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The 24th Annual Herb Day, Saturday, April 17th
Herb Day is just around the corner! We have more Vendors this year - some new and some who have been with us before. Stay tuned to our Facebook as we will be doing daily updates on who is going to be with us! Mark your calendar for April 17th on the grounds of the Grace Presbyterian Church at the corner of Bell Road and the Atlanta Highway from 8am to 3pm. Come see us in the Pecan grove- plenty of parking and lots of room to move around. Come and support the Alabama Herb Society as we share our knowledge and experience with the many current and aspiring gardeners, herbalists, and cooks of Montgomery and central Alabama. The open air market features vendors who sell crafts, books, herbal teas, garden wares and a huge selection of herbal plants. Fun for the whole family! Free Admission! For more info visit www.alabamaherbsociety.org or Facebook.
Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ASF Garden
Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2021 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at ASF SHAKESPEARE GARDEN, 1 FESTIVAL DRIVE, MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 (Use entrance and parking by restroom with the thatched roof.). Mark your calendars, May 5th, “CUT FLOWER ARRANGING” Come join us for a hands on demonstration of “Cut Flower Arranging”, presented by Karen Weber, Anne Carr, and Linda Cater, Capital City Master Gardeners. These three ladies will bring flowers from their gardens and demonstrate how YOU can prepare lovely floral arrangements using what is available in your own back yard. (Well, you might have to sneak next door and get a few other cuttings, too!). Bring your mask and a chair or blanket for sitting. We’ll socially distance and enjoy a lovely outdoor setting. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
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Vice President Mike Pence to speak at Faulkner’s Annual Benefit Dinner
Faulkner University announced former Vice President of the United States The Honorable Michael R. Pence as the speaker for this year’s Faulkner Annual Benefit Dinner during a press conference held on Tuesday. President Mike Williams revealed the news on Montgomery’s campus. “Vice President Mike Pence has had a storied career as a public servant,” Williams said. “He is also a man of deep Christian faith. He’s been an ardent advocate for liberty and most expressly religious liberty, the guiding force of our founding fathers who forged this republic. It’s on this foundation of religious liberty that Faulkner stands today.” Since it began more than 40 years ago, Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit Dinner continues to be a longstanding tradition and a red-letter event on the social calendar for Montgomery and the River Region, selling out to nearly 2,000 guests. This year’s Benefit Dinner will be hosted at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center on October 7. “The Faulkner Benefit Dinner is the signature event of this institution,” Williams said. “It’s a celebration of the rich mission of this institution. At this event we highlight the accomplishments of the university. We announce signature investments we’re making in the River Region and we reveal our bold and robust dreams for the future. The central purpose of the event is not about us. It’s about our students.” Tickets to hear Pence speak are on sale now at https://www.faulkner.edu/pence. Proceeds from the dinner go to support the university, and student scholarships in particular.
17th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil
On Saturday, April 10th, Easterseals Central Alabama and the all-volunteer Mudbug Ball Committee will host the 17th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil at Riverwalk Stadium in downtown Montgomery. This event is the premier kick-off event for Autism Awareness month. The plan for 2021 is to prepare 4,000 pounds of crawfish and serve them pre-bagged for pickup only at various appointment times. Tickets for the event are available for pre-purchase only and online at www.mudbugball.com or at www.eastersealsca.org. Each $33 ticket buys the donor three pounds of crawfish, two pieces of corn, potatoes, sausage, garlic, celery, and more. Live music will be performed by duo Lacy Lynn and Todd Fulmer in the Club Car Bar that will be open and t-shirts, hats, and goodies will be available for purchase. All safety guidelines will be followed. To learn more, please visit www.mudbugball.com, call Varina Mead at 334-387-3256, or Stefania Jones at 334-467-2035.
Music is in the Air @ ASF Gardens-Saturdays & Sundays in April 2-4pm
Bee Basics: Learn All About Pollinators on April 16!
Spring is finally here and it is time for music to fill the air once again. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS IN APRIL 2-4PM. ClefWorks will be adding music to the open-air venue, Shakespeare's Garden, at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival each Saturday and Sunday in April. Drop in and enjoy a variety of artists throughout the month! These performances are free, family-friendly and with no fixed seating, so you can safely enjoy as you wander the garden between 2-4 pm on the weekends. Stay tuned on facebook and instagram for more pop-up concerts at The Tipping Point and Prevail Union! Music will be everywhere in April!
The Magic of Bill Blagg, Friday April 23 at 7:30 @ The MPAC
"Unbelievable!"-USA Today" Absolutely Incredible!"Chicago Tribune...The MAGIC of BILL BLAGG LIVE! tour comes to the MPAC for one show only! Critics and audiences alike rave about Bill’s interactive magic & jawdropping illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Blagg’s show combines his mind-blowing magical talents along with his trade mark off-the-cuff personality to take you on a magical journey you’ll never forget! You’ll witness objects float in mid-air, vanish in the blink of an eye and so much more! The MAGIC of BILL BLAGG LIVE! is more than a magic show, it’s an interactive magic experience! The MPAC takes all COVID-19 precautions before, during and after each event. Including but not limited to temperature scans, increased cleaning and sanitizing stations. Mask are required for entry and must be worn while in any public space. They may be removed while in your seat and to consume food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 334-481-5100. For more visit www.mpaconline.org
Spring has sprung, and many of us are noticing more than just pollen floating in the air! With beautiful spring flowers come our buzzing friends, the bees, and it’s important to understand just how special these little pollinators are for our gardens and local ecosystems. Jack Rowe, Alabama Cooperative Extension Regional Agent & Forestry, Wildlife, & Natural Resources Specialist, will give us a closer look at these vital pollinators. His motto is “To keep bees know bees” and that’s exactly what he will help us accomplish with a live webinar from 9 - 11 a.m. on Friday, April 16. We'll cover topics like: • Bee Biology & Societies • Major Bee Parasites & Diseases • Hives & Related Tools • Maintaining a Hive • Harvesting Honey. This is a free event, but registration is required. Click here https://tinyurl.com/2dykszbk to register today! Call 334-272-9883
Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.
Even though Biden promised to not raise taxes on individuals with incomes under $400,000, there are estate tax changes in his plan that could significantly raise taxes for lots of Americans who inherit property upon the death of a parent or loved one. On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. (MWM) will conduct a free “How to Plan for Probable Upcoming Tax Law Changes” webinar. The workshop will review key elements in Biden’s proposed tax plan and how to create an “if/then” chart for your situation. If you would like to be included in the webinar, please contact Sarah at 256.234.2761 or email her at sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com.
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Montgomery Zoo’s Annual Spring Fundraiser is now ZOO WEEKENDS
The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum invites everyone from around the River Region and Central Alabama to visit the Zoo during the month of April to experience Zoo Weekend’s new format - Zoo Weekend with a twist. Zoo Weekend is going to be held over four Saturdays in April (April 3, 10, 17 and 24) in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for all our guests, and maintain compliance with CDC, ADPH and City of Montgomery Covid-19 safety guidelines. Zoo Weekend is one of the Zoo’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds from the event will help fund the construction of a new reptile facility featuring the critically endangered, Indian Gharial crocodile, Komodo dragon, King Cobra and Galapagos tortoise. Each Saturday in April the Zoo will be magically transformed into a giant carnival with a different theme that will be full of fun, games, live entertainment, giant slides, animal presentations, performances from local choirs, dance teams and karate groups, and more. We will have lots of carnival style food such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and freshly squeezed lemonade. Concessions like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers will also be available at the Overlook Café. For more info visit www.montgomeryzoo.com
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Winners for the February $50 Refroe's Market Gift Card have been announced! The Eastchase Renfroe's winner is Cameron Brown, pictured top left along assistant manager, Stacey Ross and store manager, Ray Gregorius. The McGehee Road Renfroe's winner is Edna Walker standing with Roslynn Johnson, Assistant Manager. Thanks to everyone who participated.
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Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Valerie Nooks-McKenzie
Valerie is a very dedicated and self driven caregiver. She is professional, easy going, kind spirited and caring. She treats her client as well as the clients family as if they are members of her own family. Valerie is passionate about her duties and values her role as a caregiver with the highest regard. She is a wonderful example for other caregivers to model themselves after. “Valerie, we truly appreciate you! “
Thank you for being a valuable member of our team, Fatimah… Keep up the great work!
For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com
Ladies from Vivian O'Nay
Gloria Locklin, Debbie O’Brien, Cindy James
Being a southern woman has definition unlike any other woman. There’s a grace and elegance about their personality and lifestyle and conscientiousness about the way she cares for herself and the people around her. Her smile is somewhat contagious, and her arms are always ready to give genuine heartfelt hugs. Her home is welcoming, and the kitchen is open at mealtimes with delicious food for anyone hungry or not. She never leaves the house without being ready for whatever the day lends itself to. A southern woman always pays attention to little details of her appearance from her hair, make-up, her accessories and last but not least, her shoes. After all, you never know who you may run into!
Being a Southern girl is more than looks and talent. Southern is an attitude and a way of life. They love to take care of everyone around them and that’s the goal at Vivian O’Nay. If you’ve never been there, you’ll be surprised the minute you walk in. These southern women will instantly greet you and make you feel like an old friend and are ready to see you look your best. These ladies know a little bit about southern hospitality. They love their customers and look forward to meeting new ones.
Ladies from Vivian O'Nay: Debbie O’Brien, Cindy James, Gloria Locklin
Gloria Locklin
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc?
Gloria: I was born in Montgomery and moved to the Millbrook area when I was five. We lived there from my early childhood and into my adult years when I attended college at Troy State University. I graduated in June of 1971 with a Business Education degree with a minor in History. The very next week I got married and moved back to the Montgomery area. My late husband and I raised our two children, Mindy and Brad, here but most of my family still resides in Millbrook.
I was the first of my family to attend college and graduate. In my young adult life this was my biggest goal and achievement. I saved my own money, so I could attend school by working at Brockway Glass and this is where I met my first husband. I taught school for two years at my childhood school, Robinson Springs, teaching second grade and special education. When I became a Mother, I chose to be a stayat-home Mom to spend time raising my kids.
After my children were born my husband and I decided to purchase a new home and we needed additional income. Somewhat by accident I opened a successful daycare business from our house. Through that I was introduced to the world of Mary Kay by one of the parents in 1982. One year later I was a widow. My husband passed from a very rare disease called Aplastic Anemia and after his passing I made the decision to close the daycare. I feel that
Gigi and Larry with their great grand blessing, Barrett on Valentine’s Day.
Mary Kay saved me because I was able women find their unique style? my heart so happy! to still able to provide for my family all while staying Gloria: I BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you home to raise grew up like to spend time with family and my children. with a mom friends? Describe your experience as After this who hand a grandmother, what do the grandkids period in my sewed all call you and your husband? life, I met my my heirloom wonderful outfits. I Gloria: My girlfriends and I like to husband saw her go antique shop and grab a meal together Larry. He was downtown to catch up. I love to go on trips with my knight in and trace them but also enjoy traveling with my shining armor the elements husband. My biggest joy is spending and we are of dresses time with my large family. I love to have still together to make my any excuse to cook and provide a place today. After The wedding of their first grandchild, Kaila. clothing. for them where they can come and I met him, I Even though have a good time. began to take my career with Mary Kay we were not well off she still made sure very seriously. My goal was to become I had a purse and socks with lace to I became a grandmother at 46 years a Sales director through the company. match every outfit she crafted. I think old to my first grandchild and she just II retired from directorship after thirty a lot of my pride in fashion comes from recently made me a great grandmother. years in 2015. From 2015 I began to being taught I have seven feel the void of retirement and sought early on the grandchildren out something I found joy in while also importance in total: earning some extra income. of feeling and Kaila, Sydney, looking your Mattie, Gage, Throughout my college career I also best. I love Kolson, worked at small stores when I was fabrics and Bobbie, and not at Brockway Glass selling and gift seeing how Jarrard. My wrapping during the holidays. I knew I old trends new great had a passion and love for the industry come back blessing through my experience there. When around and is named Vivian O’Nay opened I saw a video on also learning Barrett. They Facebook of Charla talking about the about the All of the grand children together with their parents and grandparents. all call me new store she was opening. I felt led new. My Gigi, and to respond to her. Four years later I approach to fashion is getting to know this is what most people around the am still here doing what I love! I have the woman behind the wardrobe first. store call me as well. When I became always been a As you build that relationship you can a Gigi that became my new name for people person help define everyone. Most people who still call and I enjoy their style. me Gloria only do so because they have selling and When they known me for 30+ years. making people come back feel beautiful- in asking BOOM!: What are some of your favorite the very same for you travel experiences? Favorite vacation things I enjoyed again you spot? Any travel dreams planned? about my know you past career in have built Gloria: My favorite vacation of all was makeup I am their trust, my honeymoon with Larry where we able to do here and this is spent 14 days in Maui, Hawaii. For our in a different the biggest next big anniversary, I would love to avenue. Thanksgiving on the farm with the family. compliment return! Through Mary Kay I was able to I could travel extensively. Every year in January BOOM!: You are part of the “Fashion receive from someone. I love getting for thirty years I was able to attend a Team” at Vivian O’Nays, please share to help choose that perfect outfit for a conference to a major city in the U.S. some of your journey in the fashion big occasion. Knowing we get to play a Some of my favorite places were San world? What’s your secret to helping small part in someone's big day makes Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, and
Dallas. On these trips it was always action packed, fun filled, extravagant, and exciting! My most recent big trip was prior to the pandemic. My girlfriends and I took a road to trip to Waco, Texas to visit Magnolia.
BOOM!: What are you most passionate about? Gloria: At this point in my life, I feel I am most passionate about spending quality time with the people I love. I am trying my hardest to make time for the people and the things I really care about. After 37 years with the government my husband just retired, and I love getting to spend real quality time with him just talking and not having as many worries as we once had.
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work?
Gloria: Before work we enjoy waking up and having coffee and a devotion together. Starting your day off on the right foot is just as important as how you end it! After work I love to have another cup when I get home while we watch the sunset on the patio and talk about our day.
BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations?
Gloria: I am very involved in my Church, Taylor Road Baptist in Montgomery. I am very busy with the activities we do there. I enjoy singing on the praise team and playing the hand bells which, I have done for fifteen years. We are members of a Life Group of which congregates every week with people in similar life stages as us. At this time, we are also keeping the babies from the nursery during service. BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?
Gloria: I love this area because this is where I grew up, so all of my family and friends are here. I love being close to them because it makes getting together so much easier. Montgomery has changed so much over the years. It is nice to live somewhere you feel familiar with the whole city and to have gotten to see it grow and develop over the years. I would love for Montgomery to have more entertainment for our children and teenagers like we had. The things I remember most about seeing my kids grow up here was taking them to the skating rink, movies, or other safe places where they could have fun while seeing one another face to face.
BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Gloria: The beauty of being older is that now when my husband and I want to go somewhere we can just go. I think you realize what is most important when you’re older. For me this is my faith, my family, and my friends. Spending as much quality time with them as I can has become my main focus. Instead of putting things off for later in life I know we are now in the “later” phase. I want to enjoy my life and the things that make me happy!
BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?
Gloria: I love to cook with my husband. Last summer during COVID we earned the beauty of canning, freezing, and preserving. Our favorites are jellies, jams, pickles, and salsa which is our specialty. I love to work in the yard and Larry tries to make sure I always have something fresh growing in the garden at all times. I love to make arrangements and gracing my table with them when I can!
BOOM!: Many people over 50 experience a renewed sense of purpose, how would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?
Gloria: I think part of finding purpose is figuring out your joy and what makes you happy. It isn’t about material things any more for me but now I am so content with how my life is and what I already have. In older age you begin to realize what is truly important. My purpose is being the best I can be in everything that I choose to participate in. Whether that be a wife, Gigi, part of the Vivian O’Nay team, friend, or church member. I want to be remembered as someone who loves big and makes everyone feel as special as they truly are.
BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Gloria: Compassionate, Loyal, Energetic
Gigi and her husband Larry at a recent event at the North River Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa.
Debbie O’Brien
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc?
Debbie: I am originally from Mobile, Alabama and I attended High School at Satsuma High School. I was very involved in extracurriculars and was a cheerleader there. I got married right out of High School and spent most of my early years at home raising my children until they were in Middle School. To keep myself busy I worked on different things in the community like holding offices in Parks and Recreation
and volunteering as often as I could at the schools my kids attended.
I began my career with Walmart when they opened a store in the area I lived in at the time. I was able to become a department manager within a month of starting my job and from there I was able to get promoted to HR. I worked in this position in Saraland for many years but when I met my second husband, David, we were assigned to move to Montgomery for his job. Thankfully, they had a position open in Montgomery for me to continue my career in HR and I just recently retired after working for the company for 33 years.
We have 5 children. Three live in Mobile, AL (Tara, Rick, and Michael), one lives in Olive Branch, MS (Kathleen), and we have one son in Colorado Spring, CO (Jason). We have eight grandchildren ranging in ages 4-18.
After retirement I wanted to continue working. I was a frequent customer at Vivian O’Nay and I felt I had such a pleasant shopping experience every time I came in to shop. I knew I didn't want to stay at home every day full time after working for so long in a busy environment. I had retail experience and thought Vivian O’Nay would be a good fit for me. I enjoyed shopping here to decompress on my lunch breaks before I retired, and I wanted to work somewhere I really felt at home. This job also has the flexibility I need at this phase of my life to spend time with my family and my sweet fur baby Molly.
BOOM!: You are part of the “Fashion Team” at Vivian O’Nays, please share some of your journey in the fashion world? What’s your secret to helping women find their unique style?
Debbie: I have close to 33 years of retail experience. I have worked at Vivian O’Nay for close to 18 months. I like to talk to our customers, find out their likes and dislikes, and get to know them on a more personal level such as do they work or are they retired and other things of that nature. Here we like to really develop relationships so we can make the best possible suggestions for our customers.
BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a grandmother, what do the grandkids call you and your husband?
Debbie: We love to entertain and have people over as often as we can. We have a backyard with a pool and an outdoor kitchen just for this reason. We have to keep a calendar of who is coming to stay because we enjoy having company and having our family come stay from out of town as much as possible. Our grandchildren call us Mimi and D. We love to spoil them and go to visit them as often as we can. My 9-year-old grandson told me once, “You are just a fun Mimi!” and this was the biggest compliment I could receive. They are all so different and I love to see their different personalities shine. I try to have a special bond with each of them. The first time a grandchild runs across the room or yard to give you a huge- it’s the most heartwarming moment of your life!
BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
Debbie: We love to travel to New Orleans and visit at least four times a year. We have also enjoyed traveling to Key West and plan to visit again this year because the environment is so laid back and relaxing! We hoped to go to Ireland last year but with COVID we had to put our plans on hold. We also appreciate going on weekend getaways to the beach to Dauphin Island with our friends or Pensacola Beach. We enjoy visiting Pensacola the most because it isn’t as commercial as other areas.
BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?
Debbie: I feel the most passionate about treating others with kindness. I want to treat everyone the same and it really is easier to just be nice than the latter. Right now, so many people are going through so much and you never really know how your actions and the way you treat people can affect them.
Seven grandchildren together one year at Thanksgiving David and Debbie at a New Orleans Saints game
Debbie and her youngest grandson, Jack
Debbie’s Fur Baby Molly
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work?
Debbie: I love coming home and pouring a glass of wine and spending time with David and Molly. In the Summer and Spring, you will find us all outside checking our garden and flowers or maybe having an evening dip in the pool. In the Fall and Winter, we enjoy unwinding in the hot tub instead. We also enjoy just having a good conversation with one another in the kitchen- or even dancing! That’s what kitchens are for.
BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations?
Debbie: Before moving to Montgomery, I stayed busy with Lions Club and was on the board of the Salvation Army. I also served many years on the Chamber of Commerce and at one point I was President. Over the last few years, I have slowed down a good bit but we are currently involved in the Children’s Miracle Network. David and I also prepare meals for the Meals on Wheels Program here in Montgomery with MACOA.
BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of? Debbie: I have found the people here to be very friendly and love all of the great small towns around us. I would love to see art walks downtown once a month during the Spring and Fall. I really enjoyed them when we lived in Mobile and miss getting to go.
BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Debbie: I think I have always been pretty laid back and a “go with the flow” type of person but I think as I have gotten older, I am even more so. I try to enjoy more of the simple things in life. My attention is now on time with my family instead of as career driven as I was in the past.
BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?
Debbie: Oh yes! I always enjoy staying busy. In my free time I like to make wreaths, signs, and book stacks to sell. I like spending time in my garden and I read every day. I also love decorating the house for every season.
BOOM!: Many people over 50 experience a renewed sense of purpose, how would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? Debbie: Do what makes you happy. I think when we were younger, we were so caught up in finding our purpose in life. I like for things to be simpler now. Life is so much fun! I wake up every day expecting the day to be wonderful- and it is!
BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Debbie and her best friend Cindy celebrating Debbie’s birthday in Pensacola
Debbie: Fun, Kind, Free spirited
Cindy James
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc?
Cindy: I was born and grew up in Brewton Alabama, a small quiet town on the Alabama Florida state line. Back in my early years kids played with neighbor kids outside all summer long and for the most part enjoyed school. We obeyed our parents and respected others. We entertained ourselves and were so happy when our mother was home. She had a career outside the home much like mom’s today. She taught us manners and expected us to use our talents and abilities to think for ourselves and take responsibility for our action. She never missed an opportunity to teach me everything I was curious about and provided my two brothers and me with everything to make sure we were well rounded children. I was the oldest child in my family and being the only girl, I started feeling like a “little mama” at an early age. My mom taught me to sew and do needlepoint. She made all my clothes until I was in junior high then I made them. I love to sew even today although I don’t do much anymore.
My husband, Tommy and I were high school sweethearts. He played football and I was in the band and a majorette. We married in 1970 when he got a job at a paper mill in Wilcox County. We moved from Brewton and started
our new lives in a community called Sunny South, Alabama just outside of Pine Hill. We have been married 50 years and still best friends. Both our children were born in Grove Hill, Alabama. After a few years Tommy became interested in helping start new paper mills, so we packed up and hit the road to many new places over time.
I was a stay-at-home mom until our youngest was in 6th grade when I took photography classes and landed a job. At that time, we lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan after several moves between Arkansas and back to Alabama. While living in Michigan I also acquired another job as an accounting clerk and switchboard operator for a U.S. Naval Shipyard Supplier. Our kids are grown now and have done some moving around of their own so we visit them and the three grandchildren as often as we can. Eagle Colorado and Kansas City Missouri are great places to live and visit. After retiring we opened the map and found Lake Jordan and said, “That looks like a fun place. Let’s go check it out.” A few months later we sold our house and decided to move from North Alabama to Slapout! Lake life BOOM!: You are part of the “Fashion Team” at Vivian O’Nays, please share some of your journey in the fashion world? What’s your secret to helping women find their unique style?
Cindy: Working at Vivian O’Nay has been such an enjoyable time. I have learned a lot about the retail world but the
most significantly working here I’ve gained friendships and am surrounded by things I find very interesting and, of course, my passion for women’s fashion. I love clothes and everything about the fashion world. I have always enjoyed the shopping experience and
helping others find their style. Following in my mother’s footsteps I’ve always loved turning beautiful fabrics into new outfits. Now I get to do that with readymade boutique clothing for myself and others every day. I tell my husband “I’m going to play” instead of “I’m going to work” but when I’m there I take ”playing” very seriously! Helping other ladies with their style preference is most rewarding for them and for me as well. We discuss what they’re shopping for, first what they don’t like then we move on to finding something they will like for their special occasion or just freshening up their seasonal wardrobe. We make it fun and after a trip into the fitting room we make sure they feel confident about how they look in the choices we make together.
BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a grandmother, what do the grandkids call you and your husband?
Cindy wearing the first dress she made in 4H Club in the 4th grade
Cindy: When I’m not at Vivian O’Nay Tommy and I spend time on the road mostly. However, living at the lake is not all play. There is plenty to do around this little homestead. We love a road trip whether it’s a day trip, a visit to see the kids or The Grandchildren: Olivia Age 23 (left), Langston Age 17 (middle), Madalyn Age 21 (right) enjoying a day at their adventures grandparent’s home on Lake Jordan. we’ve never taken before. The past couple of years we’ve made a point to see the National Parks. The most recent trip was to Utah which has five National Parks. It was a beautiful time of year and we enjoyed the scenery and hiking. At home we love to garden. My neighbor has taught me so much about growing vegetables and my mother taught me how to grow flowers. My husband knows I love flowers so with his help we plant a flower garden to attract bees and butterflies. We have a ski boat and all the toys that make entertaining the grandkids full of fun every day they’re here. If the weather is bad, no problem, we get
Father’s Day excursion with Tommy on the Harriott 2
Riverboat on the Alabama River out the board games and spend the
day playing their favorites and eating their favorite foods. We’ll also take a journeys somewhere to show them the area such as taking in a Biscuit’s Game, taking the Crater Tour in Wetumpka and spending the day with the animals at the Montgomery Zoo and the Alabama Safari Park. I enjoy cooking as much as my family enjoys eating. Since they live so far away, we talk a lot on the phone because we want to stay involved in whatever they’re doing. Olivia, 23, graduated from college with a degree in Chinese culture, language, religion, and politics. She was studying in Taipei Taiwan when the pandemic hit and was sent back to the U.S. to finish her capstone year in Colorado now teaching Mandarin at Vail Academy. Madalyn, 20, our middle grandchild lives and attends university in Kansas City. She is studying Interior Design and doing a fantastic job maintaining the Dean’s List while having to navigate zoom classes as well as attending a few on campus. Langston, 17 now, a junior in high school, has a part-time job, skateboards, takes boxing lessons and plays lacrosse and spends many hours snowboarding on the slopes in Vail. He’s on the high school TV/video team and they recently won a national recognition for the Veterans Day Documentary they composed. He is interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting and journalism. We are proud to be called their “Momsie and Pop”. BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
Cindy: Traveling is adventurous whether it’s somewhere new in Montgomery or getting on a plane to another country. We planned a trip to Hawaii last March and you know what happened there. No go, all international flights were cancelled. Hawaii closed their borders. Our favorite international trip was Ireland and Scotland. Alaska is also a favorite. Either way, far or near, we take the time to learn new places, meet new people, try something we’ve never done before and reuniting with friends we’ve made in the places that we once called home. I hope the Hawaii trip is soon coming. We can’t wait to see this beautiful state and its National Parks. Cindy: As a boomer I am passionate about making the best use of my time and staying organized. I like to entertain, read, spend time with family and I still enjoy teaching other things
I’ve learned. Every day I try to learn something new myself. Everyone has talents to share, and I love sharing mine. In the past I taught etiquette classes because being the best person you can be is important to me. I try to teach by being a good example. My biggest passion is doing good deeds for my family and friends. Staying busy is the key to staying young and healthy.
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work?
Cindy: Most of the time after a long days work I like to sit on the porch with my husband and talk about the day and plan the next. If it is summer sometimes, we go for a kayak ride and watch the sunset or go out and piddle in the garden. If it is inclement weather I love to stay in my pajamas and read.
BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations?
Weekend getaway to Amelia Island
Cindy: Before moving to the
Montgomery area, I was very involved in my church and community. I was a staff member in a Baptist Church as a Preschool and Nursery Director, VBS Director, taught GA’s, and taught in our Weekday Education Program for 13 years. I have been a Girl Scout Leader and was trained to be a Lifeguard. As a homeowner, I was elected to serve several offices in our homeowner’s association. For now, we are just enjoying attending worship in our community.
BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?
Cindy: Being fairly new to the Montgomery area we are still exploring. I’m sure there are many interesting places we haven’t found yet. I do miss attending annual summer festivals, urban “green spaces” and I would love to see more community gardens growing around the city.
BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Cindy: Naturally as we age our priorities change from raising a family, providing a comfortable living, or saving money for the future to now enjoying the fruits of our labor. We enjoy daily life even if we’re planning an exciting trip, helping our family or just simply staying home.
BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?
Cindy: Having a hobby is essential to a healthy body and mind. Sewing has always been mine. Right now, I’m making a quilt for Madalyn. She has saved her graphic t-shirts from baby through 12th grade, and I am surprising her with a beautiful quilt for her 21st birthday. I love to recycle or repurpose things. Our hobby as a couple is to hit the road and find new places to explore and “Mom and Pop” restaurants to enjoy a meal together. We like “off the beaten path”.
BOOM!: Many people over 50
Along with the vegetable garden Cindy also grows flowers like these beautiful Zinnias
experience a renewed sense of purpose, how would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?
Cindy: As a Christian I believe everyone has a purpose and a God given talent. I believe my purpose in life was to be a wife, mom, and teacher because these things bring me much joy and I see where I can glorify God in these roles. I would say to others, if you have to force your current position maybe it’s time to ask yourself “is this what I am created for?” What do you feel natural in doing and how can you make this world a better place?
BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Cindy: Creative, Ambitious and Curious
We want to thank these wonderful women from Vivian O'Nay for sharing some of their story with us this month. They're refreshing and they add a unique fashion sense for women over 50. Thanks for helping us stay connected to the fashion world in the River Region! If you want to connect with Gloria, Debbie, and Cindy, stop by Vivian O'Nay and get to know them. We also want to thank Stephie Culpepper, Marketing Director for Vivian O'Nay for coordinating content and photos for our layout. For more info visit www.vivianonay.com or call 334.290.5268. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com.
Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla Castor Oil
There are many “carrier oils” which are used in aromatherapy to basically dilute the essential oils until they are at a safe level to use on the skin. Some essential oils are very “hot”, meaning they can burn the skin if used undiluted (cinnamon or black pepper would be two good examples,); some are phototoxic, meaning that if applied over a certain (very low) dilution rate and then exposed to sunlight or tanning beds, then they will cause severe burns on the skin (bergamot and lime are two good examples, though there are quite a few more!) This is not a subject to be played with!
The range of carrier oils is vast, from the well-known sunflower oil or olive oil, to more exotic tamanu or rosehip seed. Each carrier oil has its own set of therapeutic properties and a well-trained aromatherapist will work with his/ her knowledge of the carriers in equal measures to his/her knowledge of the essential oils they will blend them with. The final product is a combination of both carrier(s) and essential oils. In many cases there will be more than one carrier and more than one essential oil in a final product, drawing on the therapeutic properties of all to produce the desired results.
One carrier oil I have only recently started using is castor oil. When I was a child this was something that was always to be found in the medicine cabinet, alongside gripe water for colic, arnica for bruises, chamomile for soothing and calming, and lavender oil for bug bites and stings. The castor oil was fed to us by the tablespoon when we had constipation – and it worked! In fact, there is scientific proof that castor oil is effective for this very purpose, but it also has many other uses.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil, made by extracting the oil from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. It has documented use for medicinal purposes for thousands of years – way back to the Egyptian Pharaohs. It is high in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and beneficial fatty acids, which makes it a superb oil to help with skin and hair issues.
Due to the fatty acids, it is a good humectant, meaning that it helps seal in moisture on the skin. Many natural (and not so natural,) skin products will contain castor oil for this very reason. Many popular skin products in stores also contain potentially harmful ingredients like preservatives, perfumes and dyes, including many known carcinogens. Swapping out these products for castor oil can help reduce your exposure to these additives.
There have been many studies done on the use of castor oil for various purposes, many with quite astounding results. When applied to wounds, particularly bed sores and similar, the oil was shown to show a dramatic improvement on healing rates by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells.
It has also been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Applied to athletes’ foot along with coconut oil, it was shown to clear it up as easily as any Rx cream. Other studies show there was significant evidence of pain relief and reduction of swelling when applied topically, which shows promise for arthritis and psoriasis sufferers.
Its impressive anti-inflammatory properties combined with its anti-bacterial and humectant properties make it a good candidate for helping acne sufferers. Castor oil fights inflammation, reduces bacteria load and soothes irritated skin, all of which can be helpful when looking for a natural acne remedy.
Last, but not least, castor oil also has benefits when used on the hair – some even claim it helps with hair regrowth for thinning hair, but the scientific jury is still out on that one. It is, however, as we know, a good lubricant and has good anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as an all-natural hair conditioner or treatment mask to keep hair soft and supple. It can also benefit dandruff sufferers as in many cases this problem is linked to inflammation, but also clearly dryness, both of which this oil addresses well.
Overall, castor oil seems to be an obvious choice for everybody’s medicine cabinet, but also as part of a natural skin and haircare routine. It is also very affordable. From a proven laxative, to an anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and humectant to boot. Why ever would you not?
email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com web: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla
110,350+ YEARS IN MAYBERRY
"A true story from the Greg files"
It is said that there are only 2 certainties in life- death and taxes.
I’d like to add one more. From this day forward, ‘til the end of time, someone, somewhere will be watching The Andy Griffith Show.
Nielsen, the TV ratings company, recently crunched some numbers on viewing habits during the pandemic. Early on, we heard about folk’s binge watching “The Tiger King” (anyone heard about that show lately?).
That would have been swell had the pandemic been a 2-week deal. As weeks turned into months, we needed more. For some reason, Americans (secretly wishing for a return to English rule?) developed an obsession for shows involving the British monarchy. The Crown. The Royals. Charlie Loves Di. Charlie Hates Di, and so on.
I’m saving those for the next pandemic.
This past year, insane people watched election coverage. I found that to be bad for my blood pressure and hair color. The longer the lockdowns continued, the more I sought what might be described as TV “comfort food”. I wanted shows that wouldn’t incite me emotionally. I needed benign, harmless viewing and found it by returning to Mayberry, North Carolina, It is the single most syndicated TV show in history and by quite a bit. Andy has been on TV live and in reruns non-stop over 6 decades. That’s an amazing track record.
We think of Mayberry as this idyllic small town where everyone is nice, moral and of good character. But if you watch Andy for 58 billion minutes (and it seemed like I did this past year) you notice things. Mayberry was not paradise. This mostly law-abiding, mostly church going town of 2000 had its issues.
It's the “quaintness” of those issues that makes Andy and cast appealing at a time when our lives were filled with uncertainty and doubt.
Floyd the Gay Deceiver
Aunt Bea's Pickles, Andy and Barney Puzzled
and the familiar cast of Andy Griffith.
THE STORY- By Nielsen’s estimates, Americans spent 58 BILLION minutes returning to Mayberry over the last year. That’s even longer than the line at the DMV! It computes to 110,350+ YEARS of TV time! Only “Friends” outperformed Andy in APE (American Pandemic Escapism)!
“Friends” (sorry, not a fan) was the only show ahead of Andy, scoring 74 billion minutes of extra viewing. Andy might have beaten them but let’s remember, the first episode of The Andy Griffith Show ran over 60 years ago, and many original fans have passed on.
Otis the Drunk Bought a Cow Taste like Wallpaper Paste
PLOT- OMG! Aunt Bea makes pickles that taste like kerosene! In almost every episode, Aunt Bea is shown serving amazing meals. For some reason, her kitchen skills vanish when it comes to pickle-making. Of course, no one has the chutzpah to tell Aunt Bea that her pickles suck, so it devolves into Andy and Barney Fife playing ‘hide the pickle’ to spare her feelings.
One aspect of the show that connects yesterday’s Mayberry with today’s world is the struggle with honesty. Or is it just that honesty is not always the best policy? PLOT- Opie starts his own newspaper and quickly learns that gossip sells. He and a buddy spy on the main characters collecting their comments and publish them.
Andy is caught describing the preacher’s sermons as “dry as dust”. Aunt Bea is overheard describing Mrs. Foster’s chicken ala king as “wallpaper paste”. Barney accuses a rich man’s younger wife as being a “blonde from a bottle”.
Horrified by their own words, Andy, Bea and Barney try to collect copies of the newspaper that Opie passed around Mayberry. They manage, but not before the preacher (who knew what Andy said) ropes him into a month of teaching Sunday school. Aunt Bea snags the family into a full dinner of the pasty chicken a la king and Barney narrowly escapes a beating from the bottled-blonde’s jealous husband.
The lesson? Andy tells Opie he is not to publish mean things (even when true). Opie apologizes, and lets his “Paw” know there was a second page of scandalous gossip they tossed into the trash. At show’s end, Andy, Barney and Aunt Bea all collide at the city dump hoping to find that second scandal-riddled page and the gossip it contained. I don’t know what the lesson in that episode is, but it seems like a double standard.
Can you imagine a 2021 sitcom featuring a chronically drunk character (Otis) who lets himself in and out of jail? The episode where Otis rides into town on top of a cow is a personal favorite. Floyd the barber was ahead of his time in an episode entitled “Floyd, The Gay Deceiver”. were largely unmemorable. They still play in rerun, too. Andy morphs from goodnatured goober to grumpy older man in the final seasons. Here's to whatever got you through the lockdowns, be it The Tiger King, The Crown or Andy Griffith.
After 110,350+ years of American Pandemic Escapism, it’ safe to say the Taylors are our Royal Family. (If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!)
There was no match.com in the early 60s so people seeking love did it by snail mail. Floyd gets caught by a treasure hunting honey and Andy comes to the rescue when the woman shows up to meet a supposedly wealthy Floyd.
The timeless lesson here is that while technology has changed, people lie on dating profiles.
Don Knotts won 5 Emmy Awards playing Barney Fife, who steals every scene in every episode. When Knotts left after season 5, so did the magic. Andy Griffith did 3 more seasons in color and they
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife,Roz, Stepson, Sho, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and has marked 16 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Jessie Lynn, 6-9 AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.
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