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This and That A variety of TIDBITS
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Alabama Master Gardener Conference
May 2-4 saw the Capital City Master Gardener Association and the Central Alabama Master Gardener Association welcome over three hundred Alabama Master Gardeners from around the state who descended upon Montgomery for the annual Master Gardener Conference held at the Embassy Suites. The theme for the year was Behind the Garden Gate. Chairperson for the event was Janice Jackson. Her co-chairs were Margaret Cully, Sandra Rosamond, and Candy Jones. The conference opened with hands-on workshops, Air-layering Camellias presented by Rhona Watson and Jane Mobley, and Herbal Beverages presented by Debbie Boutilier. Also, on Monday many guided tours of the area were opened to attendees. Among the tours were visits to the Cloverdale Community Gardens, Grace Episcopal Church Gardens, Downtown Master Gardener, Cheryl Fitzgerald enjoying a tour Wetumpka, Montgomery Botanical Gardens, ASU Research Gardens, Eat South,
of the Cloverdale Community Gardens
and Lilly’s Garden at Forest Ave. Magnet School. The second morning began with a greeting by Gov. Kay Ivey who welcomed the master gardeners and thanked them for their contribution to the beautification of the state and their work on educating property owners in good horticultural practices. The rest of the day was filled with educational presentations by experts in their fields including Erica Glasener, Beth Boles, Jack Rowe, David Brown, and keynote speaker, Dr. Gary Bachman. Breaks between speakers were filled with visits to the silent auction and to vendors of all things gardening. The conference closed out on Wednesday with a presentation on Small Space Gardening by Dr. Backman and the presentation of awards as well as announcements of silent auction winners. Patricia Farmer received the Mary Lou McNabb Master Gardener of the Year Award. Dani Carrol won the Top Extension Agent of the Year. The Alabama Master Gardener Associations consist of trained volunteers who work under the auspices of the Alabama Cooperative
Janice Jackson, chair of the
Extension Service headquartered at Auburn University. Master Gardeners do many gardening projects in the steering committee that communities in which they live, serve as speakers for community groups as well as answering homeowner organized the event questions through the Alabama Helpline, and donating food from their demonstration gardens through the Grow More Give More project. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please contact your local county Extension Agency or www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymaga@gmail.com.
Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ The Armory
Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Armory Learning Arts Building, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, June 1, “Growing in a 5-Gallon Bucket”, Roosevelt Robinson, ACES, Urban Regional Extension Agent, will present a program on “Growing in a 5-Gallon Bucket”. Grab some buckets and try your luck with this small space gardening technique. What fun! Use this with children. July 6, “Growing Turmeric & Drying Garden Herbs”, Mary McCroan, Advanced Master Gardener, will present a program on “Growing Turmeric & Drying Garden Herbs”. She will cover what is turmeric, how is it grown, and how is it used. She’ll also give suggestions for drying your own garden herbs. August 3, “Ferns for All Seasons and Environments”, Maria Pacheco, Horticulturist and Master Gardener, will present a program on “Ferns for All Seasons and Environments”. Come join us to find out about the many varieties of ferns available, where to plant them in your garden, and how to care for them. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
Visit DeSoto State Park staff at the Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip or as long as you want to make it! Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided. Park staff will help visitors launch the kayaks at the boat ramp above the A. A. Miller Dam. The paddle is flatwater heading upriver and back (not much current). No shuttles are available, visitors go as far as they wish & turn around to come back to the boat ramp. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM. Monday-Friday: Appointment only. Must call ahead 24 hours and depends on staff availability. Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem(2 person) sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Weight limit on single kayaks is 300lbs. Weight limit on tandem kayaks is 450lbs. Call Miller's Bend Paddle Shack (Saturday & Sunday): 256-634-0203. For any information, call DeSoto Lodge--256.845.5380. Please call 24 hours ahead for reservations. Cancellation of a kayak reservation has to be within 24 hours of reservation time to avoid cancellation fee. Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park. Small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, johnboats, etc. can be launched in the picnic area at the boat ramp. No charge except for the $4.00 per vehicle parking fee.
www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river
The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk in Auburn
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 10, from 6-10 p.m. and enjoy a creative evening in downtown Auburn! The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a free, entertainment district event, taking place in the streets of downtown Auburn. During the event, downtown merchants and restaurants stay open late, and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have their work on display and live musical entertainment is provided. Be sure to bring your children too as they have an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, as well as enjoy other attractions that change each year! ABOUT SUMMERNIGHT: The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is an arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own art district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food, and children's activities. Each year, the Auburn Arts Association, City of Auburn, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC), and Auburn Downtown Merchants Association host this event to highlight the many talented artists in our community in addition to promoting our unique downtown area. www.auburnsummernight.org
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Get ready to shop ’til you CROP, Eastchase Famers Market
The 18th annual EastChase Farmers Market is now open Saturdays! The market will be located near Sephora and H&M. This year is going to be bigger and better than ever with all of your favorite vendors and some fun, new vendors! Shop Certified local vendors! The market has everything from produce and homemade jellies and jams to locally grown honey and the best boiled peanuts around! The market is held every Saturday through September 17, 7am - 12 noon in our new location! This event is rain or shine. Join us every last Saturday of the month for a Farmers Market celebration! Enjoy even more vendors with balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and a HUGE Garden Cart Giveaway! Farmers Market Celebrations will be held June 25, July 30, and August 27! VENDORS: Aplin Farms, Dixon Family Farm, Four R Farms, GiGi’s Fabulous Foods, H + S Enterprises, Incredible Health Farms, J + J Berry Farm / Coosa River Apiary, Kito Gardens LLC, Kona Ice, Leatherwood Nursery, M + M Farm, Mayim Farm, Mountain High Outfitters, Penton Farms, Popwell Farms, See Sandy’s Flowers, Shana’s Place, Wells Farms, Wise Farms, Yarbrough Homestead, Hickory Grove Farms, Indulgence Cooke Co., Pixel + Polly, LLC, Leo’s Produce. www.theshoppesateastchase.com
Prattville Kicks Off Creekwalk Concert Series
Birders Behold: Merlin Bird ID APP Is Now a One-Stop Shop for Bird Identification
The Prattville Creekwalk Concert Series will kick off Tuesday, June 14, with the R&B and hip hop sounds of Jeremy Flyy and Flight Control. Join us in Downtown Prattville by the Autauga Creek Dam at 6:30 p.m. for this free concert and enjoy music and fun for the entire family. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and sit back as Jeremy Flyy and Flight Control take you through the evening with great music under a beautiful sunset over the creek. Some of the shops and eateries of the Historic Downtown area will stay open a little later for your eating and shopping pleasure. There will be food vendors on site and coolers are welcome, but no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. Mark your calendars and make plans to come out for all four concerts of the series: June 14 – Jeremy Flyy and Flight Control, R&B and hip hop; June 28 – The Taylor Bagi Band, Country and Country Rock; July 12 – Stephanie Pickett, Motown and R&B; July 26 – For Heaven’s Sake, Christian Rock; These concerts are free and open to the public. For more information about this or other events in Prattville, contact the Special Events Office at 334-595-0850 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.
Bird ID Wizard—Step-by-step-Answer three simple questions about a bird you are trying to identify and Merlin will give you a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick identification help for all levels of bird watchers to help you learn about the birds across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Identify Bird Songs and Calls-Sound ID listens to the birds around you and shows real-time suggestions for who’s singing. Compare your recording to the songs and calls in Merlin to confirm what you heard. Available for birds in the US, Canada, and Europe. More species and regions coming soon. Identify Birds in a Photo-Snap a photo of a bird, or pull one in from your camera roll, and Photo ID will offer a short list of possible matches. Photo ID works completely offline, so you can identify birds in the photos you take no matter where you are. https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC), Connecting You To Services
CAAC coordinates services for the elderly and disabled populations and their caregivers in Autauga, Elmore, & Montgomery counties. The primary goal is to develop, coordinate, and provide services in the community that supports an active and independent lifestyle where those we serve can live and thrive. CENTRAL ALABAMA AGING CONSORTIUM (CAAC) is a part of a state-wide aging network that provides a variety of Home and Community based services to the region’s senior and disabled populations and their caregivers. CAAC coordinates services for these targeted populations in Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery counties. The primary goal is to develop, coordinate, and support services in the community that promote an active and independent lifestyle where those we serve can live and thrive. CAAC is designated by the Alabama Department of Senior Services, the state unit on aging, as the Area Agency on Aging for the tri-county region and recognized by local governments, state agencies, and service providers as the lead aging organization of the Central Alabama area. The Consortium works with public agencies and private businesses to provide a full range of health, education and social services for older citizens and those with disabilities. Our goal is to foster independence and improve the quality of life for all senior citizens and their caregivers. For Your Free Phone Screening Call: (334) 240-4670 or toll free (800) 264-4680 or visit
https://centralalabamaaging.org/
Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Joyce Daniels
Joyce comes to Home Care Assistance of Montgomery with over 15 years of caregiving experience. Joyce has proven to be one of the most reliable and compassionate caregivers to grace the doors of HCA. No matter the day or the hour, Joyce is always there to lend a helping hand. Every client that Joyce has worked with brags about how kind, respectful, thoughtful, prompt, dedicated, and empathetic she is.
“To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care” We appreciate your hard work and dedication, thank you for a Job Well Done!!
For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com
Save the Date: SummerFest Returns June 30!
The Town of Pike Road is excited to invite the community to SummerFest, a family-friendly fireworks show on June 30 at Rolling Hills Park and Cottonwood Golf Club, off Trotman Road. Parking will begin at 6 p.m. at Rolling Hills Park (6001 Rolling Hills Blvd) and Cottonwood Golf Club (7160 Byron Nelson Blvd). Please enter by Rolling Hills Blvd, from which you will be directed to these two viewing options. Family-friendly area with kids’ activities will be open from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Rolling Hills Park. This includes kids’ activities, inflatables, music by a local DJ, local food truck vendors, and plenty of green space for your lawn chairs and picnic blankets.* Food trucks and yard games will also be available at Cottonwood Golf Club. Fireworks will light up the sky at dark! We hope you will join us to celebrate our nation, our freedom, and our community spirit on June 30. Don't forget to share your patriotic photos with us using #pikeroad4thofjuly & #mypikeroad! Picnics are welcome, but NO alcoholic beverages are permitted at SummerFest. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome, but NO tents are permitted at SummerFest.
Then Sings My Soul
Join our Frazer family in the Worship Center as the choir leads us in an evening of worship, praise, and patriotism. We will honor our country’s heritage and glorify the Author and Finisher of our true freedom. Ice cream to follow in the Atrium! Frazer Worship Center, June 29, 2022 from 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
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Plant lovers rejoice! On June 4th @house.plant.collective is driving their plant bus to Montgomery and spending the afternoon Come by and check out their inventory of amazing house plants from 2-5pm. We will have $5 mimosas for you to sip on while you shop! Hilltop Public House, 3 N Goldthwaite, Montgomery, AL
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE Michael Castanza, Gramps "My wife Diane has been my constant companion, encourager and partner in this quest to follow God’s call to service".
This month’s cover profile is Michael Castanza. Michael has been involved in many of our lives through his experiences at The Sahara Restaurant, a Montgomery tradition for decades and as the Director of Operations for Chappy’s Deli, another Montgomery tradition, especially for families. Michael’s real legacy is in his family. He married Diane Deep in 1980 and they have 4 children and 12 grandchildren, all of which live and work in Montgomery. Michael’s church family is at St Bede Catholic Church, where he has spent nearly 6 years preparing and studying to be a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He will be ordained this month as a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, a long and rewarding journey. Michael has acquired fame as “Gramps” in the Chappy’s radio commercials he does with Jeff Barranco, and he’s proud to wear the moniker on his Chappy’s shirt sleeve! We’re also proud to share Michael’s story with you this month and if you’ve ever been a guest at Chappy’s, we think you’ll enjoy getting to know Michael as much as we have. See you at Chappy’s.
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e., where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc.?
Michael: My father was career officer in the USAF and was stationed in Japan when I was born on Johnson AB Japan in 1960. A year later, we moved to Maxwell AFB, Montgomery after staying at the Davis Motel for the summer on Atlanta highway near Dalraida Road. We attended the old St. Bede’s Michael and Diane Catholic Church on Madison Avenue where McDonalds is now. Then, we moved to Texas for 3 years and then back to Maxwell AFB in 1965 (after another summer at the Davis Motel) for a “couple
Wife, Diane and Michael
of years” which turned into 57 years so far.
We moved from Maxwell in 1967 into a house in Bellehurst that backed up to “Marshall’s Field”. We lived in the city limits, but the city limit line was on our back property line. You could walk out our back yard and stay in the undeveloped fields and woods all the way to the Eastern Bypass. There were cattle and horses on the property, and they bailed hay a couple times a year. This property provided a perfect area for my brother Anthony and I to grow up playing on. We rode bikes in the scramble tracks, hiked, explored, climbed trees, built tree forts and other stuff I still cannot mention.
My present home of 30 years sits on some of the same property that we used as our personal playground as kids. I went to school at Maxwell, St. Jude’s, St. Bede’s and Montgomery Catholic High School. I attended both AUM and The University of Alabama but received most of my education in the real world of The Michael and granddaughter Dorothy Sahara Restaurant
I met the love of my life, Diane Deep, in high school. She was a Godsend then and still is my much better half. We married in 1980. We have 4 married children: Sam Castanza, District Chief in the MFD, his wife Danielle and their 5 children Ella, Ben, Thomas, Philip and Conor. Justin Castanza, President of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, his wife Meghan and their 3 children, Vincent, Natalie and Salvatore. Rachel Castanza Stewart, Vice President of Marketing with Guardian Credit Union and her husband Michael and their 3 children, Isabel, Annie and Michael Jr. Alex Castanza With Guild Mortgage and his wife Martha and their daughter Dorothy. This growing family is a joy and blessing. BOOM!: You are the Director of Operations for Chappy’s Deli, an eating out tradition in the River Region and Auburn, especially for the Kids Eat Free offer many parents and grandparents love. Would you share your journey into the restaurant business, including your many years at The Sahara Restaurant in Cloverdale and now Chappy’s Deli? Michael: I have spent my adult professional life at Trane Air Conditioning, Transport Division Montgomery, then 21 years at The Sahara Restaurant and the last 18 years at Chappy’s Deli. I worked with Chappy’s Deli as the General Manager of the Perry Hill Road store and for the last 13 years as the Director of Operations. I work directly for and with David and Jeff Barranco hiring GMs and helping them build teams that can increase sales and control labor costs and the cost of goods. What I learned at the Sahara working for my father-in-law, Michael Deep and my uncle-inlaw, Joe Deep, was how to serve all people and connect with guests turning them into lifelong customers and friends. I utilize these skills at
Chappy’s to help continue their great history of service and community involvement. I always appreciate the good name that the Barrancos have nurtured since 1989 at Chappy’s in the River Region. When I introduce myself stating I am with Chappy’s, people often respond with, “I love Chappy’s”. We strive to “serve with love” as we are called to do. The 21 years that I worked with my in-laws; the Deeps, at the Sahara was a magical time of my life. I was so blessed to marry into a Montgomery tradition. The Sahara was a favorite, a landmark and so many people up and down the Eastern Seaboard of the US have a personal attachment, history or memory of the Sahara. We hosted thousands of anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations of all sorts. We were the venue for so many after
rehearsal parties, business luncheons and of course the legislature adjourned to the Sahara for many years. More laws and deals were sealed at the Sahara than on Goat Hill. The Sahara Restaurant, “Fine food expertly prepared since 1952 at the corner of Edgemont and Norman Bridge Road, the cornerstone of Old Cloverdale.” Our menu featured customer favorites like West Indies Salad, crab claws, crabmeat au gratin, hand cut ribeye steaks, fresh snapper and the most talked about item still today…Chicken Paula Castanza my mom, 92nd Birthday Supreme. (A boneless breast of chicken, 2017, just prior to her death. fried, topped with Cream sauce and toasted almonds served on a bed of continental rice). Somebody mentions The Sahara at least once a week and half the conversations start with, “I miss the Sahara…and the Chicken Supreme.” Mike and Joe Deep taught me how to make a living in the restaurant business. They taught what it means to be a servant, to connect and what Chappy’s Deli calls “serve with love”. I also learned from the many professional
Daughter Rachel Stewart with her son Michael Jr. Michael broadcasting Montgomery Catholic HS football game with sons Alex and Justin. My son Sam teaching his son Philip about firearms.
waiters that worked at the Sahara. Most worked there for over 15 years and some over 30 and 40 years. Mr. John Ballard worked from the opening in 1952 until his death about 45 years later. He was a wise man who influenced me as a young man. I learned from our beloved staff at the Sahara about food and service, but more importantly about life. I relish the times I see Mickey, Wags, Shedrick and others who we spent so many hours together at the Sahara. Montgomery moved away from that famous corner in Old Cloverdale. Business faded over the years. The Sahara thrived for over 50 years providing fabulous service and wonderful food in a welcoming atmosphere. In 2003 when I moved to Chappy’s Deli, I went from being the young guy to being the old guy. Everything is different at Chappy’s except serving others. The menu, atmosphere, and the dynamics are all different. It is a great Deli that caters to the masses and is loved by so many. We have the best team members and the best guests ever. Dealing with Covid at Chappy’s Deli was challenging, but Daughter Rachel Stewart and husband Michael
the Barrancos met the difficulty head on and successfully. Almost overnight as we were informed that our dining rooms would be shut down, they “invented” Chappy’ style car hop service. It was an instant success and is still a part of our business model today. The Barrancos dealt with loss of team members and government regulations in Son Alex and his wife Martha with Dorothy a professional and aggressive way. All team members that were available to work were kept busy. We lost so many employees but are fortunately building back to pre-covid numbers. God has blessed Chappy’s with great business and the best team members. We have a diverse group of team members that are devoted to Chappy’s, execute their jobs professionally and personally serve with love each guest, day in day out. If I got a bachelor's degree in people at the Sahara, then I at least have a master’s degree in people from Chappy’s. Under the leadership of David Barranco, I have grown personally and professionally at Chappy’s Deli more than I would if I had stayed at the Sahara for another 21 years. BOOM!: Michael, you are somewhat famous for the radio commercials you and Jeff Barranco have done over the years, could you tell us how that got started and what the impact has been on the Chappy’s Brand? How long have you and Jeff been doing these commercials?
Michael: Jeff and I started our crazy commercials on the radio soon after I arrived at Chappy’s in 2003. I was and am still a believer in the power and affordable reach of radio. I don’t remember exactly how the radio presence started. I know that I had developed the belief at the Sahara that we could not afford TV in the frequency needed but we could afford the
Son Sam and his wife Danielle
repetition on the radio that was needed to get people’s attention and create top of mind awareness. Radio ads allow us to personalize and make our 60 second spots quirky and a bit goofy. The idea was at first to tease between Jeff and I as “young fella” and “gramps”. My Chappy’s shirts have Gramps embroidered on them. Jeff used to be young, and I was not a grandfather yet. Both have changed. Jeff has almost caught up in age and I am a grampa 12 times. They all call me Grampa after what my kids called my dad.
David Barranco gets the credit for writing the memorable ads. Jeff and I work well together providing the voice. We have a good chemistry and I think it comes across on the radio. We see the scripts for the first time on the way to record
them. We all work together to fine tune and edit the scripts. We ad lib and joke around. It is a collaborative effort that works. It works well. The producers at the radio station work their magic and they are what they are. They are hard to ignore. They make a point. They get people talking and hopefully it generates business. We believe they are efficient and effective. BOOM!: During the recent COVID 19 Pandemic, many businesses were challenged by the restrictions put on their businesses, especially restaurants. Chappy’s innovated with a very effective idea called “CarHop”, could you explain to our readers what that was and how important it was to your customers? BOOM!: With a busy restaurant life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a father and grandparent, what do the grandkids call you?
Michael: We gather as family fairly often. We had 32 plus at our house recently at Easter. It poured rain. That did not stop the kids from playing outside, hunting eggs and having a great time with “the cousins”. Grampa may have hosed a few off before they were allowed back inside the house.
Son Justin, wife Meghan with Sal, Natalie and Vincent.
BOOM!: Last year Chappy’s won the 2021 Alabama Gold Retailer of the Year Award from the Alabama Retailer’s Association. One of the reasons cited for winning the award was that Chappy’s has a heart for community service, what was it like to be honored in this way? Michael: It is an honor. The Barrancos are a fine family. We enjoy seeing the kids play ball, That is what mostly T-ball and baseball. Luckily this attracted me to year we had three on one team playing Chappy’s when T-ball at AUM. the Sahara was fading. They I am Grampa to our 12 grandchildren. My dislike the wife Diane is Lebanese, and they call her limelight and Cittie. I am not sure that is how you spell recognition, but it. But she is loved by all the kids. they deserve the credit. We An activity that I do with Justin and serve with love sometimes Alex is we announce the everyone in Montgomery Catholic Preparatory the community School football games on Friday nights not because during the season on the radio and it is good for on Facebook. This is a labor of love business, but with Justin. He is the Eli Gold of the because it is Knights, and I am there to say “it’s a the right thing big crowd tonight” when he takes a to do. There is breath between brilliant descriptions great reward of the field, crowd and the game. We being part of a broadcast on Praise 96.5 FM and on successful team. their app. People listen from literally all over the world via the app. It is a fun
Michael: Carhop is an old idea. I have heard of several places devoted to car hop in Montgomery’s history. Most before my time. Some places still do it today, but it was a new idea for Chappy’s. Basically, we serve you in your car as if you are at a table. The server (carhop) hustles out to your car and takes your order, rings it up, and then brings you your food. The guest can call ahead or order when they arrive. It is fast, still personal and socially distanced more than inside. It is convenient for anyone who does not want to get out of the car. It is here to stay. As Covid raged, this was a needed and required way for many people to still be able to eat out and stay healthy and secure. As the Rachel and Michael Stewart’s children, L-R , Isabel, pandemic has Michael Jr. and Annie waned, it is still a
Grands-11 of 12: Michael Jr. , Ella, Ben, Thomas, Vincent, Philip, Natalie, Isabel, Conor, Salvatore, Annie
adventure every game night. Montgomery Catholic has enjoyed success in many sports recently and done exceptionally well in football. It is fun to win. Go Knights!!
BOOM!: You and your wife are taking a trip to Italy this month, tell us how that came about and what you are most excited about experiencing while in Italy?
Michael: It will be a trip like we have never experienced. We will be going with a dual group. A group of adults and a group of high schoolers. Our son Justin is the leader/chaperone of the youths, and our group of adults will be led by Mr. Pat Arensberg. We will go to Assisi and Rome. The trip will last about 10 days and we will have a full schedule of churches and other historic places to visit. There will be plenty of relaxing and dining. It will be quite the pilgrimage.
a period of application and discernment for over a year. Then the education and formation took 4 years of weekend classes 10 times a year for 4 years. We traveled to Mobile or met on Zoom for about 40 Sams wife Danielle, with their son Thomas Saturdays or full weekends. Classes ranged from bible study, theology, philosophy, canon law, social justice and more. We studied homiletics…. how to write and give a sermon, how to serve at mass and how to perform other duties that the deacon can do or assist with. The class work required about 15 to 25 hours per month outside of class. The bottom line of the deaconate is service. I look forward to this new chapter of our lives. Humbly I ask you to please pray for my ministry.
On June 11, 2022, I will be ordained a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic church. I will serve in the Archdiocese of Mobile in my home parish of St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church.
Several from our class of 16 candidates are traveling together to Italy.
The diaconate formation program has been the journey of a lifetime. My wife Diane has been my constant companion, encourager and partner in this quest to follow God’s call to service.
BOOM!: Do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities? Faith based organizations.
Michael: My schedule is full. I work a bunch and I spend time with family. The last 5 years my free time has been dominated by preparing to become a deacon in the Catholic Church. Starting nearly 6 years ago we went through new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? What are your thoughts on retirement?
Michael: What’s retirement? lol I used to think that all would be well if I just made enough money and was “successful”. My idea of success is different at 62 than it was at 35. My priorities and outlook have certainly changed. Some of this attitude adjustment has been taken care of by my parents, “father time” and “mother nature”. Some of my change in attitude is directly from spiritual growth from formation in the diaconate program. Wherever it came from my change in passions has been gradual but profound. Most of this is probably perfectly natural and normal. I am different and want different things, appreciate different things, long for different things now than at 35 years old. I don’t think this means I was passionate about the wrong things in my youth necessarily but my state in life is different today.
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day of serving customers at Chappy’s?
Michael: Crazy, but I like to mow the grass, weed eat and clean up the yard. My dad taught me how to work in the yard. I love the feeling of accomplishment and the exercise.
BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?
Michael: My God and Church. My family. My work.
BOOM!: Many people over 50 experience a renewed sense of purpose,
Health is paramount to continue in life. As I age and things wear out, I am humbled in what I can accomplish physically. Quite frankly I am surprised at these changes. It is humbling. My priorities and passions have always been God, family and job. But, maybe not in the correct order all the time. The younger I was the more I emphasized the job. Five generations-New born Vincent Castanza, son Making money and of Justin Castanza, son of Diane Castanza, daughter of Barbara Deep, daughter of Dorothy Thomas supporting my family by all evidence was my top passion. If I could do life over, I might wish to put God first sooner and trust in His will more completely and not rely on my self-will. I hope young people reading this listen to this old man. Put God first. Life depends on Him not us.
BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/ River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?
Michael: We moved here in 1965 for good evidently. My parents were nearly foreigners to these old Montgomery cliques. Dad was from Buffalo, N.Y. and mom was from the tiny town of Gallipolis, OH. They were Yankees…the worst kind. The ones who came here and stayed. They learned to love the south, Alabama and Montgomery.
Back, L-R, Michael, Cousin Mark Castanza, Brother Angelo, Brother Anthony Front, L-R, Mark's wife Pam, Susan Castanza (my only sister), Vicki (Angelo’s wife) , Valerie (Anthony’s wife)
Michael: A new central commissary is under construction in rented space behind Fresh Market in the
Perry Hill Place shopping center. We will cook, assemble and process goods there and distribute to all five stores.
Items such as baked goods, sliced meats and cheeses and fresh chicken salad will be produced in the commissary and then delivered to each store daily. The goal is to offer a very consistent product at each location at a price that offers the most value for the customer.
Jump ahead 57 years and this is home to a bunch of Castanzas. I have been in business here; I married a girl from here and all our children and grandchildren were born here. They still live here and work here. This is home. I love Montgomery. What does Montgomery need? I will let the movers and shakers argue about that. We all need to respect each other and live peacefully with each other.
BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed? How would you describe what it means to “age well”?
Michael: I heard a speaker/writer recently speak of the average life expectancy is about 80 years. He suggested instead of thinking about life in terms of before and after age 50, he suggested the notion of thinking of life after age 60 as the fourth quarter. (There is always the chance of over time). To me it makes sense and rung true with recent thoughts about priorities and age. Truthfully, we only have so many years left. So, my attitude towards each one of these precious years needs focusing and purpose. It is freeing in some sense. The urgency allows me the freedom to act, choose, move on, change my mind, appreciate the moment and enjoy God’s blessings of today such as God’s presence, my wife, my children and grandchildren. A job well done. A new relationship. What can I do for others today?
BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Michael: Sinner, sandwich maker and storyteller.
BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?
Michael: In my youth I loved to backpack. I took all my children on different occasions to the Grand Canyon on back packing trips. Sam, Justin and I walked across the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, in 2003 in a single day. And of course, we walked back rim to rim, but taking 3 days on the return trip. The excitement was the fierce independence and survival with only what you had. It is no wonder self-will has plagued me all my life.
BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for the Chappy’s Deli Brand? For yourself? The Chappy’s Deli brand is held secure by virtue of the leader’s fundamental belief in God and their trust in Jesus Christ guiding the company through the workings of the Holy Spirit. One of the first times all the Barrancos went out of town on their annual vacation I was feeling mighty proud being “left in charge”. I asked David Barranco was he nervous turning it all over to me. He very nicely said, “Oh, I’m not worried! I turned all this over to Jesus Christ a long time ago!” Believe it. Chappy’s Deli Brand is secure. ��
We want to thank Michael for sharing some of his unique story with us this month. Michael's experience with two of Montgomery's traditional eateries was worth hearing about, they have added so much to our community's quality of life. If you want to share your thoughts with Michael, please email him at michael@chappysdeli.com or visit www.chappysdeli.com. Be sure and tell your friends at Chappy's you saw Michael in BOOM! We also want to thank DiAnna Paulk for her creative talents in photographing Michael for this month's cover. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text them to Jim Watson at 334.324.3472 or email them to jim@riverregionboom.com.
