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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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August 2017
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Come Worship with Us! Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Christian Education: 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
Founded Upon God’s Word
Liturgically Joyful
At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.
At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
Warm and Loving
Committed to Mission
By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
August 2017 Volume 7 Issue 12
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
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 8 Publisher’s Letter 10 Dating Coach: What a Man Wants? 11 OLLI at AUM, Pam Taylor-The First 12 Gardening Memories Terese Goodson
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Features
25 Exploring Alabama The Hotel Finial and more in Anniston, AL.
14 Cardio VS Weights? Leigh Anne Richards
35 Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Aris Drayton-Vaughan’s Story.
Departments 18 This and That
Getting You “In the Know”
44 {12} Things
Special Events for Boomers
38 Taking a Pass
Increasingly, adult children of aging parents don't want all that stuff.
40 Greg Budell
15 Rick Dildine ASF’s new Artistic Director 17 The Great Investment Debate: Passive vs Active 19 Little Free Libraries
“A NIGHT TO REMEMBER”
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20 Rainbow Soldier Dedication 22 Classic Seating: Chairs in 19th Century Alabama
COVER PROFILE page 26
26 BOOM! Cover Profile 32 Can You Live Without a Living Will? Ask an Elder Law Attorney page 19
page 45
42 Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla: Protein
page 15
For this month’s cover photo we relied on a photo shot by photographer Jack Jeffries, www.jackjeffries.com
36 Art and Soul 2017 Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibitions
46 Singer Judy Collins still vocal on social issues page 35
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BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 3966 Atlanta Hwy, Box 266, Montgomery, AL 36109. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2017 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.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Publisher’s Letter
As some of you may know I have been widowed twice in my life. My first wife, Marty, was my high school sweetheart and the mother of my two sons, James and Jason. Marty was a very special woman who loved the Montgomery Community as if she’d always lived here. She passed away in 2006, 30 months after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, at the age of 55. Marty will always be missed by those who loved her.
The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin Austin Barranco Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Tiffany C. Chaney Lisa Copeland Terese Goodson Treva Lind Leigh Anne Richards Nick Thomas Peggy Sutton Raley L. Wiggins
All that being said, I have once again found that special woman to love, her name is Sandy Scott. She and I met over a raw oyster and picked up our relationship while dining on one of her specialties, Maryland Crab Cakes. Everything is new again. I have been blessed to know and experience love unlike many men and I look forward to the many dreams that will be shared with Sandy and myself. I have proposed and she has accepted…and as C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Here we go!
Jeri Hines Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
My second wife, Jackie, was the woman who truly filled my heart with something that had been missing for many years after Marty passed away. That special someone to start a new life with, to begin anew. We shared many joys and tragic moments along the way, all of which made our bond that much stronger as we pursued shared dreams. But suddenly on the morning of January 4th, 2016, she was gone. She died from a torn Jim Watson, Publisher artery that morning with me holding her during the last moments of her life. Jackie too will be missed by those who loved her, especially her only surviving son, Ian. Being a widower is difficult to explain because it’s nature is deeply intimate and personal. However, my experience as a widower has taught me to be open to the future, share my heart and be vulnerable with my feelings. Not an easy thing for a 67-year-old man to say.
Cover Photography
Advertising
Loss & Gain
There are many good reads in this month’s issue from our Cover Profile, Peggy Sutton to Greg Budell's remembering Hurricane Andrew; to why our kids don't want our stuff after we're gone! I hope you enjoy this month's issue, it should be the best reading experience for the 50+ Community in the River Region. Thanks for sharing BOOM! with your friends and your comments with me, I love to listen. Can anyone tell me the best place for a couple of Sixysomethings to get married?
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
Jim jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
Digital & Interactive
When you read the Digital & Interactive version of BOOM! on your digital device you will be interactive with every website and email link in the magazine. You can click through to a writer’s source, an
advertiser, send comments and suggestions, request more info and share your favorite reads on Facebook and Twitter. The Digital & Interactive version was built for the new you so go ahead and sign up for a free subscription at RiverRegionBoom.com “BOOM!, the best reading experience for the 50+ community”
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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August 2017
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DATING Coach: What a Man Wants? I used to emasculate men like it was my job.
You ever feel this way too about your ideal man?
Yes, I sure did because back when I first started dating, I didn't understand men at all!
You're not alone if you do.
I was always friends with men and truthfully, I loved men but I didn't have a clue into how a man's brain worked or what made him tick. Which leads to this story about men and women and how they think. I was visiting a friend in Maine. We started talking about men over the best cosmopolitans ever.... my friend had gotten really good at making them. They were light pink and so perfect! Looking back, I think in that moment we were living a bit of a fantasy. We sort of saw ourselves like a version of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha from "Sex and the City" sharing drinks and the scoop on the men we'd dated. Anyway, we're hanging by the pool sharing ideas about what qualities made up our ideal man. Here are some of them: _ He could talk about his feelings. _ He was emotionally healthy and had done his work to get there. _ He was sensitive and would let us talk it all out with him for as long as we needed. _ His eyes didn't glaze over if our story went longer than 5 minutes. _ He naturally got women and understood and accepted us to our core.
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I hear these same qualities mentioned from women daily about the men they want to date. Back to my friend and me. My limit for thinking clearly is usually one drink and now heading into my second, it suddenly dawned on me that the qualities we were looking for were qualities women shared. We started laughing as we realized OMG; our ideal man is really a woman in a man's body. At the time, this was pretty enlightening since we'd both only been dating a year or two. But it wasn't until two different men shared their thoughts about me not letting them be a man that I came to realize men don't think like women. You see women are community oriented. We think about what is good for the community and we act on it from that perspective. Men are hero oriented. If they're emotionally healthy, they want to keep you safe and do everything possible to make you happy. Ever get irritated trying to share a story with a man? You wanted to process the details with him like you would your friends.
But that didn't work for him. He couldn't just listen, could he? Nope he had to fix it for you ... something you probably found pretty irritating, right? That's because a man's DNA coding from the caveman days is about keeping you safe and protected. How does he do that? By fixing the problem for you. He's just doing his job. Your frustration comes from trying to take this job away from him. If you want to tell a man a story about something that doesn't need fixing, ask if you can have 5 minutes of his time to share what's bothering you. Men will relax, knowing they don't have to figure out what you want them to fix. You get to tell your story without having anything fixed. This is a WIN WIN situation for both of you. It allows him to be a hero and you to share and process whatever is bothering you. You'll be on the same page, which will make life so much easier. Lisa Copeland, “The Dating Coach Who Makes Dating Fun and Easier after 50!” Find out more at Findaqualityman.com (c)2017, Lisa Copeland, findaqualityman.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
OLLI at AUM
keeping your body and brain moving
to Register” at AUM’s campus, which then was in its infancy. “My parents wanted me to follow in my brother’s footsteps and attend a Christian college in Nashville,” said Taylor, whose maiden name is Wiley. “I did not want to go that far away, so AUM became the perfect choice, and it is a decision that I have never regretted.”
Pam Taylor’s granddaughters, Rori Taylor, 9, left, and Julia Taylor, 11, hold the ‘Advertiser’ article that announced her registration at AUM in 1971. (Photos by Frank Williams, Auburn University at Montgomery)
Lifelong Learning: Pam Taylor was the first student to register for classes at Auburn University at Montgomery’s Taylor Road campus. Almost a half century later, the grandmother is still learning at AUM, delightfully studying alongside her granddaughters, thanks to AUM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). In the pages of Taylor’s home scrapbook is a picture of her that was published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Sept. 17, 1971, in which the paper records Taylor as “First
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Student treasures class with granddaughter This summer, Taylor is enjoying an experimental course — Fruitcakes and Kites — taught by Nancy Anderson, distinguished OutReach fellow at AUM, a class for which grandparents and grandchildren were invited to enroll. The two generations of each family read and talked about Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory,” watched a film version of the short story, then wrote versions of memorable Christmases in their own lives with the goal of publishing each family’s narratives. For Taylor, continuing her education with her granddaughters just as they begin theirs has been a great joy.
“The experience of being in a class with my granddaughters has been priceless,” Taylor said. “I don’t know who enjoyed it the most, and I would not be surprised if they follow in my footsteps and attend AUM someday.” Not only has OLLI been the perfect place to strengthen her bond with her granddaughters — Julia Taylor, 11, and Rori Taylor, 9 — but, for Taylor, AUM’s Lifelong Learning Institute also has been a resource that filled a void in the alumna’s life during a difficult time. Taylor recalled, “I started taking OLLI classes a couple of years ago after I retired. My husband, Mike Taylor, had passed away, and I needed something to get me up and out of the house. I looked on the AUM website to see what was available in the continuing education department. I had not heard of OLLI, but thought I would check it out. It has been a wonderful experience.”
For more information about AUM OLLI or to request a catalog, contact: Brittany at 244-3804.
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by Terese Goodson
Gardening Memories
My very earliest garden memories encompassed a love/hate relationship. I LOVED eating the fresh fruits and vegetables, but I remember, from a child’s point of view, that a garden was tons of work. I HATED that.
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, one of the sixteen children in my family. (Picture sharing one bathroom in the house with this crowd!) Our property was a sprawling 5 ½ acres, so there was always plenty of room for a garden. Late in the spring, my dad would pull out the old 8N Ford tractor and begin plowing a garden area – always a massive plot. It seemed he plowed the rich, black earth one day, disked it the next day, and then it was ready to plant. He would have rows of our favorite vegetables – always room for Silver Queen and Illini Extra Sweet corn, plus rows of baby limas, string beans, etc. Potatoes were usually ready to start hilling by then and Dad assigned each of the older kids several long rows to mound additional soil around each established plant I hated the job. It never seemed to end and I always thought my rows were longer than any of the others. At our house, it never paid to complain. If you dared to do so, Dad added several more rows to your work load. When rhubarb was ripe, Mom was famous for her rhubarb custard and strawberry rhubarb pies. She had to make several for dessert and each one disappeared in minutes. There were MANY times I harvested rhubarb crowns in Chicago and planted them in Montgomery, always willing them to grow in the heat of summer. SIGH! They never did.
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steamed asparagus stalks – it didn’t matter – the aficionados were grateful to have larger portions of this precious commodity.
Fast forward to the bounty of summer and my favorite memory was corn and watermelon parties with just our family! When corn was ripe, my dad gave the word and gathered a bunch of the siblings to pick the huge ears. Mom started boiling the water in a huge pot and then another group started shucking the corn. The goal was to have the corn ready to immerse in boiling water at the perfect time. Watermelons were sliced into what seemed like a zillion pieces and we ate slices in our hands, spitting out seeds at each other until someone complained. When the corn was ready, we were allowed to eat as much as we wanted – a rarity for any mealtime. The corn was drenched in butter and disappeared quickly. What a treat! In early spring, the asparagus plot yielded beautiful, green stalks of bounty and a new rule was established. Instead of “Eat it or wear it.”, only those who liked asparagus had it on their plates. Scrambled eggs and asparagus,
The work crew (the older family members) was called out in force all summer long to harvest string beans, lima beans, tomatoes, and all the other fresh bounty. We would sit at ping pong tables in the kitchen, after bending down in the rows to pick the produce, and snip beans, and shuck limas – mountains of each, for each meal. Leftovers were a rarity. I’ve learned that Montgomery’s prairie gumbo soil takes months to plow, disk, and prepare for a garden; it truly was a shock when I moved south and tried to prep the ground in two days for the very first time. Where was that rich black earth I remembered from my childhood? I’ve learned a lot about gardening over the years. There is always room to tuck in a tomato or pepper plant in one of my flower beds. There is also room to add one more fruit tree in the back yard. And now, I simply have just a LOVE relationship with gardening. Hope you can pick something fresh from your yard and enjoy! Terese Goodson, a Master Gardener, class of 2012, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com
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Cardio VS Weights?
Inside this corner are dumbbells. Inside the other corner is walking. Which one wins for the best program as we age? Well done workout plans generally include both cardiovascular exercise and strength or resistance training. One can get arguments on both sides of the fence on which is best. The American College of Sports Medicine emphasizes cardio for people of all ages. Irv Rubenstein, exercise physiologist and founder of S.T.E. P., a science based fitness facility in Nashville, Tennessee, says.” It (cardio) not only improves cardiovascular health but also helps control blood sugar and cholesterol, which have become the big dogs in the fight against well-being.”
The type of exercise you choose is also important in determining the benefits you will gain. Biking and elliptical training, are non-weight bearing- they work well for the heart but don’t benefit bone density as impact exercises like walking or jogging. Rubenstein says cardio exercise is necessary for people 50 +. Aerobic exercise controls blood sugar and improves the heart and lung function,
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but it also improves brain functioning and memory according to a 2013 study from the University of Texas at Dallas. They study shows that sedentary adults that practices aerobic exercise for one hour three times a week for 12 weeks increased blood flow to an area of the brain linked to superior cognition later in
any type of exercise for people over 40 because we lose 1 percent muscle every year after age 45. By the time you reach 85, you will have lost 40 percent of your muscle if you don’t strength train.” Loss of muscle leads to a less independent life in doing daily activities such as getting off the toilet, opening prescription bottles, and even walking on uneven pavement.
Fitness over Fifty
Dr. Kim adheres to the philosophy that “when you do cardio you don’t get strength training benefits, but when you do strength training you get some cardiovascular benefit- your heart rate goes up when you lift weights.”
by Leigh Anne Richards
life. Recommendations vary on the type of exercise that one should be doing depending on any orthopedic concerns. It is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine that 30-60 minutes of cardio exercise be done 4-7 times a week to see the greatest health benefits. Now- lets flip the coin. Dr. Ken Kim, chief medical officer of Alignment Healthcare, Irvine California says strength training should be the choice IF one had to be chosen for people 50 and older. “Overall, strength training should be included in
According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, aging triggers a decline in areas linked to muscle loss such as power, muscular endurance, muscle mass, and bone density. At the same time, body fat decreases. Studies have shown that even seniors in their 90’s show positive changes from a well-designed strength program. Improvements are seen in gait speed, stair climbing ability, balance, and overall functioning.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
It is very important to strengthen lower extremity muscles – especially the quadricep muscles (large muscle group in front of the thighs responsible for extending the knee). Falls and fractures are the biggest killer for the elderly (one out of five) hip fracture patients die within a year of their injury. Quadricep strength, overall leg strength and balance exercises are most important as we age, Dr. Kim says. Multi joint movement exercises like squats and lunges which use the hip and thigh are the best exercises to do verses a leg extension machine, which is only a single joint movement (knee joint). Specific guidelines for strength training vary depending on the goals of the individual, but in general a 20-30 minute well designed routine, 2-4 times a week, that strengths all the major muscle groups, works well. Eight to twelve repetitions are recommended and 1-3 sets. Ideally, exercise physiologist or a nationally certified and licensed personal trainer would design the program. Below is an excellent chart from an article sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic- Health Essentials. Bottom line-You need both cardio and resistance!!! Sources: “What’s Best at Midlife: Cardio or Weights? “Linda Malone. Next Avenue.org, June 17,2014 Cleveland Clinic Health Hub Knockout – Cardio vs. Resistance Training Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General ManagerMetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Rick Dildine
is ASF’s new Artistic Director Alabama Shakespeare Festival Board of Directors has appointed Arkansasnative Rick Dildine as ASF’s new Artistic Director. ASF Board Chairman Dr. Laurie Weil states “A son of the South, Rick Dildine understands and appreciates what a unique treasure the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is to Montgomery, to the River Region, to Alabama and to the Southeast. He came to the search interviews having carefully studied the challenges and opportunities of our professional, producing theatre. He has compelling ideas - many of which have succeeded under his leadership of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis- about how to grow audiences and how to make theatre accessible and relevant to our entire public. With his vision and innovative spirit, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is well-positioned to take a dynamic leap forward in the years ahead.” Currently, Rick Dildine is the Artistic Director/Executive Director at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. Under Dildine’s leadership over the past eight years, the organization has grown attendance by 55% and contributed revenue by 38%. Dildine’s work has been recognized annually with critics’ top honors as well as community recognition; under his leadership Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has garnered many awards including Arts Organization of the Year by the Missouri Arts Council. Dildine’s “Shakespeare in the Streets” program has received national attention for its distinctive storytelling style that uses Shakespeare and the words of everyday St. Louisans to create original plays that are performed in the streets. He has developed numerous educational and community initiatives. R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
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The Great Investment Debate: Passive vs Active
Brandt McDonald introduces his July guest columnist, Austin Barranco… From time to time, I will be introducing several of our advisors through this column. They will share personalized insights into financial markets, financial planning, and overall wealth management concepts. At McDonald & Hagen, we have a deep bench of talent that is eager to serve our firm’s clients and our local community. This month’s column is written by Austin Barranco. Austin entered the financial industry in 2014 after earning a degree in Finance from The University of Alabama, with a specialization in Insurance and Risk Management, he has also earned the distinction of a FINRA General Securities Principal held with LPL. Austin and his wife Maghen live in East Montgomery with their dog Chip. In his free time Austin enjoys college football, golf, and traveling the world.
Deciding how to manage your assets for retirement can be a daunting task. Often times, individuals spread their wealth among various investment vehicles: IRAs, 401Ks, brokerage accounts, checking/savings accounts, and the list goes on. Within each of these investment vehicles, there are many different investment strategies. These various strategies can be distilled into two main categories: Active and Passive. Understanding the difference between the two strategies can have a major impact on your future earnings potential, as well as your relationship with your financial professional. Passive investment strategy is exactly what it sounds like: Passive. This strategy is commonly referred to as, “buy and hold” because the investor will purchase a position, and hold it for the long haul. The passive investor believes that in the long run the investment will be worth more than it was purchased for, regardless of the fluctuations in the market. One approach to passive investing is buying an index fund that tracks one of the major indices such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The potential benefits to this strategy are lower fees, transparency of holdings, and tax efficiency. The drawbacks may include limited investment options, and returns that may not exceed average market returns. Active investment strategy is essentially the opposite. A portfolio manager that oversees an active model believes that he can outperform the stock market’s
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Financial Thoughts
with Austin Barranco
average returns by taking advantage of short term price fluctuations. Active management requires deeper analysis, and often times, portfolio managers who leverage an active strategy employ analysts to research qualitative and quantitative indicators. These analysts use the indicators to determine when to buy into or sell out of specific holdings. The potential benefits to actively managed portfolios are flexibility, the ability to hedge risk, and the ability to control tax management. Some of the drawbacks include higher fees, and more volatility. Understanding the difference between the two strategies will help you select a financial advisor that manages to your expectations. If you prefer an advisor that meets with you annually to discuss your portfolio, charges minimal fees, and is limited to index funds and less volatile investments, then passive investing is most likely for you. If you prefer frequent meetings and constant communication from your advisor, then active management may be the best strategy for you. Just keep in mind that if you want constant management and communication from an advisor, you are going to pay higher fees. If you like aspects of both strategies, then find an advisor who is comfortable with both.
To determine if your advisor employs a passive or active strategy, you can simply ask them. If they cannot explain which strategy they use, you may want to consider another advisor. If they claim to have a passive management style, then you should check to see that the fees are consistent with other local passive investors. If your advisor claims to have an active management style, then make sure they are trading your account frequently enough to justify the fees you are paying them. Our team at McDonald and Hagen Wealth Management employ both strategies, and would love the opportunity to help you pursue your financial goals. Austin Barranco, Financial Advisor Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management LPL Branch Manager www.mcdonaldhagen.com Direct comments and questions to bailey.worrell@lpl.com or 334.387.0094 The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principle. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized legal or tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific legal or tax issues with a qualified legal or tax advisor.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advice offered through McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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At Wit’s End Presented by The Depot Players
The Wetumpka Depot Players are wrapping up their Summer Season Extras with a special one weekend only performance of Allison Engel and Margaret Engel’s charming new play, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. The touching onewoman comedy titled after Bombeck’s long running newspaper column, is a candid commentary of her life that made her the champion of suburban housewives everywhere. Show dates are August 1720. Depot Executive Director, Kristy Meanor will take on the role of Bombeck. “I grew up reading her books and appreciated her humor long before I was a wife and mother. Throughout my life, I have embraced Erma’s mantra- ‘If you can’t make it better, you had better laugh at it.’ Working on the piece, which is really just one fun “Momologue”, I have come to appreciate that not only was Bombeck delightfully honest and funny, but she was on the forefront, of being a voice for women in her support of the Equal Rights Amendment.” Tickets may Kristy Meanor be purchased by calling the Depot box office at 334.868.1440 or visiting www.wetumpkadepot.com. Box office hours are Wednesday – Friday 9am-3pm. The theatre is located at 300 S Main Street in historic downtown Wetumpka.
National Senior Games Results 2017
Several of our Masters Games Athletes qualified to compete in the 2017 National Senior Games in Birmingham, AL held in June. Over 10,000 participants from across the country competed in their 19 events. Alabama athletes had a great showing winning 18 Gold, 18 Silver, and 14 Bronze medals! Alabama also won ribbons in the following places: 14 in 4th, 19 in 5th, 18 in 6th, 24 in 7th, and 11 in 8th. We are very proud of all the Masters Games athletes that competed in this year’s National Senior Games! Most of the Masters Games athletes that won at the National Senior Games can be found by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/2uzgUwa.
Capital City Master Gardener Association Presents Lunch & Learn 2017 Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2017 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. We meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars August 2, Water Wisely – Drip Irrigation – Mary McCroan, Master Gardener and September 6, Fall Gardening for Spring Color – Cindy Berg, Master Gardener For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org
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Little Free Libraries: Have You Seen These? The concept is simple. Little Free Libraries are just what they sound like—miniature libraries full of free books. You can take a book from the library, and then either return it when you finish or add a new book to the collection. Some Little Free Libraries even have journals to record thoughts about or requests for certain books. But beyond encouraging reading and promoting literacy, Little Free Libraries develop community bonds as adults and children interact and engage with people of all ages in their neighborhood. We were interested in how to add a Little Free Library to our neighborhood, and the process is pretty straightforward. First, find a spot easily accessible that already has abundant foot traffic. The Little Free Library next needs a steward, someone to monitor and maintain the structure as well as make sure there are books inside. The actual library itself can either be bought online or built. If you choose to build your own Little Free Library, you must register it with littlefreelibrary.org so that they can give you a charter and make your library official for use. After that, promote and advertise. Tell neighbors, friends, the kids you babysit, your son’s baseball couch, maybe even your barista—let everyone know that a new Little Free Library is on the market. To find a Little Free Library near you or to start your own visit www.littlefreelibrary.org
"Jazz It Up" Ladies Night Out "Jazz It Up" is a one-of-a-kind event for women complete with live music, interactive photo booth, delicious hors d'oeuvres, prizes and synergy among women with common interests. In addition, the night will include an inspirational message from Sheyann Webb Christburg, a Civil Rights Activist and the youngest marcher from the Selma to Montgomery March with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as a 60-minute game pass to participate in an Escapology game for the evening. The 60s Girl Power focus will be the theme for the music, decorations and attire. Ladies are invited to dress up in their favorite fashion or a "Girl Power" themed outfit from the 1960s. This event offers an evening of fun, entertainment, encouragement and the opportunity to join with other women in celebrating their accomplishments and exploring new opportunities. For more information on Tasha M. Scott, visit www.tashamscott.com
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Rainbow Soldier Dedication
Montgomery Welcoming home the brave 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment of the famous 42nd Rainbow Division
A century ago, 3,677 Alabamians left Montgomery’s Union Station to serve their country in World War I. At 5 p.m. on August 28, exactly one hundred years to the day of their departure, a bronze sculpture of the Rainbow Soldier designed by world-renowned British sculptor James Butler, RA, will be dedicated in their honor in front of historic Union Station, 210 Water Street, Montgomery, AL. 36104. These Alabamians comprised the 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment of the famous 42nd Rainbow Division, and their contributions in multiple battles were vital to winning the war. Their bravery in fighting alongside the French at the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm helped push back the Germans at the Ourcq river, one of the most critical points of the war. Success there came at a high price, as the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm remains the second deadliest battle in Alabama history. The sculpture is a gift to the City of Montgomery from the Croix Rouge Memorial
Foundation made possible through the generosity of longtime community and business leader Nimrod T. Frazer, Silver Star recipient. A previous bronze casting of this Rainbow Soldier was inaugurated in France in 2011 in Fèreen-Tardenois, near Chateau-Thierry. It stands on the site of the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm. For further information please visit www.croixrougefarm. org Suggested reading: Nimrod Frazer, Send the Alabamians, World War I Fighters in the Rainbow Division, written by Nimrod Frazer, available at local retailer, Montgomery Visitor’s Center, Goat Hill Museum Gift Shop and www.amazon.com. The bronz sculpture of the Rainbow Soldier to be dedicated in front of Union Station in Montgomery
Jackson Hospital to be the first provider in the U.S. to offer bkFusion™
Timothy Morrow, MD, Brian Richardson, MD, and Brian Thomas, MD
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Jackson Hospital is pleased to be the first provider in the U.S. to offer bkFusion™, a groundbreaking solution for improving biopsy targeting for assistance in diagnosing prostate cancer. bkFusion is a powerful software advancement in diagnostic visualization that combines real-time ultrasound imaging with pre-exam MRI information. This technology is an innovative solution for improving biopsy targeting in prostate cancer and it is fully integrated onto a premium ultrasound system, the bk3000. “We are confident that with our state of the art MRI system and bkFusion, we can better identify and target suspicious prostate lesions, giving our patients clear answers and peace of mind.” explains Brian Richardson, MD, Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Jackson Hospital. , For more information about Jackson visit www.Jackson.org
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Southern Makers: Meet your 2017 Makers!
On Saturday, August 12 through Sunday, August 13, 2017, more than 100 of the South’s top makers will come together at the historic Sloss Furnaces for the fifth annual Southern Makers event, celebrating Southern creativity and innovation. After reviewing hundreds of applications, the event curators are pleased to reveal the 2017 Southern Makers. The list taps into a variety of top-quality southern artisans and features fashion designers, textile artists, screen printers, jewelers, brewers, winemakers, contemporary artists, farmers, woodworkers, chefs, bakers, architects, industrial designers, preservationists and entrepreneurs. Celebrated connoisseurs among the 2017 Makers include national award-winning designer Billy Reid; brothers Keith and Dylan Cochran of Wood Studio, previous overall winner of the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards; fine artist Butch Anthony and broom making extraordinaire George Jones, Jr., dapper shoe designer Peter Nappi, luxurious home grown cotton bedding from Red Land Cotton and more. To view the full list of 2017 Southern Makers, visit www.southernmakers.com.
MMFA Debuts a New Exhibition Featuring an Alabama World War I Artist and Aviator Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts exhibition Sketching the Skies: Penrose Vass Stout, Alabama’s WWI ArtistAviator is now open. Alabamian Penrose Vass Stout left a richly illustrated history of his service as a World War I aviator through his sketchbook and his letters home. Exhibited for the first time during the centennial of World War I, this collection features detailed sketches of military training, humorous aspects of camp life, the architecture of the French countryside, and Stout’s view from the cockpit as he served as a pioneer aviator in the early years of air warfare. For more info visit www.mmfa.org
Penrose Vass Stout (American, 1887–1934), Nieuport Training Ship, 1918, pencil on paper, Lent by the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama, 2014.0111
The Side by Side Singers are dedicated to sharing music to keep our minds strong. Music can improve our mood and boost cognitive skills. We invite those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care-partners to join us for 8-week sessions each Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The music we sing ranges from Sinatra to Elvis. photo by Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser
SIDEbySIDE singers singers
Please contact Jack Horner at ivortickle@aol.com or Laura Selby at 834-8990 for more information. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
NO FEE, PLEASE JOIN THE FELLOWSHIP!
First United METHODIST CHURCH
2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org
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Classic Seating: Chairs in 19th Century Alabama Early Alabama farmers in the 1800s had transitioned from using stools to chairs, usually plain style ladder-back chairs, which were likely made by someone as a sideline to farming. In addition to these utilitarian chairs, many townspeople could purchase at least a few upholstered chairs in a variety of styles. These chairs were produced in the Northern factories by both skilled and unskilled workmen and then shipped to retailers in the South. These furniture factories were first powered by water and later by steam and used circular saws to produce very thin veneers. The use of bandsaws as well as fret-cutting, wood-carving, planing and mortising machines made producing these elaborate designs possible. Until then, comfortable chairs had only been available to the elite but by the 1840s, a large variety of stylistic choices presented themselves to the middle class. The rich Cotton Belt elite were furnishing their houses with elaborate high style furniture. They appreciated the traditional production methods of the Northern furniture makers using these innovative techniques and new materials. After the Civil War, as Northern hardwood forests were depleted, much of the American furniture manufacture was moved to western North Carolina and Virginia where hardwoods were abundant and labor was inexpensive. Classic Seating was guest curated by Jeff Benton and features a sampling of chairs in many styles, forms and materials available in the Deep South in the 19th century from the Landmarks Foundation Permanent Collection. The Classic Seating: Chairs in 19th Century Alabama Exhibit will run through September 30th, Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm at the Loeb Reception Center, 301 Columbus St. Free to the public. For more info visit www.landmarksfoundation.com
Vicarious Vacations Defend yourself against the dreaded doldrums of DOG DAYS! Spend every Saturday of August traveling the world in the cool confines of the auditorium in Old Alabama Town. For the sixth year, Landmarks Foundation offers exciting seated trips led by seasoned travelers who will take us on four free VICARIOUS VACATIONS! August 5th - Caribbean Get Away, Geoff & Toni Stough; August 12th - Sailing the Baltic: In the Footsteps of the Vikings, Ann & Steve Linder; August 19th - Hiking California's High Sierra Trail, McDowell Crook; August 26th - Riding Through the Rockies on Rails, Steve Brickley & Jim Hodgson. Saturdays in August, 11 am, Hobbs Auditorium, Loeb Reception Center, 301 Columbus St. Free to the public.
Broadway Under The Stars @ Blount Cultural Park The Montgomery Symphony will present its 31st annual Broadway Under The Stars Pops Concert this September 7, 2017 at 7:30pm. Coolers, baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome at this free concert of Broadway show tunes performed lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Gates open at 5:00 p.m for picnicking. Broadway Under the Stars concert is generously sponsored by Regions Bank. For more info visit www.montgomerysymphony.org Blount Cultural Park in front of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
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Callaway Gardens 19th annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival
The weekend kicks off with the extraordinary Friday Night Balloon Glow and continues all weekend long. Watch beautiful balloons all aglow or hop in a basket for your own tethered balloon ride. Saturday is filled with family-friendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Kids Zone and much more. There's something for everyone with a classic car show, disc dog demonstrations and entertaining performers. If you're a photography buff, you can sign up for our hands-on "Mastering Night Photography" course. Plus, you'll find drink specials and sports on the televisions at the Beach Bar. Cap off the weekend with a final balloon glow Sunday night on Robin Lake Beach. With this exciting line-up of events, surrounded by the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens, there's no better way to say "farewell" to Summer 2017. For more info visit www.callawaygardens.com
2-1-1 SALUTES 9-1-1: THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON YOU MAY NEVER MEET
- HandsOn River Region has planned a month-long initiative in commemoration of the anniversary of 9-11. HandsOn announces 2-11 SALUTES 9-1-1: THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON YOU MAY NEVER MEET and invites the public to show support by providing Care Baskets filled with items requested by the Dispatchers themselves. HandsOn will assemble and deliver the baskets to 9-1-1 personnel to show appreciation for the lifesaving assistance they provide. 9-1-1 DISPATCHER’S CARE BASKET ITEMS: Lip Balm, Bottled Water, Nail Care Kit/Nail File, Peppermints/Gum/Cough Drops, Hand Sanitizer/Lotion, Notebook and Pen, Healthy Snacks, Tylenol/Ibuprofen, Coffee/Tea, Small Mirror, Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth, Ear Buds/Cell Phone Charger, $5 Gift Card. In conjunction with this effort, HandsOn’s Disaster Preparedness experts will visit area elementary schools to ensure students are aware of and understand the importance of 9-1-1 and what situations warrant a call for help. A simple handwritten thank you note or card is another wonderful way to show your support and would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to participate, please deliver your donation to HandsOn River Region's office at 101 Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. For further information, call 334.264.3335. HandsOn River Region mobilizes volunteers and connects people, information and services to meet local needs and build a strong, caring community. To learn more, visit www.handsonriverregion.org
Peggy Sutton Receives Organic Trade Association’s Rising Star Leadership Award Organic Trade Association chose To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. (HealthyFlour. com) Founder and President Peggy Sutton for the 2017 Rising Star Organic Leadership Award. Sutton was selected for this award because she encompasses attributes of leadership, innovation, and advocacy. Organic Trade Association addresses Sutton as “an unlikely entrepreneur who has built a booming business around sprouting organic flours and grains to start a new trend for the organic industry.” Sutton started sprouting in mason jars 11 years ago and is now an expert in the field of sprouting organic flours and grains. Healthy Flour produces over 50,000 lbs. of sprouted flour per week and exports to countries all over the world. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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This & tHAT MACOA Seeks Nominations for 2017 Seniors of Achievement
The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) is accepting nominations for the 2017 Seniors of Achievement. 2017 marks the 30th year of the Seniors of Achievement (SOA) Awards program, which recognizes seniors who have made significant lifetime contributions to their communities. Since the inception in 1988, close to 400 seniors have been selected to receive this outstanding award. These distinguished citizens come from every walk of life. The purpose of Seniors of Achievement is to recognize those who have truly blessed the lives of others through their community and volunteer, professional or personal achievements. These individuals who are at least 65 years of age, have made significant contributions to their community, and live in Montgomery, Autauga, Coosa, Elmore, or Tallapoosa counties. The Special Friend of MACOA award was established as an additional honor to recognize people who have contributed to the success of MACOA and its programs and service for seniors. Nominations are being accepted now through August 17th. To download a nomination form, to view a list of past recipients, and to learn more visit www.macoa.org/seniors-awards/ or call 334.263.0532. Awards will be presented on October 19th at a recognition luncheon to be held at the Montgomery Country Club.
What kind of bird is that? This site helps you find out
One of the most relaxing hobbies out there is birdwatching. It is a form of recreational activity where observing various birds in their natural habitat is the reward in itself. A step above birdwatchers are birders. Birders are considered to have a more scientific approach to birdwatching, what with their detailed knowledge of bird species and behaviors plus their willingness to search far and wide in their pursuit of rare birds. Catering to both amateur birdwatchers and serious birders is this website that's totally devoted to our avian friends and the conservation of their habitat. www.Birdnote.org is a cool site dedicated to the world of birdwatching, birding, nature conservation and, of course, the birds themselves. Check it out and get to know your birds!
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Exploring Alabama
...for new experiences, Anniston
Alabama offers many opportunities for the more adventurous among us. There are many new experiences to be had just by traveling a couple of hours in any direction. One interesting area for “your exploring” mind is Anniston, AL. There are plenty of new experiences in and around Anniston and they begin with the Hotel Finial. Originally built in 1888, the Hotel Finial stands in the very heart of Anniston, located along the Southern Appalachian Mountains, just 90 miles from Atlanta and 60 miles from Birmingham. It is an escape to Southern elegance, deeply-drenched with a past-forward attitude. From the flashes of modern brilliance, which give this Queen Anne Victorian-style hotel a sense of timelessness, to the deep walnut staircase and additional architectural features, the Hotel Finial offers a new experience for savvy travelers as well as the newbies.
Another unique experience is the Berman Museum of World History. Here you will find artifacts such as oil paintings, intricate jade sculptures, expressive Remington bronzes, ancient and modern weapons, photos, clothing, hands-on displays and lifelike dioramas, bringing history to life through the eyes of artists and craftsmen. You will not believe the treasures contained in this collection.
Hotel Finial, Anniston, AL
passion for the hospitality experience and an inspired mindset of lifestyles for all guests to enjoy.
Finally, there Guests are drawn to the Hotel is the allFinial as an easy option when important The Wilson Suite, Hotel Finial, Anniston, AL traveling between Birmingham restaurant and Atlanta, but the Hotel Finial is also a experience. When you go exploring to a destination for adventurers and explorers. new area, you’ve got to eat where the locals The Finial is a great eat and eat food you can’t get back home, place to unpack your The Hotel Finial began as that should be a rule if it’s not already. A bags and enjoy some a private residence over couple of restaurants to try in Anniston is world class golf at 128 years ago for the the casual Italian restaurant called Effina’s RTJ’s Silver Lakes McKleroy, Wilson, and Kirby and the more upscale Classic On Noble. Course. families. The home was later These were great choices and will provide converted to the Victoria that special food experience every explorer Surrounded by Hotel, serving local residents needs. the Appalachian seeking a getaway as well foothills and Lee's as business travelers who So, when it’s time to explore Alabama for Cheaha State Park, near Anniston, AL Lake, Silver Lakes helped Alabama’s growing new experiences, check out Anniston and features the most unique and aptly named industries. Beginning in 2015, an Anniston especially the Hotel Finial Experience, you courses on The Trail and all 36 greens boast family dedicated to preserving the region’s will fall back in time with a luxurious touch. Champion ultra-dwarf putting surfaces, rich history made the decision to invest arguably the best on The Trail. In addition, in and revive the hotel to bring back its LEARN MORE www.hotelfinial.com there are many opportunities to experience glamour and majesty. www.annistonal.gov a weekend of bike trail retreats along the www.traillink.com/trail/chief-ladiga-trail/ Cheaha Mountains and the nearby Chief Following a vision to bring this historic hotel www.bermanmuseum.org Ladiga Trail, which is a 33-mile-long paved back to life, Del and Ginger Marsh, along www.effinas.com trail passing through welcoming towns and with Jackson Hospitality, have crafted a www.classiconoble.com pastoral landscapes. unique sense of style that reflects a shared The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Peggy Sutton, Advocate for All Foods Organic This month’s BOOM! Cover Profile is Peggy Sutton who is the Founder and President of To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. She began her business 12 years ago when she began a personal quest to take better care of herself and family. Peggy’s journey has made her an innovator in the world of organic food and a supplier to some of the world’s leading food companies, such as Whole Foods and Kellogg’s. She works closely with her husband Jeff in the small town of Fitzpatrick, Alabama, about 30 miles southeast of Montgomery. Peggy is making her dreams come true after first reading about sprouted grains at the age of 48, so she’ll tell you it’s never too late to start something great! We think you’ll enjoy getting to know Peggy as much as we did... and you will definitely want to try some of her products in the kitchen!
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the River Region/ Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc.?
Peggy and Jeff on the Farm in Fitzpatrick, AL
how successful Montgomery has made its Riverwalk venue.
lover boy), so the name LB stuck.
I have a younger brother, Vic, and older brother, Jim; both of whom live in the neighborhood as well. Jeff and I decided to put Peggy: I’m originally down roots in my from Fitzpatrick Peggy, in her commercial kitchen 2006 home community (Bullock Co.) which when we married is where I currently live and have my and built our business. I’m an AUM graduate with I have been home in what a degree in English/Marketing and married to my was then a cow minor in Business. I started my career in husband, Jeff, pasture as my Public Relations at Kinder-Care Learning for 19 years. We Daddy was a Centers in Montgomery in the early met in Columbus cattleman. We 1980s during its heyday then decided Still a home baker - Sprouted sourdough bread through the love our home in to try out Atlanta in 1986. I worked in Chamber where the country. Lots Atlanta in post-secondary education he was a very active participant on the of BOOM! readers will recognize Daddy and banking as an officer of operations Riverwalk development committee and (Mr. Griswold) from his career as a school and marketing for almost eight years, managed a state-wide telecom company. teacher, as well as a cattleman. He taught then slowly began transitioning back Neither of us have any children between physics at Sidney Lanier, then spent many towards home via a five-year stop in us except for our dogs. We tell folks our years at Cloverdale Junior High teaching Columbus, GA as Membership V.P. at children are of the four-legged tailscience and biology. its Chamber of Commerce. I remember wagging persuasion. We have our girls: lots of meetings at the Chamber with two French bull dogs Olive and Sprout, BOOM!: You are the founder and Montgomery representatives taking a President of a very unique business and recently added a little brother, LB look at Columbus’ new Riverwalk. Now called To Your Health (TYH), located in the chihuahua (we were referring to him that I’m back home it’s wonderful to see Fitzpatrick, AL. Would you share the as little brother, little buddy, little bit, and
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inspiration for your business and the kind of products you sell? What is your job/ role at To Your Health (TYH)?
baking so I transitioned from baking to making and selling sprouted grains and flours.
Jeff finally got Peggy: To Your to use his barn Health Sprouted in 2010 when I Flour Co. began had outgrown in my kitchen 12 it and he had years ago during completed our a personal quest first 7,200 sq. to take better ft. building on care of Jeff and some of our land myself. Both sides on U.S. Hwy 82. of my family The building have enjoyed made it very longevity well convenient for into their nineties trucks to come with several Peggy and her frenchie girls - Olive and Sprout in and out and centenarians, so I my decided to study sprouted flour business how they prepared foods, hoping I had continued to grow. Jeff came picked up the family’s “staying power” aboard full-time in 2010 (he had genes. Part of my research included the worked as a station manager natural way that grains sprouted in the for Bonnie Plants in Illinois for fields before the Industrial Revolution nine years prior) and serves as which made them more nutritious, CEO. We began to create some digestible, with greatly enhanced taste much-needed jobs for Bullock (especially important to me as a home Co. Our Development Authority baker). I bought some wheat berries, told us that one job in our county sprouted them in Mason jars, dried and is equal to 27 in Montgomery Co. milled them and made the best loaf We anticipated growing into our of bread I had ever tasted! I wanted first building over the course of everyone to taste sprouted bread, so I several years, but only two short started making and selling my sprouted years later Jeff was designing a baked goods to friends and family. Word spread quickly so second 7,200 Jeff built me sq. ft. building a 12 x 24’ that opened commercial in 2013, and kitchen in we recently his new barn completed so I could our third get a foodexpansion processing which brings license our business to sell at facilities regional Pasta Cooking class at Jovial Villa in Lucca Italy June 2017 to over Farmers’ 40,000 sq. ft. We employ 34 full-time Markets and local Montgomery stores. employees, 30 of whom reside in Bullock Two short years later sprouted flour Co. became a house-hold word for nutritious The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
I currently serve as Founder and President of my business. I’m referred to as the visionary because most of the time we add products by customer requests and I’m the one who gets excited about sprouting something new. I’ve also introduced several new products using our sprouted flour such as baking mixes and beer bread mixes. We currently sprout more than 28 grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Our facilities include a dedicated gluten-free operation as about 70% of our products are gluten-free. All our products are certified organic and kosher. We have individual customers who purchase our products from our web site (healthyflour.com) and Amazon.com. We sell to small and large stores, Whole Foods Market being one of the bigger chains, and we private label for several companies. Most of our sales, about 80%, come from supplying large manufacturers with ingredients for their sprouted products: chips, cereals, breads, crackers, cookies, etc. We export to 11 countries including Mexico, UK, New Zealand, Canada, France and Denmark. With our latest expansion, our production is LB and Jeff growing to 80,000 pounds of sprouted grains weekly. We have the capacity to grow our production to 240,000 pounds weekly. A recent article has projected the sprouted product market to grow to more than $250 million by the end of 2018 which is great news for To Your Health’s continued growth potential. BOOM!: As a woman, what were some of the challenges of starting your own business? What advice would you give to other Boomers, especially women, wanting to start their own businesses?
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Peggy: As one of the highest Peggy: Today I can honestly say that Jeff Founder and standards of food and I make great business partners, but President my safety certification, it hasn’t always been that way. We’ve role is to hold which assures our had lots of great experiences together it all together. customers of the high growing the business and several not While I’m not as quality of products we so great ones when we’ve disagreed on “hands on” in make. We are audited how to handle specific issues. Over the the production at intervals throughout years we’ve become comfortable with department as the year by SQF, the each other’s strengths and weaknesses I use to be, or FDA, state and county and either stand aside when a strength wearing as many health departments, needs to take precedence, or gently step hats as I did at organic and kosher in when a weakness isn’t quite getting one time, it’s inspectors, and audit the job at hand done. I could not have very important teams from some of grown To Your Health to the success it Growing Organic Seeds at for me to keep our larger companies is today without Jeff as a partner in so Montessari Garden Montgomery my finger on like Kellogg. Our many ways: he designed and managed the pulse of my company. I also manage employees undergo rigorous sanitation the construction of our facilities, he’s the the company’s marketing efforts. I have and safety training before they can begin best sales person I’ve ever met, and he a phenomenal management team and working with us and we repeat training has a keen sense for understanding folks. we work very well together. Most of my as needed all year long. We have several Jeff is also a walking calculator which employees are working on their third, employees whose sole responsibility is comes in handy at number-crunching fourth, or fifth year with the business. to implement food safety, facility safety, times. But, I guess I have to be honest I like to think that’s because they enjoy and sanitation. and say that it’s still good to know that their job and the family environment I have the last say where the business is we’ve grown. It hasn’t always been concerned. as good as it is now. There are many challenges to running a business; BOOM!: Many especially one that I didn’t plan that has Boomers are grown from my kitchen to the world’s experiencing a biggest producer of organic sprouted renewed sense grains and flour in 11 short years. My of purpose, new best advice to any women (or men) goals, new careers, wanting to start their own business is: especially if they’ve Where it all Started - Our home barn Don’t let the stress rule the day because experienced no matter how much you love what the empty nest you’re doing, if you lose sight of why Another story about technology is syndrome of their kids moving on. How you’re doing it, the magic can get lost that I began my business sprouting would you describe this sense of renewal in the minutia. I’ve had to pull back on in Mason jars. As the demand for my in your life? Any advice for the rest of us several occasions, take a deep breath, sprouted flour grew Jeff and I had to seeking renewal? and remember to be thankful, seek get very creative about how to sprout direction in prayer, pay more attention to larger quantities because there was no Peggy: My personality is the type that friends and family, and then re-approach machinery to do what I was doing. We always needs to be doing something. the tasks at hand with a renewed vigor. graduated from Mason jars to 5-gallon I believe two of my gifts are to give By the way, I was 48 when I read about buckets and utility sinks, then to specially and teach. I have found it deeply sprouting grains, so it’s never too late to manufactured machinery for our unique rewarding to give back, educate, and do something great. application that can sprout 1,600 pounds make a difference through my business. each and is programmable to handle all Whether it’s providing healthy products BOOM!: What role has technology of the steps necessary to germinate our to folks who want to take better care of played in helping your specialty flour grains. themselves and their families, creating business thrive from a little out of the jobs, advocating organic farming in our way place like Fitzpatrick, AL? BOOM!: We know your husband has an great state and the region, educating active role in your business as the CEO, children at local schools through Peggy: Being in the food business, what has his impact been on To Your gardening, or supporting other worthy technology and food safety play a major Health and what are the advantages of causes in the area, it’s good to stay role in the production of our sprouted working closely with your husband? Any active. It’s a good thing to seek your grains and flours. To Your Health is SQF disadvantages? Who’s really the boss? purpose and live your faith in something Level II certified for Safe Quality Food, honorable that can positively impact others.
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BOOM!: What are you most passionate about? Peggy: I am most passionate about the state of this country’s poor food quality and how junk food is ruining the lives of so many children and ravaging years of otherwise quality life from too many adults. I am a strong advocate for all foods organic, and cooking and eating with family on a regular basis. I read research like others read novels. It’s a sad state of affairs when it comes to nutrition in our neighborhoods today.
BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel destinations and why? Any travel dreams planned? Peggy: By nature I’m a nester: I like to stay close to home but sometimes I’ll venture out with Jeff to see somewhere new. We took a trip to the Tuscany region of Italy in June which was a wonderful vacation. The vistas were breathtaking, the culture interesting, and the villa where we stayed was beautiful. We
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work? Peggy: Some days are harder than others, but I love to get home in the evening and spend time with the girls, then prepare a healthful meal for Jeff and me. We always have dinner together unless one of us is traveling. Sometimes I’ll take a dip in our pool in the evening and I’m addicted to word puzzles of any kind; the harder the better. Television at night puts me to sleep, but Jeff enjoys it to help him unwind and because I sleep through all the shows, he’s king of the remote.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Peggy featured on the back of Kashi Cereal Box
even took Italian cooking classes every other night and enjoyed our creations for dinner. We also have a beach house on the Gulf coast which is our get-away destination most of the time, especially in the spring and summer. Even the girls love the beach. BOOM!: Peggy, you are part of the nutritional, food is medicine culture
that continues to gain followers seeking healthy lifestyles, do you actively participate in this trend through personal appearances, lectures, etc.? What’s the future of the food is medicine trend? Peggy: Truth in nutrition was my reason for making changes in my lifestyle. I grew up in a close family setting with homecooked meals, ice in my milk because it had just come out of the cow, homemade butter, grass-fed beef, and big gardens with fruit trees, but I was also allowed to eat plenty of junk food. Then in my college years I was always going for the fat-free, low-calorie stuff, thinking Twiggy was healthy. Thank God, I returned to my senses. I am a huge advocate of healthy eating to enjoy good health. It’s our company slogan. I believe that we should let food be our medicine and not be too eager to get the quick fix from modern medicine when a few lifestyle adjustments are all that is needed. I have also researched how nutrition can assist folks with serious disease or cancer and ease the pain and aftereffects of medical treatments; so even if someone’s health issues are serious, quality nutrition still plays a big part in quality of life. Millions of people are experiencing this for themselves. Eleven years ago, hardly anyone knew why they should eat sprouted baked goods other than they tasted great. Now it’s a huge
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market segment and we’re shipping our products all over the world. I believe that the “food matters” movement will continue to grow rapidly and will become the norm, not just a trend. My hope is that soon conventional (non-organic, pesticide laden) foods will have to be tagged as “grown with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers” and be more expensive, and organic won’t have to be labeled at all because it will be real food and less expensive.
medicine. Now that sounds like a great next career! BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?
Peggy: I’ve gotten more comfortable with who I am and enjoy where I am. I enjoy observing people who cross my path to truly see who’s in front of me. This has taught me to listen to others better and sense the needs in my business, community, family, and friends. I enjoy simplicity With Renowned Author Peter now more than ever. I’ve Reinhart at first annual Intern’t even learned to relax a little Symposium on Bread more in the last couple of BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or years and not be on such a tight schedule activities that grab your attention? to get things done. Jeff used to tease me about my needing to plan in order to Peggy: My business started as a hobby take a day off and then plan what I was according to Jeff. I enjoy gardening going to do. although I haven’t been able to do much of it in the last few years. I enjoy making BOOM!: Give us three words that fermented foods and cheeses, too. I describe you? think it would be fun to create Crossword Puzzles or to study Alabama history in Peggy: Caring, passionate, driven. depth. I might also enjoy making You Tube baking classes. It would be fun to BOOM!: If you weren’t in the flour research and prove or disprove some business what kind of work would you be of today’s fake reports on food and doing?
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Peggy: I would probably be in organizational management. I enjoyed my work at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and graduated from the Institute for Organizational Management thinking I would pursue that line of work once we returned to Alabama. Before I started To Your Health I served as Executive Director of the Alabama Hospice Organization for three years. BOOM!: Many of us may think about retirement but we’re not sure how to define it…how do you think about retirement? Peggy: Sure I think about retirement! I’m not sure when or exactly what it will look like as I’m still young (in my mind) and To Your Health has a lot more growing to do, but somewhere in the back of my mind I can easily conjure up more leisurely days. We want to thank Peggy for helping us put together this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. If you want to learn more about Peggy and her business, To Your Health visit www.healthyflour.com or send her an email to Peggy@healthyflour.com. For this month’s cover photo we relied on a photo shot by photographer Jack Jeffries, www.jackjeffries.com. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to jim@riverregionboom.com Read all of the BOOM! Cover Profiles at www.riverregionboom.com/archives
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Ask an Elder Law Attorney
By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
Can You Live Without a Living Will? Even among lawyers, there is a lot of confusion regarding which documents clients need when it comes to health care decision making. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the names of many of these documents—Living Wills, Advance Directives, Do Not Resuscitate Orders, Healthcare Proxies, and Healthcare Powers of Attorney—are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably. So, I thought I would address each of these documents in turn to try and clear up some of the confusion. Let’s start with a Power of Attorney. A power of attorney (“POA”) is any document in which a principal grants an agent the authority to legally act on behalf of the principal. For example, Joe Q. Client (the principal) may give his wife, Jane T. Client (his agent), power of attorney to handle business and financial affairs on his behalf. The POA Joe gave to Jane in this case is probably drafted very broadly to give Jane a lot of authority. On the other hand, you may have executed a very limited POA if you have ever traded in a car to a dealership. The dealership will typically have you sign a POA that gives it the limited authority to sign any paperwork necessary to transfer title to your trade-in when they sell it to the next buyer. But, POA’s aren’t just for financial transactions. Depending upon how it is drafted, your POA may include provisions for making health care decisions as well. If the POA document authorizes your agent (sometimes called your “attorney-in-fact”) to make health care decisions, then your agent may also have the authority to act as your health care proxy as well. More on that below. When it comes to granting an agent or proxy authority to make health care decisions, the law breaks down those decisions into two basic categories. The first category is end-of-life decision making, namely the decision to provide, withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment or artificially provided food and water. The
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second category includes non-end-of-life decisions, i.e. decisions that do not involve withdrawing life sustaining treatment or artificially provided food and water. If you don’t appoint an agent pursuant to your POA to make healthcare decisions
A “Do Not Resuscitate Order” (commonly called a “DNR”) is also often confused with a living will. In a hospital setting, a patient will typically receive resuscitation efforts (such as CPR) unless a physician has given a “no-code” or “do not resuscitate” order. But such an order is not effective if the patient is discharged back into the community.
Attend Free Workshop
Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop Wednesday, September 27: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 pm at the Archibald Senior Center (MACOA) in Montgomery. This educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley L. Wiggins covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. Registration is required. Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. for you, then you may draft an Advance Directive. This is a document that appoints an agent, called a Health Care Proxy, to make decisions on your behalf. Unlike a POA, a Health Care Proxy appointed in an Advance Directive is limited to making health care decisions only, and does not have any financial authority. Stated differently, your agent under a POA may also qualify as a Health Care Proxy, but your Health Care Proxy appointed by an Advance Directive does not qualify as your financial Agent. Finally, you may also have a Living Will, which deals only with end-of-life decision making. Your Living Will may be a separate, stand-alone document, or it may be incorporated into your Advance Directive. It states whether you want to receive life sustaining treatment and/or artificially provided nutrition and hydration if you are faced with a terminal illness. Terminal illness is defined as a situation in which the patient’s death is imminent, or whose condition is hopeless unless the patient is artificially supported through the use of life-sustaining procedures, in the opinion of a qualified physician.
In that case, the patient must obtain a special doctor’s order called a DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) which must be issued by the physician on a special form obtained from the Health Department. Unless the patient has a DNAR and is wearing a DNAR bracelet, an EMT is legally required to attempt resuscitation. There are a number of issues regarding health care decision making which must be considered. Most people should have an Advance Directive and Living Will as part of their ordinary estate planning documents. We also recommend a separate POA to deal with financial decisions. Individuals faced with a terminal illness may also consider speaking to their physician about a DNAR order as well, if appropriate. Advance Directives and Living Wills do not typically expire by the passage of time. They may, however, get “stale.” This is not a legal concern, but a practical one. For example, health care providers may be more hesitant to follow your wishes if they are set forth in a 25 year old living will. As a result, it’s wise to update them from time to time to keep them “fresh.” Raley L. Wiggins Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 312 Catoma Street, Suite 150, Montgomery, AL 36104, www.redoaklegalpc.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
FREE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
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Join local attorney Raley L. Wiggins to discuss wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting your assets, bankruptcy, divorce & remarriage, nursing homes, long term care and Medicaid qualification.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: A
ris and her dad both liked taking long drives. This is one of the many connection points they shared throughout his life, drives filled with great memories and one, life-changing drive, that resulted in an opposite memory.
By Tiffany C. Chaney
Aris Drayton-Vaughan’s Story
and they wouldn’t dare say the “A” word. Instead they tried to avoid acknowledging the signs of what was possibly Alzheimer’s.
And, Aris and Willie still went on drives. They would go to the park, or to look at homes in historic Cloverdale, or to watch Christmas lights – one of their traditions. Aris says even when he couldn’t say much, he would sit in the front seat of the car, smiling and tapping his leg as he enjoyed the sights.
Late one night, Aris received the fateful call from her mom that changed everything. Aris DraytonWillie had not come Vaughan grew up in Willie’s battle with Alzheimer’s ended home in time to take Lansing, Michigan. in 2011 but Aris’ passion for making a Mattie to work for her Her dad, Willie difference in the lives of people with 11 p.m. shift, highly Drayton, liked going Alzheimer’s and other dementias unlike him. Later, Mattie out for drives around continues. She walks in the Walk to received a call that Willie the community - to End Alzheimer’s because it gives her had been in an accident run errands, to visit an opportunity to participate in the on the highway and he parks, to play golf, battle against this horror. was unable to or to spend time She notes that in many tell the troopers with family and ways, caring for someone where he was friends in his favorite with dementia causes going. Willie hangouts, often, you to feel helpless. You was never the just to enjoy a long can care for their bodies same after the Aris Drayton-Vaughan country drive with and try to hold their accident; it her mother, Mattie, with a stop for interest but participating changed him instantly. He ice cream as their final destination. in the walk helps to would no longer sit and hold actually do something a conversation; he virtually Not all of Willie’s drives bring fond concrete. stopped talking. They memories. Aris and her mom began learned after some testing Willie Drayton Aris wants to be a part to notice something was changing that Willie had vascular of affecting change and for Willie, when he would go out for dementia. Mattie retired finding a cure and she likes that some a fairly normal activity – picking up and became his primary caregiver of the proceeds from the walk helps groceries from Mattie’s list – and he and they, eventually, moved to would come home with completely provide support for families dealing Montgomery, where Aris and her different groceries than what was with Alzheimer’s. She wants to see husband Barrett lived. on the list. Also, he would start legislation in place that will provide meandering on circuitous routes more at-home care for patients Mattie and Aris learned to enjoy through neighborhoods, not when and caregivers, saying, “It’s not fair time with Willie differently. They they were on a leisurely Sunday drive that families have to become poor decided they were not going to be in order to receive care.” Aris put but when he was taking Aris to work sad and depressed and, instead, her passion into action by serving and she was concerned about being would be with him in the ways that this year as the Mission Co-Chair late. felt comfortable for him. He began for the River Region Walk to End affectionately calling Aris “Little Aris and Mattie noticed that Willie Alzheimer’s. Her fond memories of Mattie” after he could no longer was acting differently; but, they her father live on. think of her name right away, which dismissed it. Aris says they were she laughs about now. They played in denial. Reality was hard to face his favorite movies, music, and more. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Art & Soul
Tallassee NOW
By Sandi Aplin
2017 Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibitions On June 9 and 10, 2017, I had the pleasure of attending two exhibitions curated by the Dixie Art Colony Foundation which were held at the 304 Barnett Boulevard Branch of Trustmark located in downtown Tallassee. The exhibitions were held in conjunction with this year’s annual “Tallassee NOW” event. According to Mark Harris, president and director of the DAC Foundation, on Friday, June 9 an estimated 350-plus visitors viewed the exhibitions. Some of the following guests shared their experiences: The show was excellent. Having the wonderful Fitzpartick/Stewart murals as a backdrop for the exhibit was a fantastic idea, and I think Mark Harris and everyone at the Dixie Art Colony Foundation did a superb job. Keven Belt, Corporate Art Source LLC The Tallassee NOW Exhibition was a great experience. Some of the Paintings brought back fond memories of the old south of the 40’s and 50’s while other paintings were beautiful still life florals and landscapes to be enjoyed. Great evening. Trish Gober, Artist Seeing the DAC exhibit was an interesting and joyful experience.
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and the City of Tallassee have the beautiful murals painted by Elmore County native son, Kelly Fitzpatrick and completed by Arthur Stewart. The Elmore County Art Guild was fortunate to be a part of this inaugural event and ECAG has been invited to be a part next year. Kelly Fitzpatrick was instrumental in developing many talented artists, so it seemed appropriate an ECAG juried art show was part of this event Shirley Esco Vice President ECAG and ECAG Show Chairman of the event.
Roberts Blount by Arthur Walter Stewart
I loved learning about the history and spirit of the colony, as well as, the individual artists. Some of the beautiful diverse pieces on exhibit reminded me of pleasant times in my own life. Melinda Walton, Art Collector. The DAC and TALLASSEE NOW event did a wonderful job in highlighting a time in history that has long been forgotten. What a treasure the Trustmark Bank
The main exhibition, “Dixie Art Colony: A Look at its Lasting Legacy,” included 70 pieces of framed artwork by artists associated with the Dixie Art Colony. Many of the works shown were from the DAC Foundation’s Permanent Collection. The centerpiece of the main exhibition was four oversized paintings or murals commissioned in 1953 by Bank of Tallassee president Roberts Blount. The oversized canvases depict important milestones in the history of the city of Tallassee. Well-known Wetumpka artist Kelly Fitzpatrick designed the Floral by Arthur Stewart four paintings The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
prior to his death in 1953. On April 18, 1953, while working on the paintings in his Wetumpka studio, Fitzpatrick suffered a heart attack and passed away. After his death, Fitzpatrick’s student Arthur Stewart, a native of Marion, Alabama, was hired by the Bank of Tallassee to complete the paintings. The three larger paintings measure 60” x 168.” Also included in this exhibition were additional works by DAC artists Kelly Fitzpatrick, Arthur Stewart, Warree LeBron, Carlos Alpha “Shiney” Moon, Genevieve Southerland, Walter Keith, Karl Ferdinand Wolfe, Mildred Nungester (Wolfe), Anne Wilson Goldthwaite, Louise Smith Everton, Lester Green, Elizabeth Metcalf, William “Billy” Symington Wilson, Katherine Neville, Frank Applebee, Joe Clancy, and more. The satellite exhibition, “Dixie Doodles: The Lighter Side of the Dixie Art Colony” took place in the Trustmark bank Annex located next door. The highlight of this exhibition was a series of painted tin panels rescued from the Nobles Ferry site of the Dixie Art Colony. The panels showed playful scenes painted by Arthur Stewart, Warree LeBron, Mildred Nungester (Wolfe), Donnave (Brennan) Lindsey, Amanda (Moon) Erisman, and several others. Also included in this exhibit were a
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
View the Digital Exhibition Catalog View the DAC digital catalog of the 2017 “Tallassee NOW” exhibition featuring 34 of the 70 works of art by Dixie Art Colony participants. The catalog can be viewed on a smart phone, but is best viewed on a desktop computer. Included are also a few vintage photographs from the DAC Foundation archives and a list artists that were represented in the exhibition. Spring Landscape by Warree LeBron
Use the link below to view the “Tallassee NOW!” Catalog (http://mhccreative.com/DAC_Tallassee_NOW_Catalog_6-9-17/DAC_Tallassee_NOW_6-9-17#p=1)
series of caricature type sketches of some of the colonists, silkscreens, watercolor sketches, and pencil sketches by Richard Coe, Austin (Rudy) Martin, Frank Applebee and Kelly Fitzpatrick. Plans are already underway for next year’s Tallassee NOW exhibition which will be held in June of 2018. The 2018 exhibition will feature many new pieces not included this year. The DAC Foundation
maintains gallery space at 219 Hill Street in downtown Wetumpka. For gallery hours and more information about the DAC Foundation and its exhibitions and programs, visit their website at: DixieArtColony.org or follow them on Facebook. Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art. A freelance writer living in Montgomery, AL. sandiaplin@aol.com or galleryonefineart.com
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By Treva Lind
Taking a Pass
E
on Parent's Possessions
state sales line up yesteryear's valuables: china, silver, collectibles, oak furniture, 1980s geese decor.
her mom, 90, and dad, 88, recently into an assistedliving facility. Her parents selected meaningful possessions to take, such as old photographs and wood carvings, but could only move what fit in a one-bedroom apartment. Dean has some family items with sentimental value, but she has limited space herself.
Increasingly, adult children of aging parents don't want _ or can't fit _ all that stuff. "It is so common now," said DeAnne Wilfong, senior move manager and co-owner of Smooth Transitions in Spokane, WA. "The kids were raised on IKEA, Martha Stewart, Pier 1, Pottery Barn; that's what they want. They want smaller, something that can be transported, that will fit with modern." "They don't want anything that can't go in the dishwasher or in the microwave," she added. "The other issue is if the kids are older, say in their 50s, they already have full houses." What is popular, likely boosted by TVs "Mad Men," is midcentury modern furnishings from the 1950s and '60s, or potential "shabby chic" items for a slightly worn or farmhouse look. Younger people might take family furniture with classic lines and "repurpose" it with chalk paint. What to do with a bulky 1980s oak cabinet? That's challenging these days, she said. "It's called brown furniture now," Wilfong said. "The only way someone
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DeAnne Wilfong is the co-owner of Smooth Transitions
will take an oak piece _ I don't care how low you go in the price _ is if it has the potential of becoming a shabby chic desirable product. "The really big, old oak china cabinets, well I've seen people buy them for maybe $50, they get rid of the top piece, and take the bottom, turn it into a bar or a hutch and paint it. It's the same with just about any oak furniture."
"My parents’ house is probably about 3,000 square feet, and ours is 2,000," Dean said. "Certainly, our lifestyles are different. Fifty years ago, tea sets were common, and you had afternoon teas with your neighbors."
Although her mom still had a tea set, that's one example of how Dean is weighing what to keep. Her mental checklist: Is it functional? A mid-century modern decor star burst clock Will it be Coeur d'Alene resident Jacqueline Dean, used? Do they have room to store it? 58, is facing decisions of what to do with accumulated possessions from her Becky Reid, co-owner of Resolution parents' home of 45 years, after moving Estate Services in Spokane, repeatedly
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watches families go through this. Although styles come and go, Reid said she's also seeing more adult children who don't want or can't take parents' keepsakes and decor.
to get a good price. You'll always find some people who like certain things, but across the board, what's really hot
all we can handle; we're maxed out. They called two charities, and the charities said, 'We're not picking up as much as we did.'" Wilfong said she helped a client move in June who couldn't stand to see antique furniture go outside of family, so an adult child from another state used a U-Pack service.
Sometimes, it's because of limited space. Other reasons are different lifestyles and tastes. "For many people under the age of 50, they don't want the china; they don't want the fancy silverware," Reid said. "They don't entertain that way anymore. They're more casual. The people who do buy it tend to be older themselves."
Mid-Century modern kitchen ware for sale at the home of DeAnne Wilfong's client
"The collectibles, what some people refer to as dust collectors, porcelain pieces and little trinkets are just a harder sell. It's challenging to sell china; it doesn't go for what it should. People just want to put stuff in the dishwasher." Reid does urge family members to reflect over time before discarding family heirlooms, such as a wall clock that belonged to a great grandfather. They might be making a decision because of feeling stressed or overwhelmed. "We want them to make sure they're making the right decisions for them, and they've given it some thought. We try to be sensitive to their situation." Valuable and collectible items do sell at estate sales, going to people who are drawn to certain pieces or are collectors themselves, Reid said. For people deciding what to do with a few collectibles, without enough items to hold an estate sale, she suggests research online. A Lladro piece might do well on eBay, but other items sell low. "Small things like Precious Moments, that's just really hard even on eBay The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
is midcentury modern and these things that would be in Farm Chicks. "The cutesie stuff, like the cows and geese from the '80s, not so much." Depending on the item, Wilfong said she sometimes sees better resale in parts offered on Etsy, a website for handmade and vintage items. Pinterest even is having some influence, such as examples of how to turn a small piano into a bar or fountain. "It's all relative to who is buying, what they're willing to pay for it, and how much of them are in the market," Wilfong said. "The internet tells us how many Precious Moments are out there, how many banjos from the '30s, how many Cabbage Patch dolls." She's also seeing a trend in recent months of thrift stores being more selective about donations. Wilfong sees two reasons why: A number of people are casting off more things during a hot housing market with homes selling fast, and more seniors are moving into retirement centers. "Back in April, I moved people, and then I brought in an estate sales person," she said. For items left over, calls went to several thrift shops. "They said, 'We have
"They had a company transport it," Wilfong said. "Great grandma's oak furniture went back four generations. It will go into storage and will stay there indefinitely. She'll incorporate a few pieces, but her house is full, and it's modern as far as decor."
Reid understands some of those whys. Her own children seem less emotionally attached to possessions. "I hear it a lot from a lot of older adults; their kids aren't sentimental about stuff, or their kids don't want what they call clutter," Reid said. "It's just a different mindset. A lot of times, they're more into outdoor activities like camping and traveling, not as much into the house. "They want a more simplistic home they can easily maintain, then they can have their lifestyle." Disposing of items within a household crammed full is sobering for estate sale workers, or even for adult children, she said. One client had a significant Lionel train collection, but after years of enjoyment, nobody wanted it or had the space to relocate it. "We put it on the market and tried to sell it," Reid said. Enjoy items, but perhaps clean out closets regularly. "People who are having to deal with their parents' stuff, we hear it all the time from them, 'I have to go home to my house and clean it out.' " (c)2017 The Spokesman-Review Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
“A NIGHT TO REMEMBER” 25 years have passed, but the memories remain undiminished. A home invader was pushing into the double-front doors of my home with full force. He was almost inside! Terrified, I grabbed a broom stick and threaded the door handles hoping it would be enough to resist the force of the intruder.
though, Walter would tell us what he thought and was NEVER wrong. “You better get your ass down here”, he said. “This is the big one”. A convivial sort, I’d never heard Walter sound so dead serious. Ever.
Miraculously, my ‘MacGyver’ move I arranged to fly out the worked. Andrew would not burst Walter Cronise morning of the 23rd.. into my home through the front with Andrew strengthening by the minute, doors, though he’d do his share of damage and landfall expected that night. I booked to my house and the neighborhood. a flight with a stop in Orlando. If there was a delay, or the Ft. Lauderdale airport Hard to believe this happened 25 years ago was closed, I could rent a car and drive this month. the last 200 miles. I spent Saturday, the 22nd, shopping for suppliesIn August of 1992, I’d accepted a very good especially batteries- knowing job in the Midwest and was preparing to the stores in South Florida move there. I’d been HQ-ing at my Dad’s would be insane with last house in Chicago. On Thursday, August minute preppers. It turned 20th, I was heading out the door when out to be a wise decision. I heard the Weather Channel mention something about the first tropical storm of The final leg of the flight the season. out of Orlando was eerie. Virtually everyone on the With muted urgency, they announced plane was a first responder, that “interests along the southeast Florida or Florida Power employee recalled from coast need to watch this storm and begin vacation. They were expecting disaster, one preparations”. At that point, Andrew looked accurately forecasting record damage- “30 like a small comma-shaped cloud cluster billion”. on the satellite image, his size seemingly contradicting the serious tone coming from As our jet crossed over the peninsula under the TV. a still sunny sky, I looked out the window at the landmarks of my life below. My I knew who to call. I still had a home in eyes stung as reality set in. Some of those South Florida, with my 2 year old daughter special places might not be there in 24 there, so I needed to know if I’d be making hours. It was a sequence of odd, airborne a trip to see her and her Mom through the good-byes. storm. Walter Cronise was a hurricane hunter for 25 years with the Navy. He’d flown into dozens of storms in that career- then parlayed his expertise to become a hugely popular TV Miami meteorologist. “Uncle Walter” was part of my morning show for almost a decade, too- and his intuition for a storm’s direction was uncanny. If South Florida was threatened, he’d be obligatedon the air- to make that possibility known. (The National Hurricane Center does not encourage rogue weathermen.) Off the air,
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There was little chaos at the still-opened Ft. Lauderdale airport. My neighbor and friend Kathleen picked me up. The first sign of pandemonium came as we exited the expressway. Right off our exit was a lumber yard and it was a mob scene. Frenzied people were gathered around a mountain of plywood, behaving like a mound of fire ants poked by a stick. We needed ice! I couldn’t pack that
in a suitcase. We came by a rundown convenience store and pulled in there, and bought what may have been the last bag of ice anywhere in South Florida. We grabbed the treasure and headed to the house. The local TV stations had gone to non-stop coverage. Andrew had become a powerful buzz saw on radar, clearly seeking to cut through the southern tip of Florida. I’d always wanted to experience a hurricane. For 13 years, one of my radio stations bragged about a “hurricane proof studio” atop Ft. Lauderdale’s tallest building. When everyone else would be blown off the air, WAXY 106 promised to be there, simulcasting coverage from WPLG-TV, the ABC affiliate and partner. Well, for 13 years it went unused, but with the advent of Andrew, the cement bunker would finally be pressed into service. While monitoring media, we began preparing a safe space for me, Janelle, her Mom and Grandma. A large, walk-in closet surrounded by plumbing was perfect. I put my collection of hurricane lanterns into use, filling them with oil and placing them strategically throughout house. Andrew would be arriving long after sunset. The sun, in fact was visible all day as Andrew approached, giving the sky an odd vanilla hue. At sunset- preparations complete- we saw the first of the feeder band clouds racing overhead. As nightfall set in, the wind gradually increased from frisky to gusty, and ultimately to a sustained speed that produced a light whistle. We tucked Janelle into her homemade bed, while Mom and Grandma tried to sleep their way through it. After midnight, the winds made sounds I’d never heard before, ever growing in intensity, throwing rain into the windows
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
like wet bullets. The ever-grim news anchors announced a break for us in Ft. Lauderdale, as Andrew turned further south of the city. Not that it would matter to the victims, but that slight shift saved many lives and cut the damage cost by half, or more. As Andrew spun into Miami, the first thing it did was knock WPLG’s transmitter down rendering the WAXY “hurricane proof” studio useless. The irony amused me. A few miles further inland, Andrew removed the anemometer from the top of the Hurricane Center building- after the last reading registered 167 MPH- Category 5 wind speed. Andrew’s rage reached our home around 2AM. My house backed up to an aging golf course. The patio was covered by a full screen enclosure. As I watched the high speed water maelstrom through the sliding glass doors on the west side of the house, I was jarred by a loud wrenching sound, wood and metal grinding together. One of the nine inch bolts connecting the screen enclosure to the house had torn loose. I
frog with its feet glued to the ground. Had the other bolt broken, the entire 39 panel enclosure would have gone rolling into the golf course like tumbleweed. The wind was driving the rain parallel to the ground, at speeds of 115 MPH.-and we were the lucky ones! I could only imagine the terror those in the eye-wall were experiencing (with winds near 200MPH). We still had power, but after the wind damage, I began to light the hurricane lamps. Only minutes later the power did go down, leaving me in an eerily lit living room, only one channel still broadcasting on my battery operated TV. It was then I decided to make the rounds, and walked into a moment that changed my life.
Tiptoeing into the safe space, I snapped a photo of my one true treasure and this is that precious moment.
Forever. I peeked into the walk-in closet to check on Janelle. She was nestled in her homemade bunker, her arm draped around her Barney the Dinosaur plushy and sweetly oblivious to the chaos sweeping over the house. In that moment, I heard nothing of Andrew. Everything went silent. God was sending me a powerful message and for once, I was listening.
stood, mouth agape, watching the entire structure humping up and down like a
It isn’t often one gets to take a photo of a moment that changes your life, which alters one’s course AND inspires a complete reset of personal priorities. The camera was ready because we’d taken pictures of our house’s contents for the insurance company just in case.
I knew, at the moment, at the sight of my beautiful little girl- I could not take that job in the Midwest. I had been commuting on weekends between Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale, but 48 hours a week with my Janelle (only 2) would not be enough. It would never be enough.
Greg’s One True Treasure, Daughter Janelle
At daybreak, the true horror of Andrew’s ferocity began to unfold, and the rebuilding would begin. It would be days before I could return to Chicago but I knew it would be a round trip- just to grab my stuff and get back to what really mattered.
To all that really mattered. Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and is marking 12 years in the River Region in 2017. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Emily Hayes, 6-9AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Joey Clark. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
Many of us still associate adding protein to our diet as being something that body builders do when, in fact, we all need protein to survive. Every cell in the human body contains protein.
Protein
You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and to make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women. The basic chemical structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. Protein foods are broken down so the body can utilize these amino acids during digestion. The human body needs a number of amino acids in large enough amounts to maintain good health. As with all foods, finding good sources that your body can absorb easily is the first step. Amino acids that we easily digest is found in both animal and plant sources. Lean meats, milk, fish, and eggs; soy, beans, legumes, nut butters, and whole grains. You do not need to eat animal products to get all the protein you need in your diet, you just need to plan your meals well to ensure you get enough of the plant based protein sources. Amino acids are classified into three groups: • Essential • Nonessential • Conditional Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body, and must be supplied by food. They do not need to be eaten at one meal. The balance over the whole day is more important. This is a critical point, as many of us eat our main source of protein in the evening for dinner, while very few of us have any at breakfast. To maintain a truly healthy absorption level we should be spreading our protein intake more evenly throughout the day.
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Nonessential amino acids are made by the body from essential amino acids or in the normal breakdown of proteins. Conditional amino acids are needed in times of illness and stress. The actual amount of protein you need in your diet will depend on your overall calorie needs, that is, how active you are plays a big part in how much protein you need (hence the body builder image comes into play.) The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. This amounts to: 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man; 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman. It would seem that I am the average weight of a woman in their calculations as my 128 lbs would work out to requiring 46.08 g of protein a day IF I was sedentary. Calculation: 0.36 x 128 = 46.08 However, you do have to factor in your lifestyle, in terms of how active you are and increase your protein level accordingly. It seems a little difficult to get a consensus of opinion on actual figures for this, but if you were an Olympic athlete you would be expecting to consume 0.77g of protein per pound of body weight, which IF I was an Olympic athlete would increase my protein intake requirement to 100.76g per day (0.77 x 128 = 100.76). I would suggest that this
would be this uppermost end of the scale and you should never be going higher than this. If, however, you play a few rounds of golf a week and go for a daily walk then maybe increase your intake to 0.5g per pound of body weight a day. For me then that would be 0.5 x 128 = 64g of protein per day. To help you visualize how much protein that means, as a general guide one ounce (30 grams) of most protein-rich foods contains 7 grams of protein. Some examples would be: • 1 oz (30 g) of lean meat, fish or poultry (skinless) • 1 large egg • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) tofu • ½ cup (65 grams) cooked beans or lentils • 1 Tbsp. (14 grams) peanut butter Dairy products are also a good source of protein, in the form of milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, etc. These will have nutritional labels on them which will give you information on the amount of protein. As ever, eating whole grain breads and cereals is much better for you than the “white” refined versions and again will have nutritional information on the labels. One last thing to mention is protein powders. Back to where we began with the body builder protein shakes, but these can be used for so much more if you need to increase your protein in easy ways. I have recently gotten in the habit of adding a spoonful of protein powder to my morning oatmeal and whenever I bake banana bread I add a spoonful to that too. Mix a little in with your hot chocolate, wherever you can think of! It really doesn’t have to be difficult, just use your imagination and pick a flavor you’ll like – they come in so many now. Tracy Bhalla, Independent Consultant with NYR Organics, website: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com You can also visit Tracy’s blog at Tracybhalla.com, Continuing my obsession with all things organic, I have been working with NYR for two years now, using their skincare products myself for over 25 years! Your skin is the body’s largest organ, it deserves to be well looked after. I am here to answer any questions you may have.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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August 2017
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA
Clay Classes with Anna Bastida Creative Arts Center, 342 Chestnut St. August 4, August 11, August 18, and August 25, 10:30-12 pm
Master potter and artist Anna Bastida is back with her very popular clay classes. Learn to hand build and throw on a wheel. Class will be held on Fridays from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and is good for all skill levels and for ages 15 and up. Price is $60 for four classes plus a $35 supply fee. To register or for more information, visit artguild.prattvilleal.gov or call 334.595.0854.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Bark in the Park/New York Dog Festival Montgomery's Riverwalk Amphitheater/Capri Theatre Saturday, August 5th, 10-2 pm Bark in the Park Saturday, August 5th, 12 & 2, films at Capri Theatre A special event for our dogs will happen on Saturday, August 5th from 10am-2pm. The event features a pet costume contest, Flying Hounds Frisbee Show, MPD K-9 demo, food and pet vendors and the splash pad will be open to pets. Entry is $2 and benefits the Montgomery Humane Society. The event is presented by the Special Events Department and the American Cancer Society. Sponsored by WSFA. More Information on Website: www.facebook.com/ events/117589542108028 Short Films Celebrating DOGS! Each film is 90 minutes. Two programs. Separate Admission to each program. Tickets $10 per program - $15 for both. To benefit the Montgomery Humane Society.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Shindig at Winterplace Winter Place, 454 S. Goldwaite St. Sunday, August 6, 6:30-9 pm
Come on out, folks - Shindig at Winter Place is a FREE event in the heart of Cottage Hill Historic District featuring live music by Blue Yonder and Sea of Cities. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, family and friends, and join us for a fun summer afternoon with good music, food + drinks, art and more. Donations greatly appreciated, but not required. Benefitting Child Protect, Childrens Advocacy Center. Vendors: Fire Meats Wood LLC, NYC gyro, Frios Gourmet Pops - River Region, Blackfinn Ameripub .
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Sponsored by: Shoppes at EastChase, Cottage Hill Foundation. For more information call 334.262.1220 or www.facebook.com/ events/152574648643185
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Disney’s Mary Poppins ASF-Alabama Shakespeare Festival Through August 6th, various times
The “practically perfect in every way” nanny returns to the ASF Festival Stage! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she teaches the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins showcases some of the most memorable songs ever sung on the silver screen or stage including “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Jolly Holiday,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” Recommended ages four and up. For more information, call 334.271.5353 or visit www.asf.net. Alabama Shakespeare Festival, One Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Global Leadership Conference Frazer, Atlanta Hwy Thursday/Friday, August 10/11, all day Everyone has influence and the ability to create positive change. When you improve your leadership, you impact lives, churches, businesses, governments, schools and families. Join 400,000 people around the world for two days of world-class leadership training. Frazer Atlanta Highway will be the Central Alabama regional site for this premiere international leadership event on Thursday and Friday, August 10-11, 2017. 2017 Faculty: The Global Leadership Summit brings together a world-class faculty of leading-edge thinkers from business, academic, government, non-profit and faith sectors, giving you unrivaled value for your investment. View complete faculty bios and video at www. willowcreek.com/events/leadership/#faculty. To learn more and register visit www.frazer.church/summit.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Montgomery Restaurant Week Restaurants throughout River Region August 11 to August 20, various locations Restaurants around the River Region, including many featured in the popular “100 Dishes To Eat in Alabama Before You Die” brochure, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
invite diners to experience the wonderful culinary scene of Sweet Home Alabama in the River Region. Participating restaurants will offer specials throughout the week. There are no tickets or passes required for any restaurants. See individual restaurants for meal prices, to learn which restaurants are participating visit www.eatmgm.com and www.facebook.com/eatgump/ and www.alabamarestaurantweek.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Scott Bruce does Elvis Presley ASF Saturday, August 12th, 7:30 pm
Elvis: The Early Years, starring nationally renowned tribute artist Scot Bruce, will return to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on Saturday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. The performance features songs made famous by the king of rock ‘n roll, including “Hound Dog,” “Burnin’ Love,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Suspicious Minds” and more. This annual fundraiser for ASF has traditionally sold out, so get your tickets now! www.asf.net.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Donald Fagen and the Nightflyers MPAC Monday, August 14th, 8-11pm
Fagen and his band are expected to play songs from Donald’s solo albums, Steely Dan hits and as the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer describes, “some swell surprises.” The Nightflyers features Connor Kennedy (guitar, vocals), Lee Falco (drums, vocals), Brandon Morrison (bass, vocals) and Will Bryant (keyboards, vocals). Tickets range from $37 to $117. The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. www.mpaconline.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Buckmasters Expo Montgomery Convention Center-201 Tallapoosa Street Friday-Sunday, August 18-20th Shop for hunting bargains from more than 300 exhibitors and vendors who are all a part of the biggest hunting sale ever! Experts from top manufacturers such as Mathews, Yamaha, Nikon and Easton will be manning booths to answer all your questions. Watch the nation’s best archers compete in the Top Bow World championship, presented by Mathews Archery--It’s the nation’s highest-paying archery tournament. Bring your grandkids to the Young Bucks area for games, hunting-related activities, mascots Bucky and Droptine, Balloon Man and much more. Admittance to the expo is free with a donation of a canned good per person. The expo is open from 3 until 9 pm on Friday, 9 am until 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am until 5 pm on Sunday. For more info visit buckmasters.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
The 19th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Birmingham’s historic Theatre District August 22nd-27th, various times A celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, is set to take place August 22nd-27th, 2017. Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema. With ten screening venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the restored Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927 and the newly restored Lyric Fine Arts Theatre built in 1914 for B.F. Keith’s Vaudeville circuit), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. The result is a crowd rich in diversity and united in a hunger for new film. For more info visit www.sidewalkfest.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Dragon Boat Race & Festival Riverfront Park, Downtown Montgomery Saturday, August 26th, 8-4 pm This August marks the 8th anniversary of the Montgomery Dragon Boat Race and Festival, and it promises to be an exciting one! On August 26th, almost 60 teams will converge downtown at the beautiful Riverfront Park to paddle and party on Race Day in the pursuit of the Grand Championship Trophy while supporting the missions of our two local beneficiaries, Bridge Builders Alabama and Rebuilding Together Central Alabama. The Riverfront Park will be alive with music, entertainment, and over 30 local vendors, artists, and exhibitors while teams compete on the water in view of over 8,000 spectators! For more information, call 334.625.9411 or montgomerydragonboat.org
LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA Labor Day Weekend Concert The AMP on Lake Martin Sunday, September 3, 5 pm
The grassy lawn at The AMP on Lake Martin is a great place to wind down summer! This year we are bringing several hit making artists and bands down from Nashville to end it in style! James Otto – with hits, Just Started Lovin You, Somewhere Tonight, In Color and tons more – is headlining this end of summer concert, plus you’ll hear great music from Ashton Shepherd, Rexton Lee and The Bank Walkers! Don’t miss this great event, one night only, at The AMP on Lake Martin! Tickets are on line at The AMP or at Nails Convenience Store, The Company Store at Russell Crossroads, and the Russell Lands Corporate office. For more info call 256-397-1019. www.theamponlakemartin.com
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Tinseltown Talks By Nick Thomas
Singer Judy Collins
still vocal on social issues the 2017 Beatrice Stern Media Award, given by the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services – a leading provider of services since 1942 for people with dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues (see www. didihirsch.org).
Whether singing her own words or those of others, the sublime vocal talent of pop/folk singer Judy Collins has been drawing audiences for over 50 years. But it almost never happened. “I contracted polio as a child and later tuberculosis when I was in my early 20s,” recalled Collins from her home in New York. “My school teachers told me I was suffering from growing pains but when I was around 11 and the pain became severe, I went to the doctor who said I had polio. Of course, there was an epidemic throughout the country when this happened in 1950 and I spent 2 months in hospital. Fortunately, there were no lasting effects.” At 23, while performing in Tucson, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and quarantined for a month before being transferred to a Denver hospital that specialized in treating patients with TB. “I got the right cocktail of drugs, so I was very lucky to have survived all that illness,” she said. She would go on to brighten the world with over 50 music albums that included pop hits such as “Send in the Clowns” and “Both Sides Now.” But her own adult world was overshadowed by a darker side as she dealt with eating disorders, alcoholism, and the death of her only son
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who committed suicide in 1992 at the age of 33. Battling back again from those desperate challenges, Collins used her voice to promote awareness about social problems including suicide and mental health issues. “Music is especially an all-embracing art form,” she said. “I’ve written songs about love and war, as well as the loss of my son. In 2007 I published a book about surviving tragedy – ‘The Seven T’s: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy’ – which helped me and hopefully others facing similar ordeals.” In April, she was recognized with
problems.”
“I’m pleased for the honor, but I still have a lot to say about mental health issues,” said Collins. “We have to keep raising awareness in order to get the stigma removed so that people are not afraid to talk about their Turning 78 in May, Collins is still on the road performing.
“This summer I’m going on a tour with Stephen Stills for 4 or 5 months and I still do around 120 shows a year,” she noted (see www.judycollins.com for dates and locations). “And my latest book, ‘Cravings: How I Conquered Food,’ was released this year. I’ve survived a lot of difficulties, but I’m still hanging in there!” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 600 magazines and newspapers. Nick can be reached at www.getnickt.com
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