting club events and meetings at a private residence, including your own. Instead, prior to starting the club, look around for meeting places, which can include local churches, libraries or community centers. Ask about reserving spaces for meetings and look for places that are accessible for all people, including those with mobility issues.

Starting a social club can be a great way for individuals over 50 to meet new people and explore new or existing passions.

Thankful to our communities for calling and keeping us busy through 2021! Our families appreciate YOU!

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Shane Jones, President

Decatur Living 50 Plus 17

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DID YOU KNOW? MUSIC HISTORIANS SAY JAZZ ORIGINATED IN NEW ORLEANS DURING THE LATTER HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

were included in these musical stylings.

These styles combined to form what would become “ragtime” and later “jazz” music.

Jazz style is emphasized by swing and blues notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, and improvisation.

The Tri-State Jazz Society says jazz continued to evolve and around 1945 “modern” jazz was created. Over the years, there have been many great jazz musicians, from Scott Joplin to Lou Watters to Duke Ellington to Billy Holliday to Louis Armstrong.

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usic historians say jazz originated in New Orleans during the latter half of the 19th century. As a port city in Louisiana, New Orleans welcomed people from all over the world, including West Africa.

These immigrants brought the sounds of their native countries to the streets of New Orleans.

When slavery was abolished after the American Civil War, many former slaves found jobs as musicians and shared the rhythm and blues of African roots. In addition, church hymns, field chants and Cuban-inspired rhythms

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Decatur Living 50 Plus 19

Toyota Field in nearby Madison is home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Looking for summer fun at the ballpark is only a short drive away. Besides the regular Minor league baseball season, Toyota Field plays host to a variety of special events throughout the year. Check out www.trashpandasbaseball.com for information. [CONTRIBUTED]

GREAT WEEKEND GETAWAY IDEAS

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME WEEKEND GETAWAY IDEAS THAT ARE TAILOR-MADE FOR SUMMER FUN

By METRO NEWS

F

ew things embody a summertime vibe better than a day spent soaking up the sun and enjoying a warm breeze in the great outdoors. Warm weather and generally dry conditions are one reason why summer is so popular among vacationers. Even individuals who can’t get away on vacation this summer can still look to the weekend as a great time to hit the road or the friendly skies for weekend getaways.

20 Decatur Living 50 Plus

Convenience and proximity are two selling points when choosing weekend getaway destinations. The following are some weekend getaway ideas that are tailor-made for summer fun.

TAKE YOURSELF OUT TO THE BALLGAME. The pandemic forced millions of baseball fans to stay home as their favorite team battled it out on the diamond. No fans were allowed during the shortened 2020 season, and the

2021 season began with many teams allowing only limited attendance. Some fans might not have felt comfortable returning to packed stadiums last summer. Now that attendance restrictions have been lifted, what better way to enjoy America’s pastime than in person? Take a weekend to follow your favorite team on the road or visit a stadium you’ve never been to. Many ballparks are now surrounded by great restaurants and five-star hotels, making a ballpark trip an ideal way to experience a new city in style.

MAKE IT A WATER-BASED WEEKEND. No matter where you live, a body of water is no doubt nearby. Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that roughly 40 percent of the United States population lives in a coastal region, oceans aren’t the only places to find some sand and enjoy a warm summer breeze.

Lakes and rivers are great places to relax, and getaway seekers can utilize sites like Airbnb and Vrbo to find shortterm waterfront rentals.

SOAK UP THE CITY LIGHTS. Big cities tend to clear out on summer weekends, which can make this an ideal

time to visit. City visitors won’t have to contend with the sizable crowds that descend on metropolises in winter, when indoor entertainment is in high demand. That means savvy travelers also may find discounts on live theater and local concerts. It also won’t be as difficult to book reservations at the latest culinary hotspots, particularly for travelers who book early.

HIT THE SLOPES (SERIOUSLY). Skiing might be the furthest thing on people’s minds in summer. However, skiing hotspots can make for the ideal summer getaways for individuals looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead of traversing slopes on skis, visitors can hike their way through the mountains before retiring to their resort for a more laid-back evening of relaxation.

There’s no wrong way to get away. Summer travelers who don’t have much time to escape can look to some unique weekend getaway ideas and enjoy a relaxing taste of something new.

Looking for a summer day trip, a drive to Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, AL is a treat. Inside the cavern are some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created including “Goliath”- one of the largest stalagmites in the world measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Cathedral Caverns features many amazing sites: a “caveman” perched atop a flowstone wall, a “frozen” waterfall, a large stalagmite forest and a most improbable stone formation - a stalagmite that is 27 feet tall and 3 inches wide! Go to www.alapark.com/parks/cathedral-caverns-statepark for more information. [LORI FEW]

Decatur Living 50 Plus 21

Carol Shaw teaches a math class last month at Frances Nungester Elementary School. Shaw, 63, announced she was retiring at the end of May after working for Decatur schools for 39 years. [JERONIMO NISA]

LOVE OF LEARNING DECATUR TEACHER RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS IN EDUCATION

By WES TOMLINSON Staff Writer

I

n 40 years of teaching elementary school, Carol Shaw said she has learned just as much from her students as they have from her, and she encourages young teachers to develop and maintain a “childrenfirst” mentality.

“You have to know where your kids are coming from,” Shaw said. “I know them and I try to know their parents too.”

Laura Graham said that Shaw was instrumental in teaching Graham’s granddaughter, Raiden Sivley, how to read in Shaw’s after-school study sessions.

22 Decatur Living 50 Plus

“My granddaughter had struggled a little bit in learning how to read,” Graham said. “(Shaw) would take time to help her with her homework ... and her patience with children is just phenomenal. I can’t stress how much she wants her children to succeed; that’s the big thing.”

Sivley was in Shaw’s after-school group for two years and this year is a student in her first-grade class at Frances Nungester Elementary.

“I’m thankful that (Raiden) has her for a teacher this year where she can stay in her class all day,” Graham said.

“I think (Shaw) is one of the greats and I’m thankful that Raiden was able to have her before she retired.”

Shaw, 63, announced she was retiring at the end of May after working for Decatur schools for 39 years, but

transferred to Frances Nungester Elementary and has been there since.

Shaw said a fellow teacher at Courtland Elementary gave her the advice to know her students and said she has made it a point ever since then to do so.

Shaw said she was reminded of this advice last week when she was talking with one of her students at Frances Nungester Elementary. She said another student had gone on vacation to the beach and the student she was speaking with told her he had never seen the ocean.

“We sometimes take stuff like that for granted,” Shaw said. “You have to know where your students are coming from.”

Former Frances Nungester Principal Cheryl Bowman has known Shaw for over 20 years and said she believes Shaw’s relationship-building skills with students made her a valued and respected teacher at the school during Bowman’s tenure from 2002-12.

“She’s always had a reputation for being a champion for students,” Bowman said of Shaw. “She’s taken students that struggled with learning to being able to become scholars.”

Bowman said Shaw has even gone out of her way to buy shoes, food, clothes and backpacks for some students.

“When you say, ‘Any means necessary,’ that’s the kind of teacher (Shaw) was,” Bowman said.

TECHNOLOGY’S IMPACT This veteran educator has seen many changes take place in her career, the most significant being technology.

“I feel like education swings on a pendulum; we might focus on math for a while and then we switch and focus on she won’t leave the school system completely behind her.

“I’m coming back and working as an interventionist in the fall,” Shaw said.

Shaw said she will work part time and plans to sign a contract for a year and will decide her next move in life after that year is up. She said her retirement from full-time teaching will allow her to focus more on hobbies such as working in her garden at her house.

STAYED AT NUNGESTER Shaw hails from St. Louis and moved to Alabama after high school graduation to attend college at the University of North Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree from there and her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Shaw got her start teaching at the old Courtland Elementary in Lawrence County for one year where she had 11 students in her first-grade class. After one year in Courtland, Shaw transferred to Lakeview Elementary School in Decatur, now known as Leon Sheffield Magnet School. She worked there for two years and then she

Carol Shaw uses a camera and a projector in her math class at Frances Nungester Elementary School. [JERONIMO NISA]

Decatur Living 50 Plus 23

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Carol Shaw helps Raiden Sivley during a math class at Frances Nungester Elementary School. Sivley’s grandmother Laura Graham says of Shaw: “Her patience with children is just phenomenal.” [JERONIMO NISA]

24 Decatur Living 50 Plus

reading,” Shaw said. “You hear parents say all the time, ‘Well, I didn’t learn that until I was in third grade, but now first graders are learning that.’ We have to let parents realize that education has changed and the expectations of what we had back when they were in school is a lot different than what teachers are having to teach now.”

Shaw said the one constant fact that remains after 40 years in education is that in-person instruction will always be the best teaching method.

“There’s a place for technology but I don’t think it needs to take the place of face-to-face instruction. Teachers need to still be in there teaching,” Shaw said.

Shaw said it is important for young teachers to seek advice from old teachers and to be flexible. She gave an example of a situation that would require a teacher to change their plans.

“I could think that I have the best plans for that day and I can walk in the classroom and something has happened,” Shaw said. “Those plans that I thought would work will have to be put aside and you deal with the situation that’s happening right there in the classroom.”

Shaw is one of 53 mentors in Decatur schools involved in the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program, a statewide voluntary program available to all Alabama schools. She said the program was put there to encourage first- and second-year teachers to stay in the teaching field, but she said it was a “two-way street.”

“The young teachers have to be willing to ask for help also,” Shaw said.

Bowman is currently the principal of Shwab Elementary School in Nashville and said Shaw was the “epitome of what I want to fully staff my school with.”

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By METRO NEWS

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arm weather means more time to relax outdoors. For those homeowners lucky enough to have entertaining spaces outside, spring and summer provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air under the sun or stars.

TURN YOUR YARD into a vacationworthy oasis

HERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE AN OUTDOOR OASIS AT HOME

Over the last few years, families have become especially familiar with what works about their yards and where there is room for improvement.

Pandemic-related travel restrictions and early stay-at-home mandates resulted in plenty of time spent in backyards on staycations. Even though many such restrictions have been lifted, homeowners may have seen the benefits of having functional respites right outside their doors.

A backyard renovation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.

The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests homeowners

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26 Decatur Living 50 Plus

budget the cost of a major landscaping project at between 5 and 10 percent of their home’s value. Large or small, here are ways to make an outdoor oasis at home.

CREATE LIVING PRIVACY Living in close proximity to neighbors may make privacy harder to come by. Wood or vinyl fences, however effective, may not provide the all-natural look many people desire. Vertical gardening, which trains easy-care vines like English ivy, Clematis or various climbing roses to grow on trellis or fencing adds greenery and privacy. Hedges and fast-growing shrubs also can be used for natural barriers.

INSTALL A POOL Pools are the ultimate spots to cool off on hot days. An elaborately shaped inground pool can blend in with the landscape and offer the ultimate hang-out zone. However,

above-ground pools also serve the purpose and are more budgetfriendly. Stock tank pools are popular among those who want minimal pool expenditure or have small spaces to work with. Stock tanks are metal vessels traditionally used as watering holes for livestock.

They also can be “adult kiddie pools” when combined with some plumbing. Galvanized steel frames make them sturdy. With floats and other accessories, they can become the perfect oasis.

PROVIDE OUTDOOR ATMOSPHERE Create a bespoke bistro vibe by using freestanding planters and posts along with hanging lights to make an intimate outdoor hangout spot at night. For those with permanent structures, like a deck or a gazebo, lights can be strung across the area or on railings or edging.

EXTEND THE LIVING SPACE Decks and patios can help make outdoor entertaining areas more comfortable by eliminating the need to sit on the grass or gravel.

Plus, they add another “room” to the home. When paired with weatherproof patio furniture, such as sofas, loungers and tables, a private seating area can be crafted and utilized for any number of entertaining desires.

HANG A HAMMOCK Few things evoke feelings of relaxation better than a hammock.

Fitted between two trees (or two posts if trees are sparse), a hammock is an ideal place to grab a nap or read a book.

Additional oasis-inspired ideas include outdoor kitchens, letting up lanterns, cascading water features, and bird feeders to attract the sounds of nature.

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Decatur Living 50 Plus 27

SIMPLE WAYS

TO LESSEN YOUR FINANCIAL LOAD AFTER 50

By METRO NEWS

B

y the time people reach their fiftieth birthday, many have begun to imagine what their life in retirement may look like. Though data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of people working into their 70s increased significantly during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the vast majority of professionals still call it a career sometime during their 60s.

Retirement may still be a long way off for people who are 50 or in their early 50s, but around this time thoughts of what retirement could be compel many people to seek ways to reduce their financial load in anticipation of the day when they will no longer be working. Cutting back needn’t be complicated, and the following are some simple ways for individuals 50 and over to save money. · Address unsecured debt. Unsecured debt, which can include credit card balances and medical bills, tends to carry higher interest rates than debts that carry a collateral requirement. According to the Federal Reserve, roughly 12.5 percent of individuals over 50 still have student loan debt, which is another type of unsecured debt. If possible, people over 50 should pay off these debts immediately or make their best effort to pay extra each month so they are paid off as soon as possible. · Pay in “cash.” It’s not enough to simply pay off unsecured debt like consumer credit. It’s also important to stop accruing additional debt. Individuals over 50 should resist the temptation to use their credit cards, instead paying with cash or debit cards. Credit card debt is often characterized as a problem for young consumers, but a 2021 report from 28 Decatur Living 50 Plus

ValuePenguin found that the median credit card debt among individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 was higher than it was for consumers aged 35 to 44. Paying in cash, whether it’s with paper currency or a debit card, ensures you’re not digging yourself into debt. · Reexamine your housing situation. Adults 50 and over who purchased their home in their late 20s or early 30s are likely nearing the maturity date on their mortgages. If so, paying a little extra toward the principal each month will help you pay off that mortgage a good deal earlier than if you keep paying the same amount you’ve been paying for years.

Though paying extra money each month may not seem like reducing your financial load, it will do so considerably over time. For example, the financial experts at Wells Fargo note that individuals with a fixed-rate mortage loan of $200,000 at 4 percent can cut the term of that loan by more than 4.5 years by paying as little as $100 extra each month toward their principal. Homeowners over 50 who have already paid off a significant percentage of their mortgage loans could reach maturity much sooner if they start paying more toward principal now. Since housing costs are many people’s greatest expense, removing a mortgage payment from your financial ledger by the time you reach 55 could create significant financial flexibility as you get closer to retirement.

Individuals over 50 can utilize some simple yet effective strategies to reduce their financial obligations as retirement nears.

Thirst for Knowledge

Betty Koval began taking classes in UAH’s OLLI program in 2016. She now leads a course and serves as the institute’s travel chair. [CATHERINE GODBEY/DECATUR DAILY]

By CATHERINE GODBEY Living 50 Plus

F

our decades after graduating from college, Betty Koval returned to school in 2016.

In the past six years, the 68-year-old Decatur woman took classes on drawing, beginning Italian, mahjong, pickleball, tai chi, pandemics through the arts, stress relief, tailgating foods and mixology.

“I have had the most fun. Going to classes has kept my mind active, my body moving and me socializing with my peers. That is the foundation of OLLI,” Koval said.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute — better known as OLLI —

Decatur woman introduced to art, Italian, pickleball and mixology through lifelong learning institute

organizes classes for adults. The subjects range from classes on art, space, history and language to crocheting, yoga, diversity and Dolly Parton.

“OLLI at UAH provides mature adults a safe, comfortable and intellectually stimulating on-campus environment that supports lifelong learning and enhances community outreach with our local community. OLLI at UAH advances the educational, cultural and social interests of its members,” said Clay Williams, program manager of OLLI at UAH. While the majority of the institute’s members are 50 and older, individuals of any age can become members and register for the courses.

The husband-and-wife duo of Bill and Betty Koval Decatur Living 50 Plus 29

represent two of the 650 north Alabamians who attend OLLI at UAH. The couple, who lived in Decatur from 2002 to 2004 due to Bill Koval’s work at Nucor, retired to the area in 2016. They joined OLLI at UAH after hearing about the classes from a friend.

“Our friend was talking about all these experiences he had at OLLI. We said, that sounds like something we’d like to do. We haven’t stopped going to classes since,” Betty Koval said. “We have a thirst for knowledge and are getting to do things now that we didn’t take the time to do when we were younger.”

LEARNING ART AND LANGUAGES One of the first courses Betty Koval signed up for was introduction to drawing.

“I always wanted to learn how to draw. I tried it in the past, but didn’t think I did very well. During the class, I found out real quick that I’m not real artistic.

I still had fun though,” Betty Koval said. “I also took a class on beginning Italian because we were going to go to Italy. I learned enough to ask questions, ask for change and greet people. That was very advantageous.”

Among the most popular courses is beer making.

“Honestly, most of them don’t care how the beer is made. They are there to sit and socialize,” Betty Koval said.

Other sought-after courses include writing your life’s story and introduction to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Betty Koval leads a course dubbed fireside chats with authors. During the course, she sets up interviews with authors and leads discussions about the “story behind the story.”

OLLI at UAH also provided the Kovals with travel opportunities. In 2017, they went to Washington, D.C., and, in 2019, they took a trip to the northern national parks and visited Yellowstone, Grand Teton, the Badlands, Jackson Hole, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and a Japanese-American confinement site.

Along with taking classes and traveling, Betty Koval enjoys interacting with the college students on campus.

“If I see a student around and they aren’t getting ready to Zoom into a class, I’ll ask them about their career paths and their goals. I love to talk to them.

They are so interesting. These young people amaze me,” she said.

Through their connection with OLLI at UAH, the Kovals housed a young man from Nigeria while he pursued a degree from UAH. They also met a young woman who arranged for several hundred third graders to call the International Space Station.

“It takes 30 minutes to get to classes and I can’t 30 Decatur Living 50 Plus

Betty and Bill Koval at Mount Rushmore. The OLLI program at UAH offered a trip to visit northern national parks in 2019, and the Kovals joined the group. [COURTESY PHOTO]

think of where else I would go in 30 minutes that I would enjoy as much as these classes,” Betty Koval said.

“There are so many things I’ve learned. It just been an amazing experience. It just gives you a rejuvenation and a lift.”

Other individuals with Decatur connections involved with OLLI at UAH include residents David Styers, Steve Stewart and Peggy Allen Towns, and First Presbyterian Church pastor Richard Brooks.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE The starting dates of the 2022 academic year for OLLI are June 13 for the summer session, Sept. 12 for the fall session and Jan. 30, 2023, for the spring session. Courses are offered in-person and virtual, online and in-person off campus.

Summer courses include modern wine camp, Juana la Loca: Was this Spanish queen really crazy?, creative cellphone photography, those plucky women of World War II, famous opera singers: their lives, music and legacies, and more. For more information, visit osher. uah.edu.

ATHENS STATE PROGRAMS The Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning also

offers classes for adults in the spring and fall. Past courses included cookie decorating, blacksmithing, chalk art, ghost hunting 101, yoga and writing a memoir. For more information, visit athens.augusoft. net.

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DID YOU KNOW?

JULY 4TH IS A DAY WHEN AMERICANS CELEBRATE THEIR INDEPENDENCE, BUT IT’S ALSO A DAY TO COMMEMORATE FOUNDING FATHERS

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be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history.

Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson’s inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

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John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed.

According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s. But as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should

32 Decatur Living 50 Plus

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IS CANCER

A BIGGER THREAT TO MEN OR WOMEN?

By METRO NEWS

N

o one is immune to cancer.

A disease characterized by uncontrollable cell growth, cancer affects people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. But what about gender?

Does cancer pose a bigger threat to men or women?

According to the National Cancer Institute, the mortality rate from cancer is higher among men than women by a considerable margin.

NCI data indicates the cancer mortality rate among men is 189.5 per 100,000 men, while the rate 34 Decatur Living 50 Plus

among women is 135.7 per 100,000.

In addition, cancer mortality rate is especially high among African American men (227.3 per 100,000) and much lower among Asian/ Pacific Islander women (85.6 per 100,000).

Why is the mortality rate so much higher among men?

Cancer Research UK points out that there is no significant biological reason to explain why men die from cancer at such a higher rate than women. That’s left researchers to study and speculate as to the disparity in mortality rates.

One potential reason for the high cancer mortality rate among men is lifestyle. Cancer Research UK points out that men in the United Kingdom are overindulging in unhealthy behaviors more than women.

Such behaviors include drinking high amounts of alcohol, gaining weight and living a more sedentary lifestyle. Each of those behaviors has been linked to a higher risk of cancer.

Another lifestyle factor that almost certainly affects cancer mortality rates is smoking.

According to Our World in Data, an organization that helps to identify

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well visits as often as women, then they’re less likely to be screened for various cancers, many of which are most treatable in their earliest stages.

Like most cancers, the disparity in mortality rates among men and women can be prevented. Men who prioritize preventive care and adopt healthier lifestyles can greatly reduce their risk of dying from cancer, a reduction that could lead to a change in mortality rates across the globe.

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global health issues by sourcing data from specialized institutes, medical researchers, statistical agencies, and government sources, globally around 35 percent of men smoked while just over 6 percent of women smoked in 2019. That disparity is much greater in certain countries. For example, in Indonesia 70 percent of men but only 5 percent of women smoke. The World Health Organization points out that these gaps could decrease in coming years thanks to heightened efforts on the part of tobacco companies to market their products to women. Whether those efforts prove successful or not, the disparity between men and women who smoke is almost certainly an underlying reason for the differences in mortality rates among the genders. That’s because smoking has long been known to be the predominant cause of lung cancer, but it’s also linked to additional cancer types, including cancers of the bladder, kidneys, cervix, liver, and pancreas, among others.

But lifestyle factors are not the only potential culprit behind the disparity in cancer mortality rates among the genders. Another theory to explain the differences in mortality rates concerns the role of preventive care. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that preventive care utilization was higher in women than in men. If men are not scheduling routine

Decatur Living 50 Plus 35

HOW TO UTILIZE FOOD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER FOOD IS ONE POTENTIAL WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

By METRO NEWS

D

espite the fact that it claims millions of lives every year, cancer is often preventable.

Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that between 30 and 50 percent of all

cancer cases are preventable, and cancer prevention strategies are often rooted in taking simple, daily steps to safeguard overall health.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center notes that no cancer is 100 percent preventable. So even individuals who do everything possible to reduce their risk for

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It makes sense that if certain foods and beverages can help people reduce their risk for cancer, there’s also others they should avoid. The AICR says it’s best to limit consumption of certain foods and beverages.

Though these items don’t necessarily need to be avoided entirely (unless a doctor advises doing so), moderation is essential with the following foods and beverages: · Alcohol · Processed meats, such as sausage, ham, bacon, hot dogs, and salami · Red meat, which includes pork

· Sugary beverages, including sports drinks and sodas The AICR notes that plant-based diets have become popular in recent years, but warns individuals that it’s difficult to separate evidence from opinion in regard to these diets and their effects on cancer risk. Anyone considering a plant-based diet is urged to speak with their physician before making any changes.

A high percentage of cancer diagnoses are preventable. Certain foods and beverages can be great allies to individuals focused on reducing their cancer risk.

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cancer may still develop the disease. However, making the right lifestyle choices can reduce cancer risk by a significant percentage.

Food is one potential weapon in the fight against cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that numerous studies have found that many individual minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals demonstrate anti-cancer effects. Those minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals can be found in a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, including: · Apples · Asparagus · Blueberries · Broccoli · Brussels sprouts · Carrots · Cauliflower · Cherries · Coffee · Cranberries · Flaxseed · Garlic · Grapefruit · Grapes · Kale · Oranges · Pulses, such as dry beans, peas and lentils (legumes) · Raspberries · Soy · Spinach · Squash · Strawberries · Tea · Tomatoes · Walnuts · Whole grains It’s worth noting that many of these foods also offer additional health benefits. For example, strawberries are a good source of potassium, which the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes has been proven to help lower blood pressure and potentially reduce risk of stroke.

Decatur Living 50 Plus 37

CLUES ACROSS 1. Eurasian shrubs 7. Strikes and rebounds 13. Group of advisers 14. Modern necessity 16. Top lawyer in the land 17. Philadelphia university 19. Of I 20. Functions as a laser 22. Basketball phenomenon Jeremy 23. Famed island 25. Parent-teacher groups 26. Distributes 28. Self-immolation by fire ritual 29. Ad __ 30. Circulation problem (abbr.)

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By METRO NEWS

F

ourth of July celebrations often take place in the backyard by the grill, and this year marks a perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire.

This recipe for “Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter” courtesy of Eric Treuille and Birgit Erath’s “Grilling” (DK Publishing) offers a new take on a backyard barbecue staple.

Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter

OUTDOOR COOKING Grill over hot coals for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute.

INDOOR COOKING: Preheat a ridged cast-iron grill pan over high heat.

Cook for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill pan until warm lightly golden, 1 minute.

SERVES 4  1 pound ground chuck steak  2 teaspoons salt  1 teaspoon black pepper  4 1/2-inch slices blue cheese butter (see below)  4 sesame hamburger buns, halved Combine ground steak with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal-sized pieces and gently shape into 4 burgers about 1-inch-thick. Grill burgers and warm buns according to instructions below. Top burgers with butter and serve hot in sesame buns.

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Blue-Cheese Butter MAKES 15 SERVINGS  16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened  4 ounces (1 cup crumbled) blue cheese  2 teaspoons black pepper Place ingredients in a food processor or blender; pulse until well blended.

Wrap in foil. Place in the freezer until hard, about 45 minutes. To serve, roll back foil and cut into 1/2-inch slices. When slicing from frozen, warm the knife under hot water first. After slicing, always tightly rewrap the unused flavored butter roll in the foil before returning to refrigerator or freezer.

BEST BURGER VARIATIONS: · Herbed Burger: Add 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 crushed garlic clove and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion to the ground steak. · Spicy Burger: Add 1/2 teaspoon tabasco, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the ground steak.

THINK AHEAD: Shape burgers up to 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Cooks’ Note: Overhandling the meat when shaping will result in a tough, dry burger. To guarantee a juicy burger, handle the meat as little as possible.

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MAIN OFFICE: 256-350-0362 1103 16th Ave. SE Decatur, AL HARTSELLE OFFICE: 256-286-0640 615 Mynatt Street, SW Suite B, Hartselle, AL

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50 YEARS OF TRUSTED ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Marshall Wise, Reading Intervention Decatur Middle School, Decatur, AL

I had a fall and never really recovered. I had severe pain in my right hip and it was affecting my quality of life.

I qualified for hip replacement surgery and chose to have it done at Decatur Morgan Hospital. Everyone at Decatur Morgan, the nurses, doctors, and all support staff were so professional and kind. They went above and beyond to help and everyone answered all my questions.

I went home the day after my surgery and was almost 100% back to myself. Thanks to Decatur Morgan Home Health, I received therapy in my own home and only missed six days in my classroom.

I cannot recommend Decatur Morgan Hospital enough! Why travel out of town for medical care when we have such an excellent hospital right here in Decatur?

All surgery carries risk. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks. Not all patients will have the same post-operative recovery and activity level. Individual results vary.

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Excellent Care. Close to Home.

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