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Worship with us Easter Sunday April 21 Worship Schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11am. Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Frazer family. With great kids programs and contemporary or traditional styles of music, our desire is to be a church where everyone feels welcome. Easter Sunrise Worship 6am at Blount Cultural Park
The Exchange Night of Worship April 14 Featuring the Frazer choirs, orchestra, and worship band, this evening of music for the whole community will focus on the cross where Jesus exchanged everything for us. 6pm. DOWNLOAD OUR APP | 6000 ATLANTA HWY | WWW.FRAZER.CHURCH | FOLLOW US
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Genghis Khan Invades Downtown Mobile!
Discover the man behind the legend in the blockbuster exhibition experienced by over a million people around the world In the tradition of years past, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is proud to announce a return to major blockbuster exhibitions in the Spring of 2019. On the scale of its China and Pompeii exhibits, the Exploreum invites visitors to take a journey back in time with one of history’s most prolific and controversial figures - Genghis Khan. Through artifacts, performers, artwork, and other historically significant items, discover the eye-opening story of the world’s most well-known conqueror, civilizer and innovator in the exhibition Genghis Khan: The Great Civilizer – opening at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Curated and developed by dinosaur expert Don Lessem, the exhibition features more than 300 spectacular objects on display, including rare and sophisticated weapons, costumes, jewels, ornaments, instruments and numerous other fascinating relics and elaborate artifacts from 13th-century Mongolia. “I went to Mongolia to look for fossils and discovered the truth about Genghis Khan, a civilizing genius,” said Lessem. “It’s a great story best told in a major exhibition.” Experience life in 13th-century Mongolia, entering the tents, battlegrounds and marketplaces of a vanished world that was once the largest land empire in history. Explore Genghis Khan’s life and those of his sons and grandsons during the formation, peak and decline of the Mongol Empire. As the exhibit strikingly portrays, Genghis’s reputation as the greatest conqueror is well-deserved – he dominated three times more land in his lifetime than either Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great, a conquest attested to by the formidable array of swords, bows, arrows, saddles and armor included on display in Genghis Khan. In fact, the historic exhibition showcases hundreds of artifacts from Genghis’s 13th century Empire, the largest such collection ever to tour. However, this special exhibition presents a more complete image of the legendary leader whom Time Magazine and CNN named “The Man of the Millennium.” As visitors discover, Genghis not only created the nation of Mongolia and its written language, but his lineage established the modern borders of nations from India to Iran, Korea to China and opened the trade routes that united East and West, forever after. Visitors will experience the exhibition through the eyes of a Mongolian resident, receiving a civilian identity card at the beginning of their journey. From warrior to spy to princess, they will follow this character’s life throughout the rise of the great Mongol Empire across six key scenes: •The Grasslands: Discover the daily life of a nomad on the high plateaus of Central Asia and learn about the outcast Genghis Khan’s earliest struggles. Walk into an ancient Mongol ger (yurt) home. Stand in the midst of a herd of stampeding horses. • Rise of the Mongols: Learn how the young, charismatic Genghis Khan united warring tribes in order to form an unrivaled cavalry. Explore the equestrian culture and innovations in weaponry Genghis Khan mastered to conquer four times more land than any Empire in history. • The Walled City: Enter the recreation of Karakorum, the walled city, which became the capital of the Mongolian Empire after Genghis Khan’s son inherited the kingdom. See how life changed for Mongols once they had vanquished all of their enemies, and arts and diverse religions and cultures flourished as the need for war subsided. • The Silk Road: While Genghis Khan was a ruthless warrior, he was also a savvy statesman and benevolent ruler. He developed a written language and a sophisticated society with fair taxation, stable government, appreciation of the arts, religious freedom and open trade along the Silk Road. Explore this vital trade route which enabled the exchange of both goods and ideas between cultures. • The Palace of Kublai Khan - Enter the sumptuous Chinese palace of Xanadu, the center of the Empire of Genghis’s grandson, Kublai, who united China for the first time. See porcelain treasures and a sword with the emblem of a guardian of Marco Polo, among many others. • Mongolia Today: Trace the influence of Genghis Khan in images of modern Mongolian life. The distinctive horse-based culture of Genghis Khan’s time persists today as the nation and language he created lives on eight centuries after his rule. See how his legend lives on through the namesake of many modern Mongolian brands, and how he was revered as a god among the Mongolian people.
Plan to make the trip to Mobile to see this once in a lifetime exhibit, Genghis Khan, now showing through April 28, 2019.
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Please join us as we celebrate
EASTER EASTER SCHEDULE
Maundy Thursday | April 18
Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar at 7:00 pm
Good Friday | April 19
Veneration of the Cross at 12:00 pm | Stations of the Cross with Veneration of the Cross at 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday | April 20
The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism at 8:00 pm
Easter Sunday | April 21
Sunrise Eucharist in the Courtyard Garden at 6:00 am | Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am
8800 VAUGHN ROAD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 | WWW.CHRISTCHURCHMGM.NET | 334.387.0566
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
April 2019 Volume 9 Issue 8
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom C.S. Lewis
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Carl Bard
8 Genghis Khan Invades Downtown Mobile! 12 Publisher's Column 14 AUM OLLI Depends on Its Volunteer Instructors 16 Great Expectations in Charlene’s Garden Charlene Thomas
page 44
Features
20 Independence for Those Living with Alzheimer’s
17 MCMO Presents Miro Quartet
22 Grandmas2Go Arrive With Love
28 Camping Trips Affordable Leisure Travel for Retirees
44 Travel Experiences with Jeff BarganierFlagg Mountain
18 PD Awareness Month Leigh Anne Richards 26 Downsizing Your Home in Retirement McDonald Hagen Wealth
Departments 32 This and That Interesting Stuff
48 {12} Things For Active Boomers
46 Greg Budell THE WEDDING, ONE YEAR LATER... page 46
30 Should You Tell The Kids About Their Inheritance? Ask an Elder Law Attorney 33 Pike Road Community Yard Sale
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34 An Evening with Gladys Knight 36 C.S. Lewis - The Most Reluctant Convert 38 BOOM! Cover Profile 50 Kombucha Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
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BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 6203, Montgomery, AL 36106. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2019 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.
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Publisher’s Letter
Prayer is about Relationship 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.
According to Tim Keller’s book Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God: “Prayer is both conversation and encounter with God. . .. We must know the awe of praising his glory, the intimacy of finding his grace, and the struggle of asking his help, all of which can lead us to know the spiritual reality of his presence.” As a Christian I wonder about the quality of my prayer life. Do I spend enough time reading scripture to encounter God? To know the spiritual reality of His presence? Am I intentional about getting to know God and the intimacy of His Grace? I know when I’m consistently doing those things, my prayer life and my relationship with God become so much more and meaningful.
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Kimberly Blaker Jason Bryant Greg Budell
My wife and I are still newlyweds after 18 months of marriage, and we both know that our relationship gets better when we communicate and engage with each other…we grow in intimacy, expectations, understanding and of course love. My relationship with God is similar, an ongoing conversation to get to know Him and sharing more time to experience His intimacy, leads me into a prayerful life. Jim Watson, Publisher
Kyrié Carpenter Jan Niel Julie Pfitzinger Leigh Anne Richards Charlene Thomas Raley L. Wiggins
Cover Photography Shellee Roberts Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080
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Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
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This month’s cover profile is a very special woman who understands prayer. Her name is Jan Niel and she is the Director of Prayer Ministry at Frazer Church. Jan is tireless in her efforts to organize her team of volunteers to become intercessors to pray for the needs of the River Region and beyond. She also teaches others to develop a more meaningful prayer life and start new ministries of serving. Getting to know Jan as we prepare for Easter has been a wonderful experience for me and I think you’ll feel the same. As usual, we have other good reads this month. Jeff Barganier traveled up to Flagg Mountain for an interesting meeting with Nimblewill Nomad, who has hiked everywhere in America. We also have a story by Kimberly Blaker about the affordability of camping when you retire, I’m still trying to talk my glamorous wife into “roughing it”. Grandmas2go is an interesting story about volunteering your grandmotherly services to a family in need. I know there are many grandmothers out there who love to give advice…which makes this idea right for you! We also have Leigh Anne Richards sharing her passion to help the Parkinson’s Community manage their symptoms and host a fundraiser to grow awareness for all those who suffer from this disease. Greg Budell’s got some bad news and some good news, a father’s love for his daughter is a special thing to see. Jason Bryant with McDonald Hagen talks about downsizing in retirement and the advantages and disadvantages to your money, worth a read. There’s plenty more and I hope you have time to sit down, relax with your favorite beverage and enjoy the BOOM! reading experience. We make aging fun! Please consider our advertisers when you have needs, they’re all on the right side of positive aging and would love to do business with each of you. Please share your thoughts on this issue or any other ideas regarding BOOM! I love to listen.
Jim
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
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AUM OLLI Depends on Its Volunteer Instructors We credit our volunteer instructors for the continuing success of AUM OLLI. These generous individuals may be retired from long careers in various fields, or they may still be working full time. Regardless, they meet with their classes for an hour and a half each week to share their knowledge and expertise in discussion, hands-on, and active courses. To a person, they credit the enthusiasm of the OLLI members in their classes with their willingness to teach these courses term after term; everyone is there by choice and eager to learn new things. Anyone who would like to become an OLLI instructor can find a course proposal form online in the instructor section at www.aum.edu/OLLI or contact Nancy Anderson (nanderso@aum.edu).
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Sadly, in February, AUM OLLI lost one of its most active instructors, with the sudden death of Dr. Cliff Browning. During his successful career of teaching high school in Montgomery Public Schools (Carver and Jeff Davis) and at The St. James School, Cliff also taught English at AUM at night. In May of 2018, he retired from AUM and devoted his teaching passion to the AUM OLLI program, where he had already been teaching courses in film for several years. During 2018-2019, he was scheduled to teach three courses each term. Read how several OLLI members have expressed their gratitude to him in writing:
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
In Memory of Dr. Cliff Browning Cliff was an awesome person whom I was
Cliff was such a unique individual. I could
teacher and the English teacher….His thirst
blessed to know from his teaching in the
always count on a different perspective that
for knowledge was never quenched. I miss
AUM-OLLI program.... he was an inspirational
was thought-provoking and sure to inspire
our banter. I miss his wit. I miss his passion.
leader ... and one I shall always feel blessed to
class participation. He was such a good
have known.
teacher, and his love of teaching always
Cliff
shone through.
Unknowing, I went about my day, And when I heard the news, a terrible,
Simply put – at 67, I found my favorite I probably would have failed Cliff’s courses
incessant NO!
in high school, but as an adult, I so enjoyed
Screamed in my head.
It was so evident that Cliff loved teaching, and
his intellect, his humor, and how he showed
If tears could speak
he touched many lives. I enjoyed his classes
things I otherwise might not have noticed. I
Of all I lost in losing you,
and learned so much. He was a brilliant
will miss taking courses with him very much.
One word, your name, would be my cry.
I was truly blessed to get to know Cliff
In Memory of
Cliff was always expanding our minds…and
Browning. His intellect, insights, and strong
Dr. Cliff Browning
discussing subjects he knew a lot about. He
values were evident.
1945 - 2019
Cliff’s brilliant mind and soulful spirit will be
If you would be interested in becoming an OLLI member, you can join online at www.aum.edu/OLLI OR contact Brittany Thomasson at 334-244-3804.
teacher.
educator.
added to the classes he didn’t even teach. He was a true teacher!
missed by us all. He had a wonderful mind, and the knowledge passing away with him is a tragedy.
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[Cliff and I] were yin and yang, the science
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By Charlene Thomas
Great Expectations in Charlene’s Garden My grandmother was a master gardener. She mastered all areas of her front and backyard to have plants growing all year. My job, when visiting, was to help water these plants. My siblings were not happy with these chores, however, I was happy. I was outside and my hands were in the dirt. My mother was not a gardener. My farther did maintain the pear trees on our property but his main garden job was to master the lawn by cutting it. My mother and father were master parents in raising five children, seeing all finish college and helping all move out of their home. My first garden was in containers placed on the balcony of an apartment I shared with my sister. After some success with my plant purchases, I realized I needed to do some research on container gardening. My success with the container garden, after purchasing garden books and checking out books from the library, was echoed by compliments I received from many of the tenants in the apartment complex. I moved from the apartment to a house when I married. The landscape of the property had established flower beds with no flowers in them. I had visions of adding more beds.
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My mother and sister were available to organize my kitchen while I took photos of the landscape. My husband, who was raised on a farm, said that the beds needed to be amended with more soil and nutrients before I purchased any plants. So I decided to wait until more soil was added, tested and amended. Meanwhile, I joined my mother and sister in organizing my kitchen. My husband joined me in my research on garden ideas for our home. We had many lively landscaping debates (i.e., annuals vs perennials, garden books vs garden magazines, spring bulbs vs fall bulbs and flowers vs vegetables). Five years later we were happy with our landscape which was echoed by compliments we received from our neighbors.
with our garden beds, we liked visiting other neighborhoods and seeing new ideas. One day we stopped in front of this house that had more garden space than our home. This house also had a “for sale” sign in front of it. One month later, we were moving into the house. My mother and sister were available to organize my kitchen while I took photos of the landscape. By now, I had joined a local garden group where knowledge and plants were shared. I was journaling my garden experiences and enjoying our new home. Each year, my husband and I would make plans to add another theme garden. As time progressed, we both welcomed work promotions which included travel. Then it happened; some of the beds were neglected. As of May 2017, my husband and I are retired and the debates have begun. The Alabama Master Gardener Program that I enrolled in is equipping me to win these debates. Charlene Thomas, a Master Gardener of Class 2018, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.
Although we were happy The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
“Throughout, the Miró. played with explosive vigor and technical finesse." – New York Times "Clive Greensmith is one of the pre-eminent cellists of the 20th century." - Geneva Music Festival Montgomery Chamber Music Organization Presents
Plan a NEW EXPERIENCE
Daniel Ching-Violin, William Fedkenheuer-Violin, John Largess-Violist, Joshua Gindele-Cellist
Sunday, May 5th, 2:30 at Wilson Auditorium, located inside the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. A special pre-concert luncheon will be held on the MMFA Terrace at 12:30. To purchase tickets for the luncheon and concert call 334.277.3505. Formed in 1995, the Miró Quartet is consistently praised for their deeply musical interpretations, exciting performances, & thoughtful programming. Each season, they perform throughout the world on the most important chamber music series & on the most prestigious concert stages, garnering accolades from critics & audiences alike. Based in Austin, TX, the Miró Quartet took its name from the Spanish artist, Joan Miró, whose surrealist works — with subject matter drawn from the realm of memory and imaginative fantasy — are some of the most original of the 20th century. Concert highlights of recent seasons include a highly anticipated and sold out return to Carnegie Hall to perform Beethoven’s complete Opus 59 Quartets; collaborations with award-winning actor Stephen Dillane as part of Lincoln Center’s White Lights Festival; Miró Quartet took first prizes at several national and international competitions including the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Competition. In 2005, the Miró Quartet became the first ensemble ever to be awarded the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant. For more info visit www.montgomery-chamber-music.org or www.miroquartet.com
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PD Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month. In 2010, April was designated as Parkinson’s awareness month by the United States Senate. Spreading awareness of this disease is not limited to one month. By designating a Parkinson’s awareness month a national event, it is hoped that observance will lead to more media coverage which in turn will gather more support for those affected. PD is often a misunderstood disease. The following are a few Parkinson’s statistics from www.Parkinson.org • About one million Americans are afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease which is more than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) combined. • Approximately 60.000 Americans are diagnosed each year. • More than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD. • The incidence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age, but an estimated 4% of people are diagnosed with PD before the age of 50. • Men are 1. 5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms
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Fitness over Fifty by Leigh Anne Richards
start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are very common but the disorder also causes stiffness and slowing of movement. In the very early stages of Parkinson’s, you may lose your expressiveness in your face. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become slurred and your voice may become very soft. Everyone experiences different things and the disease may manifest itself
differently in different people. It is a progressive disease of which there is no cure. How quickly it progresses is very individualized.
Other signs and symptoms may include: • A tremor in a limb- often hands or fingers. It is generally on one side. • Slowed movement- steps become shorter, it may be difficult to get out of a chair, or you may drag your feet as you walk. • Rigid muscles- muscle stiffness may occur in any body part. The stiff muscles can be painful and your range of motion becomes limited • Impaired posture and balance. The posture may become stooped, and you may start losing your balance. • Loss of automatic movements- you may lose the ability to blink, smile, or swing your arms during walking • Speech changes- You many speak softly, quickly, or slur or hesitate before talking. • Writing changes- the writing may become small and it may become hard to write. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to Parkinson’s disease symptoms. There is not a cure and there is not a direct cause of Parkinson’s. Because of this fact, proven ways to prevent this disease is not known. We do know there are specific medications but
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
also research is showing exercise helps delay the progression of the disease and lessens the symptoms.
Montgomery to go to a prom to raise money for Parkinson’s awareness. MetroFitness will host the first Prom for Parkinson’s fundraiser on Thursday April 25, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm. Our goal is to raise $5000 for the Rock Steady Foundation. There will be food and drink, DJ, photo booth and prom pictures. Please help us spread awareness for this fun event
The National Parkinson’s Foundation website says there is growing consensus among researchers about the shortand long-term benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s patients. Research shows exercise improves gait, balance, tremors, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination. Exercise liberates them from the “straightjacket” called Parkinson’s. Boxing is one of the movement therapies used in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The Rock Steady boxing program evolved as a result of a man that felt an overall dramatic difference in his overall physical health. He noticed when he boxed his tremors would cease and hence, he was “rock steady.” Rock steady is a non profit organization that is now international with over 775 programs around the world. There
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Tickets to the event are $25 for a single and $40 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk at MetroFitness or online at www.metrofitness.com/rocksteady. Donations are tax deductible. Albert Crayton does Rock Steady @ MetroFitness
are 38,750 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in this program. Research is on going using the Rock Steady protocol to see the benefits this program has on delaying the progression of the disease. Rock Steady Montgomery housed inside of MetroFitness invites the people of
Come join the fun and help raise money for a phenomenal program that is helping delay the progression of this disease. 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
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By Kyrié Carpenter
4 Areas that Can Promote Independence for Those Living with Alzheimer’s neighborhoods that are 1. Community familiar to them.” “Once you get diagnosed, it is If you don’t have the option very important to put together to start from scratch, a support team,” says Brian. there are a lot of things “People you can absolutely you can do to make the count on. Have them check home and community with you periodically to you live in more dementia make sure you are okay. To inclusive. Here are some make sure you do not need simple age-friendly home anything… The support system improvements you can is key to living the best life that make on your own: you can… Get those people and surround yourself with I Add motion sensor them.” Unfortunately, many “My mantra in this whole thing is I have Alzheimer’s but it doesn’t have me,” lights on the route to the people think the journey of shares international Alzheimer’s advocate Brian LeBlanc. “I refuse to let it bathroom. dementia goes straight from own me… I am not going to be able to overcome my disease, I know that, but I Remove throw rugs and diagnosis to end-stage. That I am trying to preserve as much life as I possibly can.” Brian is living a good have all flooring be the is not the case, shares Brian. life independently – and with Alzheimer’s. Let’s explore how community, built same height. People live long and rewarding environment, technology, and physical fitness were crucial to his success. I Consider an induction years post-diagnosis. When cooktop. seeking out this support team, I Add an adjustable shower head. it is important that they will treat you as The earlier you start building this I Change doorknobs to lever handles. they always have. community, the better. Too often we wait for a crisis to build support and at that If possible, hire a universal design expert Friends and family build the foundation point, it might be too late. to help you do the remodel. They can of our community. Other social networks make sure your home works for you and and professionals round out a community 2. Built Environment your future self and family. Many towns that will support us as we desire to live “If you are going to make a change, the offer free in-home safety checks. Check independently with Alzheimer’s. Here are sooner the better,” counsels Nichole Kain, with your physician or Area Agency on some groups to consider when building an Environmental Gerontologist. Ideally, Aging to see what services are available in your support community: this would mean that when one is building your area. a home, they are weaving the concepts I Support groups – virtual and in-person. of universal design into the home and 3. Technology I A network of Professionals – handyman, community. The beauty of universal Many people living with (and without) medical, home care, fitness, food delivery, design is that while it meets the needs of dementia use technology as a form housekeeping, administrative assistance the frailest among us, it suits people in any of cognitive prosthetics. Brian shared etc. phase of life. Nicole shares that, “The best with me that he uses Amazon’s Alexa I Community Groups – fitness classes, environments for people with cognitive technology all of the time. It is great for religious groups, art or craft classes etc. decline are going to be environments and
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reminders, answers to questions, music, and much more. He also uses his phone in a beautiful way. Brian shared, “I have a phone with me. When I am walking around and I see something pretty or I see something I really like, I take a picture of it. Then two or three days later, I’ll come across this picture and it is like I am seeing it for the first time. Sometimes I do not remember taking it, but I know I took it for a reason. And then you find a whole new meaning for that photo than you did when you first took it.” Get creative and do what works for you. If you’re looking for more technology to help people living with Alzheimer’s maintain their independence try: I Electronic Medication Dispensers. Try a total wellness program like Pillo. I Ride Sharing. Taking Lyft or Uber makes it easy to get around town. I Food Delivery. Many grocery stores offer home delivery now and startups like GrubHub and Caviar deliver local food to your doorstep.
I Music Streaming. Use a platform like Spotify to create playlists of your favorite music for different moods. I Protective Wearables. Devices like an airbag for your hips, such as those offered by Helite, can offer increased protection.
overcome the fear of falling, as fear can actually increase your risk of a fall.
4. Your Body The most common reason for not being able to live where and how we want is because of a fall and the resulting injury can occur. Laura Dean is a physical therapist who specializes in balance. She echoes many of the same ideas discussed in the environment section, “You can have the best balance in the world and still fall… setting up your environment for success is really huge.” Laura’s advice for avoiding falls includes:
Staying Uniquely You There is a lot we can do to make sure we can live independently for as long as possible, with or without dementia. The biggest thing is to start thinking about and preparing for the possibilities that come with aging today, no matter what your age or cognitive ability. Brian wisely ended our conversation saying, “I can tell you things all day long but you have to search for what will work for you.”
I Get footwear that fits and is non-slip. I Be wary of slippers and socks. I Practice moving in different directions. I Practice taking different sized steps. I Practice quick reactions in a safe space because falls happen fast. I Take a fall practice class. This helps you
Getting in touch with a physical or occupational therapist can help you assess your own unique fall risks.
Sources: www.abitofbriansbrilliance.com www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info2014/is-your-home-livable.html www.homeandplaceproject.com www.aging2.com www.pillohealth.com
T This article is sponsored by Home Care Assistance, for more info visit www.homecareassistance.com
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Grandmas2Go By Julie Pfitzinger
The ways that a grandmother shows love are often very simple: By helping to make a healthy meal, doing the laundry or the dishes, reading to older children in the family or just spending time holding and rocking a new baby so the parent can rest or recharge around the house.
Arrive With Love
children of her own and admitted that she “steered away from kids” throughout her life. All that changed when her niece gave birth to triplets.
As part of the loving ways Otto bonded with the babies, she learned infant massage (eventually becoming a certified instructor). Even though volunteer She was inspired to find family coaches with other children she could Grandmas2Go, a nonprofit help, first volunteering based in Medford, Ore., Credit: Linda Otto and Gerry Katz Jaxon at Hawthorne Park with Grandmas2Go founders locally to hold drugaren’t the biological Linda Otto and Joy Marshall addicted newborns in hospitals and grandmothers to the families they visit little faces in the window near the front then becoming a postpartum doula. on a regular basis, they provide all of door, and then I hear them screaming, Otto also serves as a court-appointed these welcomed tasks and more. The ‘Grandma Joy, Grandma Joy!’” special advocate for children who are goal of Grandmas2Go is to provide neglected or abused. non-medical physical, emotional and Once inside the door, Joy’s heart is informational support, and offer help always warmed by “the two precious “In our society, we don’t support where it is most needed. little beings” reaching for her to pick families the way we should. So many them up. Her relationship with this of our families are stressed and It’s not surprising to learn that close family has made a huge impact on the overwhelmed — many are separated bonds are easily formed among the Marshalls’ lives and her care for them by distance or dysfunction,” said Otto. “Grandmas” and the young families, has been extended in other ways. with children ages 0-3, to whom When Steve was recently faced with an As she found so much fulfillment they are matched. Before long, the unexpected housing issue, Joy was able spending time with babies and relationships really do feel like family. to make some calls and help his family families, Otto realized she was part of find a new place to stay within a day. a generation of other women with love Joy Marshall, executive director “By 11:30 that night, he put those two and time to share. and executive vice-president of babies to bed in their new home,” she Grandmas2Go, has just such a story to said. “Our boomer generation is made up of tell. While she and her husband Larry, the advisory council chairman-elect for Grandmas2Go, don’t have their own grandkids (their 44-year old son has no children), through Joy’s role as a Grandmas2Go volunteer, their lives have been enriched.
“One night a week, I bring dinner to a wonderful family — a single father, Steve, with two little boys, ages 2 and 3,” she said. “As I walk up their front sidewalk, I can see their two adorable
Families Separated by Distance or Dysfunction The idea for Grandmas2Go came from Linda Otto, the founder and CEO of the organization, which just completed a two-year pilot program and is now poised to expand in Oregon and beyond. After 16 years of infertility and three pregnancy losses, Otto never had
active women who want to give back to their community, who have many talents and who could really make a difference in the lives of struggling families,” she said.
‘A Calm, Patient and Helpful Presence’ All the women volunteers with Grandmas2Go (mostly in their early 60s and above) must apply for the position, provide references, and once accepted, participate in a 12-hour training contniues on page 24
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“We bring that compassionate listening that is so valuable. We try to offer what some of these young parents are missing from their own families,” she added.
session. There are currently about 20 “Grandmas” actively involved in the program. Families are referred to Grandmas2Go by local agencies in southern Oregon including Southern Oregon Early Learning Services. There is often a waiting list of families, Otto said. Depending on the schedules, occasionally Grandmas will “tag team” with one family, sharing helpful duties as they can. The Grandmas gather twice per month for meetings and conversation. While they have the opportunity to connect and share stories about successes and challenges with their families, the meetings also feature speakers and continuing education topics to help them in their roles. As Otto points out: “infant and toddler care has changed in
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‘It’s Going to Take the Village’ According to Larry Marshall, collaborations and continued partnerships hold the key to growth for Grandmas2Go as they pursue the next steps for their established business
the past forty years.”
model.
While the Grandmas don’t babysit or drive anyone, they will accompany the parent on errands or meet the family at a specific location (such as an appointment). Overall, the intention is for the Grandmas to serve as “a calm, patient and helpful” presence, said Otto.
“We’re trying to build an advisory board of participants at various levels,” said Marshall, who is semi-retired from his role as founder and CEO of the executive search and management consulting firm, Marshall Consultants. “We not only want to grow locally, but regionally and nationally as well.”
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In 2017, Grandmas2Go was a finalist for The Encore Prize: Generation to Generation Challenge. This summer, Grandmas2Go will launch its second location in nearby Josephine County, and by 2020, with financial support from philanthropic organizations and individuals, Grandmas2Go hopes to move into other communities, ideally across the country. The support Grandmas2Go is looking for is not just financial, according to Otto. “We want the communities to also offer emotional and intellectual support. It’s going to take the village,” she noted. Positive Experiences for Grandmas Both Joy Marshall and Otto say the monthly Grandma gatherings have been a revelation to them as they continue to grow the organization. “We’re learning firsthand how stressed
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out and overwhelmed some of these young families are,” said Marshall. But a surprising benefit is something they are learning from their volunteers. “We thought we were helping families, but what we’re finding out is how positive the experience is for the grandmas,” said Otto. The two women, who first met while working on a fundraising project in 2014, can attest to that experience firsthand in their roles as volunteer coaches with Grandmas2Go. “I always say to Joy that even if I never pay you anything, I gave you grandkids,” Otto said with a laugh. Source: www.Nextavenue.org www.grandmas2go.org About the Author: Julie has worked as a writer and editor for more than 20 years; most recently she was a managing editor for the community lifestyle magazine group at Tiger Oak Media in Minneapolis, where she also served as editor of Saint Paul Magazine. Julie can be reached via email at jpfitzinger@nextavenue.org Follow her on Twitter @ juliepfitzinger.
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Downsizing Your Home in Retirement
Brandt McDonald introduces his guest columnist, Jason Bryant...From time to time, I will be introducing several of our advisors through this column. They will share their unique insights into financial markets, financial planning and overall wealth management concepts. At McDonald & Hagen, we have a deep bench of talent that is eager to serve our firm’s clients and our local community. This month’s column is written by Jason Bryant. Jason entered the financial advisory business in 2008 after earning a bachelor’s degree in business-finance from Elon University in North Carolina. Jason and his wife Alice live in Old Cloverdale with their daughter Emily and their dog Nash. In his free time, he enjoys college football, reading, and spending time with his family on Lake Martin.
At our firm, we are constantly meeting with individuals who are retired or transitioning into retirement. One topic that is always discussed is the home. Have you paid off your mortgage? Do you plan on living there forever? Do you plan on moving? Time and time again, our clients will say they are going to “downsize” at some point in the future. This is understandable. Often times, retirees are living in a home that once made sense for their situation. They were raising several children. But now that the kids are grown up and out of the house, there is less need for all the bedrooms, bathrooms, and playrooms. That big back yard is no longer used for pickup football games. It is now just a hassle to keep up with the landscaping. In an effort to build up more retirement savings and cut down on monthly expenses, retirees will decide to move to a smaller, more affordable home. As financial advisors, we try to take this into account as we plan their cash flow needs throughout retirement. However, this downsizing strategy usually never plays out the way it was planned. Here are some of the many examples we have seen: No-change: This is when a retiree talks about downsizing but never actually follows through with it. Change can be difficult and moving is a stressful endeavor. Rather than actually downsizing, the retiree ends up spending a sizeable amount of money on home improvements. After all, you do not want to deal with an ongoing plumbing issue as you get older. You would rather invest a significant amount today so you will not have to deal with the problem ever again.
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We usually see a much higher amount of spending in the early years of retirement to cover these kinds of expenses. Rightsizing: A couple might decide to sell their large family home in Montgomery and buy a smaller condo at the beach. They are able to get $400,000 for the sale of their 5-bedroom home here, but what does that new 3-bedroom beachfront condo end up costing? $400,000. Not only was there no windfall, but the regular monthly expenses are now higher as insurance and taxes have increased. Upsizing: This is a very common occurrence. Many retirees want to move closer to their children and grandchildren. So many college graduates have moved to Birmingham or Atlanta or Nashville. Since Montgomery has some of the cheapest property values in the country, the same house in a larger city will often cost significantly more. Another case of upsizing is when retirees want to build a house that will be more accommodating for their growing family. You may want 6 bedrooms instead of 4 bedrooms so there is plenty of room for kids and grandkids. Multi-sizing: Sometimes a couple will want to downsize from their large family home to a smaller garden home. However, they also want to buy a condo at the beach or a cabin at the lake. Even if the cost of the two properties is the same
as the proceeds from their original home, they will see an increase in monthly expenses because there are two sets of insurance, taxes, utility bills, and other home maintenance expenses. Downsizing with no cost savings: This occurs when retirees decide to move from their $350,000 home to a $250,000 home. This is probably the most common situation. They plan to have an additional $100,000 to supplement their retirement savings, but once all is said and done, there is no money. This is because they did not account for closing costs, moving expenses, new furniture, and any remodeling upgrades on the new house. If you are retired or planning to retire and you think that downsizing will significantly help your financial situation, you may want to rethink that idea. We consult with retirees on a daily basis and we have rarely ever seen the windfall of additional retirement money come to fruition. In practice, the expenses usually outweigh any cost savings. Jason Bryant, Financial Advisor Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management LPL Branch Manager www.mcdonaldhagen.com Direct comments and questions to Jennifer.Hunt@LPL.com or 334.387.0094 Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advice offered through McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial. McDonald and Hagen Wealth Management, Machen McChesney and LPL Financial are separate entities. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
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Camping Trips By Kimberly Blaker
Fun Relaxing Affordable Leisure Travel for Retirees Camping is the ultimate in fun and relaxation and is loaded with benefits. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Historical landmarks and different regions make for fascinating experiences to learn about history. Not to mention, it's an affordable way to vacation. What’s the best way to camp? Choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin’ it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn’t include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger capacity. Most importantly, don’t forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a pop-up camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of pop-ups are surrounded with screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Popups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities. Some people prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a
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sleep under the stars.Camping costs
luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of enjoying the outdoors. The ease in loading and unloading these shelters is great for moving from campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work. Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy. Also, don't overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in national forests at cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four room units including kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is furnished before you go so you’ll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don’t forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water. Experienced campers might try a hike-in shelter for a true wilderness experience. Check with state and national parks for shelters that are sometimes set up along extended trails. After a day of hiking, roll out your sleeping bags under one of these small shelters for a dry night’s
The cost of travel can make vacations a rare treat. But the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways. Overnight fees range from a free night’s stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more per night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp Park-Resorts. These top of the line campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal if you're interested in experiencing all nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $35. Many state parks have modern facilities including flush toilets, showers, grassy or gravel sites, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer miles of wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and much more that may not be found at private camp resorts. Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many campers prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available at minimal cost. Fun camping activities Whatever your interests, there's plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample
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activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, discovering interesting plants and trees, and practicing survival skills, to hiking excursions, bicycling, and horseback riding. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more. Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. Other activities include nature programs, nature centers and historical sites, flying kites, bicycling on paved trails, and more. When you're ready to relax, light a campfire and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows. What to take Buy a couple of large plastic totes with lids to carry and store your camping supplies. These are some of the basics you’ll want to take. > Plastic cups (labeled to save on washing) > Silverware > Paper plates and Styrofoam bowls > Paper towels, food storage bags, and tinfoil > A cooking source such as a one or twoburner stove > An aluminum pot and skillet > Cooking utensils and can opener > Coffee pot > Tablecloth > Ice chest, food, and drinks > Drinking water and large water container > Dish soap and dishcloths > Insect repellent and sunscreen > Folding chairs > Backpack > Radio, flashlight, and batteries > Lantern and matches > Firewood (unless available near your campground) > Knife and hatchet > Rope and twine > First-aid kit > Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows > Air mattress or padding > Personal hygiene items and toilet paper > Towels and washcloths > Bikes, fishing and other sports equipment > Camera and binoculars > Clothing for all types of weather, rain gear, and walking shoes or hiking boots. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
What not to take Don’t get carried away with packing, or camping will become a chore. Make a list, then weed out items you don’t really need. Portable televisions detract from outdoor fun, so leave yours at home. Think it through and do some research before taking your pet. Some campgrounds don’t allow pets, and even if they do, they don’t allow pets to be left unattended. A pet can hinder many activities including going to beaches where dogs often aren’t allowed. Easy camp foods There are many ways to cook. You can purchase a gas or liquid-fuel camping stove, or if electricity is available, a crockpot or electric griddle works well. You can also carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire. Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crock pot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, and soup, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and good meals are one of the highlights for you, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast. Camping tips Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep you safe. Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. Raccoons are known to lift lids right off coolers to snatch hot dogs and other treats. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. Any food that isn’t tightly contained should be stored in your vehicle overnight. Poor weather can strike at any time and insect infestations can also make for a
miserable experience. Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear. Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd. Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs. When selecting a site look for proximity to restrooms, electricity, and water. The amount of shade you’ll want will depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud, a grassy or rock site may be preferred. Also, avoid a site backed up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind. Know what animals are found in the area. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. In the west, mountain lions have been known to snag children and even small women. In bear country, those accustom to people sometimes get too close and result in injury. Even small animals that feel threatened may attack. Just the right campground Try one of these sources to find the perfect campground for your trip. S Contact the travel or visitor’s bureau in the state you plan to visit. S If you’re a AAA member, pick up one of their regional Camp Books at your local branch office. S Visit the website for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts at www.campjellystone. com, or call 800.558.2954. S Call for your KOA Directory at 406.248.7444, or go to www.koa.com to make your online reservation. S Visit usparks.about.com/blstparklistings. htm for the contact information on state park services in all 50 states. S Visit the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm For a comprehensive directory of private, state, and national campgrounds, pick up Woodall’s North American Campground Directory found in most camping supply stores, or order online at www.woodalls.com
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Ask an Elder Law Attorney
By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
What Should You Tell The Kids About Their Inheritance? Money is still a taboo topic in polite society. We don’t engage in small talk with someone we’ve just met by asking them “So, how much did you pull down last year?” Instead, we stick towards mundane and unoffensive topics like the weather.
parents—as much as $12 trillion overall. That amount will be eclipsed when boomers leave it to their children. Now, I don’t recommend that you report every penny of your financial situation to your adult children on a regular basis. But, I do think it’s a good idea to inform them, at least generally, about the nature of your assets, your investment and savings goals, and your ultimate estate planning goals.
members can squander a $15,000 inheritance just as foolishly as they do a $1.5 Million.
So prepare your heirs by educating them about what they may or may not stand to receive at your death. Help them to understand that their But, this social taboo may extend to our inheritance is not a sure thing, nor is it a families as well. At one time or another, panacea for a lifetime of poor financial parents with inquisitive school-aged decisions. Help them understand that children will have to address a “fair” division of the inevitable questions your estate among from their young ones about your heirs doesn’t whether their family is “rich” Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop necessarily mean that or “poor.” Parents generally it is a mathematically Wednesday, April 24: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 pm find a way to dance around the “equal” division. at 322 Catoma Street downtown Montgomery. This educational topic while landing somewhere workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins covers wills, in the “middle class” Talking about your neighborhood. financial situation with trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate your adult children is administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce Even after children are grown just as uncomfortable and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid and have families of their as it was to answer qualification. Registration is required. Call 334-625-6774 today to own, many parents don’t want the questions of your reserve your seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. to discuss their finances or young and curious property with the kids—even children all those years if those kids are now in their ago. I realize that. If you intend to leave your kids some, 50’s. I think this is unfortunate. The But, a lot of things that are good for us but not all, of your estate, then it’s a fact is that most people want to leave are uncomfortable (I’m looking at you, good idea to tell them why you reached their property to their children one dentists). that decision. Billionaire Warren Buffet, day. If the kids are going to own it, who has famously decided to give why shouldn’t they know more about it Take some time, update your estate away most of his fortune rather than now? planning and financial documents, and leaving it to his children, thinks that the then have one nice long uncomfortable “correct” amount of money to leave Communication can go a long way conversation with your kids about it. the kids is “enough money so that they to smooth a transition from one would feel they could do anything, generation to the next. Consider Once it’s done, you’ll be relieved to but not so much that they could do the adult child who has to take over know you’ve finally gotten everything nothing.” And Buffet, who updates his managing a parent’s finances when the in order. estate plan fairly regularly, allows his parent can no longer manage on their children to read the latest version each own due to dementia. Clients often Raley L. Wiggins time a change is made. tell me that they don’t know where to Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC begin to look for their elderly parent’s 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 322 Catoma Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, Most of us don’t have the kind of key financial information. www.redoaklegalpc.com “billionaire problems” that Warren Buffet has. Most of us hope that we As has been widely reported, the baby are in a position to leave our kids boomer generation have begun to anything at all. But, it is not the size of inherit the greatest inter-generational the inheritance that matters. Family transfer of wealth in history from their
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Roman Street Performs at the Capri Theatre
Roman Street, the Mobile based Jazz Fusion group, will be performing live at the Capri Theatre on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets for the event are on sale online now. Click Here for Tickets . Proceeds from the show go to benefit the Capri Community Film Society. Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres. For more info and tickets visit www.capritheatre.org or www.romanstreet.com or call 334.262.4858.
HERB DAY, Saturday, April 13, 2019
Herb Day, sponsored by the Alabama Herb Society (AHS) will be held on Saturday, April 13, 8 am - 3 pm at our new venue, Grace Presbyterian Church, 5 Bell Road at Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Enjoy demonstrations, expert gardeners, vendors of herbal products, live music and an abundance of plants for sale. Herb Day, a fun-filled public educational event for the entire family will feature children’s activities, programs by experts on growing herbs, a cooking demonstration using herbs, and a session that explores the medicinal properties of herbs. An open-air market will feature vendors selling crafts, books, food, herbal soaps and candles, teas, garden wares and a huge selection of herbal plants. Come learn about the Herb of the Year for 2019 – Anise Hyssop - a favorite of bees, tea-lovers, and folk-medicine experts too! Randy Merijanian, an experienced bee-keeper in the Montgomery area will present a program, The Dance of the Bees. Kathy Quinn, a local herbalist and pharmacist will present Herbs of Digestion: Hyssop, Fennel and Common Bitter Herbs. Master Rosarian, Gloria Purnell from Birmingham will teach us about growing roses as well as their medicinal and culinary properties. Children’s activities will include an art show by local school students, as well as ‘make and take’ crafting and planting activities. Plus live music on the grounds all day! For more information about us go to our website www.alabamaherbsociety.org or find us on FB. Reach us by cell 334.303.0187 or email cgomillion9@ gmail.com. FREE ADMISSION
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Pike Road Community Yard Sale Benefiting the Lions Club The Annual Pike Road Community Yard Sale benefiting the Pike Road Lions Club returns on Saturday, April 27 from 7 - 11 a.m. at Pike Road Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd.) We expect a great crowd of shoppers and up to 80 vendors, so take advantage of this opportunity to sell your stuff or buy something new! There are a limited number of booths, so stop by Town Hall to reserve yours beginning Monday, April 1! Booths are $25 each, and proceeds from booth rentals benefit the Pike Road Lions Club and their service projects. Please note that vendor spaces are limited to yard sale items; vendors may not be businesses, and vendors may not sell food items. Follow this link for vendor + yard sale details: http://bit.ly/2VO5LlU
River Region Disability Expo The 4th annual River Region Disability Expo is designed to empower people with disabilities, and of all ages, with the information, resources and technology to enhance their lives. This event is free, open to the public and will be held on Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 at the Alcazar Shriner's Temple between 10-3 pm. "We find families need to know about services that can help them when a baby is born with a disability, a child that may begin to have some difficulty in an area of their development, a teenager or adult who may need some intervention because of a disability, or as a mature adult who acquires a disability as they begin to age," states Rachel Hughes, co-chair of the event. "Last year's vendors were eager to return and we had requests from so many new ones, we had to expand our space! Having so many resources in one location will provide a great benefit to the individuals and families that attend." There will be exhibitors set up from a variety of programs, services and products. Some examples include: independent living, technology, children's services, recreation, advocacy, education, transition services, social skills, life coaching, employment and more. Many of the exhibitors presented at the Disability Expo do not charge for their service. For more info visit https://eastersealscentralalabama.org/events/river-region-disability-expo/
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Wetumpka's 2019 Coosapalooza Brewfest This year's 2019 Coosapalooza Brewfest will be Saturday, April 13, 4-8 pm. VIP Experience begins at 3 pm. First Pour at 4 pm, Tasting ends at 7 pm. The location entrance near Coosa River Craft House, 108 South Main Street, Downtown Wetumpka. Enjoy over 40 craft brews at the 2019 Coosapalooza Brewfest, located along the beautiful Merchants Alley and river walk in downtown Wetumpka. General entry tickets include admission to the event, entertainment, souvenir tasting glasses and beer tastings. Tickets available at www.bigtickets.com, for info email info@mainstreetwetumpka.org.
Walk of Life 2019, Saturday, April 27th, Downtown Montgomery The Joy to Life Foundation provides free mammograms and other breast cancer screenings, when necessary, to medically underserved women and men in Alabama, provides limited grants when needed, builds and supports breast cancer awareness among all Alabamians, and promotes over-all health, well being, and education throughout the state. We’re excited to celebrate our 17th annual Walk of Life this year! Thank you for supporting our mission. Because of your generous support/donations, we can continue to provide breast cancer screenings for women and men in every county in Alabama. Register today, and join us in the fight! Get your friends togeher and register at www.joytolife.org
An Evening with Gladys Knight Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul and winner of seven GRAMMY Awards, possess one of the richest voices in pop music. Rolling Stone magazine listed her among the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, and she’s a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. She loves to perform, beaming her trademark smile as she connects with audiences on an intimately emotional level. Sunday, May 12, Jemison Concert Hall, Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham. For more info and tickets visit www.alysstephens.org
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Master Gardener Associations Presents Free Lunch & Learn Programs Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars, April 3 Growing and Cooking with Herbs, Janell Diggs, Master Gardener and Container Gardening, Eric Leatherwood, Leatherwood Nursery. Autauga County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Thursday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville 36066. Mark your calendars, April 4 Fruit Tree Care, Dr. Arlie Powell, Petals from the Past and Roses For Our Area, Gloria Purnell, Master Rosarian. Elmore County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Ann Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36092. Mark your calendars, April 9, Native Plants for Our Area, Peggy Thompson, Jefferson County MG and Effective Use of Plants in the Landscape, Rip Weaver, Director of Aldridge Gardens. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
Free Subscriptions @ w w w.r ive rre gio n b o o m.co m Capital City Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale Capital City Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale Saturday, April 27th, 7:00 am - noon at Frazer United Methodist Church at the corner of Atlanta Highway/Burbank in Montgomery, Alabama. The Capital City Master Gardeners are having their annual spring plant sale with terrific plants at bargain prices. Plants for sale include: heirloom plants, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, ground covers, trees, shrubs, succulents, shade plants and house plants. Garden items and potted container gardens also available for purchase. Bring the kids for fun children’s gardening activities. Our Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. Beat the crowd and come early because the plants go quickly! For more information, go to our website: www.capcitymga.org
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C.S. Lewis - The Most Reluctant Convert BJCC Concert Hall | April 14, 2019 What’s ingenious about C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert is that its plot is all about how the great thinker thought. Its most pivotal events are mental. And their dramatic momentum—how thought A prepared for thought B, which propelled realization C—amounts to some amazing moments on stage and in one’s own mind. Max McLean performs impressively as C.S. Lewis (1898–1963), the British author and scholar best known for his now mega-selling fantasy fiction (notably The Chronicles of Narnia) but also widely revered for his religious writings. A man given as much to rationality and intellectual rigor as he was enchanted by myths and the imagination, Lewis famously converted in his thirties from a secular worldview to a deeply personal belief in the incarnated God of Christianity. McLean—who adapted the succinct and scintillating script from a host of texts by the prolific Lewis—traces the path of that conversion, step by unexpected step. Performing Sunday, April 14th at 4 pm in the BJCC Concert Hall, downtown Birmingham. for more info and tickets visit www.fpatheatre.com or www.bjcc.org
Anabranch & Alabama Book Festival
AHF and stakeholders of the Alabama Book Festival are collaborating to create Anabranch, an event planned for April 11 – 13, 2019 in Montgomery. Adding two days to the well-known Alabama Book Festival, Anabranch will include humanities-focused speakers, presentations and educational offerings on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the Alabama Book Festival gets under way with a host of authors headlining the day in Old Alabama Town. Thursday, April 11th - Opening Night Reception and Conversation with Imani Perry & André Holland at the Capri Theater. Limited seating, so you must RSVP at Eventbrite. Friday, April 12th - Humanities Workshops at Troy University Montgomery. Details and registration available at www.alabamahumanities.org/anabranch. Saturday, April 13th - Alabama Book Festival in Old Alabama Town. Book Festival schedule and additional details available at www.alabamabookfestival.org.
Caring for the Caregiver, Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 1-3 pm at ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL. A place for RESPITE: a pause or rest, EXCHANGING: practical information on caregiving problems, possible solutions, and resources in our community, SHARING: needs and concerns, TALKING: through challenges and discovering new ways to cope. Often, we hear caregivers say they are looking for support from people who “really understand because we have been there too.” This group offers just that-a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. We welcome caregivers. For more info call 334.462.2613.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
ZOO Serve Day, May 4th ZOO Serve Day will be, Saturday, May 4, 9am – 4:30pm. A single day to gather volunteer groups to accomplish several tasks in preparing the Montgomery Zoo for the summer season. Volunteers are needed to help with landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping for the summer. It will be a great opportunity for those people that volunteer their time and energy to give back to the City of Montgomery Zoo and the River Region community. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent / legal guardian or a designated group chaperone. For more information or to register for Volunteer Spring 2019 Serve Day, please contact the Zoo at (334) 625-4900 or register at the Zoo's volunteer page, www.montgomeryzoo.com
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Mint Juleps, Bourbon, Horses and Hats, Hats, Hats, Hats... Get ready for horses, hats, and bourbon! Join Hospice of Montgomery as they bring Millionaire’s Row with a casino twist to the River Region. The Kentucky Derby Annual Benefit will take place Saturday, May 4th from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., at Montgomery Country Club. Dress in your “Derby” best, and take part in the post-position horse draw, exclusive silent auction, “funny money” casino tables, “best dressed couple” and “best hat” contests, and much more, all culminating with the viewing of the 145th Run for the Roses! Attendance at the annual benefit supports Hospice of Montgomery, which is the River Region’s ONLY independent, nonprofit hospice care provider. Funds raised through this event help provide medical care for the seriously ill, bereavement and grief counseling for families, as well as caregiver support. Be sure to reserve your tickets today for the most exciting two minutes in racing! $50 General Admission. Sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased at Hospice of Montgomery, 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery, and online at www.hospiceofmontgomery.org click News & Events. For more information contact Hospice of Montgomery at 334.279.6677. The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis at Hampstead Tipping Point
Someone’s Grandchild Needs Your Support Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event. Each year, more than 125,000 people participate in hundreds of walks across the country to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research and drug development. Great Strides continues to gain momentum, as do our research efforts and the progress we’ve made in the search for a cure. The CF Foundation has raised and invested hundreds of millions of dollars to support the development of new CF drugs and therapies. But the lives of people with this disease are still cut far too short. This year’s Great Strides Event will be held at Hampstead Tipping Point on Saturday, April 13th beginning at 9 am. Form a team, join a team, and serve those in the fight for the cure of Cystic Fibrosis. Get involved at www.fightcf.cff.org
Stamp/Coin Show
The Montgomery Area Stamp Club is having its semiannual stamp and coin show on Saturday May 4th. The show will be at the Doster Community Center in Prattville, located at 424 S. Northington St. Dealers from several states to buy, sell and appraise stamps and coins. All types of supplies available for collectors. The club has been in continuous operation for more than 30 years. Participation by stamp collectors of all ages is encouraged, and visitors are welcome! The Montgomery Area Stamp Club meets every second and fourth Thursday (except in Nov and Dec) at 5:30 p.m. at the Crump Community Center, 1750 Congressman Dickinson Drive, Montgomery. Call 334.365.2992. R ive r Regio n Bo o m . co m
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Jan Niel, A Prayer Leader This month’s cover profile is Jan Niel. Jan is the Director of Prayer Ministry at Frazer UMC Church and no doubt has had more conversations with God than anyone you might know. We’ve known Jan as a prayer warrior for many years and she leads a team of volunteers at Frazer who are intercessors praying for the specific needs of people throughout the River Region, Frazer and other churches, while some even knit or crochet prayer shawls for people with illness or loss. For many of us in the River Region prayer is a part of our daily lives, for others, prayer is a response to urgent needs. Jan understands the prayer needs of us all and she has been a leader in equipping us to have a more faithful and consistent relationship with God. As we prepare ourselves for Holy Week and Easter Sunday on April 21st, we wanted to share some of Jan’s story, her faith journey and prayer ministry leadership. She’s a joy to get to know with an intentional heart for God. BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where were you born, education, family, what brought you to the Montgomery area, etc.? Jan: I was born in Birmingham and grew up a "small town" girl in Pinson which is a suburb of Birmingham. I am the middle child with one older and one younger brother. I studied Business Administration at UAB, and I was working in advertising in the Montgomery area in the summer of 1980 when I met my future husband Charlie. I moved to Montgomery in 1982 when we were married.
He was never far away from me, and I believe that is true of everyone because God's love is for all people. From the very moment of salvation God placed in me an insatiable desire for His Word. As I began to read and study the Word, I believe the Holy Spirit revealed to me that prayer was vital for my faith walk. I read every book I could find on prayer and felt that God was actually calling me to a ministry of prayer. In my limited knowledge, I thought my ministry was to be an intercessor praying for others. It was several years later that God opened the opportunity for me to not only pray but teach prayer and organize a ministry of prayer.
Jan with husband Charlie and granddaughter Zadie after her performance in the Nutcracker
BOOM!: You are the Director of Prayer Ministry at Frazer Church; would you share your faith journey with our readers and how it led you to the Frazer Prayer Ministry? Jan: On the surface, it might look like my faith journey began when, as a young adult, I accepted Christ as my Savior. In reality, I now know that God was always working in my life. My family of origin were not church goers but as a child I did attend church with friends, and I have
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some vivid memories of Vacation Bible Schools during my elementary age years. As I got older, I quit attending church and God was not a part of my life for several years. At age 25 I found myself with a one-year old child and divorced from a three-year marriage. It became obvious that I was not doing so well on my own. It was in desperation that I begged God to come into my life. As I look back over my early life it is obvious that God's grace was at work in my life even when I was far away from Him.
It was in 1987 when a friend's teenage son was diagnosed with cancer and we asked for prayer far and wide. A church in Texas mailed him a card indicating that the intercessors of their church had been praying. In the very instant I was shown that card, God spoke to me about beginning a similar ministry. I made a call to the church, received their materials and, well, the rest is history. The first area of Frazer's Prayer Ministry was patterned after the ministry of that Texas church. An added confirmation and blessing is that the young man was totally cured of his Cancer. For several years I worked with Frazer’s ministry as a volunteer and came on staff in 1996 to further develop prayer within our church. BOOM!: What is the purpose of the Frazer Prayer Ministry? How is it The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
organized? How has God blessed you and your Prayer Team?
site which receives requests locally and from all over the country. Anyone can submit a prayer need to www.frazer.church/ Jan: Our prayer. Our volunteers purpose: are trained to exercise Our ultimate confidentiality as many purpose is to of these requests are bring glory to sensitive in nature. I God through believe that every this ministry request is a sacred trust and the many between us and the ways in which Lord and count it a great we pray. Today privilege to pray for we have eight the needs of others. areas or teams, • We have a each with a wonderful group specific focus. of talented ladies In some areas who crochet or knit our volunteers prayer shawls to be (intercessors) presented to people Daughter-in-law, Laura and Jan's son Dave pray from their who are struggling homes, in other areas they serve at the with illness or loss. What makes it a church. With this design anyone who “prayer” shawl is that the intercessor feels the call to pray can participate on prays for the person in need as they some level. make the shawl and before it is • Those who pray at home are given presented to them. specific needs related to our church • On Sunday mornings we have small ministries, groups praying in our programs and prayer room for our staff. Others pray worship services as for individual well as praying about requests and everything that is write notes of happening on campus encouragement to during that time. people who have • We have intercessors requested prayer. available at the close • Our "Upper of each service to pray Room" with anyone who has a intercessors request. There are so commit to one many needs; so many hour each week hurting and struggling to pray in solitude people who need hope over the many and encouragement. personal requests Being available to that are received. minister to and pray These requests with them may appear come to us as a small thing but we people place have seen lives radically requests in one changed as God has of the prayer responded to our Jan's youngest granddaughter, Ella boxes located prayers. throughout the • We also have a team church, by phone or through our webthat creates and plans special prayer The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
events throughout the year. This includes our Holy Week event, "Stations of the Cross," prayer vigils and special prayer focuses. One of my primary roles is to teach and train not only our volunteers but to offer classes on prayer to our congregation. BOOM!: When it comes to prayer many people are challenged about how to speak and listen to God, would you please share some ideas/guidelines on developing a more prayerful life?
Jan's son Chris with his wife Christen
Jan: What seems to be a great challenge for many people is their perception that they do not know the "correct way" to pray. I often hear people say, "I do not know how to pray, and I am afraid I am not doing it right." First let me make this clear; I do not have all the answers and am still learning about this mystery of prayer just as I continue to learn about and know God. But one thing I am sure of; God is interested in what is in and on our hearts, not so much in how we express ourselves in prayer. It's like the Nike slogan; "Just do it!" As we pray, as imperfect as it may be, we will learn to pray. If someone wants to make prayer a priority in their life the best way is to start praying. Even Jesus' disciples had to ask for help in this area. In Luke 11 they came to Jesus and said, "Lord, teach us to pray." They did not ask for teaching R ive r Regio n Bo o m . co m
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concerning anything else even though they certainly needed help in other areas. So, ask Jesus to teach you and then just do it! Seek a small group to pray with as in many ways’ prayer is not so much taught but caught from praying with and learning from others. BOOM!: As we age, many of us become caregivers for spouses and loved ones, can you share your experience as a caregiver? How has your faith played a role?
experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, or maybe new careers, especially if they’ve experienced the empty nest syndrome of their kids moving on. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? Jan: Renewal is the word I have chosen as my focus for 2019 as a reminder that I have an opportunity each day to be renewed. Son Dave's Family: Zadie, Dave, Andy, Laura, Rose, Michael, Xavier, Saphira
Jan: Yes, it seems that many people find themselves in a care giving role as parents age and then as a spouse becomes ill. Personally, my husband and I have had three of our four parents living with us in the months or even years before they passed. To term it a challenge is an understatement in many ways, but it is also a privilege to care for those we love. I cannot even begin to imagine how I would have handled those days and times without a strong faith in the Lord. Living in a 24-7 care giving role certainly improved my prayer life! For me, there had to come a time when I completely surrendered my days, desires, plan, hopes and dreams to God's will; when I was able to say, "Here I am, Lord, and I gladly accept where You have me at this point in my life." There were many prayers for wisdom, sensitivity, strength and stamina during those days. When I relinquished control and just sought God's will each day, I was able to have His peace and joy even in the midst of some pretty tough circumstances. Looking back, I am so very grateful for the time we had with each of our parents. They taught me about life, about death, about family and about myself. I realize now that God was using these experiences to help me grow into a stronger woman of faith. BOOM!: With a busy schedule directing the Frazer Prayer Ministry, do you have time to serve in other areas of the church or in civic groups? Why is it important to serve others?
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Jan: One area where I am involved in the community is through the "Watchmen" ministry. Intercessors are assigned one day every forty days to pray for Montgomery and we do so by actually getting out and walking the streets. I have been blessed at times to go into city hall or a government building and pray with some of the employees and city or state leaders.
My favorite renewal verse is Colossians 3:10 - Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your creator and become like him. This has become my daily prayer! BOOM!: We know you are an avid Pickleball player, can you share how you got started playing and some of the benefits of playing? Can you recommend how our readers might get involved?
Jan: Several years ago, Frazer posted in our bulletin that Pickleball would be offered one night a week in our gym and My passion is I went to check teaching people to it out. I had live for Christ. In no idea what it addition to training was but soon I in prayer, I have two was playing two Sunday morning nights a week. adult classes that Pickleball is I am privileged to much like tennis lead. These groups but on a smaller are hungry for God's court so it is a word and I normally great way to teach straight get exercise for through a book of those of us who the Bible. We have might not want just finished the to tackle the Gospel of John that larger tennis we began in January court. Exercise of 2018. I am so very is certainly blessed to dive into Jan, Charlie, Chris, Christen, Ella one of the the Word and share it benefits, but we with these wonderful people. have also developed a little "pickleball community" here at Frazer and been able Over the years I have been involved to meet people across the River Region in teaching on prayer and leading who play at other locations. We have workshops and conferences locally and even traveled to other cities to play in throughout the Southeast. It has been competition tournaments including the a tremendous blessing to help other Alabama Senior Olympics. Win or lose, churches begin a ministry of prayer! pickleball is a great way to keep moving, meet people and enjoy the thrill of BOOM!: Many people over 50 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
competing. (At least I enjoy the competition) Other groups that I am aware of play at the AUM Wellness Center, the downtown YMCA and at the Montgomery Country Club.
forward to spending time with their church family as well.
Jan with granddaughters Zadie and Rose at Shakespeare
BOOM!: How do you and your husband like to spend time with family? Describe your experience with your sons and as a grandparent? Do you have a grandparent name yet? Jan: We are Gramma and Pops to our 7 grandchildren who range in age from 14 years to 20 months. Six of them live in Ft. Walton (our oldest son Dave's family) so we do not get enough time with them to suit us but Charlie and I are grateful for every opportunity to hang out with them. Because Dave is a pastor, weekend trips are limited for them, so we make the trip as often as possible to the beach to be with their family. Our visits often revolve around what's happening at their church and we always look
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Our other son Christopher and his wife Christen live in Pike Road with our youngest grandbaby (Ella). Thankfully we are able to spend more time with them and it is a great joy to be a regular part of their lives. One of my greatest joys in life is knowing that both of our boys are serving the Lord, (Dave as a pastor and Chris through his music and teaching).
BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
To walk where Jesus walked, to boat across the Sea of Galilee, to draw water from Jacob's well, to pray at the wailing wall, to walk the Via Dolorosa... the whole experience of being in the Holy Land served to give me a greater understanding of Jesus and the scriptures. Another very memorable trip was to New York City for the Marathon. It was my first time in New York, and we had a fabulous six days to explore the city. One moving site for us was when we went to Ground Zero which was in the rebuilding process at the time. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Jan: I am not sure if priorities have changed as I have Jan: We are beach aged but I think I people! Fortunately, am able to line up with my son living with those priorities in Ft. Walton we are better as my able to visit pretty responsibilities with often. Just last year Jan with granddaughter Ella family (parents and our whole family children) has become (13 + 2 friends of my less. My highest priority is to grow in grandson) spent a week in Cape Coral, my relationship with the Lord by being Florida. Six adults and nine children!! A in the Word, being in prayer and being trip we will not soon forget. available to serve others. Amazingly, my job at Frazer lines up perfectly with One of my all-time favorite trips was those priorities and I am blessed beyond to the Holy Land several years ago.
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measure to actually have a job in ministry to others.
with technology? How does technology help you manage the Frazer Prayer Ministry?
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
BOOM!: How has God changed your life Jan: LOL! I am coming along through the Frazer Prayer Ministry? Of course, my as I do realize that today's family also takes technology can be of benefit Jan: I believe that God will change our a place of high to ministry. One-way people lives if we allow it regardless of our life priority and can ask for prayer is through situation and occupation. God has used being available Frazer's web-site and I have Frazer's Prayer Ministry as a part of our for them is a crisis prayer group of 60 larger Congregational Care Ministry important to people who I text when there to give me a greater compassion and me. My husband is a need. The Prayer Ministry empathy for others. When you are suffers from a has its own Facebook group involved every day in ministering to chronic illness that I manage. It is used to people who are hurting in some way it and I have an relay Information about events is only God who can give the wisdom active role in and programs as well as for and sensitivity needed to be the his care as well. teaching and devotionals. encouragement they need. I also worked Grandchildren Rose, Xavier and Michael I believe we Anyone can ask to join at with a local Hospice for several years - Taekwondo! must adjust our www.facebook.com/groups/ just prior to coming to Frazer. Caring for priorities at times based on our current frazerprayerministry people who are in the last stages of life life situation. caused me to evaluate and reflect on my BOOM!: What’s your view of the idea of life and order my priorities. It was during BOOM!: Give us three words that retirement? my time at Hospice of Montgomery that I describe you? realized God was calling me to a ministry Jan: of caring Jan: Disciplined, Dependable, Devoted Although and meeting (And you did not even ask for D words!) I am needs. I retirement have learned BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or age, the idea that often other activities that grab your attention? of leaving the most ministry powerful Jan: I began running in my 20's and have has never thing I can do enjoyed participating in races through entered for someone the years. In my 40's and 50's I ran a my mind. is to lift them few marathons; one as a fundraiser for I know at up to the Lord Leukemia, the others just for fun. The some point in prayer. I most challenging was the New York City I will leave have also Marathon as I was competing (ha!) with employment learned that 32,000+ people. Most of them finished behind, but sometimes Grandchildren at Christmas! ahead of me! fully intend I am to to continue in whatever ministry the stop praying and go do something for Pickleball has in large part replaced my Lord provides at that time. I do desire someone! running although I do still run shorter more time with family, being able to be a We want to thank Jan for sharing some of her distances and participate occasionally in bigger part of my grandchildren's lives. story for this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. local races. If you would like to learn more about Jan's BOOM!: Would you share a favorite or prayer ministry at Frazer visit www.frazer. I am also an avid reader or maybe I “life verse” from the Bible? church or email her at jan@frazerumc.org should say a book junkie. I have more We also want to thank Shellee Roberts of books than should be legal and actually Jan: There are too many "favorites" to Total Image Portraits, www.totalimage.com, boxed up 6 boxes recently for donation share but one passage that I often cling for her cover photo for this month's cover. If to one of our United Methodist mission to and pray is Philippians 4:6-7 - Be you have questions, comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating programs. I mostly read Christian living anxious for nothing, but in everything someone, please send them to Jim Watson at books, but I also love to read Christian by prayer and supplication with jim@riverregionboom.com fiction when I can find the time. thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, Read all of the BOOM! Cover Profiles at BOOM!: What is your relationship which surpasses all comprehension, will www.riverregionboom.com/archive/
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
Flagg Mountain It’s a bright, cool day in March. I’m driving along County Road 55 east of Clanton; passing three guys riding mountain bikes with GPS devices, dualhandle-bars, sleeping bags—serious stuff for traversing whole states and living off the land. They’re muscular long-distance bikers, peddling hard toward Weogufka. As I ease by them, I figure I’ll never see them again. But I’m wrong. I speed away, anxious to interview Sunny Eberhart, aka Nimblewill Nomad, caretaker of Coosa County’s Flagg Mountain just minutes away.
glance I thought it would be. But I continue the steep climb. It’s reminiscent of North Carolina with lots of hardwoods, a scattering of pines. I’m looking down on the terracotta road that brought me up the mountain, and viewing The Guardian/Vimeo Sunny Eberhart, aka Nimblewill Nomad smaller hills and I arrive atop this southern-most, farms in the Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed it 1000-plus-feet-high mountain in the valley below. Large jagged rocks are along with a number of quaint cabins in Appalachian Range at the same instant everywhere to be seen. The bank to my the 1930’s. locals are endeavoring to restore water left is a wall of green moss. Tiny plants to their beloved mountain. Well-digging cover the slope, eager to bloom. I’m I meet Bob Douglas along my path. Bob’s machinery obscures the sound of my almost there. I study my lofty objective; a retired pharmacist from Prattville. He’s approach to the but, initially, do not see the scenic tower. here jubilantly ranger station. Mr. Then I spot it hidden among the cresting blowing Eberhart and a trees like a brave sentinel watching over leaves from forest ranger are the sprawling countryside. a trail for his studying a map grandchildren to along the circular As I approach the tower from the north, enjoy. “They’re gravel drive. The I’m surprise to see other visitors—the coming up from legendary nomad bikers I passed earlier. They couldn’t Panama City is easy to spot, resist the 2-mile diversion to visit this to escape the ball-cap tight historic landmark. We greet and meet. madness of upon his long gray And I learn that Charlie Watkins, a spring break,” hair; a mustache boomer from Ocala, has biked all the he laughs. Bob and mossy-beard, way from Key West! He was joined along suggests other jeans, gray jacket. the way by another Floridian, Nicolas trails I might He’s trim and Fliakos, and John Pickron of Georgia. consider like remarkably fit for While John is returning home to Atlanta one down to a a man his age— via Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail that he’ll charming creek. pushing eightyconnect with in Anniston (see July 2016 Weogufka State one. He greets BOOM!), Charlie and Nicolas are biking Forest features me warmly with on to Kentucky. What a trek! They advise 6.5 miles of a toothy-grin and me to watch for pictures of their journey scenic trails. L-R John Pickron, Nicolas Fliakos, Charlie Watkins offers suggestions on the website “Southern Alabama Some lead to Photo: Jeff Barganier for passing time until the well-diggers Lowland Traverse.” As they depart, I wish stunning primitive campsites with fire are done. I opt for a short hike to the them well as if old friends; and then turn rings and picnic tables. Bob tells me that stone fire-tower visible from where I’m my attention to exploring the tower. Its rhododendrons bloom along some trails standing. The picturesque tower has door is locked but a renovation is being in late January and February! My ascent graced Flagg Mountain since the Civilian planned. It’ll be fun to ascend to its is slightly more challenging than at first
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observation optometrist, the visor of his cap. “But if you want to room discovered have your faith restored in human-kind, someday Flagg take a road-walk. Put your pack on and and take in Mountain go out there. I’ve walked from Chicago’s what must years ago downtown loop to Santa Monica, surely be an during a California! Something happens when amazing view. long-distance you put a pack on. It brings out the best In the tower’s hike. He’s in the worst people and makes good charming an excellent people better.” The sight of a backpack cabin, I find writer and changes attitudes, he explains. “I’ve met notes left by “Triple the nicest people because their dogs recent visitors. Crown Hiker,” barked at me. They came out to see what On 3-17-19, meaning he’s their dogs were barking at then invited the Sorrell’s traversed all me in for tea!” Mr. Eberhart stresses family wrote: three North the amazing fact that one may begin at “We have American Flagg Mountain’s Pinhoti Trailhead and been visiting continental hike 3,300 miles all the way to Belle Isle, Flagg Mountain's Historic Tower Photo: Friends of Flagg Mountain on Facebook here for years. scenic Newfoundland, So glad to see it being renovated.” I can’t trails—that’s like eighteen the northernagree more! This wonderful structure is thousand miles of hiking. His most mountain, certainly worth preserving. book Ten Million Steps chronicles where fiords one of his first such adventures. are found in the I hike a mile or so toward the creek as “Hiking up from Florida, I was Appalachian the sun dips in the west. But not wanting told to expect problems in Range! to be lost in the woods after dark Alabama. But I was blown away without so much as a flashlight, I head by the kindness of the people The Flagg back to my cabin for the evening. About here. Also, in North Dakota, I Mountain 6:30, Nimblewill Nomad appears at my was warned not to let the sun restoration effort door with lighter-wood and commences set on me in Sioux country, but needs your to build a splendid fire in my fireplace. I ended up spending the night help! Go for a Sun Setting on Flagg Mountain Photo: Jeff Barganier Such hospitality is the norm on Flagg with direct descendants of Sitting visit and donate Mountain. We pull up chairs and get Bull and Rain-in-the-Face, two chiefs generously at http://gofundme.com/ acquainted. Like me, he enjoys reading responsible for taking down Custer. Flagg-Mountain-Restoration. For and has no TV. “I haven’t owned a TV While some like reading history, I like more information, see Friends of Flagg in 50 years,” he quips. Unlike me, he’s living history. I’ve walked in the shadow Mountain on Facebook (www.facebook. adept at rebuilding chainsaws. “An ability of Lewis and Clark, feeling what they com/pages/category/Community/Flaggto rebuild a chainsaw makes friends for felt, suffering as they suffered,” he says. Mountain-1156040041079824). Also see life,” he laughs. Mr. Eberhart, a retired Then he peers seriously from beneath www.nimblewillnomad.com. Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram #jeffbarganier.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
THE WEDDING, ONE YEAR LATER... AN OWL GOES FOUL!
A year ago I dragged my readers through the challenge facing me at my daughter’s wedding last April 7. Would I be splashing through my own tears walking her down the aisle?
is the one time Daddy can’t just make it better. We talked a long time and as we did, I was overcome by a numbness that turned me into a zombie for many, many weeks as this awful reality set in. My little girl was heartbroken. I was heartbroken for her and heartbroken myself.
Or would I find a way to defy those expectations- and walk her to the altar with dignity and a smile worthy of the occasion? I defied the odds. It was a fantastic wedding. Until further notice, I will remember Janelle’s wedding as the happiest day of my life as her Dad.
Still the happiest moment in this Dad's life
The kids seemed off to a solid start, but then …. On Sunday night of last Thanksgiving weekend, Janelle called to tell me through a voice cracking with tears, that her husband of 7 months had left. When I first realized she was upset I thought something was wrong with her dog. It never occurred to me that the “Owl”, who promised me in a handwritten note to love and protect “my precious Goose”, would betray his vows just months into the marriage. They’d been together a long time. I still have trouble accepting this outcome because I really loved him as a family member. When he made his exit, he gutted my daughter’s dream, and dumped
all of us who’d treated him as our own. Me. My wife. Janelle’s wonderful Mom and Step-Dad. Everyone. Janelle was apologizing because the wedding was expensive and all, but I stopped that immediately. “I spent that money willingly and happily because I never doubted your choice for a husband. The guests, the Officiant, everyone therebelieved in your marriage! I’d make the same decision 1000 times over based on what we knew at that time. So let’s not waste any time talking about money”. Hell, it would be a flat out lie to say I saw this coming, ever. Any father of any daughter who’s been abandoned early in a marriage knows the sickening feeling of powerlessness. This
Christmas was coming. Her Mom had already ordered some “First Christmas Together” decorations. The newlyweds put a little wish list on Amazon, and everything started with “we”, as in “We’d love this assortment of Keurig coffees because we like to try different coffees in the morning”. Oh God, give me the strength to face and accept this! My wife didn’t give me a chance to ask if I should go down to Florida for Christmas. Before I had a chance to ask, Roz said “you need to be there”. So, I went, and experienced what I’ll always remember as “The Christmas With The Elephant In The Room”. There were nice gifts, great meals, warm hospitality courtesy of her Mom and husband Marty. We tried. There was no escaping the shock we were all
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management
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processing. Janelle, though, was turning her sadness into resolve. The day before I drove down to South Florida for Christmas, Janelle’s card to us arrived in the mail. She’d had stamps produced featuring their wedding photo, and one was in the corner of the envelope. She was clearly visible, smiling on her wedding day, but I couldn’t see him. As I brought the envelope up for a closer look, I realized she’d used one of her graphic design tools to black him out of the photo. I complimented her on the idea and she quickly replied “I spent good money to have those stamps made and I’m not about to let ‘asshat’ ruin them”. “She’s dealing with this better than I am”, I thought. Once I was in Florida, Janelle said “We refer to the wedding as ‘the big party’ now”. That it was, an event perfectly planned to the smallest detail. No regrets, but we all had to turn the corner and Janelle was leading the way. As the New Year began, she was up for a big promotion at work. She’d earned the job, but would have to apply and compete against other applicants as required by the system. This would require her to put together a presentation for the position. Admittedly,
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I was concerned because in the course of my career, I endured many angst-filled relationship situations and handled them poorly. I wondered if she’d be able to do what I couldn’t- escape the emotional pain to create and present herself in the manner required. ANY job is tough when someone is grieving a loss. Could she get her mind free of the situation, prepare and present with enthusiasm- and win? Housing was another issue. They were renting a place they could only afford together (real estate in Miami is obscenely priced). The EX “generously” left his share of three rent payments (no comment), so this job meant more than a career step. In addition to the litany of stresses, Janelle was pitching her immediate future. Her presentation went so well one of the deciding board members told her afterward “you knocked it out of the park”. Still, it would be a couple of long weeks before the final answer would be known. Meanwhile, she found a townhouse close to work that she could buy and afford- if she got the promotion and the raise that came with it. I always think of February 11 with a huge pang, as it was that date in 1990- three weeks before Janelle was born- that my Mom passed away. However, on February 11, 2019, Janelle was notified she’d been
selected for the gig. Hours later, her offer on the townhouse was accepted. I couldn’t help but wonder if the Grandma she never met wasn’t a guardian light. Hope is slowly filling the void of grief we’ve all gone through. On the weekend of April 7th this year, Janelle will be moving into her first home. She will also be moving on. Thank you for letting me share this update. It wasn’t what any of us planned, but it is what it is and that’s life, isn’t it? Still, I’ll no doubt have a tear or twenty this April 7. That beautiful bride I walked down the aisle a year ago has become a remarkable young woman emerging from a devastated dream. For Janelle, it’s no longer an end. It is a beginning, and she’ll be fine. If that isn’t good enough to make a grown Dad cry, I don’t know what is. Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and is marking 12 years in the River Region in 2017. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Emily Hayes, 6-9AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Joey Clark. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
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April 2019
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
PINE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
Celebrate Spring...Azalea Season, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA, The month of April Each Spring, Callaway Gardens’ landscape explodes with one of the world’s largest displays of native and cultivated azaleas – more than 20,000 of them – plus fresh blooms of dogwoods, crabapples, daffodils, tulips and more. These sweeping floral vistas form the stunning backdrop to invigorating recreational pursuits, fascinating educational experiences and special events designed to celebrate the grandeur of the season. A series of themed weekends, known collectively as Celebrate Spring!, feature special activities and events for families and friends to share against the backdrop of these dazzling surroundings. For more information visit www.callawaygardens.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Autism Mudbug Ball-Crawfish Boil, Dreamland downtown Montgomery Saturday, April, 6th, 12-5:30 pm The BEST crawfish boil in the GUMP along with live music and cold beverages will happen Saturday, April 6, 12 – 5:30 pm at Dreamland Bar-B-Que, downtown Montgomery! All proceeds are donated to assist with Autism programs provided by Easter Seals Central Alabama for families in the River Region. We hope you will help us by supporting this event. Tickets are $35. Ages 3 - 10 are $10. VIP tickets are $75. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite. For more information, please call 334.262.0080. For more info visit www.autismmudbugball.org/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Birding in the Shakespeare Garden ASF-Blount Cultural Park Saturday, April 6, 10-2 pm Saturday, April 6th from 10-2pm, join ASF Master Gardener Karen Weber and certified naturalist Carol Alford for a fun, informative morning of birding in the Shakespeare Garden. This free class will be led by Carol, who works with the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. She will share her knowledge of the birding world by teaching the proper techniques for using binoculars and how to look for and identify local birds. (Binoculars will be provided. Please wear comfortable shoes since the class will explore Blount Cultural Park in the quest for beautiful birds.) This class is geared toward beginner birders and is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Free and open to the public. Call 800.841.4273 for more information or visit www.facebook. com/events/2387990254567119/
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MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
The United States Air Force Academy Band from Colorado Springs presents “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” Riverwalk Amphitheatre, Downtown Montgomery Friday, April 12, 7:30-9:30 pm The United States Air Force Academy Band from Colorado Springs presents “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at The Riverwalk Amphitheater in Montgomery on Friday, April 12th at 7:30 PM. This family-friendly event will celebrate the City of Montgomery’s Bicentennial year featuring the Concert Band in a program that highlights musical diversity and represents the excellence of our men and women in uniform. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required for this event and seating is open for General Admission. For over 60 years, the Academy Band has used the power of music to honor our nation’s heroes, in-spire Air Force personnel and the nation they serve, produce innovative musical programs and products, and communicate Air Force excellence to millions around the world. For more info call 719.556.9916 or visit www.facebook.com/events/2332346706984580/
ENTERPRISE, ALABAMA
Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College Saturday and Saturday, April 13th & 14th The 45th annual Piney Woods Arts Festival takes place April 13 (9 am – 5 pm) & April 14 (12 – 4 pm), on the running track of Enterprise State Community College. One of the oldest juried arts and crafts shows in the area, Piney Woods features original art and crafts by approximately 100 artists, a children’s fun center, food and entertainment. Special events include a Civil War Living Display and the Weevil City Cruisers Car and Truck Show (Saturday only across campus from the arts festival). On Friday, April 12, the Piney Woods Arts Festival is partnering with 321 Films, which will present the Mountain Tales Film Festival, the first ever film festival in Coffee County. Admission is free. For information, call 334.406.2787 or visit www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Common Bond One-Year Anniversary Celebration Common Bond Brewery, Downtown Montgomery Saturday, April 13, 11 am - 10 pm Montgomery: Can you believe we've been open for almost a year? Celebrate our one-year anniversary with us Saturday, April 13, with a day full of food trucks, live music, inflatables for kids, your favorite Biscuits players and Big Mo, and special beer releases (yes, plural!), including our second barrel-aged beer. Great tunes will be playing from this diverse set of talented artists… DJ Casequarter, Coosa, Cameron DuBois, Electric Blue Yonder. For more info call 334.676.2287 or visit www.commonbondbrewers.com/calendar/2019/4/13/one-yearanniversary-celebration The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Bard Bash 2019 ASF April 20, 11 am - 2 pm You are invited to Shakespeare's (aka The Bard) 455th birthday party! The afternoon will feature food trucks/vendors, music, games, and Shakespearean shenanigans. Food vendors include Alabama Sweet Tea Co., That's My Dog Montgomery, Dixie Snack Company, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region, Nostalgia Smokehouse & Catering, and more! Free community event. All are welcome! Call 1.800.841.4273 for more information or visit www.facebook.com/events/593102944523428/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Independence Day at Happy Meadows The Millbrook Community Players, Inc. April 25, 26, 27, 28 (2pm), May 2, 3, 4, 5 (2pm) at 7:30 pm This riotous laugh-out-loud comedy proves growing old doesn’t mean growing feeble. It’s the 4th of July and the women of Happy Meadows Nursing Home have independence in mind! They’re fed up with the rules, the regulations, and especially the food. When senior resident Holly receives a cry for help from her grandson, she rallies her comradesin-arms and the women plot a break out. Will Holly and her friends succeed? Perhaps with some fireworks, a large can of creamed corn, and extensive lengths of rope, they might just have what it takes to outsmart the thoroughly vexed retirement home director. - Stage Rights. Performances at 5720 Main St., Millbrook, AL 36054. For tickets or more info visit www.millbrooktheater.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Flyin' West Cloverdale Playhouse April 25-May 5, 7:30-9:30pm
Following the end of the Civil War, many former slaves, anxious to leave the South and the increasing disappointments and dangers of Reconstruction, took advantage of The Homestead Act and went West to build new lives for themselves and their families. Many of these homesteaders were black women who overcame tremendous odds to work their own land and make a place for themselves in an often harsh and forbidding environment. Set in 1898, Flyin’ West is the story of some of these female pioneers who settled, together, in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Spanning generations, these women exemplifies a living oral history of the past and a determination to protect the future. Tickets are $10 - $20. Call 334.262.1530 for more information or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/2019-season
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Seafood & Arts Festival Union Station Train Shed Saturday, April 26th, 5-9 pm Montgomery's second annual Seafood & Arts Festival will be held on Friday, April 26th from 5-9pm at Union Station Train Shed in Downtown Montgomery. Come out and enjoy some delicious seafood, crafts and art from The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
local artists. Entry is just a $5 donation benefitting Child Protect. There will be seafood vendors and art vendors onsite as well as a cash bar and live entertainment by Wyatt Edmondson. For more information, call 334.625.2100 or visit www.facebook.com/ events/2205578383104552/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA REO Speedwagon MPAC, Downtown Montgomery Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 pm
Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon is a band where the main constant over the decades is a never-ending desire to give their all to their fans, year in and year out. Today, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic. The band has gone on stage and in the studio to work– dozens of albums, thousands of concerts, and countless radio spins. Their eyes have always been on the future and on the road – not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn’t perform live, thrilling fans with hit filled sets. The band’s younger fans might not realize the sheer impact REO has had on music and the culture of rock ‘n’ roll. Hi Infidelity’s millions in sales were fueled by massive hit singles such as “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run.” All these years later, the nearly ten-times platinum Hi Infidelity still remains a highwater mark for rock bands -- the album spent 15 weeks in the #1 slot, a feat that modern artists can only dream of achieving. For tickets and info visit www.mpaconline.org or www.reospeedwagon.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Larry, Steve, & Rudy...The Gatlin Brothers MPAC Sunday, June 9, 5 pm
Larry, Steve, & Rudy, the Gatlin Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning trio who have dazzled audiences for more than sixty years with a lifetime of noteworthy achievements in their storybook career, including a Grammy for Best Country Song (“Broken Lady”), three ACM awards for Single of the Year (“All The Gold In California”), Album of the Year (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin, along with five nominations for CMA Vocal Group of the Year, Single, Album and Male Vocalist of the Year. Larry ranks 4th as Solo Writer’s with the most self-penned top 40 Billboard Hits! His massive song catalog has been recorded by the Who’s Who of entertainers, including Elvis Presley, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Glen Campbell, Kris Kristofferson, Sir Tom Jones, Dottie West, Charlie Rich, Johnny Mathis and dozens of others, securing his legacy as one of BMI’s top solo songwriters of all time. For ticket info visit www.mpaconline.org
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Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
Kombucha is a fermented, raw drink, slightly alcoholic, lightly effervescent, made from sweetened black or green tea. Commonly drunk for its reported health benefits. Sometimes the beverage is called kombucha tea to distinguish the name from the kombucha culture of bacteria and yeast.
Kombucha
Kombucha is produced by fermenting tea using a "symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast" (SCOBY) commonly called a "mother". The microbial populations in a SCOBY vary: the yeast component generally includes Saccharomyces cerevisiae, along with other species, while the bacterial component almost always includes Gluconacetobacter xylinus to oxidize yeast-produced alcohols to acetic acid (and other acids). Although a SCOBY is commonly called tea fungus or mushroom, it is actually "a symbiotic growth of acetic acid bacteria and osmophilic yeast species in a zoogleal mat [biofilm]". If just the name hasn’t put you off, take a look at a photo! (I won’t scare you off here.) The living bacteria are said to be probiotic, one of the reasons for the drink's popularity. The exact origins of kombucha as a drink are not known, but it is thought to have originated in the area of Northeastern China. There are records indicating it was traditionally consumed there thousands of years ago, but there’s also evidence that it existed in Russia and eastern Europe. I guess the term home brew did not just apply to beer, wine and versions of moonshine. Kombucha is now homebrewed globally, and is also sold commercially by various companies, with great success. It is in fact one of the largest produced drinks in the world at this time. Numerous claims have been made for
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eat more fermented foods (or drinks) to balance that out, so whether it’s eating more pickles or sauerkraut or trying a glass of Kombucha a day, you take your pick!
health benefits from drinking kombucha. These include claims for treating AIDS, aging, anorexia, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer, constipation, and diabetes, but there has been no scientific research done to support any of these claims. Don’t let that put you off though, there are many homeopathic remedies that are not proven by science, it does not mean that they do not work, it just means that no pharmaceutical company has invested billions to do the research into them (yet). The main advantage of Kombucha is its assistance in keeping your gut healthy – if you have learned just one thing in the last few years from reading these articles, it is that keeping your gut healthy is KEY to your overall health. Kombucha is rich in probiotics and antioxidants. It contains the “healthy” bacteria that your gut tract needs to absorb nutrients and fight sickness. Eighty per cent of your immune system is located in your gut. It is also considered the second largest part of the nervous system, second only to the brain. Many people believe that drinking Kombucha regularly can help maintain a healthy gut which in turn promotes a string immune system and good overall health. Certainly it is true (and has been said here before) that the Western diet is so high in dairy and complex carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, etc.) that we need to
In addition to all that, Kombucha only has about 25 calories per 8oz serving – even the flavored ones (and I would recommend you try those first :) So it’s a great alternative to soda and does not have all the nasties that diet drinks can have. My husband and I have been trying it for the last week or so. I actually like the light effervescence. Soda has too much for me (even if I could cope with all the other bad things soda has) and many have ginger in them, which I love and is a great digestion aid. We will continue to try it and keep you posted on any notable health differences. One last word of warning as there are so many people out there making this at home (you can buy a Scoby on Amazon!) - There have been rare cases of serious adverse effects, including fatalities, from the beverage, most probably arising from contamination during home preparation. As with all home brews, it is critical to keep all equipment sterile, which can be difficult in a regular home. The potential harms of drinking home brewed kombucha therefore may outweigh the unproven benefits, but there are so many commercial options out there now that if you are going to try it, try one of those. Tracy Bhalla, Independent Consultant with NYR Organics, website: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/ tracybhalla email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com You can also visit Tracy’s blog at Tracybhalla.com, Continuing my obsession with all things organic, I have been working with NYR for two years now, using their skincare products myself for over 25 years! Your skin is the body’s largest organ, it deserves to be well looked after. I am here to answer any questions you may have.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine