Lisa Beers, Retired & Ready

Lisa Dressed as Audrey Hepburn for a WSFA 50’s Employee Appreciation party at the Capitol City Club

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, marriage, family, etc.?

Lisa: I was born in Montgomery at Jackson Hospital on September 16, 1954. Yes, I’ll be 67 this year. Birth Certificate reads: Lisa Marian Palmer. My father began his Orthopedic Surgery practice at the hospital after he and my mother moved to Montgomery in 1950. She was from the “Crescent City”, New Orleans, where they met, and my father was raised in the beautiful mountains of “Wild, Wonderful” West Virginia. So, I’m the result of two transplants.

I’m the patient, doesn’t like to rock- the-boat, social, loyal, people pleasing, independent, peace-loving middle child among an older brother and sister, Daria and Chris, and a younger brother and sister, Anita, and Matt. Whew. Raised Catholic, I attended Our Lady Queen of Mercy grammar school, (no longer in existence), and graduated high school from Montgomery Catholic High School, now Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Then, I headed straight to Spring Hill College in Mobile where I received a Jesuit education and graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts and a concentration in Broadcast Journalism.

Soon after, I met Gary, who loved life and convinced me right away that I would never have a dull moment as long as we were together. We brought a blue eyed, blond (I have brown hair and brown eyes) into the world who was Gary’s twin. We named her Nicole. One cannot tell which baby is which from their pictures.

BOOM!: Up until a few days ago you were a Senior Account Executive at WSFA 12 News. Please share with us how you got involved with broadcasting and WSFA? What did you do as a Senior Account Executive for WSFA?

Lisa: Within a week after graduating college, I worked at WHHY/Y102 Radio as the Copywriter which was a great starting point in broadcast. On my first day, the Osmonds came to the station to visit. I had a feeling I had landed in the right job. In 1981, I made the move to WSFA as the Creative Services Copywriter and 6 months later, I was promoted to Creative Services Director, writing, and producing commercials, a special show here and there and video presentations. I also served as talent which was a welcome outlet for me. I can be a ham on occasion. All of this would not be possible without the heaps of help from a very talented Videographer, as well as Directors, our Production Manager and Program Manager … all who had been at the station a good many years and taught me mountains. It was in 1999 that I decided to finally move into the Sales Department, and I never looked back. I loved production as I am a right brain kind of person, and it will always be my first love at the station, but, because you really must be creative in sales, I adored meeting with our advertisers and being that partner on whom they could lean, trust, and depend on for solid advice on how to grow their business with broadcast and digital options.

BOOM!: Many of our readers have been watching WSFA for many years, they probably consider many of the station’s on-air personalities like family. You worked at WSFA for 40 years, describe your experience with the people you worked with at the station, both on and off the air?

Lisa: This point may seem obvious and trite, but, when you hear a WSFA employee say that everyone who works there is like family, it’s the honest truth. You can’t work as many hours with others as so many do from dusk til dawn and into the night, without learning to live with those outside of your family … and growing to love them.

My friends are in the news department, the sales department, the engineering department, the business department, and the marketing department. On-air personalities come into our living rooms each and every day, and the people behind the cameras who support everything we do make the magic happen.

I have been immensely proud to have been in the presence of individuals who take their positions very seriously because they realize that many viewers, advertisers, businesses, organizations, and communities are depending on WSFA to be a good partner, a great communicator and a committed community leader. My station family made all the difference in appreciating the journey. The memories are immeasurable.

BOOM!: Like many of us as we age, we experience the loss of a beloved spouse. You lost your husband, Gary, two years ago. Would you please share your experience with our readers? How would you describe being a widow? What thoughts would you share with others dealing with losing their spouse?

Lisa: Gary was 11 years older than me and was the epitome of being young at heart. I learned so much from him and nothing could keep us apart. He was the glaze on my doughnut. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 59. This change in his health would prove devastating because Gary was very athletic growing up playing hockey and more as well as playing on the golf team at Western Michigan. He was an avid golfer, scratch, in fact. He lived with the many challenges of PD for 17 years. Not once did I hear him complain of his condition. He had the best of attitudes. That was his nature. He pushed himself as much as he could. I made it a point to be there for him, to care for him, to have his back as I had done all of our 42 years together. After all, he always had my back. The vows we made, to “have and to hold in sickness and in health” in 1977, resonated these years later and grew stronger every day. I read everything I could about Parkinson’s, kept notebooks full of medical records, while watching the changes in Gary, year after year. Don’t think that wasn’t difficult because it was, but I couldn’t let him see my concerns and worry. He had a way of keeping my spirits high as he told me that he was my biggest fan. Now, it was my turn to return the favor. I never felt that taking care of Gary was anything but a true honor. He deserved that.

The first time I had to acknowledge that I was a widow was when I was filling out forms in a doctor’s office. I had been so used to marking my identity as “married” but this was different, now “widowed” got the checkmark. It gave me a sinking feeling. I’m not sure I will ever get used to being called a widow or get over being married to a smart, happy, funny, talented man but I know that I have much to be thankful for and when it comes to moving forward, I can hear Gary whisper in my ear and say: “Hit it and get it!” This was a favorite expression of his indicating that it was time to get going in a big way.

BOOM!: As we mentioned, you have been part of WSFA for the last 40 years and just a few days ago you officially retired! So, what next? Short term? Long term? What do you think of getting older? Could you share some ideas on how to age well?

Lisa: Yes, officially, August 20th was my last day. My daughter is getting married in December to

her fiancé and I am thrilled. They had their first date only a month or so before Gary passed away, so, I believe Gary sent Matti to Nicole. I will give my undivided attention to all the details of their wedding. I love a good party, you know.

Long term, I will continue to be involved in our River Region community and will continue to serve on the River Region United Way Board and the American Cancer Society Counsel. When I am comfortable traveling some distance, I plan on seeing parts of our beautiful country I have never seen before and to other countries. I have college friends planning a trip to Ireland next year and would like to be part of the adventure. I always wanted to kiss the Blarney Stone. I want to start playing my piano again, take cooking classes and try my skills at art, just to name a few.

Getting older is a state of mind. The number you are in years has nothing to do with your desire to live life to its fullest. I was blessed to grow up in a family who enjoyed living and had that “Joie de vivre”. After all, life is a gift and I believe gratitude is always the best attitude.

I’m not sure I am an expert on knowing how to age well but I would have to say that a good start is eating healthy. We all know what a chocolate brownie tastes like. I was taught to stay away from anything that will put you in harm’s way. Be positive, learn like you’re going to live forever. Curiosity is a good thing. I enjoy beginning each day with meditation. KEEP MOVING!

BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations? Why do you think it’s important to serve in the community?

Lisa: I remember reading a quote years ago. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” - Mahatma Gandhi. I think this is a great summation of how I feel about helping others. I like waking up each day and feeling as though I have a purpose in this world. Since the pandemic, it’s been more difficult for many churches and non-profits to operate in the usual way. They need our help.

I am a member of St. Peter Catholic Church since I was 6 weeks old and have served on the Parish Council and as a Communion Minister. The church was the first Catholic church built in Montgomery and reflects Spanish style architecture which I love. The interior is breathtaking. It’s seen many baptisms, marriages, Red Masses, graduations, and funerals.

BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a mom?

Lisa: I’m a big eater so I love lunches and dinners with family and friends. A relaxed meal is a wonderful time for relevant conversation and plenty of laughter.

Becoming a mother was the most important day in my life. I had no idea until my role changed. I’m very lucky that Gary and I raised a loving, funny, loyal, independent and kind woman. But the credit is all hers.

I’m so proud of Nicole who is a Regional Manager for Schumacher in Atlanta. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with her. She never takes anything for granted and is anything but a spoiled only child. Gary and I always wanted her to be self-reliant and she is just that.

I don’t see her as only my daughter. I see her as my best friend. We have an unbreakable bond.

BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?

Lisa: I traveled abroad with a friend when I was 16. It was a whirlwind tour of Europe, and it was an amazing eyeopener for me. For many years, Gary and Nicole and I planned some wonderful Thanksgivings in Natchez, Charleston, Savannah and more. We cherished our beach trips. There are so many beautiful places in the Caribbean we’ve visited but I think going to Cuba was incredibly interesting. Nicole and I have many more places we plan to visit in Europe. One of our favorite spots close to home is Point Clear/Fairhope. I think it goes back to attending college in Mobile.

BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?

Lisa: My family, my faith, the arts, travel, and a positive environment. Living in peace and harmony.

BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work?

Lisa: Actually, I’ve not been a master at relaxing after a hard day’s work because I often continued to work at night, whether it was writing copy or creating a proposal. I kept a Dolly Parton quote on my desk for many years, “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” You’ll appreciate making a living a lot more when you heed that advice. I do enjoy cooking and eating so even a quick, well-prepared meal at the end of the day is important with, of course, a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Good music. (I’ve had a crush on Jimmy Buffet for decades.)

BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?

Lisa: I relish being in a big city because of the entertainment value but there is much to be said about growing up and living in a smaller town like Montgomery where you’ve known a group of people your whole life. At the same time, meeting new people who can see the value and the good in Montgomery/River Region is a plus. I would love to see our area continue to thrive.

We could use more locally owned restaurants with diverse menus. We’ve become a town of fast food and franchises. Southern food is in a category all of its own. I do miss the old haunts like the Elite, the Sahara, the Blue Moon, Corsino’s, Joe’s Delicatessen and the Pont Rouge. I’m grateful to the few restaurateurs we have now.

We need more entertainment to keep our young people here and more opportunity for careers which is no easy feat.

BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?

Lisa: Diligent. Empathetic. Aesthetic.

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?

Lisa: As I mentioned before, I love traveling to new places. Since I’m retired now, I think I need to hurry up and develop more hobbies.

BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?

Lisa: I think it was when I had a close call in October 2018, that it came to light, stronger than before, how precious each day truly is in our lives. Spending more time with family is a priority. No more “Cats in the Cradle” days as my brother, Chris, and I call them. Giving more time to myself is also important.

I feel I have more serenity too. I accept those things I cannot change. I find that I don’t lose my temper anymore. Keep calm and carry on, right? My diet is much healthier. I’m crazy about my fruit and vegetables. I’m now focused on making my health a prime concern.

BOOM!: Many people over 50 are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?

Lisa: I’m a firm believer in not looking in the rear-view mirror. Take what you have experienced in life and make teaching moments of those times. Then move ahead. Don’t think about the past in a negative sense which can cause you to be sad and depressed. Don’t think about the future in a negative sense because dwelling on the future only causes anxiety. Live in the present moment. You’ll feel more content and happier. Because I’m a TV girl, I’ll tell you that life is like a camera recording video. If it didn’t work out on the first take, you always have the chance to take another shot. That’s renewal.

For me, I’m going to just tell myself that I’m 27 again. This is where my next story begins.

We want to thank Lisa for sharing some of her story with us this month, especially some of the challenges of caring for her husband as he dealt with Parkinson’s Disease. We want to thank Lisa for all her service to our community and hope she will continue investing her time to make The River Region a better place to live. Thanks also to DiAnna Paulk for her quality cover photo of Lisa taken in the new Montgomery Botanical Gardens in Oak Park. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com.