BOOM! August 2023

“Though

Publisher/Editor

Jim Watson 334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers

Ally Andrews

Irina Antonova, M.S., Ph.D.

Jeff Barganier

Tracy Bhalla

Greg Budell

Mike Crisolago

Linda Hicks

Anne Elizabeth McGowin

Susan Moore

Angela Page

Dr. Blake Raggio

Nick Thomas

Cover Photography

Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com Advertising

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

Alpacas are Good Critter Therapy

This month’s cover profile is Ally Andrews, an Eclectic FarmHER where she operates the Andrews Double A Ranch. Ally is also a 3rd generation beekeeper and won the Alabama Beekeeper of the Year Award in 2022. She owns Wildly Blessed where she produces products from her bees and ranch for sale in many places throughout the River Region and beyond. Ally loves her critters, so she decided to start a petting zoo business called Ally’s Adventures, she calls it “Critter Therapy” for young and old. Her favorite critter is more like her child, her name is May May and she’s a beautiful, bottle raised Alpaca, and the star of the Adventures.

Ally certainly offers a unique perspective on how to live life and share with others. I was infected with her attitude and generosity of spirit when we did this month’s photo shoot at her ranch. Of course, we had to include May May in the photo, they are quite the duo. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know Ally as much as I have. I hope you’ll share her story with friends/family and be sure to check out her products, especially the honey!

We have plenty of other good reads this month on how Mick Jagger keeps it going now that he turned 80 in July! Jeff Barganier found a dairy up in Tallassee called Blue Ribbon Dairy and it’s the real deal, especially their ice creams. Greg Budell is always finding the pulse of our culture and this month he offers a little test for us to evaluate if we are Young at Heart, Greg always makes it fun and young, check it out. Barbie is supposed to be a 19-year-old, but someone used AI to see what she’d look like at 83 (her real age), we can’t live forever, even Barbie.

There’s plenty more to read and share with your friends but don’t forget to try to complete the BOOM! Word Search for a chance to win $50 BOOM Bucks! Congratulations to Dee Hartley, July’s winner! Thanks for sharing BOOM! with friends and family, I appreciate it.

Age well my friends.

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.

Jim 334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com

RECYCLE Share with a Friend!

In previous articles we discussed the “Liquid Facelift” using dermal fillers, a non-surgical cosmetic procedure which has recently gained attention as a viable alternative to a traditional surgical Facelift. That said, as effective as a “liquid facelift” can be at rejuvenating the face, the surgical Facelift remains the gold standard for delivering predictable, natural, and durable (long-lasting) facial rejuvenation results. Before you decide if a Facelift is right for you, however, several questions need to be asked to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Without further ado, let’s discuss Facelift.

What is a “Facelift”?

In short, the term “Facelift,” traditionally known as a Rhytidectomy, describes the surgical procedure wherein the soft tissues of the face, cheek, and/or neck are repositioned to restore a more youthful appearance. Once these underlying tissues are tightened/ resuspended (aka, “lifted”) and the excess face/neck skin excised, the result is a more rejuvenated appearance to the face.

The procedure is typically performed in an operating room setting, takes 4-6 hours, and “social downtime” lasts anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on several factors including your underlying health and concomitant procedures. Costs vary considerably ($6000 and up) and will be based upon your surgeon’s experience and preferred technique, the operative setting and required anesthesia, the need for other combined procedures, amongst other variables.

What are the different types of “Facelifts”?

The facelift has undergone many iterations since its initial description wherein a large skin excision was performed without any repositioning of the underlying structures,

creating the unsightly “pulled” or “wind-swept.” Thankfully, we now better understand the anatomy of aging, including the importance of suspensory ligaments and facial fat distribution.

To this effect several types of Facelifts exist today, but most fall under the category of “minilifts” versus “SMASlifts.” For simplicity, you should understand that a “mini-lift” tends to rely on suture suspension of deeper tissues, whereas the “SMAS-lift” typically involve some type of dissection and/ or release of the deeper structures which in theory allows for a more comprehensive repositioning of the underlying tissues. Whether one option is superior remains controversial; however, most Facelift surgeons would agree that the more durable (longerlasting), powerful, and natural results would be associated with the “SMAS-lift.” The “mini-lift” has its advantages, however, as the procedure tends to be more affordable, can be performed under local anesthesia, has less associated downtime given the minimal dissection. Ultimately, every patient is different, and every surgeon is different; so, find someone whom you are confident will deliver results consistent with your expectations.

What is the “Lift and Fill” Facelift?

The term, “lift and fill,” refers to a Facelift combined with a facial volumizing procedure (i.e., facial fat grafting). Since we now appreciate the importance of volume (or lack thereof) associated with the aging process, many surgeons, me included, often

recommend facial volumization with fat grafting to “fill” the hollowed areas and augment the effects of the facelift. You should also know that other procedures routinely combined with the facelift include the following: browlift, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), surgical lip lift, chin augmentation, and a chemical peel. The point is that you should work closely with your surgeon to create a customized facial rejuvenation plan that fits your needs.

Who is a good candidate for a surgical Facelift?

The average age for a patient undergoing Facelift surgery hovers around 50 years old. That said, anybody of any age who suffers from increased skin laxity, facial volume loss, poorly defined facial contours, and deepened hollows/folds (e.g., jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, platysmal bands), would benefit from a facelift and/or Necklift. Ultimately, a detailed assessment of your underlying anatomy is required to determine if a facelift surgery matches up with your aesthetic goals and expectations.

How can I learn more about Facelift?

If you are interested in learning more about a Facelift, I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation surgery. This will ensure that you receive a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. As a fellowship-trained and double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Head & Neck Surgeon, I encourage patients to understand the nuances of their proposed treatments before deciding on their plan of action, as often-times, multiple treatment options exist.

As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There are few things more important than the relationship you have with your doctor.

In Good Health,

Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon www.RaggioMD.com info@raggiomd.com

Attention Travelers Buy One, Get One Summer Promotion

It’s time to book your summer getaway with the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM). Recently, the airport launched an incredible deal that allows you to experience the Washington, D.C., area with a steep discount.

MGM launched its Buy One, Get One summer promotional offer for travelers taking off from MGM and flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. Travelers will be reimbursed for a round-trip ticket, and MGM will take care of the parking fees. The promotion is valid on round-trip travel from MGM to DCA through September 30, 2023.

“It’s a great time to visit Washington, D.C. and see first-hand how easy it is to fly from Montgomery Regional Airport; choose the faster and easier way to fly!” said Wade A. Davis, MGM’s Executive Director. “The limited-time BOGO opportunity to explore Washington, D.C. is an excellent chance to fly local and save.”

Currently, MGM offers a nonstop from MGM to DCA operated by American Airlines. To take advantage of the promotion, purchase your ticket by visiting American Airlines at www.aa.com.

Once your purchase is completed, submit your proof of travel documentation to promotions@flymgm.com. MGM will also launch a bonus gift card offer for Delta Airlines passengers in the coming weeks. Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

From exploring the nation’s capital on a double-decker tour bus, from concerts and multi-course dinners to paddling on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, D.C. has so much to offer. Tell us on Facebook at @ FLYMGM how you plan to discover your summer in D.C.

*Ticket purchases or travel completed before May 31, 2023, are excluded from this promotion, and reimbursement will only be made to the person identified as the purchaser of the tickets. To qualify, customers must submit legibly scanned or photographed proof of purchase to promotions@ flymgm.com. Visit https://flymgm.com/summer-

deals/ for additional rules and information.

Montgomery Regional Airport offers non-stop flights to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Dallas, Texas (DFW), and Washington, D.C. (DCA). MGM currently serves the region with daily flights by American and Delta Airlines. For more information on the airport, visit flymgm.com.

FLIGHT NIGHT!

Augist 17, you are invited to join us at Common Bond Brewers on Thursday, August 17 from 6-8 p.m. for our summer #FlightNight. We'll be passing out MGM swag and one winner will have a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to visit Washington, D.C. on American Airlines! Experience D.C. this summer and leave with lifelong memories. #FlyMGM to nonstop fun!

Glamping Expands to More Alabama State Parks

James Hansel recently surprised his wife, Joy, with a glamping trip to Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin to celebrate the couple’s 47th wedding anniversary.

Joy didn’t know anything about the trip until the night before the couple’s departure from their home in Theodore, just outside Mobile, but her first glamping experience left such a positive impression that she wants to go back again.

“The glamping sites were impeccable. It was just a delight, really, to me,” Joy said. “It had a lot of amenities that made glamping comfortable. We’d camped out, but this was the first time we’d ever glamped out, and so that was a neat experience for us.”

One of the best amenities, they said, was the ability to rent kayaks for the duration of the trip, which allowed them to explore the beauty of Lake Martin and the state park at their leisure.

“It just had everything we needed,” Joy Hansel said. “We enjoyed it. It was beautiful there. We can’t say anything bad about it because it was so great. It was an amazing experience for us.”

Wind Creek, in April, became the first of Alabama’s state parks to offer glamping, a form of camping featuring more luxurious facilities than those associated with traditional camping. Glamping has since been added and is now available at Lake Guntersville State Park, Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville and Cheaha State Park.

Alabama State Parks partnered with Timberline Glamping to operate the glamping sites. Timberline co-owner Rebeka Self said the Hansels’ experience at Wind Creek mirrors the feedback the company has received from others.

“It’s just been pretty overwhelming,” she said. “For being a new location, it’s kind of blown all of our expectations away. I think the weekends are booked out well into the fall, and they’re booking a lot of weekdays as well, which is always a good sign. They’ve already had some guests come and stay and then book again for their next trip and want to bring friends.

“That return guest is what we want to see,” Self added. “We want people to come and enjoy it, but we want them to enjoy it so much that they want to plan their next trip and come back to see us again.”

Alabama’s 21 state parks offer a wide variety of overnight accommodations, including resort-style lodging, picturesque cabins and chalets, modern RV hook-ups and primitive camping. The addition of glamping provides another option for guests looking for a combination of rustic and luxury.

“Our goal is to make every guest have a memorable stay at an Alabama State Park,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship, “and the new glamping sites definitely deliver a memorable experience. We’ve been careful and thoughtful about the best

parks to offer glamping, and it’s exciting to see this new amenity expand from one to five parks in such a short time. This has been a fantastic addition to our state parks.”

To make reservations for glamping at Alabama State Parks, visit the Timberline Glamping website, www.timberlineglamping.com

Information on glamping at each of the five state parks where it’s available is also available online:

Wind Creek

Cheaha

Monte Sano

Lake Guntersville

Chewacla

“It was very easy to reserve,” James Hansel said. “It was very easy to schedule all the things we needed, like firewood. All that was so easy.”

Added Joy Hansel: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. We did hiking. We did the kayaking. We took our bikes with us and went biking. We went swimming. We even played putt-putt there. And there was a lot more to do, so we definitely want to go back.”

Learn more at www.alapark.com

Montgomery Botanical Gardens

Future classes scheduled for the remainder of the year include Herbs on September 9, taught by Janell Diggs; Fall Floral Arrangements on October 7, taught by Anna Owen; and Bulb Planting/Perennials on November 4, taught by Karen Weber.

additional seating in the gardens and honor someone at the same time!

The Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park has scheduled a class on Growing Hostas for its August session. The class will be taught by Master Gardener Bionca Lindsey and will be offered Saturday, August 12, beginning at 9:00 AM in the Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom.

Included in Ms. Lindsey’s presentation will be information on selecting, planting, and caring for hostas. She will also discuss the great variety of these beautiful perennials and how to propagate them.

The Hosta Class is free and open to the public. Seating is available in the outdoor classroom. For comfort, participants may consider bringing folding chairs. Water will be provided. For additional information, contact info@ montgomerybotanicalgardens.com.

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT TO THE GARDENS

Financially support the Gardens

Sponsor an Oak Leaf Design Metal Bench

As we stroll through the pathways of Montgomery Botanical Gardens, we often desire a place to sit awhile and enjoy a particular view or just rest before we continue our walk. Sometimes we have not found a convenient place to sit and rest. Now you have an opportunity to help provide

The MBG Board of Directors has approved an exclusive metal bench to be sponsored and placed throughout the gardens that includes a unique Oak Leaf design. Now you may provide a bench, help contribute funds for the gardens, and also honor or remember someone special at the same time. You may see two of the benches at the entrance to MBG or view them on our website. You can sponsor one of these beautiful benches for a donation of $3000. A sign can be provided with the bench that acknowledges the donor, honors someone special, or reflects that it is given in memory of someone or a group. Individuals, groups, organizations or businesses, etc. may sponsor a bench. For more information or to sponsor a bench you may visit the MBG website or contact a member of the board or send an email to info@montgomerybotanicalgardens.com

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Announces 2023-24 Season

World premiere of Southern play among six productions, including Shakespeare, A Christmas Carol, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Alabama Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2023-2024 season featuring a world premiere among its six productions. In its 52nd season, ASF continues its mission of building community by engaging, entertaining, and inspiring people with transformative theatrical performances and compelling educational and community programs. “This upcoming season is filled with celebration and joy. In putting together this lineup of shows, I wanted to create something that would serve a multigenerational audience,” said ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine. Opening the season is Shakespeare’s fantastical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A full-scale production of A Christmas Carol takes over the Festival Stage in a tremendous celebration of the holiday season. The new year brings a celebration of Blues music with Blues in the Night, a musical revue. Then everyone’s favorite detective stalks the boards in Ken Ludwig’s comic thriller, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. From the 2022 Southern Writers Festival emerges the world premiere of Zelda In the Backyard by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Our season ends in summer with a musical of biblical proportions when Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacle, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, takes the Festival Stage. “We so appreciate the dedication of our subscribers and patrons, especially over these past two seasons.” said ASF Executive Director Todd Schmidt. “We hope to see them all back in Season 52 — joined by even more theatre lovers — for the exceptional work ASF is known for.”

SEASON 52 PRODUCTIONS

William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream | September 14 – October 1, 2023

ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine brings Shakespeare’s classic comedy to life with a dazzling production. Four young lovers facing the prospect of an unhappy marriage escape into a magical forest. Nearby, a fairy king and queen are engaged in a war of wills, and a crew of amateur actors is rehearsing for a royal wedding. One wily sprite intent on mischief has orders to intervene. What could possibly go wrong? Set within a child’s attic, this production fosters wild imagination and uses live music throughout.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | November 16 – December 24, 2023

ASF returns to a full production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on the Festival Stage. When miserly Ebenezer Scrooge receives an unwanted visit from the ghost of his former business partner on Christmas Eve, an overnight voyage of epic proportions begins. Journey with Scrooge as he learns from his ghosts (and Bob, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchits) a heartwarming lesson in forgiveness and the change we can make around us. This play is a joyful Christmas tradition for the entire family!

Blues in the Night | February 8 – March 3, 2024

The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tony-nominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong. Glorious songs from Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox, and more tell of the pain and misery of life and love — and the dogged determination to get through it all — that is the essence of the blues.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery | April 18 – May 12, 2024

Get your deerstalker cap on — the play’s afoot! Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun as Holmes and Watson face a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. You’ll enjoy the perfect mix of slapstick and thrills.

Zelda In the Backyard | June 13 – June 30, 2024

When Libby inherits a wrecked 1961 Rolls Royce, she sets off on a journey to reassemble the car and pieces of the past her father left behind. In honor of her Alabama roots, she names the car after Zelda Fitzgerald. A little broken herself, Libby finds herself with a new understanding of marriage and family. From the playwright of Gee’s Bend and White Lightning, Zelda in the Backyard is a story of love and loss, and all the roads in between. *World Premiere: This play was developed through ASF’s 2022 Southern Writers Festival of New Plays.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | July 11 – August 11, 2024

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a humorous retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers, his father Jacob, and the coat of many colors. Follow Joseph’s journey from bondage to becoming Pharaoh’s right-hand man to his ultimate reunion with his family. This delightful and merry musical — embracing country-western, calypso, and Elvis-style rock — will have you singing in your seat and long after you leave the theatre!

Damn Delicious

GRILLED VEGETABLE PLATTER

How to assemble the most AMAZING vegetable platter! No more sad-looking veggies, so so perfect for entertaining!

Ingredients:

1 pound asparagus, trimmed

1 pound cherry tomatoes, stemmed

4 carrots, cut lengthwise in half

1 yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 red onion, cut into wedges

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

❶ Preheat grill to medium high heat.

❷ In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, garlic, basil, rosemary, sage and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

❸ Brush olive oil mixture onto the asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, squash, zucchini and red onion; let sit for 10-15 minutes.

❹ Transfer vegetables to a grill basket; place basket onto the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until vegetables are lightly charred all over, about 10-12 minutes.

❺ Serve immediately, drizzled with remaining marinade, if desired.

Source: https://damndelicious.net/2017/07/05/grilledvegetable-platter/

Gogue Center season subscriptions, tickets available now

To Kill a Mockingbird, Alvin Ailey, Patti LuPone, Simone Dinnerstein highlight 2023–24 season

Tickets for all performances in the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University’s 2023–24 season will be available beginning Tuesday, August 15.

The season features 28 performances that include Broadway hits like My Fair Lady, Come From Away and the recent Tony Award-winning production of To Kill a Mockingbird; stage and screen legend Patti LuPone; the avant-garde Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and a brand-new Country Series led by Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan.

Performances are divided across six genre-specific series: Broadway, Celebrity, Concert, Country,

Dance & Movement, and Orchestra & Chamber Music. A seventh series, Family, returns this year with performances tailored to younger audiences.

All 2023–24 season performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on their respective dates. Family Series performances have been scheduled for Sundays at 3 p.m. All performances during the season will take place in the Gogue Center’s Woltosz Theatre (910 South College Street; Auburn, Alabama).

An online calendar for the entire 2023–24 season can be viewed at aub.ie/gpac-2023-24.

Full season and series subscriptions for the upcoming season are currently available. Create Your Own subscription packages, which allow patrons to build their own custom series of three or more performances, are also available. Single tickets can be purchased beginning Tuesday, August 15.

For more information and details on season subscriptions and tickets, contact the Gogue Center box office by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497) or via email at gpactickets@auburn. edu. To learn more about annual sponsorships, contact the Gogue Center advancement team at 334.844.1675 or gpacadvancement@auburn.edu.

Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, Grits and Glamour Tour Thursday, September 14, 7 p.m., Country Series

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis “Big Band Holidays” , Thursday, December 7, 7 p.m. Celebrity Series

“My Fair Lady”

Tuesday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 7, 7 p.m. Broadway Series

Buddy Guy "Damn Right Farewell" Tour at the MPAC, Thursday October 26 at 7:30pm

Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell tour will see The Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner performing hits from throughout his career, in addition to his new #1 album. Amid his core classics you’ll hear new fan favorites from the project, including “Gunsmoke Blues”, the forever timely and spellbinding “We Go Back”, and “Follow the Money.” The follow up to his sixth Billboard #1 album The Blues Is Alive And Well, the Blues Album chart-topper reunited with his Grammy Award winning producer/ songwriter and longtime collaborator Tom Hambridge, who rejoins him on tour, to bring audience members even more emotionally-charged music with even more bone-chilling hard earned lyrics and lessons that continue to garner critical recognition and praise. Visit www.mpaconline.org for tickets.

Helping You Understand Legal Issues and Aging

PALLIATIVE CARE

Palliative care is a type of specialized medicine that focuses on intensive symptom management and supportive care to improve a patient's quality of life. Palliative care is provided to the patient by a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and chaplains who participate in the patient's care. Palliative care providers treat patients with chronic, life limiting illnesses, at any stage of the illness. The goal of palliative care is to improve a patient's comfort and quality of life as well as reducing the patient's hospitalizations. Palliative care includes addressing a patient’s symptoms as well as administrating treatment intended to cure serious illnesses, when applicable. Palliative care provides peace of mind for the patient and his/her family.

Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, constipation, shortness of breath, insomnia, confusion, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, heart failure, renal failure, COPD, cancer, dementia Parkinson’s disease, etc., should benefit from palliative care. Patients may also be referred to palliative care as a result from multiple hospitalizations, stressors related to

the patient’s symptoms or condition, or uncertainty of disease progression.

Additionally, the palliative care provider works with the patient and his/her family to establish goals of care and advance care planning. For example, if the patient does not have a medical directive in place, a nurse practitioner will help to establish an Advance Directive, Living Will, or DNR.

Patients do not need a physician's referral to qualify for palliative care. If palliative care is of interest to you, contact a palliative care agency regarding an assessment to determine if you qualify for services. For those individuals who do qualify, these services are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and private insurance plans.

Many people have the misconception that palliative care means hospice care. If the patient’s illness approaches the end-of-life, the palliative care provider can assist with the transition to

hospice care. Palliative care, however, assists patients living with a serious illness by complementing the care the patient receives from the patient’s primary care physician and specialists. The palliative care providers will communicate with the patient’s physicians and keep them updated on the plan of care. Services are performed where the patient resides whether it be at home or at a facility. Patients may utilize home health services in conjunction with palliative care.

The cost of a visit from medical personnel may be the same as your co- payment at your doctor’s office or there may be no co-payment required. Phone calls to your palliative care agency/staff do not require a copayment.

Senior Law Solutions, LLC offers a variety of opportunities to assist individuals and their families with aspects of Elder Law Care, Estate Planning, and Life Care Planning with individualized plans. If you have questions or want to learn more visit www.seniorls.com or call 334.758.9400

Alabama State Bar Requires the Following: “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.” Responsible Attorney: Anne Elizabeth McGowin.

Barbie as an 83 year old woman... what would she really be like in real life?

As the highly anticipated Barbie movie hits screens this summer, AI-generated images reveal what Barbie would really look like in real life, aged 83 and with dementia, episodic mobility and chronic foot pain from decades of over-wearing heels. While many think of Barbie as a never-aging 19-year-old, fans might be surprised to learn that Barbie – or Barbara Millicent Robertsis actually aged 83 in real terms, having made her debut in 1959 at toy stores aged 19.

Developed to highlight the challenges around aging in today's modern world, the AI generated artwork has been created using Midjourney by elderly lifestyle experts at TakingCare Personal Alarms in a bid to normalise common signs of aging.

AI technology was used to explore what a more realistic version of Barbie could look like, based on the character being 83 years old in 2023. The image highlights common signs of aging:

-Wrinkling round the eyes

-Shallowing of the cheek tissue

-Wrinkles forming above the eyebrows

-Skin changing on the neck area

-Greying hair

-Thin limbs that look frail

Whilst this representation shows common surface-level signs of aging, it gives an example of how the subject of aging can be explored and normalised in popular culture.

In this image, Barbie is depicted as a frail older woman reclining on her favorite armchair.

AI generated image of elderly Barbie with foot pain. She is barefoot, being no longer able to wear her favorite shoes after decades of overwearing heels has damaged her feet. Remnants of her former lifestyle litter her living room, as in her old age, Barbie struggles to keep on top of the housework. Chronic foot pain from wearing heels daily for decades. Barbie’s penchant for high heels has left her with lasting health complications. Wearing heels daily has caused her to develop plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation in the foot and sharp, shooting pain in the heel. Overwearing heels has also caused her leg muscles to tighten, adding extra pressure to her lower back and causing her to develop a slight hunched posture.

Wearing sunglasses indoors due to cataracts and deteriorating eyesight. Driving around in her iconic pink Beetle car is an image many think of when reminiscing about Barbie – but in this depiction, old age has contributed towards Barbie’s poor eyesight, and she can no longer drive. The 83-year-old has also developed cataracts – a condition that causes sensitivity to light and has resulted in her wearing sunglasses indoors.

Frailty due to age. At 83 years old and based on statistics, Barbie will have experienced 5-6 falls over the past few years. Studies show that adults over 80 have a 1-in-2 chance of having at least one fall each year, meaning wearing her go-to high heels is no longer an option. Studies also reveal that 1-in-5 falls suffered by the over 80s result in hospital visits, so it’s highly likely that Barbie will have received hospital care.

In this image, Barbie is depicted as very frail, gazing pensively out the window. She depicts loneliness and grief, having lost her lifelong partner Ken. Grief and loneliness due to suffering the loss of her long-term partner, Ken. Loneliness has a significant impact on mental health and quality of life. After enjoying a rich life of parties, socializing and multiple careers, Barbie now faces retirement and life as an older adult alone – something that many older adults struggle to adjust to. Barbie is also depicted experiencing grief. Whilst Ken, her life-long lover, is two years younger than her, the average life expectancy of a man in the US is 77 years old, so it is highly likely that Barbie will have experienced the tragic loss of the love of her life by the time she celebrates her 83rd birthday. Barbie also never had children. A report by TakingCare reveals that daughters are the number one choice for taking on care responsibilities for elderly parents, with 1 in 3 adults giving up work to care for their frail parents.

In this image, Barbie is depicted as an older woman with signs of dementia at the dining table. Loss of facial expression and staring due to dementia. A lot of people look for memory issues when checking for signs of dementia, but here Barbie is experiencing an often overlooked sign of dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood vessels. This type of dementia causes a loss of facial expressions. People with this type of dementia may seem to stare a lot and not react visually to conversational cues due to blood vessel damage. Here, Barbie stares at the viewer with a vacant expression, as if struggling to keep conversation. Fidgeting and wringing hands due to dementia. Whilst Barbie may seem poised in this representation, behaviorally she expresses further signs of dementia. In this image, Barbie can be seen wringing her hands and fidgeting. This type of restlessness is a dementia symptom that many people suffer with at later stages of dementia. Often, people will pull at their clothes or pace up and down, which can be due to pain or discomfort, need for more physical activity or problems with their environment.

By Mike Crisolago

Mick Jagger at 80

What We Can Learn About Longevity From the Legendary Rolling Stones Frontman

For a frontman who famously declared in a 1975 People magazine interview that “I’d rather be dead than sing ‘Satisfaction’ when I’m 45,” Mick Jagger seems pretty satisfied with life as he just hit the big 8-0 on July 26.

Of course, Jagger made that comment when he was just barely over the age of 30. Could he have imagined that, 50 years on, not only would the Rolling Stones still be one of the biggest acts in music but he, as the frontman and face of the legendary band, would also still be strutting and chicken dancing across stages as if he’d never aged a day? Could any of us have imagined it?

Mick Jagger has, for decades, defied aging conventions and expectations. Which means that either he works really hard at maintaining his youthful spirit, or there’s a portrait of him withering away in a closet somewhere.

We’re banking on the former and, given Jagger’s lifestyle and personal history, these are some of the secrets of longevity — some obvious, others not as much — that we’ve gleaned from the rock ‘n’ roll legend.

Your Diet Matters

Duh, right? We all know that what we put in our bodies makes a big difference to our overall health and longevity. But Jagger — a known health-conscious eater for years — is literally a walking, singing example of the benefits of a balanced, nutritious diet.

Numerous reports have stated that the ex-wife of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Jo Wood, introduced Jagger to the benefits of organic foods. Jagger is also known to

enjoy “a diet consisting primarily of fresh fruit and veg, whole grains, legumes, chicken and fish,” according to The Mirror, which also noted that he “has reportedly tried the keto diet — a high fat, very lowcarb regime that followers say helps drive down their body fat levels.”

But that’s not all Jagger is consuming.

The Sun reports that he also takes multiple vitamins “paired with cod liver oil, ginseng and ginkgo biloba, which are said to improve endurance and brain function.”

Imagine being backstage at a Rolling Stones gig, finding what you think is their “stash” and it turns out to be vitamins and cod liver oil. Maybe not what you’d expect, but it’s one of the reasons Mick and the band are still rocking today.

It Turns Out You Also Need Exercise

Another obvious one, right? Sure. But, as usual, Mick Jagger takes it to another level. In 2019, just weeks after having a heart valve replaced, Jagger was filmed tearing up the dance floor in a video on social media.

Going on 76 at the time, you don’t recover that fast without having a solid physical base to work from. Jagger’s father was a physical education teacher, and physical activity has always been a priority in his life. Like his music, however, the rocker’s taste in exercise is eclectic.

“His routine has always included running, cycling and kickboxing,” Vogue reported in 2019, noting that his personal trainer also works with professional athletes.

“Sir Mick also performs ballet, weight training, pilates, jogging and dynamic stretching,” The Mirror reported, “ensuring he maintains maximum flexibility.”

When it comes to getting into stage shape, Jagger told The Sunday Times in 2022 that, ahead of a tour, his workout regime includes “six weeks of practise even before rehearsals start” involving “dancing, gym, every day of the week.”

“I don’t enjoy it very much,” he added, “but it has to be done.”

If that’s not the most relatable thing Mick Jagger has ever said …

Keep Doing What You Love

Studies have shown that happiness and longevity go hand in hand, and a big part of aging well is continuing to indulge in

activities and passions that bring you joy. That could be a job, a hobby or an artistic or athletic pursuit — anything that stimulates your mind and/or body and continues to challenge you.

Clearly, being with the band and performing still brings Jagger joy. And the Rolling Stones even reportedly have a new album of original tunes — their first in nearly two decades — due later this year. But the added part of the equation is that it forces him to stay in good shape.

“Rock ’n’ roll, or any kind of pop music honestly, isn’t supposed to be done when you’re in your 70s. It wasn’t designed for that,” he said in his Sunday Times interview. “Doing anything high-energy at this age is really pushing it. But that makes it even more challenging. So it’s, like, ‘OK, we’ve got to do this right,’ but it’s got to be as full-on as possible. Of course you could do another type of music — we’ve got lots of ballads. I could sit on a chair.”

And as Jagger’s bandmate Keith Richards once said, “We age not by holding on to youth, but by letting ourselves grow

and embracing whatever youthful parts remain.”

In addition to fronting the world’s most famous band, Jagger boasts other interests in the performing arts realm.

He famously co-created the 2016 HBO music industry drama Vinyl. And in 2019, Jagger did the orchestration for the ballet Porte Rogue, which was created by his girlfriend, ballerina Melanie Hamrick (whose relationship with Jagger recently sparked engagement rumours that the rocker’s reps deny).

Get a Grip on Your Emotions

Jagger, in the Sunday Times interview, noted that he and his Rolling Stones bandmates have been “getting more mature” in dealing with their various emotions — which do have a history of boiling over into very public squabbles.

“We’re in a very immature business. I’m under no illusions about that. But it doesn’t mean that you have to be immature,” Jagger said, adding that “it’s

taken a long time” to reach that point of understanding.

And Ronnie Wood vouched for the singer in the story, saying, “Mick’s been through so many different moods and images in his life, and he’s come back to this really warm person.”

The band also just celebrated their 61st anniversary, and you don’t stay together that long without finding ways to work on your emotional well-being.

As we know, too much stress can shorten lifespans. So cutting out the bad vibes and temperamental reactions to go from “wild horses” to “let’s spend the night together” seems to be working for Jagger as he struts his way into his 80s, with no sign of slowing down.

It’s one of the valuable lessons we can take from the rocker’s life, even if none of us intend to be strutting across a stage anytime soon.

Source: www.everythingzoomer.com

In Seville, Spain, Not Even a Heat Wave Could Stop Me From Dancing

By Angela Page

A traveling group of American ladies aged 58 to 78 enjoys sightseeing, flamenco and Spain's bustling Seville 'feria'

Seville, Spain's annual spring fair, la feria, was on my bucket list — and my sister's — after attending the mesmerizing flamenco fashion show in 2018. My sister Eva is a musician, a flamenco dancer and teacher, and a seamstress. At 62, four years my junior, she has the stamina of a teenager.

Would I hold up for the 10-day journey and my sister's four-page itinerary of dance classes, sightseeing, concerts, trains, flamenco shows (tablao) and the bustling Seville feria during an expected heat wave?

Our traveling group ballooned to a total of six American ladies, from age 58 to 78. All of us had studied flamenco with my sister at one time but some of us didn't know each other well — or at all.

Our travel companions included Linda, 58, a CEO of her family business; Kaitlin, a 63-year-old musician; Diane, a 75-yearold retired Spanish teacher; and our cousin, Sharon, 78, a visual artist.

Eva managed to outfit all of us in beautiful flamenco dresses and accessories. Fortunately, the group knew some Spanish or were fluent, like me.

Our trip began with a brief stop in

Madrid to visit the Prado and gather more flamenco accessories; we also visited the cathedral of flamenco, Corral de Moreria. It was a sold-out show for the world-famous dancer, Belén Lopez, with whom Eva had studied.

I loved her smokey eye makeup, Cleopatra meets Snow White's wicked stepmother.

Described as a force of nature, Lopez's physically demanding performance and creative moves sent the crowd — including the six of us — wild.

A Festival Atmosphere

The next day we arrived in Seville, the city known for its Moorish architecture and the 11th-century palace Alcázar. A festival atmosphere was in the air as local women of all ages wore a large flower on top of their heads and sported a mini shawl or mantoncillo.

In Seville's Triana neighborhood, known for famous flamenco dancers and bullfighters, we attended a flamenco class with famed teacher David Perez. He was advised we were of varying dance levels, as Sharon and I were beginners. There was live guitar and David sang along, showing us how to match steps with the lyrics.

We sailed through the hour-long lesson and rehearsed the Sevillana, which has four parts. My sister expected us to be proficient in at least part one of the Sevillana. I reviewed it on YouTube for weeks and even on the airplane, as if it were a final exam.

After our flamenco class, it was time to dress for and attend the feria. Eva had envisioned us cascading down the streets in traditional garb with no handbags, cell phones or sunglasses and had even sewn a pocket

The writer, her sister and their friends at a birthday dinner | Credit: Courtesy of Angela Page

The writer, her sister and their friends at la feria in Seville, Spain

Credit: Courtesy of Angela Page

in our flamenco skirts to hide our cell phones. As it was a record-breaking 101 degrees, we were now free to bring handbags with water bottles, sun hats and sunscreen.

Eva donned her polka dot red and white dress while I dreaded putting on my flamenco skirt. I feared it wouldn't zip up after several days of sangria, paella and buffet breakfasts. Shapewear was my friend. Eva pinned my shawl with a broach and arranged flowers in my hair. In the hotel lobby, Eva reviewed the other four ladies, adjusting shawls, flowers and flounces.

All Decked Out

All decked out, we headed to the Seville fair, which began in 1846 and typically attracts over a million visitors. This year was record-breaking in addition to the temps: the fair boasted 1.2 million visitors. Despite the heat, we opted for the traditional horse and carriage for the 2.5-mile ride to the fairground entrance.

As we disembarked the carriage, we had to be careful not to step in horse poop. Not everyone in our group was successful in keeping their hems clean but I won't snitch. At the fair, there were carriage traffic jams coupled with men and women parading on horseback. They dressed in traditional outfits, short jackets and cordobés hats, with some women side-saddled in gorgeous flamenco dresses.

We encountered only locals or Spanish nationals. Almost two-thirds of the women wore flamenco-type dresses, each more beautiful than the one before. The thousand casetas, or tents, were mainly private, belonging to local families and businesses with live or recorded music. There was a massive amount of food and drink.

The six of us entered a caseta, and ordered a pitcher of the feria's official drink, rebujito, sherry mixed with lemonade. We danced on stage with each other or strangers. Several local women noticed my sister was as an accomplished dancer and clamored to

dance all four sections of the "Sevillana" with her.

We were soon joined by another one of Eva's advanced students, Teresa, a millennial. She was on an extended visit in Seville studying flamenco and active on local Tinder. She had hooked up with an ex-matador for the week. We six ladies lived vicariously through the smiling photos of Teresa and her young, swarthy Spaniard.

Our main takeaway from the fair was how the older Spanish women held themselves with such pride and elegance. "Coming here has changed my view on aging. I'm not ashamed of my wrinkles anymore," remarked Sharon. Then Linda chimed in, "look how the older women here are totally at ease with their bodies, and elegantly and tastefully dressed."

It was reminiscent of our grandmother, born in Barcelona in 1898. Despite coming to the U.S. as a struggling immigrant, she had a regal air and was always smartly dressed and accessorized. She would have been ecstatic to have been with us, wearing her favorite flamenco-style black dress and high comb draped with a traditional black mantilla

Amazingly, we got through 10 days and the four-page itinerary with added activities. We managed not to have anything stolen, or to lose stuff, beyond a pair of cheap reading glasses. Only Diane and I tripped on the cobblestones once

with thankfully no injuries.

Our group got along well, sharing confidences, medications and health tips while developing new friendships. We often paired off in twos or threes for sightseeing, shopping, flamenco classes or meals. One afternoon Sharon stayed behind to sketch the view from the hotel room.

The waiting game of three years for this trip made it more special. It was a wonderful opportunity to share this journey with my sister and such a group of adventurous women.

As we packed for the trip home, my sister Eva asked, "What should we wear for next year's feria?"

Source: www.nextavenue.org

Angela Page is a writer and producer. Her films are featured on the Shorts TV channel, FunnyorDie and Indiepix. She is the author of comic romance, "Matched in Heaven," novella and dating guide "Suddenly Single Sylvia" and the recently released crime comedy,"There's a Dead Girl in My Yard." Her articles have appeared in the Huffpost, the Independent and Sheknows. Angela divides her time between Los Angeles and Southeast Florida.

By Irina Antonova, M.S., Ph.D.

Aging Clocks May Unravel the Secrets of Longevity

Most people want to live a longer life, but they also want to live in good health. While genetics play a role in healthy longevity, our lifestyle and environment, also known as epigenetics, may actually be more important.

Lengthening healthy life expectancy is now possible with diagnostic and therapeutic tools to show us how to slow down or even turn back our biological clocks.

Digital models have been created to predict age-related health problems by studying the underlying causes of aging and testing how they respond to epigenetic factors such as diet, exercise, and environmental exposures. These digital models are known as epigenetic aging clocks.

Epigenetic Aging Clocks

The epigenetic clock is used to quantify the aging processes and measure biological age and rate and pace of aging.

There have been dozens of aging clocks developed over the past 10 years. These clocks have used almost every type of biophysiological data that changes with age, and they utilize machine learning to build a model to predict chronological age.

Epigenetic clocks have been developed based on various tissues and cell types, including blood, saliva, and even specific

organs. These clocks can provide a measure of biological aging that can be distinct from chronological age.

In some cases, the difference between biological age and chronological age, known as age acceleration, has been associated with various health conditions and diseases.

Biological markers are used to estimate an individual’s biological age based on changes in the epigenome, which refers to chemical modifications of DNA and associated proteins that can influence gene expression. The tests mainly involve the measurement of DNA methylation, as this can show the biological age of a person.

DNA methylation, a mechanism used by cells to control gene expression, is a type of epigenetic modification that is often used as a basis for developing these clocks.

The DNA methylation patterns across the genome change as a person ages, and epigenetic clocks use these patterns to predict an individual’s biological age, which may or may not correspond to their chronological age. By comparing the methylation status of specific sites on the DNA, researchers have developed algorithms that can calculate a biological age estimate.

Recent Review of Epigenetic Aging Factors

A recent review published in Ageing Research Reviews examined the latest technological developments in the epigenetic aging clock, including using DNA methylation patterns to predict biological age, and practical interventions to slow down or reverse the aging process.

Researchers found specific underlying mechanisms that contribute to biological aging, with important implications for longevity for those willing to modify their lifestyle.

Since aging is a systemic process that has an impact on all levels of our biological systems—our organs, tissues, cells, and their respective molecular components— researchers assessed different factors and their impact on epigenetic age. Here are some of the key review findings:

I Alcohol—Binge drinking increases epigenetic age by 1.38 years in young adults, while each day of binge drinking contributes 0.15 years.

I Smoking—Increases the age of human respiratory organs by four to five years.

I Calorie Restriction—Improves survival rate, with a 30 percent reduction in late-life mortality. A reduction in caloric intake by 25 percent for a period of two years reduces the pace of aging by 2 to 3 percent.

I Mediterranean Diet—After one year of an elderly-tailored diet, participants reduced their epigenetic age by 0.58 years. A healthy diet decreases the risk of cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and death.

I Curcumin—This key substance in the spice turmeric was shown to reduce tumor growth via the inhibition of telomerase (an enzyme related to aging) activity.

I Obesity—Reducing BMI by 10 units increased epigenetic age by one to three years.

I Psychological Stress—Lowers telomerase activity and increases age acceleration.

I Meditation—Reduces the pace of aging in all age groups and each year of practice reduced the epigenetic age by 0.24 years in long-term meditators older than 52 years.

The scientists concluded, “Although the exact magnitude of the effects that different lifestyle components exert on epigenetic aging remains undetermined in most cases, the widespread adoption of aging clocks can bridge this knowledge gap and, ultimately, enable a new mode of healthcare decision-making to fight the problem of global population aging.”

6 Lifestyle Habits That May Add Years to Your Lifespan

Here are some practical strategies, based on study findings, that may help slow the biological aging process and potentially influence epigenetic clocks.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including slowing down the aging process.

Exercise can positively impact DNA

methylation patterns, potentially influencing epigenetic clocks. Aim for a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall health and potentially slow epigenetic age acceleration.

Some dietary components, such as resveratrol (found in red grapes and berries) and curcumin (found in turmeric), have shown promise in influencing DNA methylation patterns.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process and affect epigenetic mechanisms. Thus it is beneficial to engage in stressmanagement techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax and unwind.

Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep duration have been associated with accelerated aging. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night, and establish a regular sleep routine.

Avoid Toxic Substances

Certain toxic lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins, can accelerate the aging process and potentially influence epigenetic clocks. Minimize or eliminate these harmful substances as much as possible from your life.

Nurture Social Connections

Strong social connections and a sense of belonging have been linked to better health outcomes and longevity. Thus, cultivate meaningful relationships and engage in social activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

While these strategies may have a positive impact on overall health and potentially slow down the aging process, it’s important to note that epigenetic clocks

are still an area of active research.

The extent to which these lifestyle factors can directly influence epigenetic clocks is not yet fully understood. It’s always a good idea to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and aging gracefully.

More About Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how the interaction between our behavior and the environment changes the way our genes work. While epigenetic changes do not alter the sequence of a person’s DNA, they can play an important role in whether certain genes are turned on or off.

The term “epigenetics” is derived from the Greek prefix “epi,” meaning “above” or “on top of,” indicating that epigenetic changes occur on top of the DNA sequence and can affect gene expression without changing the genetic code itself.

Epigenetic modifications involve chemical alterations to DNA and associated proteins, such as DNA methylation. These modifications can act as signals or markers that regulate gene expression and determine whether a gene is active or silenced.

Epigenetic changes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, aging, and disease. They can be reversible and may occur during specific stages of development or in response to environmental stimuli.

These alterations can have significant implications for health and disease. Dysregulation of epigenetic processes can contribute to various conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Understanding epigenetic mechanisms and their role in gene regulation can provide insights into disease development and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Source www.theepochtimes.com

Grandmother's “Okrey”

I learned exceedingly early about gardening when I was a little girl growing up in Birmingham; my grandmother always had a vegetable garden. It was essential to feed a family of eleven children, half of whom were boys and could eat their weight in food! I was only 3 or 4 years old, but she would ask me to come help pick the “okrey” and I was always happy to do so even though I would get so itchy because the okra plants grew about six feet tall and a little girl walking through them picking okra could not help but get itchy! However, I knew that after helping her, I would get to do two things: one was to play in the sprinkler when she turned it on to water the garden and the other was to tend my own little garden patch that she helped me plant. I remember the flower was called Hollyhocks and it was the thrill of my life after planting them seeing them sprout, grow, and flower into all assorted colors.

Okra was not one of my favorites growing up because my mother used to get a kick out of watching me gag trying to eat the boiled, slimy pods. I now love okra if it is fried or cooked in soup or perhaps some peas, but never boiled!

I was surprised to find out that okra is related to cotton and hibiscus plants, but in looking at the flowers and pods I really should not have been. It was always interesting to me how the okra pod grows behind the flower, rather than in the middle of it like other vegetables grow. Okra is one of the easiest to grow and is healthy, up to the first frost. The temperatures must be warm; at least 70 degrees in the evening and the soil a PH of 6.5-7.00, which is what our area is. However, it would not hurt to turn

in mature compost to enrich our native soil. This guarantees a great crop if it is harvested when it is 4-6 inches long. Any bigger than that and it is too hard and tough to eat!

Its origin is from West Africa, Ethiopia, and South Asia but I would have sworn it originated in Louisiana since gumbo is their specialty. It came to the Americas centuries ago with the Atlantic Slave Trade. It grows best in hot and humid climates and that certainly includes Alabama. I was also surprised to find out that botanically it is a fruit, as it is the seed-bearing part of the plant.

Regardless of how you enjoy it, there is no denying okra is a versatile vegetable that is remarkably high in nutritional value, and I look forward to growing it in my garden soon.

Linda Hicks, an intern in the 2023 Master Gardener Class, lives in Millbrook. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymag.org or email capcitymag@gmail.com

AUM OLLI Fall Open House

August 29, 2023, from 10:00 to Noon

Individuals are invited to the Center for Lifelong Learning (75 TechnaCenter Drive) for the AUM OLLI Fall Open House on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. From 10:00 a.m. to Noon, while enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry, they can learn about OLLI and meet the instructors for the fall courses. This event is a good opportunity to get acquainted with instructors, current OLLI members, and staff members in an informal setting with a chance to ask questions about courses and policies.

Annual membership in AUM OLLI is $40.00 and runs from August to August. In addition, there is a term fee of $50.00 (fall, winter, and spring), which allows members to register for as many courses as they wish and to register for Lunch Presentations, Bonus Opportunities, and Field Trips (the Field Trips may require an additional fee if transportation is provided to a destination).

The 2023 schedule includes a wide variety

of courses, Bonus Opportunities, Lunch Presentations, and Field Trips. Courses cover a variety of types – study/lecture, hands-on (DIY), and active. Challenge yourself, and try at least one of every type! The Bonus Opportunities include book discussion groups and a potluck lunch. The fall Field Trips offer everything from the Auburn University Raptor Center to the Alabama Governor’s Mansion with its Christmas decorations. Lunch Presentations include a variety of speakers, with more being added since the catalog was released.

The Fall Term runs from September 18 –November 10, 2023. Classes meet once a week (on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) for an hour and a half for eight weeks (one exception: the Introduction to Tai Chi class meets twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays). All of the classes except two meet in classrooms at the Center. The two exceptions are Art on

View, which meets at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and Pickleball, which meets at the AUM Wellness Center, on the AUM campus. The AUM OLLI catalog is available online (www.aum.edu/olli) with a complete list of courses and descriptions of the courses, Bonus Opportunities, Lunch Presentations and Field Trips.

AUM OLLI is an excellent opportunity for people to challenge their minds and their bodies and to learn new skills (jewelry making, holiday ornament crafts, zentangle, Mah Jongg, gardening, and others). It is also a great place to make new friends and create new communities.

Blue Ribbon Dairy

Tallassee, Alabama Blue Ribbon Dairy maven PJ Duke paces back and forth, observing the milking in progress. Her Auburneducated daughter, Michaela, is the owner who carries on a family tradition going back four generations. Amidst the frenzied cacophony of sloshing cadence, like a dozen old washing machines harmonizing in the humid air of the milking barn, Cindy dances right in there amongst the feeding bovines and asks a simi-rhetorical question.

“Is this a bad time to talk?”

She’s just trying to learn a little history about the dairy. We live only forty minutes away but Cindy’s never heard of it. But I have. I discovered the delicious Blue Ribbon Dairy milk at a gas station in Titus, Alabama.

PJ never misses a beat. “I can talk while I’m watching,” she replies with a trace of anxiety. “I guess it all started in the thirties. My granddaddy bought this place in nineteen-thirty-eight. My daughter is a fourth-generation farmer on this land. They milked cows right there,”—she points at a cow— “by hand, until the mid-forties when he built this barn and put the pipeline system in. Then it became a grade-A dairy. So, my granddaddy was the first grade-A dairy in Elmore County. My daddy sold out in 2005. He was the last grade-A dairy. And now we’re the only grade-A dairy in Central Alabama. That’s how it got started. So, my daughter wanted to milk cows. And the only way to do it is to market it. We worked on that plan for about ten years before we finally opened up. All the milk produced here is pasteurized and bottled here. We

sell to grocery stores, through our farm store, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, coffee shops, restaurants—that sort of thing.”

“Yes! And my husband says yours is the

best chocolate ice cream he’s ever had,” Cindy spurts. (No pun intended.) And it is. No kidding. I just wish it had almonds in it. Hint hint.

“Well, that’s right,” PJ agrees. “Alabama. com had the Best Ice Cream in Alabama Contest, and we got fourth out of ten. And the second-place winner used our milk; so, we kind ‘a feel like we won fourth and second. We’ve only been in it two years. So, we think that’s pretty good.”

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not conducting this interview. Cindy is. Because, at the moment, I’m busy enjoying the creamiest, most delectable cup of dark chocolate ice cream I’ve ever put in my mouth. I just bought some a few minutes ago from Kendal—no doubt the prettiest milk-maid in Elmore County— who has worked at the Blue Ribbon Dairy ice cream shop for a year and a half now. She says she loves her job because it’s slow-paced, she gets to work by herself and … she likes the ice cream. Makes perfect sense to me! When I ask her favorite of

Jeff enjoying delicious BRD Chocolate Ice Cream

the fifteen flavors, she replies without hesitation. “My favorite is Cookie Dough.”

Edie, a grandmother from Birmingham, is here with her children and six grands. This is their first trip to Blue Ribbon Dairy. Edie says her parents were dairy farmers “way back when,” making this a special outing for her. Half the fun of being here is watching the kids feed delightful little calves, ride ponies, and see whole families, like Edie’s, relax together on the grounds and savor fresh ice cream. But I have to admit, Cindy feeding a calf is a pretty cute sight, too. I snap a photo of her bottle feeding a ravenous new member of the farm. Maybe she missed her calling? A few stalls down, Goliath waits his turn. Weighing in at about 170 pounds at birth—I won’t go into what it took to extract him—he’s now huge at only ten days.

According to their website, this legacy dairy milks an average of thirty-two cows, representing three breeds: Holstein, Brown Swiss and Jersey. They vat pasteurize and bottle all of the milk from their cows. Blue Ribbon Dairy is distinct from most dairy farms as

they depend solely upon consumers to purchase the milk, and do not sell excess milk to a cooperative. The milk is cream line, meaning: “the place where the risen cream meets the milk, especially as seen in a

cream, and keep the barnyard clean. The milk is then delivered by Michaela and her father, Jimmy.

It’s a family affair to keep a great traditional dairy running.

And, I might add, a wonderful asset to our area. Believe me, it’s the best milk you’ll ever drink. I love it on my cereal in the morning. For best results and to make it last, shake it daily and keep it cold in the back of your refrigerator.

When I was small, I remember taking a bottle of milk from our antiquated refrigerator and shaking it. My mother saw me shaking the milk and said, “You don’t have to shake it anymore. It’s homogenized now.” But I shook it anyway and still do. And when I buy Blue Ribbon Dairy milk, I shake it with renewed purpose. Try it. You’ll like it. As they say at the dairy, “It’s as smooth as the cow’s moooo.”

transparent milk bottle.”

(Merriam Webster Dictionary) Therefore, you must shake it before you pour. Because it’s not homogenized, people that have a milk sensitivity are better able to digest it. The cows are milked by Michaela and PJ. But they also have five part-time employees who help bottle the milk, make ice

Farm visits are $5 per person. Two and under are free. For more information and locations where Blue Ribbon Dairy products are sold, visit their website at: www. blueribbondairyal. com.

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

Jeff's wife Cindy feeding calf

Goliath

More BRD Chocolate Ice Cream!

This & tHAT i

Ho Ho Ho, Cotton State Santas

The Farmer's Market Cafe was site of a jolly gathering as over 70 Santas and Mrs. Clauses visited Montgomery for the bi-monthly meeting of "Cotton States Santas", an Alabama chapter of IBRBS - The International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. Montgomery's River Region Santa along with a team of local Santa performers welcomed the guests with an excellent meal and program featuring "Santa Slate", a Montgomery-based African-American Santa who shared his story. This was the first time the group chose Montgomery as a meeting place and as CSS President Steve Rusk of Gardendale mentioned "The Capital City is a great location! She opened up and treated us well." The visitors left with gift bags consisting of a Montgomery guide book, a sample of ALAGA hot sauce, and anticipation of another excellent visit next year. Cotton States Santas are a group of over 200 professional Christmas Entertainers who meet regularly for fellowship and education. Meetings are held in different locations across the state. The next meeting will be in May at Guntersville.

America's Band, The Beach Boys @ MPAC May 17

On the evening of December 1 st , 1973 at The University of Delaware’s Lane Hall, a guitarist, a drummer, and their rhythm guitarist set up their gear – including a borrowed PA – on the small bandstand. Though the three-piece band had only rehearsed once or twice, guitarist George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon had been bashing out covers of songs they loved – including ‘No Particular Place To Go’, ‘Madison Blues’ and ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’ – in suburban Wilmington basements since they were teens. For Thorogood, Simon, and long-time Destroyers Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach, their Bad All Over The World – 50 Years of Rock Tour will be a celebration like no other. “People may love our records, but our live performances leave the ultimate impression,” George explains. “We’re all blue-collar guys; if we don’t kick ass on stage every night, it’s back to working at the car wash.” For the past half a century – and with no signs of slowing down – they’ve kicked ass with their 50 Dates/50 States Tour; delivered landmark performances at Live Aid and on SNL; opened club gigs for Muddy Waters and stadiums for The Rolling Stones; and remain one of the most reliable/formidable live acts in the world, with 2022’s run of nearly 100 shows in 17 countries across 3 continents including Europe and Australia – plus a top-selling U.S. summer tour with Sammy Hagar – being one of their biggest years yet. www.mpaconline.org

Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Opens August 1

The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is October 31, 2023.

As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys –who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle around the world. Since the band’s co-founder, lead-singer and chief lyricist Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach

toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good and “Kokomo.” The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million

The 2024 photo contest will focus on traditional photography techniques and the use of handheld cameras. No cellphone, smartphone, game camera, or drone photography will be chosen as winning photos for nine of the 10 categories. Smartphone and tablet photos will be accepted in the Young Photographers category. The photo contest is open to state residents and visitors alike, but qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama in the past two years. Any amateur photographer not employed by ADCNR is encouraged to enter. A total of 10 photos per person may be entered in the following categories. You may enter all 10 in one category or among several categories. 2023 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Categories

Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers where also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history. Montgomery performance at MPAC, Wednesday, May 17. For tickets visit www.mpaconline.org

• Alabama State Parks

• Birds

• Bugs and Butterflies

• Cold-blooded Critters

• Nature-Based Recreation

• Scenic

• Shoots and Roots

• Sweet Home Alabama

• Wildlife

• Young Photographers (ages 17 and under). For complete 2024 category descriptions and contest rules, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photocontest. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com

MPAC Presents George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Friday, November 3 at 8pm

Alabama Photo-Matthew Dees, American alligator near the Mobile Bay Causeway

@ The Capri, The Miracle Club, August 4-7

Set in 1967, The Miracle Club is a heartwarming film that follows the story of three generations of close friends, Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O'Casey) of Ballygar, a hard-knocks community in Dublin, who have one tantalizing dream: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes, that place of miracles that draws millions of visitors each year. When the chance to win presents itself, the women seize it. However, just before their trip, their old friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) arrives in Ballygar for her mother's funeral, dampening their good mood and well-laid plans. The women secure tickets and set out on the journey that they hope will change their lives, with Chrissie, a skeptical traveler, joining in place of her mother. The glamor and sophistication of Chrissie, who has just returned from a nearly 40-year exile in the United States, are not her only distancing traits: Old wounds are reopened along the way, forcing the women to confront their pasts even as they travel in search of a miracle. Their shared traumas can only be healed by the curative power of love and friendship. www.capritheatre.org

This & tHAT i

Jackson Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program Now Accepting New Patients

The Jackson Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program Clinic is now accepting new patients in the Montgomery area.

Patients will be seen by appointment in a traditional private practice setting under the guidance of our experienced faculty. The Family Medicine Residency Clinic providers practice in conjunction with The Jackson Clinic. Our program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Jackson Hospital offers a curriculum designed to prepare residents to deliver high quality patient care in their future practice locations with special consideration given to the unique needs of underserved populations in both urban and rural settings. We offer experiences designed to help prepare family medicine physicians as they support their patients meet the challenges presented by the social, cultural, physiological, economic, and biological factors they may face. We guide family medicine residents as they learn to apply a comprehensive, continuous, and caring treatment approach, acquire health-assessment and preventive-medicine expertise, and enhance their skills in the art of medicine. The program also focuses on the need to address family dynamics and community interactions in the treatment of patients.

“Jackson Hospital and Clinic is proud to be part of the solution when it comes to improving access to healthcare in the River Region. Opening the new Jackson Hospital and Clinic Family Medicine Residency provides a way to train new family physicians and help locate them in the River Region and Alabama’s underserved areas,” says Program Director Thomas Horton, MD.

To schedule an appointment, please call 334-440-3061. Appointments are available as soon as the same day beginning Monday, July 10 and most insurances are accepted. The Family Medicine Residency Clinic is located at 2024 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, AL 36106. To learn more about the Jackson Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, visit www.jhcfmr.org

Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Sharon Webster

Sharon is one of the most reliable and compassionate caregivers that we have had since she came to work with us in September of 2020. She has been matched with her client since the first day and has become a huge part of their family and one of the reasons why he has been able to age at his home surrounded by his family members. She is an indispensable member of the HCA family and we are so blessed to have Sharon on our team!

“Like an angel, you’re the hands of kindness and care. You offer support and compassion in difficult times. You are steady and encouraging, and your comfort will never be forgotten.”-Teri

Harrison

We appreciate your hard work and dedication, thank you for a job Well Done!!

For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com

BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com

Good Goodbyes: A Mortals Guide to Life, by Joan S. Grey

Joan Grey's army career was cut short by an accident while making a night parachute jump in Germany. She pivoted to a role as hospital chaplain after completing her Master's in religion at Harvard, and then turned her thesis into this book. Not long before its publication, she received a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. She found herself living out what she was advising her readers to do, adding a significant degree of authenticity. ABOUT

THE AUTHOR: Joan Grey is a graduate of West Point and has graduate degrees from Harvard and San Jose State. Good Goodbyes distills research from her Harvard Master's in Religion thesis, "Awakening to Mortality: End-ofLife as Rite of Passage and Pathway to Transformation."

Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ Montgomery Cultural Arts Center

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center (Armory Learning Arts Building), 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, August 2, “Fall Vegetable Gardening” Mike Forster, Master Gardener, will present “Fall Vegetable Gardening”. What can you plant in the Fall? When is a good time to start a Fall garden? Which vegetables perform best in cooler weather? Should I plant from seed or look for starter plants? Can I plant directly into the ground or is a raised bed a better option? So many questions, but Mike will have answers! September

6, “Help My Grass” Dr. David Han, Turfgrass Specialist, Auburn University, will present “HELP MY GRASS!”. Is your lawn lush and beautiful? Do you know when to fertilize? What are you doing for weed control? How high do you mow your yard? Are there choices for the types of grass to select for the home? Come join us and find the answers! Join us. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.

Ally Andrews A Joyful Beekeeper & Critter Therapist

No matter your age, find your purpose and live it! Live with Memories not just dreams.

This month’s cover profile is Ally Andrews, owner of Wildly Blessed and Ally’s Adventures. Ally is a 3rd generation FarmHER and beekeeper, in fact she was honored as the Alabama Beekeeper of the Year in 2022! Ally has a unique perspective on life and it involves nature and critters, both of which she shares with as many people as possible. Aging well requires we have a purpose and Ally knows what hers is and she will share it in this month’s cover profile. We recently spent some time with Ally at her Andrews Double A Ranch in Eclectic, AL. Of course she had her very special Alpaca, May May join us on the photo shoot and it was a real treat for the entire BOOM! Team. If you would like to know more about bees, beekeeping, nature’s bounty, petting zoos...Ally Andrews is the best place to start, and we know you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as we did.

BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e., where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, family, etc.?

Ally: I am a Child of The King, born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, June 13th, 1965, to Johnny & Dolorus Andrews. We moved to Montgomery when I was two and had a great life growing up

there. Even though I grew up in Montgomery my heart was in the hills of Tennessee where I spent most of my summers running wild and free, barefoot, exploring the creeks and learning the ways of the land from my maternal grandparents, farming, homesteading, beekeeping, learning about our earth and how it can care for and keep us fed and healthy. I learned how my indigenous ancestors survived off this great land and is where God placed the desire in my heart for the lifestyle I live and love now!

I attended Flowers Elementary, Goodwyn

Jr High and graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1983. In May of 1983, I entered corporate world, I was hired as a temporary part time secretary, beginning my career with Diversified Builders, I kept that job for 24 years moving into bookkeeping and office management. In 2007 I moved on to the Job I recently retired from, after 17 years with Woolard Brothers Commercial Contracting. I was office manager, bookkeeper, and all-around one-woman office. I told my bosses before they hired me, I will not leave here for another corporate job, I will leave here for my farm and well...

Ally the Beekeeper

Ally's Adventures, Petting Zoo

Ally the Master Gardener

Alabama Beekeeper of the Year

here I am now working my farm!

In 1987 I met John Ashley Andrews we were married in 1988 (yes, I married someone with the same last name that I was born with, I was born an Andrews and will die one) and God has blessed us with 35 years together. We have two wonderful children and two bonus children, Allysa & BJ Robinson and Joseph and Hayley Andrews plus four Grand Blessings!

We were fortunate to move to Eclectic in 1999 to a little piece of Heaven on Earth, which was the begiining of Andrews Double A Ranch. I have loved raising our children and now our Grand Blessings as part of our Homestead surrounded by farm critters and lots of nature. Homesteading, to include farming and beekeeping are our lifestyle, the one I love to live and teach others. Our children learned hard work ethics and the determination it takes to bee a farm and homestead family. They grew up in Eclectic schools, were part of sports, 4-H, and married their schoolmates.

I am blessed to bee a long-time member of Landmark Church of Christ in Montgomery where we get to worship with our family and extended family and share my passion at times.

BOOM!: Allyson, you refer to yourself as a FarmHER, you are a third-generation

beekeeper, an Alabama Master Beekeeper, and the Beekeeper of the Year in 2022, please share some of your journey on becoming a Master Beekeeper? Why are bees so valuable?

Ally: Keeping bees, loving bees, teaching the importance of bees, sharing bees, raising bees, and protecting bees has been my passion for

a lot of learning by books, presenters, live hive demonstrations, testing and my favorite part of the program, the public service credits, going out into our community, with living bees and teaching the importance of bees in our world. I share at schools, civic groups, TV programs, classes, and living the lifestyle of a beekeeper. My sharing experiences eaarned me the title "Crazy Bee Lady!"

My husband John says I can talk bees in my sleep.

I am a certified Welsh Honey Judge, and have tasted, judged, and collected honey from all over the world. I do honey tastings at assisted livings, schools, clubs and basically for anyone who wants me to do so.

many years. As a third-generation beekeeper I have instilled into my children and grandchildren, who are the 4th & 5th generation, plus many others, the importance of having bees here on our Mother Earth and the work that is involved in keeping and harvesting honey and producing products from my hives.

I keep bees in Alabama and Florida and have some of the best tasting honey, pepper infused Hott honey, orange blossom honey and creamed honey.

The Alabama Master Beekeeping Program, which I helped bring to Alabama in 2009, and I still sit on the board and help teach, is a yearly 3-day event. The program is

I was chosen Beekeeper of the Year for the state of Alabama in 2022, WOW, what an honor. I know my Pappy & Mama are looking down smiling at me! I helped re-start Central Alabama Beekeepers Association in 2009 and just resigned from a long jaunt as President. I teach classes about beginning beekeeping in the spring and fall here on my farm and teach a Jr Beekeeping class and camp here for home school families and in the schools as well.

BOOM!: Wildly Blessed is a

By the way, FarmHER is well, a female farmer ��

Ally and husband John

Ally's Family: L-R, BJ Robinson, Hoyt Ashley, Allysa Andrews Robinson, Lofton Tucker, Hayley Andrews, Laiken Elaine, Joseph Andrews, John Ashley Andrews and Ally

Ally's youngest Grand Blessing, John Henry 5th generation farmer!

Ally with baby May May in front of Giant Redwood, California

business you operate from your Andrews Double A Ranch in Eclectic, Alabama. Please tell us how Wildly Blessed got started and what products you offer? Where can our readers purchase your products?

Ally: I am Wildly Blessed on this earth to have learned how to wild forage for food, herbs, weeds, flowers, seeds, mushrooms, and so many things that God placed on this earth to use in my products and as medicine and things that can help heal and care for our bodies.

Wildly Blessed is a strong woman owned and operated business. Out of a desire to use the most natural products on my skin and in my body and the bodies of my family, I started getting back to my native American roots, learning from herbalists, going on herb walks, reading and researching, what the natural parts of the earth do to benefit our bodies. I started using products of my hive, wild foraged plants natural oils and butters to begin making, healing balms, tinctures, salves, syrups and more. It is a soul satisfying feeling to know how to keep healthy, sometimes heal and care for my own body from things right here in and around our farm. I make some of my own medicine, when needed, soaps,

deodorant, shampoo and use very little commercially made products. I currently take no medicine, have healthy skin, hair and am as natural as dirt.

I started gifting some of these products to my friends and family and they LOVED THEM and folks started encouraging me to make and sell them to others, I did and that’s how my business

name Wildly Blessed, LLC came to bee.

I am a certified Cottage Food home baker and ServSafe Food Handler, and my specialties are honey banana nut bread, honey divinity, honey fudge, wild foraged jams and jellies and some specialty seasonal items. I grind my own wheat berries for use and offer fresh ground flour for sale on the farm. I sell farm fresh freerange eggs, pollen, bee propolis tincture, natural vanilla and the aforementioned honeys.

Some of my products are elderberry mint lip balm, anti-itch salve, hot muscle rub, lotion bars, loofa sponge soaps, elderberry products, all natural bees wax food wraps, alpaca dryer balls, all natural insect repellent wipes, goats milk soaps and a few seasonal

items as well.

I have a new cute tiny shop/ store on my farm in Eclectic, where I infuse and conjure up my products. I sell at the City of Wetumpka Farmers Market on Thursdays May-August, and lots of craft shows and Pop-up vendor locations throughout the year. I would love for folks to follow my social media pages, on Facebook and Instagram where I share just a little bit as to who I am and what goes on in my Wildly Blessed world. Wildly Blessed products can be found in stores in Montgomery, Wetumpka, Eclectic, Auburn, Kent, Alex City, Millbrook, Prattville, Kowaliga, Red Hill, Dadeville, Redland, and I ship all over the world. I am currently working on revamping my website for better ease in online ordering.

BOOM!: Another business you operate from your ranch is “Ally’s Adventures”. Please tell us more about this business that features some of your favorite critters or “kids” as you like to call them, especially “May May”. How would you describe the purpose of Ally’s Adventures?

Ally: One of my favorite “jobs” is my Ally’s adventures and Petting Zoo. I started this as a business in October 2022, but have shared my critter “kids” for years as my children were involved in 4-H throughout their lives and critters were just a part of the farm to share. I incorporated my love for my farm critters, as I started sharing my love for them off the farm with others in way of

Saddle Therapy, Ally & her horse Scooter

Ally at her favorite North Carolina getaway spot on the Big Creek

Ally working out at Next Level Boot Camp Lake Martin

nursing homes, assisted living homes, schools, hospitals, churches, camps, homes.

I can share the Love of Jesus through this ministry. I offer many experiences, parties, corporate events, therapy visits, manger scenes, oh the joy, smiles, laughter, and love this brings to so many. I now know sharing the Love of Jesus with as many as I can with my critters is My Purpose in life.

My most precious gift is my May May, she has a large part of my heart and is very close to me. She is a one-yearold alpaca who was gifted to me by my alpaca breeder and friend because she knew I would share her with so many, I have and will continue to do so. I bottle raised her and she has seen more of the USA than most folks have, as she traveled on our trip across the country in the back seat of our truck when she was 2 weeks old. Spoiled much doesn’t even describe her and easy to say she loves me too.

Most of my petting zoo "kids" are miniature and several have been bottled raised also I have been gifted several and they all have names and know their keeper. I have miniature goats, mini jersey

cows and a mini horse, babydoll sheep, alpacas, exotic chickens, ducks, bunnies, hedgehog, leopard geckos, A UNICORN and I bring the honeybees too. It is a great experience that I love to share with ALL.

BOOM!: Allyson, you have shared that one of your favorite scriptures is Psalms 34:8, which reads, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Would you please tell us more why this scripture is important to you and your work?

Ally: Psalms 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Oh, the joy of those who take refuge in Him.” This scripture

resonates within me and is on my labels, trailers, signage, because I want people to know how good our GOD is and how blessed we are by Him and His love. He has created me to share His glory and joy to as many as I can, and that's why this is a beautiful verse to me!

BOOM!: How would you describe your purpose in life?

Ally: I have a dear friend that wrote the book The Purpose Puzzell, who challenged me last year to find my purpose in life. As I have described above my purpose is to share the love, joy, and happiness of Jesus with as many as I can through my critters, products and all aspects of my life!

BOOM!: What is it about living in the River Region that you like? What do we need more of?

Ally: I like living in the River Region because this area is my life. So many things to do and bee a part of. So close to the beach and mountains, two of my favorite places away from the farm. Another one of my blessings is being able to cohost Elmore County TV where I get to go monthly to eat and give my food reviews around our county. There are a lot of great eateries in our area that serve all folks in all walks and ages of life.

BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day of activity on the farm?

Ally: I absolutely love my saddle therapy, horseback riding, is very relaxing to me, I have been riding most of my life, and ride as often as I can on one of my favorite males in my life, Scooter, a

Critter Therapy with Ally's Adventures.

Family trip to the Turks & Caicos Islands with Ally's daddy

Ally with 2022 travel partners, Jimmy & Cammy Day along with Tippy, Abby and May May

perfect quarter horse. Scooter is one of my dearest friends this side of heaven. Also, I love sitting on my new porch in my quiet time, usually in the mornings while spending time in the word and talking to God, thanking him for all my blessings. As a 2018 Master Gardener I love plants! Native perennials are my favorite and I love having my hands and body in the soil, planting, pruning, working the soil, earthing, foraging, and forest bathing are so rewarding to me. Spending time outside, just sitting listening to the sounds of my farm and the world I am surrounded with, frogs hollering, sounds of summer and watching how things work well together is relaxing to me.

BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a mother and grandmother? What do your grandkids call you?

Ally: I also love spending time with my family!! One of my favorite ways to relax is with my family and friends, breaking bread together, swimming, and playing outside together. We make it a point to bee together as a family, usually on Sunday nights, Sunday Funday. I enjoy being outside and my grand Blessings all love the outdoors too. My brother and sister-in-law share their cabin on Lake Martin, and we always enjoy the lake activities, especially when my sister and brother-in-law visit from Houston.

I choose to not watch TV as it is distracting for me, so I have a lot of time outside. When my children were younger, involved in sports, 4-H and other community events I was always there to support them, I loved being part of their lives then and now, I am so very proud of them.

My grand blessings ages are 5, 3, 3 yrs and 9 months. I am AL or LAL to them and that is my favorite name! I love them to bee here and share all my experiences with them, on the farm, in the woods, foraging, picking, gathering. They will have every opportunity to learn how to live off the land we live on as well.

BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite getaway spot? Any travel dreams planned?

Ally: I love to travel and have the best farm sitter, my husband, who doesn't like to travel as much as I do. He tends to the farm and critters. He does cool projects to surprise me when I get home and I have come home to some amazing home improvements and additions to our farm.

My favorite get away spot is the mountains in North Carolina, where we have a cool, primitive horse camp right on the creek, no power, no phone service, very relaxing and a lot of nature. We try to visit at least two times a year, spring, and fall. My closest friends who are like family and my family are always up for a trip somewhere fun. Some of my favorite travel experiences are the yearly beach trips that we take as a family. I loved traveling with my parents before they went to Heaven, Mama in 2015 and Daddy in 2018. The two trips that are among my favorites are from 2016 when most of our family traveled to Turks &

Caicos. It was an amazing trip and one of the last big ones I was able to travel with my Daddy.

Last year I was blessed to travel 21 days through 21 states, 7,800 miles across our country and up to the top of it, out to California to see the most BEE-utiful trees I have ever seen, Giant Redwoods. The trip included my dear friends Jimmy and Cammy Day along with our English Shepherds Tippy and Abby and my May May. May May was only two weeks old and on a bottle, so of course she had to go along with us, as I was her Mama! We traveled across the country in our SMC horse trailer with living quarters. It was the trip of a lifetime! We saw so many cool things, met so many new folks at our camp sites just the way I love to travel! We had no schedule just a few points of interest we wanted to visit and did. We were sort of like a tumbling weed just blowing through the wind, stopping to rest and enjoy our beautiful country!

I have a grand trip I am planning for next year as we celebrate a BIG birthday for one our dearest friends this side of heaven, driving up through Canada to Alaska. Ireland is also on my radar.

BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed? How would you describe what it means to “age well”?

Ally: I believe to age well one must take care of one’s mind, body and soul. I wake up daily with a very thankful heart! I spend quiet time with my Heavenly Father first, spending time in his word and having a conversation with him, then I start my day. I eat well and stay hydrated, I love my YOGA tribe at Harmony Yoga and Wellness and my workouts at Next Level Boot Camp Lake Martin, both keep me in tuned to my body and help keep it strong. Stay active folks!

Ally with Bee Buddy and mentor, Lisa Reynes

Wildly Blessed Products

Wildly Blessed Products

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention, besides farm life?

Ally: I love to dance and do so as often as I can. I enjoy hunting in the fall and winter, I have harvested deer with my bow and my rifle and so enjoy being in the woods.

BOOM!: Many people, as they age, experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?

Ally: No matter your age, find your

purpose and live it! Live with memories not just dreams.

BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for Wildly Blessed and Ally’s Adventures? For Yourself?

Ally: Only God knows the challenges forth coming but with HE as my director I shall face them head on!

BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?

Ally: Inspirational, JOYFUL and Earthy.

Find Ally's Products by following her at Wildly Blessed Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, at wildlyblessed.store

We want to thank Ally for sharing some of her life's story with us this month. Ally is an advocate for all things naturally from Mother Earth and the critters she shares her homestead with. If you want to better understand her passion for nature and her critters or have questions reach out to her at 334.799.2254 or email at allyson.andrews@icloud.com . Her Andrews Double A Ranch is located in Eclectic, a short drive from anywhere in the River Region. We hope you’ll share Ally's story with friends and family, they’ll enjoy the reading experience. Thanks to DiAnna Paulk and her creative photography skills, she loved being around the special farm critters! If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text them to Jim Watson at 334.324.3472 or email jim@riverregionboom.com

Thanks for Reading BOOM!

By Greg Budell

YOUNG AT HEART? TAKE THE KID-DULT TEST!

Would you say you're still a "kid at heart"? If you answered “yes”, you’ve got plenty of company!

A recent poll asked people if they consider themselves a "KIDULT" (meaning someone who's still into the same stuff they loved as a child). 59% agreed they’re experiencing kidulthood on some level.

I feel sad for the 31% who’ve lost that connection.

Over half said they often buy themselves the stuff their parents wouldn't. The top three things we buy (that Mom and Dad wouldn’t) are video games, clothes, and junk food. To that, my first video game was also my last - the immortal PONG. Just not my thing. I do, however, remember the amazement that my TV could be used for something other than watching the Cubs lose.

Clothes? I have a closet full of nice stuff I’ll likely never wear again. I can afford whatever I want but rarely buy new stuff. I’m just not fooling myself. Should I ever slide into my black Calvin Kleins again, it won’t make me sexy at 60+++++. Those days are over. So, what’s the point?

Comfort over Calvin. Sweatpants and shorts over jeans. I had my day, and it was good. Sometimes grrrrrrrrrreat!

On junk food? Jerry Seinfeld, himself a full-fledged BOOMer, does a great standup on the joy of being an adult. “When I want a cookie, I’m having a cookie! I might have 3, 4 or 11 cookies and completely ruin my appetite. I might even call my mother and tell her, ‘Mom I intentionally ruined my appetite’. You see, when you kill an appetite it’s no big deal because another appetite will be coming along soon”.

to double-stuff them. I never take more than 2 at a time from the package. That’s maturity. Discipline! Sometimes I might make 4 or 5 trips to the pantry. That’s juvenile relapse!

Time to find out if YOU are a “Kid-dult”!

The survey had people rank the top signs you're still a kid at heart. Here are the Top 10 (let’s take the test together (my replies in parentheses).

1. You re-watch a lot of old movies or shows from your childhood. (Yes. When I was a kid, the Three Stooges on WGN cleared our street for half an hour after school. Call me boorish if you want but I still watch them and enjoy some of the great double- entenders that flew over my head all those years ago. I Stooge-out on a Saturday afternoon, often with 11 double-stuff Oreos.)

Simple brilliance. I ate Oreos as a kid, and still enjoy them as a “kid-dult”. They’re even better now as scientific breakthroughs have discovered a way

2. You still watch cartoons. (Yes. I don’t watch vulgar crap like South Park. I remain devoted to the glorious Loony Tune classics with Bugs Bunny and

ALL ABOARD THE FLYING FOX

"A true story from the Greg files"

Three Stooges, One of Greg's Favorites, Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk! GREG EMBRACES "KID-DULTHOOD

Bugs Bunny & Company, Every Boomer's Favorite Cartoons!

Company- each frame hand painted, with clever and detailed scenes, all orchestra scored.)

3. You're frequently nostalgic for old toys or products from when you were a kid. (Yes. In my garage you’ll find a bucket of whiffle balls and some highquality bats. As a kid, I understood Pops couldn’t buy the premium stuff. I can afford them now, and you’ll find me playing Home Run Derby, by myself, using the roof of our house as the outfield wall. I’ve ridden my bike about 2500 miles the last couple years, too!)

4. You quote movies and shows from when you were young. (Yes, if the Stooges count? Nyuk nyuk nyuk!)

5. You've found yourself googling old toys or products from your youth. (I loved aviation related toys and during a discussion on toys during my radio show, I recalled one of my favoritesThe Flying Fox. When I searched and found pictures, I actually had tears. The Flying Fox was a 4-prop plane on a pedestal, with separate controls for each “engine”. It went through a ton of batteries but it engaged the imagination).

6. You still wear clothes that would have been in style back then, or T-shirts with nostalgic references. (No. Nothing against it. I have saved some radio station gear but nothing that connects to childhood.)

7. You still have your old video games. (Ha. As AMAZING as Pong was in ’76, I didn’t save it)

8. You display at least one childhood toy in your home or office. (I’ve been told the only childhood souvenir in the radio studio is my behavior. I admit to laughing at naughty jokes. Sometimes I

get into an animated state, “loony tunes you might say- that would make Bugs Bunny proud. Later in childhood I discovered there was something really exciting about attractive women. I confess to being a random ogler. Hey! Women are boss, baby! If you’re reading BOOM you should know the context of ‘boss’.

9. You'd rather stay in and play board games than go out to eat or hit a bar. (Yes. Absolutely. A bar with 1000 happinessseeking people is the loneliest place on earth.)

10. You've bought your kids at least one toy you had as a child. (Yes yes yes! Whiffle ball bat. Monopoly. Last Christmas I had a 500-piece puzzle made from one of my daughter’s favorite pictures with her dog, Bella- and Janelle texted me a photo of it, completed.)

Clearly, I have embraced my "Kidulthood”. BOOMers- we can’t forget how to have fun. Connecting with childhood fun is like going full circle.

I am, however, in no hurry to close that circle!

(Share your thoughts on your "Kidulthood" experiences or if you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com It's always fun to hear from BOOM! readers.)

Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dog, Brisco. He's been in radio since 1970, and has marked 17 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas and Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday - Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick, Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com

www.RiverRegionBoom.com

GREG'S FAVORITE PASTIME PREMIUM WHIFFLE BALLS & BAT

Putting Your Estate in Order

When is the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you have a will?

According to a recent survey by the ¹Harris Poll, 64% of Americans do not have a will. Why? The most common reason mentioned was that “they hadn’t gotten around to it yet.” If you have a will, when is the last time you reviewed it? Due to estate law changes in the last five years, there is a good possibility that a will that was drafted more than five years ago needs to be revised.

In addition, when is the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations in your 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies and annuities? One of the most common estate planning mistakes is not making sure that beneficiary designations are in order. Many people believe that the will governs everything about their estate and don’t worry about regularly reviewing their various beneficiary designations. In fact, if your beneficiary designations differ from what is expressed in your will, the beneficiary designations specified in your retirement plans or insurance policies will trump the will.

Every August, Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management in Montgomery, conducts a free estate planning workshop in a Webinar format. The workshop covers a number of issues, including a review of the various legal documents involved in estate planning such as wills, durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, revocable and irrevocable trusts. Beneficiary designations are a great tool, properly used, in estate planning.

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

Management, Inc. at 12 p.m. Please call 334.270.1672, or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com, for more information and reservations.

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D. Principal of

They are flexible and can be changed without having to re-do legal documents to reflect family changes such as births, deaths and divorces. The workshop covers how to use these beneficiary designations properly, including primary and contingent beneficiaries and per capita or per stirpes distributions.

In addition, the Webinar offers attendees a template of how to conduct a family meeting at which you communicate to your family and heirs your plans and intentions around the distribution of your assets. A vital part of this meeting is to define the roles and responsibilities of your various heirs as well as general instructions, including the location of key documents, burial wishes and intentions for tangible personal property.

These methods will be covered in a Webinar format on Wednesday, August 23rd by Susan Moore of Moore Wealth

Free Estate Planning Workshop Webinar August

We conduct a variety of workshops and seminars at MWM. The mission statement of MWM is very simple: “and then some.” We attempt to do what is expected, what is required “and then some”. The Putting Your Estate in Order workshop is part of our monthly “and then some” workshops. In addition, MWM conducts daily current events market updates that attempt to explain what is going on in the financial world. If you would like to be on the mailing list or receive email notifications of upcoming webinars, please call 334.270.1672.

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices in Auburn, Montgomery, and Alexander City, AL. Susan has under advisement over $170 million (as of 1.21.2022) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner over 40 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement.com

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney or tax advisor regarding your individual situation.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Kestra IS or Kestra AS are not affiliated with Moore Wealth Management, Inc. https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

¹https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/ personalfinance/2015/07/11/estate-plan-will/71270548/

The workshop covers a number of issues, including a review of the various legal documents involved in estate planning such as wills, durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, revocable and irrevocable trusts. Beneficiary designations are a great tool, properly used, in estate planning.

Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

“Put Lavender Oil on That”

Apparently, this will be on my epitaph, according to my stepdaughter. Primarily because since she (temporarily) moved in with us in June, every time she asks me what to do about one skin issue or another, my answer 9 times out of 10 is “Put Lavender Oil on that.”

Now this is partially due to the season –summer heat, heat rashes, insect bites, sunburn – all issues common at this time of year and all respond EXTREMELY well to an application of lavender oil. Preferably diluted, but in an acute instance – bee sting for example, putting it on neat (undiluted) is fine too.

Example one – my stepdaughter had taken her dog to a nearby beach for the day and not used insect repellant. As a result, in the evening she was just scratching herself all over, looking quite honestly like she had fleas!! It was that bad. I gave her a lavender infused lotion bar which she applied straightaway and instantly the scratching stopped. It was quite simply quite miraculous. (She asked me if she could keep the bar, so she was obviously impressed ��)

Example two – while moving some fallen branches from the roadside, she got some grazing on her forearms from the bark. Aloe vera gel plus lavender oil gives a cooling while soothing sensation and also helps to heal the skin faster. Now keen to try whatever I recommended after her first experience; she applies this one time and didn’t need it again. No more irritation, no further signs of the graze after just a couple of days.

Example three – a large swollen bite on her thigh. We don’t know what stung or bit her, but the lump was a couple of inches across, red, swollen and very itchy.

Classified as an acute case, we applied neat lavender oil to the site, which gave instant itch relief. A couple more applications through the evening and the swelling was gone. By the next morning it was like nothing had ever been there.

Example four – this was actually me –while investigating our honey supplies in the beehives, I managed to extremely irritate one hive in particular (long story, but in brief, I had to reorganize their home, which they weren’t too happy about,) and they stung me right through my jeans into the muscle on my thigh. I knew from previous experience with this that this can be extremely painful, I think because it’s right in the muscle, so as soon as I could get the hive back together, I went inside and poured neat lavender oil over the entire area. This did help eliminate the pain of the stings, but there was quite bad bruising later so I should remember next time to also add arnica to prevent that. Always think of prevention rather than cure though, when possible, so I just ordered a pair of bee keeping pants to go over my jeans. Hopefully that additional layer will protect my legs from

stings here on in, albeit really, really hot!

When purchasing lavender oil you should be aware that there are different types of lavender out there and they all have different therapeutic properties. As a general rule, look for the Latin Name - Lavandula angustifolia – and you won’t go far wrong. If the bottle doesn’t show a Latin name at all, do not buy it, and if it’s a different name, then do not expect it to work in exactly the same way (it may or it may not have similar properties and without comparing a GC/ MS report you won’t know that.)

You can purchase on my site https://bit.ly/3Jr7iKE

This lavender is grown on Neal’s Yard’s Eco-farm in southern England, and everything is harvested, essential oils extracted and bottled right there on the farm. Beautiful cobalt blue glass that is also recycled into glass bricks and used on the farm itself. Neals Yard has been around for 35 years now and was one of the very first to use essential oils in skincare. I personally have used their products for over 25 years and cannot praise them enough. They are also still a privately owned company, which in this day and age is pretty rare. SO if you’d like to support them and me at the same time, please click on the link above and enjoy.

email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com I web: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla I www. LogHouseAromatics.com

Tracy Bhalla, independent consultant with NYR Organics and founder of LogHouseAromatics.com; after 25 years of using homeopathic remedies, it was time to take charge and complete my Aromatherapy Certification, which I achieved April 2020 and since founded LogHouseAromatics.com as a source for useful essential oil and general natural health information and a place to purchase certain products. email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com I am here to answer any questions you may have.