What a difference a DAY makes.
Surgery in a day versus a hospital stay That’s the Jackson Surgery Center difference. Every day, our surgeons perform routine procedures in our state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, so patients can enjoy the benefits of faster procedures, more convenience, a shorter recovery and lower costs than a traditional overnight hospital stay. So why not make today the day you check out the convenience and cost savings of an outpatient procedure at Jackson Surgery Center? You’ll appreciate the difference. Talk to your doctor about scheduling your procedure at the Jackson Surgery Center.
1725 Park Place | (334) 293-8484 | JacksonSurgeryCenter.com
HealthNEWS
June 2013
for Boomers and Beyond
Elective Surgery: Before Your Operation A scalpel is one of a surgeon’s most important tools. But when you’re the one who’s having surgery, education is your most important tool. That’s because there’s a lot you can do to help ensure that you’ll have a successful operation. Learning about the role you play in your own well-being can be a crucial step in helping elective surgery go well.
Here are five things you should know: 1. Ask questions. Having surgery is a bit nerve-racking—especially if you don’t know what to expect. But learning about your surgery might help put your mind at ease and reduce your stress. That’s a good thing, because stress can affect your heartbeat, blood pressure, mental health and more. In addition, certain information may be vital to your recovery. For example, it’s important to know if there are some activities you shouldn’t do after your operation, such as lifting heavy objects. The more you know, the less likely you are to have setbacks in your recovery and the quicker you may heal. Here, courtesy of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other experts, are some questions you might consider asking your surgeon: • What can I do—and not do—in the days and weeks following my surgery?
2. Quit smoking before surgery. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, giving up cigarettes will help you heal faster and reduce your risk for complications— such as pneumonia, heart trouble and wound infections—that can come after surgery.
3. Don’t shave near the surgical site. It isn’t always necessary to remove hair before surgery. But when it is, a member of your health care team will likely do it, using electric clippers rather than a razor. Shaving with a razor can irritate the skin, making it easier for infection to set in.
4. Share information. It’s important to tell your doctors about any health problems or allergies you have and any medications you take—including herbal remedies and over-the-counter products. These could have a bearing on your surgery and treatment.
5. Follow all instructions. Your doctor may ask you to have certain tests done before surgery. He or she will also tell you when to stop eating and drinking before your operation and whether to make any changes to your medication regimen. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice. It’s for your safety.
• How long will I be in the hospital? • Will I be in pain after surgery? If so, for how long, and what can be done about it? • What supplies, equipment and help will I need after leaving the hospital? • When can I return to work?
Learning about the role you play in your own well-being can be a crucial step in helping elective surgery go well. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
June 2013
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Volume 3 Issue 11
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 6 Publisher’s Letter 8 The Dating Coach 12 BOOM! Cover Profile 18 Understanding Ultherapy with Dr. Michael Bowman
page 12
Features 9 Punctuate The Perfect Brow! Tips for your beauty
Departments 10 This and That Have you heard...?
Happy Father’s Day 16 ‘Raindrops’ Keep Fallin’... B.J.Thomas
28 {12} Things
Solutions for bored Boomers
20 Defy your Age with Cardiovascular Leigh Anne Richards
24 50 Things a man should know at 50 Shop for clothes...?
22 Telephone Use and Hearing Loss 23 MAKE US YOUR NEXT DAY TRIP ADVERTORIAL
30 Greg Budell ITZA BOY!
27 Art & Soul
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COVER PROFILE page12
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page 23 page 30
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 6398 Eastwood Glen Pl., Montgomery, AL 36117. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2013 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage 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.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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publisher’s letter
A Father’s Need 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.
I received a special gift the other day. As a father of two grown boys, who have matured into fine quality men, with children of their own, I know most of my fathering skills go unused. My boys have heard much of my wisdom and sometimes they even recognized it for what it was. Most of my fatherly advice lies dormant, that is unless one of my five grandkids get in earshot of my thoughts and I’ll try to quickly give them some of what I used to give my two sons so many years ago, wisdom based on experience.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Dr. Bettie Borton Dr. Michael Bowman Greg Budell Dr. Tom Cawthon Jean Clark Gregory Clay Lisa Copeland
As a father, James’ call was a very special gift that only a son, in time, can give to his father. By the way, she said yes and now Jackie and I will have to set a date for our fall wedding before James and Christina do!
Peggy Perdue
Cover Photography Lola Fine Art Photography twololas@lolafineartphotography.com
www.lolafineartphotography.com 334.551.2700
Advertising Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Lake House Graphics
Distribution Network Delivery
Printing Publications Press, Montgomery, AL
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
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Because Father’s Day is in June, I thought it would be appropriate to give a few shout outs to men in this month’s issue of BOOM! First and foremost, we have a great guy for our Cover Profile and many of you will know him. He’s Dr. Tom Cawthon, the father of three sons and a stepdaughter; he’s a man’s man who understands the importance of empathy when it comes to his patients. I know you’ll find him to be an interesting and engaging man.
We also have a feature on Raindrops Keep Fallin’, B.J. Thomas and some of his story, still going strong at 70! One of my favorites is a list of fifty things men should know how to do when they’re 50. If you’re a man rate yourself and if need be, hide it from your woman. If you’re a woman, see how he stacks up. I’ve still got a few things to work on. Greg Budell’s a new father! Sorta. And our newest contributor, Dr. Michael Bowman, explains Ultherapy, for those of you interested in new beauty technologies. Leigh Anne Richards explains how you can defy your age by targeting some cardio exercises; she makes it simple to get started. Dr. Bettie Borton helps us understand telephones when we have hearing loss, more technology to help us live better lives. There’s plenty more to glance at, so get ready for the best reading experience in the River Region for the 50+ community.
Design & Layout
334.244.0436
My oldest son, James, who is a divorced father of three, called the other day to talk about his relationship with a special woman who he is in love with. In fact, he was contemplating a proposal. He reached out to me because I could share some history of relationships in the family that hadn’t gone well and he jokingly thought maybe he might‘ve picked up the gene that caused these relationships to fail! As we discussed the qualities that make relationships grow and become fruitful, he allowed me the privilege to share my philosophy on successful relationships and marriage. My son wanted to be married again and he wanted me to share my thoughts on his prospects for success and how to achieve that success. As a father, I will always have a need to hear my son’s concerns and prospects as well as be invited Jim Watson, Publisher into his conversation about those concerns and prospects. Thanks son.
I want to encourage you to share BOOM! with a friend, especially if they’re comfortable reading our Digital BOOM!, which can be accessed at our website, RiverRegionBoom.com. Finally, we have some new advertisers, which means, they value you as a customer and would like to see you use their products and services. Please try their services; I believe you’ll be pleased. Have a terrific Father’s Day! Read Digital BOOM! RiverRegionBoom.com
riverregionboom.com
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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THE DATING COACH
By Lisa Copeland
Where’s My “Dating Fairy Godmother?” Before starting on my dating journey back in 2002, I had this vivid dream where my “Dating Fairy Godmother” waved her wand and brought my true love right to me. Just dropped him right on my doorstep. Oh, how I wish that were true! Unfortunately finding men doesn’t work this way, especially at our age. Although, I admit, it sure would be nice, don’t you think? As young adults in our teens and early 20s, we were exposed to single men on a daily basis, whether at school, camp, after school activities, etc. Today as grown-ups, we don’t really have these types of common meeting places like we did back then. Now, it’s up to us as women over 50 to find the men we want to date and as you’ve probably figured out, it’s SO much harder than it was back then. Dating takes some work, especially if you want to successfully find a great guy to bring into your life. The good thing is, men are out there looking for someone just like you. You just have to find a way to discover each other and these three tips can help you do just that. Tip No. 1: Be courageous and put yourself out in the world on a daily basis. If you stay home all the time with your cat, dog, bird or even grandchild, you just aren’t putting yourself in the position to meet new men. Try taking classes or consider participating in activities that really pique your interest and make you feel happy. When you’re happy, you glow. And guess what? That glow is the magical beam that will pull a man right to you.
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Tip No. 2: Continue dating even when it’s hard and you feel like quitting. The only way to really know the type of man you ultimately want in your life is to date lots of them. Yes, I understand it can mean a calendar filled with meeting good and not so good men for coffee or tea, but it’s the only way to determine if “he” might be the one you’d like to have a relationship with. Sometimes it requires kissing a lot of frogs to get to the right one. Or you can view it as being one man closer to the one you want in your life. When you’re frustrated, take some time off from dating to refuel your inner glow. Get the support you need from friends, or a dating coach like me, who can give you tools for dealing with the dating challenges you are facing as a woman over 50. Dating over 50 is very different than dating was at the age of 20. Tip No. 3: You need to have a dating strategy in place to be successful. What is your goal for dating? Is it having a man around for occasional companionship or for the rest of your life? Once you’ve figured this out then work backward so you can figure out the steps needed for accomplishing this goal. This means figuring out strategies for where you’re going to meet men in your area, what online dating sites you are going to get yourself on, how much time you are going to spend on dating every day and so much more. With these three dating tips in place, you should start seeing positive changes happening fairly quickly in your dating life. I hope you’ll let me know how these tips end up working for you. Lisa Copeland, “The Dating Coach Who Makes Dating Fun and Easier after 50!” Find out more at http://www.findaqualityman.com (c) 2013, Lisa Copeland, http://www.findaqualityman.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Peggy Perdue
HOW TO PUNCTUATE THE PERFECT BROW! The perfect brow is professionally shaped and filled in for a finished look. This expressive beauty asset is prepped to balance the rest of the face, bringing your best features into focus, like pretty eyes and lips, and downplaying flaws, such as a large nose or pointed chin. When brows are misshaped into commas, harshly penciled in to look like caterpillars, or completely ignored and left naked, a beauty catastrophe happens to the face and the focus becomes the brow. That’s why punctuating the brow properly takes professional know-how.
4. The face shape and facial features help determine the shape of the brow. A round face should have an angled brow with a high arch and a short tail. A square face and a diamond-shaped face should have a curved brow with sharp peak, and a heartshaped face should have a rounded arch. Strong facial features need balance with a fuller brow, and delicate features need a softer brow.
If you are blessed with full dark brows like Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn, all you may need is professional shaping and a few strokes of brow pencil. But if you have sparse brows from over tweezing, chemotherapy, or the aging process, or have light brows because of your blonde, gray or red hair, or you have changed your natural hair color, professional shaping is not enough, definition with the right brow color product is key.
DEFINING: 1. A brow pencil is used for adding color without adding volume to a fuller brow. It provides precise application for filling in blank spots and can be used to draw in realistic brow hairs. The pencil should always be sharp. 2. Brow powder applied with an angled brush creates a soft natural looking brow, adding volume to sparse or over tweezed brows and those who are having chemotherapy. 3. Tinted brow sealers are brushed on like mascara adding color to the brow hair. It is perfect for covering gray hairs. This can be used alone for full brows or on top of a sparse brow that has been filled in with a pencil or brow powder. 4. The general rule for choosing the correct color for your brow is two shades lighter than your hair. But the exact opposite is true for blondes and those with light hair, then the brows should be two shades darker than the hair color. African-American and Hispanic women generally find dark brown brows to be the most flattering, while Asian women look best in a soft black color. 5. ALWAYS BRUSH YOUR PENCIL OR POWDER STROKES SO THEY LOOK MORE NATURAL. A brow brush is a key tool.
Follow this check list of professional pointers to see if your brow is properly shaped and defined. SHAPING: 1. Tweezing is the best form of shaping your brow because it is the most precise, but it can be scary in the hands of an amateur who might over tweeze. Once removed, eyebrow hair grows very slowly—four times slower than scalp hair—which means regrowth can be three to eight weeks. Waxing and threading are not as precise and hair has to grow in at least a quarter-inch between sessions. 2. The beginning of the brow lines up vertically with the nostril and inner eye corner. The end of the brow stops where a diagonal line from the edge of the nostril to the outer corner of the eye crosses the brow. And the arch of the brow lines up vertically with the outside of the iris. The beginning of the brow is adjusted back for close-set brows and forward for wide-set eyes. 3. The head of the brow is fuller than the arch, and the arch is fuller than the end of the brow. The brow should taper and not look like a comma.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Set your perfectly finished brow with a brush-on brow gel or finishing spray. Peggy Perdue, Studio owner, Merle Norman, Shoppes at EastChase
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This & tHAT
Wetumpka Depot Theatre Presents “Inspired by a wedding I played piano for several years ago, I knew there was really a fun script in all the wedding business that sometimes included barefooted bridesmaids running around, unruly guests and sometimes inappropriate music choices. Southern weddings can be the ultimate theatrical experience” said Depot Player’s executive director, Kristy Meanor. “ I asked Tom and Mary Katherine to help me put together a piece that would utilize the talents of our acting company members and the rest is history. They play has already been picked up for production by a community theatre in Texas. All royalties collected will benefit future Depot Player’s programs.” The audience becomes wedding guests for the Miller-Light weddinga southern fried wedding gone very wrong. Complete with camouflage bridesmaid’s dresses, a wedding cake made out of Twinkies, an Elvis impersonator and a bridezilla type cast of characters, the production includes a ‘catered’ wedding reception. The cast of characters are so colorful that one former audience member commented he wasn’t sure if he was watching a play or a live documentary about his own family! Directed by Tom Salter, The Wedding From Hell will be presented at the Wetumpka Depot Theatre, 300 S Main Street, June 1 st, 6th, 7th, 8th at 730pm and June 2 at 2pm. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 334-868-1440 or by visiting wetumpkadepot.com
Capitol Sounds Concert Band Presents Annual Fundraising Concert The Capitol Sounds Concert Band in Montgomery, Alabama, is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supported by the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department. The current band was organized in 1972 as a recreational activity of the old Cloverdale Community Center by a small nucleus of former high school and college band members. It was known as the Montgomery Community Band. In July of 2000, the members voted to change the name to the Capitol Sounds Concert Band. The band performs a wide variety of music, including marches, classical, patriotic, show tunes, jazz and swing. The membership represents a broad spectrum of backgrounds including doctors, educators, lawyers, military personnel, senior adults and college students. Most of the players live in the Montgomery area but some come from towns in the counties surrounding Montgomery. John Jackson is the Director of the band. They would like to invite everyone to their annual Fundraising Concert obeginning at 7 pm on Thursday, June 27th at the Davis Theatre Downtown Montgomery. Tickets are $15, For more info visit capitolsounds.org
New Restaurant Coming to The Shoppes at EastChase Flavors from the Rocky Mountains will make their way to The Shoppes at EastChase as Firebirds Wood Fired Grill opens its first location in central Alabama on Monday, June 3, 2013. Located next to Books-A-Million, Firebirds will offer indoor and outdoor seating and feature upscale, casual dining. Known for its bold flavors and wood fired grill steaks, Firebirds will also offer a wide variety of menu options for lunch and dinner, as well as seasonal and daily specials and an extensive wine list.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com Who says you can’t have good, clean family entertainment that’s roll-on-the-floor funny. Not Tim Hawkins. Whether he’s ranting on aging Rock Stars, questioning life on Noah’s Ark, or singing his famous “Chick-Fil-A Song,” you’ll be laughing along and loving every minute. Tim will be appearing at Frazer’s Wesley Hall on Sunday, June 23rd at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $18 advanced group rate (6+). VIP tickets are $40 advance only / $38 advance only Roll-On-The-Floor group rate (6+). VIP Event starts at 5:30 PM and includes: Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, VIP tour laminate, Pre-show Q&A with Tim, and preferred seating section for the 7:00 PM concert. Only 300 VIP tickets will be sold. A portion of all proceeds goes to benefit Frazer missions. For more info, videos and testimonies about Tim Hawkins, visit his website at www.timhawkins.net. For more info contact: Butch McPherson 495-6325 or butch@frazerumc.org.
FUNNY
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk The 2013 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk, hosted by the Auburn Arts Association, City of Auburn, and Auburn Downtown Merchant Association, will be held Friday, June 14 from 6-9:30 pm in downtown Auburn. SummerNight is a self-guided art walk featuring works in every medium; from photography to sculpture, from fine art to live music and even performance art. In addition to the arts festivities, culinary artists are encouraged to display their talents through pie. The SummerNight Committee is accepting applications for a pie bake off. What better way to bring our community together than through pie! SummerNight is an entertainment district event from 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Hosts Double Exhibition Opening The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will host an exhibition opening on Friday, June 14, 2013 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. The exhibition opening will feature Joe Price Prints (on view through July 21) and Excavating Architecture: Projects by Lead Pencil Studio (on view through September 1). About the exhibitions:Printmaker Joe Price enjoyed a 20-year career creating screen prints—prints created by this powerful graphic medium based largely on bold compositions of forms and colors. Price, raised in the South, spent his teenage years in Decatur, Alabama. The pristine quality of light and surfaces in Price’s screen prints was hard won since he typically used oil paint (rather than ink) mixed in a transparent medium. Working together since 1997 as Lead Pencil Studio, the collaborative Seattle-based duo of Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo blur the line between art and architecture through innovative works of art. As architects and artists, the two combine their knowledge of architectural principles and their familiarity with traditional art media of ceramics, photography, sculpture, and drawing to examine our built environment.
Catch and Release Fishing Weekend Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th. Saturday Schedule: 8 am to 6 pm | Catch and release fishing (Upper Pond and Bullfrog Pond). 10 am | Kids and Cane Poles (Upper Pond). 11 am - 1 pm | Hotdogs for sale. 3 pm | Creek Search for topminnows and more. Sunday Schedule: 1 pm to 6 pm | Catch and release fishing (Upper Pond and Bullfrog Pond) The Alabama Nature Center will be open to the public Saturday, June 15, from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday, June 16 from 1 pm to 6 pm. Visit alabamawildlife.org The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Dr. Tom Cawthon, “People Person” This month’s BOOM! profile is Dr. Tom Cawthon. Dr. Cawthon has been practicing medicine here in the River Region for more than 35 years and is one of the partners of Montgomery Otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat). His newest medical services can be found at River Region Facial Plastics, along with Dr. Michael Bowman. RRFP is a medical spa specializing in all aspects of facial beauty and skin care. Dr. Cawthon is one of those medical professionals who understands his patients and wants to deliver a high level of “customer service” to meet their needs. He’s also one of us over 50 guys who shows many positive signs of aging, and we like that. We visited with Dr. Cawthon recently and he shared some of his life’s journey with us. Hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as we have.
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc? Dr. Cawthon: I was born in Forsyth, GA in 1943 and attended University of Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy in 1966. I Began medical school at Medical College of Georgia 1966 and completed my Doctorate of Medicine in 1970. My year of rotating internship (medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology all component parts of training) was completed in June 1971 at Macon Hospital in Macon, GA. After my internship I was accepted into Tulane University Residency program in Otolaryngology and completed residency in 1975. From there I began two years of military service at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon, GA where I was Chief of Department of Otolaryngology until 1977. I received my Board Certification
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would you share with our readers how your practice has served the River Region’s medical needs for the past 36 years? You have recently started a new practice called River Region Facial Plastics, what was the inspiration for starting this unique medical practice?
Doctor’s Day with the kids
in Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) ENT in 1976 and after leaving the military in 1977, I moved to Montgomery to join Dr. Richard Carroll who I partnered with to begin Montgomery Otolaryngology which exists today with six physicians and 35 employees. I have three sons, two of whom were born in Augusta, GA and one in Macon, GA before moving to Montgomery. All of my sons attended Montgomery schools. Oldest son, Thomas Hilton Cawthon, Jr. MD (Tommy) and four children live in Birmingham, AL. He is an Interventional Cardiologist. Scott Cawthon is married with two children lives in Montgomery and is employed by Colonial Insurance Agency. Will Cawthon is married with three children lives in Roswell, Ga and is employed with Koen Pharmaceutical Company and resides in Roswell, GA. I am married to my wife, Lyn for 13 years. My stepdaughter, Piper Bruckmeier is married with two children, lives in Collierville, TN and is a practicing Occupational Therapist. BOOM!: As one of the partners of Montgomery Otolaryngology since 1977,
Dr. Cawthon: Upon arriving to begin my practice 35 years ago with Montgomery Otolaryngology, I became very busy as it grew. New physicians were added as others left. They and myself have performed countless surgeries, seen thousands of patients, and have given of our talents to their ear, nose, and throat problems and we continue to do so today. My Tulane residency was rich with training in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery from some of the “giants” in the field. I have always had a keen interest in that portion of my training and always thoroughly enjoyed the patients and the results of my procedures upon them. As I began to approach the last few years of practice, there was a yearning to do more within the realm of facial cosmetic surgery. With the addition of a new partner, Dr. Michael Bowman, and with our combined expertise and desires we began the concept of a new facial cosmetic surgery entity. Dr. Bowman and I both felt there was a need for this addition to our already busy Otolaryngology practice and we asked for the blessing of our other partners. Beginning this new venture we knew there would be extra burdens of patient care placed upon our partners when we began. River Region Facial Plastics was born in 2012 and located in Montgomery to our new facility at Chantilly Place. Age 50 is the new 40 and there is a renewed spirit to look and feel your best to accomplish goals
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
and seek new careers within whatever age group you are. Life expectancy has increased and people are healthier and living longer. I now see patients in their nineties who are still active and living life to the fullest. BOOM!: You are nearing your 70th birthday, still very active and energetic, what’s your secret? Dr. Cawthon: God has blessed me with wonderful health, a loving wife, family and a work ethic instilled in me by my parents. My wife, Lyn says that “if you don’t always have a project...you die.” I never get bored. I love life and the zest for it and there is always something tomorrow new and exciting. I will always have my projects and will never be without my “bucket list”.
cannot take their calls or see them. I am who I am because of them and their trust in me as their healthcare provider in my specialty.
Neuter Clinic, Trustmark Bank and the Montgomery Surgical Center. BOOM!: As one of the doctors at River Region Facial Plastics, could you tell our readers what services you offer and how they can benefit from them? Do you have many male patients?
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work? Dr. Cawthon: Most days are very busy with long hours and when I finally do get home, it is just my quiet time with my wife and pets. We gather on the little patio, watch TV to catch up on current events and share good conversation.
Dr. Cawthon: River Region Facial Plastics (RRFP) offers a five day weekly aesthetician for facial peels, and skin care. Our staff are all well trained on our skin care products and their application. Surgical BOOM!: Favorite Lyn and Tom, Mardis Gra Celebration procedures such as vacation spot? Any BOOM!: Many people over 50 are blepharoplasy (eyes), rhinoplasty (nose), travel plans for experiencing a face lifting (Quicklift) and medical facial the future? renewed sense peels, injectables such as Juvederm XC and of purpose, Restylane, as fillers, and Botox to aid in Dr. Cawthon: new goals, removal of facial wrinkles. My favorite new careers, vacation spot especially Two other non-surgical products, Ultherapy is my country if they’ve and Sculptra, serve as bio-stimulators retreat which we experienced and restore facial volume to assist in call “the farm”. the empty facial enhancement. These products are We have animals nest syndrome currently only available in Montgomery there and the of their kids through our practice. land, pond and moving on. house all require How would Patients can benefit from our services our frequent you describe The Doc and his sons (l to r): Scott, Tommy, Dad and Will at RRFP by receiving an this sense of individualized consultation visits and care. While work renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest with every attempt being is commonly required for of us seeking renewal? given to help them in a upkeep, it is relaxing in a way personal and friendly way to sit back and see the result Dr. Cawthon: This is a wonderful place and to obtain their goals. It is of the labor. time to be alive. There is an educational personally rewarding to see and technological revolution in progress. my patient’s renewal in selfTravel plans for the future Every day I learn something new from my esteem and confidence after will likely include a fishing or experiences and I encourage everyone to their procedures. hunting trip and “just for fun seek a new horizon with due haste. We are trips” with family and friends. not guaranteed a tomorrow and there is so I and my colleague, Dr. much to learn. Bowman and our staff are BOOM!: As a busy doctor, do there to provide our expertise you have time to be involved Daughter, Piper Bruckmeier and knowledge to attend the in community, civic or other BOOM!: What are you most passionate patients who want to be refreshed in their activities? about? appearance. We, as might be expected, see more women than men as patients, but Dr. Cawthon: My otolaryngology practice Dr. Cawthon: My ability to care for my we see and do perform surgeries on many is very busy and with the addition of extended family, i.e. my patients with their males. We encourage more men to avail River Region Facial Plastics has kept me health needs. I am a “people person” and themselves to our services and welcome from interacting as much as I like. But, my profession is my passion. I attended them to come in for consultation. apart from practicing medicine, I serve school for many years to become a on the boards of Animal Alliance for Spay physician, not to tell my patients that I
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BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? Dr. Cawthon: The South is my home and Montgomery is where I raised my family and built special relationships with many friends and patients. I love Montgomery for its diversity of waterways to farmlands. Being centrally located, it offers me the Gulf beaches, big cities and the mountains all within a few hours’ drive.
BOOM!: Because most of your patients are women, does your wife help you understand how to empathize with their needs?
unfortunately elimination or reduction of services will be mandatory. The quality of healthcare may unfortunately deteriorate.
Dr. Cawthon: Unquestionably! The sixth sense God gave her to identify with other women’s needs is an asset to me, and I rely on her judgment.
As a physician, I can say that the medical profession has been and is wonderfully my career. Ever changing technology commands that one keep up with new techniques and one must strive to be current. Medicine is a BOOM!: If you weren’t a doctor time honored profession and what other jobs would you be I am proud to be within it. I BOOM!: As you’ve interested in? A hunting season prize aged, how have your would never deter an aspiring ambitions changed? Dr. Cawthon: With my student to seek it as their career, but they must know that changes are evolving and pharmacy training, Dr. Cawthon: My perhaps a career in the they need to prepare for excitement and ambitions have dedication to hard work. pharmaceutical industry in never changed. I research and development still aspire to be a The surgeries I was trained to do are no of new products. better physician, longer performed in the way of my early husband, father and BOOM!: What’s the future days. Today’s surgical patients are blessed grandfather, and make with a better outcome, not only because of healthcare in America? Tom and his dog Grissom bass fishing my portion of the of my skills increasing through experience, How has technology world a better place. but also because I have pursued changing changed the way you perform your medical technologies and techniques and adopted services? BOOM!: Give us three words that describe them. Less invasive surgeries, less you? Dr. Cawthon: The future of healthcare in discomfort, shorter recovery, and superior America is very soon to radically change results are products of new technologies in Dr. Cawthon: Energetic, Honest, and and is already beginning. While none the ever changing medical world. Affable can predict its future, the Affordable If you have any questions for Dr. Cawthon, give his Healthcare Act is looming in front of office a call at 334.270.2003. If you’re interested BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other health and its delivery system. American’s in a consultaion with RRFP check out the website at www.riverregionfacialplastics.com. We want to activities that grab your attention? have enjoyed for years the platinum thank Dr. Cawthon and his wife Lyn for all the help level of healthcare, the cost of that care us with this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. If you Dr. Cawthon: Fishing, hunting, Georgia is burdening us and help is needed. have questions, comments or suggestions, please football “Go Dawgs”!! and golf. I enjoy the However, as the changes are implemented, send them to jim@riverregionboom.com outdoor world but may in the future learn healthcare cuts have to be forthcoming and the art of painting.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Jack Galassini was honored by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School as the 2013 Charlie Harbin Distinguished Service Award winner for his volunteerism to the school. Jack's support of Montgomery Catholic spans three decades, beginning in the mid 1980’s and through the mid 1990’s while his three children were students at the school. He continued into the new millennium where he served as the emcee for several school events including the annual school spring fundraiser and filled in wherever and whenever he was asked. An active member of St. Bede Parish for more than 40 years, Jack serves as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He has served on the Parish Council and as Deanery Chair for the Catholic Charities Campaign. He has been a President of the Montgomery United Way. Currently, Jack serves on numerous civic boards, and he is a TV host.
Anne Ceasar, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School president along with Jack Galassini and his wife Patricia.
$636 Our pets matter most as we age. Follow the money. Spending on pets rises as the age of the person increased. Those households with a person under 25 had the lowest expenditures per year, with an average of $279 in 2011. This amount steadily increased as the age of the person increased, peaking at $636 per year for ages 55 to 64. “Our Kids” are an important part of positive aging. One of AUM’s first professors, Brad Moody, retiring after 40 years. Brad Moody’s first memory of politics was watching the national conventions on TV in 1952. These and other early experiences led to a 40-year career in political science that is coming to a close as Moody retires from Auburn University at Montgomery. Hailing from a family of teachers, Moody has a passion for education that has made him a favorite among AUM students. He estimates that he has taught more than 5,000 students at AUM. In the community, he has served as president of Montgomery Sunrise Rotary Club and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Moody is well-known throughout the state as a media commentator on Alabama government and politics. He plans to continue this role in retirement. Other retirement plans include reading, traveling, volunteering and spending time with his four-year-old grandson, Knox, and his wife of 44 years Margie, a retired AUM political science professor.
Mr Lucky
Melvyn Wilson, a retired postal worker, began his lucky streak in 2004, winning $500 thousand. Then he won a cool million dollars playing a scratch-off in 2005; earlier the same year he had pocketed $25 thousand. The 72-year-old from Woodbridge, VA had hit the lottery three times in ten months. His last win came this year in mid-May, scratching his way to another $500 thousand. Wilson only plays scratch-off cards; the odds of taking home the Virginia Powerball jackpot are an astronomical 1 in 175,223,510. Scratch-off cards are 1 in 960 thousand! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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‘Raindrops’
Where are they now: B.J. Thomas By Gregory Clay
The Year 1969. What was on the “it” list? W The upstart New York Jets shocked the world by rocking the vaunted Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, W Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, W The U.S. unemployment rate was a paltry 3.6 percent (imagine that!), W “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” And B.J. Thomas, then 27, had a scratchy throat at a most pivotal time that year. Thomas, born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, was summoned to Los Angeles to record “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” the theme song for the popular movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” But the singer’s voice was ailing. Except there was no way he was going to miss this opportunity to work with the incomparable Burt Bacharach and Hal David, two of the most accomplished music composers in history. And there was no way you turn down an opportunity to be associated with a potentially classic Paul Newman-Robert Redford movie. “I had a bad throat at the time,” Thomas recalled one Sunday afternoon. “I had a little laryngitis and back in those days, we
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smoked a lot. You add that with singing a lot of shows in three weeks, I was worn out. But I wanted to show up. It says something for showing up. I didn’t want to call in sick.” In fact, when Thomas sang in the studio that day, one of the production members remarked that Thomas was trying to mimic Newman with his voice, all the while not knowing the real story about the throat issue. Despite being under the weather, Thomas aced his recording. Robert Redford, remarkably, didn’t want the song incorporated into the movie. Can you imagine? We have a problem with Robert. “He wanted a nouveau art film, didn’t want some little pop song in there,” Thomas said. “He had a huge problem with it.” Officials from Twentieth Century-Fox, the movie’s production company, worked on Redford. So did Paul Newman. And Bacharach and David. Finally, Redford relented and the rest is history. In hindsight, Redford admitted as much during an interview with reporters at the Sundance London film festival in 2012. According to the Daily Mail in London, Redford revealed, “A film that I was in,
‘Butch Cassidy,’ the music played a huge role. I didn’t see it at the time because I thought it was stupid. Suddenly there was a scene where the guy was singing ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ and it wasn’t even raining. Well, how wrong was I?” As it turned out, Newman rode his bicycle during the famous scene as Thomas sang what later became an international hit. The movie and song were forever melded into a symbiotic relationship that would have suffered without either component. Six weeks later, a healthier Thomas rerecorded the song with Bacharach and David in New York for single-sales release to the public and radio-station usage. He was on top of the world before he almost lost everything during a sordid era we will explore later. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” has become synonymous with the name B.J. Thomas. Those six words vaulted him into the national consciousness. “I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. “And they made him (Redford) see the light. It was one of those perfect fits, the music, the song, the composition, the movie, the scene.” The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
A fit for everyone involved. Call it an eclectic convergence. Newman’s extraordinary bicycle scene became a signature moment in the iconic movie, Thomas reaped the benefits of a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, Bacharach and David won an Academy Award for “Best Original Song” and the movie itself garnered three more Oscars as well as more than $102 million in revenues from a $6 million production budget. After “Raindrops,” Thomas appeared at the 1970 Academy Awards to sing his movie hit. On stage that night, he was surrounded by dancers and bicycle riders as Hollywood recreated the artistic Paul Newman scene. But that signature song wasn’t Thomas’ only claim to fame. Earlier in 1969, his “Hooked on a Feeling” was a chart topper. Then, after “Raindrops,” his career zoomed with “I Just Can’t Help Believing” in 1970, “Rock and Roll Lullaby” in 1971, “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” in 1975 and “Don’t Worry Baby” in 1977. From 1969 to 1977, Thomas was one of the hottest pop singers in the land. He had made millions, but he later squandered much of it because of drugs, alcohol and financial mismanagement. “A lot of people probably weren’t saving their money back in those days,” Thomas says. “A lot of entertainers back then weren’t watching their money. It was a cultural and societal thing. And I was never money crazy anyway.” “I had some problems with alcohol and drugs,” Thomas said. “We didn’t have the information about addiction back then, like you do now. At 15, I started using alcohol. I was around alcoholism. I had some family members who had issues with alcoholism. My father had problems with alcoholism. When you abuse, you kind of pass it on to your children. I’m glad I got through it. “I did the whole nine yards.” Nine yards would be cocaine, marijuana, speed, amphetamines and barbiturates. Some weeks he spent a few thousand dollars on cocaine. Then, Thomas and his wife decided to take a break from the music business. He said a 12step program helped immensely. “We left Connecticut and moved to Texas, got away from the music business to concentrate
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
on my addiction,” Thomas said. “I only did some one-nighters (shows). It took me a few years to get a handle on it. I am alcohol-free now, I’m drug-free. I haven’t had a drink since I was 33 years old. Same thing with the drugs.” In the early 1980s, Thomas re-established his music career in full force in a different genre. His recording “Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love” reached the No. 1 spot on the country music charts as did “New Looks From an Old Lover” in 1983. And remember the hit television show “Growing Pains,” which aired from 1985 to 1992? Guess who sang the theme song? Thomas on vocals for “As Long As We Got Each Other,” along with Dusty Springfield. Now, we’re into the next century. Billy Joe Thomas turns 71 on Aug. 7. He uses the “Billy Joe Thomas” name for signing official documents; otherwise call him B.J. And when he writes it, he drops the periods. Thomas lives in Arlington, Texas, with his wife Gloria. Their three daughters are adults now; he has four grandchildren. Thomas attends Rangers and Cowboys games. “I have sung the national anthem for them, too,” he beams. But retirement? No way, Thomas says. He’s been doing this gig since singing in the church choir as a teenager in the Houston area. His newest CD release is called “The Living Room Sessions.” It features duets of Thomas’ most popular songs with Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett and Sara Niemietz, among others, with an acoustic touch. “I do love what I do,” Thomas says. “I love to record.” And tour. Thomas figures he makes between 60 and 70 shows a year. He still sprinkles a few gospel numbers among the pop and country tunes.
Many of his concert appearances nationally tend to be in southern states and America’s heartland. Internationally, Thomas loves South America. “When I go to Brazil and Argentina, I hear a lot of ‘60s and ‘70s music,” he says. “It’s played in Spanish, Portuguese and English down there. Some people down there may not speak English, but they can sing your song in English. A lot of them have a feel for it.” “If I never had ‘Raindrops,’” Thomas says, “I still had a great life. I’ve had a great marriage, great children. I’ve been fortunate.” He was fortunate enough to have a supportive wife when he was in most need of unconditional support. “I don’t think I would have made it without her,” Thomas said. “It’s always easier when you have someone who cares about you. Life is like going to school: There are lessons to learn. And going through hard times is the only time when you learn something.” Thomas survived a pervasive drug culture that could have been worse, he believes. But to him, that abyss in his life was a lifetime ago. “I don’t feel like I’m 70,” he says. “I don’t feel like an old man. My mind is the same as it always was. No health issues. I’ve been real lucky. I quit smoking in the 1970s. “When I die, we’ll just say, ‘B.J. died last week.’ I want my wife to remember me as a good husband, my kids to remember me as a good father. It’s not about the music. Don’t say on my tombstone, ‘Here lies a singer.’” Who was helped by the fate of “Raindrops” during the most eventful phase of his life. Distributed by MCT Information Services
“I followed Mahalia Jackson,” he says. “It was very moving music. Ray Charles had a kind of gospel base, too.” But The Man was Elvis, Thomas’ idol, right down to Presley’s 1970s hairstyle. “I liked the muttonchop sideburns, too,” he says. r i ve r reg i o n b o o m . co m
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Understanding Ultherapy at River Region Facial Plastics
Hello, This is Dr. Michael Bowman with River Region Facial Plastics. In our column this month, I would like to discuss an exciting new technology, Ultherapy. Many people have heard and seen about Ultherapy in the news. This exciting office treatment has been featured on television shows like Fox News Health, The View, and Entertainment Tonight. It has also turned up in print on the pages of magazines like Prevention, New Beauty, and Details. Since there is no downtime, even celebrities in the spotlight like Courtney Cox have given Ultherapy a try. Dr. Cawthon and I are very excited to be the first doctors to bring this new device to the River Region. Our enthusiasm for the results we are seeing has been dwarfed only by the excitement of our satisfied patients. Of course, the question still remains: Just how does Ultherapy work and what can it do to help you look for your best? The simple answer is that, in around an hour, an Ultherapy treatment uses ultrasound energy to tighten and lift the tissues of your face and neck without downtime or recovery. While that idea is clear and concise, many of our clients want to know even more, even if Ultherapy is a non-invasive office procedure. The name, Ultherapy, comes from an amalgamation of “ultrasound” and “therapy.” Most people have some experience with ultrasound in medical imaging. Ultrasound can be used to visualize many different parts of the body in a simple and painless fashion. Many of us have seen ultrasound used to visualize a developing baby in the womb, a gallbladder, or perhaps a thyroid gland. The Ultherapy machine works by concentrating those same ultrasonic (high frequency) sound waves underneath the skin to create a small area of heat, called a Thermal Coagulation Point (TCP). At each of these TCP’s, your body responds by creating new collagen. Collagen is found throughout the body, but it plays a critical role in our skin where it helps give our skin support and elasticity. As the new collagen grows and matures, it tightens up the
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tissue around it. Although each TCP is tiny, a full Ultherapy treatment creates many TCP’s, which all work together to lift and tighten the treated areas. Ultherapy is a unique technology, which has several advantages over other available non-invasive treatments. First, it is the only device which uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten. Ultherapy can generate these impressive results because we target multiple layers of the face including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer. The SMAS is the layer of connective tissue which supports the muscles which move our face. We have long known that a facelift must lift the SMAS in order to achieve long term results. Since the Ultherapy treatment tightens the SMAS as well as more superficial layers of the skin, an impressive result is obtained in a single treatment. Previous treatments like radiofrequency energy require multiple treatment sessions. One of the other benefits of Ultherapy is the recovery...There usually isn’t one! Bruising is very rare, and other problems like swelling, redness, and not expected either. Since the results come about naturally over the course of some months after treatment, no one will be able to tell you had anything done. Patients are usually happy when they return for their follow up visits, but they often don’t realize how much their appearance has improved until we compare their before and after photos. Almost everyone leaves their Ultherapy check up with a much wider smile than when they came in. Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy and where can it be used?
Ultherapy is a great choice for patients who want some improvement in the appearance of their lower face, neck, and under chin area. Ultherapy is also effective in the area around the eyes, and even in the brow region where it delivers a nice brow lifting effect. We treat many younger patients who want something done, but don’t have enough laxity to warrant a more invasive procedure. Ultherapy is also perfect for the busy man or woman who would like to make a positive change in their appearance, but can’t take the time off for a Quicklift or other rejuvenation procedure. Since it is non-invasive, Ultherapy is also a good option for older patients with medical problems which might preclude other rejuvenation options. During your consultation, we can share some before and after photographs to help you understand what sort of results you can expect after your Ultherapy treatment. How long does it last? The resulting collagen build up from an Ultherapy treatment is permanent, but of course time marches on and the aging process continues. A better question might be, “How far back does an Ultherapy session turn back the clock?” I would usually say 2-4 years is a good guess, but I’ll let you decide after you look at some of our before and after photographs. Beautiful. Natural. Results. Ultherapy treatments have proven to deliver on our motto. We hope you will come in for your free consultation to determine if Ultherapy is a good choice for you. Yours in Good Health, Dr. Michael Bowman bowmanmd@gmail.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Fitness over Fifty
By Leigh Anne Richards
Defy your Age with Cardiovascular Exercise There is no doubt that getting older changes your body and your appearance, but it also affects your ability to exercise. Your Leigh Anne Richards maximum heart rate declines with age, which means your heart and lungs cant pump as much oxygen and blood to your muscles during intense physical exercise. As a result, your muscles will not be able to work as hard as they once did. But does any of this mean that you should accept the inevitable decline, scrap your exercise plan, and head for the sofa? NO—just the opposite. The benefits of regular exercise and the negative consequences of not exercising are probably most notable between the ages of 50 and 70 than at any other time in your life. To put it simply, if you can still move, it is not too late to improve your fitness level and your quality of life. We will cover a variety of aerobic (cardio) exercise ideas in this article. A variety of aerobic exercises are available for meeting individual needs and interests. The best form of exercise is clearly what you enjoy doing and what you will do regularly. Some people are very consistent in performing their favorite form of activity, while others like to stay active by participating in a variety of activities. Seasonal differences are also common with physical activity participation. Many people choose to remain indoors when the weather is very hot or cold and choose to be outdoors when the weather is more moderate. Aerobic activity can be done either continuous or intermittently. Both continuous and intermittent aerobic activities build cardiovascular fitness. Experts agree that recommended bouts
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of 20-60 minutes in length, with several 10-15 minute bouts being an acceptable alternative when longer sessions are not possible. There are many good activities that qualify as aerobic in nature. The most important thing in choosing the activity is choosing one that is right for you in intensity, safety and enjoyment. Descriptions of some of the most common individual forms of aerobic activity are provided below: Fitness Walking- It is one of the safest and most popular forms of aerobic activity. It must be performed intensely enough to elevate the heart rate in your target heart rate zone. It is also convenient and low it cost. If the temperatures are too hot or cold, several places in Montgomery offer an indoor track, one being MetroFitness. Jogging- This is the prototypical aerobic activity. It is convenient and can be easily modified to suit individual needs. It carries more injury risks but some people feel this is the only form of exercise that challenges their cardiovascular system. Bicycling- There are many different kinds of bikes to fit the needs and interest of any rider. If you do not want to ride outside, you have indoor bikes that can be purchased or ridden at a gym. There is also indoor studio cycling—coined as “spinning” –that offers a group setting using upright bikes that mimics terrains that you would ride outdoors. It offers group camaraderie, music, safety, and a fun, challenging workout. For people that are former runners but are now suffering knee issues, this is a great substitute. The beauty of spinning is that an elite athlete can be in the same class as the beginner. Swimming and water aerobics- An outstanding whole body conditioning workout. This workout is one of those
least likely to cause injuries because they do not involve impact, falling, or collision. Exercise Machines- The popularity of machine exercise has increased in recent years due to increased access, ease of use, safety and convenience. Treadmills are the most common used exercise machine, followed by stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Aerobic Dance Type exercises- These types of classes have been around since the late 60’s and all kinds of changes have taken place over the years with some recycling going on. Group exercise classes promote a social component, which increases motivation and accountability. Low impact aerobic exercise, where one foot never leaves the floor, is popular form of exercise for the 50 plus. The buzzword in the group exercise realm today is Zumba. It is a Latin based dance class that incorporates Latin moves with a party or club like atmosphere. A person of any age can do Zumba and has fun with it too. In the Zumba classes at MetroFitness, the age span ranges from teenagers to 75. There is always a smile on the face with sweat dripping during a Zumba class. It is one of the most fun ways to workout and not even realized an hour is over. With a little preparation and imagination, you CAN find the right cardio workout for you. Now, all you have to do is get started! ** Excerpts taken from “Cardio Tips for Seniors” Spark People Concepts of Fitness and Wellness , Charles Corbin, McGraw-Hill, 2013
Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General Manager- MetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Healthy Hearing
By Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D.
Hello… Can you HEAR me?? Telephone Use and Hearing Loss With a large number of cell phones to choose from today, deciding which one to select is a daunting task, even for those with normal hearing. For those with significant hearing loss, the task is even more Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. challenging. Each cell phone offers unique features, and depending on the user’s needs, there may be both pros and cons. This is especially true for individuals who may require more amplification (volume capability) than the typical cell phone is capable of delivering, need the cell phone to work with their existing hearing aid or implant, or require more visual input.
Despite several important Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, an individual with hearing loss must still sort through through a mountain of information to find a cell phone that will work best for them. FCC regulations now require that cell phone providers carry a certain number of hearing aid-compatible cell phones and/or a minimum rating of hearing aid compatibility under current test standards. Understanding Hearing Aid Compatibility There are two methods by which desired phone signals can be picked up by a hearing aid’s miniature electronic components. The first is through a tiny microphone that picks up airborne sounds in the environment when the audio output of a cell phone is placed near a hearing aid’s microphone. This setup works best when there is minimal background noise in the environment. The second method uses a different electronic part in the hearing aid. Here, the hearing aid’s microphone is temporarily turned off while another electronic part, the telecoil (also called a T-coil), is turned on. A telecoil, built into certain hearing devices, is a small coil of
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wire activated by a switch or by a series of button presses on the hearing aid. In some hearing devices telecoils may even work automatically. Telecoils can also be used with certain personal and public assistive listening devices such as hearing loop systems. Some hearing devices may not have a telecoil because of size limitations. To determine whether your hearing aids have telecoils and how to operate them, consult a board certified audiologist.
Understanding the Ratings The FCC requires that hearing aidcompatible cell phone providers indicate a rating of how much interference is produced by the cell phone. The ratings are listed as M1, M2, M3, or M4, with M1 having the greatest interference (least compatible) and M4 having the least interference (most compatible). T-ratings refer to the telecoil and will involve only those hearing aids with built-in telecoils. Similar to M-ratings, telecoil ratings are listed as T1, T2, T3, or T4, with T1 having the greatest interference (least compatible) and T4 having the least interference (most compatible). Shop for cell phones with T-ratings of T3 or T4 and M-ratings of M3 or M4. It should be noted that some cell phones only have M-ratings, while others have both M- and T-ratings. If you are considering new hearing devices, check the M- and T-ratings of the hearing aids themselves. In hearing aids, the Mand T-ratings pertain to the amount of resistance to interference. In other words, hearing aids less affected by interference in cell phones would receive a higher rating—M3 or M4, or T3 or T4. Look for these higher ratings when shopping for new hearing aids. Try Before You Buy Do not hesitate to ask your cell phone representative about hearing aid compatibility. All these variables, including the ratings, mean that it is definitely best to try before you buy. Most cell phone providers will allow in-store trials using a live phone, but ask about the store’s merchandise return or exchange policy if you want to take a cell phone out of the
store to try it in other listening situations you may encounter. If available, try both the microphone and telecoil coupling methods.
Other Considerations Don’t forget to consider the various features available on cell phones that make them more useful to you. Here are some ideas to explore: • Vibration mode: This mode helps when the cell phone’s ringer is hard to hear. It can also double as a wake-up alarm. • Volume control range: Check to make sure a cell phone you are considering has a maximum volume that is loud enough for you to hear it. • Speakerphone: This hands-free option can help people with mobility or dexterity issues and allow the user to have binaural listening, listening with two ears. • Bluetooth streaming: A phone that has Bluetooth technology (wireless streaming) will work with a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid and other devices. • Cell phone apps: Hearing device manufacturers are constantly releasing apps that help users adjust their hearing devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants). We live in a time where people with hearing loss have a truly amazing array of technologies. With a little research and input from your audiologist, you’ll be able to find the cell phone that best meets your needs.
To see a demonstration of hearing loop systems or if you have questions regarding cell phone ratings, visit or call Doctors Hearing Clinic at (334) 396 – 1635. Content adapted from the Hearing Health Magazine – Cell Phones Decoded By Samuel R. Atcherson, Ph.D. and Patricia Highley, Au.D.
Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama, was the first board certified audiologist in Montgomery, served as National Chair of the American Boar of Audiology, and was recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology. Co-authored by Dr. Brittany Spahr.
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WWWW
MAKE US YOUR NEXT DAY TRIP ADVERTORIAL
The Josephine
In August of 1880 the Montgomery Advertiser ran an article on the opening of “ a thing of beauty - one of the Lions of Union Springs”; this was the newly completed 22 room, three story hotel with an adjacent elevator, indoor plumbing and Garden. It was named after the owner, Dr. R. A. Fleming’s wife - Josephine, whose virtues he much admired. The hotel was second in architecture of the period only to the Empire II Courthouse built In the same then prosperous town of Union Springs. Since that time many things have changed but both the courthouse and the Josephine remain among the 46 historic downtown buildings listed on the national register of historic properties in Union Springs. The courthouse is now renovated along with the old Pauly Jail ( with its hangman s trap door) and the Josephine has begun renovations on its main floor. The Civil War statue now stands in the historic cemetery behind our famous Red Door Theatre (historic Episcopal Church Building) which is next to our renovated Carnegie Library ( 1of 2 left in use in state). A Bird Dog statute now stands between the courthouse and the Josephine on our Main Street called “Prairie”. A new boutique has sprung up in one of our newly renovated historic buildings and a self guided tour map is readily available for visitors to locate the many historic properties in the quaint little town which has over 140 old Antebellum / Victorian homes with over 20 now being renovated. Several historic churches have intricate examples of stain glass and usual woodwork. Many of our streets are lined with massive
statue, come into the Josephine Arts Center housed inside the hotel building. Enjoy viewing the local artist paintings, carvings, gourds, photography and stain glass; then visit our free local museum also in the Josephine. The Josephine also offers you a unique old fashion Ice Cream parlor/Sandwich Shoppe setting to partake of fresh Reuben, roast beef, BLT, chicken salad sandwiches followed with a soda or milkshake made from one of our 16 Flavors of Blue Bell ice cream. Live Oak trees forming arbor-live We also serve picturesque scenes in front of old fashion these old historic gated homes. sundaes with the works, ice The drive to Union Springs follows cream cones or Vaughn Road (becoming hwy 110) root bear floats Eastward through scenic meadows, Have your farms and areas of trees draped picture made in moss. From any direction you with Chief must travel roads of green scenery. Chunnenuggee As you travel the 35 minutes and his or so from Princess inside Montgomery eastward the dining area. Sign our welcome you will find yourself registry and pick up the free self-guided dropping the busy tour map. Your are now ready to visit pace of the big city our new boutique just beyond the bird life, your heartbeat dog statue --then The only Empire II slows and mind eases. courthouse in Alabama --then drive Depending on your though town following the tour map to background you may see the many historic homes be remembering Where: The Josephine, Union Springs, AL on our tree earlier days, slower Business Hours: Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue & Wed lined streets. from 11am - 2pm. Closed Thur & Fri. times and less Don’t forget Distance: 35-40 minute drive stress. What’s your camera Themes: Art, Antebellum/Victorian Homes, difference a few and if you Historic Churches, Old Fashioned Ice Cream miles and minutes Parlor, Picturesque Drive. stay longer can make! Directions: From Montgomery follow Vaughn than you Rd Eastward, which becomes Hwy 110 to expected we We invite you to Union Springs have several come into our Telephone: 334.703.0098 Alabama quaint little town Online Resources: style eateries turn north on artatjosephine.com including BBQ. facebook: Josephine ArtCenter prairie street and Hope to see Red Door Theatre: reddoortheatre.org park. Get out you and your and see the dog friends soon!
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50 Things a man should know how to do at 50 The Huff Post 50 (www.huffingtonpost.com/50/) recently published a list of the 50 things a man should know how to do when they reach 50. They did a little in-house reaearch with their male bloggers and found some interesting ideas for all of us. One blogger said, “By the time a man turns 50, he should be able to be in touch with his feelings,” while another said, “know how to shop for clothes. I was once given a list of specific stores not to buy from because apparently 50-year-olds don’t wear Abercrombie shirts.” Take a look and see what the men in your life know and don’t know yet. By 50, men should know how to: ; Please a woman
; Approach a woman
; Clean up after themselves
; Make a bed
; Make small talk
; Ask for help
; Take care of their health and go to the
; Break up a fight
doctor regularly
; Lose an argument
; Give themselves a clean, good shave
; Say “I’m sorry” and mean it
; Set the table
; Keep their ear and nose hair in check
; Do laundry
; Firmly shake hands
; Wash the dishes
; Listen wholeheartedly
; Change a diaper
; Spot when a woman is interested or just
; Be nurturing to their mate
; Babysit
; Make themselves vulnerable
; Perform CPR
; Give to a charitable cause
; Dress themselves well
; Avoid a hangover
; Invest wisely
; Change a tire
; Have a long-term retirement plan
; Cry without embarrassment
; Unhook a bra
; Show affection towards a male friend
; Drive a stick shift
; Say “I love you” and mean it
; Be faithful to their partner
; Comfort someone
; Properly put on a tie
; Recommend restaurants
; Buy a great present
; Sew a button
; Have a platonic female friend
; Choose scotch/whiskey
; Iron clothing
; Stand up for themselves in a respectful way
; Erect a tent
; Shop for clothing
; Make a signature meal that’s more
; Dance, at least a little
; Make restaurant reservations
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complicated than Easy Mac
being polite
; Impress their partner’s parents
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Fe at u re d A r t i st This Month, Jean Clark Love, Poems and Knots Love is a driving force whether we are making an artifact, a poem or dinner. We’re often told, “Do what you love, the rest will follow.” Perhaps exhaustion and sleepless days and nights also follow once we are in “the zone.” So be it. I love images and textures. Now that I’m retired from thirty-five years of English-teaching, I have the luxury of making poems and knotting fiber sculptures and wall hangings. Of the two art forms, poem-making is speedy and cerebral while knotting is timeconsuming and physical. Both yield surprises as the process unfolds. That aspect nurtures the love and keeps one eager to see what lies around the bend. I tend to write short poems. I want them to be piquant (agreeably stimulating, pleasantly tart, engagingly provocative). Abstractions are not pictorial. The poet has to find metaphors to help us see what “overweening pride” - for instance is all about. Classic literatures, especially the Greeks, have a lot to say about hubris. The deadly sin is still with us. Hubris When about to take off You don’t have to contact the control tower. They get pretty upset, however, if you don’t And send the FAA after you, But you can chart your own course, Keep an eye out for traffic. Who cares if it’s a 747 or an F-15? You’re your own boss, right? Then those fighters are beside you And shoot you down. You knew the rules and chose to ignore them. Oedipus didn’t know Jocasta was his mother. Inherent arrogance brought him down. What’s your excuse?
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Now that I’m seventy-three, old age and memory capture my imagination. The poem “Remember ?” is not autobiographical, but I can empathize with the woman who has had a life well-lived and is soon to leave this earth.
make them go away. The poem “Medical Report” tells the story. Poets often use allusion. In this case, Lady Macbeth pops in. Medical Report Inhomogeneous masses. We’re not talking church here--We’re talking scans---CT and PET. Poor liver---spotted like a toad--Though spleen and other parts are “unremarkable”--Meaning: normal. Even the brain---“unremarkable.” Come in, Lady Macbeth. Say again, “Out! Damned spots.” Necrosis, necrosis, necrosis. Cisplatin, Gemzar, Xeloda--Whatever it takes---maybe eye of newt. On a questionnaire before treatment: “Do you ever feel suicidal?” “If yes, do you have a plan?” Shouldn’t they ask: “Do you want to live?” “If yes, do you have a plan?” Pope Francis is washing people’s feet.
Remember? She’s old. The bags under her eyes Are packed and ready to fly To somewhere, anywhere— maybe heaven. Five Hearts She remembers flying West--Was it sixty…seventy…years ago? His names leaves a sweet taste In her mouth. Remember the picnic? The quilt…the guilt After making love? She confesses often But does not want to be forgiven. Remember the pomegranates And the wine? We turned down an empty glass But filled it up again. Remember? Again and again. And there were peacocks--White and purple and green--Tails shimmering in the sun. And condors above. Chillon, Lake Leman And harbor seals barking. Remember dancing in the grass? I was swinging my hips And you were licking your lips. I remember, he says. Then the nurse comes And settles her for the night.
About a year ago a CT scan found spots on my liver. I don’t say I have liver cancer; I have spots, and we’re trying to
I’ve played with fiber since the summer of 1980, exhibiting in craft shows, at Grove Group Gallery in Coconut Grove, teaching for Miami Art Center and executing commissions. I’m lucky now to have Gallery One and Sandi Aplin represent my work.
Visit Gallery One Fine Art 423 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL Gallery Director Sandi Aplin sandiaplin@aol.com 334.269.1114 www.galleryonefineart.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Sandi Aplin
Art & Soul
THE ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS 2013 AWARDS the American Society of Newspaper The Special Council Legacy Award was On May 21st an audience of thoughtful, Editors Distinguished Writing Award; given to Senator J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner. contemporary art patrons gathered at and a Nieman “If the many stories of our artists are the Shakespeare Festival Fellowship at indeed, the way great civilizations are to experience the best Harvard. remembered, then Alabama has a legacy of the best in Alabama. The Governor’s and a future where both lessons can be This year there are nine Awards were learned and accomplishments can be award recipients. We given to Auburn celebrated. The artists, who profoundly are so very fortunate to University reflect the culture of their time and our have as our Executive Professor and time here in Alabama, are able to tell Director of the Alabama author of Dixie”s an increasingly positive story about the State Council on the Arts, Forgotten values and accomplishments of a great Al Head. Al says, “Who Author Rick Bragg with his mama People: The state to future generations.” Says Al makes the art happen in South’s Poor Whites(1979) and Poor But Head Alabama? What makes Alabama such a Proud: Alabama’s Poor Whites (1989), Dr. culturally rich state? How have we come Wayne Flynt, Champions If any of our readers to understand and celebrate the diversity of Art Throughout the were unable to of artistic expression that is so abundant University of South attend this wonderful in Alabama? Why are Alabamians so Alabama, Mobile Region semi-annual event, proud of the place they call home? The are Gordon and Geri please go to the answers to all of these questions are Moulton, A Girl that Alabama State to be found in vast contributions of Loved Fairy Tales is Jean Council on the Arts talented, dedicated, generous, intelligent Prescott Pierce, Sonia website www.arts. and highly energized individuals Sanchez is Creating alabama.gov for a who, in various ways, love the arts Community through clearer understanding and the State of Alabama. Over time, Kitty Seale (Far Left), Alabama Dance Theatre Poetry and Kitty Seale is of just why these thanks to enlightened and progressive the Artistic Director and Founder of the Alabamians were selected by the Council individuals, we have reached a point Alabama Dance Theatre. and I sincerely hope to see you at the where the roll of the arts in education, State Arts Awards 2015. economic development, community The Alabama Folk Heritage Award was revitalization, cultural tourism, workforce Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art given to The Excelsior Band. enhancement and elevating the overall A free lance writer living in Montgomery, Alabama www.galleryonefineart.com quality of life is being recognized.” The 2013 State Arts Award winners are as follows: The Jonnie Dee Riley Little Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Lyndra Daniel for a Lifetime of Service. The Distinguished Artist Award was given to writer Rick Bragg who has also won The Pulitzer Prize for feature writing; the Harper Lee Award (Alabama’s highest literary honor); the Clarence Cason Award for Nonfiction Writing; twice,
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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June 2013
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY
Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park Blount Cultural Park Anyday Will Do
Got A Dog? Go To The Bark Park! The Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park is located
off of Vaughn Road in Blount Cultural Park. There is a
main entrance that leads
to two separate areas; one
being for small dogs and the other large dogs. In each area there is a wash station available along with a gazebo. There are also benches and fountains available throughout each area of the park. The park will be open seven days a week and is free to the public. Hours, sunrise to sunset. Open seven days a week.
EASTCHASE
Farmers Market The Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays thru August 31, 7-12 noon The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market is now open and bringing the River Region local produce and other unique items throughout the summer. The Farmers Market is currently open and will be at The Shoppes every Saturday from 7 a.m. - noon through Saturday, August 31. The Farmers Market producers and growers offer unique items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and hand-made soaps, honey, sprout breads, plants, fruit pastries, bird houses and hand-
several small family owned farms in Geneva County with a shared passion for agriculture and our community. All of the farms on the trail share a strong commitment to using environmentally friendly, sustainable farming practices. Our goal is to provide our customers with the freshest, highest quality foods possible.The Route 52 Farm Trails is your connection to buying direct from the farm. Bring the whole family and visit all the farms along the trail, every Saturday in June and July from 8am-12pm. Get Real Food on Route 52! Farms on The Route 52 Farm Trail 2012: Gaucho Farms 1808 S. Watford Rd. Slocomb, AL 36375 www.gauchofarms.com 334.886.9736. Waterberry Farm 1521 N. Morris St. Slocomb, AL 36375 www.waterberryfarm.blogspot.com, 334.886.2454. Sunset Hill Farm 1779 N. Morris St. Slocomb, AL 36375 334.886.2800. Working Cows Dairy 5539 North State Hwy 103 Slocomb, AL 36375 www.workingcowsdairy.com 334.886.3839 https://www.facebook.com/52trail
MONTGOMERY
Ladies Night Out: Taste and See Frazer Tuesday, June 4th, 6pm All ladies are invited to an evening of fellowship and
Southern roots and Harlem life. Join Tim Brown, Curator of Education and former Romare Bearden Fellow, as he explores Bearden’s work as a visual corollary to modern jazz.
ALEXANDER CITY
23rd Annual Alexander City Jazz Fest Friday /Saturday, June 7-8th, 6 pm Lake Martin ‘s biggest musical event of the year! The free two-day event takes place at Strand Park in downtown Alexander City on Friday night and Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday. In addition to great entertainment, the event will feature vendors and art contest and more. For more info call 256.234.3461 or visit www.alexcityjazzfest.com for tickets. Also visit www.lmat.org
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Second Saturdays & Pro-am Dragon Boat Races Riverfront Park Saturday, June 8th, 2-8 pm
In June, a “pro-am” dragon boat race will be held on the riverfront. Residents are already familiar
fun on June 4 at 6 p.m. in
with the dragon boat
room 8114. The evening will
races that pit local teams
feature worship, a spiritual
in a friendly competition with each other each
message, cooking demo and goodies to enjoy. Register by June 2 at frazerumc.
August; this event will be run by professionals
org. Please pre-register for childcare. Contact Sandy
who race a 2,200-meter course, in contrast to the
The Shoppes at EastChase or its Farmers Market,
for more details, 495.6391 or sandy@frazerumc.org
900-meter course of the Montgomery Dragon Boat
call 334.279.6046.
MONTGOMERY
made jewelry—all made from local vendors and locally grown ingredients. For more information on
SLOCOMB
Route 52 Farm Trail Saturdays in June and July, 8-12 pm The Route 52 Farm Trail is composed of
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Bearden and Jazz Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Thursday, June 6, 5:30 pm
Race and Festival. The Second Saturday of June will continue to offer live music, vendors and marketplace on the riverwalk and admission will be free. www.funontheriver.net
Romare Bearden’s love of jazz is reflected in his improvisational compositions, evocative of his The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Aaron Lewis in Concert Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (MPAC) Sunday, June 9th, 7:30 pm Aaron Lewis one of the most versatile artist of modern times. This Grammy nominated songwriter is focused on his passion for country music. Since his lyric’s
events and communicate with those who have
run/walk. The race is open to all but special prize
crossed over to the other side. For info, call MPAC
drawings will be offered for
Box Office: 334.481.5100 or visit mpaconline.org
father-child teams. Proceeds will benefit Stella’s Voice,
CLANTON
Chilton County Peach Festival Jun 22-29, various times Peach Jam Jubilee Clanton City Park Friday, June 28th, 5-11pm
music. For info, call MPAC Box Office: 334.481.5100
frazerfathersdayrun.com.
MONTGOMERY
and tournaments are held throughout the week, along
This exceptional work, winner of the 2002 Drama
Alabama peaches. Pageants
his fans have a strong personal connection to his
information and online registration available at www.
The Last Five Years Cloverdale Playhouse June 20-30 7th, 7:30pm
Various areas--Join in as Chilton County celebrates
are always reality-based, Aaron believes this is why
Frazer’s mission partner in Moldova fighting human trafficking. Detailed race
or visit mpaconline.org
with the “peach run,” art
Desk Award for Best Music and Lyrics,
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN
exhibitions, a cook-off, fishing tournament, live music, pa-
ingeniously chronicles
Psychic John Edwards Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (MPAC) Tuesday, June 11th, 7 pm
John Edwards has brought a fresh, honest, and thought provoking attitude to the world of psychic phenomena. As a psychic medium, author and lecturer, he has over the last 25 years, helped thousands with his uncanny ability to predict future
the five year life of
rades, live and silent auctions, barbecue and much more. Admission FREE. For
a marriage, from meeting to break-up… or from
more info, 205.755.2400 or www.chiltoncham-
break-up to meeting, depending on whose version
beronline.com
of events we hear. THE LAST FIVE YEARS is an
MONTGOMERY
Frazer Father’s Day Run Frazer UMC Saturday, June 15th Save the date the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 15, for a day of fun featuring a 5K and 1-Mile
intensely personal look at intimate relationship between and actress and a writer, told from their two very different points of view. For more info call 334.262.1530 or info@cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Visit for cloverdaleplayhouse.org
Read Digital BOOM! at RiverRegionBoom.com
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By Greg Budell
MALE CALL
ITZA BOY! A wise man once said “if you hang out in the barber shop often enough, sooner or later you’ll get a haircut”.
Many of our friends have suggested “Chewbacca” would be a better name- and on a recent visit to the zoo we realized Briscoe looks like a distant descendant of the African Spider Monkey. I am not insulted. Briscoe has a unique look and we’re all in love.
Actually I first heard that quote in rehab, when one of my my fellow inmates asked if it was OK to visit bars after completing the program. For purposes of this column, I’d like to change it to “if you stop at Petland to look at puppies, sooner or later you’ll walk out with one”. Window-shopping puppies is risky business if you’re intent on just window shopping. One must be emotionally steeled to resist temptation, and there is temptation behind every pane of glass. I think pups attend secret “BUY ME!” training classes before they are placed in their dog-quariums.
Longtime readers of of Male
Hershey
We considered a number of small dog breeds. As we held and played with Malkies, Yorkies and others, I paused to remember a time when dog shopping covered 3 basic breeds.
“We have Collies, German Shepherds and Wiener Dogs! What will you have?” It’s like the Ice Cream Man. Years ago, it was “ice cream bars, popsicles and cups! What will you have?”. Kids today sneer at anything less than the full menu of 34 flavors.
We finally settled on a breed I had never heard of- a Brussels Griffon. As soon as we announced the blessed event, everyone said “oh, that’s the dog in ‘As Good As It Gets’ with Jack Nicholson!” How did I miss that one?
Look at that face! Soulful, almost human eyes. Ears that must have been stolen from a cat. The black beard. The proud, pouty lower lip. It’s quite the puss! We named him Briscoe in honor of Lenny Briscoe, the best detective in TV history (from ‘Law and Order‘, before it morphed into a weekly festival of twisted perversion).
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Call will wonder “what happened to Hershey?”. Don’t worry! Manshtaweenie is just fine. We just decided it was time to find him a brother.
Briscoe For 7 years I have felt guilty when leaving the house. “Daddy’s gotta go to work” and H makes a beeline for his haven under the bed. It kills me. For all I know he has a doggie-porn setup under the bed and doesn’t miss me one iota- but we humans layer our feelings onto our pets and make assumptions about how they react when we’re out of the house.
At first we had doubts. Hershey makes a menacing duck-like growl when he is being territorial and we heard it a lot during Briscoe’s first few weeks as boundaries were established. Briscoe gets caged when we’re out of the house and Hershey, who is totally housebroken, has the run of the joint.
Briscoe’s prison door. We hadn’t put them there and we left only one in the cage, so we could only presume Hershey was trying to deliver them in our absence. Nice, huh? Hershey is a herder-gatherer type dog. He likes order.
When we walk he orbit’s the group to “keep us together”. I wondered what purpose my widget-headed Brussels Griffon served so I went to the AKC site and discovered the following“Developed in Belgium, the Brussels was developed from primarily the Affenpinscher and the Belgian street dog - a dog similar to the Fox Terrier, except heavier. Brussels Griffons were often kept in stables as rat catchers. Gradually they became regular members of most Belgian households.”
Up to now, the only Belgian thing in my house has been a donut.
So, I have yet another reason to celebrate Father’s Day this year! When I come home after a long day, I now have the thumbtail metronome wag of Briscoe’s tail to accompany the swishing bushy tail of Hershey and they’re both happy to see me. The pups are joined at the door by my significant other, Roz- and her amazing son Shandor who I love like my own. My daughter Janelle is a Skype moment away and tells me every time we chat that I am “the best Dad ever”. It’s like starring in my own version of “As Good As It Gets”!
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
One time after coming home from dinner, we noticed some dog treats gathered by
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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