BOOM! April 2022 by Boomer Communities

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April 2022

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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April 2022

RiverRegionBoom.com

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents

April 2022 Volume 12 Issue 10

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

11 Botox for the Boomer: What You Need to Know Dr. Blake Raggio 12 Publisher's Column 16 Exercise for a Long, Healthy Life 18 How to Choose a Vet Nick Thomas

Happy Easter!

Features 30 The Mental Health Benefits of Doing Nothing

36 Simple Ways to Share God’s Love With Our Grandchildren

38 The First Lady of Manners, A Look at Emily Post

21 IMAGINE PICASSO: IMMERSIVE ART EXHIBIT

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22 Strawberry Chess Bars Stacy Little

42 Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier: Maddie’s Marion Murals

32 Gogue Center brings Tony-winning revival of Oklahoma! to Alabama

Departments 44 This and That A variety of TIDBITS

28 Home Care Assistance of Montgomery Receives 2022 Best of Home Care®

58 Greg Budell A PAIN IN THE NECK

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33 Dick Van Dyke In Adorable Music Video All About Love 34 How Do Today's Headlines Impact Your Portfolio 40 There is a Garden in Every Childhood By Catherine Kleinmann

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41 Benefits of AUM OLLI Membership 44 Vince Gill @ The MPAC 50 A Touch of L'amour Getting to Know You 52 BOOM! Cover Profile

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Free Subscriptions @ w w w. r i ve rre gio n b o o m.co m

60 Essential oils for allergiesTracy Bhalla 62 BOOM! Reader Discounts

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 2022 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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Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Botox for the Boomer: What You Need to Know

In last month’s article, we discussed the anatomy of facial aging. Today, I will offer one of many solutions available to help reverse and/or prevent signs of aging. Join me as I discuss the nuances of perhaps the most popular anti-aging procedure available today, botulinum toxin, or more commonly referred to as “Botox.”

What exactly is botulinum toxin? Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as “Botox” or “toxin” for short, represents a powerful neuromodulator derived from a toxin purified from a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. To clarify, one should know there exists several tradenames of botulinum toxin, four of which are currently available in the United States and FDA-approved for cosmetic use. They include, Allergan’s Botox Cosmetic, Galderma’s Dysport, Merz’s Xeomin, and Evolus’ Jeuveau. For the remainder of the article, we will use the term toxin or neuromodulators to refer to any of the above botulinum toxin preparations. How does toxin work? As mentioned above, toxin is a neuromodulator that works by blocking the nerve signals needed for muscles to contract. When injected using precise amounts into targeted muscles of the face, toxin can be safely used to soften wrinkles by relaxing the muscles whose repetitive movement is associated with deep lines or wrinkles (e.g., smiling, frowning, surprised, grimace). What areas of the face can be treated with toxin? Botulinum toxin can be used to soften lines and wrinkles on several different areas of the face, including the more commonly addressed forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and “bunny lines” on the nose. A more experienced injector may also discuss the

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roles of toxin to soften chin dimpling, treat a “gummy smile,” turn up the corners of the mouth, increase lip “pout,” improve the contour of the neck (Nefertiti lift), soften neckbanding (playstma injections), slim the jawline (masseter injections), rotate the tip of the nose, or improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin by injecting hyper-dilute concentrations of toxin (meso-botox). NOTE: some of these treatments may be considered off-label, so please consult with a credentialed and reputable physician when creating a treatment plan. What does a toxin treatment feel like? For most people, toxin injections are a very quick in-office procedure with minimal discomfort (often described as a “pinch”). Even better, there is virtually no downtime associated with toxin injections. In fact, many patients come for their treatment during their lunchbreaks and can return to work immediately after their appointment. Also, try to find an injector who offers other ancillary measures to maximize your comfort, which may include vibration devices, ice, or topical anesthesia.

requiring less amount of product during subsequent visits as the muscles progressively weaken or atrophy.

Is toxin safe? What are the side effects? The four FDA-approved botulinum toxin preparations for cosmetic use have an extremely high safety profile with minimal and temporary side effects including bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness to the injection site. You should know, however, that some contraindications exist, including if you have certain neurological diseases or are taking antibiotics. It is also recommended to avoid treatment within 2 weeks of being sick, having dental work, or receiving a vaccine. Overall, neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin represent a safe and powerful tool to prevent and treat the signs of aging. When should I start getting toxin? What do I need to do? While some may worry they are “too young” or “too old” to receive toxin, there is no right or wrong age to begin treatments. The first step involves finding a reputable, credentialed, and experienced injector with intimate knowledge of facial anatomy who can offer you a customized treatment plan based on your aesthetic goals. Lastly, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor.

How soon will I see results, and how long does it last? Generally, it takes 3-7 days to see the full effects of toxin. The results typically last between 3-5 months, depending on a variety of factors including injection technique, dosing concentration, age, metabolism, and physical activity level. Repeated “maintenance” injections every 3-4 months help patients maintain their results for a longer period, sometimes

In Good Health, Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

334-373-3611 www.ALplasticsurgery.com Dr.Raggio@alplasticsurgery.com

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Publisher’s Letter

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 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla

Aging Well?

Are you aging well? Not sure what that means? I’m not either. It could be that the answer lies in the individual. I guess it’s like asking someone if they’re happy, somedays yes, somedays no. But what I’ve been thinking about lately is there a way to calculate a “formula” on aging well. Everyone is concerned about longevity, as if living forever was even possible, it’s not, at least not on this earth. Back to the formula, let’s see if I eat the right foods, exercise, manage stress, have a good social network, get married, Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com have a relationship with God and pray, challenge myself physically and mentally, be an optimist, don’t overindulge in adult beverages, love people… These are just a few of the things people will put forth as ingredients to aging well and there’s more, every day. I think it’s important to ask the question, am I aging well? The answer depends on your perspective, and experiences. For me, the answer is yes, I’m aging well for as long as the Good Lord wants me to and as slow as possible. How about you, are you aging well?

Greg Budell

Alexis Minor Foster Deborah Haddix Catherine Kleinmann Stacey Little Jeff Minick DiAnna Paulk Dr. Blake Raggio James Templeton Nick Thomas Francine Toder

Our cover profile this month has thought about aging well and she uses three quotes each day to help her get started. Her name is DiAnna Paulk, and she is one of the best professional photographers in the Southeast and she has won many competitions to prove it. DiAnna is also the BOOM! cover photographer and we’re proud of the work she does, including her cover this month done with the help of her husband Gordon. DiAnna is that person like many of us who started a new venture in her fifties and because she loved it, it turned into a career path. She is an interesting woman, enjoying being the best photographer she can, and the many blessings her family provides. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much I have, her creativity will inspire many of you. Our good friend, Greg Budell had some surgery done this past month and he’s got something to say about it! His column, Pain in the Neck, will let you know what he thinks of his unique medical experience, including a pair of stylish socks. Jeff Barganier went to Illinois for this month’s story, and it is inspiring, about a young artist who did murals in her community, check it out. Worth the read.

Cover Photography Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com

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Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

There are many more good reads in this issue, which I hope you’ll find worthy of your time. There’s one feature I recommend to my fellow Christians and it’s about sharing God’s Love with our grandchildren. Most of us are challenged by the amount of time we have to spend with our grandchildren, most of mine are young adults navigating their own lives. But if you are fortunate to have the opportunity to share time with your grandchildren, this article will inspire you to be intentional in your efforts in sharing God’s Love. If not you, who.

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Thanks for reading and sharing, age well my friends.

Jim

334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

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Exercise for a Long, Healthy Life By James Templeton

If you want to add good, healthy years to your life, make a commitment to walk at least 30 minutes a day. Movement and exercise were a key factor in my healing from cancer, and still play a big part in my life today. When I was healing, I walked every day, whether it was below zero weather or 100 degrees. I visualized my healing as I walked, and practiced deep breathing for at least 10 minutes—in through my nose and out through my mouth, holding my breath for 5 seconds each time. It really helps to get that oxygen in; every cell in your body needs oxygen and cancer hates it.I didn’t see anyone at the Kushi Institute walking as much as I did while I was there, and I seemed to improve so much faster with it. I hiked for hours on the weekends and just felt so much better after exercising and being out in nature. I joined groups and hiked through the mountains; being with likeminded people and getting in shape feels good. Walk It Off I believe walking is as important as a healthy diet for healing and preventing health issues. Just 30 minutes fully activates the lymphatic system, triggers the anti-aging process, turns on DNA repair, increases circulation and mobility, improves sleep, and lifts your mood by

them working for the full 24 hours. I personally know people who have lost up to 40 pounds just by walking an hour a day. Don’t Beat Yourself Up When I go to the gym, I see very few people of retirement age, yet movement is so important as we get older. You’re never too old to start moving and improve your health and mood. It’s remarkable how you lose stiffness and increase mobility with just yogatype stretches and deep breathing. You don’t need to do any of the trendy, strenuous workouts; walking is natural to our bodies and doesn’t require a recovery time.

giving you the same endorphin release as high-intensity exercise without the strain to the body. Once you get started, you can get addicted to it, but it’s a healthy addiction—your body’s way of telling you what it needs to thrive. If you are looking for weight loss and getting in shape, you can step up your game to one hour of walking once a day to tone muscles and activate the fatburning enzymes or twice a day to keep

I used to do strenuous workouts through long distance running and biking, and lifting weights. I was hooked on that endorphin high, but tired whenever I wasn’t exercising. I was burning out my adrenals and running on empty. I get the same endorphin rush from walking now, but my body doesn’t suffer the consequences it did when I pushed it too hard. Walking barefoot in the grass or dirt is even better; it allows you to absorb electrons from the earth and gives your cells a recharge, and the sun exposure helps you make Vitamin D, which so many of us are deficient in. This story was originally published on the Templeton Wellness Foundation Blog. https://templetonwellness.com/articles/exercise-for-a-long-healthy-life/

READ IT - LOVE IT - SHARE IT BOOM! starts conversations and shares stories. Share your business with BOOM! readers. For more information call/text 334.324.3472 or visit www.riverregionboom.com

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Jest a Moment

How to Choose a Vet

For the past two decades, World Veterinary Day has fallen on the last Saturday in April and is a day to honor the men and women who treat those precious non-human household members. But what if you don’t have a family veterinarian? How should you choose one?

animal ailments. If the vet recommends the latest de-worming tablet because “it worked on the neighbor’s kid,” you might be suspicious of his or her ability to conduct valid clinical trials.

Obviously, a vet should demonstrate an exhaustive knowledge of animal medicine. A vet must also display compassion and immediately put you and your pet at ease with a caring and gentle kennel-side manner. A vet who greets potential clients with a stun gun strapped to his or her belt will fail to build a bond of confidence with a pet owner. When first visiting a new vet, casually scan the premises for modern diagnostic facilities. The clinic should be equipped with an X-ray machine and ultrasound, and have the capability to perform EKGs, endoscopy, and other important procedures. It may be disconcerting if the shelves are stocked mostly with rolls of duct tape and all the medical equipment is labeled “As Seen on TV.” A vet must also be familiar with the new medications available to treat common

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Closely monitor the vet during the initial examination of your pet to determine whether the vet employs traditional or unconventional veterinary procedures. You may not feel comfortable with a vet who applies WD-40 to your aging collie with hip joint problems or who uses a dowsing rod to locate your hamster’s bladder. Also, avoid vets who attempt to dislodge a cat’s hairball by using the Heimlich maneuver.

By Nick Thomas

While older vets may boast many years of experience, remember that faculties such as eyesight and memory can diminish with age. For example, if the vet sits on your Chihuahua or loses the thermometer whilst taking its temperature, your confidence level will plummet. The same could be said for an overcautious vet. Avoid any animal practitioner who approaches your grumpy Siamese cat while decked out in full hockey gear, including the mask and stick. Finally, while vets with a sense of humor may calm an anxious pet owner, they should practice clinical comedy judiciously. Not everyone will be amused if a vet tells YOU to “Sit and Stay” or giggles uncontrollably for ten minutes after suggesting “lab tests will be needed on your Labrador.” Armed with these guidelines, selecting a veterinarian should be a walk in the park. Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See www. getnickt.org.

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IMAGINE PICASSO: IMMERSIVE ART EXHIBIT OPENS IN ATLANTA FOR A LIMITED TIME RESIDENCY IN HISTORIC PULLMAN YARDS IMAGINE PICASSO offers a unique look into the prolific artist with more than 200 Pablo Picasso works together in one place at one time offering audiences the chance to step into the iconic career of Picasso in a compelling and interactive way. Following successful stints in Lyon, France; and Quebec and Vancouver, Canada; and most recently San Francisco, Imagine Picasso is coming to Atlanta for a limited time. Tickets are available now for purchase. Conceptualized by Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, pioneers of immersive, multi-projection experiences around the world, Imagine Picasso was created to offer a new and modern perspective of Picasso’s unparalleled work. Atlanta residents and visitors in the area can journey through Picasso’s masterpieces, through this authorized experience, from the Bleu and Rose periods to the Cubism and Surrealism movements. “The Picasso Succession (estate) gave me the right - and I’m the only one in the world - to do this Exhibition,” said Mauger. “That was so important for me. It’s been such a great responsibility, but a nice one!” With the sign-off from the Picasso Estate and family, Imagine Picasso is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. “It’s really a reinterpretation of his works. It’s a unique sensation, and it’s so interesting because I’ve been involved in exhibitions, television documentaries and books, but this is really one of its kind,” said Olivier Picasso, a television producer, author and grandson of Pablo Picasso. “I think (the exhibition) would have pleased my grandfather a lot because he was above all, a man of freedom. I learned from him to remember especially the “why not?” because there are no limits to artistic creation. He himself was someone who explored all forms of creation: painting, sculpture, engraving, ceramics, poetry, theatre – he was a pioneer. I think that if he had lived, the digital world of today would have fascinated him.” The digital exhibition pays homage to these innovative visions and Picasso’s fondness to adopt new technologies to showcase art throughout his life. “Picasso was always trying new things. It was a theme of his career - to be a pioneer, to be a revolutionary,” said Jacob Cohl, VP of Experiential/Exhibitions at S2BN Entertainment. “So with this new world of digital exhibitions, we are carrying on his legacy.” Using the dynamic, multi-projection techniques of Image Totale©, Atlanta’s Imagine Picasso show will feature hundreds of Picasso masterpieces shown on over 90 projectors in the historic Pullman Yards at Pratt Pullman District. “It’s simply impossible to see so many Picasso masterpieces in one place at one time, and it would take a lifetime of travel to see them all in person,” said Cohl. “This exhibition brings Picasso’s legacy to life in new and unexpected ways, captivating all audiences regardless of age, culture or nationality. Imagine Scan QR Picasso is for anyone and everyone.” www.imaginepicassoexhibit.com/atlanta w/Phone Camera to learn more

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Strawberry Chess Bars

No matter if you call this classic dessert chess bars or gooey butter cake, this fresh strawberry version is bound to be your new favorite! -Stacey Little, Southern Bite Ingredients For the crust: 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 egg 1 cup diced fresh strawberries For the filling: 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened 2 eggs 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 4 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions > Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. > In a large bowl, stir the cake mix, melted butter, and egg together to make the crust. Fold in the strawberries. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. It may make it easier to lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and pat the crust dough down. > In another large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Add the butter and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Mix in the vanilla. Pour the filling mixture over the crust. > Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the edges are just firm and lightly golden brown but the middle is still jiggly. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Source: www.southernbite.com

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Home Care Assistance of Montgomery Receives 2022 Best of Home Care® – Top 100 Leader in Experience Award

Kristy Butler

Home Care Assistance of Montgomery announced today that it received the distinguished 2022 Best of Home Care –Top 100 Leader in Experience Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for home care. The Top 100 Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse and is only awarded to 100 home care businesses in North America. Recipients must consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Top 100 Leader in Experience Award recipient, Home Care Assistance of Montgomery is recognized among the very best home care providers participating in the nationwide Home Care Pulse Experience Management Program. This accomplishment demonstrates Home Care Assistance Montgomery’s long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of Home Care Assistance’s clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Home Care Pulse. Over a 12-month period, Home Care Assistance received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Home Care Pulse, the Home Care Assistance of Montgomery management team set goals to reach the

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highest level of Experience possible. “We pride ourselves on delivering a high level of quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care,” says Kristy Butler, Owner of Home Care Assistance Montgomery and Home Care Assistance Auburn/Opelika. “We are very excited and humbled to receive this prestigious award and we look forward to earning it again next year with the help of our amazing clients, caregivers and staff.” The Best of Home Care – Top 100 Leader in Experience Award highlights the topperforming home care businesses in the nation. Home Care Pulse believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider. Home Care Assistance of Montgomery has also been awarded the 2022 Leader in Excellence Award as well as both the 2022 Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards. “At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. “When we see agencies like Home Care Assistance that have so effectively provided outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we’re on the right track. Home Care Assistance has worked extremely hard to prioritize high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. This award allows them to show proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.” To find out more about Home Care Assistance’s commitment to experience, please visit www.HomeCareAssistanceMontgomery.com

www.HomeCareAssistanceAuburnOpelika.com

You can also call them at 334-593-3988 or 334-744-7100

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By Francine Toder

The Mental Health Benefits of Doing Nothing Set aside that to-do list and focus on being, not doing, for better mental and physical health

When I retired for good about ten years ago, the very idea of doing nothing was terrifying and intolerable, a situation to be avoided at all cost. As a professional woman, I'd been striving all my life. Back in the day, accomplishing my goals required herculean effort — or sneaking in a back door entrance.

Keep in mind that embracing the practice of doing nothing may create some discomfort because it's such an anathema to the way of life we've embraced for so many decades — unrelenting jobs big and small, and the obligations that come with being a responsible member of society.

Ten years post retirement I found myself extoling the virtues of doing absolutely nothing, or close to it — at least a little every day. Though it sounds counterintuitive, I learned that letting go of everything, even for a short time, has mental health benefits.

3 Ways to Decrease Distress

Though it sounds counterintuitive, I learned that letting go of everything, even for a short time, has mental health benefits. As the lengthy pandemic recedes, it's tempting to jump back into all kinds of activities, long beyond reach. But you might want to consider some moments of doing absolutely nothing. If that idea makes your heart skip a beat, you're not alone. Some of us don't want such an intensely uncomfortable experience or can't push through and are paralyzed or incapacitated by discomfort. Let's pause at this point so I can define anxiety and explain some down-to-earth ways to address the subject, at least from this psychologist's point of view. Addressing your anxiety will help you attempt the practice of doing nothing. Don't Be Anxious About Doing Nothing

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Simply stated, anxiety is an emotion characterized by fear which has some predictable effects on our physiology. If you are a worrier, then you know that your thoughts can go down dark alleys that make your heart beat too fast. Or you may feel tension in your body before you even realize that you are imagining a catastrophic outcome to some person, or an event soon to take place. When your worries precede an experience it is known as anticipatory anxiety and is likely to cause some physiological effects like dry mouth or sweating; it is actually quite common when you need to perform, like on a test, or while giving a talk, or engaging in a sport competition. Some of us are more prone to calamitous thinking but all of us worry from time to time. This is quite normal but when nervousness or apprehension interferes with your daily life, your work or your relationships, it's more serious and may need some professional attention.

Here are 3 tactics you can use to decrease distress when you take on the counterintuitive task of doing nothing: 1. Remind yourself that you can stop what you're doing (or not doing, as it were) and resume normal activity anytime you want — but wait a few minutes before you do to see if the concern passes. 2. Stay with your plan and intention to do nothing but breathe slowly to calm down any jitters. Start with a slow and long out breath and then an in-breath as deeply as is comfortable. Continue this way of breathing for at least one minute. Mindful breathing is an effective strategy that can be applied to all anxiety symptoms. 3.If your comfort level hasn’t improved, ground yourself in the here and now. Look around you at four objects that are familiar and pleasant. Listen for three familiar sounds, maybe the hum of a fan or refrigerator, birds chirping, dishwasher running, and so forth. Find two objects that are soothing to the touch and stroke them — like a blanket, a sweater, a pet, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

a warm wet washcloth. Nurturing any of your senses lends a sense of calmness. Now back to doing nothing. Pick a day to begin, one in which you are likely to be undisturbed by urgent demands. Choose a short block of time, like 30 minutes, and wait for some internally driven suggestions like, "I think I'll look out the window," or "I'll wander around my apartment or house." Again, the goal is to be not do. So, no tidying up as you go. Maybe go outdoors to your patio, deck, backyard, or street. But no tending to flowers or picking weeds. Just notice what you observe, feel, see, or smell. Your thoughts and emotions are valuable sources of information to you, about you, in the process of doing nothing. While this is a process akin to meditating, the goal is to embrace and appreciate every moment of the experience rather than just breathing away thoughts. This may be the first time in your life when you can wander around like a four-year-old with no agenda and simply be curious about what you observe. The satisfying art of doing nothing is a practice that, once incorporated into your life, has proven mental and physical health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, relaxing skeletal muscles, and sharpening focus without investing in products or services and without any particular effort. Source: www.nextavenue.org

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Gogue Center brings Tony-winning revival of Oklahoma! to Alabama The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University is proud to present the Alabama premiere of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at the Woltosz Theatre— Tuesday, May 17, Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is presented as part of the center’s 2021–22 Broadway series. The current Oklahoma! tour is the first North American tour of the Tony Award-

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winning Broadway classic in more than 40 years. Directed by Daniel Fish, this is Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen or heard it before, now

the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this Oklahoma! allows the musical to be seen in a whole new light. Tickets are available for all three performances and can be purchased online at the www.goguecentertickets. auburn.edu, by phone at 334.844.TIXS (8497), and in person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama.

reimagined for the 21st century. Funny and sexy, provocative, and probing, this acclaimed production of Oklahoma! tells a story of a community banding together against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending

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Dick Van Dyke Teams Up With His Wife In Adorable Music Video All About Love there are also plenty of opportunities to laugh! Even at 96 years old, his silly personality shines through, and it’s such a joy to watch!

To celebrate a day all about love, Arlene & the Vantastix released a music video for their cover of “Everybody Loves a Lover” that included a very special person… Dick Van Dyke! Seeing Van Dyke put on his dancing shoes is always incredible, but it was made even better by the fact that he got to perform with his wife and the lead singer of the band, Arlene Silver. The two of them have been married since 2012, and the love they have for each other looks as strong as ever as they dance and sing. “Everybody loves

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Check out their charming rendition by scanning the QR Code with your phone’s camera. me, yes they do. And I love everybody since I fell in love with you.” With lyrics like that, the video is full of sweet moments between the two lovebirds. But in true Van Dyke style,

https://youtu.be/uMjI2cRRzH0

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April 2022

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By Deborah Haddix

Simple Ways to Share God’s Love

One of my favorite things to do when reading a passage of Scripture is to ask myself what the passage reveals to me about God. While each passage, of course, lends itself to a unique listing of attributes, some characteristics seem to turn up quite frequently. One of those is love.

With Our Grandchildren

Why It Matters I have read several research reports in recent years that state that in the span of three generations, a generation can be lost.

Yes, God’s love is amazing. We say the words, sing the songs, and quote the Scriptures. But honestly, how many of us ever take the time to stop and think about his amazing love? God’s Love While there are many passages in the Bible that reveal God’s love to us, a couple of my favorites are found in the book of Psalms. Psalm 136 opens with the words, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Did you know, the chapter then goes on to repeat the phrase, “for his steadfast love endures forever,” in the latter half of each subsequent verse? That’s a total of 26 times that we read the same words about his love! What does this reveal to you about God’s love? In Psalm 118:1, we read a similar phrase, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” In this verse, the Hebrew word

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love is meant for us – and for our grandchildren. The question is: Are we sharing it with them?

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translated as “love” is the word khesed. This is a fascinating word replete with meaning. As such, it is impossible to find a single English word that conveys all its nuances. Yet, we can learn much about this khesed love by examining other Scriptures for its use. For instance, in Genesis 32, we get a glimpse of God’s khesed faithfully poured out on Jacob, and in Exodus 15, we marvel as this same khesed as God rescues the entire nation of Israel. A further search will reveal that God’s khesed is faithful, generous, compassionate, enduring, gracious, kind, good, selfless, steadfast, loyal, and more. Surely it is so much more than simply the affection we feel for another. And this

Consider with me: Generation number one knows of God. In fact, they know him personally and love him deeply. This generation takes great care in passing knowledge of God and his commands to the next generation, but in the busyness of earning a living, keeping up with family schedules, and ministering in their church, they fail to pass the love of God to the next generation. Generation number two receives the knowledge and commands of God passed to them by their parents. However, in not receiving the love of God, the knowledge and commands become rules and constraints. Finding no value in what they perceive as mere religion, this generation does not even pass the knowledge of God to the next generation. As a result, generation number three is lost. They receive nothing of God, and it becomes very difficult to gain them back.

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In case you are tempted to dismiss this research as inconsequential, look with me for a moment within the pages of the Bible. In the first book of the Bible, we find one example of generations falling away. A mere ten generations after Adam’s, we read in chapter six that God “saw the wickedness of man… regretted that he had made man… was grieved… and decided to blot out man” (vs. 5-7). In a time when many generations of a family were alive at the same time and shared life together, only eight people were taken into the ark. What happened? Somewhere, somehow the family line failed, and many were lost. Or consider the account found in Judges 2:7-10 where we find another example. In verse ten we read, “And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” Do you realize that this verse is talking about the generation that followed Joshua? A generation that had personally witnessed the miracles of God, yet they were lost! It is no different today. Our grandchildren are growing up in a culture steeped in godlessness and rebellion. Many know little about God or his commands. Even fewer know his love. Remember our three generations? It’s up to us to share his love. How will you go about it? Ways to Share God’s Love 1. BE PRESENT Share God’s love with your grandchildren by sharing yourself. Did you know that Hagar is the only person recorded in the Bible to have given God a name? She named him “The God Who Sees” because he arrived in her time of need and was

there for her. It speaks volumes to our grandchildren when we take the time to be present with them. Put away your phone and turn off your screens. Turn your attention to your grandchildren and give it to them freely and undivided. Let your grandchildren choose an activity for you to do together or simply spend your time sitting and talking. 2. OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT AND AFFIRMATION Encouragement is given through actions or words that offer support, confidence, and hope. Attend competitions and special events when you are able. Be a FaceTime practice audience. Offer financial assistance if it is within your means. However it looks for you, be your grandchild’s biggest cheerleader! While encouragement helps to paint a bright future for your grandchildren, affirmation validates them. Affirmation looks backward, confirming something that has already taken place and been observed. When you notice a Christlike characteristic being exhibited by your grandchildren, tell them. (They probably don’t hear it often enough!) Your encouragement and affirmation will go a long way in pointing your grandchildren to God’s love. 3. LISTEN In God’s remarkable khesed, he listens to us. He’s never too busy, distracted, or disinterested. Share God’s love with your grandchildren by taking the time to listen to them without preaching, judging, or trying to fix the problem. 4. EXTEND COMPASSION When we develop a track record of listening to our grandchildren without preaching, judging, or trying to fix the problem, they feel more freedom to come to us and share their struggles. As they do, we can share God’s love with them by extending compassion.

5. PRAY FOR (AND WITH) YOUR GRANDCHILDREN Prayer is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Given with great love and thoughtfulness, prayer displays God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and goodness. And it draws us closer to him. This precious gift also allows us to release to God what we cannot control ourselves. On one hand, prayer is a gift to grandparents. Prayer is also a gift for our grandchildren. As we intercede on their behalf, they can know that their concerns have been heard by the Lord. As well, this gift of prayer is the channel through which God is moved to shape their lives. Our prayers are a powerful way to share God’s love with our grandchildren. Let them know you have prayed for them, let them hear you pray for them, or better yet, pray with them. 6. TALK ABOUT YOUR STRUGGLES Sharing our struggles with anyone, let alone our grandchildren, is a hard thing to do. We want our grandchildren to look up to us, to think we have it all together. If we share our struggles, what will they think? But don’t we tell our grandchildren that no one is perfect, and that God is forgiving and gracious? Don’t we also know that our grandchildren will have struggles of their own? Learn to share your struggles, and you will help teach your grandchildren how to work through their own. What better way could there be to share his faithful khesed with them? It’s our responsibility. It’s our privilege. It’s time to be intentional in sharing God’s love with our grandchildren. Source: www.Christiangrandparenting.com

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By Jeff Minick

The First Lady of Manners A Look at Emily Post

Some American books not only are bestsellers, but they may also profoundly influence American culture and society. Whether they’ve read Mark Twain or not, most Americans are familiar with his novel “Huckleberry Finn.” When President Abraham Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” he supposedly said, “So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war,” referring to the explosive effect of Stowe’s novel on Northern abolitionism. Though little read today, books written by muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair changed national policies regarding such entities as the oil industry and meat-packing companies. Then there are those books that exert a more subtle influence, tomes with an impact on culture we often overlook. In 1869, sisters Catherine Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe published “The American Woman’s Home,” which stressed the importance of household management and included tips on everything from the importance of taking fresh air to raising children to caring for the sick. It became a standard reference in many homes. Irma Rombauer’s 1931 “Joy of Cooking” has sold millions of copies and remains

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in print today. Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” first released in 1936, was read by millions and helped launch the self-help movement. Since its publication in 1946, Doctor Benjamin Spock’s “The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care” has also sold millions of copies and influenced generations

of parents both in America and abroad. Among these shapers of culture, we also find Emily Post and her “Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home.” And this year we celebrate the centennial of this seminal book of manners, a guide that has never gone out of print and has run through 19 editions. The Woman and the Writer Emily Price (1872–1960) was born into wealth and privilege during the Gilded

Age. She was educated at home and afterward attended what was then called a finishing school, which focused on teaching young women about culture and the niceties of polite society. She married a well-to-do banker, Edwin Post, in 1892, with whom she had two sons. In 1905, she divorced Edwin because of his flings with chorus girls and actresses. Emily then turned to writing to try and generate some income. She wrote novels, newspaper columns, and even an account of a cross-country drive to San Francisco in the days when American roads were still somewhat primitive. But it was in 1922 with the publication of “Etiquette” that she struck that lode of gold most writers only dream of. With World War I having wiped away so many traditions and manners along with European courts and kings, perhaps Americans were looking for the direction and stability they found in “Etiquette.” Whatever the case, here was a woman who was upper-class but also witty, wise, and with broad appeal, who believed that all people could benefit by practicing some rules of etiquette, whatever their station in life. The Book Post’s friendly and sometimes humorous approach to her readers, her fervor for the importance of manners, and her impeccable style can be found on every page of the first edition of “Etiquette,” which we can read online at Project Gutenberg. In her Introduction, for example, Post explains that “etiquette” derives from the same word in French. A gardener at the recently constructed palace of The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Versailles placed etiquettes, or small warning signs, to keep pedestrians from walking on the newly planted grass. When these notices of “etiquette” failed to deter visitors, King Louis XIV issued a command for everyone “to keep within the etiquettes,” a phrase that soon came to apply to behavior at court in general. In her book, Post offered Americans a way to do the same, “to keep within the etiquette,” though she was never dogmatic about manners. She covered all the rules, but she was less concerned about the table manners of a guest than by the host’s duty to make that person feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. As she writes in “Etiquette”: “Best Society is not a fellowship of the wealthy, nor does it seek to exclude those who are not of exalted birth; but it is an association of gentlefolk, of which good form in speech, charm of manner, knowledge of the social amenities, and instinctive consideration for the feelings of others, are the credentials by which society the world over recognizes its chosen members.” In other words, rich or poor, all who wish to do so can join the “association of gentlefolk.” Tone and Fashion An illustration from “Manners, Culture and Dress,” 1892, by Richard A. Wells, A.M.; King, Richardson & Co., Publishers. What will strike those of us who love the English language is the approachable formality of Post’s prose in “Etiquette,” her lucid diction and her command of English grammar and composition. Some passages from this first edition might strike us as dated, even archaic, yet those starchy sentences reinforce her nononsense approach to etiquette. What may amaze some readers is that only a century ago, readers not only made this high-toned book a bestseller but also took its advice to heart. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Post’s style brings to mind a more modern expert on etiquette, Judith Martin, more popularly known as “Miss Manners.” Author of such tomes as “Miss Manners Rescues Civilization” and “Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior,” Martin employs a more formal prose style than many other contemporary writers, a tactic that shores up her advocacy for manners and gives us her often humorous, tart replies to her readers. The Reason Why So why practice etiquette at all in this day of “doing your own thing”? What’s the point? Both Martin and Post are of the school that we should obey that old commandment—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—and that the point of all etiquette is to seek the welfare of those in our company and put them at their ease. But there’s another reason as well to mind our manners. In “Etiquette,” Post relates an incident from World War I. She tells us of some French soldiers and some non-French soldiers of the Allied forces being given their rations. The non-French combatants grabbed their food and gobbled it down while on their feet. The French took their food, “improvised a kind of table on the top of a flat rock, and having laid out their rations, including the small quantity of wine that formed part of their repast, sat down in comfort and began their meal amid a chatter of talk.” One of the non-French soldiers wandered over and asked sarcastically, “Why do you fellows make such a lot of fuss over the little bit of grub they give you to eat?” A Frenchman answers him: “Well, we are making war for civilization, are we not? Very well, we are. Therefore, we eat in a civilized way.”

Manners, as the old saying goes, maketh the man. They also make a civilization. Legacy In 1946, Emily Post founded the Emily Post Institute, which her descendants still operate today. They offer podcasts and online articles about etiquette, publish books, and arrange workshops and speakers to teach proper manners to business executives and the general public. Of course, these manners have changed since 1922, but the philosophy behind etiquette remains the same. In the last chapter of “Etiquette,” titled “Growth of Good Taste in America,” Emily Post adds this reminder: “Good taste or bad is revealed in everything we are, do, or have. Our speech, manners, dress, and household goods—and even our friends—are evidences of the propriety of our taste, and all these have been the subject of this book. Rules of etiquette are nothing more than sign-posts by which we are guided to the goal of good taste.” Like so many other writers on proper behavior, Post realized that good manners are simply those courtesies we offer to others. Some of the practices common in her day have vanished, predigital antiques that even in the 1920s were fading away, but the philosophy she embraced and advocated remains just as valid today as it did a century ago. “Nothing is less important than which fork you use,” she once wrote. “Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.” Ethics and honor. That pretty much says everything we need to know about the importance of good manners. Source: www.theepochtimes.com

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Master Gardener's Perspective

by Catherine Kleinmann

There is a Garden in Every Childhood “An enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” Elizabeth Lawrence, A Southern Garden

The birds singing outside the window sounded like they were calling me out to play even though the light was still dim. I hurriedly threw off my pink cotton nightgown, pulled on the flowered t-shirt and shorts that had magically appeared at the end of the bed and ran to the kitchen. “Good Morning Sleepyhead”, my Grandma said as she wrapped me in her arms for a most comforting moment before taking my hand in hers. “Honey, before we start breakfast for Pop, let’s go out and water the roses while we wait for the milkman.” My eyes lit up as she grabbed her blue can from the counter and turned the glass knob. The cement stoop was damp and slippery on my bare feet where the green velvet moss covered one corner. The bottom step held a cracked beige ceramic milk picture that had the daintiest, trailing yellow flowers falling from it. To the left were some large bushes next to the house that Grandma was scattering her damp coffee grounds around. The smell of the old coffee grounds blended well with the dewy grass and the musky green smell of the trees that looked like big umbrellas, it was just heavenly. We walked down the small graveled path to the clump of bushes with all different color roses, to empty the remaining grounds. I pulled a prickly stem to my nose to savor the sweet smell of the petals. In the middle of the thorny bushes was the aged cement bird bath with two squirrels running across as if they were playing chase. Everything was waking up outside as the sun was rising. After bending down to pull a stray weed on the path, Grandma turned to me with a finger to her mouth to let me know to be quiet and pointing from her

other hand to her humming bird feeder over by the big bushes that had fluffy blue pom- pom flowers (hydrangeas). The little frenzied buzzing, flittering bird was feasting on the sweet tastes of sugar water. After his fill, he darted away bringing my eye to the most intriguing tree. It was raining long skinny limbs in the middle of a clover patch where the dark green picnic table stood to one side. My day dreaming was interrupted by the sounds of the milkman’s truck engine and my grandma pulling me by the hand. Before heading back inside to help with breakfast I took a wistful look around the little magical garden that made me tingle all over in happiness. Unbeknown to my Grandma, my sadness of the loss of my Daddy had just drifted away. Everything in the garden was alive, dancing and singing, playing and blooming. Complete contentment enveloped me as nature nurtured my young soul. Grandma had not realized she had created an outdoor sanctuary that engaged my senses, a sensory garden

that would hold my heart and smiles time and again through memory. Studies have shown the benefits and value of interacting with plants and nature for all ages are productive for healthier lifestyles. A place, large or small, that offers you a spot to relax and take time to enjoy nature in the manner that poets write about can be easily achieved. Perhaps you have room only for a container garden with a comfy place to sit, with a small water feature, if not a full landscape. What seeds can we sow in our communities to create gardens in all schools that stimulate creativity and teamwork or gardens in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes to instill hope and give the opportunity to engage in a less sterile environment, one where the cycle of life is artfully displayed. There are endless possibilities to reap the benefits of Heaven on Earth in a garden. Cathy Kleinmann, a Master Gardener in the 2016 Master Gardener Class, lives in Pike Road. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com

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Benefits of AUM OLLI Membership The purpose of AUM OLLI is to provide opportunities for lifelong learning to the audience of retirees and individuals over 50 who want to continue stimulating their brains. The major way that AUM OLLI fulfills that mission is through the schedule of classes offered each of four terms during the year. Classes meet once a week for an hour and a half. The offerings fall into three categories – discussion/study, do-it-yourself (crafts), and active (hiking, walks in the woods, line dancing). (The schedule for the spring term was printed in the March issue of BOOM!) There are several ways that AUM OLLI members can continue to learn in addition to registering for classes. On occasion, members can register for field trips. In recent terms, for example, they have attended food and wine tasting sessions at Peppertree Steaks and Wines, spent a day at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (taking a tour, seeing a play, and talking

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with a director and administrators), and traveled to Sylacauga to visit a marble studio/workshop and to Monroeville to see a production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Bonus opportunities are also offered to members. They can participate in book discussion groups, with the book selections announced at the beginning of each term; attend an arts and crafts workshop one or two days a week; and tour the AUM woodlands under the leadership of two AUM faculty members who discuss the significance of this land as “labs” in which AUM students and faculty members can do important research. Lunch Presentations are another important offering of Bonus Opportunities for OLLI members. These presentations take place on Mondays or Wednesdays from 11:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., between scheduled class periods. Attendees can bring their lunches and listen to programs on a variety of subjects. For the Spring Term 2022, we have scheduled the following lunch presentations:

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. THE ALABAMA HUMANITIES ALLIANCE AND YOU, Chuck Holmes, Executive Director of the Alabama Humanities Alliance. Monday, April 18, 2022 11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. PERFORMANCE BY AUMcappella Director: Dr. Mark Benson, AUM associate professor of fine arts. Monday, May 02, 2022 11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

THE UKRAINE CRISIS IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CONTEXT, Dr. W. Lee Dowdy, AUM OLLI instructor, political science professor (retired) Also to be scheduled are presentations on travel opportunities with the AUM Alumni Association and several other subjects. Go to the website -- www.aum.edu/olli -- for a detailed look at the 2022 Spring schedule or call 334-244-3804.

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Travel Experiences with Jeff and Cindy Barganier

Maddie’s Marion Murals

Maddie working from her lift bucket

Maddie with Jeff

I first read about charming Maddie Deiters in an issue of The Epoch Times. If you’re not reading The Epoch Times newspaper, you’re missing out on some wonderful human-interest stories. At the intrepid age of 14, Maddie has made a name for herself painting huge murals on the sides of buildings in her hometown of Marion, Illinois. Her paintings narrate emotional stories of industry, service, patriotism and sacrifice. Because Cindy and I found Maddie’s story so refreshing and inspiring, we had to see those beautiful works of art with our own eyes! Marion (pop. 17,500) is 400 miles north-northeast of The River Region and 319 miles south of Chicago. Our route took us through Birmingham, Nashville, Clarksville and Paducah. Watch out for frequent and horrendous potholes on I-24. Taking a more westerly route after Birmingham extends travel time but the roads are better. But once you arrive, expect to find some of the friendliest people on the planet, lots of history, a unique town square in the process of being reimagined, and buildings explod-

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Maddie's Coal Miner's Mural

she took on the project and sort of put together a package where we did it in two phases.” The City of Marion tried to get a National Endowment for the Arts grant, but the effort failed so they ended up using local money to get started.

Maddie's Eagle

ing with art. It’s worth the drive. Mayor Michael Absher liked the idea of creating murals. “The way that whole mural program started—and we didn’t invent the idea, there are a lot of small towns doing murals—and so, when I got elected in 2019 and wanted to do it, I ended up hiring somebody. And

“We advertised nationally, really, for art concepts. Proposals came in from Europe, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Austin. Each owner/occupier of a specific building had a say in picking out what motif they wanted. The city had veto power to make sure something inappropriate didn’t go up. Artists could bid on just a concept they had sketched out and get a monetary award for that; and then they had the option to paint it (themselves) or not. So, Maddie submitted several concepts for different buildings and ultimately was awarded (the coal miners) one. I don’t know that anyone ended up not painting their own. We didn’t know, at that stage, how that would work. There’re a lot of talented people that can sketch something out but may not want to do a

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hundred-by-hundred mural five stories in the air. But, anyway, Maddie submitted several concepts for different buildings. How she can do that at fourteen years old is amazing. She’s also playing (violin) with the Southern Illinois University Symphony over in Carbondale! Just multi-talented. I guess she’s starting to get calls from all over the country at this point. She could actually make a living,” Absher said. When asked how painting murals has changed her life, Maddie answered, “A lot! Because before painting murals, I was a kinda-sorta artist—I did art but not really—and this is, like, now real.” Plans for the future? “I’ve been thinking about going to college for art but I’m not quite sure yet.” She’s thinking about the Savannah School of Art and Design.

as a truck hauling a “wide-load” roared down Court Street taking them all out! I must admit: I never know what to expect when travelling far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. But in the case of this inspiring story about a special young lady who’s serving as an awesome example to her generation, it was all gold. The on-the-move City of Marion, Illinois is also an exciting place to visit with its eleven-hundred-seat cultural and civic center, interesting history, outdoor attractions, great places to eat and much more. Marion's Town Square

Between art projects, she makes music with her family. Her mother plays piano, dad plays the bass guitar and older brothers play banjo and guitar. Maddie has some keen advice for young people: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young.” In her case, metaphorically speaking, that might be difficult to do. Her work often elevates her high up the side of a building in a lift-bucket. You can see her in action by accessing her video on YouTube. Search for: I just painted a HUGE MURAL!!!! 8,000 square feet!! She tells of working one site where the city had placed orange traffic cones down the middle of the street to give her plenty of room to paint. She watched from her bucket

Marion Marines Mural

And Southern Illinois is not unlike Sweet Home Alabama. As Bill Swinford, Publisher of the Marion Star, explained, “Most of the families that settled Southern Illinois were out of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina—that direction. So, it’s still very much that slower, Southern pace, hospitality, and friendliness. It’s a whole different world from going to Chicago. Every now and then there’ll be a movement to make Southern Illinois a whole new state.” Maddie’s dad Henry told me, “I’ve lived all over this state, and you happen to be in the best part of it.” Watch for more on Marion and Southern Illinois in a future issue of BOOM! And when you go see Maddie’s Marion Murals, greet ’em for me, saying, “Hi, how y’all doin’?”

Marion Police Mural

For more information see: www.CityofMarionil.gov www.Marionccc.com

Jeff S. Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and manager of Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact: Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Instagram: @jeffbarganier. Visit: www.jeffbarganier.com.

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April 2022

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This & tHAT Vince Gill @ The MPAC

One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Since then, Gill has won 17 additional CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A gifted songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and was awarded the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Throughout his career he has released 20 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. Always considering himself a musician above all else, Gill has over the years been a part of some iconic bands including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2017 Vince was Scan QR with asked to join the Eagles on the road and continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour. Order Tickets at phone camera www.mpaconline.org or www.vincegill.com

Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ The Armory,

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Armory Learning Arts Building, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, April 6, “Backyard Tomatoes”, Mallory Kelley, ACES, Regional Extension Agent, will present a program on “Backyard Tomatoes”. She will cover best practices for growing tomatoes, new varieties that are available, and common problems gardeners face in the garden. May 4, “Backyard Fruits”, Mallory Kelley, ACES, Regional Extension Agent, will present a program on “Backyard Fruits”. If you have always wanted to grow fruit in your own yard, join us for ideas about planting different fruit varieties that are perfect for this area. Learn about best practices for harvesting a fruit crop at home. This will be fun! Plan to wear your mask and socially distance, as mandated by the City of Montgomery. 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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28th Annual Culinary Caper to benefit MACOA Return of the Culinary Caper Luncheon to be held April 10, 2022 The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) announces the 28th Annual Culinary Caper. This year’s Culinary Caper will see the return of the in-person luncheon at the RSA Activity Center. In addition to the luncheon, an Online Auction and Raffle will be held. The Online Auction will take place Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 at www.BiddingForGood.com/MACOA. Raffle tickets are currently on sale until April 10, 2022. Tickets are only $10 per chance and will enter participants into the raffle for the grand prize of $1,000 worth of gift cards to local restaurants in the River Region! Raffle Winner will be announced at the luncheon, winner does not have to be present to win. To purchase a raffle ticket, seat, or table at the event, call the MACOA office at 334-263-0532. All proceeds raised from the Culinary Caper will support MACOA and MACOA’s Meals on Wheels program serving homebound seniors. MACOA’s flagship program is Meals on Wheels which utilizes volunteers to deliver 416 hot nutritious meals each weekday to homebound seniors facing food insecurity via 35 delivery routes. Meals on Wheels is much more than meals; it is a lifeline to seniors in Montgomery County by serving as a safety check and combating isolation by having volunteers visiting on a daily basis. Recent data confirms our clients range in age from 60 to 103, with 22% distinguished American veterans and spouses of veterans. WHAT: 28th Annual Culinary Caper Luncheon and Online Auction and Raffle to benefit Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) WHEN: Luncheon, Sunday April 10, 2022. Door open at 12 p.m. Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. Online Auction: Friday, April 8, 9:00 a.m. CST – Sunday, April 10, 2022, 5:00 p.m. CST WHERE: Luncheon at RSA Activity Center, 201 S Union St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Online Auction at www.BiddingForGood.com/MACOA

Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) is excited to announce the PANDA Project Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) is excited to announce the launch of a new program, the PANDA Project. PANDA is an acronym for Providing Alzheimer’s N’ Dementia Assistance. Funding is provided by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The program was originally piloted in 2020 by Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) in Shelby County. The PANDA Project will provide People with Dementia (PWD), People with Intellectual Disabilities (IDD), and Caregivers enhanced direct service interventions across Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery counties. The goal of PANDA is to enable individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, including those that live alone, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia, and their caregivers to continue to obtain or provide support needed to help reduce critical incidents, such as falls, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and overall healthcare costs; allowing individuals to remain in their homes. New initiatives created by the program will include: “Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) FREE web-based and in-person trainings; AFA “Dementia Experience”; Dementia Education and Awareness Campaign; Evidenced-based care management protocols designed to support family members providing care to adults; Specialized legal assistance for individuals with IDD and their caregivers. CAAC will partner with several organizations including Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Capitol City Health & Rehab, Legal Services Alabama, People First Alabama, TCARE and Trualta, Inc. Services will begin in March of 2022 and include: “individual Person-Centered Support Plans; regular Home Visits and Telephone Calls; One-on-One Caregiver Interventions & Training; Homemaker and Respite; Remote Safety Technologies; Home Modifications; and Legal Services.” For more information about the PANDA project or services provided by CAAC, please call (334) 240-4680.

Bird Talk at ASF Join Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Carol Alford to talk about birds you'll find in Blount Cultural Park — and do a little bird watching! Saturdays, April 2 & 9 | 9–11:30 a.m. | Shakespeare Garden. This event is free as part ASF's Community Engagement series Garden Talks. www.asf.net The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Make Plans for A Unique Theatre Experience, The Red Door Theatre

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The Red Door Theatre is located just 35 miles east of Montgomery in Union Springs, Alabama, a community well-known for its beautiful surrounding countryside with its many hunting preserves, stately antebellum homes, and eye-catching, downtown murals. Entering its 19th year, the Red Door Theatre has a well-earned reputation as a quality regional theatre where guests can enjoy entertaining productions in an intimate 135-seat setting. The theatre's 2022 line-up of outstanding productions includes three plays that will warm audiences' hearts, make them laugh, and leave them singing: "Fireflies," April 21-24; "Honky Tonk Laundry," July 21-24; and "A Christmas Tuna," December 1-4. Seated dinners in a nearby venue (advanced reservations required) are served before each production’s evening performances. The last performance, a Sunday matinee, allows guests who prefer to travel during daylight hours an opportunity to attend each of the plays. (Dinner is NOT available prior to this performance.) Self-guided tours to see the town’s beautiful old homes and other historic sites as well as the downtown’s eyecatching murals depicting local celebrities, landmarks, and events are available to those who wish to arrive early. For information or to make reservations, contact (334) 738-8687 or info@reddoortheatre.org. To learn more about the Red Door, visit its website at www.reddoortheatre.org.

NEW Services Available @ Montgomery County Probate Court Passport Services Now Available: We are happy to report that the Probate Court is now a State Department-approved passport acceptance facility. This now allows a new location and greater flexibility for county residents to prepare for their travel experiences. Residents may visit our South office located at 3425 McGhee Road, Montgomery, AL., 36111 and our East office located at 5449 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL., 36109 for passport services. Please visit www.montgomeryprobatecourtal.gov to make an appointment for passport services. TWO New Websites At Your Service: In late 2021, we debuted two new websites for the Probate Court and the Montgomery Election Center. The Probate Court’s new web address is montgomeryprobatecourtal.gov. The new Election Center’s website is montgomeryvotesal.gov. The Probate Court’s new website allows users to renew your driver’s licenses and automobile tags, register a new vehicle purchased from an Alabama dealer, search probate court records, and check office wait times at our West, South, and East office before you make a visit. The Election Center’s new website allows users to find your polling location, register to vote, review sample ballots, look up prior election results, and check precinct wait times of election day.

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Faulkner University Announces Candace Owens As 2022 Benefit Dinner Speaker Faulkner University’s President-Elect Mitch Henry announced Candace Owens as the 2022 Benefit Dinner Speaker. Faulkner University’s annual benefit dinner is a longstanding tradition and a red-letter-event on the social calendar every year for Montgomery and the River Region. In the past Faulkner has had the opportunity to bring in global thought leaders such as Prime Minister Tony Blair, President George W. Bush, Ambassador Nikki Haley, Dr. Ben Carson, Tom Brokaw and most recently Vice President Mike Pence. With more than 250 media appearances over the last year alone, this year’s speaker has substantiated herself as a leader among the growing youth conservative movement. She is a mom, a wife, a businesswoman and a staunch supporter of protecting the values and freedoms of this great nation. Owens has spoken at over 50 American Universities, challenging the status quo and insisting that students think for themselves. She is someone who is not afraid of uncovering and speaking the truth. The Faulkner Benefit Dinner is the university’s largest fundraising event of the year to support students. It’s an opportunity for Faulkner to reconnect and reintroduce its mission, vision and goals for the future. “This year we are especially excited to shine a spotlight on a group in our community whose heroism and acts of service are often times hidden in the shadows and they need our appreciation. This year we will be honoring our law enforcement community,” Henry said. “These are individuals who we are indebted to every single day, who put their lives on the line so that we might live in a safe community with our families and our neighbors. There are many wonderful people in law enforcement who live their lives sacrificially so that we might live in a better place,” he added. In support of law enforcement officers, Faulkner University has launched a “Believe in Blue” initiative showing its commitment to the law enforcement community across the nation. It provides a tuition discount for law enforcement first responders, office staff, and retirees seeking on-line undergraduate criminal justice degrees and masters degrees in Faulkner’s top 10 ranked MJA program. Like Faulkner, Candace Owens is someone who believes in and supports law enforcement. We invite you all to come hear her speak on October 6 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery with all proceeds going toward student scholarships. Tickets are on sale now by calling 334-386-7257 or by visiting www.faulkner.edu/owens.

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Start Loving Your Great Outdoors Again! Warmer weather is here, and so is the temptation to spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether it’s hosting a cookout in the backyard or simply sitting on the porch reading a good book. But what to do about those pesky mosquitos that thrive in our southern climate? Russell Mosquito Control has the solution! Russell Mosquito Control (formerly Mosquito Shield) is a locally-owned pest control company that focuses exclusively on eliminating mosquitos and ticks. They were the first Mosquito and Tick specific pest control company in the area, and with ten years of experience, they remain the best at what they do. Over the years, they’ve discovered the need to treat their customers’ homes more often than their competition in order to achieve better results, yet their prices remain lower, making their service an even greater value. Russell Mosquito Control also has a large service area that includes Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, Tallapoosa counties. Owner Lavonn Russell spent 35 years in the construction industry, but when the economy took a hit in 2008-2011, new construction ground to halt. Finding himself in need of a different source of income, he began looking at franchises. “My wife and I are mosquito magnets, and we’d tried everything to keep them at bay, but nothing worked,” says Lavonn. “When we saw the opportunity to purchase a mosquito control franchise, we thought that this might be the solution we were looking for. Not only would it solve our own mosquito problem, but it would solve the mosquito problem for everyone who enjoys being outdoors.” They were right and hundreds of satisfied customers would agree! Today, Lavonn’s son, Jay, works with him, and they are both out in the field every day. They enjoy working outdoors in our beautiful area, but more than that, they get great satisfaction from providing such a valuable service to their customers. We all know that mosquitos aren’t just annoying; they can carry diseases as well. However, customers of Russell Mosquito Control can enjoy their outdoor spaces with peace of mind, knowing that they are well-protected all season long. Contact Russell Mosquito Control today and begin loving the great outdoors again! Russell Mosquito Control, (334) 425-7587, lavonn@russellmosquitocontrol.com, www.russellmosquitocontrol.com

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April Memory Cafe, Mark Your Calendars Spring has Sprung! Be sure to mark your calendar for the April Memory Café! Planting a flower can help brighten the day of the caregiver, care partner, and person living with dementia! You don't want to miss this Memory Café! A Memory Café is a relaxed social gathering held monthly, free of charge, and open to anyone affected by memory loss or related cognitive changes. The Memory Café is designed to make people living with dementia feel comfortable and successful. The Memory Café is a much-need break and chance to have fun for caregivers and care partners.

Caregiver of the Month Spotlight:

SHEILA BANNISTER

Sheila has been with Home Care Assistance of Montgomery for one year. During that time, she has embodied compassion, dedication, empathy, and reliability. Whenever we’ve called upon Mrs. Sheila, she has been there regardless of how difficult the job.

“Caregiving has no second agenda or hidden motives. The care is given from love for the joy of giving without expectation, no strings attached.” - Gary Zukav

We appreciate your hard work and dedication, thank you for a Job Well Done!! For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com

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Getting To Know You

A Touch of L'amour “We

What We Do”

Because of diligence and hard work, her company is a selected feature in Boom Magazine of Montgomery.

Alexis Minor Foster, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, is an energetic entrepreneur, wife to Lidono Foster, and passionate mother to three children: Essence, Faith, and Masiah. Having endured many of life's trials, including mental, physical, and sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and being reared in the foster care system, Alexis is an empowering example of what it means to overcome adversity.

Her mission is to use her business knowledge and lived experiences to serve her fellow man by being guiding light for those enduring the struggles she has overcome. In addition, she would like to build group homes, shelters, and develop programs for the disabled, homeless, troubled adolescents, and teens with children.

Alexis with Husband, Lidono and 3 children, Alexis' Foster Mother Carolyn Jackson Recognizing the Essence, Faith, and Misiah Alexis is an absolute power of accomplished and selfless woman lifelong learning, Alexis earned company specializing in resume honored by several entities. She an Associate's degree in Criminal development, securing business thrives on service and lives by Justice and is currently pursuing credit, and other business the following quote: "If I am not a Bachelor's of Science degree in essentials. Through her company, good to myself, how can I expect Criminal Justice and Psychology she has aided entreprenuers anyone else to be good to me" at Strayer University. Valuing the in ensuring that their business Maya Angelou. idea of business stability, she ventures are financially strong. founded A Touch of L'amour, a

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

DiAnna Paulk, Photographer I have always viewed my photography as a ministry to others

For this month’s cover profile, we asked one of the River Region’s premier photographers to share her story. Her name is DiAnna Paulk, and she has been fine tuning her photography skills since she took one picture with her husband’s new digital camera in 2004 and suddenly the beauty of God’s creation opened up to her in a new way. She opened her first studio in 2011 and finally retired from her teaching career in 2014 to pursue photography as her full-time endeavor. In 2019 she completed the education and service credits and competition merits to be awarded the Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America Association. Her love for photography and by extension the art she can create with it began when she was in her fifties and blossomed fully during her sixties. DiAnna is like many of us who reach a certain age and want to pursue new dreams or ideas that enhance our lives. Sometimes the challenge can be difficult, we need encouragement like DiAnna, but we can and should explore our passions when they show up. DiAnna is a role model of what we can do and aging well requires new challenges to keep us in the game of life. We’ve gotten to know DiAnna over the past few months because she is also the BOOM! photographer for our covers. We think you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as we have, it’s a good read. in my life and I could not be prouder of the people they have become and are becoming. Our oldest is a well- known artist in Montgomery, Sunny Paulk. Our older son is Emerson Paulk. He has a very successful home inspection business in the River Region. He is married to Amy and they have three children. My younger son is Daniel Paulk. He is the bank branch manager at Trustmark on Taylor Road. He is married to Jessica and they also have three children. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be so blessed.

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.? DiAnna: I was born in Phenix City, AL and attended Smiths Station School. At that time it was a small community where everyone knew everyone else. I attended Judson College for one year then transferred to Auburn University. I graduated from Auburn with a Special Education Degree, got married, moved to Montgomery, and taught special education in Montgomery for 4 years. I was promoted to Elementary Supervisor of Special Education but after having 2 children within 13 months I decided to stay home and be a mom. I did not return to teaching until my third child was in 4th grade. I went back to school at AUM to pursue a Masters in Elementary Education. I taught at Trinity Presbyterian School for over 20 years before retiring to pursue photography full time. I honestly don’t remember our reasons for coming to Montgomery. My husband’s family lived here but we never intended to stay here. Yet, here we stayed and raised our children. We moved to my husband’s

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DiAnna with husband, Gordon

family land in Ramer 5 years ago. We live there with our five cats. We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this year. Our three children, two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren are top priorities

BOOM!: You are a well-known professional photographer in the River Region and readers can learn more at www.photographybydiannapaulk. com. As a former teacher, would you please share your journey to becoming a professional photographer? How would you describe your philosophy of photography? Can you explain the tagline on your website, Enjoy Life – Enjoy Love – Enjoy Creation? DiAnna: My journey into the world of photography began in 2004 when my husband ordered “his” first nice digital camera. I don’t think he ever got to use it. I took one picture and suddenly the beauty of God’s creation opened to me

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in a new way. I also began to see people differently. I could see the beauty that God has placed within each of us in a way I’d honestly not appreciated before. I was compelled to show others my view of life through the lens. The guiding philosophy of my photography became 1 Timothy 6:17: “God has given us everything we need to enjoy life (CEV).”

weddings, and nature. I’ve often debated in the last 3 years if I should change it since I no longer do weddings but haven’t arrived at anything definite on that yet.

Gordon and DiAnna's family

BOOM!: In today’s world everyone has a camera with them in their smart phones, so everyone is a “photographer”, could you share your take on the skill/quality differences between a professional photographer and a “photographer”? What do you value most about being a professional photographer?

I began primarily as a wedding and portrait photographer. In 2017, I added hand-rendered mixed media portraits to my services. One of my children’s In my desire to hone my craft I took portraits done in that classes and entered international DiAnna: When style was named as a Top competitions. In 2011, I achieved I first started in Ten in the Professional the status of a Certified Professional photography Photographers Photographer through the Professional a seasoned Association International Photographers of America Association photographer Print Competition from by passing a rigorous written exam and told me that the a field of approximately image submission process. In that same experience was 5,000 entries. Beginning year I opened my first studio in the Bell more important to in 2018 I started accepting Building in downtown Montgomery with people than the fewer weddings and have two friends. I continued my primary finished product. added real estate, stock career as a She told me if I photography, teacher until 2014 could give people and when photography a good experience, commercial became a full-time they would love photography endeavor. In 2019 the images because to my I completed the they don’t see the services. education and technical side of a However, service credits good photograph portraiture and competition like we do. If the remains Children, Emerson, Sunny, and Daniel merits to be experience was my most awarded the a bad one, they rewarding Master of wouldn’t like the images no matter work, especially the handPhotography how technically correct they were. rendered mixed media degree from That is why people can post photos portraits. the Professional that, to a professional, don’t have good The tagline came about Photographers color, exposure, or posing and think because of the three of America they’re just beautiful. I applaud people concentrations of Granddaughter Sara and I in front of the Association. documenting so much of their daily lives. photography: portraiture, home the 4th-great grandfather built

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I’ve actually tried BOOM!: You point can appeal to their desired clients. This to loosen up a bit your cameras has become increasingly important as on the “correct” at a variety of COVID has changed the way Americans way to take subjects, could work. photographs and you describe just document some of your BOOM!: Sunny Paulk, your daughter, the moment favorite subject is an artist who credits you and your with my cell categories? How husband for guiding her path into the phone. That being do you get those arts—you for always keeping art supplies said, important animals to sit lying around to be naturally picked up moments in still? What is with ease, and her dad who encouraged a person’s a professional her interest in studying art. How do you life should be branding session? compare the artistry of your daughter documented by with the artistry of your photography? a professional DiAnna: I do photographer. A enjoy still DiAnna: No comparison. She is so good professional life and floral talented, and her use of color just photographer photography astounds me! She uses her art in so knows a lot and usually do many meaningful ways and I am so about how to something along proud of her achievements. People think use lighting and those lines every she’s an “overnight success.” They don’t posing to present day just for my see the years of struggle and growth DiAnna with Daniel's family on a recent genealogical trip people and enjoyment. My and waitressing to pay the bills that led this month. The historical marker documents the land upon which this church is built was originally owned by my 4th products in the favorite genre, to the status she now enjoys. She’s a great-grandfather. He and many other family members are most flattering however, is remarkable young woman. buried in the adjoining cemetery way possible. portraiture — People who have not had that training either of people or animals. I particularly BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like and experience don’t know how to use love the heirloom portrait sessions which to spend time with family and friends? those elements to their advantage. are digitally painted in Photoshop. I could not DiAnna: I love What excites me the most about get those to cook for my being a professional photographer animals to sit family and until is the opportunity to make a valued still by myself. we moved to contribution to the lives of others. I I have some the country, am by nature very introverted, and it remarkable they would is extremely hard for me to meet and assistants all come over converse with people. Yet through who are often for Sunday photography I have met some of the photoshopped lunch. Those most interesting people and have been out of the are such happy able to provide them with something images! memories for they treasure. I think of a bride who me. I love for said I took all the pictures she wanted A personal all of us to that she didn’t know she wanted at her branding be gathered wedding. I’ve had numerous people photography around the come back and say it was the last picture session is an table sharing they had with a much-loved family opportunity to stories and member and thank me for taking it. Just capture images laughing recently I was able to provide a grieving that represent together. Gordon and DiAnna with 3 of their grandchildren mother with an heirloom portrait a person’s There is always this past Christmas painted in Photoshop when all she had business. It is laughter and I of her baby was a cell phone photo often the first impression that potential treasure that so much. she took in the hospital. I have always clients will see when searching for a Time with friends seems to be centered viewed my photography as a ministry to particular speciality online. It is more around meals, too, although COVID others. For me to have these amazing than a headshot. It’s a collection of has disrupted the regularity of those connections with clients and provide images used to promote what the person meetings. something so important to them is what does and what their clients can expect. It I have valued the most. showcases skills and personality so they BOOM!: What are some of your favorite

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travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?

down and relax — it’s just not in my nature. I do love to sit out on our screened back porch and watch the birds and deer that come to visit.

DiAnna: I’m not much of a traveler. I border on being a recluse now that we live in the BOOM!: What is it country. I do have about living in the some family trips Montgomery/River planned this year Region area that for genealogical you like? What do research. I’m we need more of? taking as many family members DiAnna: I would Storybook, this little girl and dog is one I painted in photoshop recently after learning my childhood home as I can with me had been burned to the ground to make room for a parking lot. It was inspired by the memory of me playing love to see the so they will learn River Region invest in a field next to my house with my first dog. more about their in places like ancestry. It will be important to them Jasmine Hill Gardens. I am hoping the Humane Society of Elmore County one day. revitalization of Oak Park will continue. and Helping Shepherds of Every Color We need pretty spaces in the area. Rescue in Montgomery. Until COVID BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved stopped us I also donated an annual in community, civic or other activities? BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your portrait fundraiser day for the Alabama priorities changed? How would you Animal Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic in DiAnna: My community service is very describe what it means to “age well”? Montgomery. The only way we will ever important to me. I am a member of reduce the number of unwanted animals HeARTs Speak, a non-profit organization DiAnna: I keep three quotes beside is through spaying and neutering. I am that unites art and advocacy to increase my mirror so I can see them every day hoping to add at least two more rescue the visibility of shelter animals. The and remind myself of what I should be groups to the list this year. vision of Hearts Speak is a global thinking as I grow older: (1) Live your life community that treats all animals and forget your age — author unknown; BOOM!: How do you like to relax and and people with compassion and (2) Start each day with a grateful heart — wind down from a creative day of respect. Under their Artists Helping author unknown; (3) This is a wonderful photography? Animals Partnerships I provide proday. I’ve never seen this one before — bono photography services for the Maya Angelou DiAnna: I’m not sure I ever really wind

Hannah, a photo from her Senior Session

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Why Do You Want Me to Smile, the one that won the Top Ten in Children’s Portraits in the International Print Competition mentioned in the questions; heirloom portrait.

First Church of Spectre, award-winning image at International Print Competition

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BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you? DiAnna: The three words I aim for are tranquility, gentleness, and strength. Sadly, the first three that would probably come to mind if you asked my friends and family would be anxious, compulsive and controlling.

Gelli Plate printing and mixed media pieces. They’re not for sale anywhere. No one can order it or critique it. It’s just something fun I do to loosen up a bit creatively.

Top Hat Banjo, award-winning image at International Print Competition

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? DiAnna: My hobbies include cooking and gardening, which have both made their way into my photography. Many of these images go into my stock photography portfolios. And to be honest, “gardening” for me is telling my husband what needs to be done! Last year I watched a documentary of Amy Tan in which she verbalized the crippling effect trying to meet the expectations of others can have on a creative person. It really resonated with me. She said she found a way to work around this, it was to have a creative project that was not available for public scrutiny and therefore had no expectations. After that I started doing something called

I also enjoy bullet journaling. Although mine is more of a bullet planner. It’s my way of staying organized while playing with art supplies.

heirloom sessions I’ve mentioned where the image is painted in Photoshop. The process satisfies my life-long desire to be an artist and provides people an affordable alternative to a commissioned oil painting. BOOM!: Many people over 50 experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? What are your thoughts on retirement? DiAnna: I actually didn’t start my photography career until I was in my

My love of calligraphy, which I did for many years, has morphed into a love of brush lettering. That is something I do every morning during my quiet time. I letter scriptures or meaningful quotes. I have stacks of art and lettering journals that no one has ever seen. My kids are going to have to figure out how to dispose of them when I’m gone! BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for the DiAnna Paulk Photography brand? For yourself?

You Gotta Watch out for those Pitbulls, award-winning image at International Print Competition

DiAnna: The challenges for the past few years have been transitioning from a large studio to a small headshot studio and moving from being primarily a wedding photographer to more commercial endeavors. I would really like to move in the direction of the

Aging Gracefully, award-winning image at International Print Competition

early 50’s and didn’t go full time until I was in my 60’s. So, pursuing a new career at that age definitely gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I credit my willingness to do something that bold to the encouragers in my life. My parents, especially my father, always made me feel like I could do anything. My husband has done the same and has always been supportive of my goals. I have also been blessed with friends who encouraged me, especially the ones who talked me into opening my first studio with them. I would not be enjoying this late-in-life career had it not been for the people God placed in my life. I don’t really want to retire. I am so

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Heirloom Images — Hand-Painted in Photoshop Above: Sara (DiAnna's granddaughter) Left: Elijah (DiAnna's Grandson) Right: Maggie (DiAnna's granddaughter)

thankful I wake up everyday excited about what I get to do that day. Photography is an adventure for me. I never know what I’ll learn from the people I meet and the subjects I photograph. As long as I am physically able, I will have a camera in my hands. However, I have reached the stage in my career where I will turn down early morning appointments! BOOM!: For BOOM! readers interested in developing their photographic skills, what advice would you give them? How can readers purchase your work?

Second, practice daily and keep a journal of your work with notes on your settings, lighting and other experiments. I have met so many people over the years who just wanted a quick fix without putting in the practice needed to learn their cameras and the fundamentals of good photography. Third, compete. There is nothing like competition to hone your skills. Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities for that locally as at one time. PPA (the Professional Photographers of America) is the best organization for education and competition.

photography on several sites but a good starting point is www.diannapaulk. photography We want to thank DiAnna for sharing some of her unique story with us this month. Thanks also for creating a great cover photo with the help of your husband, Gordon! If you have comments or would like to reach out to DiAnna please use the contact info on the left. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com.

Lucy (one of our cats)

DiAnna: First, educate yourself. I took online and in-person courses to hone my skills. I joined an active local photo club and learned from experienced photographers. I’ve never regretted those investments of time and money.

For portrait sessions or commercial work people would need to contact me directly at info@diannapaulk. com or 334.324.9533. Notecards and prints are available through my Etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ DiAnnaPaulkPrints). I have stock

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R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m

April 2022

BOOM!

By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

A PAIN IN THE NECK "A true story from the Greg files"

“This is bad!”.

It wasn’t just the efficiency of being tested. Everyone, mostly 20 and 30 somethings new in their field, was kind, courteous and friendly. “This can’t be real”, I thought to myself. “The surgery will be a nightmare”.

Those are not the first words you want to hear from a neurosurgeon when he sees your MRI on his computer screen. Dr. Patrick Ryan pointed to a white line on the image- my spinal cord. In the mid-neck area, the white line was obscured by a protrusion that was impinging The Big Nerve thus explaining why I’d been dealing with months of something I called “studio neck”. In my radio booth, most of my equipment is to the right, and whenever I turned to look at it, my neck would lock up- sometimes with a popping sound. The condition would momentarily make me look like I was auditioning for Quasimodo, head twisted until the pain passed, my back shrugged under the shoulders. Dr. Ryan said a surgery was the only fix. That was the bad news. The good news? This would be a great story for a magazine column! I could reveal medical horror stories. Long waits. Indifferent staff. “Just another face on a gurney” kind of stuff. I was ready to bring you 1000 words delivering the inside scoop of rotten medical care in this nightmarish year of 2022. That is NOT the story here. It would be a complete and utter lie.

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April 2022

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Nothing like watching The Office through the prism of your complimentary hospital socks!

After explaining why several words ending in “ectomy” would fix my pain in the neck, I was dispatched to Dr. Ryan’s assistant, Edwina. She couldn’t have been more professional or accommodating. Edwina was more like a concierge in a fine hotel than a medical office staffer. She scheduled my surgery for St. Patrick’s Day, my pre-op tests for the Monday before at Jackson Hospital. Ha! A Monday at a major hospital! This is where things would go off the rails! My appointment was for 9:30AM right after my Newstalk 93.1FM morning show. I’d made arrangements to have someone cover my 3PM afternoon show because surely 930A was a suggestion, not a real appointment, right? I was home before 11AM. It was boom boom boom for this BOOMer. Tests done and passed!

Wife Roz drove me to Jackson for our 6AM check in. The previous day, my afternoon show was cohosted by friend and family lawyer Jacquelyn Tomlinson. Sorry to say, I will not be leaving a vast estate, but we got everything buttoned down during a chat on the importance of a will. Anytime you have surgery they remind you of “risk” no matter how unlikely. Everything got settled. Jacquelyn helped me decide who gets my bag of whiffle balls and treasured Christmas ornaments. When we arrived, we arrived preparedfor anything! Once again, we were promptly greeted and seated. Within moments I was whisked to a room for the most painful of medical experiences. I’m referring, of course, to the dreaded hospital gown. I had my first surgery in 1984. Incredible advances in medical care have occurred every year since yet somehow the hospital gown- an overgrown 50s dishtowel designed to teach the lesson of equality, remains mostly unchanged. Nobody- I don’t care who it is- can make one of those things look good.

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

We are all equal draped in a hospital gown. The cheerful Jackson staff covered my feet with yellow, rubbery hospital socks. As they wheeled my gurney- on time- to the surgical staging area my view was framed by my hideous yellow feet (with festive white racing stripes). At 7AM, a lovely anesthesiologist approached my gurney to say we’d be going into surgery right on time. BOOM! The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room sipping ice chips. Propofol is quick and effective! I was home by lunchtime after a major surgery! That’s incredible. Other than the gown and socks, I remain beyond giddy at the excellence of everyone from my brilliant surgeon (Dr. Ryan with 7000+ surgeries experience) to the young woman who helped me into my sweatpants at check out and didn’t laugh. So, my big expose on everything wrong with modern medicine ain’t happening. It was no fluke. They seem dedicated to great efforts in patient service at Jackson Hospital. Home in bed, my chilly feet (still adorned in the vomit-colored surgery socks), framed the view of my TV.

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

That’s when things got sick.

His voice annoys me. Come back John Stewart!

For several days as I healed, I watched the world around me continue its descent into madness.

I finally DVR’d everything so I could FF through the BS.

Last year at this time I wrote a BOOM column called “Party Like It’s 1979”. It’s here. Inflation is out of control; gas prices are soaring and the knuckleheads in charge refuse to do anything meaningful to fix it. We’re on the cusp of World War 3 and we have a Supreme Court nominee who can’t define what a woman is. So, I changed the channel to binge-watch The Office. It made me laugh, but during commercial breaks it was a non-stop onslaught promotion of our burgeoning Idiocracy. Relentless ads for South Park, a cartoon (they must pay the animators minimum wage- or less) of similarly voiced vulgar kids. What happened Mel Blanc and Bugs Bunny? How this shrieky shrill program has lasted 25 years is beyond Beavis and Butthead logic. The Office runs on Comedy Central, a channel which loves to promote the man who single-handedly destroyed the once-great Daily Show- a wiseacre named Trevor Noah. He reminds me of a parakeet with a mirror. He is Not Funny. Or clever.

The news was so infuriating I actually forgave baseball for its long lockout. I watched some ball games. It is nice to once again turn my head without morphing into Quasimodo. Thank you, Dr. Ryan, Edwina and team! Post op, watching our civilization crumble at the hands of The Nincompoopery was a much larger pain in the neck. (If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!) 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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April 2022

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Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla

Essential oils for allergies Allergy season is probably already upon us, certainly just around the corner and SO many people suffer from seasonal allergies that we really should be addressing the “why” and not just treating the symptoms. Approximately 40-60 million Americans suffer from what we call seasonal allergies, basically spring and autumn reactions to the increase in pollen count in the air. Why is it such a high number? And why is it such a greater percentage of the population than it was a few decades ago? The answer, I’m afraid, harks back to our standard “Western” problem of surrounding our selves with SO many chemicals daily – in the air we breathe (Air-conditioned air is the highest!), in the products we put on our skin and hair, in the products we clean our homes and workplaces, in everything we touch or that touches us! We bombard our bodies with SO many chemicals daily that our immune system is in constant overdrive trying to filter out these “bad molecules” so that the “good molecules” can thrive. Very simplistically put, but you get the gist. This is the main reason that we are constantly being warned about low, and high, levels of inflammation in our bodies and that they are the root cause of so many diseases that really are unique to our generation – Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders…yes, all these existed before, but not in such significant numbers. In previous decades they were rarities, now I can guarantee everybody knows somebody with everything on that list! This is not a good thing. I mention this because there is a general theory that we are seeing such a rise in seasonal allergies for the same reason. Our bodies are already so overloaded with chemicals that our immune system is in a constant state of overdrive, so that when any allergen – dust, pollen, pet dander – enters the body, what it should normally be able to deal with effectively and calmly now shoots it into additional overdrive. That is to say that when the body’s immune system is already overworked and stressed, introducing a tiny little particle of dust or pollen can send it into a complete overreaction. If the immune system and inflammation levels within the body were balanced, then the reaction to the allergen would be normal, your body would deal with it and expel it; however, today for too many people these reactions are exaggerated and for some, lethal. So where do you start? Well, of course there are over the counter pills you can take – Zyrtec, Aleve, etc., which are yet another chemical compound for your body to deal with and they are also only helping with the symptoms not the root cause, which is why you must take them EVERY YEAR. We can suggest a few essential oils which will also help with the symptoms, but be gentler on your body, but I’ll get to those shortly. To help your body deal with the allergens on its own you need to de-tox your lifestyle. Switch to organic food where possible, organic skincare and haircare products, environmentally friendly cleaning products, open your windows and let some fresh air in, drink water not soda….even if you can start by just addressing one or two of these and then work up from there, you will be surprised at how much better you are feeling generally and how less affected you are by things like allergies and say, the common cold. To help with the symptoms of allergies in the meantime, do consider going a more natural route. It will help your body cope better and you will feel the effects just as well, if not better than with drugs. Best essential oils for allergy symptoms: 1) Eucalyptus – my favorite for any sinus issues. Use 1 drop in a bowl of boiling water and put your face over the bowl with a towel over your head to create a tent to hold the steam in. Breathe in for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. It really helps to open the airways and get you breathing more easily. You can also use in a diffuser, or just a drop or two on a tissue in your pocket. 2) Tea tree – is excellent at destroying air-borne pathogens. Great antibacterial agent, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Best used in a diffuser in the home and/or diluted as a household cleaner. 3) Lavender – has calming properties, which are good when your allergies have flared up. It’s also a good anti-inflammatory, so useful for those inflamed nasal passages and airways. Again, best diffused, but can add a couple of drops to a warm bath or to a tissue to breathe in as needed. 4) Peppermint – great for helping open up congested airways. Diffuse in your home or breathe in from a tissue, do not apply undiluted to the skin. 5) Lemon – great antibacterial and smells so good! Can also help clear sinuses and reduce congestion. Good immune system booster. Diffuse and/or use in household cleaners. email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com I web: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla I www. LogHouseAromatics.com Tracy Bhalla, independent consultant with NYR Organics and founder of LogHouseAromatics.com; after 25 years of using homeopathic remedies, it was time to take charge and complete my Aromatherapy Certification, which I achieved April 2020 and since founded LogHouseAromatics.com as a source for useful essential oil and general natural health information and a place to purchase certain products. email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com I am here to answer any questions you may have.

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April 2022

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

BOOM! April 2022

Articles inside

Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier: Maddie’s Marion Murals

The Mental

Greg Budell