BOOM! December 2021 by Boomer Communities

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

All Smiles: Rejuvenating the Perioral Region

As mask mandates loosen and ZOOM calls become more commonplace, more attention is being placed on the area that lies beneath the mask—the smile. So too the Holiday Season has officially begun, meaning that more close interactions with family, friends, and loved ones will be had. That said, this month’s article will focus on how to reverse the signs of aging around the mouth using a variety of non-surgical and surgical modalities befitting any budget or aesthetic. As they say, “nothing you wear is more important than your smile.”

Lines and Wrinkles: Injectables, microneedling, chemical peels Over time, fine lines and wrinkles manifest around the mouth due to the constant use of the underlying lip muscles as well as other factors, namely sun and weather exposure. That said, a great way to correct these troublesome perioral wrinkles includes the use of small amounts of botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox) or precisely placed dermal fillers (e.g., Juvederm) to decrease muscle activity and to fill in fines lines. Additionally, one may consider a series of in-office chemical peels, microneedling sessions, or microdermabrasion (i.e., DiamondGlow) with the goal of improving skin texture and tone. Lastly, don’t forget the importance of a daily skincare, with key anti-aging ingredients to include antioxidants (Vitamin C/E), Retinol/ tretinoin (Vitamin A), and sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater). Remember that with any skincare, daily use is key! Lip shape/volume: Filler, Botox Lip Flip, Surgical Lip Lift A healthy lip displays appropriate volume, height, lip pout, and well-defined borders (i.e., cupid’s bow and philtral columns). The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

One of the best ways to recreate this youthful lip appearance is with dermal filler, a non-surgical in-office procedure associated with minimal discomfort, virtually no downtime, modest cost (average $750 per session), moderate durability (~12 months), and a high safety profile. A “lip flip” represents using botulinum toxin to relax the superficial muscles around the mouth and thus promote more lip pout and vertical lip height. For most patients, anywhere from 8-10 units of Botox is recommended, with results lasting 3-5 months.

For those patients interested in a more durable alternative to filler and Botox, you may consider undergoing a surgical “lip lift” wherein a small amount of skin under your nose is removed to decrease the length of your upper lip skin. This quick, in-office procedure is performed under local anesthesia (numbing injections) and represents a great way to create a more youthful but natural appearance to the upper lip, oftentimes negating the need for future lip filler. Moreover, the surgical lip lift has minimal downtime (1 week), high safety profile, and long-lasting results. Downturned corner of the mouth: Injectables Injectables such as Botox and filler can also be used to treat a downturned corner of the mouth. In short, adding support to the outer aspects of the mouth

and relaxing downward-pulling muscles converts the resting appearance of the face from a frown to a more neutral and approachable look. The change is subtle but effective.

“Gummy smile”: Botulinum toxin Excessive gingival show represents a relatively common smile characteristic and affects up to 10% of the population. For those bothered by their “gummy smile,” a small amount of Botox targeted to the upper lip retractors can help soften this aspect of the smile. Normally, only 10 units are required for maximal effect. How can I learn more? If you are interested in learning more about mouth/smile rejuvenation, I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation procedures. This will ensure that you receive a comprehensive, nonbiased assessment and treatment plan. As a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon, I always encourage patients to understand the treatments available to them before deciding on their plan of action, as frequently, a combined modality (surgical and non-surgical) represents the best option. Lastly, and as always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor. In Good Health, Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

128 Mitylene Park Ln. Montgomery, AL 36117

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

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

Contents

December 2021

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Volume 12 Issue 6

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

C.S. Lewis

Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration

Humor Advice Health Community

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Carl Bard

4 Vivian O'Nay Men's Gift Guide 9 Rejuvenating the Perioral Region: Dr. Blake Raggio 14 Publisher's Column 18 MANE’s “Raise the Roof” Seafood Celebration page 26

20 Memories of Christmas Toys Past-Nick Thomas

Merry Christmas! Features 26 Strategies for Purposeful Engagement with Dementia

34 Hospital at Home Future of Health Care in Your Living Room

36 Tips for Dealing With Messy Family Holidays

25 Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath

40 Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier: Downton Abbey Mania

Departments 42 This and That A variety of TIDBITS

56 Greg Budell I AM CLARK GRISWOLD

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28 Cloverdale Playhouse Our 11th Season 29 American Founders: How People of African Descent Established Freedom 30 Charitable Distributions from Your IRA with Susan Moore 32 AUM OLLI 2022

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38 A Beginner's Guide Orchids By Charlene Beach 39 Master Gardener Classes 48 Grandkid's Gifts page 50

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50 BOOM! Cover Profile 54 Trips to Take in 2022 55 BOOM! Reader's Discounts 58 Using Essential Oils for Cold and Flu season-Tracy Bhalla

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61 How Learning a New Language Boosts Cognitive Health

BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 6203, Montgomery, AL 36106. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2021 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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Publisher’s Letter

Merry Christmas!

This is it! After all that has been said back and forth, the hate speech, the disrespect, name calling and on and on and on we have finally reached that time in our year and hopefully lives where we can proclaim “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men”. This reference is in the Gospel of Luke when he shares his narrative of Jesus’ birth. Yes, it’s a moment in history that changed the world forever and as a Christian I celebrate this moment with a renewed heart for peace on earth and goodwill to men. Merry Christmas!

The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.

Publisher/Editor Jim Watson 334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers Beth Baker Cindy Barganier Jeff Barganier Charlene Beach Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell

Cassandra Crosby Judy Gerstel Barb Howe Ashley Krollenbrock Susan Moore Dr. Blake Raggio Nick Thomas

Cover Photography Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com

Advertising

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com

This month’s issue has much to read and enjoy, beginning with our cove profile, Cassandra Crosby. Cassandra is an entrepreneur who focuses on staging and redesign for property owners of many needs. She also understands government relations and what it takes to improve the laws for the benefit municipalities and those of us who live in them. Most importantly, Cassandra’s got attitude about how to embrace life with purpose, whether in community service or her unique style, she’s motivated to make a difference. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know her, I certainly did! Guess who claims to be Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, our very own Greg Budell. Yes, he gets Christmas in a big way thanks to his daughter occupying a big place in his heart. As usual, Greg has special take on the movie and his relationship with Christmas. There’s plenty more ideas on this month’s pages, Hospital at Home, Brain Medicine (learning a new language), Jeff Bargainer’s experience with a Downton Abbey exhibit in Georgia, Gift ideas for the grandkids, how to deal with a messy family relationship during the holidays, book giveaway, trip ideas for you to consider in 2022…There’s more good reads so please take a few minutes and enjoy the experience, it was created for you. This month’s issue is a little bigger because we had some new advertisers join the BOOM! Community, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be their Marketing Partners as we are with all of our advertisers. I want to encourage every BOOM! reader who spends money to consider each of our advertisers and their services. They support the aging well BOOM! community and we want to return the love. Thanks to all of our readers and your feedback. I appreciate the many kind words about BOOM! and the difference we’re making to the 50+ community in the River Region. We’re looking forward to making a contribution to the art of aging well again next year. Until then remember, “Peace on earth, Goodwill to Men”

Jim

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MANE’s “Raise the Roof” Seafood Celebration More Fun Than EVER! Well over 300 River Region citizens Wilson and Heather King, who collected Richard and Kay Keeshan, Coleen and Warren gathered to show support for the area’s tickets and donations. Walhaug, Brendan and Kadra Parkman and premier therapeutic riding facility known Chris Betzler. as Montgomery Area Nontraditional Through the double doors and just beyond Equestrians or “MANE”. the Kiwanis Korral After meeting MANE’s horses, guests headed The 12th annual “Raise is The Kiwanis to the Poarch Creek Arena, where Wintzell’s the Roof” Seafood Care Korner. The Oyster House was preparing a fresh feast. Celebration took place “Korner” is the The feast included an array of grilled and fried on Thursday, October horse washing/ oysters, fish, chicken, and shrimp. Wintzell’s 21st. MANE uses equinegrooming area, Oyster House also served their famous related activities to serve tack room, and sides such as coleslaw, cheese grits, and area children and adults feed storage room scrumptious bread pudding. At an ice-filled including veterans, designed to ensure food station, Wintzell’s well-trained culinary who have physical, the health and brigade shucked raw oysters, harvested from cognitive, emotional, safety of MANE’s the Gulf earlier in the day. and developmental horses as well as disabilities, as well as to teach students Volunteer photographer Katie Haygood at-risk youth. A fabulous about equine care. captured images of the festive evening. seafood buffet, freshly MANE supporter MANE volunteers are the backbone of prepared in MANE’s Kim Alford and this program, working countless hours Poarch Creek Arena, was MANE 4H Horse throughout the year and in preparation of provided by Wintzell’s Club members events. Volunteers of all ages and skills are Oyster House. Baptist Georgia Cauthen, needed to assist riders, help maintain the Health, MAX Credit MANE Board Member Susie Wilson and Hyundai’s Krista Hawkins Raley Parkman, facility, and work with horses, either on a share their love for horses and MANE! Union, and Spire Energy Audrey McWhorter, weekly basis for classes. Community leaders, sponsored the event. Reese Parker, Galyn von Gal, MacKenzie retired citizens, and students donate many Nelson, Emma Sherwood and Annie Buce hours and immeasurable knowledge and The large sensory integration trail (SIT) has introduced MANE’s extraordinary equine encouragement to program participants 10 carefully designed stations featuring partners as attendees reached the 17-stall, each year. MANE’s equine-related activities activities that integrate the rider’s sensory handicapped can produce improved input via sight, smell, hearing, and touch. accessible stable mobility, balance, posture, The SIT provides opportunities to enhance area. MANE coordination, language gravitational security, balance, grasp/ Instructor development, motivation, release, and proprioceptive input while they Brittany Queiroz independence, selfengage in therapeutic horseback riding. For and instructor discipline, concentration, example, the giant tic-tac-toe game station in training Emily and life-skill competencies. was designed to challenge MANE riders’ Buce conversed These benefits are derived cognitive ability to organize successful and with guests from the transfer of appropriate responses to sensory input, about student movement from horse to while remaining mounted on their equine scholarships for rider as well as from the partner. The double figure eight shaped trail special needs opportunities for social of crushed limestone aggregate encompasses and at-risk youth. MANE Board Member Sandra Stenger Branch and her husband Keith interaction, education, Branch celebrate at Raise the Roof! Photo by Katie Hagood a beautiful memorial garden, the Rotary recreation, and therapy. Pat and Cyndi Crockett, Kathi Claybrook, Ashley Club covered arena, and an area filled with Longshore, Coleen & Warren Walhaug, Double colorful flexible noodles suspended in air. For more information about MANE, please “B” Ranch, Julie Beasley, Jud & Martha Blount, On the way to the party, guests passed by visit MANE’s website at www.maneweb. Ken Furman, Andra Graydon, Montgomery MANE’s smaller, shaded sensory trail, which org. To volunteer, please call 334-213-0909 Co. Farmer’s Federation, Ronald and Jennie afford riders other interactive, learning or email jess@maneweb.org . For program Botterbosch, Richard and Kay Keeshan, Spencer experiences and was developed by Church information, please email abby@maneweb. and Cindy Longshore, Joan Forst, Janet Treat, of the Highlands volunteers. Students and org . Donations can be sent to: MANE, 3699 James Sloane, Gabe Krause, Brent Krause, faculty from Alabama Christian Academy Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL 36064. Maggie Thompson, Brelinda Webster, Huck, recently refreshed sensory trail stations and MANE holds a 501C3 corporation status and Hamp & John Charles Howell, Joey and Carrie landscape. its instructors are certified through PATH Intl., Guests were greeted at the front door to the facility by MANE’s director Tiffany Atkinson, MANE Associate Director Abby Houchin and MANE Volunteer Coordinator Jessica von Gal alongside MANE Board Members Susie

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Cauthen collectively sponsored all of MANE’s equine partners for the coming year. Community contributors to MANE and the MANE class scholarship program include Paul and Lauren Hutcheson, Robert and Melissa Eubanks, William Martin, Ronald and Jennifer Creel,

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a regulatory agency that assures stringent standards for quality therapeutic horseback riding through instructor certification, site accreditation and program monitoring.

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Jest a Moment

By Nick Thomas

Memories of Christmas Toys Past

Favorite toys probably top the list of fond childhood Christmas memories for many adults. What were yours? Some of my favorites are listed below:

Chemistry Set: Got mine at the age of 10 and it inspired me to get a Ph.D. in chemistry some two decades later. Sure, I performed some incredibly dangerous experiments, once ending up in hospital as a teenager, but burning a hole in your shoe (and, subsequently, foot) with molten zinc built character.

Bubble Solution: I blew my first bubbles one joyous Christmas around the age 7. You’ve got to applaud the guy who came up with this idea. “Hey, I know,” he said to himself one day. “I’ll put soapy water in a bottle and sell it to kids.” Genius.

Gumby: While I generally took care of my toys, only one bendable green Gumby figure made it to adulthood (mine and his), the others falling victim to fiendish experimentation from a curious kid armed with a chemistry set. In one illconceived experiment, I attempted to create a ‘silver’ Gumby by dipping in the aforementioned molten metal, only to discover that rubber toys (and shoes) did not survive at 787 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hula Hoop: My favorite trick was flicking the hoop along the ground with a backspin causing it to roll back towards me. But I never developed any interest in its traditional use. Watching friends frantically wrenching their necks and backs to twirl the hoop around their spines merely convinced me these

colorful rings of plastic were invented by a chiropractor. Pogo Stick: While kids today must dress like gladiators in protective gear before engaging in physical activities with some outdoor toys, we bounded unprotected over rock-hard concrete for hours on these spring-loaded metal sticks, blissfully unaware we were potentially just one bounce away from a trip to the ER.

Mouse Trap: This board game involved assembling some 2-dozen mostly plastic pieces which, when perfectly aligned, would set in motion a chain-reaction to trap an opponent’s game piece. Delightful when it worked but infuriating when the mechanism malfunctioned. I still have mine from the 60s with all pieces intact – rather amazing considering threats of adjusting the unreliable mechanism with a hammer were not uncommon amongst frustrated young players. Tin toys: First made in the mid-1800s, these colorfully painted metal figures and vehicles fell out of favor after the emergence of cheap plastic toys. My favorite, a Northwest Airlines DC-7C from the 60s, still works and always delighted my mother, too, who had been an air hostess on similar prop aircraft a decade earlier (see photo and/or video: https://youtu.be/kJVOS0fFR8o). It’s no surprise, therefore, that favorite old toys can evoke distant but fond memories of family Christmases past. Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See www.getnickt.org.

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SOCKBALL IS BACK!

Saturday December 11, 7PM Enjoy the Annual Christmas Classic even more by helping the homeless. Sponsored by the Old Cloverdale Association. The Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with the Capri Theatre for the return of Sockball fight! Please bring a pair of clean, unused socks and join in our Sockball Fight before the show. All the socks will be collected by MACH and given to the homeless in the Montgomery area. The story line hasn't changed remember... George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born...Enjoy the show!

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Jackson Wellness Center Now Open in East Montgomery The Jackson Wellness Center is now open at 7150 Halcyon Park Drive in Montgomery and is located in the former Metro Fitness facility. The Jackson Wellness Center is a 17,000 squarefoot, state-ofthe-art medical fitness facility, offering a variety Scan QR to Learn More of weight training equipment, multipurpose activity rooms for classes, and a raised walking track, all within a pleasant and comfortable environment. The wellness center also offers massage appointments to better support members in every aspect of their fitness journey. The wellness center provides adults of varying fitness levels a method of achieving optimal health through individualized fitness programs, personal training, and tailored fitness plans designed to the fitness goal prescribed by their Jackson Hospital and Clinic provider. The Jackson Wellness Center also staffs degreed health and fitness instructors, certified and degreed personal trainers, licensed massage therapists, clinical exercise physiologists, administrative staff, member service representatives, and dedicated volunteers. Membership plans start at $65 a month and include cardio and strength training equipment, access to all group classes, an indoor walking track, sauna and steam room, 3D body scanner, wellness coaching and counseling, education classes, health and fitness tracking tools, and more. Visit www.jacksonwellnessmgm.com or call 334-440-3330 to learn more about membership options and other amenities.

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Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath

Warm, soft, pillowy bread bites smothered in garlicky, buttery heavenly goodness. An absolute crowd-pleaser! This Christmas, you’ll find me by the tree eating ALL the pull apart bread. And since this comes together in a pinch using pizza dough, I’ll be making this all year long. Christmas bread wreaths totally work in January, right? Ingredients: I 1 1/2 pounds pizza dough, homemade or store-bought I 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted I 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves I 3 cloves garlic, minced I 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt I 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan I 1 cup marinara sauce Directions: 1) Let dough stand at room temperature for 30 minutes up to 1 hour. 2) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3) Lightly oil the outside of a 6-ounce ramekin or coat with nonstick spray and place in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Fill with water. 4) Using a digital scale, cut dough into 1-ounce pieces, yielding 22-24 total pieces, pressing each piece into a disk, then shaping into a ball. 5) In a small bowl, combine butter, parsley, garlic and salt. 6) Place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet in a circular pattern around the ramekin. Brush tops with butter mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan. 7) Place into oven and bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Working carefully, remove ramekin and discard water. Fill with marinara and return to the center of the baking sheet; brush tops with remaining butter mixture. 8) Serve immediately. Source: www.damndelicious.net

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By Ashley Krollenbrock

Strategies for Purposeful Engagement for Loved Ones with Dementia instead of constantly saying no. Behavior is communication, so we need to ask ourselves, “What is the person saying?” Dr. Gholizadeh shared steps caregivers can take to provide person-centered care.

If a loved one has dementia, finding meaningful ways to engage with them allows you to maintain a relationship and will help your loved one as their dementia progresses. It can be difficult to know how to engage, because dementia presents differently in everyone. Alzheimer’s is the most well-known form of dementia, but other forms, such as vascular dementia, are also common.

Practical Steps for Caregivers

Dementia is not a typical part of aging. In order for cognitive changes to constitute a dementia diagnosis, it must be severe enough to impact the ability to live independently. Dementia symptoms depend on the part of the brain impacted. For example, frontotemporal dementia causes a lot of behavior and personality changes. Dr. Shadi Gholizadeh, a Memory Care expert shared practical ways that caregivers can keep their loved ones fully engaged and supported. Understanding Dementia People with dementia experience anosognosia, which means they have a lack of insight into their condition. This means that “people with dementia believe that everything is okay and normal. This is different from denial.” To provide effective care, Dr. Gholizadeh says that caregivers “want to enter into that person’s reality.” Correcting someone with dementia can cause frustration. Try out the validation theory technique as a way to convey empathy for your loved one with dementia and improve quality of life for both you and them. It’s also important to realize that someone can be different from day to day, or even hour to hour. Take the time each day to

understand your loved one’s beliefs and mindset, so you can tailor your care. One of Dr. Gholizadeh’s goals as Director of Memory Care is to teach caregivers to try different things, and, if they don’t work, to try again on a different day, at a different time of day, or in different settings. Person-Centered Care Early in our conversation, Dr. Gholizadeh shared a common refrain in dementia care: “If you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia.” Everyone experiences dementia differently. Dr. Gholizadeh said that, when it comes to care planning, “it is difficult to have a roadmap, because biology also meets social support, personality, and cultural background.” When someone is diagnosed with dementia, “for some there can be a significant grief cycle, while others can appear unbothered.” This makes it important to focus on personcentered care. When we think about dementia, we often think about symptoms and challenging behaviors, such as wandering. There has been a recent shift to reframing challenging behaviors and using person-centered language. For example, wandering is exploring. “If we reframe our approach to a stance of curiosity, we can support wandering,” and go on walks

Know the Person Style your care to be specific to the person you’re supporting, based on what they would appreciate, and where they are in their dementia journey. For example, you might want to frame a caregiver as a personal assistant or an activity director. “It’s important to know a person’s background, what their values are, and what is important to them.” Ask yourself: What are the routines they’ve always had? If they’ve always cooked, incorporate that into their day, and realize that they may not want someone cooking for them. Adapt activities that are important to the person, instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Encourage a Sense of Purpose When you’re supporting someone with dementia, “don’t take away their sense of purpose. Choose activities that are in line with what a person values.” For example, if you play music, play songs that someone used to listen to when they were younger. Dr. Gholizadeh says you want to “optimize the odds that a person will be open to dementia care,” and the best way to do this is to make activities meaningful. For example, “if someone used to be a teacher, frame the care so that the person is in a teacher role because that gives them a sense of purpose.” A former teacher might not want to play a language game, but may be excited to engage with the same activity if it involves teaching someone else.

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Consider the Environment Sometimes a person with dementia will respond well to an activity on one day, but not on another day. Instead of feeling discouraged, Dr. Gholizadeh encourages caregivers to ask themselves, “How are things different today, and how are they impacting behavior?” Subtle things that we may not notice, such as background noises, temperature changes, and room brightness can have a profound impact on someone with dementia. If you learn to take notice of the environment, you’ll learn how to set your loved one up for success. Focus on Engagement Caregivers often feel pressured to organize formal activities for cognitive engagement. This isn’t always necessary. “You can make cooking or folding laundry into engagement.” Also, move away from rigid ideas about the correct way to do activities. “People with dementia are often tired of being told they’re wrong,” so they may withdraw if they feel pressured to engage in an activity that is difficult or tiring. Create an environment that has rest time. You want to strike a balance between under- and overstimulation. Everybody needs time to relax. You don’t have to feel guilty if your loved one spends some time watching TV, especially if they have opportunities for more active engagement throughout the day. Be Flexible and Curious Dr. Gholizadeh shared one of the most important questions in dementia care: “How do we help a person’s world not feel so small?” As a caregiver, empower yourself to be curious and experiment. “Try new things, and you can apologize if they don’t work. If you don’t try, the person’s world will be smaller than it has to be.” Let go of your fear of failure. Activities don’t always have to be formal and can simply be incorporating someone in the day-to-day rhythms of life. Focus less on outcomes and preconceived goals. Some days will be better than others and removing expectations will let you focus on the bigger picture.

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Cloverdale Playhouse Our 11th Season ~A Year of Transformation and New Beginnings~

As the global pandemic shifted the world on its axis, theatres shuttered their doors (some, never to reopen). The lucky ones that were able to navigate the everchanging, ever-frightening waters of the times realized very quickly that the way we create would need to change. We were not able to make art in the same collaborative, connective way we did before, communing together in a shared space. So, we adapted. We were challenged in new ways. We transformed. Now, as we move forward, we must change again. In the wake of the difficulties of empty seats and quiet stages for far too long, we must begin anew with different ideas and ways of creating. We must listen to new voices. We must work together to shine our beams in every shadowed, unexplored corner, to grow and expand, and to “add our light to the sum of the light.” The 11th season of your Cloverdale Playhouse will explore stories about transformation and new beginnings. We relish a blank page, and we look forward to writing this next chapter of our journey. In a world going through an intense period of metamorphosis, we invite you to join us for a year of growth and change, hope and possibility, with inclusivity and community. Visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

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American Founders: How People of African Descent Established Freedom in the New World American Founders reveals men and women of African descent as key protagonists in the story of American democracy. It chronicles how black people developed and defended New World settlements, undermined slavery, and championed freedom throughout the hemisphere from the sixteenth thorough the twentieth centuries. While conventional history tends to reduce the roles of African Americans to antebellum slavery and the civil rights movement, in reality African residents preceded

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the English by a century and arrived in the Americas in numbers that far exceeded European migrants up until 1820. Afro-Americans were omnipresent in the founding and advancement of the Americas, and recurrently outnumbered Europeans at many times and places, from colonial Peru to antebellum Virginia. Africandescended people contributed to every facet of American history as explorers, conquistadores, settlers, soldiers, sailors, servants,

slaves, rebels, leaders, lawyers, litigants, laborers, artisans, artists, activists, translators, teachers, doctors, nurses, inventors, investors, merchants, mathematicians, scientists, scholars, engineers, entrepreneurs, generals, cowboys, pirates, professors, politicians, priests, poets, and presidents. The many events and mixed-race individuals included in this book underscore that black and white Americans share the same history and, in many cases, the same ancestry. American Founders is meant to celebrate this shared heritage and strengthen these bonds. www.newsouthbooks.com

WIN THIS BOOK Text "I Love to History" to 334.324.3472 then you'll be entered to win a copy of “American Founders”

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December 2021

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How To Make Charitable Distributions from Your IRA

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a tax-favored way to make charitable gifts from your IRA while gaining tax benefits that might not otherwise be available. If you are making charitable gifts without using your IRA, your gift will probably receive no tax benefit. This is because most people no longer itemize their deductions, so any tax deduction is lost. Instead they take the larger standard deduction (plus the extra standard deduction for those age 65 or over or blind). Even if you do itemize deductions, the QCD still provides a better tax benefit. IRA owners and IRA beneficiaries who are 70 ½ or older may transfer money directly from their IRA to a qualified charity and avoid any taxation on the distribution from their IRA. By doing this they avoid taxation on the distribution but do not receive a deduction for the gift. The SECURE Act raised the age to take RMDs to 72 years, but the QCD eligible age stayed at 70 1/2. The maximum gift that can be made is $100,000 per person per year. In years in which RMDs are mandatory, many individuals find it attractive to gift part or all the RMD requirement to their favorite charity, thereby avoiding tax on the RMD. QCDs have the effect of lowering your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), so they have the added benefit of perhaps lowering

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December 2021

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.

Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

additional taxes on Social Security, Medicare surcharges and increased tax deductions, credits or other benefits that can result from a lower AGI. There are some detailed specific rules for a gift to qualify as a QCD, so make sure that you consult your financial or tax advisor prior to making the gift to make sure that it qualifies. There is also another littleknown provision in the CARES Act that affects charitable giving. The CARES Act allows a special charitable deduction for cash gifts of up to $300 for 2021. This is available even for non-itemizers. With the Pandemic, charities are hurting in 2021. As we approach the holiday season, please be as generous as you can.

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Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager with Moore Wealth Management, Inc., which has offices in Montgomery, Alexander City and Auburn. Susan has under advisement over $170 million (as of 3.31.2021) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial advisor and wealth manager for over 38 years. She is an Ed Slott Elite IRA advisor.1 1Ed Slott and Company is the nation’s leading source of accurate, timely IRA expertise and analysis to financial advisors, institutions, consumers, and media across the country. Ed Slott and Company neither sells nor endorses any financial product. Members of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM train with Ed Slott and his team of IRA Experts on a continual basis. These advisors passed a background check, complete requisite training, attend semi-annual workshops, webinars, and complete mandatory exams. They are immediately notified of changes to the tax codes and updates on retirement planning, so they can help you be sure your retirement dollars are safe from unnecessary taxes and fees. Additionally, members have access to Ed Slott and Company, America’s IRA Experts, to answer any tough questions or planning needs. 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

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December 2021

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AUM OLLI Is Preparing for 2022 AUM OLLI returned to in-person classes for the Fall 2021 Term. There were fewer classes, and enrollments were kept small for social distancing, but members were enthusiastic about the return. Having people back in the classrooms allowed for the return of hands-on classes, with four options offered. Based on the success of the limited fall schedule, plans are well underway for Winter Term 2022, which runs from January 31 – March 18, 2022. There will be classes in all three of the usual categories – discussion/study, hands-on, and active. There are some new courses and a number of popular courses returning. AUM OLLI is offering a new art course in addition to the art course at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. There is also a new course devoted to Middle East issues. Some popular courses that AUM OLLI members have missed during the pandemic are back. The hiking course is

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December 2021

on Tuesdays, and the course on birding is on Thursdays, scheduling that allows outdoor enthusiasts the possibility of registering for both. Beginning watercolor painting is also returning to the schedule. Courses that continue to be offered are photography, writing, Tai Chi for pain management, brain bowl, jewelry making, pine needle basket weaving, and others. There will also be some field trips and lunch presentations. AUM OLLI Open House is Thursday, December 09, from 10 - 11:30, and registration begins Wednesday, December 08, at noon at the Center for Lifelong Learning (75 TechnaCenter Drive). People will have a chance to meet instructors – new and old – and register if they have not already registered online. Online registration opens at noon on December 08, 2021. Another attraction of the December Open House will be a display of works

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completed by participants in the handson classes: bead jewelry, photographs, mixed media artworks, pine needle baskets, and others. There may also be some unique works available for sale. Watch for the posting of the Winter Term 2022 class schedule online at the AUM OLLI website (www.aum.edu/olli). Plan to attend the Open House on December 10 to meet instructors and new friends. People can fulfill their New Year’s resolution to become active intellectually and physically by enrolling in AUM OLLI courses of their choice!

Join AUM OLLI now for a scan QR code for more $40.00 annual membership fee, and take advantage of these unique opportunities. For more updates and information about AUM OLLI, go to www.aum.edu/OLLI.

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December 2021

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Hospital at Home By Beth Baker

The Future of Health Care in Your Living Room

Technology, affordability and patient satisfaction mean in-home health care solutions could revolutionize medical care for older Americans Jim Petersen, 83, who lives alone in an assisted living community outside Denver, recently had pneumonia. But rather than be admitted to the hospital, he was offered another choice: hospitallevel treatment in his home. Petersen didn't hesitate. "In plain English, there's no place like home," he says. "You can get good care in a hospital, but you never sleep really good."

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of older patients like Petersen are more eager than ever to avoid hospitalization. Depending on their condition, many can receive the full complement of professional services in their home, paid for by Medicare as if they were in the hospital. In Petersen's case, nurses and physician's assistants came to his home to monitor him and administer antibiotics. "With the technology today, they can take x-rays

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and EKGs and blood work right here in my apartment," he says. "They were just great. I stayed here and recovered." "COVID has provided tailwinds to pushing care inside the home. The market is demanding it." His physician, Dr. Manny Diaz, used to work in a hospital. But then he was offered the position of medical director with Advanced Care-Denver, an arm of DispatchHealth. "The opportunity that I believe will be the future of health care, moving as much as we can effectively and safely into people's homes to provide comfort at a lower cost, was something I couldn't pass up," Diaz says. In-home visits "invert the relationship" between doctor and patient, he adds. In a hospital, the patient wears a gown and lies in a bed while doctors do rounds. In contrast, Diaz is invited to enter the patient's home. During an appointment with Petersen, Diaz commented on a scenic painting of ducks. The two discovered they both loved fishing and hunting and shared roots in northern Illinois. Being in a patient's home "humanizes

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the patient and the provider," Diaz says. "It makes the ability to connect with a person that much easier, and it's important clinically, determining a plan of care that will work in that context." The Benefits of Hospital at Home In Sioux Falls, S.D., the nurses at Avera@ Home, part of Avera McKinnan Hospital, agree that being in a patient's home leads to better care and a more trusting relationship. Cindy Kannenberg, nurse manager of the new Hospital at Home program offered by Avera@Home, says that rather than give patients a litany of discharge instructions from the hospital, "You can use their home environment…to find a way to help them learn how to take care of themselves better." A health practitioner might spot tripping hazards, say, or suggest ways to eat healthier. Avera@Home expanded its traditional home care and hospice program in the wake of the pandemic. "We were taking care of a lot of patients in their homes during COVID," says Rhonda Wiering, vice president, clinical growth and

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innovation. "Many were at home on oxygen and met the criteria to be in the hospital. The hospital saw that we could keep people safely at home."

common conditions, though, including congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, shortness of breath and diarrhea can be treated at home.

Avera is one of 77 medical systems and 177 hospitals in 33 states that have been approved for the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) waiver program to allow acute care in the home.

Could At-Home Health Care Keep Folks Out of Nursing Homes? Christi McCarren, senior vice president, retail health and community based care with MultiCare in Tacoma, Wash., became a convert to hospital at home after seeing her parents in their 90s struggle with hospital admissions.

The Acute Hospital Care at Home program was created as part of the COVID-19 public health emergency. A newly-formed Advanced Care at Home Coalition, made up of major health systems such as the Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente and Johns Hopkins, is advocating for CMS to make the waiver program permanent. COVID-19 Accelerates the Move to Home-Based Care Even before the pandemic, hospitalacquired infections were a serious, often deadly problem, with 687,000 cases in the U.S. in 2015, including 72,000 deaths. As COVID-19 filled beds, hospitals and patients alike were looking for alternatives. Pioneered by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1995, Hospital at Home® demonstrated the model's clinical and cost benefits, including decreased mortality and higher patient and caregiver satisfaction as a lower cost. Today, Hopkins Hospital At Home is offered through six Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and three hospitals. Other researchers found similar results. A 2020 clinical trial in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that costs for treating acutely-ill patients at home were 38% lower compared to a hospitalized group. The in-home patients received fewer lab tests, radiology exams and specialist consultations, and they were less sedentary. Their readmission rates were also lower. Not all patients are eligible for home care, such as those experiencing chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe abdominal pain or drug overdoses. Dozens of other The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

skilled nursing facilities (SNF). SNF substitution is a model of extended care for those transitioning out of the hospital. These people are provided care in their homes for up to 30 days. Although it does not replace long-term care in a nursing home, Riddleberger says, "If you're able to safely surround patients with care interventions, that will extend the capability of staying inside the home versus long-term care."

"In short order, this population starts to decompensate and deteriorate in terms of their musculature and strength and endurance," she says. Each time her mother was admitted to a hospital, she was kept for three nights, which Medicare requires to cover care. She would then have a 30-day stay in a skilled nursing facility. "My experience not only with my parents but with others — they never return to baseline," McCarren says. "This is my passion for having an alternative." Simply being in familiar surroundings, with loved ones and pets, can help older people weather a medical crisis, says McCarren. "They do better with much better outcomes," she says. "I really believe this is where we need to go with our senior citizens." To help patients avoid trips to urgent care or the emergency room, MultiCare partnered with Denverbased DispatchHealth. Two-person teams respond to calls from patients or providers. The team will either treat the patient at home or refer them to a higher level of care. Kevin Riddleberger, cofounder of DispatchHealth, says the company has grown faster than it had projected when launching in 2013. It's now in 40 markets in 20 states, serving hundreds of thousands of patients a year. In addition to providing a spectrum of home care services, the company has carved out a "facility substitution" niche to keep people out of hospitals and

This may be especially beneficial for patients with dementia. "Keeping them in comfortable surroundings helps them," he says. "The transitions to a facility, whether a hospital or an ER, tend to have negative impacts on their mental and physical health." DispatchHealth treats patients throughout the lifespan, including people who are on Medicaid and Medicare. "We treat individuals from all socio-economic means," says Riddleberger. "None of this is self-pay or out-of-pocket." Looking Forward As technologies advance and as people age who are comfortable with computers and cell phones, home-based delivery of medical care is likely to grow, especially if CMS continues to fund acute care at home, say practitioners. Already, remote patient monitoring devices allow providers to track a patient's heart and breathing rate, weight changes and activity levels. Telemedicine, using video, is also improving, holding promise for those in rural areas who live far from a doctor (expanding broadband to such areas is included in the infrastructure bill that President Biden just signed into law). "COVID has provided tailwinds to pushing care inside the home," says Riddleberger. "The market is demanding it. [We can] do this more effectively, with a better [patient] experience and most importantly at a lower cost. Being able to provide an in-home level of care has the opportunity to save billions annually." Source: www.nextavenue.org

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December 2021

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Christian Grandparenting

by Barb Howe

Tips for Dealing With Messy Family Holidays For grandparents whose families are affected by divorce, addiction, special needs, or dysfunctionality of any kind, holiday gatherings may look less like the Brady Bunch and more like the Adams Family. It might sometimes be tempting to ditch dinners with the kids in favor of a senior’s vacation package. Let’s face it, holiday get-togethers are complicated enough without adding layers of exes, in-laws, and unexpected friends of family members.

Adult children often have three or more invitations to holiday gatherings. Include your adult children, but realize they may not be able to attend, may arrive late, or may need to leave early. Be gracious. Know what triggers family arguments. If verbal spats typically break out between the same two family

Some people seem to live in a perpetual state of crisis, as if they are trying to assemble a puzzle with pieces that don’t belong together. While you cannot control how others behave, you can control how you respond. Instead of running away, try a more measured approach, especially when grandchildren are looking forward to special family celebrations.

Here are tips to help make family gatherings more fun for everyone, whether you are the host or a guest: AS A HOST – Expect the best but prepare to be surprised. Set expectations. A few weeks before a family gathering, communicate your plans with everyone on your invitation list. Let guests know the start and end time and ask if it works with other plans they may have. December 2021

I find keeping the menu simple and expandable makes it easier to accommodate unexpected guests. Get the basic menu down, and allow guests to bring side dishes, appetizers, or dessert. An alternative to a formal dinner is to set out trays of finger food, charcuterie trays, or similar fare and allow guests to serve themselves in a more casual setting. Plus, this method eliminates the disruption of late arrivals. Understand that sometimes an adult family member’s plans are changed at the last minute. Consider that they might be dealing with unreliable people who are disrupting their plans. This leads to the next suggestion.

As Christians, our calling is to demonstrate the love of Christ to those nearest to us. I find it helps to have a plan before dinner is in the oven or the clan is gathered at someone’s home. Invite Jesus to be Lord over your family gatherings. Ask for his grace to flow out from you. Anticipating how you will react to challenging family dynamics can help reduce the stress of bringing everyone together.

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an extra seating arrangement than ruin the atmosphere by scrambling to pull things together at the last minute.

members, take proactive steps to avoid confrontations. Seat people strategically at the dinner table to separate the ones most likely to get into arguments. If you’re fortunate enough to have a peacekeeper among the guests, seat them somewhere in between and, if possible, give that person a heads-up to the situation. An alternative solution is to not invite the troublemakers. Use your discretion and consider the family dynamics of this choice. Ask yourself if it will create more conflict or less if certain individuals are not present. Stay flexible. Hopefully, you have family members who are dependable guests. Plan seating for them with ample elbow room, but set aside an extra place setting or two in case an unreliable one shows up unannounced. It’s a lot easier to pre plan

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Embrace new traditions. I grew up as part of a large extended family with established holiday traditions and huge gatherings. Inevitably, as children grow, marry, and start their own families, traditions need to change to accommodate those dynamics. After years of stressing to set a Thanksgiving dinner akin to my childhood memories, I tried a simple menu of Cornish hens and roasted vegetables that reheats well, should there be any leftovers. This adaptation relieved the drudgery of an “everything you can think of” feast while creating an elegant dinner for the few guests that now grace my table. It has become our new family tradition. I also roast a turkey ahead of time so my husband can enjoy his family tradition of eating leftover turkey sandwiches later in the evening or the following day. AS A GUEST – Go with the flow and keep a positive attitude. Have an emergency exit strategy. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

When someone’s behavior becomes unruly at an event, feel free to leave. Preplan an exit strategy where disruptions are likely, such as gatherings that descend into heavy drinking. When you arrive, tell the host you may need to leave early. I know someone who arranges for a friend to call or text at a certain time during family gatherings with a coded message. It gives them an option to leave without causing offense, or to simply let the friend know they are staying. Anticipate the unexpected. Recognize that family members who are challenged to think beyond “right now” are not going to be reliable hosts. Expect it and enjoy their positive traits. Some of the most delightful and warm-hearted people seem incapable of arriving at a place on time or preparing to welcome guests at the planned start time. You cannot change them. Instead, just enjoy your time with them.

AT ALL TIMES – Be the person others want to be around. Whether you are a host or a guest, make a point to introduce yourself to newcomers and get to know them. If possible, make accommodations for individuals who have special needs. These acts of consideration will help to create a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy their time together. During a season when families gather to celebrate, feel free to lavish your kindness on the ones who are closest to you. I often need to ask myself if the way I interact is honoring God. When I

consider the patience, my own family has shown to me during my youth, I am inclined to pay it forward to younger generations that are now going through similar experiences. Remember there is someone more generous than any of us will ever be. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Source: www.christiangrandparenting.com

Merry Christmas From BOOM!

Be good to the hosts. Show up on time, and don’t come empty handed. Ask if you can bring a dish to share. Small hostess gifts are always welcome. Offer to help with preparations and clean ups. Leave on time.

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December 2021

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Master Gardener's Perspective

By Charlene Beach

A Beginner's Guide to Orchids

As a child, I remember spending my summers in Hawaii helping my grandfather and watering his many orchids. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the hours spent performing this family chore would create a fondness for orchids, albeit decades later in my Montgomery home.

For most, orchids have the reputation of being difficult to grow, but several of these exotic and glamorous plants are really quite easy to care for once the basics are mastered. If you are like many, your first orchid was a gift, and you diligently followed the growing instructions on the plant label but to no avail. Unfortunately, labeling information tends to be very general and not overly helpful for the beginner. However, you can achieve success in growing some of nature’s most spectacular plants if you follow a few simple and basic guidelines. Orchids for Beginners: Moth orchids (phalaenopsis) are the most popular, easiest to grow and highly recommended for the novice. They offer what we all love about orchids; they bloom for long periods of time (weeks to months), they come in numerous colors, they have lush green foliage, and they are well suited to most home environments. Select a Healthy Plant: Buying an orchid is no different than buying any other plant. You would not purchase a plant that has discolored or wilted leaves or evidence of insects, mites, fungi, or bacteria. The same is true when buying an orchid. Unlike most plants, the roots of an orchid are visible because they are epiphytes, so examine the roots to be sure they are not mushy or unusually dark (black) in color.

The Environment: Selecting an orchid that is suitable for your region is also important but can be difficult because there are literally thousands of different types of orchids available. An orchid that is found in a tropical rain forest is probably not going to do well in the desert conditions of the southwest. With this in mind, 1) is a suitable environment readily available in your home or, 2) do you want to create an environment by controlling light, temperature, and humidity? Remember, there are limits to modifying the growing environment and, for the beginner, it is probably best to select an orchid that is suitable for the current home conditions. Caring for your Orchid: The orchid you purchase and bring home has to adjust to its new surroundings. Recreating the green house environment in which it was grown is not necessary, but the less stress during this transition the better. Be sure there is sufficient light with the appropriate temperature and humidity. A window with a south or east exposure is preferred. Temperatures should range between 70-80 F degrees (day) and 55-65 F degrees (night) with a relative daytime humidity of 40-70 percent. Gentle air movement is also necessary to cool the leaves and aid in the evaporation of water on the plant, thereby reducing the risk of disease. A ceiling or oscillating fan is a great way to keep the air moving.

For the novice, providing the appropriate amount of water can be challenging because there are so many variables to consider—temperature, humidity, potting medium, type of pot, etc.—but the problem of overwatering occurs more often. Water thoroughly when the medium is dry to the touch. You can also use a sharpened pencil to determine if it is time to water. Insert it one inch into the medium and turn it a few times. If the pencil comes out damp you do not need to water. If the pencil is dry, it is probably time to water. When it comes to feeding your orchid, it is probably best to feed it every time you water it using a water-soluble fertilizer half the strength recommended on the label. Over the years, I have had the best results using fertilizers specifically formulated for orchids. Resources: For more information about orchids, the books and periodicals in your local library are a great place to start. Members of garden clubs, master gardener associations, and orchid societies can answer your questions as well as the staff of your local county extension service. Charlene Beach, an Intern in the 2016 Master Gardener Class, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email

capcitymga@gmail.com.

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December 2021

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Travel Experiences with Jeff and Cindy Barganier

Downton Abbey Mania Iconic kitchen setting

Fan in Period Costume

What a life, parties and DRESSES

Some of my favorite one-liners from the show, include: “I always think there’s something rather foreign about high spirits at breakfast.” (Carson); “What’s a weekend?” (Countess Dowager); “Good men? They’re not like buses. There won’t be another one round in ten minutes.” (Anna). And we howled at Grand-ma-ma’s one liners, and then cried when Mathew and Syble died.

this year, then head to Atlanta ASAP; and experience the last month of the fabulous Downton Abbey Exhibit! I drug Jeff along last week and could not have been more To be honest, pleased. Visitors I’m relieved can walk through to have been iconic scenes from born in this far Downton Abbey less glamorous such as the Great time that Hall, the library, Mrs. doesn’t Patmore’s kitchen, require corsets the dining room, and stays. Mary’s bedroom But I’d love and the Servants’ to experience Hall. The downstairs just one day part is especially arriving at a authentic as there hunt sideare worn stones on saddle and the floors, scuffed finding an plaster walls, and elegant picnic the kitchen is laid under a exactly like the real sprawling oak one on the show. with silver and Even the actors linen-filled were astounded baskets of the when they did a finest food. Of walk through. Just course, there walking into the Lady Mary Crawley would be a dining room will gentle breeze, make you stand up straighter and mind zero mosquitoes, and my handsome man your P’s and Q’s. to hold a parasol over my head. But I

We couldn’t get enough of that astounding castle aglow with the magic of a Christmas ball. As a designer, I

If a trip to England’s Highclere Castle isn’t going to be under your Christmas tree

A huge fan of the TV series Downton Abbey, Cindy heard there was an exhibit in Atlanta and wanted to go. I obtained press passes for a tour and we stopped by on our way back from Cashiers, North Carolina. This is the story of our Downton tour as told by her: Each week a group of my close friends, clad in pajamas due to the late start time, gathered at friend Beth Bridge’s beautiful home to sip tea and be transported back to a more formal era. An era where the sound of a gong meant it was time for wealthy Englishmen to change into formal dinner attire. And, oh, how elegant were their clothes! From the first notes of the theme song to the vintage cars crunching gravel beneath their tires, to Carson’s greeting at the front door, Downton Abbey won our hearts.

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watched the show just to glimpse the homes, décor and those magnificent clothes. Oh, my goodness!

digress.

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The audio tour reminds listeners that the lady of the house sets the rules and directs the flow of dining conversation The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Alone at last

throughout the evening. No politics or controversial topics are allowed to destroy a lovely meal—albeit Downton characters frequently broke that one. Diners were expected to come prepared to ask provocative questions of table partners in order to learn about them and to keep the conversation lively. “Take as much of the food that is passed as you wish. But eat all that you take. Oh, and ladies, your back must never touch the chair.” (I guess I seriously need to work on my core for that one.) The Exhibit holds over 50 official costumes worn by favorite actors such as Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith. Our guide informed us that each documented outfit was fashioned from vintage fabrics, patterns and trims, delicate and difficult to clean. This was especially troublesome during the shooting of the dining scenes as that portion of the house was not air conditioned. They were shooting during summer and the complex scenes took all day to capture. (It only took two days to determine they would never again serve

The characters you loved

"Mr. Carson"?

fish.) The actors portraying downstairs servants had two identical sets of boring costumes, one always in laundry and the other on the set. My favorite costumes on display were from the 1920’s. You’ll have to see them to believe them! During our tour, a visitor—a true fan—was fully decked out in a vintage costume complete with hat, white gloves and a cane! Alongside the focus on the show, the exhibition was educational, offering a deeper look at all aspects of the postEdwardian period in which the popular series and movie are set. Historical themes include the life, culture, fashion, and socioeconomic realities of the early 20th century. Cutting edge technology is woven throughout the exhibit with immersive projections, a magic mirror, and impressive thematic lighting and audio. While visiting the library, we sat while scenes from the show played out around us. Afterward, Carson’s screen image escorted us out the front door where fans

who wished to consummate their visit could purchase exclusive memorabilia at the retail store. The Downton Abbey Exhibit is located at Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, 1155 Mount Vernon Highway NE, north of Atlanta. It was not easy to find. Be sure you note the NE. There’s ample parking and clean restrooms are on site. It’s open daily between 10:00 and 6:00, with final entry at 4:30. Give yourself 60-90 minutes to enjoy it all. Tickets are $36. Adult escorted children 14 and under are free. The movie sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, will be in theaters March 18, 2022. To make your trip even more enjoyable, plan to spend the night in nearby Alpharetta at the newly opened boutique hotel, the Hamilton. The hotel, itself, is a treat located in the heart of great shopping and dining. It’s a fun place to work on your Christmas list following your Downton tour. www.downtonexhibition.com

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

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December 2021

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This & tHAT

Take the Grands to Visit Santa @EastChase Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is home for the holidays! Santa returns to The Shoppes at EastChase this season through December 24! Santa’s Whimsical Wonderland is located near the fountain and appointments are encouraged, although walk up appointments are welcome! Appointments can be made online in advance by clicking the link below. All appointments require a $25 reservation fee that can be used towards your photo package. Families that require special assistance or accommodations can email Lisa Smith with Studio Panache at hello@studiopanache.net. December 1 - December 20 Friday: 12 PM – 7 PM, Saturdays: 11 AM -7 PM, Sundays: 1 PM – 6 PM. *Open daily the week leading up to Christmas Eve. December 20 – December 23 11 AM – 7 PM daily, Christmas Eve 11 AM to 4 PM. Book your appointment here, www.santaateastchase.com.For more information about #SantaAtEastChase, call 279-6046 or email camille@crawfordsq.com.

Montgomery Botanical Gardens Presents, A Covid-19 Memorial Luminary Walk Sunday, December 5, 2021, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

The Montgomery Botanical Gardens luminaires will be a symbolic acknowledgement of those who died from Covid-19 (760+) in Montgomery in 2020 and 2021. The opening program will begin at 4:00pm and the walk will open at 4:30pm. Invited guests include Mayor Reed, local Clergy, City Councilors and County Commissioners. All are welcome, especially families and friends of those lost due to Covid-19, to come walk the lighted pathway at MBG in Oak Park to experience a special time of remembrance. The luminaries will remain from December 5 thru December 8, 2021. MBG is located in Oak Park at 1010 Forest Avenue, 36106 across from Jackson Hospital. In case of rain the event will be cancelled. There is no admission charge for this event. Donations to support the gardens are welcome and may be mailed to Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park, P.O Box 344, Montgomery, Alabama 36101, or on Scan QR with phone line at www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com

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Unique new travel guide Stepping Out with Scott and Zelda gives a Fitzgeralds’ eye view of 1920s Montgomery Stroll back in time with Stepping Out with Scott and Zelda: Touring the Fitzgeralds' Montgomery, a literary travel guide that introduces the places and people that touched the Fitzgeralds’ lives during their time in Montgomery. Visit Zelda's childhood home in the quaint Cottage Hill neighborhood, with its ornate Victorian mansions and charming cottages with gingerbread trim. Discover where Scott, a lieutenant during World War I, first saw this Southern city that would change his life forever when he met a young woman at a country club dance. Explore historic Old Cloverdale's winding tree-lined streets and enjoy the couple’s 1931 home, now an important literary museum. Wanda Battle, founder of Legendary Tours of Montgomery, says, “In this must-have guide, visitors to Montgomery will enjoy discovering its literary treasures, places that bring Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s fascinating lives to light.” Featuring photographs and postcards from the era, Stepping Out with Scott and Zelda is the perfect way to ring in the new Roaring Twenties. Máire Martello is a playwright, fiction writer, and contributor to the medieval history blog The Murrey and Blue. As a member of The Players, the oldest theatrical club in America, she produced a long-running series of evenings devoted to literature and culture. A long-time admirer of the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald, she produced an evening at The Players celebrating his centennial. Speakers included Budd Schulberg, Ring Lardner Jr., Matt Bruccoli, and Ruth Prigozy. Stepping Out with Scott and Zelda is available now through your favorite local or online retailer. For more information: www.newsouthbooks.com/steppingout. Scan to Order Book

Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ The Armory, Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Armory Learning Arts Building, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, January 5, “Backyard Birding”, Tyson Farmer, Wild Birds Unlimited, will be presenting the program, “Backyard Birding”. Join us to find out how to identify various birds in our own area and learn some new and different ways to entice birds into your back yard. Plan to wear your mask and socially distance, as mandated by the City of Montgomery. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.

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'Tis the Season: Cinderella and A Christmas Carol Make sure your holiday plans include Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella and Greta Lambert's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Treat yourself and your family and friends to live theatre as ASF returns to its Festival and Octagon stages for our 50th season. Theatre makes a wonderful gift! Make someone’s holiday with an ASF Gift Certificate. And don’t forget: Subscribers get the best benefits and savings. Subscriptions start at just $200 and can save you up to 40% on ticket prices. Subscribing is even more budget friendly with our new payment plan. For more info visit www.asf.net

Scan to Order ASF Tickets

ASF Acting Academy for Youth and Adults

Scan to register ASF Acting Academy

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Inspire your grandchildren...or maybe yourself! Curtain up! Ignite your imagination and explore the fundamentals of acting through theatre games, creative movement, improvisation and performing. ASF Acting Academy classes help strengthen your skills in voice, movement, group collaboration and communication. Meet new friends and gain self-confidence. Classes are open to all levels of experience. Don’t just watch theatre – experience it! These six-week classes begin Feb. 7. Tuition is $200. Register before Dec. 24 to save $25. Acting Academy makes a wonderful gift! Make someone’s holiday with an ASF Gift Certificate. Visit www.asf.net

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ANNOUNCES GIFT HOPE Gift Hope will offer people in the River Region an opportunity to rethink the traditional holiday gift by honoring friends and family with specific gift donations to local Non-Profits. This year’s Gift Hope program is the 10th annual community-wide event benefitting more than 30 area nonprofit organizations. IN PERSON: Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021, Time: 10am – 12pm, Location: First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery AL *Open to the Public* ONLINE: Dates: November 21 through December 13, 2021, www. FUMCmontgomery.org/GiftHope GIFT HOPE supports local ministries and nonprofits through an event where you can purchase a variety of “gifts” in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. These gifts don’t go under your tree, rather they help dozens of community organizations make a positive and tangible impact in lives across the River Region. By supporting Gift Hope, you help fund specific, needed items from one or more nonprofits working in the Montgomery area to help those in need -- for example, one week of hot meals for an elderly couple in need, one night’s shelter for a homeless family or a teddy bear to a child at Child Protect. Many other wonderful gifts will be available at a variety of price points/donation amounts, starting at $5. The gift recipient will receive from the gift purchaser a special card announcing the gifts made in their honor and the names of the designated nonprofits the Scan QR to Participate gifts supported. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 4th and support your community! To learn more, visit www.FUMCmontgomery.org/gifthope.

Alabama River Region Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” Alabama River Region Ballet is proud to announce the 6th Annual “The Nutcracker” at the Historic Davis Theatre in downtown Montgomery. Performances will be Friday, December 3rd at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 4th at 7:00pm and Sunday, December 5th at 2:00pm. “The Nutcracker,” set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Steven Grebel, will thrill the audience with the prodigious dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. With spectacular backdrops, scenery and a growing Christmas tree, this ballet is a truly magical experience and a classic holiday favorite for the whole family! The Alabama River Region Ballet’s “The Nutcracker'' has become an annual tradition and holiday favorite for Alabamians of all ages and gets better every year. This year will surely be the best yet! A 10% discount is offered for military, seniors, and children 12 and under. Saturday is designated as Military Appreciation Night where all members of the military and first hand responders and their families can attend for 50% off! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Scan QR for Nutcracker Tix www.alabamariverregionballet.com or by contacting the ARRB office at 334-356-5460. Get them while they last!

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DOUBLING UP ON VACCINES CAN HELP DEFEND AGAINST SEASONAL FLU AND COVID-19 The Wellness Coalition is partnering with local organizations to increase the rate of seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and to stop the spread of vaccine misinformation. With flu season starting this month and COVID-19 rates high across Alabama, getting both vaccines can help to reduce hospitalization and the likelihood of severe illness. Alabama is currently experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant spreading and low vaccination rates statewide. Despite a recent decline in cases and hospitalizations, Alabama’s positivity rate remains above 10%. The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to urge Alabamians to get a COVID-19 to protect themselves and those around them. Find a vaccine site near you To find flu shots, visit www.thewellnesscoalition.org/ flu ● To find COVID-19 vaccinations, visit www.thewellnesscoalition.org/COVID. To get more information Scan QR Scan QR about vaccines, call 334.293.6502 for COVID Info for Flu Info

Prattville's "A Main Street Christmas"

The City of Prattville and The Chamber of Commerce brings to you A Main Street Christmas. Horse drawn carriage rides, Cookies and hot cocoa, shopping, carolers, arts and crafts, and so much more is waiting for you on a night so perfect even Santa can’t miss it! Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Prattville, a Main Street Christmas is the best way to get together with friends and family and enjoy holiday lights, songs, and all the fun that comes with it! This event starts at 5:00 pm and goes until 7:30 pm and is free and open to the public! Visit www.prattvilleal.gov or call (334)595-0850 for more information.

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Caregiver of the Month Spotlight:

BRIDGETT CHATMAN

Here at Home Care Assistance of Montgomery, we look for caregivers that go “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.” Bridgett walked into our office with a huge smile and exuded nothing but Confidence! In her brief time here at HCA she stepped up and provided care for our clients without hesitation. She offers six years of experience and leaves her mark wherever she goes. Several of our client’s brag about her homestyle cooking that has garnered her the nick name “Half & Half.” Whether you are looking for great care or a delicious home cooked meal Bridgett is the person to call.

“From the smallest act of caring, to the power of your smile, kind words, and listening ear. We Salute you for a Job Well Done!!” For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Great Gift Idea!

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Grandkid's Gifts

Kiwico Subscription Box Kiwi Crate View On www.Kiwico.com Kiwico has a little bit of everything for kids of all ages, from newborns to teens. Simply select the age range and interest (science, art, geography, etc.) and your grandchild receives a "crate" full of science and art projects. The package is delivered every month so there's something to look forward to and no shortage of fun.

Make It Real Gold Link Suede Bracelets View On www.Makeitrealplay.com There's something so fun and even a bit nostalgic about making jewelry and charm bracelets. And Make It Real's kit provides kids with everything they'll need to create some personalized bracelets. The kit includes faux suede cords and 100 pieces of golden jewelry and beads. This truly allows your creative child to make a range of bracelets and show off their flair for fashion.

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Scientific Explorer Mind-Blowing-Science-Kit View On Amazon, View On Walmart Who says gifts for grandchildren can’t be fun and educational at the same time? My First Mind Blowing Science Kit is best for children ages 6 and older, and many of the experiments require adult supervision. The 20-piece kit comes with a variety of tools, including cotton swabs, test tubes, measuring scoops, and age-appropriate chemicals like citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch, and more. With all these ingredients, kids will be able to make their way through 11 fun activities, such as creating an underwater volcano or magic ooze!

Pottery Barn Kids Enamel Bank View On www.Potterybarnkids.com For a bit of an elevated piggy bank, Pottery Barn Kids enamel bank serves major style points but also instills a sense of savings and financial independence. The 3.25-inch bank is made of durable enamel and has velvet padding on the bottom. One side of the bank can be personalized with three lines of text, including a name, date of birth, and weight.

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Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag View On Amazon, View On Walmart As the name suggests, this Building Bag includes 80 plastic pieces in an array of shapes and colors. Thanks to the blocks’ simple shape and oversized prongs, they’re easy for kids to hold, stack, and take apart. With this toy, your grandkids will be able to build houses, animals, and anything else they can imagine, exercising their creativity while developing fine motor and critical thinking skills. This kit is ideal for children 12 months up to 5 years, and thanks to its versatility, kids will enjoy playing with it for several years.

Masterclass Virtual Cooking Class View on www.masterclass.com MasterClass has a range of tutorials for pretty much every interest, but for your grandchild that's a little older or heading off to school, try a cooking class with renowned chef Thomas Keller. He teaches the basics and technique for mastering poached eggs, pasta, prepping veggies, and more. It's a great way to either instill a love of cooking or just learn the basics for someone who's moving away from home.

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See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling, twinkling light displays and festive decorations at Christmas Lights Festival, Dec 3-25, 5:30pm – 9pm nightly. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a brisk train ride, or glide through the air on the sky lift ride. Swing by the Mann Museum to view 25 Christmas trees decorated by various companies, groups, and organizations from the River Region community at the Max Credit Union Christmas Tree Village. Visit with Santa and capture a memory with a keepsake photo. Enjoy live entertainment at the Overlook Cafe, and no winter's night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Cafe. Also, make plans to swing by the Zoo and Museum Gift Shops for last minute gift purchases, souvenirs, and to participate in the Zoo Animal Conservation Angel Tree, donations helping conservation efforts at the Zoo and around the world. Event details: December 3 - 25, 5:30pm* - 9pm (CENTRAL TIME ZONE) nightly, day/ night combo admission available. *Opening night, Friday, Dec 3, Lights Festival opens at 6pm. Admission: $10 for everyone 3 years old and older. Montgomery Zoo members: FREE. Scan for

Details

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

Cassandra Crosby A Renaissance Woman

This month’s cover profile is an entrepreneur in the home decorating and design field. She is Cassandra Crosby and her business is named CCI Premier ReDesign and Staging, where she helps home and property owners maximize their investments through staging and redesign before putting them on the market. We’ve seen some of her work and she and her team are so good you may want to take the property off the market and continue living in your “redesign”. Cassandra loves what she does and she traces her interest back to when she was a child and her designer mom imparted much of her designer desires. Cassandra also works in Governmental Relations with the CrosbyDrinkard Group where she has been the Managing Partner for 15 years. Cassandra has a passion for serving the community as well, a role model we can all take some tips from. We recently caught up with Cassandra while doing the photo shoot at her new home, she gave us a quick tour and it was so comfortable and inviting we wanted to take our shoes off, watch some HGTV and stay awhile! We hope you enjoy getting to know Cassandra as much as we have and be sure to think about Cassandra the next time you need a redesign or staging, she probably has some ideas to share. BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc?

readers what your business does and how you got involved in this

awareness has been in my family since birth through my mom, who is a semiretired designer and I say semi because when you’re in your purpose the passion never retires. CCI Premier ReDesign and Staging is a FULL-SERVICE home staging and redesign company. ReDesign is merely taking a space as it is, utilizing the old while adding new to achieve a cohesive functional personalized space that offers warmth and love…

Cassandra: Lived in Columbus Ga but spent most of my childhood and teenage years in a little town called Millbrook just outside of Montgomery. Attended Troy University and majored in BOOM!: Your Human Resource children, Cassandra loves to transform spaces Management Ashley and and have lived in Adam appear Montgomery and Pike Road all of my unique service to have adult life which is where my kids Ashley for property and some of your and Adam were raised. I am DIVORCED homeowners? entrepreneur and have 3 amazing grandchildren. spirit, as Cassandra: CCI Madison, Maddox and Elijah, daughter n a parent Premier ReDesign love Evona and son n love Jeremiah. did you and Staging was encourage At the Elyton Hotel, an Autograph Collection BOOM!: You are an entrepreneur and officially birthed this mindset? Cassandra says, "my inspiration spot" the owner of CCI Premier Staging and in 2017 although Design, would you please share with design, style, restoration, and vintage Cassandra: Yes, Ashley and Adam both

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are successful Cassandra: Yes, please share with our readers why entrepreneurs. during my time in community service is so important? I didn’t state government encourage I worked directly Cassandra: Oh yes, TIME is something it early on for Commissioners you don’t get back, so I choose to serve although appointed by the with purpose and while serving I’ve they saw the Governor and that’s worked along side some pretty amazing difference in when I begin to people and we’ve accomplished a lot me and other embrace politics. of GOOD. Leadership Montgomery parents who During the Siegelman and Leadership Alabama were driving worked 8-5 administration I forces for my relationships in the and absolutely got interested in community. I currently serve as the ZOO there’s nothing government and board president, board member at ASF, wrong with how it worked then MACOA, Child Protect, MEOW academy, that but for opportunity presented Bridge Builders, Baptist Hospital me it’s always itself and I became Foundation, Gift of Life, United Way been a sense a Lobbyist at the Campaign Cabinet and past Chairwoman of freedom. I end of the Riley and board member of the Capital City worked in State Administration. As Club Board of Governors, Mtg Chamber Government you know lobbying is of Commerce and American Red Cross. Me and my mom (Margaret) decorating for a for almost 10 about relationships So, I get to serve with honor… CCI client during Christmas holiday years and one day it hit me that I was never going to and because I have a BOOM!: With a be all that was inside of me working for love for people it was busy life, how do someone. or should I say has been you like to spend easier than not. Going time with family Do you get to work with them in your into my 15th year as and friends? business? I’m blessed beyond measure Managing Partner at to have an opportunity to with both CrosbyDrinkard Group, Cassandra: I Ashley and Adam. Ashley uses her LLC we focus on local honestly don’t see military discipline and MBA to assist my County Government. my life as being business in its strategic moves and focus A couple of our clients busy and that’s and Adam with his Real Estate license include the Montgomery because I’m in my and Marketing Degree plants the seeds and Elmore County purpose. I get to that has enhance and allowed CCI to Commission and the City wake up and walk stand out with of Millbrook, in what makes me Home Staging my SMILE and that’s education. hometown, bringing joy to which has others. Weather BOOM!: You been an it’s staging a house also have spent honor to and it sells in 24 many years in assist with hrs. or transforming Governmental legislation a space that my Relations, that has client just couldn’t working changed the figure out or even with county dynamics lobbying at the Selfie Moment, Cassandra with daughter, commissions and state house for Ashley and the state positioned a change in my legislature, can the city for substantial community, I’ve embraced the beauty in you tell us how economic growth. a purpose driven life. you became involved in BOOM!: Community service BOOM!: What are some of your favorite this work and is an important part of your travel experiences? Favorite vacation Cassandra's son Adam proposed to wife the value you life in the River Region, what spot? Any travel dreams planned? Evona this day in Washington DC and your firm organizations do you give provide to clients? your time to and more importantly, Cassandra: One of my most memorable

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trips was Paris and that was because of the history, food, and fashion of course. Although, Costa Rico has become a favorite spot and I have Bora Bora on my short list.

Cassandra: Sadly, in a good way if you take advantage of living in Montgomery … you can start almost any business and be very successful because there isn’t much competition when you think outside of the box. For example, HOME STAGING ... google home stagers in Montgomery then call CCI for our mastermind training course so you too can be a Home Stager with CCI.

BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?

BOOM!: As you age, can you describe what it means to “age well”? Granddaughter Madison 11 years old

Cassandra: Family is important, oh gosh my precious grandchildren. I So enjoy how I can love on them, spoil them, fill them up with all their favorite treats and send them home to their parents… haha … We get to laugh, play games and be silly and they really keep me young at heart. BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work? Cassandra: Relaxation for me is a long really long hot bubble bath in my soaker tub listening to one of my favorite artists Kemistry sipping on a glass of champagne BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/ River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?

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Cassandra: Well aging well is gracefully moving with wisdom, being carefree, enjoying the simplest things and allowing yourself to breath. BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?

Grandson Elijah 18 months

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flea markets, consignment shops or boutiques which by the way my bucket list as a boutique owner, Ciao Bella Boutique was fulfilled by owning one boutique in three locations. BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for CCI Premier Staging and Redesign? Cassandra: A Couple of challenges for CCI as we build our team to expand our services to not only serve Homeowners, Realtors, Builders, and Investors but to serve Assisted Living Facilities as Seniors transition to luxury style facilities. CCI wants to be a part of the entire process from selling the family home, to packing precious gems and styling the new location. For yourself? A personal challenge is figuring out how to devote all of my time to CCI. It’s so magical when we transform a family space and they walk in like HGTV style, the reveal and we all get emotional. Its PRICELSS and confirms that I’m in my purpose.

Cassandra: Three words that describes me…well I think people BOOM!: Many Grandson Maddox 4 years old who know people over me would say I’m Sincere, I’m 50 are experiencing a renewed sense of Stylish and I’ve been told I’m a purpose, new goals, etc. How would you Renaissance Woman describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking BOOM!: Do you have any renewal? What are your thoughts on hobbies or other activities retirement? that grab your attention? Cassandra: Well to be truthful, I kinda Cassandra: Shopping…but not feel like I’m just beginning, just evolving just shopping, shopping with a into the purposeful me. Retirement, purpose that includes vintage well I’ve asked myself what else would classic retro finds and where give me the satisfaction, the joy, and the else but in antique shops, peace that CCI gives me, and my answer The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

David Bromstad on set shooting The Lottery Winners Dream Home episodes in Alabama Decorating outside at my AIRBNB

continues to be NOTHING. I have the best of it all, I get to call my shots every day. I can be retired on Monday, redesign on Tuesday, fly to NYC on Wednesday, spoil my grandkids on Thursday, happy hour with friends on Friday, Shop with mom on Saturday and host family dinner on Sunday. Now that’s pretty darn cool. I really do love the space I’m in…

do you approach holiday decorations indoors and out?

Cassandra's son-in-law, Jeremiah with Ashley

Cassandra: Absolutely LOVE the holiday season. My mom started this tradition, she has several themed Christmas trees through the house, and they’re catered to each of her kids. So, this year I get to cater my three trees towards Madison, Maddox and Elijah… BOOM!: What are some of your favorite HGTV shows and why?

In Washington DC at the White House with my

Cassandra: I’ve been daughter n love Evona, my son Adam's wife BOOM!: Please following HGTV since describe your relationship with your before it was cool to follow or like grandchildren, what are “Blessing Bags”? Facebook!!! Of course, my favorite is What do your grandchildren call you? Lottery Winners Dream Home with David Bromstad because I was his Home Stager Cassandra: Blessing Bags are all Madi, I mean Madison she’s 11 now so it’s not Madi anymore. Madison has a heart of humility, and the Blessing Bags came about when she encountered a homeless person asking for food. So, we (our family) started packing backpacks keeping them in our vehicles filled with the essentials, snacks, and a gift card for food. As we will always have something to share. BOOM!: Cassandra, do you have any Christmas Holiday Traditions? How The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

while filming in Alabama. Working with HGTV and David was so surreal and an amazing opportunity for CCI. This really pushed CCI into the realm of its purposeful existence. We want to thank Cassandra for sharing some of her unique story with us this month. We also want to thank her daughter Ashley for her special assistance. Thanks also to DiAnna Paulk for her quality cover photo of Cassandra taken at Cassandra's new home. If you have comments or a need for Cassandra's services you can reach her through www.ccipremierdesign.com. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at scan to view CCI website jim@riverregionboom.com.

Before

After Cassandra sharing some of her style and design with a BEFORE and AFTER R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

I AM CLARK GRISWOLD "A true story from the Greg files"

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

And that’s OK, because after years of expensive therapy and medications you see on TV every day, I have learned that every Christmas is perfect because it is what it is and that can’t be changed.

Sidenote time- I spent many Christmases in Chicago. Marshall Field’s was the ultimate Christmas store, beautifully decorated with ornate window displays. I don’t know if you’ve kept up with the news out of Chicago lately, but Field’s is gone, and the windows are ornately decorated with plywood. Sad. Christmas Vacation preserves its heyday.

I hate that but it’s true. I TRY for the perfect Christmas every year which is all that matters. I’ll bet you (most, anyway) do too! It’s the “Griswoldian” effort that has made “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” a beloved classic. Try as we might there’s always a few hiccups that sabotage the bid for perfection. My daughter and I watch Christmas Vacation together every year. It’s her favorite movie, in part (I’d like to think) because I remind her of Clark. He’s a very imperfect man. His determination to make Christmas special is the tie (not an ugly holiday tie, either) that binds us. Christmas Vacation opens with what might be one of the most underappreciated holiday theme songs, ever. It should be blasting from every Christmas music-playing radio station throughout the season. What, we couldn’t cut back on Mariah Carey enough to squeeze it in? The movie also makes me grateful. Clark Griswold develops breakfast cereal coatings for a big hyper-corporate company in Chicago. His company is

men will have in their lives. Women know what’s happening and are happy to oblige the fool. I think those days are well behind me.

Greg "Clark Griswold" Budell Loving Christmas

populated with hyper-corporate stiffs run by a boss who’s a stone’s throw from Hitler. It makes me appreciate my life as a non-corporate radio guy for a local company- with a boss who keeps 4 highly entertaining French Bulldogs in his office so it’s happy and festive year-round. Christmas Vacation’s shopping scene is gold. Clark is so smitten with the perky clerk at Marshall Field’s he declares his wife dead (“God rest her soul”). Clark doesn’t want the clerk to know he’s married and great with family. It’s one of those high-testosterone moments most

I never stapled 25,000 lights to my roof as Clark does in the movie. For 8 years, I did string my entire roof perimeter with big, colorful C9 bulbs, draped on hooks I’d permanently installed. One year, I hung the lights with care, perfectly spaced- and clambered down from the ladder for the Big Moment. When I plugged the extension cord in there was a snap, crackle, and pop. ALL LIGHTS OUT! I not only had to take everything down, by that night I’d purchased 8 strings with C9 bulbs and had them strung and lit by sunset. THAT is Griswoldian determination! Family! Clark’s utopic Christmas meant inviting his and his wife’s parents to stay with them. They’re not in the house 10 minutes when his wife (superbly played by Beverly D’Angelo) has taken to smoking cigarettes. Her frustration plays out masterfully when she chops a head of lettuce that not even a guillotine could

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

have halved better or louder. It’s always advisable to keep a head of lettuce handy in your Christmas kitchen because chopping anything else is almost certain jail time. Then there’s Cousin Eddie and kin. I’ve come to appreciate the man “whose heart is bigger than his brain”. Every time I watch the movie, I remember wearing one of those goofy fur hats with the ear flaps and metal snaps. Mom made me wear one.

the entire family sings the National Anthem on the front porch. My Dad was Clark Griwswold. He busted his butt to give us a great Christmas every year. His example was the one I followed when it was time to plan Christmas for my daughter. I’m glad he lived long enough for me to tell him how much those memories were cherished.

Everyone Wore Them in Chicago, Greg included

It was Chicago after all, and on Christmas Day, 1983 we woke up to 22” of snow and wind chills of MINUS 82! You can look it up. That’s why those hats are popular there. Everyone including women looks like Eddie with one of those storm hats snapped on.

Speaking of memories, perhaps the Greg Budell moment in Christmas Vacation is when Clark locks himself in the attic. He entertains himself by plugging in the family 8MM projector and watching films of his childhood Christmases. The most real moment in the movie is a shot of Clark’s face with a stream of tears running down the side of his face.

Christmas Vacation ends happily, following a kidnapping, SWAT team rescue and sewer explosion. Beloved 80-year-old Aunt Bethany caps the excitement by shouting “play ball” after

I’ve got those 8MM films too, first transferred to VHS and now on DVD. Unless I get trapped in the attic, I can’t watch them. I’m afraid of flood damage from my uber sensitive tear ducts.

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I do have those films stored where they play perfectly- between my ears. My daughter has the DVDs and I’ll never ask if she’s watched any or all of them. This has been a challenging year for just about everyone. Between now and the 25th I’ll have done everything possible so I can stand proudly on my porch Christmas night, like Clark, and proclaim “I did it”. Christmas memories. They remind us that through all the chaos, It’s A Wonderful Life. PLAY BALL! (If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!)

Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, Stepson, Sho, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and has marked 16 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Jessie Lynn, 6-9 AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.

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Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla

Using Essential Oils To Get Through Cold and Flu season

We are going to keep this as simple as possible and use just 5 scientifically proven essential oils to help us get through cold and flu season, hopefully without getting either a cold or the flu, or at least helping alleviate the symptoms. Many of you have at least some experience of using essential oils, but I am going to touch on a couple of basics first: 1) Storage - different oils have different shelf lives, but all can be extended (or decreased) by how they are being stored. Treat them like a good wine and you will not go far wrong (but I don’t mean drink them!!) Keep them somewhere COOL, DARK and DRY. 2) Where you buy your oils – buy from a Reliable distributor/distiller. I always recommend European brands because their regulations on essential oils and their labelling is so much more stringent than here. Us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla – you will find a good range on here and they all come from Europe. Florihana.com is a French company I buy from frequently and they do ship here. 3) Sustainability e.g., Frankincense and Sandalwood are listed as Endangered because they are being over-harvested. Try to use companies that actually look after their sources. For example, Frankincense only grows in certain areas of Africa: NYR Organic pays local villages in Africa to look after the Frankincense trees that they harvest in order to protect them. Sustainability is also a factor in HOW you use an oil - less is more, and each drop is precious! Essential oils, which are obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation, are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their

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main routes of absorption (we do not recommend ingestion, although some oil companies do seem to recommend this, it is not to be advised unless under the direction of a clinical aromatherapist.)

source. Each essential oil has a unique composition of chemicals, and this variation affects the smell, absorption, and effects on the body. The chemical composition of an essential oil may vary within the same plant species, or from plant to plant. Different oils take different amounts of plant matter to produce. As an example, about 220 pounds of lavender flowers are needed to produce a pound of lavender oil; compared to 1285lbs of roses required to make 1lb of rose oil. Hence the huge difference in price - 5 ml Lavender - $10; 5ml Rose Otto - $227. Obviously, it is not just the quantity required that makes the difference, but also the ease of growing and harvesting. Synthetic oils are not considered true essential oils. Routes of absorption – there are two

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1) Inhalation – this is the fastest/ stimulates olfactory system and therefore CNS (Central Nervous System). Direct contact with respiratory system so great for cold/flu prevention/ treatment. Goes into bloodstream via the lungs. 2) Through the skin- anything you put on your skin will end up in the your bloodstream (sobering thought). Some oils act faster this way than others. Some must be used in very low doses; some are not recommended at all. As we are concentrating on colds and flu, we are looking at oils with a high proportion of certain chemical components that have proven properties that will help these issues (congestion, runny nose, aches and pains, etc.) The following 3 chemical components have been scientifically proven to have the following properties: D-limonene: activates white blood cells, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypotensive, antinociceptive, antiobesity, antioxidant, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, anxiolytic, autophagy stimulation, hepatoprotective,

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Nighttime diffuser blend 4 drops Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) 2 drops Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia) 2 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Make up a stock blend, then add 7-10 drops to a diffuser. Run for no more than 2 hours at a time. If there are animals in the house, make sure they can leave the area if they wish.

immunostimulant, skin penetration enhancer, vasorelaxant Pinene (a): analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal (Candida), antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antiviral, anxiolytic, gastroprotective, prevents bone loss 1,8 cineole: airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, cognition enhancement, dopaminergic, gastroprotective, hypotensive, increases cerebral blood flow, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, mucolytic, skin penetration enhancer As you can see, there are obvious benefits for using oils high in these properties to help prevent or treat colds and flu, but how do we know what oils have these components? The answer lies in a GC/ MS report (Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry). Reputable Essential oil companies will have these readily available for any oil batch they sell. GC/MS reports can be used to identify oils that are high in the components you are looking for and can help you make substitutions of necessary. They also can tell you if an oil has been adulterated in any way (that is, if it is pure or not.) Based on this information, I have selected 5 essential oils that will help us survive this season and are easily available (email me if you are having difficulty). These are our five oils: 1) Eucalyptus - airborne microbial, reduces congestion and coughing, reduces viruses, eases swelling, calms aches and pains. 2) Sweet Orange - uplifting aroma, supports immunity, soothes muscle aches associated with colds, reduces nausea, stress/anxiety reduction 3) Lavender - reducing stress and tension, diffuse to reduce germs, immune support, reduce sinus congestion and inflammation, helps you get a good night’s sleep 4) Tea Tree - reduces viruses and bacteria,

reducing swelling in sinuses, reduces congestion 5) Frankincense - emotional balance/ calming, reduces muscle aches and headaches, reduces nighttime coughing, calms spasms Now the fun bit! Some DIY recipes that you can easily make and use at home. The first two are diffuser recipes. Putting it simply, an oil diffuser is a device that breaks essential oils down into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air. I recommend a plug-in diffuser, called an Ultrasonic or Humidifying Diffusers: Ultrasonic vibrations break up oil molecules to create a fine mist (NB not enough to act as a true humidifier and please do not use oils in a traditional humidifier, they will end up clogging it up). You will need to dilute the essential oil with water for the diffuser’s electronic frequencies to release the oil into a mist. Make sure that it has an automatic shut off when it runs out of water – many actually have preset timers built in, so you can choose to have it run for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc. They do not need to be expensive, TJMAXX always has a selection for around $20, just don’t expect any essential oils you buy there to be great quality So, here we go:

🙂

Daytime diffuser blend 3 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) 3 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 2 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternafolia) Make up a stock blend, then add 7-10 drops to a diffuser. Run for no more than 2 hours at a time. If there are animals in the house, make sure they can leave the area if they wish.

Clear Sinus inhaler blend – for this you need an inhaler kit (looks like a Vicks inhaler when finished) that you can buy on Amazon, or you can just put the drops on a tissue and inhale from there. 5 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) 5 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) 5 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Apply to cotton inhaler insert. Using tweezers, insert into inhaler and seal shut. Use as often as needed. Good night’s sleep bath salt blend 2 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) 2 drops Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) 2oz pink Himalayan salt (or Epsom salts) 1 tbsp Castile soap Add salts to a nice hot bath, soak for a at least 15 minutes Sleep well! Chest and Neck rub 6 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) 5 drops Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) 4 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) 2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 1oz Lotion Mix well, use on chest and neck when you feel under the weather. Once made, your blends are susceptible to oxidisation, so use within 6-12 months and store in a cool, dark place. The fridge is perfectly fine and will actually extend the shelf life considerably! Each oil will have a different shelf life, but once you make a blend the overall shelf life is determined by the oil with the shortest! So, 6-12 months is a safe, coverall guide. Merry Christmas to you all and stay well!

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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 r Rehere gio n Bo m . co m any December The Rivernatural Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine general health information and a place to purchase certain products. email: nyrbhalla@gmail.comR ive I am tooanswer questions2021 you mayBOOM! have. 59

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Brain Medicine By Judy Gerstel

How Learning a New Language Boosts Cognitive Health Zell Goodbaum,72, works hard and doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. Or ever. He wants to keep his mind sharp and engaged. “I’ll carry on as long as I can,” he says. “I saw how my father’s generation, after retirement, became docile, senile and within ten years, they were all dead. Retirement was a death sentence for them.” Goodbaum owns and runs Vivah Jewelry, a Toronto enterprise that he and his late wife, a silversmith, started in 1972, specializing in silver and semi-precious stones. “The work I do is challenging,” he explains. “I’m constantly studying to see what’s selling, creating, thinking about design, shape, material.” Challenging his brain is also why Goodbaum signed up for a Baycrest-York University study about a possible link between learning a language and improving cognitive health. The surprising and exciting results showed that the process of learning a language significantly boosts your brain health — even if you never become fluent. The study was undertaken because little was known about the cognitive impact of the process of learning a second language without becoming fully bilingual. Participants in the study, who were all aged 65 to 75, cognitively healthy and spoke only one language, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: language learning, brain training or a control group with no language learning or brain training. For 16 weeks, those in the language learning group were asked to spend 30 minutes a day, five days a week learning Spanish using Duolingo, an online language learning app. Those in the brain training group were asked to spend the same amount of time using BrainHQ by Posit Science. The study found that older adults in the language learning group showed similar The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

improvements in working memory and executive function as did those the brain training group.

get faster but at the end of the study, we gave everybody a satisfaction questionnaire and hands down, they enjoyed the Duolingo more.” “It was fun,” says Goodbaum, who was in the Duolingo group, even though he admits to not working as hard at the language program as he should have. “I learned a little bit of Spanish but I was not a very diligent student. I slowed down.”

This surprised researchers because the brain training activity specifically targeted those aspects of cognition, while language learning does not.

Actually, he admits, “I was one of their worst students.”

The results “exceeded expectations,” says study co-author Ellen Bialystok, Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at York University and associate scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute.

Building Cognitive Reserve Jean Kammermeyer, 72, was in the brain training group and diligently worked through her assignment. “I’m fascinated by research and taking part in studies is my way of keeping my brain going,” she says, “You can’t stop cold turkey. I just really want to age in as healthy a way as possible, physically, mentally, emotionally.”

“We thought that the brain training group would do best, with no change in the control group, and those learning a language in the middle. “But we found that learning a language is every bit as good as brain training.” Set Your Stopwatch The only cognitive skill boosted by brain training more than language learning was speed. The brain training exercises, unlike the language activity, were based on speed. Those doing the brain training had to be “accurate but fast,” explains Bialystok. “The time pressure aspect of the brain training, which is timed, makes them stressful but also very effective,’ observes co-author Jed Meltzer, the Canada Research Chair in Interventional Cognitive Neuroscience and a neurorehabilitation scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute. “Under pressure, it’s harder work for the brain to do something fast.” Bialystok adds, “The Duolingo group didn’t

Meltzer suggests that, “in general, any engaging mental activity will help you build cognitive reserve — learning to play a musical instrument, learning a language, anything creative that requires the brain to put together new patterns.” Although there’s not a lot of good evidence for the brain boosting benefit of doing crosswords or Sudoku, says Meltzer, “adding a little bit of time pressure to those activities we’re doing anyway is a big benefit.” Meltzer explains that these lifestyle factors build up cognitive reserve, providing resistance to showing symptoms of dementia even though they don’t have an effect on the actual biological damage in the brain linked to dementia. “Everyone’s brain is getting damage as they age, but building cognitive reserve allows you to continue to function longer despite the damage.” Source: www.everythingzoomer.com

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Articles inside

Tips for Dealing With Messy Family Holidays

Travel Experiences

Strategies for Purposeful Engagement

Hospital at Home Future of Health Care in Your Living Room