1
3
4 BOOM!
March 2019RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
5
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
July 2019 Volume 9 Issue 11
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom C.S. Lewis
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Happy Birthday America!
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 Happy Birthday America! 10 Publisher's Column 14 AUM OLLI Members Anticipate the Fall 2019 Catalog 15 God Bless Our War Veterans 16 Memories of Sweet William & Compost! Sandy Scott Watson
page 20
Features
20 Positive Aging Strategies to Have Energy at Any Age
24 The Most Helpful Thing You Can Do for People Who Love You
28 6 Signs You’re Pushing Away Your Adult Children
18 The Importance of Shoulder Mobility Leigh Anne Richards
46 Travel Experiences with Jeff BarganierThe Camellia City
22 My Journey to Publishing Two Novels -Barbara Wesley Hill
Departments 30 This and That Interesting Stuff
52 {12} Things For Active Boomers
50 Greg Budell THE JOYS OF SUMMER
26 The Stock Market Drops. Now What? McDonald Hagen Wealth 31 2019 Photo Competition Exhibit 36 Losing Your Marbles? Ask an Elder Law Attorney 38 BOOM! Cover Profile
page 38
page 16
page 31
page 35
page 28
44 Congratsamundo to Happy Days’ Anson Williams 48 RECIPE: Tomato Cracker Salad 54 Maca-Superfood Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla
page 15
page 30
page 34
page 48
page 22
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 2019 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
7
Happy Birthday America! Prattville’s Independence Day Celebration, Thursday July 4th!
Fireworks, food, and fun are all part of the Independence Day Celebration planned for Prattville. We will start with a parade at 9 am through Downtown Prattville, ending at Pratt Park where the Lion’s Club will host its Annual BBQ fundraiser with music, a patriotic program, and arts and crafts. The Cardboard Boat Races, starting at 10:30 am, are a great way for families to work together and compete in a fun swimming pool event. The day will end with a FREE concert at 6 pm at Stanley-Jensen Stadium featuring Creativity and a huge fireworks display beginning at dark. For more information about these events and how you can be a part of the celebration, contact Parks and Recreation at 334.595.0800 or Special Events at 334.595.0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.
Pike Road to Host Annual SummerFest Fourth of July Celebration, Thursday July 4th
The Town of Pike Road is excited to host its annual SummerFest Fourth of July Celebration again this year on Thursday, July 4, at The Waters off Marler Road. All are invited to join us for an evening of family-friendly fun! The Town of Pike Road’s annual Fourth of July celebration exemplifies the spirit of our community. With food, family-friendly fun, live music and fireworks, SummerFest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening with friends and neighbors from across the River Region. Set in the picturesque Waters neighborhood, the community gathers on the Square for the afternoon and moves to the shores of Lake Cameron at sunset for a firework spectacular. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and the fun begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per vehicle. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy live music from Brandon Self and the Outlaw Revival. Food will be available for purchase, but coolers are welcome. Visit www. pikeroad.us for details as the event approaches!
Montgomery Independence Day Celebration Wednesday July 3rd
Come out to Blount Cultural Park from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd for Montgomery's Independence Day Celebration to honor and celebrate the birth of our great nation! Live music, food & beverage vendors, kids activities and a GRAND Fireworks show around dusk. Chairs, blankets and pets are welcome. Parking is located off of Vaughn Road. Event is Free to the public. www.funinmontgomery.com
8 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
9
Publisher’s Letter
Make America Love Again Are you in the mood to celebrate America? It’s that time of year. Independence Day. Fireworks. Cookouts with family and friends. For most of us of a certain age, we have fond memories of our own sense of pride and patriotism when we paused to recognize and honor our truly great country, America!
The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Publisher/Editor
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Barbara Wesley Hill Caitlin Kelly Stacey Little Brandt McDonald Audrey Meinertzhage Leigh Anne Richards Sally Stitch Diane Stokes Nick Thomas Sandy Scott Watson Raley L. Wiggins
Jeff Barganier submitted a short article this month called “God Bless Our War Veterans”, in it Jeff makes the point of the thousands of Americans who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War in Europe. In fact, Jeff points out that if not for these American sacrifices the world and Europe would look nothing like it does Jim Watson, Publisher today. I think all the sacrifices Americans have made since America’s Independence have been done out of duty and love for a country that stands for freedom and liberty for every man, woman and child who claims America as its own. The love of America and the sacrifices that went with it have somehow been relegated to a bygone era, not fashionable with our contemporary culture. Haters have trampled on the ideals of America and turned the American people against one another, our conversations and our thoughts are censored by public shaming, ridicule…so we just shut up!
Cover Photography Shellee Roberts Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com 334.261.2080
So I’m proposing a new slogan we can all use to guide our political discourse in the coming months, “Make America Love Again”, love your brothers and sisters, recognize our shortcomings, but seek common ground when it comes to solutions and solve problems we all benefit from. Happy Birthday America! Make America Love Again!
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom
Gracing this month’s cover is a special woman who is living the American Dream, her name is Diane Stokes and she’s an entrepreneur operating her own State Farm Insurance Agency on Chantilly Parkway. Her primary responsibility is being the mom to two bright and beautiful teenagers, son Jarrod and daughter Jordan, both attend Montgomery Catholic. She operates the business with her husband Allen, as her Executive Assistant, which has worked out very well because as Diane told us she not only loves him, she also likes him too, a winning combination! I think you’ll enjoy getting to know Diane, I certainly have! There’s plenty more good reads and I hope you enjoy this month's reading experience; it's designed for you. Please consider our advertisers when you have needs, they’re all on the right side of positive aging and would love to do business with each of you. Please share your thoughts to my cell/text/ email, I love to listen and learn. Also, if you haven't started getting BOOM! to your email inbox each month it's a fun way to read the latest issues, convenient too! Please sign up for your free subscription at www.RiverRegionBoom.com. Thanks for being part of our BOOM! Community.
Jim jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text
Thanks for Reading BOOM! Free Subscriptions
w w w. r i ve rre gio n b o o m.co m 10 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
11
12 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
13
AUM OLLI Members Anticipate the Fall 2019 Catalog As summer classes began at the Center for Lifelong Learning, OLLI members asked about the catalog and registration for Fall 2019. The fall schedule will feature new opportunities as well as returning popular classes so there is much to anticipate. The catalog should be released in the next few weeks, online and in print. Because Alabama will be celebrating its Bicentennial in December of 2019, OLLI is offering its members opportunities to become better acquainted with the state’s history and literature. On Thursday, October 10 (9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Dr. Ed Bridges will lead a one-day course on the history of Alabama, based on his
14 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
2016 book, Alabama: The Making of an American State. Complementing this history course, Nancy Anderson will teach a class on Lella Warren’s novel Foundation Stone, also known as Alabama’s Gone With the Wind. New to the OLLI offerings in the fall 2019 schedule will be a pickleball class, led by Dr. Jennifer Brown, to be held at the AUM Wellness Center on Fridays. Buying and Operating a Vehicle, taught by Joe Newman, is another new course. For OLLI members wanting to develop new skills, there will be classes in quilling, watercolor painting, computer literacy, and PowerPoint.
OLLI members will be delighted to know that many popular courses are returning or continuing to be offered: Tai Chi (class meets twice a week), Brain Bowl (will be a weekly class, not a twice a month bonus opportunity), jewelry making, ballroom and line dancing, zentangle, paper engineering, and pine needle basket weaving. These classes are only some of the opportunities coming in the fall. To be among the first to receive the catalog and to be alerted to the opening of registration, become an AUM OLLI member ($40 annual membership fee) by going online at www.aum.edu/OLLI OR contact Brittany Thomasson at 334-244-3804.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
God Bless Our War Veterans A few years ago, I attended a talk by travel guru Rick Steves at Auburn University. He began his presentation by asking the packed auditorium of mostly students to please hold their comments and/ or questions until the end. However, after sitting through about thirty minutes of what amounted to extravagant praise for the countries of Europe but condescending contempt for America, I made a brief comment and walked out. In retrospect, I wish I had stayed until the nauseating end and asked Mr. Steves a good question like: “In all of your travels across Europe, have you ever stumbled upon the many American military cemeteries wherein lie the tens of thousands of young Americans about the age of these students—young Americans who never got the opportunity to go to college and listen to your drivel because, Mr. Steves, they left their guts on the beaches of Normandy?” Then I may have added, “Had it not been for their sacrifice, there would not today be such a wonderful Europe.” And I may have further questioned: “If you like Europe so well and find our country so distasteful, next time you go there, why not stay?” This 4th of July, as we sit beneath the stars as free people and enjoy fireworks celebrating the founding of our, not necessarily perfect, but blessed nation that has been bled dry for all of its brief history on this planet, let’s remember those who did the bleeding from Valley Forge to present engagements. When we meet war veterans, let’s share our gratitude for their grueling sacrifices and unselfish service. Happy 4th of July; and may God bless our troops and nation. Jeff S. Barganier, jeffbarganier@knology.net
Free Subscriptions @ w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
15
Master Gardener's Perspective
By Sandy Scott Watson
Memories of Sweet William & Compost! My dear husband Jim gifted me the Master Gardener course as part of my Christmas gifts. It has been a desire for many years. I feel like a giant sponge. Sitting in class or studying I am constantly reminded of my father. He always had an incredible garden and could create a positive result with composting.
apples, all sorts of vegetables, Wisconsin. I met a wonderful lady who venison, beef, fish and sliced had traveled to see many gardens of the peaches, yum. world. On her property were apple trees. When my brother Barry You could pick all you wanted but you was eight or nine years old had to pick up any fruit from the ground our dad took him to fish in and toss it onto the compost pile. a contest above Atkinson Dam. He won by catching a I have an Aunt Bertha who grew up and huge catfish, full of roe. At has lived on the land in Elmore county that time home sewers fed all her life. She is a gracious lady who into the rivers that flowed can grow, cook, can or put up anything. into the Bay. Thankfully that Her jams, oh my! On a visit to her home has been rectified. We did one time she handed me a container of not eat bottom veggie-scraps and asked William T. Scott, Sandy's Dad feeders! After me to toss it off her porch the celebration that cat was onto her flower bed. I buried in the garden because have been tossing mine My dad was born in Coffee county dad knew that fish contained off the deck ever since. Mississippi in 1925. William T. Scott; WT; naturally occurring amino In her gracious southern Bill or Scotty were his many monikers. acids, vitamins, hormones drawl, she once told me His father died when he was two and the and enzymes for soil health? “Sandra, the wilderness struggles began. Grandmother moved He also brought in organic will overtake you!” God to North Alabama with two little boys fertilizers like manure put Adam into Eden to to be closer to her family and to make and mushroom compost tend and keep it. How can things worse the Great Depression began that added the benefit of we do less? in 1929. Dad survived increasing hard times and eventually organic In our short time Sandy's brother, Barry Scott, moved to Selma where matter together, Jim has learned w/Prize Catfish he met my mom. In in the about composting and 1950 he took a job at an soil and has tolerated it well. He Army Post in Maryland supporting soil now saves eggshells and plant scrapes as a machinist. Daddy microbes. My father when he cooks. Yes, ladies he cooks and built our house, fished, was a self-taught works in the yard! hunted, trapped and ran man who loved a crab line in the salty nature. When I Life in general keeps me from being in waters of the Chesapeake followed him thru my lovely garden 24-7. God’s creation is Bay, and he gardened! the woods, he knew far beyond all imagining. Did you know I say he had ‘ten green the name of every that plants sense gravity? That is why thumbs!’ Neighbors and tree and plant, like roots grow down! friends benefitted from ‘crow’s feet’ which Sandy, forever a "composter" Sandy Scott Watson, an intern in the 2019 his garden. I remember his is a vine that grows Master Gardener Class, lives in Montgomery. tomatoes oh, his tomatoes! I sat many along the ground. We pulled it up to For more information on becoming a master times with my parents snapping green make Christmas wreathes. gardener, visit www.capcitymag.org or email beans. Mother was not one who canned capcitymag@gmail.com so we had a huge chest freezer, it held I am not certain when I began many treasures thru the years, baked composting. I think in Madison,
16 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
17
The Importance of Shoulder Mobility Last month’s column was on hip mobility and the importance of keeping our hips mobile. As the aging process has occurred in my life, I have realized how important the movement of the body really is. Muscular strength and endurance of course are very important, but we should be incorporating mobility work in our daily routines. The shoulder is the most complicated joint with the greatest range of motion. You can do a lot with a wellfunctioning shoulder joint, but you can hurt yourself badly and curtail your activity level for a long time if you do not keep that joint mobile. Shoulder health is necessary for an active life. If you plan on attaining any sort of athletic ability on any level, you need good working shoulders. According to the current injury incidence trends, generalized nonspecific back pain has now taken a back seat to shoulder pain or shoulder dysfunction as the most common pain among people. Much of this alarming shoulder trend can be correlated to the amount of screen time spent on cell phones, computers and other
18 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
handheld technology which exacerbates our poor ape like posture. Most shoulder problems accumulate over time leading to chronic issues that can cause regional tissues to become chronically short and tight.
Fitness over Fifty by Leigh Anne Richards
The shoulder joint is composed of the clavicle (collar bone), the scapula (shoulder blades), the humerus (upper arm bone), along with two joints call the acromioclavicular joint ( AC joint), and the glenohumeral joint. All these bones and joints are surrounded by surrounding musculature. The surrounding musculature is very extensive. You’ve got those parts of the shoulder that we love to work out with weights because they look great in sleeveless tank or tops. These are the rear, middle, and anterior deltoids.
They get all the credit. There are more important muscles because for all the mobility and all that muscle mass to work correctly, you must have stability. You must have a base, something to work from. This is not a new concept and it is not unique to the shoulder joint alone. The entire body is governed by the law of mobility and stability. Mobility joints like the hips, thoracic spine, and ankles are connected to stability joints like the knees and lumbar spine. Each requires the next in line to function correctly. The whole key to shoulder mobility is scapular stability. You must have strong shoulder blades as your foundation. For the shoulder joint to stay mobile, they rely almost entirely on the proper function of the scapula. Any type of overhead work, whether it is pressing a barbell overhead, lifting a child, or moving luggage into an overhead bin on an airplane, requires scapular elevation to help that AC joint clear the rotator cuff. If you have poor scapular function as a result of poor thoracic mobility or the postural deviation kyphosis, that upward rotation is halted, and an impingement can develop.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The rowing motion is all about scapular retraction. If you are paddling or rowing with a cable you will not flail your arms wildly or you would injure yourself. You set your shoulder blades back and keep them tight to create a safe path for your primary rowing muscles to travel. The shoulders figure into any upper body exercise you do. Anything that involves your arms involves the shoulders and good scapular retraction.
the palm down while you inwardly rotate the arm. As you reach back try to keep the arm in the same movement plane without leaning into the side body. When your arm reaches the hip, the palm should be facing away from your body. Then reverse the motion by extending arm back and then turn palm up to outwardly rotate the arm. Continue until you are back to start position. Do 2 sets per arm 3-5 reps.
The following are a few mobility exercises to use for better shoulder health:
• Scapular CAR – Similar to shoulder CAR but this time for scapula (shoulder blades). Kneeling position or standing if you can’t kneel. Start by reaching the arm forward as far as you can. Shrug the arm up by thinking shoulder to ear, this will elevate the scapula. Lower the arm down by thinking shoulder away from the ear and shoulder blades in back pocket. Put those 2 movements together to form a smooth continuous motion. Do 2 sets of 3-5 reps per side
• Shoulder CAR (controlled articular rotation). Start by kneeling. If you cannot get on floor can be done from standing. Flex the arm straight up until you hit YOUR end range. Shrug up a little and turn
• Lumbar locked cat/camel- Sit back on your heels with your torso at a 45-degree angle or stand with hands on knee for support. Cat- round the bac, tuck your chin and think about lifting the spine up
The shoulder is very complex. We all need to be focusing on mobility which is- flexibility + strength. The distinction between mobility and flexibility is important. With better mobility comes better movement capacity. You will be less likely to compensate and more capable of getting into correct positions.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
to the ceiling, crunching the muscles on the front side of the body. Camel- Arch the back. Lift your chin upward and think about driving the chest toward the floor while contracting the back muscles. You want a nice arch in the entire mid back. As always, talk to your Doctor or your physical therapist before attempting any of these mobility exercises or contact a professional to help guide you through these. I will attest to the difference these exercises have made in my shoulder mobility. Remember- we want to be able to have a body that looks, moves, and functions the best it can. * drjohnrusin.com/5exercises-to-instantly-improveshoulder-mobility/ This site has video of all the above mobility exercises * The Importance of Shoulder Mobility and Scapular Stability”, Mark Sisson, May 20, 2010 Mark’s Daily Apple- www.marksdailyapple.com
Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General Manager- MetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
19
Positive Aging Strategies to Have Energy at Any Age By Audrey Meinertzhagen
Turns out we can’t blame our lack of energy on getting older. Not to say that some of us won’t, but we can no longer say, “Of course I don’t have energy, I’m old.”
It is not the best idea to wait until we find ourselves worn out and in the midst of a health crisis before we try to boost our energy levels. These days information is coming at us from all directions. Overwhelming us with ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts’ when it comes to our health. It is tempting to simply turn away, return to our sedentary ways and consider it exercise when we get up to check the mail. Wherever you fall in the energy/activity spectrum, there is good news. You can find simple ways to get more energy at any age and promote healthy aging. What Causes Fatigue? We all get tired from time to time but fatigue is a little different. This experience is defined as feelings of extreme tiredness caused by mental or physical exertion or illness. The difference between the two is a matter of degree. If you are often tired but recover easily, you may want to consider using strategies to boost your energy before you dip into the realm of fatigue. Fatigue is tiredness run amuck. Working too much, not getting enough sleep, eating junk food, emotional stress, not having enough support during a difficult life event or illness can contribute to fatigue. It is important to be aware of how your energy levels fluctuate. For instance, feeling tired after a long day of work can be expected. If a difficult situation arises personally or in the family, your energy reserves may feel zapped. Taking time
20 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
to recover from these types of days is important. Do something that helps you unwind like getting a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is something that doesn’t necessarily go away when we take a bath or go to bed earlier. Fatigue tends to follow us around and can continue to be there just as powerfully when we wake up in the morning as it was when we went to bed the night before. Because of this, it’s important to check in with your body often and take proactive measures to increase your overall energy levels. 8 Ways to Have More Energy After 50 No matter what your energy levels are at the moment, here are a few tips for positive aging to reinvigorate and renew your energy reserves. These tips can help with reducing both fatigue and tiredness. If fatigue lingers, it’s important to talk to your doctor. 1. Start where you are. Don’t compare yourself to that second cousin who runs a marathon every week and grows her own wheatgrass. You don’t need to compete. Start today by just considering one or two simple changes that you can make to put more energy in your tank and feel better day by day. 2. Create one new habit at a time. If you know that you would feel better if you changed your diet, pick one change to focus on. For example, don’t eat after 8pm or work on eating smaller portions. To
change a habit, the trick is that small steps support lasting change. 3. Take a walk. If you feel tired and the craving monster is beginning to make noise, you might consider taking a fiveminute walk. Go outside and walk around the block, stretch your legs, enjoy the weather. It is amazing how invigorating a short walk can be. 4. Drink water. As we age it is important that we make sure we drink enough water. Staying fully hydrated helps increase our metabolic rate and ensures that our metabolism is as healthy as possible. It is also the most efficient nutrient when it comes to supporting you during exercise. When your body is dehydrated, one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue. Make sure to reach for a glass of water when you feel zapped of your energy reserves. 5. Do strength training. Lifting weights or engaging in some other form of resistance exercise is one of the best ways for people over 50 to boost their energy levels. The benefits of strength training for seniors include building muscle mass and maintaining our strength. Additionally, being stronger makes our bodies more efficient and this effect carries over into our overall sense of energy. 6. Take your vitamins. Taking high-quality supplements on a daily basis can help you feel better overall, and they have a myriad of advantages to your day to day wellbeing. Working with a health care professional can help you determine which nutrients are right for you. 7. Breathe deeply. Dr. Elizabeth Frates is a physiatrist and wellness coach who teaches at Harvard and has worked with stroke and spinal injury patients to help them achieve their optimal level of wellness. She coaches people on increasing energy and one of her fundamental tips is to do deep breathing to revive the parasympathetic system. Improve heart and brain health with breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method: four breaths in, hold for a count of seven and exhale for a count of 8. 8. Get enough sleep. Advice for sleeping better is all over the place. If you’ve tried sleep tips like getting to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning, maybe you should The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
try getting less sleep. Yup, it’s a thing. It sounds odd but there are those that insist that determining how much sleep you actually need can reduce that amount of time you spend in bed worrying about not being able to sleep. Apparently, this does help some people find more restful sleep. While this is a method some feel encourages better sleep, make sure you stay safe and consult your doctor before trying it out for yourself. Here’s how you do it: I Do not nap during the day. I The first night, go to bed later than normal and get just four hours of sleep. I If you feel that you slept well during that four-hour period, add another 15–30 minutes of sleep the next night and so on. I As long as you’re sleeping soundly the entire time you’re in bed, slowly keep adding sleep on successive nights until you find your sweet dream spot. 4 Ways to Use Relationships, Family, and Community to Increase Your Energy Levels
1. Are the people in your life “lilies or leeches?” Dr. Elizabeth Frates speaks about paying attention to what might be draining and sapping the energy from you. Do you spend your time with people who you feel comfortable with and encouraged by? Do they accept and respect who you are and your life choices? Are there people in your life who make you feel like you have to hide a piece of yourself? As a result of spending too much time together, is your energy drained or do you feel bored? You may want to limit your time with this type of person and invite others to spend time with you instead. 2. Take time for your hobbies. As we get older, many become increasingly isolated. We are busy with work and become attached to our daily routine. Step out of your usual pattern at least once a week. Attend a social event that appeals to you. Be curious and go to a book reading, lecture, or musical event. Change your routine and see what happens. 3. Connect with family and friends. Schedule an evening once a month where you have a potluck dinner with family or
friends and have everyone bring their favorite poem to share. Arrange to go to an event with your friends like a concert or a street fair. It is important to make plans with those you love. 4. Be of service. You may also improve your energy by becoming socially active and supporting a cause that is important to you. All too often, people complain about various issues and how impossible a situation appears. Pick one thing or issue and then find a group that is working to resolve or change your issue and become an active member. If activism isn’t your thing, consider being of service in some way. Participating in the wider community has a value that energizes you and those around you. Use one or all of these methods to improve your energy level. Make an experiment out of it by keeping track of how you feel when you take on any one of these tips. What is important is to focus on fully embracing your own self-care and knowing that will help you age well and keep you energized.
T This article is sponsored by Home Care Assistance, for more info visit www.homecareassistance.com
Live Well at Home with a Higher Class of Care We do home care differently • 24/7 Live-in and Hourly Care • Balanced Care Method™ to promote healthy longevity • Cognitive Therapeutics Method™ to boost brain health • Hospital to Home Care Call today!
334-593-3988 Changing the Way the World Ages The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
HomeCareAssistanceMontgomery.com
Call Kristy today for your free in-home consultation!
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
21
My Journey to Publishing Two Novels Barbara Wesley Hill
At the age of seventyeverything I could find on would be available and purchased five, my friends and the internet about writing. additional copies of Only a Breeze family were surprised to I inquired in the local area for gifts, they gave me the ultimate learn I had just published about a workshop or writing compliment. Other encouragements my first novel, Only a class, locating only one class came from a local library inviting me to Breeze, a Southern story about writings memoirs. speak, my own Landmark Book Club, which, surprisingly, Though the subject didn’t and friends who hosted a book-signing begins in 1934 Russia, apply to me, I took the in Anniston, Alabama. Throughout with the bulk of the class and learned a great everything, my husband, Gene, has story taking place in deal about writing. I was been my tireless and unpaid editor, my Tennessee in the 1940s. encouraged by the instructor biggest fan and encourager. Holding the first copy of to pursue my dream and she the printed novel, I was later purchased my novel. I enjoy novels that are wholesome in as amazed as anyone. A friend helped me contact language and subject matter, believable Many commented that the author of several books. and unpredictable. Add a bit of spice it was wonderful to see She helped me connect with to the mix with a measure of intrigue a dream fulfilled. But I another author who wrote in or mystery, some romance and a never dreamed this—it my genre, Christian fiction, good dose of humor wrapped up in Author, Barbara Wesley Hill has been an unexpected and I joined her online an uplifting story. I believe my writing blessing granted by God in the sunset group of writers and readers, which has fits that description, adding a bit of of life. been an invaluable resource. I am so Southern history—I was born and appreciative of the remain Southern and So, how did it happen? I’ve always authors and editors could write no other. enjoyed a vivid imagination, creating who have crossed spontaneous stories for my children my path in the past I may never adjust and grandchildren, verses for friends, few years, most of to or feel worthy of and a few entertaining skits. And I love whom I have yet to being referred to as an reading. In 2005, I submitted a short meet. author. But if you dream story to Christian Woman magazine of writing a book, or and was delighted to see it published After my own perhaps a different but didn’t pursue other possibilities. numerous changes dream, I believe I am Eleven years later, in 2016, my first and rewrites, I a good example—not novel evolved from simply writing out was fortunate of doing it right, but of a recurring scene in my mind. I felt I to locate an doing it at an age when could see a young immigrant boy as understanding local many believe the time he attempted to adjust to life in the editor. Then came of learning or doing Barbara with husband Gene United States. From that nugget, I added more corrections, new things has passed. to it from time to time, just playing rewrites, and formatting into book form. around. When I realized I had written a After an extensive internet search, I Due to God’s blessings and ongoing number of pages, I commented to my found a great cover designer. By the encouragement, my second novel, husband that I thought I could make a time I published my novel through an Altered Plans, came together more book out of my thoughts. Then do it, Amazon writer’s program, it was August quickly and released in November of he answered. That was the moment I of 2017 and I felt I had successfully 2018. It has received good reviews and began dreaming of becoming an author. completed several college courses. repeat sales. A third novel is at present With his continued encouragement and only a few recurring scenes in my mind, that of family members, I began the As family and friends began ordering but I hope to soon fit them together. serious attempt of writing a novel. Much my novel, I was nervous. As I began to of the original draft seemed to unfold receive glowing reviews and comments, Barbara Wesley Hill Biography in my mind as quickly as I could put it and emails and notes from out-of-town I was born in South Carolina but on paper. Realizing my inexperience, I readers, I relaxed somewhat. When because my father worked with a road began searching for articles and reading readers asked when my next novel construction company, we moved often
22 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
during my first fifteen years, living in South Carolina, Florida, George, Tennessee, and Alabama. I was the oldest of four girls. When I was almost sixteen and going into the tenth grade, we moved to Anniston Alabama, where I met my future husband and graduated from high school. A year after graduation, I married Gene Hill. My parents and three sisters moved away shortly thereafter. Gene and I have one son, one daughter and three grandsons. My joy was in being a wife and mother but I eventually went to work at Anniston Army Depot, retiring from an administrative position after twenty-five years. We remained in the Anniston/Oxford area for fifty-four years of our marriage, moving to Montgomery in 2014 to be closer to family. People have asked how we could adjust to a complete life-change after so long and
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
at our ages. As a child, I was taught that home is where you are and Montgomery is now home. After we made the decision to move from a place and people we loved, we felt God blessed and guided us every step of the way. We are enjoying our new city, home, friends, and worship with our new church family at the Landmark Church of Christ. Gene and I celebrated our fifty-ninth anniversary in June and are enjoying the bonus of unexpected adventures. NOVELS Only a Breeze is a good mix of intrigue and romance, as well as humor found in a young Russian boy’s view of the American South in 1945 as he waits for his father to join him. Yes, honey,
you are in America, but the South is a distinct difference. Altered Plans is a story of dealing with life’s changes in 1954. It’s woven together with intrigue, faith, love, heartbreak, and humor. A young architect’s life is going smoothly in Chicago, Illinois until a misjudgment collapses his career. A few months later, we find him in Alabama rebuilding his life, but unwilling to give answers about his past to the woman who wants to love him. Barbara’s novels are available locally at Southern Art and Makers Collective, downtown Montgomery, Frazer Book Store, or Amazon, www.amazon.com, where they are also available on Kindle. Barbara may be contacted at oabgm8@gmail.com.
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
23
By Caitlin Kelly
This is the most helpful thing you can do for the people who love you In November 2016, Joan Nassivera had just had surgery and was recovering at her home in New Jersey, when her 59-yearold sister died.
A one-stop doc with all your useful info. Call it the Red Binder
“It literally was my Dad reaching out from the grave to those who meant so much to him and the echo it generated was such a gift. People would open up and tell me stories I’ve never heard before.”
Her sister’s home was in Florida and Nassivera was unable to fly south right away to pick up the many pieces of her sister’s life. So many questions come up at a time like this, questions that you usually don’t have answers to: Who holds the mortgage? Is there a car payment due? Is there a will? And where? It’s all crucial data and unless you’re prepared, you leave behind a mess for your loved ones. “It was chaos!” Nassivera recalls of that time. “Not only does it take an immense amount of time and phone calls, it’s emotionally draining. I had to keep looking at her death certificate. It takes a toll.” Nassivera could have used a Red Binder. That’s the name many give to their folder of numbers and names assembled for just such an emergency, a one-stop place for every scrap of useful information. Even though her sister had very close friends, she hadn’t created a red binder or shared the practical details of her life with any of her friends, she adds. “That would have been very helpful,” Nassivera says. What should be in the binder Type all the requisite data on paper and update it quarterly. You can keep copies in the cloud or on a computer —but paper is easily accessed, photocopied, faxed, scanned and shared as needed. Tell at least two trusted people exactly where they can easily find it. Even better, give them each a copy, especially if they live far away from you. What it should include: I Your medical history, including all surgeries, medications, recent tests/results, treatments and the names and contact information of your physicians and any
family and colleagues, he says.
other healthcare providers. I What health insurance you use, how much you pay and when and to whom. I The name, phone number and email contacts for your rent/mortgage and home, vehicle and life insurance. How much you owe to each, and when I A list of every insurance agent, policy number and agents’ phone number I All investment accounts and name(s) of brokers, financial planners and accountant I Where to find tax records. Previous employers who might be paying a pension. I Credit card numbers, payment due dates and how much you owe to each. I All bank PINS I All passwords I A list of recurring monthly charges (subscriptions, memberships, etc), and where they are charged. I A list of all property (where, who owns it, outstanding debts on it) and how to access it, if needed. I Your pets, their names and medical records, whatever medications they take and the name and contact information for your vet and a trusted local friend or place to board a cat or dog if needed. I Your wishes for burial or cremation I A list of all friends and relatives you want notified and who to invite to your funeral, wake or memorial A gift you give For Jan van der Hoop, a Canadian business consultant, the red binder really was red, and proved a huge help when his father died in 2009 at the age of 84 – especially as van der Hoop was his only child. It was so organized it even included 50 handwritten, signed, sealed and stamped notes to be delivered to his father’s friends,
One advantage of the binder is that it relieves shocked and grieving children or friends of the additional burdens and frustrations of having to untangle and manage your affairs quickly and efficiently. “It was initially an inconvenience, but when the time came, I wasn’t well-equipped to think and second-guess,” says van der Hoop. “It gave me a template to follow and it felt comforting.” “It’s a process, something you need to think about,” says Bill Auth, a 68-year-old North Carolina-based photographer who lives with his 46-year-old daughter, who is also creating a binder of her own. He urges those creating one to be sure to update it whenever they get a new debit or credit card or change their passwords. He began creating his own binder— “red, of course!”—in 2013, prompted by the sudden death of several family members. He’s urged friends to do likewise, with mixed success, he admits. “It’s not a common topic.” The binder is also a “grab and go” to reach for in an emergency like a flood, for example, while a computer might get destroyed. “It’s one of the kindest things you can do for the people left behind,” says Elizabeth McGrady, who lives in Portland, Maine and runs Angel Files, a service to help people create these detailed records, starting with a 50-question questionnaire. She knows firsthand what it’s like to cope with a sudden death, having lost her own mother when McGrady was in her late 30s. “It’s not a will. It’s very different.” “It’s a gift you give to your friends and family.”
This article first appeared at www.considerable.com, Caitlin Kelly, www.broadsideblog.wordpress.com
24 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
25
The Stock Market Drops. Now What? In October 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a widely followed measure of stock-price performance of 30 of the largest U.S. companies, dropped 1,380 points in just two days. While that sounds scary, it was just a 5% move, taking the index back to mid-July 2018. Still, one of the things you might have noticed when your funds have been doing well, you feel pretty euphoric, but when they’re down, you feel a lot worse than the pleasure you felt when they were doing better. This is a psychological effect known as loss aversion, and it’s believed to be hardwired into our brains. The best way to respond to these emotional swings is to try to take emotion out of the equation altogether. Over long market cycles historically, markets have moved up, although, as always, they fall eventually. It’s that long historic sweep that you should focus on, not short-term movements. You should also pay attention to the things you can control in investing and ignore what you cannot change. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: • Diversify your investments. If you’re well diversified across stocks, bonds and cash, the likelihood of suffering significant losses may be lower. If your investments are concentrated, it’s like putting all your eggs in a single basket.
If the basket falls, there’s a good chance that those eggs will be broken. But if you spread your eggs in multiple baskets, the risk that all will fall at the same time becomes significantly smaller (and the chance that one or
Financial Thoughts
with Brandt McDonald
more baskets will rise, also goes up).1 • Look at what’s behind the slump. There are lots of reasons why markets rise and fall, and they are not all tied to financial performance of the companies issuing stocks or bonds. It’s possible that the broad economy could be sagging, with low growth and/or high unemployment. Or a down market could be partly related to geopolitical events, such as unanticipated election results or instability in developed or emerging countries, or natural disasters. • Don’t ignore your ability to sleep well. If after examining your asset allocation to make sure it is aligned with your long-term goals and determining what’s behind market weakness still makes you feel anxious about big market swings, perhaps you may want to revisit your stock allocation.
should be a fairly boring exercise. After all, it’s a process where results unfold over decades, not weeks or months. Many experts believe the most important thing you can do when markets fall is… nothing. But you should do so only if the decision doesn’t keep you up at night. Recovering from Market Crashes Historically, falling stock markets eventually recovered. Unless you have a very short timeframe until you need access to your retirement funds, or are well into your retirement years, it may be better for you to remain invested during a downturn. Even people who were unlucky to invest $1,000 in the S&P 500 right before a stock market crash made their money back within a few years if they continued to add $1,000 to the market every year, according to a study from CircleBlack, a financial technology company.2 Great Recession: 2 Years Dotcom Bubble: 5 Years 1970s Recession: 3 Years Great Depression: 7 Years Brandt McDonald, Managing Partner McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management LPL Branch Manager www.mcdonaldhagen.com Direct comments and questions to Jennifer.Hunt@LPL.com or 334.387.0094 RP-495-1218 Tracking #1- 800384 (Exp. 08/20) 1Q 2019 Plan Participant Newsletter
On balance, investing for retirement
1 Diversification does not assure positive return or protect against losses in a declining market. All investing involves risk, including principal loss. 2 Source: https://blog.circleblack.com/should-you-be-afraid-stock-market-crash. An investor needs to consider carefully the ability to maintain a regular investment program during an extended market downturn. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material. Kmotion, Inc., 412 Beavercreek Road, Suite 611, Oregon City, OR 97045; www.kmotion.com © 2019 Kmotion, Inc. This newsletter is a publication of Kmotion, Inc., whose role is solely that of publisher. The articles and opinions in this newsletter are those of Kmotion. The articles and opinions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Nothing in this publication shall be construed as providing investment counseling or directing employees to participate in any investment program in any way. Please consult your financial advisor or other appropriate professional for further assistance with regard to your individual situation. Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advice offered through McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial.
26 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
27
By Sally Stitch
6 Signs You’re Pushing Away Your Adult Children You want to spend more time with them, but they’re always too busy. What’s going on? And how can you fix it?
Ask parents their biggest concerns about their relationships with their adult kids, and many will tell you: not enough time together, not enough regular communication, not feeling needed or wanted unless the kids NEED something, not understanding why they aren’t closer. Barring a child’s serious issues, like substance abuse or mental illness, parents often feel alienated or semiestranged from the children they raised—and they don’t know why. “It’s a silent epidemic,” says Joshua Coleman, Ph.D., psychologist and Senior Fellow at the Council on Contemporary Families and author of When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don’t Get Along, “the result of several societal shifts in the past 50 years.” Such as? Parenting styles, for one. “Families underwent a fundamental shift in the 60s, when children became the axis around which the family turned,” says Coleman. “They were raised to be individuals who questioned authority. Their relationships often revolved around what made them feel good or bad, not necessarily how to negotiate them.” Another major shift was the rise of divorce. “Divorce earlier in the child’s life (or even recently) can be extremely detrimental to the parent/child relationship if one spouse turns the child against the other,” says Coleman, “even adult children.” Is there a rift between you? Societal changes notwithstanding, you, dear Mom and Dad, may be doing things that also push the kids away—not deliberately, of course, but alienating, nonetheless. If you notice your adult kids acting in any of the following ways, maybe it’s time for a reality check: I They rarely initiate a call to you, and if you call them, they take days to respond. I They’re difficult to make plans with—
28 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
even though they seem to make time for friends. I They don’t tell you much about what’s going on in their lives. “Everything’s fine,” is the common answer. I They often leave in a huff when you make constructive comments—even though the feedback is totally in their best interest. I You were always there for them, but they aren’t always there for you. Your problems seem to embarrass or annoy them, and they blow you off. I They refer to you as “Mom the Martyr” or “Dad the Saint”—and neither is a compliment. Assess your role & what you can do If any of the above sound familiar, treat them as red flags that cannot be ignored. Your goal is a better relationship and, as the parent, you’re in the driver’s seat. These are the questions to ask yourself: 1. Do you call the kids so often (or email or send texts) that you might be considered a stalker? Maybe you call too often, or you call at bad times (like when the kids are getting their kids ready for bed).
What you can do: If you want to be in touch effectively, ask your son or daughter how they most like to be contacted—phone, email or text and when’s the best time to make contact. Then respect their wishes. 2. Are you keeping score of how often they make plans with you vs. others? Don’t go there, says Coleman. “Some adult kids prefer being with their friends or their own spouse and kids, and it’s a matter of wiring, not bad parenting on your part.” What you can do: Plan short specific gettogethers (Sunday bagel brunch or Friday pizza night) so they will be motivated to come. 3. Are you a meddler? Maybe the kids don’t share info with you because you ask too many questions or give unsolicited advice. What you can do: If your son tells you he’s applied for a new position at a new company, don’t start digging for dirt on the benefits, hours, responsibilities, etc. Assume he will tell you if he gets it, and if you don’t hear after a month or so, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
simply ask if there’s any news yet. Don’t say, “Maybe you should call them to show how interested you are.” 4. Is your constructive feedback really criticism in disguise? Your son knows he’s overweight and it’s unhealthy. Your daughter is aware that she’s being taken advantage of at work. All kids want their parents’ approval, no matter what their age. What you can do: Praise generously; appreciate sincerely. Comment on what a great parent your daughter is or how proud you are of your son’s commendation at work. Keep the negative “feedback” to yourself. 5. Do you feel validated solely by your role as a parent? Coleman suggests that parents whose entire being exists for their children often have unrealistic expectations of their adult children’s duty to them. “It’s particularly difficult for parents
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
who expect their kids to fix emotional problems from their (the parent’s) childhood, by being a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, a confidant,” he says. Kids generally don’t want that role.
spend fun time with you and the family because sometimes I feel like I only see you when you need something.” Coleman says it’s better to say no than feel resentful.
What you can do: This is when you have to heal yourself. And work on developing your identity outside the role of parent and grandparent.
The bottom line We are parents until the day we die. It’s our job to take the high road—even if we’re frustrated by a hypersensitive child or a drama queen—because we’re the ones who model and teach how a healthy relationship works. (Which means it’s also okay to set boundaries with difficult kids.)
6. Do you always say “yes” even when you want to say “no”? Nobody likes a martyr, so if you’re always saying yes when you sometimes want to say no, think about this: It’s okay to say no to requests that you don’t want to or can’t do without great inconvenience to yourself. But you have to distinguish a real need for help and a kid who only calls when he or she wants something. What you can do: If your child only gets in touch when he needs help, use a request as a teachable moment, by saying “I’m happy to do this (or I’m sorry I can’t right now). But I’d also love to
None of us is perfect, but we can always check in with ourselves to ask: Is my relationship with my child as good as it can be—given any major differences we may have– and if not, what can I do to make it better? Source: www.considerable.com
Free Subscriptions www.RiverRegionBoom.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
29
i
This & tHAT James Gregory, Funniest Man in America!
For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: ribtickling reflections on life from the front porch. James is constantly touring. He’s on the road about three days a week, forty-six weeks a year. He continues to entertain sold-out crowds in theaters and comedy clubs and remains in demand for corporate events. James has been the featured entertainer for hundreds of corporations, including the Coca Cola Company, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Hewlett Packard and Kroger. James has also been the featured speaker for events sponsored by various civic and church groups. James Gregory will perform Sunday, August 4 at 6 pm. MPAC, Downtown Montgomery. For more info visit Blue Yonder www.mpaconline.org or www.funniestman.com
Comedian Jeff Allen In Concert for Hope Inspired Ministries Hope Inspired Ministries is pleased to present Christian comedian Jeff Allen in concert. Jeff Allen combines clean, hilarious humor with inspiration like no other Christian comedian working today. He performs sidesplitting standup and, when requested, riveting testimony. As such, he is a favorite at outreach events where church members can freely invite their unchurched friends, knowing that they’ll be sharing world‐class entertainment. For decades, Jeff Allen has been performing at churches, marriage retreats and conventions, on television and radio, for fundraisers and at corporate functions all across the country. Jeff Allen is the best at what he does – making people laugh as hard as humanly possible. His Happy Wife, Happy Life® message of a marriage gone wrong and redeemed has given laughter and encouragement to millions of people. Jeff’s comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life and the joy derived from a healthy marriage. Tuesday, July 16th – Vaughn Park Church of Christ, Montgomery. Event starts at 7:00, doors open at 6:00. For tickets visit www.hopeinspiredministries.org or www.jeffallencomedy.com
Free Subscriptions
w w w. r i ve r re gio n b o o m.co m 30 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
2019 Photo Competition Exhibit Opens at Stonehenge Gallery
Berry Anne _ Donkey Parade
David Green _ Beside the Still Water
Coleman Ashleigh _ Ice Cream Sandwich
The 2019 Photo Competition exhibit, a juried photography show featuring work from around the United States, opens Monday, July 8, at Stonehenge Gallery in Montgomery. The opening reception and awards ceremony will be held at the gallery Thursday, July 11, starting at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit will run through July 31. A panel of four judges reviewed 228 photo submissions, choosing 50 to be displayed in this exhibit. The juried exhibit was open to all photographers (professional and amateur), working in all forms of photography. The photos reflect a broad range of subject matter displayed in color, black-and-white, and digitally altered images. This event is free and open to the public. In November 2018 Stonehenge Gallery exhibited photographic work in a show called “Nine.” That exhibition grew out of casual chats about photography over coffee by a group of nine Montgomery photographers. The success of the November 2018 photo exhibit encouraged the group of "Nine" to collaborate with Stonehenge Gallery again and organize the 2019 Photo Competition. Each of the original nine members of the Montgomery group will have one image on display in the current exhibit. Stonehenge Gallery is located at 401 Cloverdale Rd., Montgomery, AL. For more info visit www.stonehengeinc.com or contact Richard Metzger, 334.262.8256, metrichard@gmail.com
Art Walk in the Alley Join us for good vibes in ARTS + MUSIC + CULTURE. Continuing the Downtown Artwalk Series, we are proud to announce our return to the Alley Station and Escapology on Saturday, July 27th, 4-7 pm. Thanks to our partnership with Escapology Escape Rooms Montgomery, our community's award-winning escape room experience and the commitment and sponsorship of the DBA Montgomery! The art walk will feature exclusive works from the 21 Dreams artist collective and live music to complete the experience! This event is FREE and open to the public. Call 334.721.5121 for more information or visit www.facebook.com/events/2415744038446321/
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
31
This & tHAT
i
More
Warren Averett Partners with Montgomery Biscuits/The Montgomery Area Food Bank During every Tuesday night Montgomery Biscuits home game, the Food Bank sets up a table at the gate to raise awareness of the organization and to collect donations. Spectators receive a free hot dog with any monetary or canned food donation. “The kindness and generosity of Warren Averett and Biscuits Baseball has provided both tangible and intangible benefits,” said Al Bloom, Communications Officer for Montgomery Area Food Bank. “The fact that fans literally put food on the tables of our neighbors in need, while we’re raising awareness of a very real issue, speaks volumes to the Biscuits’ understanding of our mission. During Hunger Action Month we asked people to take a minute and fill out empty paper plates stating what they couldn’t do on an empty stomach. An earnest little leaguer, took about two seconds and said, ‘I couldn’t pitch!’ It was like a 100 mile an hour fastball right over the heart of the plate. You may not have seen it coming, but when you heard it you knew it was a strike!”
Hodges Warehouse + Logistics Named Service Provider of The Year Hodges Warehouse + Logistics was named Service Provider of the Year at the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) third annual Supplier of the Year Awards ceremony. Hodges, which picked up its first automotive client 10-plus years ago and was founded as a family-owned warehouse business, has experienced tremendous growth in the sector. The Montgomery-based company has grown from one truck and three trailers in the last eight years to 45 trucks and 230 trailers. Hodges now services six original equipment manufacturers with its 750,000-plus square feet of space. “We are extremely honored to be recognized as the Service Provider of the Year by the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association,” said Lance Hunter, CEO Hodges Warehouse & Logistics. “We have an incredibly dedicated team at Hodges.” For information contact Paul Hodges at paul.hodges@hodgeswarehouse.com or call 334.280.2033
Montgomery Zoo Announces the Birth of Two North American River Otters The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum introduced to the public two North American River Otter pups born in February. The pups, one male and one female, named Dipper (Dip for short) and Dot were born to Lisa (five years old) and Oliver (four years old) who have called the Montgomery Zoo home for several years. “Dip and Dot have been spending time with mom in the den bonding and learning all the things otter pups need to know,” said Shelli Dean, Assistant Animal Care Manager. “As it is in nature, Dad does not have an active role in the early stages,” she went on to say. River otters tend to live alone or in pairs, but often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Their long, agile bodies enable them to quickly twist, turn, roll and dive, and they are frequently seen sliding or burrowing in the mud or snow. There is evidence that river otters’ play activities strengthen Newborn otters, Dip and Dot social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories. The River Otter exhibit is in the North America section of the Zoo near the Eagles and Canadian Lynx. The pups will be on display daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm depending on animal husbandry needs. For more info visit www.montgomeryzoo.com
32 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Master Gardener Associations Presents Free Lunch & Learn Programs Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars, July 3rd, Pruning: Who, What, Why, When & Where, Jane Mobley, Adv Master Gardener and August 7th, Cooking Healthy, Janice Hall, Food Preservation, ACES Autauga County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Thursday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville 36066. Mark your calendars, July 11th, Easy Fruit To Grow, Jason Powell, Petals from the Past and August 1st, Growing In the Shade, Mary McCroan, Advanced Master Gardener. Elmore County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Ann Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36092. Mark your calendars, July 9th, Snake Identification, Mary McCroan, Advanced Master Gardener and August 13th, Unique Ideas to Gardening in Small Spaces, Glenn Huovinen, Advanced Master Gardener. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
First Saturday Music Series: Spearman Brewers Spearman Brewers is the featured band for Common Bond's July First Saturday Music concert, July 6th, 6-8:30 pm. A Gulf Coast based band that plays Panhandle Blues, Spearman Brewers are 2017 and 2018 Regional International Blues Challenge winners. This is a free concert. Outside food welcome. Bring the family and enjoy good tunes and the fantastic brews available from the folks at Common Bond. Common Bond Brewers 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. For more info call 334.676.2287 or visit www.commonbondbrewers.com
Tell Your Friends
BOOM! is available at
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
33
This & tHAT
i
More
Local Author Makes Washington Post Bestseller List In April 2019, local author, Debbie Herbert of Wetumpka spent two weeks on the Washington Post bestseller list, placed at number 4 and number 7. She also placed three of four weeks in April on the Amazon Charts bestseller list which features the Top 20 most bought and read books in the entire Amazon Kindle store. Her book, Cold Waters, is a psychological suspense set in Normal, Alabama. It is published by Thomas & Mercer, Amazon’s suspense, mystery and thriller imprint, and was selected as one of six books featured in Amazon’s First Reads program during the month of April. “It’s been exciting,” Herbert says. “Making bestseller lists has been a goal of mine ever since my first book was published by Harlequin/HarperCollins six years ago. “Herbert was first published in 2013 and has since gone on to publish over a dozen novels. She’s also hit two other bestseller lists with previous books: USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly. Cold Waters and her other works can be found on www.debbieherbert.com or on her Amazon author page at: www.amazon.com/author/debbieherbert. Debbie Herbert writes southern suspense with gothic elements.
Tell Your Friends
BOOM! is available at
34 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Capri Theatre Presents Two Musical Films in July PAVAROTTI-This year's big doc may be Ron Howard's "Pavarotti," a love letter about the great tenor. More than any opera singer since Enrico Caruso a century before, Pavarotti made opera cool in the latter part of the 20th century. With his larger-than-life personality and crystal-clear voice, he became Someone’s Grandchild Needs a worldwide sensation, performing everywhere from rural outposts to massive stadiums to outdoor parks. Howard manages to piece together decades of film --- often grainy and amateurish - with deeply Your Support personal interviews with the Maestro's ex-wives, former mistress, daughters, peers (Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and several sopranos), and admirers. He weaves biography with taped performances from the time Pavarotti was a promising young singer through his waning years. Capri Theatre, July 5-11 ECHO IN THE CANYON-In the summer of 1965, the most popular song in America was the debut single by The Byrds. With their mushroom haircuts, 3-part harmonies, and jangly electric 12-string sound, they were to be America's answer to The Beatles. They weren't. Instead, they invented folk rock and attracted a generation of recording artists to Los Angeles. Echo In The Canyon is a look back at the influence and the music of those artists (The Byrds, The Mamas & the Papas, Buffalo Springfield, The Beach Boys) from Southern California's age of innocence (1965 - 1967); the beginnings of Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon music scene, and how the echo of these artist's creations reverberated between each other and ultimately across to London (where it alters the course of The Beatles themselves.) The songs from that era provide an entry point as Jakob Dylan and a new generation of artists whose own body of work reflect the echoes of that pivotal time (Beck, Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Cat Power and others), interpret and perform the songs paying homage to, and in many cases in front of, its authors. Capri Theatre, July 19-25. www.capritheatre.org
Free Subscriptions
w w w. r i ve r re gio n b o o m.co m
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
35
Ask an Elder Law Attorney By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC
Losing Your Marbles: Competency Issues for the Elderly In the eyes of the law, mental competency is a complex issue. Particularly among the elderly, it is unusual for someone to simply lose their ability to manage their own affairs overnight. It is much more common for one’s memory to slip gradually over time. But, when does memory loss cease being old-age “forgetfulness” and start becoming legal incompetence? As a lawyer, when I am asked whether an individual has legal mental capacity, my first question is always: “Capacity to do what?” To begin with, the law generally presumes that every adult has mental capacity, until proven otherwise. In addition, in the eyes of the law, the level of understanding and mental acuity needed to engage in a given transaction depends substantially on what the transaction is. At the high end of the spectrum is the capacity required to execute a binding contract. To execute a contract, one must have the ability to “understand and comprehend” their actions. A court will not find a contract to be void based upon the signer’s lack of mental capacity unless you can show that they had “no reasonable perception or understanding of the nature and terms of the contract.” At the opposite end of the spectrum is the capacity required to sign a last will and testament. This is a very low standard, which requires only that the person signing the will to be able to recall the property to be disposed of by the will, how it will be generally be divided, and the people they want to receive the property. So, a person may lack the legal mental capacity to sign a binding contract, but still have sufficient mind and memory to execute a valid last will and testament. Each case must be evaluated individually. But, what do you do if you suspect that a loved one is slipping to the point where they can no longer manage their own affairs? There are a couple of options.
36 BOOM! 26
July2015 2019 July
RiverRegionBoom.com RiverRegionBoom.com
The first and best option is to manage that person’s affairs under a power of attorney executed by the loved one, while they were competent. Of course, once a person’s mental ability has begun to decline, it may be too late to sign a power
a petition is filed with the court stating why the individual needs a guardian and conservator to be appointed. The court will then appoint a lawyer for the allegedly incapacitated individual to protect their rights, as well as a court representative and a physician to examine the individual and Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop their living conditions, Wednesday, August 21: Hosted by Red Legal, PC: 1:30-pm Wednesday, July 22: Hosted by Red Oak Oak Legal, PC: 1:30-3:30 and to submit 3:30 at 322 Catoma Street (MACOA) downtown at thepm Archibald Senior Center in Montgomery. Montgomery. This a report to the educational workshoppresented presentedby bylocal localattorney attorneyRaley RaleyL.L.Wiggins educational workshop court. Finally, Wiggins covers wills, trusts,ofpowers of advance attorney,directives, advance living covers wills, trusts, powers attorney, the court will conduct a directives, living wills, probateprotecting administration, protecting assets wills, probate administration, assets from creditors, hearing, and from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing care bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term either grant homes, long-term care andRegistration Medicaid qualification. and Medicaid qualification. is required. Registration is or deny the required. Call 334-625-6774 today your to reserve seatonline or register Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve seat oryour register at petition. online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. www.redoaklegalpc.com. Once appointed, the guardian and conservator of attorney because they lack sufficient are responsible for looking after the ability to understand and comprehend the individual, and will generally be required to document. However, if they are still able to report to the court from time to time. execute it, a well-drafted power of attorney will permit the agent (the person granted In many instances, the appointment of a power under the power of attorney) to guardian and conservator is appropriate. manage the business and financial affairs That said, it is a proceeding which can of the principal (the person who executed often be avoided by the execution of the document). Similarly, a well-drafted two relatively simple estate planning healthcare power of attorney or advance documents: a durable power of attorney, directive will allow an agent to make and an advance directive. healthcare and other decisions, even if the principal does not have the capacity to do If someone you love is beginning to so themselves. experience some decline in the mental But, what if the individual does not have sharpness, there may still be time to have these simple documents created while they a power of attorney or advance directive? In that case, the only option may be to have sufficient mind and memory to do so. ask the local probate court to appoint a Taking care of this now can avoid a costly court proceeding later. While you’re at it, guardian and conservator. A guardian (similar to the guardian of a minor child) is what about your own planning—do you tasked with looking after the individual’s have these simple documents? well-being, consenting to medical care, As we often say in our business, there’s and determining where they live, among no time like the present. So, what are you other things. A conservator is responsible waiting for? for handling the individual’s money and property.
Attend Free Workshop
Asking a court to appoint a guardian and conservator takes time, and can be expensive. To initiate the proceeding,
Raley Raley L. L. Wiggins Wiggins Attorney Attorney at at Law, Law, Red Red Oak Oak Legal, Legal, PC PC 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com 322 Catoma Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
445 Dexter Avenue, ste 9000, Mont, AL 36104 www.redoaklegalpc.com www.redoaklegalpc.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Can your loved one still handle their own affairs?
Plan ahead . . . before you forget. FREE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Estate Planning, Asset Protection & Medicaid Eligibility
CALL US OR REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
Join local attorney Raley L. Wiggins to discuss wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting your assets, bankruptcy, divorce & remarriage, nursing homes, long term care and Medicaid qualification.
Seats fill up quickly! Reserve your seat today:
(334) 625-6774 redoaklegalpc.com
“No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.�
37
BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Diane Stokes, Helping People Manage Risk This month’s cover profile is Diane Stokes. Diane is a Fiftysomething who has many irons in the fire. Her primary responsibility is being the mom to two bright and beautiful teenagers, son Jarrod and daughter Jordan, both attend Montgomery Catholic. Her children have many extracurricular activities and that alone keeps Diane fully engaged but she’s also an entrepreneur who operates her own State Farm Insurance Agency located on Chantilly Parkway. She operates the business with her husband Allen, as her Executive Assistant, which has worked out very well because as Diane told us she not only loves him, she also likes him too, a winning combination! Diane is a go-getter who doesn’t appear to be slowing down as she ages, which is a tried and true formula for aging well. Diane recently shared some of her story with us and it was a real pleasure to get to know her. We hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as we have. BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where were you born, education, family, what brought you to the Montgomery area, etc.? Diane: I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I attended High School at Chattanooga High School and graduated college from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I am married to a wonderful and supporting husband, Allen Stokes. We have 2 beautiful and very smart childrenJarrod Alexander Stokes (17 years old) and Jordan Lora Stokes (15 years old).
these jobs would be challenging in and of itself; I had all 3 at the same time. BOOM!: You are a State Farm
Diane starting her day as a State Farm Agent
We moved to Montgomery to answer the call to the State Farm Insurance opportunity. We came to Montgomery blazing trails. I had the opportunity to come to work in a male dominated field and I was the first African American Female State Farm Agent in the history of Montgomery. The goal was to become a State Farm agent. The process at the time for me to reach my goal was to be a trainee agent for 2 years. At the time our son was 18 months old and after moving to Montgomery from Birmingham my daughter was born. Talking about head-spinning, as well as, a watershed moment! With this new venture I had to juggle being a wife, new mother of 2 and a business owner-Whew!!! Either one of
38 BOOM!
July 2019
on! I became involved with insurance through a great friend, who was my State Farm Insurance Agent, as well as, an ex-coworker in the Telecommunications Industry. She approached me and invited me to look at the State Farm opportunity. At the time, I was not sure what God had in store for me! I was really trying to go to a “quiet place” to hear from HIM! God did not show me the vision for the State Farm Insurance
RiverRegionBoom.com
Insurance Agent; can you share with our readers how you became involved with the Diane with son Jarrod, daughter Jordan and husband Allen in St. Petersburg, Russia insurance business? What are the major benefits opportunity he showed it to my husband. of being properly insured? What makes Upon his nudging and support and much State Farm Insurance different from prayer…I accepted an invitation from other insurance companies? the State Farm Recruiter to look into the opportunity. My original plan after Diane: I am a State Farm Insurance leaving the Telecommunications Industry Agent through and through! I became was to totally retire and become a stay interested in insurance by proxy. Lots of at home mom and wife. God had other great people praying and cheering me plans! I am so glad that I was obedient The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
and listened! Coming from the Telecommunication Industry, I knew absolutely nothing about insurance. I didn't even know what “risk” meant as it pertained to the Insurance Industry. This goes on to show that with “heart, hard work, a little “elbow grease” and persistence… the sky is NOT the limit!
him, he asked if I would move to Brandon, MS for an opportunity. With careful study of the opportunity, my husband and I decided that Brandon, MS would not work for our family. When one is married with a family everyone’s needs must be taken into
commute back and forth every day. So, this is how we came to work and live in the booming metropolis of Montgomery. What are the major benefits of being properly insured? Major benefits of being properly insured - the time to figure out what you want in your insurance coverage is not when you NEED insurance! Therefore, it is very important to always assess your liabilities and valuables so that you will not be devastated and will be able to recover in the event of an unforeseen life event. Why properly insure? We don’t ever know when a
At the State Farm Recruitment Diane with her "young family" meeting, I found that most people attended the meeting alone, however, I brought my 18-month baby boy, Jarrod, dressed in the cutest blue and white seersucker suit with his bow tie and big smile, and my husband. We listened attentively and I thought...I can do this! Allen, my husband, pointed out the fact that I was already a very hard worker for someone else and posed the question; wouldn’t I rather work Diane enjoying some great family time on a trip to Miami, FL this hard for myself! Additionally, it would afford me the one life event, whether minor or major will consideration. true passion that I happen. But if it does, you want to make With Allen working have always realized I sure that you can recover. Thus, the in Birmingham, possessed -my zest for mission statement of State Farm, At State the commute helping people! In as Farm®, we help customers manage the would have been much, I interviewed risks of everyday life, recover from the virtually impossible for the position with unexpected, and realize their dreams. As and placed a a panel of managers an agent, I provide one on one service tremendous strain and Vice-Presidents. to all my customers – helping them to on our family life. As God would have it, identify ways to create a stable financial This is when the call the process went very plan for their families now and in the came from an Agent well. Shortly after future. Most customers have five key Field Executive in leaving the interview, financial goals - Retirement, Education, Montgomery; a I was called by the Large Purchases, Debt Reduction, very special lady Diane using selfie for a teaching moment to facilitator of the and Estate Planning. I pride myself that I will always be remind her kids the value in voting! meeting requesting on providing effective needs-based grateful for sharing that I call the VP directly. She stated that conversations with customers to meet and choosing me for this wonderful never in the history of the process had a their insurance needs and financial goals. opportunity in Montgomery, AL. This candidate for agency been approached While there are other companies opportunity and the close proximity directly by Senior Management. I was out there, State Farm is one of the to Birmingham made this much more very flattered. After placing the call to largest providers of Auto Insurance appealing, allowing my husband to The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
39
and offers many more insurance and financial services products. While working for what was at the time the #1 telecommunications companies, I chose to be insured with and work for what I thought was the largest and best insurance companyState Farm Insurance.
does not mean no direction but certainly could equate to low direction instead of always high direction.
of working with my husband is he has implemented several systems that make running a business more effective and efficient. We are like night and day, which is why we complement each other. My husband has a certain flare. He is often told that he should go on the road as a comedian. He is very lively and keeps the office in stitches and our clients too. As far as challenges, we don’t have any. We are asked quite often how you two can work together and I respond by saying we not only love each other we like each other!
BOOM!: Diane, you have a unique situation at your business, your husband Allen serves as your executive assistant. Please BOOM!: Many people over 50 share how experience a renewed sense of purpose, BOOM!: In working with new goals, or maybe new careers, Diane's husband Allen at the Jack and Jill Beautillion developing your your husband especially if they’re getting closer to at Maxwell Air Force Base support team came about and the empty nest syndrome of their kids at State Farm, what are some of the describe some of the benefits of working moving on. How would you describe this qualifications you look for when so closely with Allen? What sort of sense of renewal in your life? Any advice recruiting new employees? How would challenges do you encounter? for the rest of us seeking renewal? you describe your leadership style? Diane: I like to be prepared. I live by Diane: Since I am over 50 my business Diane: The qualities I look for in a new the 5P’s; Proper Planning Prevents a goals have remained the same which employee are self-motivation, initiative, Poor Performance. I made Allen get is to be the best SF Agent. One of my goal oriented, someone that I can his license so that in the event of a major goals is helping my children with groom to become a business owner and catastrophe event- such their education. possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit, as the Tornado that I am still at and a strong want/need to assist others. hit Tuscaloosa- Allen least 7 years would be able to step in away from My leadership style is a combination of immediately to provide being an empty Situational Leadership and Bureaucratic additional assistance. nester. I’m not Leadership. We are in a highly regulated Allen was a contract sure how I will environment and a strict adherence to worker for 7 years. feel when it the rules are extremely important. As When the economy happens, I can a good leader, I know my strengths and took a downturn, only imagine weaknesses. I try to hire and surround his contract came to that it will be a myself with open, honest, smart and an end. So, when a sad occasion, hardworking people. I am definitely NOT door closed on him, I but that will be a micromanager. I give people the space opened my door to my replaced by the to be creative while working smarter agency. My husband’s joy of seeing rather than harder. Years ago, as a young skill set was and is very both of my manager, I had a different leadership diverse. Graduating children moving style. Today, I have certainly grown and from the University on with their Diane in a classic black & white family photo matured as a leader. I think that great of Cincinnati, He was endeavors and leaders are not born but evolve through a Microsoft Certified being extremely a zest and zeal to become better at the Systems Engineer, he managed a Data proud of them. “game”. More importantly, great leaders Communications Helpdesk, he has are able to let people know that you programmed ATMs, he has taught as BOOM!: What are you most passionate care. I think truly, people don’t care an Adjunct Professor, he has written about…? how much you know until they know Disaster Recovery Plans and a Continuity how much you care. I also think that of Operations Plan, and as a Contractor, Diane: I have several passions. Jesus, it’s important to create a productive he was the person in charge of the health, wife, mother, business owner, environment and get out of people’s planning and execution of several personal growth, mindfulness. But if I way and allow them to do their job! This projects. Some of the main benefits had to pick just one, it would be Jesus.
40 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM!: With a busy work schedule, do you still have time to serve in the community or outside organizations? You recently graduated from Leadership Montgomery, please share that experience? Many of our readers are seeking volunteer opportunities, why do you think it’s important to serve others?
and welcome your readers to submit the name of a non-profit that could benefit from these donations. BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned?
fresh fruits is great, the sunsets and luxury resorts are fabulous. BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day’s activities? Diane: I unwind by enjoying a nice dinner especially if prepared by my husband followed by a nice glass of red wine. BOOM!: You have experienced the role of caregiver through your parents and brother, in your opinion, how does caring for others change how we live?
Diane: I have had to take on the role of caregiver for both of my parents. Daughter Jordan, is a competitive Figure Skater When you have the responsibility of caregiver, your life changes in an instant Diane: Yes, I do have a busy work and your priorities change…you learn schedule, but I do make time to serve to appreciate Diane: Some of my the community. Leadership Montgomery the little favorite travel experiences was an amazing experience. I got the things that have been to London with opportunity to meet new friends. Friends we often take my husband. We were that I will have for life. I also was a part for granted there in July 2005. We of an initiative called Boots and Brellas. such as saw Big Ben, Buckingham This initiative will help many children not great health, Palace, saw the changing to miss school due to the rainy days. This mobility, of the guards rode the Eye initiative is still on-going if anyone would family, etc. of London, as our ride was like to donate to the program. Leadership After having coming to an end there Montgomery forced me to get out in the buried my was a bomb scare. This community more… and really see the mother, father was actually a precursor inner workings of our great city! We live and only to the terrorist attack in an amazing, cutting edge city! Glad to brother, life which occurred on July 7, be here! and things 2005. have taken We also I also believe on a different rode the Son Jarrod runs track & field in helping local meaning. Eurostar at Montgomery Catholic non-profit You wake from organizations with a sense of appreciation Every Day. London to Paris the who are vital to You learn to help and assist others in night the bombing our community. every way. Everyone has an obligation took place- can’t live Through a to help. Whether helping your family life in fear. Another program we or your community, caring for others great trip was the call Quotes for is contagious. If we all do our part, Mediterranean Cruise. Good, I provide together, we can create a better world. Some of my favorite a donation to ports we stopped at local nonBOOM!: How would you describe the were Croatia, Athens, profits for quality of life in the Montgomery/River Greece. I highly referrals to Region area? What do we need more of? recommend this cruise. our office. I My favorite vacation am currently Diane: The quality of life in the River spot would have to be looking Region is great. We enjoy the small town split between Orlando, for a new feel of Montgomery and the variety of Florida and any island organization arts available, especially the Alabama in Hawaii. Hawaii to partner on Shakespeare Festival. Downtown has some of the best Jarrod and Jordan in the Garden at Holy Spirit this program beaches, the food and The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
41
Montgomery is great and the MPAC concert venue is first class. We did attend the Jubilee CityFest and would often come to this event, even when we did not live in the Montgomery Area, we miss it and would love to see this return. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed? Diane: As I’ve aged, I discover some things don’t matter as much as they used too. From that my priorities have shifted to, don’t sweat the small stuff… it’s all small stuff. Family/loved ones are very important. Balance life-someone once told me; if you feel like you are being pushed; look behind you and see who is pushing you. Everyone does not deserve to sit in the front row of your life! Some of them need to sit in the back row and some should not even be allowed in the theatre. I have always chosen my friends wisely! Finally, I really relish in developing great relationships with all of my clients, I am more than their Insurance Agent and they are more than a client- we are friends! BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
42 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
BOOM!: What is your relationship with technology? How does technology help you manage your insurance business? Diane: Technology is a very important aspect of my business. When it comes to sales, technology allows me and my team members to quote and then submit applications to the regional office. Our laptop computers and cellphones are extremely useful. I often meet with clients at their home or on their terms because it is not Family photo from a beautiful church made out of the side convenient for them to come of a mountain in Helsinki, Finland to my office. Additionally, Diane: I asked each of the people that it is very necessary to be up to date are very special to me and certainly know with technology, if you want to remain me the best… here is what they said: competitive in today’s society. You have my husband Allen: Beautiful, Spiritual, to be able to reach everyone’ especially Care Giving; my son Jarrod: Kind, the millennials who seem to only want Wonderful, Happy; my daughter Jordan: to conduct business online via text, Intelligent, Warm-hearted, Courageous. emails and social media like Facebook, It was gratifying to hear their thoughts. Instagram and Twitter. We realize that I was surprised by the fact that they all technology rules the world. For a immediately had different answers. business to thrive, it must keep up with the changing times. That is why we also BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or connect with consumers via the internet, other activities that grab your attention? State Farm mobile app and through social media platforms. At our office, you Diane: My hobbies are reading, sewing, can walk-in, click-in or call-in. scrapbooking and an occasional time out to watch a Lifetime movie!
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM!: How do you and your husband like to spend time with family? Describe your experience as a mother, can you share any advice? How do your teenage children make you proud? Diane: Family time is very important to us. Our family activities are usually dictated by the time of year. Since the summer is here, we spend a lot of time outdoors playing tennis. We also love spending time with my cousins in Tuscaloosa, I have over 100 first cousins and we typically, eat and reminisce about the good old days, and have a dance competition, the grand prize is bragging rights. If my son picks something to do, it is usually to the movies to see the latest show. If my daughter picks the event, we are around the Ice-Skating Rink. Being a mother has been one of the greatest gifts of my life! I was blessed with two healthy children and have watched them grow and continue to develop into young adults. I tell myself that “I GET to be their parent”! Both of my children are very polite and respectful. They continuously make me proud by making great grades in school at Montgomery Catholic as well as participating in many extracurricular activities. My daughter Jordan is a competitive figure skater, which allows me to serve on the board of its association in Birmingham, and of course travel with her to the competitions’. They are both dual enrolled in the Early College program with the University of Alabama. Yes, I’m a proud mama! We want to thank Diane for sharing some of her story for this month’s BOOM! Cover Profile. If you would like to learn more about Diane and State Farm Insurance, email her at agent@dianestokes.com or call 334.271.4723 or www.dianestokes.com We also want to thank Shellee Roberts of Total Image Portraits, www.totalimage.com, for her cover photo for this month's cover, she found us a nice little hideaway in Blount Park. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@ riverregionboom.com Read all of the BOOM! Cover Profiles at www.riverregionboom.com/archive/
Free Subscriptions
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
www.RiverRegionBoom.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
43
Tinseltown Talks By Nick Thomas
Congratsamundo to Happy Days’ Anson Williams for saving lives As one of the most popular television shows in the late 70s to early 80s, “Happy Days” helped propel many cast regulars into the production side of show business. Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Don Most, and Anson Williams all achieved recognition behind the camera as producers, directors, and/or writers. Williams played Potsie – the naïve, wellmeaning friend to Ron Howard’s Richie Cunningham character – and says the show was almost shelved when the pilot didn’t sell and then aired by ABC for an episode of “Love, American Style.” “When ‘American Graffiti’ came out (in 1973) and was so popular, ABC re-shot another pilot more like ‘Graffiti’ and changed some of the cast,” said Williams from Los Angeles.
“It’s a common but often neglected problem,” he explained. “Just a spray of Alert Drops on the top of the tongue produces a reflex reaction that causes the body to release a burst of adrenaline and you’re instantly awake.”
Anson Williams today
Williams experienced the dangers of drowsy driving back in the late 80s while working on the “Slap Maxwell” TV series.
“After a rough day directing in the hot Palmdale desert, I was driving home and The show became a hit and Williams suddenly found myself bouncing around partly credits the show’s in the car off the producer and writer for road. I’d fallen asleep motivating the cast. “I and was extremely had such an education lucky I didn’t kill because of Garry Marshall myself. It scared the who inspired us to heck out of me.” broaden our horizons.” He later recounted the incident to his Later becoming a ‘uncle,’ Dr. Henry successful TV director Heimlich – yes, of the himself, Williams also anti-choking Heimlich Dr. Henry Heimlich with Anson Williams branched out into the Maneuver fame. business world selling dozens of products on QVC. He recently launched BOGO Heimlich, who was actually Williams’ (Buy One Get One) List, a web site to second cousin, suggested carrying slices help consumers save money (see www. of lemon in the car to counter drowsiness. bogolist.com). “It’s also important for “I did that for years and it worked, but seniors with limited incomes,” he said. who wants to suck on messy lemons “Improving their lifestyle is paramount to when driving? I BOGO List.” called Uncle Hank and asked if the Williams is especially gratified with same effect could another business venture, Alert Drops, be achieved by a simple spray he developed to prevent putting the lemon drowsy drivers from falling asleep behind ingredients in a the wheel. He notes that thousands of spray bottle. He drowsy-driving related fatalities and many said that was a more injuries occur across the United brilliant idea. States each year. We’re (now)
saving lives every day, which is very satisfying” (see www. alertdrops. com). Anson Williams publicity shot
from Happy Days While still appearing in “Happy Days” Williams was inspired to produce the TV movie, “Skyward,” beginning the new phase of his career behind the camera. While he looks back on those early entertainment days with fondness, he’s especially proud of his achievement away from the camera with Alert Drops.
“I left home when I was 18 with just $100 and made it into show business. To get on a hit show like ‘Happy Days,’ then become a director, and to have an ‘uncle’ like Dr. Heimlich who inspired me to create a lifesaving product – what are the chances of all that happening?” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala, and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 700 newspapers and magazines.
Anson Williams, Marion Ross and Don Most from Happy Days in recent photo holding containers of Alert Drops
44 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
45
Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
The Camellia City
Cindy and I both grew up in Greenville but moved away years ago to attend college, raise a family and make a living. It seems odd to be driving south on Interstate 65 to dine at the recently re-opened Alabama Grill on Main Street by the Ritz. But it’s also exciting, in a way, to return to our roots and take a look around like tourists. We can’t help but wonder if we’ll see anyone we know. We find a parking place right in front of the door. It’s less than a minute after opening time, 5:00 p.m., on a Friday night. But the newly refurbished restaurant where we used to eat as children, and our fathers would gather for coffee every morning, is already filling with patrons. Immediately, I spot an old friend with whom I used to work in Montgomery. He’s not a native of Greenville but his wife is. He’s living here now. I chat with him for a minute, and he praises life in my old hometown. Cindy strolls the length of the long dining area, discovering a number of long-lost friends who pepper her with questions. “How’s your mother and Butler County Courthouse father?”—her dad was mayor here for many years. I’m pleasantly surprised to see how well the new owners of The Grill have restored it, using original items like the bar, bar stools, round mirrors on the wall, tables
46 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
where Captain William Butler is buried along with other early pioneers. The county was originally called “Fairfield” but changed to “Butler” after Captain Butler died in 1818 fighting Indian Chief Savannah Jack following a massacre of settlers west of Greenville. (See: newtonfolk.com/brannon.htm) Visiting this sacred site is like stepping into history. In fact, some markers recite historical accounts. Many of the graves are works of art from the distant past, featuring sculptures of children. Many children are buried here who may have died from incurable diseases of their day or, perhaps, some died in savage Indian attacks. Not all who came to rest here are famous. Some of the unmarked graves are adorned with a tabby-like material topped off with what appear to be oyster shells. It’s difficult to stand over these graves and not ponder who these souls were and what their brief lives were like.
Camellia
We ease away from the palpable tranquility of the cemetery and walk across the street to the park. There stands a monument to the Confederate dead, a statue of a soldier juxtaposed against a giant magnolia tree that has marked this spot for generations. Its glorious blooms seem to further memorialize the past, enhance the present and prophesy the prospects of a bright future for this quaint, scenic town called The Camellia City. Greenville native and real estate developer Archie Woodruff is renovating left-toPioneer William Butler Grave Marker
and stunning flooring derived from original beams. We’re seated and order salad and a pizza. A young father and his son sit across from us and enjoy pizza, too. One of the co-owners is (or was) with Tomatinos in Montgomery’s Old Cloverdale— that tells us right off that the pizza will be wonderful. We finish our meal, say farewells and take a stroll over to the historic Pioneer Cemetery
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
when I think about it, she placed what was probably a whole week’s worth of food in my extra-large
die spaces up and down Main Street, converting them into amazing condominiums with modern conveniences while preserving their historic character. Last year, Cindy was privileged to decorate a loft above the old Capps Drug Store building. Capps hired me as a fourteen-year-old to deliver pharmaceuticals on a bicycle to neighborhoods close to downtown. I’d deliver to stately mansions and wretched little shacks alike. I’ll never forget encountering a petite, bent-over lady struggling home with a heavy box of groceries she had purchased from the Piggly Wiggly a few blocks away. I stopped and offered to help. So, without hesitation, which was an amazing thing
The Alabama Grill
event, I can’t visit Greenville without remembering how such seemingly insignificant small-town lessons had such significant impact on my life and shaped my outlook and character. Greenville features some beautiful National Historic Register homes, churches, the Ritz Theatre where plays are presented, and one of the most picturesque courthouses in the state. The town radiates that genteel Southern atmosphere where drivers stop for pedestrians to cross the street and waitresses thank you over and over for coming then beg you to return. There are a number of great little boutique shops to explore downtown; and historic Dunklin Hardware up by the courthouse is fun to visit—there are lots of Dunklin’s buried in Pioneer Cemetery. Besides the Alabama Grill, there’s a pretty good meat-and-three, Court Square Café, across the street from the courthouse. But get there early. And the Camellia City Bakery at 121 West Main has a great lunch menu with yummy desserts.
basket and gave me directions to her house. When she finally arrived, I carried the box in and placed it on her dining room table. I think she thought I expected payment— which I didn’t—because, as soon as I had placed her groceries down, she showed me to the door and closed it behind me. But I’m certain she must have truly appreciated my good deed. Either that, or she didn’t want to take any further chances Cemetery Figures with her groceries. In any
Looking back, I know that I was blessed to grow up in Greenville. Just an hour’s drive from the River Region, it’s now also a great place to visit. www.alabama-grill.business.site/ www.greenville-alabama.com/
Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram #jeffbarganier.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
47
RECIPE
Tomato Cracker Salad By Stacey Little Southern Bite
If there was ever a dish that defined summer, this Tomato Cracker Salad would be it for me. Garden-fresh tomatoes combine with saltine crackers, mayo (y’all know Duke’s is my brand of choice), and some salt and pepper to create a dish that my family has been enjoying for as long as I can remember. If you love the flavors of the classic tomato sandwich, then chances are you’re going to love this too. A few things to keep in mind… This dish is best served immediately. The water content of the tomatoes and the mayo turn this dish soggy fast, so I like to make this at the absolute last minute. But it’s super quick to toss together, so that’s not usually a problem. Sometimes I’ll cut up my tomatoes and spread them out on paper towels just to allow them to wick a little moisture out to buy a little more time. My mom never seeded a tomato. Ever. But I find this to be better without the seeds. It’s an extra step, but I think it’s worth it. But you do you. Fresh, in-season tomatoes are best in this. Heirloom tomatoes are even better.
48 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
Tomato Cracker Salad Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins Ingredients 4 medium garden-fresh tomatoes 3/4 cup mayo 1 sleeve saltine crackers, coarsely broken salt pepper Instructions Seed and coarsely chop the tomatoes. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes and and mayonnaise. Add the broken crackers and toss lightly to coat. Add salt and generous amounts of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Making This Recipe? Tag us on Instagram: @SouthernBite using the hashtag #SouthernBite, so we can see what you are making in the kitchen!
This recipe originally appeared on www.SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Tell Your Friends
BOOM! is available at
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
49
By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
THE "AJOYS OF SUMMER true story from the Greg files"
I don’t want to be another “get off my lawn” guy who says “things was better in my day” so SURPRISE! Things was better in my day. This month’s diatribe was inspired by a board game “breakthrough” as the generationally popular Monopoly introduced a cashless, digital version of the game. Instead of appointing one of the players as Banker (and potential cheater/embezzler), a talking top hat will track all the transactions. I don’t want to talk to a hat. I already have a phone I can talk to. I love Siri. I’m not anti-tech. This news tidbit sparked a wider conversation about summer. BOOMers had an advantage when summer vacation started. The streets we grew up on were lined with homes that generally had a minimum of 2 kids. Like most in my neighborhood, my Mom was a stay-at-home. She and Dad were not burdened with planning every summer day, finding expensive camps or other activities. In Chicago, summer meant baseball so by 9AM, there were always enough of us to get up a game. We didn’t have enough for 9 players
per side, so we improvised. “Pitchers hands out!”- meaning only half the field was in play and if the pitcher got the ball before the runner hit first, he was out. We learned to improvise. Games would go on all day. The park was a walk away so virtually no parental chauffeuring was required.
garden variety middle-class parents, much like most of ours.
These were what appeared to be
“My son gave up the winning run! Our
Our organized games had a coach for each team and one umpire. Sometimes random adults would walk by during a game, but there was none of the intense There was organized screaming and league baseball, about partisanship 2 games a week. Our that’s fine at a parents rarely attended. Major League Chicago Park District game- but fields did not have Little League? stands so there was Kids aged 8-15 nowhere to sit, and we are learning Greg's first summerwalking at 10 months! were fine with that. No the game with pressure to show off for enough selfthe folks. inflicted pressure. There’s no need (or excuse) for adults in the stands The same day that Top Hat Digital behaving like Major League Asshats. Monopoly was announced, there was a story from Denver about 2 dozen That Denver massacre is a sight parents who got into a massive, punchthat’s become distressingly common. throwing brawl at a little league game. Screaming at kids when they make an It began with an argument over rules, error, or strike out is not going to make which devolved into a great example of them better players or people. Maybe sportsmanship for the kids playing in those Mile-High parents should suck the game. The video was surreal. Street down a big doobie before the game to gangs do less damage. calm the hell down. Pot is legal there.
Greg Budell's column is proudly sponsored by McDonald & Hagen Wealth Management
50 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
family is shamed for generations!”. They sound like Herb Morrison describing the Hindenburg explosion (a legitimate tragedy). I played ball in the same park for a dozen summers. Never once did I witness adults throwing down, and more amazingly- I don’t recall fights among the kids. We’d argue baseball stuff but there was nothing worth leaving your teeth in the infield dirt. Rainy days were never an issue. Every house had a basement and if need be, we’d find a consenting parent and spend hours watching daytime TV game shows, playing cards and of course, Monopoly. All these years later I don’t remember if I ever won a game of Monopoly. They’d just go on and on. We’d daydream the game currency was real, hoping one day we’d have an actual $100 bill in our hands! Monopoly taught a few important lessons in life, too. You couldn’t spend more than you had. The game had a finite amount of “cash”. Players had to budget. We learned to make change. Do you shop using cash? Making change seems
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
like a Herculean mathematical exercise for some kids today. That skill came in handy on our first jobs. Perhaps we should have our state and federal governments play the game, and then put those principles into practice. It just seems today’s kids have too much planned out for them. Summer spontaneity is a thing of the past, as is the BOOMer-type neighborhood populated by a coalition of kids ready to make their own kind of fun. Our Chicago park had a section on one end with a basketball court. That’s where the kids whose parents worked spent the day at camp. We felt sorry for them. They were stuck, all day, all summer, doing what they were told to do. BORING! Unlike today’s amazing little league fields, groomed and well maintained, our “diamonds” were mostly rocky dirt which the city benevolently smoothed out every spring. It made for lots of bad bounces and twisted ankles. Once or twice a summer, the Moms would take us to Miniature Golf, with
an occasional lunch at McDonald’s. Those were big days! Because they were occasional, they were very special. No kid in our neighborhood was fat because we were outside playing all day. Our parents knew where we were without worry. If beautiful ball fields come with shrieking parents, I’ll take my lumpy Chicago park every time. I’ll take my Monopoly board and the withered paper money over the digital talking Top Hat every time. I’d never trade my blank slate of summer days for a regimented summer schedule either. Now if you don’t mind, get off my lawn! Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and is marking 12 years in the River Region in 2017. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Emily Hayes, 6-9AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Joey Clark. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
Free Subscriptions www.RiverRegionBoom.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
51
July 2019
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
First Friday Cruise-Ins Lower Dexter, Downtown Montgomery Fridays, July 5, 5:30-7 pm Come out for the 2019 Lower Dexter First Friday Cruise-ins! The lower block of Dexter Ave. will be closed off once the featured vehicles are in place. Numerous restaurants and food trucks will be open including Alabama Sweet Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, FRIOS Pops, Prevail Union, Cuco’s Mexican Café and others. Interested in showing your car? Apply at www.LowerDexter.org. Join us for some free family friendly fun on Lower Dexter! Call 334.273.0313 for more information. For more info visit www.lowerdexter.org/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market The Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through September, 7 am-12 noon Since opening in 2004, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market has grown every year and is now one of the top five largest markets in Alabama. Several popular farms are scheduled to make their return with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Oakview Farms, Penton Farms, and Leatherwood Nursery and many more! This year’s Farmers Market will run through September 28th. For more information about The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market, contact Suzanna Wasserman at 334.279.6046 or swasserman@ bayerproperties.com or www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ farmersMarket/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Old Alabama Town’s Second Saturday Old Alabama Town, Downtown Montgomery Saturday, July 13, 9 am-4 pm Bring your family and friends and step back in time for a day of fun in downtown Montgomery. Second Saturday at Old Alabama Town brings fun activities for the entire family! Enjoy Montgomery’s Oldest Houses Tour from 9 am - 4 pm See and learn about some of Montgomery’s oldest houses located in Old Alabama Town. Learn about the influences that created the decorative features and architectural styles. We welcome Brady Jackson from Alabama Folk School for Second Saturday in July in OAT! Brady is a master blacksmith and will demonstrate his craft in our own blacksmith shop. Call 334.240.2400 for more information or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/events/ upcoming-events/
52 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA
Oklahoma! Prattville's Way Off Broadway Theatre July 25 through August 11 Way Off Broadway Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! will open on Thursday, July 25, and will be presented three consecutive weekends July 25 through August 11. This classic musical is a family favorite and is suitable for all ages. Oklahoma! is based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” with music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, II, and dances by Agnes de Mille. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door (if available) and can purchased through the Special Events office by calling 334-595-0854 or on line at cc.prattvilleal.gov.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Maiden Capri Theatre, Cloverdale July26-August 1
Maiden is the story of how Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats, became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World in 1989. Tracy's inspirational dream was opposed on all sides: her male competitors thought an all-women crew would never make it, the chauvinistic yachting press took bets on her failure, and potential sponsors rejected her, fearing the women would die at sea and generate bad publicity. But Tracy refused to give up: she remortgaged her home and bought a secondhand boat, putting everything on the line to ensure the team made it to the start line. Tickets Capri members: $8 Non-members: $10 Children: $4. July 26-August 1. For more information, call 334.262.4858 or visit www.capritheatre.org/
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
March Quilts Alabama Department of Archives and History, Downtown Montgomery Saturday, July 27th, 10 am-1 pm Join us Saturday July 27th from 10 AM- 1 PM at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery for a March Quilts session. This year's March Quilt honors Alabama's Unsung Heroines and during this session participants are invited to hand sew a quilt block in honor of an Alabama heroine. We provide all sewing materials and this session is free and open to the public. For more information on The March Quilts visit www.bibandtuckersewop.org/the-march-quilts.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
GRANDPARENT EVENT Stars on the Riverfront Riverwalk Amphitheater, Downtown Montgomery Sunday-Monday, July 28-29, 6 pm The Alabama Dance Theatre will present its annual “Stars on the Riverfront” with two spectacular free performances. Bring the entire family and a picnic and join the Alabama Dance Theatre as the sun sets on one of Montgomery’s most beautiful venues, the Riverwalk Amphitheater. These eclectic performances are the culmination of ADT’s two-week Summer Dance Seminar and will feature over fifty dancers. Performances will be held Sunday, July 28 and Monday, July 29 at 7:30 pm at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for picnicking. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call 334.625.2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
GRANDPARENT EVENT Jurassic Quest Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL Friday-Sunday, August 2-4, various times Jurassic Quest is America’s largest and most realistic Dinosaur event. Our guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and The Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life size dinosaurs. From the very small, to the gigantic, sky-scraping dinosaurs that can only be seen at our events, Jurassic Quest has over 80 true-to-life size dinosaurs in each of its two touring shows. In collaboration with leading paleontologists, each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail. Whether their prehistoric counterpart had skin that was scaly, had feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense in bringing this realism to life. Tickets Prices $22, Kids under 2 free. For more information, call 936.588.3332 or visit www.jurassicquest.com/events/montgomery-a
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
In Living Color: Connecting Communities of Color Double Tree Hotel, Downtown Montgomery August 6-8, 9-4 pm The Alabama Women of Color Network will host its Inaugural conference on August 6-8, 2019 at The DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center, in Montgomery, AL. This event will bring together WOC from across the state of Alabama and throughout the region to address the issues that impact WOC, their families, and all communities. Schedule-at-aGlance August 6th, Reception and Book Signing; August 7th Opening Session-Women of Color in Leadership, Standing out among the crowd: How to Make Sure Your Personal Brand is ALL it Can Be, Lunch & Keynote Speaker/Performance-Actress & Comedian Kim Coles; August 8th, Weaponizing Your Wellness and Worth, Is it real or Is it Taboo…. Women of Color and Self-Care. Registration is $75, www.eventbrite. com. For more information, call 334.264.0123.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
Black Jacket Symphony Presents- The Eagles MPAC, Dowtown Montgomery Saturday, September 14 8pm The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience by recreating classic albums in a live performance setting with a first class lighting and video production. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of hand-picked musicians specifically selected for each album. With no sonic detail being overlooked, the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. Following the album and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of greatest hits by the evening's artist. To learn more visit www.blackjacketsymphony.com. The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. www.mpaconline.org
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
The Fab Four"The Ultimate Tribute"with Ed Sullivan MPAC Friday, October 25th, 8 pm The Fab Four is a California-based tribute band paying homage to The Beatles. Founded in 1997 by Ron McNeil—John Lennon impersonator and President of The Fab Four Corp—the group began performing Beatles music throughout southern California. They have brought the music of the Beatles to many places worldwide, including Japan, Malaysia, France, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Mexico and Brazil, covering nearly the entire Beatles songbook, in addition to the Beatles' solo material. For more info and tickets visit www.mpaconline.org or www.thefabfour.com
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA Gaither Vocal Band MPAC Friday, November 15, 7 pm
Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band are hitting the road again this fall on their brand-new We Have This Moment Tour! Make your plans now to join them and their guests Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie, and Kevin Williams for an incredible evening of praise! For ticket info visit www.mpaconline.org and www.gaither.com
Free Subscriptions www.RiverRegionBoom.com
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
53
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable that comes from the Peruvian Andes and only grows in very high altitudes. It thrives in poor soils and extreme climactic conditions and has been used for 1000s of years to boost energy, increase fertility, improve stamina and more. Today it is known as one of the new “superfoods”, because it has been scientifically proven to have many and varied health benefits.
In general, Maca is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamin and minerals. According to nutritional research published on www.NutritionData.com Maca contains: • 59% carbohydrates – Maca is rich in quality carbs, which, combined with its alkaloids and other nutrients make it a great choice for sustained energy • 10.2% protein – Maca is loaded with bioavailable plant protein that is easy for the body to assimilate • 8.5% fiber – Maca contains relatively high levels of cellulose and lignan, both of which stimulate intestinal function. Fiber is a key component to a healthy digestive and elimination system. • Essential Amino Acids: Maca contains nearly all of them. These drive many cellular functions in the body including sexual and fertility functions. • Free Fatty Acids: 20 have been found in Maca. These also work to support cellular function. Saturated acids account for 40% and non-saturated about 55%. The most abundant fatty acids adding to Maca’s nutritional value are linolenic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and steric acid. • Vitamins: Thamin (B1) – 1mg/100g – helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Essential for good heart, muscle and nervous system function Riboflavin (B2) - .76mg/100g – important for body growth and red blood cell production Ascorbic Acid (C) - – 3mg/100g – supports anit-oxidant activity Niacin 35mg/100g – supports healthy circulation • Major Minerals Calcium – 450mg/100g – Maca contains a higher level of calcium than does milk. Phosphorus - 220mg/100g
54 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
Eating Smart with Tracy Bhalla • Macaenes and macamides: (Macaina 1, 2, 3, 4) These are polyunsaturated acids and their amides which are absolutely unique to Maca
The Maca Nutrition Facts listed above show that Maca is a true nutritional powerhouse and amazing daily food to include in your diet. Magnesium – 104mg/100g – Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of protein and for muscle and nerve activity. Crucial for heart health. Potassium – 1500mg/100g – Potassium works within the cells to help maintain healthy osmosis. Sodium 25mg/100g – Along with potassium can support positive circulation • Minor Minerals Copper – 5mg/100g – Supports enzyme health. Zinc – 12mg/100g – Helps in clarity of thought and mental function Manganese – 8mg/100g – Supports healthy growth Iron – 25mg/100g – Vital component of hemoglobin. Supports health muscle growth. Selenium – 20mg/100g – Protects cells against free radicals. Boron – 5mg/100g – Supports proper metabolism. • Sterols - With regular use sterols may have a positive impact on lowering blood cholesterol. One recent study showed that consuming 1.8 to 2.8 grams of plant sterols and plant stanols per day over a period of 4 weeks to 3 months significantly lowered total cholesterol in participants by 7%-11% Brassicasterol – 9.1% Ergosterol – 13.6% Campesterol – 27.3% Ergostadienol – 4.5% Sitoserol – 46.5% • Sugars: Raw Maca contains 20g sugar per 100g and Gelatinized Maca contains almost 50g per 100g. These sugars are naturally ocurring fruit sugars. However, diabetics should consume with caution. • Glucosinolates: In food-bearing plants, glucosinolates act as natural pesticides and are stored in the plant’s cells, ready to be released upon tissue damage. Similarly, when consumed by humans, the action of chewing releases the glucosinolates into the body, where they are transformed into bioactive compounds believed to have anticancer properties.
But Maca root, like the Chinese herb ginseng, is also an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that raise the physical body’s state of resistance to diseases through physiological and emotional health improvements. This makes Maca a broad-based healer with many benefits able to support and rejuvenate overwhelmed, tired adrenal glands eventually resulting in much greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, and the ability to handle stress. One other important note is that scientists have also discovered that due to Maca’s nutritional value, the food has the ability to regulate, support, and balance the hormonal systems of both men and women for optimal function. One of the very great things about Peruvian Maca root is that it is not “gender specific” and works equally well for both men and women. So how do you use it and what does it taste like? Well, it tastes a little nutty, a little parsnip (to me, at least – a slight sweet edge) which makes it great to just add to milk on its own and make a Maca smoothie or add it to your regular smoothie for a Maca kick. OR try it in just about anything. It is a food, not a supplement, so you can use it where you’d use any other nutty parsnip!!?? Casseroles, cakes, breads… use your imagination. You only need a couple of teaspoons a day to get the recommended allowance, so it’s pretty easy to incorporate into your regular routine. Tracy Bhalla, Independent Consultant with NYR Organics, website: us.nyrorganic.com/shop/ tracybhalla email: nyrbhalla@gmail.com You can also visit Tracy’s blog at Tracybhalla.com, Continuing my obsession with all things organic, I have been working with NYR for two years now, using their skincare products myself for over 25 years! Your skin is the body’s largest organ, it deserves to be well looked after. I am here to answer any questions you may have. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2019
BOOM!
55
56 BOOM!
July 2019
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine