Publisher's Column

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. Publisher/Editor

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472

jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers

Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell BB Burnett Carolyn Hensley Susan Moore Leigh Anne Richards Raley L. Wiggins Minda Zetlin

Cover Photography

Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com

Advertising Jim Watson, 334.324.3472

jim@riverregionboom.com

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Publisher’s Letter

Thinking is the Best Way to Travel

Needless to say, the weather remains HOT! But it is August and that’s the time when our community shifts its attention back to school. Things are obviously a little different this year with Covid 19. The children are going back to school but a little later and some will try to learn from a distance, at least for the first number of weeks.

When we were children and had the opportunity to “learn” from our schools Jim Watson, Publisher without showing up, my ADD would’ve kicked in fast and I would be all over jim@riverregionboom.com the place seeking stimulation from all the wrong places. Hanging down by the creek, playing pin ball in the back of the soda bar, or putting together any kind of game with a ball or maybe even a rock.

Today we expect technology and screens to stimulate our children’s minds to simulate learning. But I don’t think so. For me, thinking is the best way to learn. This requires engagement where ideas are illustrated and explained, questions asked and answered thoroughly enough to absorb. That’s learning.

Technology encourages less thinking, please send the kids back to school, teach them how to think!

Speaking of teaching we are honored to have one of Montgomery Public Schools teachers be our cover profile this month. BB Burnett is a QUEST teacher with MPS and has been engaged with her students for many years. Truly she is changing how her students think and grow. We recently shared some time with BB and we now understand what the QUEST Program is and the value it provides for some of our local students. Check out BB’s profile, you’ll be glad you did. Her story’s worth sharing too!

Of course, we have plenty more good reads. Such as the best hobby for improved longevity, the connection between sleep and Alzheimer’s and Jeff Barganier’s recent trip to North Alabama exploring the Lake Guntersville area with an old friend, Greg Cornwell.

Greg Budell reminisces about the house he thought he would die in, turns out it’s just a building. Believe it or not, our Eating Smart columnist, Tracy Bhalla submitted a column about “How to Drink Water?!”, who knew. Our financial columnist, Susan Moore is offering a free webinar in August concerning your estate and beneficiaries, etc. This should be the webinar you make plans to watch and listen. Peace of mind anyone?

If you’re buying heath food, supplements, etc. there’s a coupon for Health Wise Foods to get an extra 10% off your purchase, seniors already receive a discount, so this just makes the visit a little sweeter. Tell them BOOM! sent ya’.

If you haven’t started receiving the digital version this is a great month to begin. Please subscribe yourself or others at www.riverregionboom.com , IT’s FREE! Please consider all of 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. Go back to school and learn to THINK!

Jim

334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Free Subscriptions www.riverregionboom.com

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