BOOM! January 2025 by Boomer Communities

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“They made good decisions. And that made a big difference.” Dan—Cancer Survivor

After my colon cancer diagnosis, all I really wanted was someone to shoot straight with me. I needed a plan and someone to tell me how to tackle this head-on. That’s where Dr. Sarmad came in. From the moment we met, it felt like a true partnership. He’s not just smart and honest—he genuinely took the time to address all my concerns. Being in a place where you know the people really care makes all the difference. They supported me, they made solid decisions, and that’s what helped me in my fight. HEAR MY STORY

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BOOM! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents January 2025 Volume 15 Issue 7

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

Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration

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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

8 Publisher's Note 10 Dinner Recipe: Asian Salmon Kabobs 28 Grumpy But Grateful

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30 Event: Pretty Woman The Musical at Gogue

Features 18 Easy Fitness Tests to See If You're in Shape

22 How to Host a Dinner Tasting Party

24 The Case for Resistance Training in Older Women

32 Remembering BOOM Founder Jim Watson

38 Budget Friendly Updates to Give Your Home Pop

Departments 14 Greg Budell Real Hope, Real Change!

34 Nick Thomas What's Not to Love About New Zealand?

20 Jeff Barganier: Magnolia Springs Getaway with Cindy

30 This and That A variety of TIDBITS

30 Event: Starry Night Dinner Fundraiser 31 Event: ASF's The Watsons Go To Birmingham 32 Event: The Magic of Motown 32 Event: Black Jacket Symphony's Pink Floyd 32 Event: Montgomery Symphony Masterworks 33 Event: Sir Elton John Tribute Concert

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36 BOOM! Cover Profile Ben Bradshaw 46 Word Search Contest 52 If Something Happens to You, Are You Organized? by Susan Moore

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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 334.328.5189. Copyright 2025 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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IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE

Jim Watson Founder/Publisher

1950-2024 Jim Watson founded BOOM! magazine with a simple yet profound mission: to celebrate life, inspire others, and embrace the prime season of aging. Over the past 15 years, his words have encouraged countless readers to reflect, grow, and pursue lives filled with purpose. While Jim’s sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts, his legacy lives on through the wisdom and joy he shared with the River Region community. This tribute celebrates the man who reminded us all each month to ‘Age Well, My Friends.’

"Life doesn’t stop at 50—it’s when it truly begins to bloom." ~ Jim Watson 6

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IN HIS WORDS: THE LEGACY OF JIM WATSON "Faith, family, and friends are the pillars that help us age well." A foundation Jim lived by, building meaningful relationships and cherishing every connection.

“God’s blessings aren’t about being in the best place of your life, they’re about being in the best place with Him.” A reflection of Jim’s steadfast faith and the peace it brought him, even in life’s challenges.

“The best way to age well is to pursue the things that matter most.” Jim’s guiding principle for a life filled with intention and joy.

“The joy of living is amplified when you share it with others.”

A truth Jim exemplified through his relationships, his work, and his dedication to the BOOM! community.

“Age isn’t a barrier; it’s an opportunity to explore, grow, and serve others.” An inspiring call to action for all, encouraging readers to see aging as a new beginning.

“I hope you’ll examine the remarkable story of redemption yourself.” An invitation Jim often extended, encouraging others to find their own peace and purpose through faith in Christ.

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Publisher’s Letter

New Beginnings, Timeless Values 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.

January is a time of fresh starts and big possibilities. As we begin a new year, it feels right to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going—something my father, Jim Watson, believed in wholeheartedly. Dad’s vision for BOOM! was to inspire and encourage readers in their prime years to embrace life with purpose and passion. That vision continues to guide us as we step into this new chapter.

Founder Jim Watson (1950-2024)

Publisher

Jason Watson

334.328.5189 cell/text jason@riverregionboom.com

Editor

DeAnne Watson

334.462.0225 cell/text

Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Greg Budell

Donavyn Coffey Pam Molnar Susan Moore Donna Moriarty Sara Schwartz Nick Thomas

Cover Photography Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com

Advertising

Jason Watson, 334.328.5189 jason@riverregionboom.com

This month’s issue is special. We’ve included a tribute to Dad, "In His Words: The Legacy of Jim Watson," where we share some of the memorable quotes and insights he imparted over the years. It’s a reminder of the values and vision that have shaped BOOM! from the very beginning and continue to inspire us today. January’s cover profile features an interview with Ben Bradshaw, a tennis coach, community leader, and devoted father whose story embodies the principles of perseverance, trust, and grace. Ben’s journey—from growing up in a tennis-centered household to his role coaching in the River Region—is both inspiring and heartwarming. Whether he’s mentoring young athletes or encouraging older adults to pick up a racket for the first time, Ben demonstrates how the game of tennis can build not only skills but community. We’ve also packed this issue with resources to help you kick off the new year with purpose. Our article, “Building Strength: The Case for Resistance Training for Older Women,” offers practical advice for staying strong and healthy in 2025. And we’re excited to introduce a new column, Grumpy But Grateful, a humorous take on the art of complaining—gratefully. It’s a lighthearted reminder to find joy and gratitude even in life’s little irritations. Dad believed deeply in the idea that life after 50 is a vibrant chapter, full of new dreams and opportunities. As we carry forward his legacy, DeAnne and I are committed to keeping BOOM! a place of inspiration, encouragement, and celebration for this incredible season of life. Here’s to a new year filled with possibility, joy, and, yes, a little bit of humor along the way. Thank you for being part of the BOOM! community—together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember.

Age Well, My Friends,

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BOOM!

Easy Asian Salmon Kabobs

These salmon kabobs are easy to make, hearty, light and healthy. And they’re packed with tons of vibrant flavors! 368.1 calories.

Ingredients:

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1 ½ pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves For the marinade: 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon Sriracha, optional Freshly ground black pepper, to taste In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, Sriracha and pepper, to taste. Thread salmon, pineapple, red onion and zucchini onto skewers. Brush soy sauce mixture onto the skewers and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Add kabobs to grill, reserving the marinade, and cook, turning occasionally, until salmon is opaque throughout and vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add reserved marinade to a small saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 5-6 minutes. Serve kabobs immediately with reserved marinade, garnished with cilantro, if desired. Source: https://damndelicious.net/2015/05/11/asiansalmon-kabobs/

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

Real Hope, Real Change! At the time, the significance of these words was lost on us-

Celebrate like it's 2025! Because it is. Just as the scars (or should that be "scares"?) of Y2K are fading, the new century is at the quarter-pole. Hard to believe.

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

I'm excited about the new year. For 12 of the last 16 years, my country has been "led" by people who don't seem to like it (or me) very much. That's going to end on the 20th as Donald Trump returns to the White House as the second president to serve two separate terms. It will be a fundamental transformation of America, transforming America back to its fundamental principle- freedom.

Wow. Freedom. Love of country. Service. How quaint! The torch has been passed to a new generation (led by a hyper-active BOOMer).

I am feeling "hope and change" and not because a politician promised it to me. Nine years ago this month, in this space, BOOM Magazine publisher (the late, great) Jim Watson honored freedom of the press by allowing me to ruminate on thencandidate Donald Trump. I was intrigued by the potential of America's business being run by a successful businessman. In that piece, I admitted to not being a fan of The Apprentice. Working in radio, I'd heard "you're fired" enough to find it repulsive entertainment. It was incredibly entertaining to watch Trump, having survived a stolen election, two assassination attempts, and a 96% negative media blast, tell the corrupt and addled Joe Biden, "You're fired," last November 5.

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Just as I couldn't wait to watch Ronald Reagan dispatch Jimmy Carter on January 20, 1981, I'll be eagerly anticipating the 20th of this month to watch Joe ride off (with help, no doubt) into the sunset to contemplate his sinful one-and-done presidency. In that column from January 2016, I recalled my first inauguration. Teachers at John Hancock Elementary School gathered 200 or so of us little BOOMers into a gymnasium and rolled out the school "media center." It was a 20-inch black and white TV (in a gym!). We were gathered to watch JFK take the oath of office. Nobody heard a word of it with the lousy acoustics, a shame because it was a profound speech. Here are some of the highlights recalled in that column:

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JFK's win was narrow and, frankly, assisted by voters from the same Chicago cemeteries who have carried other politicians to victory both locally and nationally.

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He had to overcome a significant prejudice to win, too. He was a Catholic (OMG!), and many believed he would be taking direct orders from the Vatican. Seems silly now, doesn't it? After the speech none of us really heard, we returned to our classrooms to resume what we were urged to achieve- good grades so we could one day get good jobs and be rich! Just like that older Boomer, Donald Trump! Two things I don't do well- predictions. And predictions. Let me stick my neck out here and say when 2016 comes to an end, we could be anticipating the Inauguration of President Donald Trump." The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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In this last election, Trump defeated a woman promising to fix the problems created by the administration in which she served! Duh! The legacy media blamed her loss on "misogyny and racism and blah blah blah." No. This capsule summary from American Thinker sums it up nicely:

America is going from the insidiousness of "woke" to waking the heck up, having soundly rejected leftist "results'. Quoting one of my favorite writers (me, lol) from that piece nine years ago: "The Open Rebellion is upon us, and as we launch the year, a man who owes nothing to nobody is out in front and scaring the bejeebers out of both parties, because he is one guy who could end their party.

Abruptly pulling out of Afghanistan and leaving behind 85 billion dollars of American technology while getting our soldiers killed in the process.

How nice if, one year from now, media centers in schools could echo these words- "Let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must truly be our own."

High Inflation. (Lettuce is $3+ a head?!?). Cancel culture accelerated. (Let the market decide what stays and goes, not the government.) DEI run awry. (Going away on its lack of merit. You are appointing people to the Supreme Court- not decorating a Christmas tree or adjusting the color bars on a TV.) Unconstitutional executive orders. (Canceling student loan debt for votes as one example.) • Coddling Iran and failing to confront Russia and China. (They've been laughing at our feckless leadership.) • Identity politics. •Wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and throughout Africa. (Those will be going away soon.) • College campus takeovers and chaos. (Marxism as a major leads to nowhere)

"The torch has been passed to a new generation." • Transgenderism: hormone blockers for kids and sex change operations for inmates. (There are two biological sexes, not 42 genders. Insane.) • Crime. Lots of uncontrolled crime. (As we've seen in Montgomery.)

Those are the final words of JFK in '61. I'll settle for the four words on Trump's hatMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Why would anyone be against that? I only wish Jim Watson could watch the inauguration with me. Share your thoughts on my experiences or other comments via email at gregbudell@aol.com. It's always fun to hear from BOOM! readers.

Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dog, Brisco. He's been in radio since 1970, and has marked 19 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Susan Woody, and Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday - Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with, Rosie Brock and a variety of sidekicks. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.

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Just what does it mean to be fit? Fortunately, fitness has nothing to do with running an 8-minute mile or doing 20 push-ups on command. On the other hand, being in shape can't be measured purely by how much time you spend exercising. Health professionals across the board — from cardiologists to physiologists and trainers — have loosely the same definition of "being in good shape:" the ability to do the things you enjoy doing without feeling limited. In terms of specific benchmarks, it's difficult to predict what an individual should be able to do, says Jude Sullivan, senior clinical exercise physiologist at University of Wisconsin Health. "For my mom, it's: Can she sit in a chair, bend over and tie her shoes? For me, it's: Can I excel in my taekwondo class? Both pack a punch because they have a lot of meaning for each person." If you care for grandkids regularly, the question may be: Can you be engaged and active with them while they're at play, not just sitting on a bench watching? Sullivan adds. While experts hesitate to quantify what being in shape means exactly, the baseline for being in bad shape should be pretty clear. If you're 50 and unable to walk a block without panting, you're not in good shape, says Dr. Martha Gulati, cardiologist and editor-in-chief of CardioSmart. org, a patient education initiative from the American College of Cardiology.

Weight and Being in Shape

What's weight got to do with being in good shape? Not very much. While the benefits of being at a healthy weight abound, fitness is determined by how much activity you can do. Says Gulati: "It's how well you can endure exercise, which is affected by your muscular

strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, age, gender, and more." Celebrity trainer and fitness expert Joel Harper says there are five elements to being in good shape: muscle strength, heart strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. To help you assess your fitness level, Harper devised the following set of activities. See how many you can complete. Each activity requires just a few minutes of your time and no equipment. Keep in mind: This assessment isn't scientific, but it will help you identify what you can already do and what you should work on. (NOTE: To prevent injury, talk to your doctor before trying these exercises.)

Assess Your Fitness Level

• Stand up. Rise from a chair without using your hands; a test of balance, coordination, and muscle strength. • Take a walk. Walk briskly for three blocks; a test of cardiovascular ability (To ensure you are properly engaging your muscles, Harper recommends imagining you are walking on a sheet of glass so you "float" rather than pound on the pavement.) • Pulse your arms. Hold your arms straight out to the side, palms up, at shoulder height, and pulse them 1 inch upwards 25 times. Do three more sets of 25 pulses, but change the direction your palms are facing — facing down, facing forward, and facing backward. This is a test of muscle strength. • Stay on your toes. Balance on your toes for 30 seconds without touching your heels to the ground; a test of balance • Balance on one foot. Stand on your left foot and clap your hands

SCREENING

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30 times, then switch feet and repeat; a test of balance • Rise up, hands-free. Lie on your back on the floor and get up to a standing position without using your hands; a test of muscle strength and coordination. • Do yard work. Rake leaves or shovel snow for 20 minutes; a test of cardio and muscle strength. • Hold a plank. Hold yourself in the upper push-up position (otherwise known as "plank position") for 30 seconds; a test of muscle strength. • Bounce those knees. Get down on the floor on all fours with your palms on the floor directly below your shoulders and your knees on the floor directly below your hips. Keeping your upper body stationary, lift your knees so they are hovering off the ground, and bounce them upward 1 inch and back down to the hovering start position for 45 seconds without stopping. This is a test of cardio

and muscle strength.

How to Score: If you can complete one to three exercises: Prioritize your workout efforts. If you can complete four to six exercises: Good job, but step it up. If you can complete seven to nine exercises: Bravo, keep up the good work. Commit to Being Fit

"The more fit you are, the less likely you are to have heart disease, cancer, and all kinds of health-related issues. We have good data showing that older people who start a fitness regimen do better health-wise," says Gulati, referring to a 2014 study published in JAMA which found that sedentary adults ages 70 to 89 who had trouble walking a quarter mile lowered their risk of physical disability by adding moderate exercise to their daily regimen. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults do a

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minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week (or two and a half hours a week, total, split up however you'd like), plus 20 minutes of muscle-strengthening exercise twice a week. Not sure what constitutes "moderate intensity?" "You should be able to talk to the person next to you but not want to talk to them," says Gulati. "If you're comfortably able to talk to the person next to you, you're not pushing yourself hard enough." Most people underestimate how hard they're capable of working, adds Sullivan. One last hurdle you might face in the quest for a fitter you: What's the best exercise to improve my health? (And what if I don't like it?) "The best exercise is the one that you're going to do," says Sullivan, who specializes in preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. "If it's something you're doing because you feel like you have to be a hero about it or some magazine suggested it, the likelihood of that being sustainable is not good." First, figure out what's possible. Talk to your doctor and come up with five activities you're physically capable of doing and want to do. Pick one thing to start, suggests Sullivan. Even walking with water bottles in your hands is enough to give you some resistance training, says Gulati. One benefit of the exercise guidelines is that every set of stairs and every extra block of walking counts. "It doesn't have to be in continuous time — we just need to be perpetually moving," says Sullivan. Source: nextavenue.org

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Coming up with an idea for dinner every night can be frustrating. We try to find a meal that everyone enjoys, that can be put together quickly and that reheats well. The key to adding a new recipe to your rotation is to sample it. At a Dinner Tasting Party, guests bring one of their favorite dinners, hot and ready to taste along with enough printed recipes for everyone. Be sure to have your guests bring plenty to sample at the party as well as enough for each guest to bring a sample size home. (A sample size is a bite or two.) Guests leave the party with a stack of recipes and a bag full of samples for their own family to try.

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How to get started: Make your guest list. This par

ty is perfect for neighbors, co-workers, church groups or friends. It is best to determine any allergies ahead of time. Create up a Sign Up Genuis where guests can add what they are bringing to avoid any repeats.

Directions for guests: Ask everyone to bring their go to weekday meal, hot and ready to eat. They are to bring additional, bite sized portions that are already packaged and in a cooler. Containers meant to hold dressing (3-4oz) work well. Guests will also need several copies of their recipe – one to go with the prepared dish and one for each guest. The hostess will provide a folder or binder for the guests to take the recipes home. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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When the guests arrive, place a number on their cooler and on their dish in the serving area. Partygoers will spend the first part of the evening sampling the meals, mingling and catching up with friends. Picky eaters have no fear. You can read the recipes to see if the dish includes an item that is not your favorite. After everyone has eaten to their heart's content, the guests will vote on their favorites. You can have one prize for a best dish or come up with creative categories for everyone to get a ribbon. Categories might include Best Meatless Dish, Best Crockpot Dish, Spiciest Dish, Best Comfort Food, etc.). Look for kitchen-related prizes like serving dishes, seasonal kitchen towels or gadgets.

Keep the party going with games:

What other variations can we try? Themed Party – Try pasta recipes, Mexican dishes, crockpot meals, meatless choices or salads. Tomorrow’s Dinner – Instead of taking home all the samples, guests will bring three complete meals. One which is ready to taste and two that are ready to be eaten tomorrow. Give each guest tokens (poker chips work well) and an auction number paddle. The hostess serves as the caller and each item is auctioned off, beginning at one chip. Because each guest only receives a limited amount of chips, those who want the higher “priced” items may only get one thing. Stealing – You can make your bidding even more interesting by giving a few players a steal card to be used at any time. When a guest receives that card, she can steal a dish from someone else who has already had a turn. The steal card would be a nice prize from a game like the Spicing It Up.

What’s your favorite…? – Write a question such as, “What is your favorite place for pizza?” on the top of a piece of paper. Clip paper to a clipboard and pass around the room asking everyone to write down their answer. It might be fun to have several questions like this. Other suggestions include Best Date Night Restaurant, Favorite No-Cook Meal, Best Packed Lunch Items, Best Carryout Meal, or Best Bakery.

Spicing it Up – How well do you know your spices? Place 10 spices in numbered plastic bowls. Each guest will smell or taste each spice and write the name of the spice next to the corresponding number on their scorecard. Use everyday spices like oregano or garlic salt and mix in a few like tarragon or coriander.

Matching – This is a great game if everyone at the party knows each other. Include a questionnaire with the invitation asking questions about your guests like a favorite music group, sports team or hobby. Write answers down on separate index cards. At the party, the hostess asks the question while guests work together to try to guess which answer goes with which person. Players get a point for each correct answer.

Name your Favorite… - Write down simple categories like cereal, TV show, holiday or dog breed and put them bowl. Have the guests draw out a card and name 5 of their favorite items in that category within 30 seconds. Pam Molnar is a freelance writer, foodie and mother of three. She enjoys writing about party planning, meal planning, women’s health and making memories with family and friends.

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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier

Magnolia Springs Getaway Magnolia Springs Getaway Photography provided by Jeff Barganier

I'm often asked, "How do you come up with travel ideas?" There's no formula. But sometimes, the best adventure is the brainchild of impulse. For example, I turn to Cindy—who's ogling her iPhone. "Hey, let's drive to the gulf for some fresh oysters. What say you?" "Where? she asks." I smile. She's interested. "Stand by. I'll get back to you." I dash upstairs to my desk and pull up a map on my PC. Hmmm, Magnolia Springs near Fairhope and Bon Secour Bay. I think to myself: Isn't this the place where mail deliveries are still made by boat? I google further and book a bed and breakfast for the following night—Friday. I shout downstairs to Cindy, "We depart tomorrow morning at about nine." Then I search for restaurants and book a table at Jesse's. B&Bs are hit or miss. The house is nice—lots of old wood. Great scent. But the stairs to our

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room are steep. Climbing them is a bit of a struggle with our one small bag. Once in the room, ubiquitous notes admonish us at every turn: Don't Use This Book as a Coaster; Flush This GovernmentMandated Toilet Frequently to Avoid

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Overflows; Use This Towel for Removing Makeup; Caution: Don't Bump Your Head on the Glass Shelf Over the Sink. And, most annoying, we can hear guests in the adjacent room. Clearly. This month has an R in it. So, oysters R in season. The weather is magnificent— sunny and cool. We decide to take a neighborhood walk—to work up an appetite. Two tall, blond, attractive ladies are walking our way. One's pushing a stroller while the other minds a little girl on a scooter. They look like sisters. I suggest as much. The older one rolls her eyes and smiles. "Yeah, sisters," she says. Fooled me! They offer to take our photograph. It's 5:35. We depart for dinner. We've heard great things about Jesse's. If we've ever eaten here, I can't remember when. Seems like we have. Years ago, maybe? Across the street from Jesse's is the historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Earlier, we stopped here, explored, and took pictures. They gave Cindy an inside tour and invited us to come back tomorrow for a concert. But we'll be heading home before then. We're seated at a quaint table for two by a large window overlooking an

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outside garden. St. Paul's and Magnolia Springs' historic meeting house are visible across the way. A toddler, carefully watched by a proud young father, waddles up to the window from the garden side and flirts with us. The table is dressed in white cloth. A candle glows inside a cut-glass vase by the window. Across the table from me sits

my beautiful Cindy, juxtaposed in her emerald-green gown against glittering soft lights on a small tree behind her. An old saxophone perches in the corner as if partially roosting in its branches. This suddenly feels like a first date. She's smiling at me like way back in the days before iPhones. Hers is in the car. Tonight, she's all mine. We peruse the menu. My mouth is watering. Our consummate waiter, Clint, steps over and regales us with the storied tale of Jesse King, who worked sixty-plus years without missing a single shift in his uncle's mercantile store that now houses this restaurant named in his honor. "Jesse was loved in this community. In fact, we have a Jesse King Day in Magnolia Springs. He was always here to help people in this community. Let's

say you were a little down on your luck, he'd say, 'Don't worry about the ledger. We'll deal with that a little bit later.' He delivered stuff to people, which, in those days, meant a lot. This was where you met up with your friends, got your mail, got your supplies, gossiped about everything that was going on in town—their Facebook, you know, no cell phones—so this place was the heart of Magnolia Springs." It's been years since I've had raw oysters. We start with six on the half-shell. Cindy declines after one, so I eat the lion's share. The sauces and crackers make them delectable. We advance to garden salads—the freshest, most tender we've ever had. Not an overstatement. Then comes a melt-in-your-mouth

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steak filet topped with crab meat for me. Cindy gets 'divers' scallops. And we share. Oh! Almost forgot. Bourbon bread pudding for dessert. Delicious! It's all so excellent. We're delighted beyond our best expectations. I recommend Jesse's without reservation. It's a bucketlist destination. You will not be disappointed. Ask for Clint. Tell him the Barganiers sent you.

Saturday, we visit some of our favorite shops in Fairhope, like Crown and Colony Antiques. We've purchased from them for design clients in the past. They always have exquisite and unique imported pieces that we want to take home. We stroll

downtown, through stores, bump into old friends, catch up, and generally enjoy a stress-free, care-free day. Serendipity strikes when we cruise over toward Point Clear— looking for whatever—and encounter two beautiful ballerinas at Charming Teacup, an English Tea Room. Though it's quite chilly out, the girls are the sweetest and kind enough to pose for a photo with an old boomer. Photography, of course, was courtesy of the old boomer's wife—i.e. I'm not in trouble. But these kinds of special acquaintances do sometimes make me wish I was young again. C'est la vie. Happy New Year! And many blessings to you and yours in 2025. www.crownandcolony.com www.jessesrestaurant.com www.charmingteacup.info

Jeff Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and speaker. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. His novels include Lawson’s Bluff (2021); The Slash Brokers (1998). He also manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC (www.cindybarganier.com) at The Waters in Pike Road, Alabama. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@ knology.net. You may print out his features at www.jeffbarganier.com and take them with you when you travel!

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Contrary to popular belief, weightlifting is not only a young man's — or a young person's — game. In fact, not only do older women have a place at the gym, they may have more to gain from resistance training than any other demographic. Amid their changing health needs after age 50, evidence shows that muscle strengthening exercise and increased protein can help women stay healthy, active and empowered for longer. And at 60, 70 or even 80 — it's not too late to start.

Adding Muscle "Adding muscle is a good thing. We should strive to add as much as possible and also do everything we can to hang on to it as long as possible," says Michael Ormsbee, director of the Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine at Florida State University. More muscles and stronger muscles have been linked to a number of good health outcomes for older women including better cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels, and lower risk of falls and fractures. More lean mass can also improve bone mineral density, a huge benefit given that women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. The trouble, however, is that muscle is hard to hang on to as we age. We lose muscle mass as we get older, but there are ways to counteract that Both men and women experience agerelated muscle loss. In its severest form, this muscle loss causes a condition called sarcopenia which affects approximately 45% of older Americans and is a direct cause of disability. Women are especially vulnerable to sarcopenia, according to Lynda Ransdell, chair of kinesiology at Boise State University. They have less muscle than men to begin with, she says. And after age 30, a woman's muscle mass starts to decline. They lose between 3% and 8% of their lean muscle mass each decade and menopause can further accelerate that muscle loss. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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"Everyday activities we take for granted like carrying groceries, picking up a laundry basket off the ground, climbing stairs or getting out of the car" can become extremely difficult as muscle mass erodes, says Justin Keogh, an exercise scientist who studies resistance training in older adults at Bond University. That's where resistance training comes in.

Resistance Training Explained Resistance training or strength training is simply this: challenging your muscle with a heavy load so that it has to contract. This stimulates small tearing in your muscle, which the body then repairs. That repair process actually fortifies the muscle, making it stronger and often bigger. Stimulating muscles with resistance training is a proven way to subdue muscle loss and improve balance and strength. However, not all exercises or activities have the same muscle-building potential. Older adults have traditionally been advised to prioritize aerobic exercise like walking and gardening. And while these can definitely be a part of a healthy lifestyle, they don't qualify as resistance training, Keogh says. In fact, these exercises largely neglect the part of the muscle that generates strength and power — the fast-twitch muscle fibers, he says. Fast-twitch muscle fibers are the part of the muscle needed for short bursts of energy, like when you stand, squat or pick up a toddler. They're also the muscle fibers that are most impacted by sarcopenia. Because women have fewer fast-twitch fibers than men and they are more vulnerable to sarcopenia, they must invest in exercises that grow these valuable parts of the muscle. Exercises that add significant resistance — often in the form of weights or resistance bands — engage the fasttwitch muscle fibers. Think heavy 26 BOOM!

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squats, leg extensions or bicep curls. Stimulating these power-generating muscle fibers helps you hang onto them for longer. Ideally, choose a weight that feels heavy to you and only do six to eight reps at a time. ... Lighter weight loads might allow you to do more reps, but working out longer risks fatigue or even overworking your muscles. The good news is that anyone can start resistance training, and it doesn't have to take long. Ideally, choose a weight that feels heavy to you and only do six to eight reps at a time, Keogh says. Lighter weight loads might allow you to do more reps, but working out longer risks fatigue or even overworking your muscles. Choose one or two exercises to work out each muscle group: lower body, shoulders, back and arms. Ransdell says this is where a personal trainer or class can be really helpful. Once you have your exercises, complete the six to eight repetitions with a challenging weight for three or four rounds. As you repeat this routine three times a week, the initial weight will likely become easier to lift. That's when it's time to bump it up to a heavier load.

Add Protein You can make the most of your weightlifting routine in the kitchen, namely by eating enough protein. The protein you eat supplies your body with the essential amino acids it needs to build and repair muscle. In older adults, consuming protein also helps balance out the protein your body is breaking down. Unfortunately, most older women don't get enough of the muscle-building nutrient. A 2019 study found that 50% of women over 50 were underconsuming protein. Chances are you need more protein than you think. Protein metabolism becomes less efficient as we age, Keogh says, so

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older women likely need to eat more protein than their younger counterparts. "Don't be afraid to eat a proteindominant food or shake before bed, too. Research now shows that it will not add body fat and it will increase muscle repair while you sleep." Ormsbee says women over 45 should aim for 0.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass per meal and 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass per day. "Therefore, if a woman weighs 170 pounds, then she should aim for roughly 30 grams of protein at each meal and 170 grams of protein over the entire day," he says. "Don't be afraid to eat a proteindominant food or shake before bed, too," Ormsbee advises. "Research now shows that it will not add body fat and it will increase muscle repair while you sleep."

Big Gains It's a myth that older adults are too late to start weightlifting and building muscle. Research shows that older adults can see significant strength and muscle increases well into their 70s and beyond. A 2023 study measured the impacts of weightlifting three times a week in older adults, aged 65 to 75 and another group of 85 and older. None of the participants had weightlifted regularly before. But after 12 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in muscle size and strength. And the 85 and older group actually showed more relative strength and muscle increase, relative to their starting point, than the younger group. Keogh says this is why it's important to focus on your progress and not compare yourself. Increasing your weight training from 1 pound to 4 pounds may not seem like much at first, but that's a 300% relative increase, he says, which can have huge impacts on your mobility, functionality and independence.

Source: nextavenue.org The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Grumpy but Grateful "The art of complaining —gratefully."

“The Great Packaging Battle” You know what’s tougher than opening a plastic clamshell package? Negotiating peace treaties. Performing brain surgery. Figuring out why your kid’s Wi-Fi works and yours doesn’t. These packages weren’t designed to protect the product —they were designed to test your will to live. At some point, the packaging industry stopped asking, “How do we keep this secure?” and started asking, “How can we ruin someone’s entire day?” You’ve been there. You bring home a new pair of scissors, ironically trapped in a plastic vault so impenetrable that Houdini himself would’ve taken one look and said, “Nah, I’m good.” You think, I’ve got this. You don’t got this. You start with your hands. Rookie mistake. After 30 seconds of pulling, twisting, and swearing, the package is winning, and you’re left nursing a fresh cut that looks like you’ve been in a knife fight with a raccoon. Fine. Time to escalate. You grab a kitchen knife, because apparently, you enjoy living dangerously. You jab at the package, and it just laughs in your face, deflecting your attempts like it’s Captain America’s shield. Now you’re muttering to yourself like a lunatic, “Who is this package protecting itself from? The FBI?” By the time you’ve gone through your entire utensil drawer, you’re considering calling 911 to see if the fire department can bring the Jaws of Life. Somewhere in the middle of this debacle, your spouse wanders in, glances at the mess, and says the worst possible thing: “Need help?”

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No, Karen, I don’t need help. What I need is for the company that made this package to be investigated for crimes against humanity. And when you finally break through? That’s when the real betrayal happens. The package doesn’t just let go —it explodes. Bits of sharp plastic fly everywhere, and the item you’ve spent 45 minutes trying to liberate leaps out and lands under the fridge, never to be seen again. You sit there, exhausted, clutching the mangled remnants of the package like a trophy of your hardfought victory. Sure, your hands are bleeding, and you’ve developed a new twitch in your left eye, but you won. You opened it. And yet, I’m weirdly grateful for these battles. Why? Because nothing else in life has ever made me feel this alive. Forget skydiving. Forget running marathons. Opening a clamshell package is the real extreme sport. So, to the sadistic geniuses who design these plastic nightmares, I say this: You may have cost me a chunk of my thumb and 90% of my patience, but you also gave me a story to tell. And for that, I guess I’m grateful. But seriously, if I ever meet one of you in person, you’d better come wrapped in that same plastic. You’re gonna need it.

~ Archie Grumbleton

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Pretty Woman: The Musical at Gogue Performing Arts Center February 4-6 I Auburn, Alabama

Are you ready to fall in love all over again? Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). Visit https://goguecenter.auburn.edu/ pretty-woman-the-musical/ for tickets.

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A Starry Night Dinner Theatre Fundraiser February 15, 6 PM – 10 PM I Benefitting Reality & Truth Ministries

A Starry Night Dinner Theatre Fundraiser presents a narrative play in progress and 3 course meal benefiting the mission work of Reality & Truth Ministries. A Starry Night: Life, Meaning, & Happenstance parallels the life of Van Gogh with some of the lives our organization serves. It is our desire to offer a transformative evening of a live play in progress theater performance and readings, combined with fine dining, while raising funds for the work of Reality & Truth Ministries, so that like Van Gogh, our communities' physical and spiritual needs will be lovingly met. Tickets begin at $150. Event held at Reality & Truth Ministries, 506 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104.

The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin February 20 - March 2 at Cloverdale Playhouse It’s 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called “television.” Separated by two thousand miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century: the ruthless media mogul or the self-taught Idaho farm boy? What the critics are saying: “The most exciting new play on Broadway... a rousing theatrical experience.” – MTV News "a firecracker of a play in a fittingly snap, crackle and pop production … the drama has among its many virtues the ability to make you think at the same time that it breaks your heart." – Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times "vintage Sorkin and crackling prime-time theater . . . breezy and shrewd, smart-alecky and idealistic.” – Linda Winer, Newsday Performances at Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL. Visit cloverdaleplayhouse.org for tickets.

READ IT - LOVE IT - SHARE IT BOOM! starts conversations and shares stories. Share your business with BOOM! readers. For more information call/text 334.324.3472 334.328.5189 or visit www.riverregionboom.com

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham Alabama Shakespeare Festival, February 6-23

Octagon Stage | Recommended Ages 10+ | Adapted by Cheryl L. West Based on the book The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis Ten-year-old Kenny chronicles the events of a fateful summer for the Watson family of Flint, Michigan. Momma and Dad decide it’s time for Kenny’s teenage brother to have a lengthy stay with strict Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama, and the family heads south — toward a deadly, defining moment in American history. Get tickets at https://tickets.asf.net/overview/14813.

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Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Sasha Sasha has been with Home Care Assistance since March 2021. " Caregivers often call us to lean into love we didn't know possible." Sasha has been a significant factor in the growth of dignity secured in our clients. We're so grateful to have her. Thank you for all that you do here at HCA and for our clients!

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

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The Magic of Motown January 25 at 7:30pm * Troy University’s Davis Theatre

The show’s pitch perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography, & costuming perfectly capture the sights & sound of Motown including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more! Purchase tickets now at www.ilovemoxieevents.com.

Black Jacket Symphony Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” January 11 at 8pm * Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Don’t let the name fool you...known for their incredible live recreations of some of classic rock’s greatest albums, The Black Jacket Symphony is bringing Pink Floyd’s iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon to life. It’s a full rock-and-roll experience! Black jackets for them, blue jeans for you. Visit mpaconline.org for tickets.

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Masterworks 3: Heritage & Harmony Monday, February 10 at Troy University's Davis Theatre Johannes Brahms – Double Concerto Soloists: MSO Violin and Cello Fellows William Dawson – Negro Folk Symphony Part of the Alabama Composers Project

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EOS: Van Gogh - Poets and Lovers January 12 and January 14 at the Capri Theatre

Shown in partnership with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Introduction by Emily Stuart Thomas, Head of Learning & Programs at MMFA. 200 years after its opening and a century after acquiring its first Van Gogh works, the National Gallery, London is hosting the UK's biggest ever Van Gogh exhibition. Van Gogh is not only one of the most beloved artists of all time, but perhaps the most misunderstood. This film is a chance to reexamine and better understand this iconic artist. Focusing on his unique creative process, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers explores the artist's years in the south of France, where he revolutionised his style. Van Gogh became consumed with a passion for storytelling in his art, turning the world around him into vibrant, idealised spaces and symbolic characters. Poets and lovers filled his imagination; everything he did in the south of France served this new obsession. In part, this is what caused his notorious breakdown, but it didn't hold back his creativity as he created masterpiece after masterpiece. Explore one of art history's most pivotal periods in this once-in-a-century show. Made in close collaboration with the National Gallery. Visit capritheatre.org for tickets.

Sir Elton John (Tom’s Elton Tribute) January 19 at Troy University's Davis Theatre

The world’s number one Elton John tribute band are coming to play All The Hits by Elton John. The spectacular show includes Bennie and the Jets, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, and more. The level of attention to detail in recreating the music and costumes of Elton John & His Band is unparalleled. Visit www.eventbrite.com/d/al--montgomery/davis-theater for tickets.

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Jest a Moment

By Nick Thomas

What's Not to Love About New Zealand?

If you're looking for a New Year's adventure, two words: New Zealand! Some years ago, I visited the small but stunningly beautiful country, and everything was spectacular – the scenery, the people, the food, the native animals, and the preponderance of woolly livestock where sheep outnumber people by 6 to 1. It's also possible to experience an incredible range of landscapes in a short drive: from beaches The author's son takes the wheel of a passenger bus in to mountains, up to volcanoes, New Zealand. around geysers, into rainforests, and through deserts. Just watch compose their last will and testament on out for the 30 million sheep that call the used napkins. country's North and South Islands home. Foodies would love New Zealand, The people are overwhelmingly too, with its abundance of fresh seafood, hospitable, too, and I especially recall including many delicious species we one bus driver. rarely encounter on U.S. dinner plates. During a day excursion to Cape When a restaurant waiter asked one Reinga at the top of the North Island, evening if I was familiar with John Dory, I we traveled by tourist bus along 90 Mile replied, "Never heard of him!" She was, Beach. And when I say along the beach, of course, referring to the oddly named I mean on the actual shore just yards but tasty member of the Pacific flatfish from the South Pacific Ocean where family with the large black eye spot on its waves threatened to lap at our tires as side to confuse prey. we hurtled towards our destination at what seemed (appropriately) near 90 Did I mention New Zealanders miles per hour. How this massive vehicle also love their sheep? Some are shorn failed to sink into the soggy wet sand still annually for wool while the less lucky baffles me. ones end up listed on menus along Halfway through the trip, the driver with the John Dory. There are almost slowed down and called back to our sons as many recipes for lamb as there are (one was 12 and the other eight at the sheep: roast lamb, lamb shanks, rack of time) and, to their astonishment, asked, lamb, leg of lamb, lamb meatballs, lamb "You want to steer?" The driver scooted chops, lamb kebabs, Irish (lamb) stew, over, and our wide-eyed boys took turns and shepherd's pie (made with, umm, in the driver's seat, gripping the giant lamb) to mention a few. wheel and navigating the 40-foot bus Aside from tasty four-legged fleece loaded with some 30 fellow travelers, machines and other livestock, New mostly too enthralled with the ocean Zealand is also home to interesting native scenery to notice their new chauffeurs. animals especially some beautiful birds Only a handful appeared to hastily such as the well-known flightless kiwi, 34 BOOM!

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the rare yellow-eyed penguin, and the colorful takahe with its brilliant scarlet beak and legs. One critter you won't find in New Zealand is snakes – another reason to love the country. By contrast to their larger neighbor some 1,200 miles (as the seagull flies) to the west, Australia is home to some of the world's deadliest reptiles, spiders, jellyfish, and more, including some exotic centipedes so long they could probably kill by strangulation. But New Zealand has few malicious animals eager to bite, sting, or poison you. For instance, most of the country's 1,000 spider species are harmless, although I still had no desire to come faceto-face with the 6-inch leg-spanned Nelson cave spider. Nor was I keen to meet its main prey – the cave weta, a giant flightless cricket and one of 70 weta species that can grow to 4 inches. Either could probably kill you – by heart attack! Needless to say, it was a spelunking-free vacation. With the exception of the rare katipo, a small poisonous spider related to the black widow of North America and for which no deaths have been reported in over 100 years, the fauna of New Zealand is as cordial as its human population. Of course, no country is perfect. But if there is a slice of heaven on earth, it might just be New Zealand – unless, of course, you're one of the millions of nervous sheep contemplating whether your future lies in the meat or textile industry. And speaking of sheep, one final thing to love about New Zealand: you'll have no trouble falling asleep.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous newspapers and magazines. See www.getnickt.org. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Ben Bradshaw BOOM! COVER PROFILE

In this engaging and heartfelt interview, Ben Bradshaw, a tennis coach, community leader, and devoted father, shares his journey from growing up in a tennis-centered household to coaching in the River Region. Bradshaw reflects on his earliest memories of playing with his father, the valuable lessons he learned competing at Clemson University and professionally, and the joy of seeing players grow on and off the court. With a deep Christian faith guiding his life and coaching philosophy, Bradshaw emphasizes the importance of trust, perseverance, and grace in facing challenges. Whether inspiring young athletes or encouraging older adults to take up the game, Bradshaw's love for tennis and its power to build community shines through. As a family man, Bradshaw cherishes time with his wife and children, balancing his professional and personal life with gratitude and purpose.

BOOM!: You grew up in a tennis home with your dad as a coach. Can you share one of your earliest tennis memories and how it shaped your love for the sport? Ben: Well, I can't really even remember my earliest experiences of playing tennis. I have seen the home movies of me hitting against the fridge in my diaper and hitting with With parents Kathy and Arnold at the banquet for the my dad at two years old. Blue Gray Collegiate tennis banquet 2020. He was an amazing person, and we had a tremendous relationship. Some of my favorite things Ben: Tennis has been an avenue for in life include hitting a tennis ball with opportunities to travel the world and Dad and playing to meet people. Tennis doubles as his is a global sport with a partner. The worldwide network of most important players. I grew up in a thing he taught small town in a depressed was to trust the part of Northeast Ohio Lord. where my friends didn't have much opportunity BOOM!: You to travel. At first, tennis went on to gave me the opportunity play tennis to travel around the at Clemson neighboring states to play University and in junior tournaments. Dad teaching me early. then played Then, in college, I got to fly professionally. around the country for our What was the biggest lesson you learned team matches, and after college, I had during those competitive years that you the opportunity to play tennis in many still carry with you? countries around the world. 36 BOOM!

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My favorite tennis story is when I was in Vietnam. Missionaries were not allowed in the country, so they worked normal jobs and would share their faith undercover. A missionary I met there said he had wanted to learn tennis because the local government leaders in his town often played tennis, and he wanted to play with them to build relationships. It was such a thrill to be able to help him learn the sport. BOOM!: Your Christian faith is very important to you, and you're also a father. How do these two roles—father and faithful believer—inform and influence your approach to coaching and everyday life?

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about 40 years Ben: Hudson, 13, every person is Wyatt, 11, and my unique, and it is wife, Erin, have so rewarding to been my greatest help them try to blessing in life and improve. have brought a new An level of joy. I think interesting thing being a father and a about trying coach magnifies my to improve in shortcomings and tennis is that need for Christ's love tennis doesn't and forgiveness. I become easier; it mess up all the time, kind of becomes but I'm so thankful to more difficult. serve a forgiving God The hitting of and to have children the ball becomes and a wife to grow easier, but as with together in Him. Playing another growing sport with the family you improve, Thankfully, we are Padel. (Wyatt, Erin, Ben, Hudson 2024) the level of not saved through competition our works but are becomes stronger, the shots your justified by grace through faith. Then, opponents give you become tougher, our sancti-fication in striving to become and it is more difficult to figure out ways more like Christ can be amplified through to win at the higher levels. So, as in life, the challenges of fatherhood and there are always things to learn and to coaching. God is referred to as Father, so improve on. through my many failures, I can look to Him for forgiveness and as the example BOOM!: You're passionate about getting of the perfect Father. people involved in tennis. Why do you believe tennis is such a powerful tool for BOOM!: In your work as both a tennis building community, especially here in coach and a community instructor, the River Region? what's your core coaching philosophy? How do you balance teaching Ben: Tennis is an integrated sport with fundamentals with inspiring a genuine frequent opportunities to meet, play passion for the game? with, and get to know others from different backgrounds. It is common to Ben: My philosophy is to try to find the see four people from different cultures, best way for each player to improve having divergent views on politics, and keep it fun. If anyone would watch

has shown how much they support each other. We have a friend dealing with a major medical issue, and her tennis teammates immediately visited her at the hospital and set up a drop box at the tennis center for people to leave cards and gifts. I also attended a funeral this month for a good friend, and there was a big group from the tennis community there. An encouraging message was delivered at the funeral by tennis player pastor John Ed Mathison.

DreamCourt.org to volunteer

Ben: �ou mentioned the research, and the studies have shown that tennis players live an average of 10 years longer than those who don't play. Tennis not only provides a whole-body workout involving dexterity, balance, and

me teach different people throughout the day, the sessions would have some similarities, but the differences would be drastic. I think this is why I am still challenged by teaching after doing it for The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

religion, and social issues, still having fun together on the same tennis court. Competition through athletics can build strong bonds between people. In the past month, the tennis community

76th Annual Blue Gray National Tennis Classic February 23-24, 2024 • Montgomery, Alabama

BOOM!: Recent research shows tennis is one of the healthiest sports and offers amazing benefits for brain health. How would you encourage someone over 50 to start playing, and what unique benefits might they see?

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So, please build pickleball courts. There is demand for them, but there are plenty of places to do it other than on top of tennis courts.

Early bird group of players at O'Connor Tennis Center.

BOOM!: Over the years, you must have had countless memorable moments on the court. Is there one coaching victory or breakthrough story that stands out in your mind?

Ben: The rewards of coaching are coordination, but it also involves mental does not require as much running, and countless, but my favorites are the stimulation and the challenges of strategy, the technique used to hit the ball is not as players who initially didn't seem to have problem-solving, and perseverance. integral to the results, so a person who is extreme talent and have become good Other benefits include social interaction, just starting usually has more immediate players. There are many examples, but connectedness, and the community success. I am in full support of pickleball here are two players I hope will not mind we just mentioned. There is a group players having as many courts as can be having me mention them. at O'Connor called the 1) I have been coaching the Early Birds who play every Saint James tennis team for about Monday, Wednes-day, and 10 years. Michael Phan came out Friday, and almost all the for the team in 7th grade, having players are in their 60s, 70s, not played tennis before. Pretty and 80s. much the entire first season, There is a network of there were nearly as many shots team tennis through the at the back fence he didn't make USTA and River Region Team contact with as there were hit in Tennis where you aren't just the court. We have always had an playing by yourself but on a outstanding group of players at team where you can connect STJ, and they supported him and and develop friendships. encouraged him while Michael Also, we are blessed to have worked very hard, putting in the Dream Court program in countless hours of practice. Now Montgomery, which Jessica Michael has a state championship Weyreuter developed to ring and is one of the top players provide tennis to athletes on the team. Saint James team 2023 - (back Michael Phan, Josh Harvey, David Rees, Ryan with special challenges, Jeong, front - Jason Jeong, Grayson Eves, Danny Trock, Toba Rios, Justin Kang) including autism, Down syndrome, and wheelchair tennis. Dream Court not only results built. We just can't sacrifice tennis in opportunities for the athletes to courts to do it. experience the many physical, mental, Tennis has also been growing emotional, and social benefits of over the past 10 years, and there tennis but also rewards the numerous are not nearly enough tennis volunteers needed to help with the courts in town to meet the program. demand. During the high school tennis season, all 30 courts at BOOM!: As you know, pickleball has O'Connor and Lagoon are booked been sweeping the nation. Famous with matches every afternoon tennis pros, like John McEnroe and Andre from the end of January through Ben and Jane Kennett Agassi, are now on TV playing. Is there April. There are over 25 boys and room on the courts for pickleballers? girls varsity, JV, and middle school What are your thoughts on its teams in town with hundreds of players, 2) I'm thankful to have the popularity? and only one school in town has playable opportunity to play tennis with Jane tennis courts. With O'Connor and Lagoon Kennett nearly weekly. She hadn't played Ben: Pickleball is huge! Like all racquet/ trying to accommodate all the school any sports throughout most of her life, paddle sports, the benefits are numerous matches, there is nowhere for teams to and now, in her 70s, with some of her and similar to those of tennis. Pickleball practice. 38 BOOM!

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joints replaced, she continues to improve and enjoy tennis with her husband. She is a part of the River Region Team Tennis program on Saturdays. Jane really inspires me. BOOM!: Tennis can be highly competitive but also a lot of fun. How do you recommend balancing the competitive spirit with the pure enjoyment of the game—especially for older adults who might be worried about injuries? Ben: Haha - I like this question. Maturity brings some good perspective to many people when it comes to athletics and competition, but there are still those who take it too seriously and make it tough on others. Thankfully, the vast majority of the players keep a good perspective and have a good balance between the competitiveness and the fun. As far as the injuries go, tennis is a relatively safe sport - there isn't any tackling required. Some of the arm injuries can be avoided by taking some lessons and learning better techniques from one of the many top-quality tennis instructors we have in Montgomery. BOOM!: We always love to ask: What do you appreciate most about living and working in the River Region, and why? Ben: First, I'm thankful for my church (First Baptist Montgomery) and how Pastor Mark Bethea challenges us and helps us grow in our walk with the Lord each week. Secondly, I'm thankful for my job at O'Connor Tennis Center and the people I get to work with in the Parks and Rec department in Montgomery. It has been an outstanding and supportive group I have been able to work for, from Wiley Steen, Scott Miller, Kay McCreery, Rob Spivery, Ed Card, and David Card to the excellent new team of Brandon Dean, Kim Davis, Roy Wilson, and Billy Taylor. And through all the years, the tennis director at Lagoon Park, Geoff Waring, has been the best boss anyone could ask for. Everyone has been supportive and helpful with programs and recent improvements and renovations at O'Connor, which allow us to best serve the citizens of the river region. Thirdly, I really appreciate the weather from November through March.

BOOM!: If you could see one change or improvement in the River Region—related to sports or otherwise—what would it be?

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Ben: I would really like to earlier, the tennis see more youth playing court is a great tennis. So many parents get place to have fun their children involved in with someone baseball, basketball, soccer, who has different and football. There can be viewpoints. benefits to these sports, but If Bruce isn't in 10 minutes of tennis, a available, I'm child will have more hitting going with Bob and activity than in a twoDylan. I don't hour baseball game. Katrina picture him being Wilson and Casey Boswell as much fun or have been doing a ton of as good a player, work lately, taking tennis to but he is probably PE classes in schools around even more Hudson and Wyatt 2017 the city and introducing interesting. them to the sport. I hope more children will find the fun and BOOM!: When you're not coaching or challenge tennis provides. playing tennis, what's your favorite way to unwind or stay inspired? BOOM!: If you could have one celebrity or historical figure as a doubles partner, Ben: My answer to this has always been who would it be and why? travel. I love seeing different things Ben: Hands down, for me, this would and especially eating different foods. definitely be Bruce Springsteen. His Now, with children in the house, this music has accompanied me along many has changed a good bit. We try to make literal and figurative roads throughout trips as a family as school and sports my life. Although we have very different team schedules will allow, but now, trips are mostly much shorter. Shorter, opinions on many topics, as I mentioned

as in across town to Buddy Watson Park to watch a little league game or all the way to Prattville to see a middle school basketball game that the boys are playing. The food may not be as exotic, but spending time with family is the best. BOOM!: Finally, what words of wisdom would you offer our readers looking to stay active, keep learning, and live their best lives after 50? Ben: The advice I have is mostly directed to myself because I need constant reminders. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that is definitely my relationship with the Lord. I like the quote by Francis Chan that says, "Our greatest fear should not be of failure… but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." Going to scripture for guidance, Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." We want to thank Janet for sharing some of her life's story with us this month. If you have comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text Jason Watson at 334.328.5189 or email jason@ riverregionboom.com.

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Mi 40 BOOM!

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an you help?" our lowest point. "C at e ar e w n he w ng together, even of us avoid stringi y an m ds or w le rrassed about There are three litt things, I was emba of e m he sc e th de the a minor incident in non-slip chair insi ll, a e ba le ac pl ck pi to g n in so ay y ankle pl glided across enough to ask m After breaking an f up, and crutches own. It was easy el y ys m m on ist nd ho 't ou ar dn t out when I coul being unable to ge throom rugs!) ll my naked body pu to m hi ll ca gle said remove ba to oo er (G . rd ck ha ; pu er ey ow ck sh like a ho the wet tile floor 42 BOOM!

January 2025

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Three things stopped me from screaming for assistance: independence, ego and fear. I survived and quickly realized it was time to swallow my pride and get assistance. When asking friends, family or strangers to assist with small or large chores, nobody seemed bothered or put out; not one person "shamed" me or tried to make me feel inadequate. We know from research that acts of altruism, providing aid without expecting anything in return, facilitate people in living happier and more satisfactory lives. In one recent study, Stanford social psychologist and research scientist Xuan Zhao found, "We underestimate just how willing people want to assist others and how positive they feel about doing so."

How to Ask: Start Small and Be Specific Shifting roles, being the asker versus the doer, can feel like learning a foreign language. Moreover, cultural norms may be deeply rooted, yet wanting to respect and overcome them. A question I ask clients is, "Who could you ask to help?" One of the first steps is to write down the friends, family or community resources available to you should the need arise. Next, pull one person from the list and start with a small request, being as specific as possible and at a time when the stakes aren't as high as they can be during a crisis. Here are a few suggestions to try where you likely will get a "yes" response.

Can you grab my mail or newspaper on X day(s)? Can you get a few items for me when you are at the grocery store? Could you pick up my grandkids after school tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.? Like with most things, the more you practice asking for (and receiving) support, the easier and more natural it will become.

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Preparing for Rejection and Revising the Narrative

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We've probably all at one point been on the other side of "no." Sometimes, it can feel like strangers are kinder than the ones we know and love. This is where self-esteem and confidence are critical in not taking rejection personally. In these cases, I tell myself one never knows what is happening behind closed doors. Specifically, people may be experiencing personal or workrelated issues that we are not privy to. We may never know why someone didn't readily agree, and that's OK. Another perspective is that you may inadvertently insult a loved one by not asking for support. Consider how you would answer the following: "How would I respond if X asked me for support?"; "How did I feel when X asked me to help them?" And, "How would I feel if they didn't?" The answers might depend on who and what was asked for, but in general, individuals are pleased to have been sought out in the first place. In a Stanford News Q&A, Zhao suggested, "A direct request…enables kindness and unlocks opportunities for positive social connections." Furthermore, Zhao said asking for what you need can create an emotional closeness while showing another person you trust them enough to be there for you.

Letting Ourselves Be Vulnerable What often goes unmentioned is how one good deed can impact both people's lives when doing so, ranging from a simple sense of satisfaction to changing life's trajectory. So, the next time you need support and feel hesitant to lean on others, pick up the phone and ask yourself, "Who's helping who?"

Source: nextavenue.org The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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BOOM! Mind Exercise

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The

Now that all the holidays decorations are gone, our house looks a little empty. A room that just a few weeks ago brought us joy, now feels lifeless and dull. As the cabin fever sets in, we turn to online scrolling for new décor, making lists of new projects and pulling out the measuring tape. Armed with our new renovation plan, we suddenly remember that we are still paying off Christmas, taxes are due and our daughter got engaged over the holidays. Bye-bye makeover. But wait! While you may not be able to completely overhaul your home, there are plenty of little things you can do to give your space an updated look without sending your budget into a tailspin. Not sure how to do it? Check out some of our suggestions.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall –

Mirrors are an easy way to give a room a new focal point. You are not limited to the rectangular mirrors that came with your house. Try different shapes – ovals, squares or circles – as well as different frame materials. Consider adding small framed mirrors to a shelf, wall collage or on a stair landing. Decorative mirrors not only brighten a room and give it depth, but they also give you an extra spot for a quick reflection check.

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Accent wall – Social media is filled

with DIYers creating batten board walls in their house with bead board or simple 1 x 4’s. Another trending option is peel and stick wallpaper and tiles. All options offer a little texture and color

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to freshen up a room. It’s an easy way to update a bathroom, long hallway or entryway. Even simply painting one wall in the room, like behind a headboard, gives a room the freshen up it needs.

First impressions – Your front door is the first thing your visitors see. Try painting it a bold color - if you hate it, it’s easy to fix. Freshening up your front porch with new house numbers and a doormat is a simple and inexpensive change. Add a seasonal wreath and flower pots of different heights to give you dimension. If you have space for a chair or bench, add some colorful outdoor pillows. Bring the Outdoors In – One

of the biggest trends for this year is nature and sustainability. This year’s paint colors reflect Mother Nature’s palate, with more emphasis on greens, browns and neutrals. Add live plants and vertical gardens to sunny spaces. Decorate with natural pieces like dried flowers and use materials made from bamboo or hemp. Shop thrift stores and garage sales for unique items that can be refurbished to save them from landfills.

Add Décor with a Story – My mom has a photo wall in her dining room. It is not pictures of family, but instead, places that she has visited or things in nature that caught her eye. If you ask

her, she can tell you where each picture was taken. The wall is interesting because it tells her story and adds a personal touch to her décor that you can’t get from a storebought item. Consider creating a wall like that in your house.

and broom holders. Create a command central space with a dry erase weekly calendar, bulletin boards and office supply drawer. Soften up the space with an area rug as well as window treatments.

Give them Pantry Envy – An organized

pantry is always impressive as well as more functional. To ensure everything has its place, purchase clear containers and fill them with the contents of your open bags and boxes. Use a Lazy Susan to store spices and small jars that can easily get lost. Put bread in a bread box, add bins for potatoes and stair step racks for cans. If it’s in the budget, replace wire racks with cabinets or solid shelves. Don’t be afraid to paint the walls or add a fun chandelier.

Make a Laundry Room You Love

– We spend too much time in the laundry room to keep it drab. Jazz it up with a bright tile floor or an interesting backsplash. Hide laundry supplies in cabinets or under appliance drawers. Add built-in drying racks, coat hooks

Kitchens with a Wow Factor

– Everyone knows the kitchen is the heart of the home. However, it is one of the most expensive rooms to makeover. If you can’t afford to change cabinets and countertops this year, start with new handles for cabinets or add cane webbing for texture. Replace lighting (just brighter lightbulbs can be enough) or change out your sink and faucets. Did you know you could tile right over tile? It’s an easier way to update an existing backsplash and it gives your kitchen a whole new look.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading decorating magazines and pinning makeover ideas on Pinterest.

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If Something Happens to You, Are Your Records Organized? Are your records organized? If something were to happen to you, would it be easy for loved ones to take over your affairs or settle your estate? Would they know where to find all your necessary healthcare information, legal documents, passwords, and PINs? Would they know how bills are paid and how sources of income are credited to your bank account? Not to worry. Every January, we conduct a workshop called Life in a Box. We give you a step-by-step approach to gather all relevant records, so they are all contained or referenced in one fire-resistant box. We will conduct the 2025 workshop by webinar at noon on Wednesday, January 29th. For further information and reservations, please call 334.270.1672 or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com. If you miss the webinar, there will be a recorded version available. In addition, we offer free consultations without obligation. The ten categories that we cover in detail include healthcare, estate planning, tax records, investments and bank accounts, liabilities, insurance, military records, personal identification documentation, deed and similar documents, and a miscellaneous one that covers pet information, house maintenance, etc.

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January 2025

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.

Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

In addition, we go over what to keep where, for example, in a safe deposit box, fire-resistant box at home, in a file cabinet or with your attorney or financial advisor. For example, it is not advisable to keep the original of your will in your safe deposit box and we will tell you why. Another example is your passport. A copy of your passport should be kept in the safe deposit box, but not the original, and we will tell you why. We also go over ways to manage technology. If something were to happen to you, loved ones need to be able to access electronic as well as

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paper records. To do so, they need to know passwords and PINs. We go over electronic means to store passwords and PINs so loved ones can access them in an emergency and help protect you from identity theft. Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to get your records organized. Our webinar and proprietary method are designed to help you get your Life in a Box organized. We make it so once organized, it! Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices Montgomery and Alexander City, AL. Susan has under advisement over $150 million (as of 9.1.24) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for over 40 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672. Email contact is susan@ moorewealthmanagement.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney or tax advisor regarding your individual situation. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Kestra IS or Kestra AS are not affiliated with Moore Wealth Management, Inc. https://www. kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

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