BOOM! November 2022

Fall in Love with Fashion Again

The most wonderful time of year is right around the corner! Is your wardrobe ready for entertaining your friends and family, holiday parties, or shopping on the weekends?

Our biggest advice for styling yourself no matter your age is to start building a capsule wardrobe. Think of these pieces as timeless articles of clothing that won’t go out of style for years to come. You might need to invest a little more in these pieces, but they should last you through many seasons. You can mix these items with the current trends to create your new looks. Every cooler weather capsule wardrobe should consist of neutral layering tees, tanks, and mock necks, a neutral cardigan, a neutral jacket, dark wash and light wash jeans, leggings, and a nice pair of brown and black or white booties. (Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day!)

With these timeless pieces you can start to bring in some of the current trends for Fall and Winter. In the world of patterns, we always see a jump in interest in plaid for Autumn and into the Holiday season. You can always work this print in with plaid caftans, jackets (pictured), scarves, and handbags paired with pieces you already have.

We are noticing textures in materials have changed a lot this year. We are seeing many more clothing vendors working with silk like fabric for tops and velvet, leather, and corduroy for dresses and jackets. The style of these is still more flowy and forgiving. You can pair a

silk top with your favorite pair of jeans or wear a longer top with a tried-and-true pair of classic leggings.

Oversized items are still trending for our audience. Lately we have heard women say they don’t like an oversized fit because they feel it makes them appear to have no shape. It is all about the cut of the top and balancing your outfit with a slimmer fitting pant. Any time you have something more forgiving on top we say you should opt for a pair of more fitted bottoms and vice versa. A truer and more fitted top always looks great with a pair of palazzo pants or flared jeans.

We also have observed a big jump in button front items. We love the versatility of this because you can wear it more than one way. They can stand alone or be worn with a tank or graphic tee underneath. Not only is this trending for tops and shackets (pictured) but also in dresses. A “shacket” is a shirt-jacket. They are thicker than your typical top so they can work by themselves or as a layering piece.

In 2022 we saw a huge rise is western wear. Last year we predicted this would be a big trend and it has not disappointed, particularly in the footwear world. Cowgirl style boots with a more modern twist are everywhere! You can pair these with dresses or with leggings and a cute top. Western handbags from Myra are also selling well for us this season. These are leather handbags with animal print and other ornate accents (pictured). If you are already shopping for Christmas, both of these items would make great gifts!

The Holidays are all about surrounding yourself with your favorite people and focusing on what’s important. Let us help you find some pieces you feel confident in something you can turn to for an effortlessly put together look. Despite what a lot of people might think or say, you can always modify what is currently in style to meet your comfort level no matter your age. Our goal is to help women feel as beautiful on the outside as we know you are on the inside and to let your confidence and light shine to those around you.

Call 334-290-5268 or come in Monday - Friday 10 to 5:30, Saturday 10 to 5.

3500 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery AL

Plaid accents are always a favorite for Fall! Mix it with neutrals for a balanced look.

A western leather Myra Bag with mixed patterns

A "Shacket" is a shirt-jacket. It is thicker than your normal top and can be worn alone or as a layering piece for added warmth.

Fall in Love with Fashion Again Vivian O'Nay

Dr. Raggio's Beautification Timeline

Macbeth 101

Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

River Region Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Travel Tips-Montgomery Regional Airport

2022 Benefit Dinner: Believe in Blue

Author Event Sara Dubose

St. John’s Episcopal Church Annual Bazaar

American Village Colonial Christmas Lunch & Tour

Dementia Respite Ministry

An Expression of Love Judy Heinzman

BOOM! Cover Profile Peggy Perdue

Maximizing Medicare Susan Moore

Passionate About Teaching (A Family of Educators)

It’s hard to stop

with your adult child.

13 Gestures and Habits Make Him Fall in Love

Over Again

Consider Pre-planning Your Memorial

“Though

Dr. Raggio’s Beautification Timeline

Recently, we’ve discussed the best options available to reverse the signs of facial aging. Yet, the question remains: When is the best time to undergo such treatments? With the Holiday Season fast approaching, that question becomes all too relevant. That said, I’ll answer that elusive question by presenting a “beautification timeline” with multiple treatment options, ranging from professional-grade skincare to plastic surgery, all to help you put your best face forward for your next big event.

Starting now: Skincare

The basis for any facial rejuvenation plan starts with the routine use of high-quality, professional-grade skincare. What’s more important than the skincare line you choose, however, is the daily use of the product. In brief, nearly every person wanting to optimize their skin’s appearance would benefit from the routine use of the following skincare items: facial cleanser, antioxidants (Vitamin C/E), Retinol/ tretinoin (Vitamin A), Moisturizer, and sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater). If you’re looking to splurge, Growth Factor Serums are a nice additive as well. Regardless of what you decide to buy, I can’t stress this enough: daily use is key!

Event in 2-4 weeks: Microneedling, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning Microneedling (i.e., SkinPen) relies on the principle of inciting controlled damage to the skin to induce collagen stimulation. Microdermabrasion (i.e., DiamondGlow) combines the power of exfoliation plus the infusion of custom serums to treat a variety of skin issues. Dermaplaning uses a sharp blade to remove dead skin and fine vellus hair (aka “peach fuzz”). These treatments, used either alone or in combination, are great tools to get your skin glowing before your special event. Estimated Cost: $50100.

Event in 1-2 months: Botox and Dermal Fillers: Facial injectables, namely botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) and dermal fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane, RHA), represent a powerful, minimally invasive tool to reverse the signs of facial aging. By restoring volume and softening wrinkles, injectables represent an affordable alternative to surgery with immediate results, minimal discomfort, and little to no downtime. Results last approximately 1 year. NOTE: while toxin and filler results are certainly appreciable at 1-2 weeks after treatment, I encourage patients to not wait so close to events in order to allow time for any required correction or “touch-up.” Estimated Cost: $10-14/unit for toxin; $500-850/syringe of filler.

Event in 3 months: Skin Resurfacing (Chemical Peels, Laser Treatments) Chemical Peels and laser treatments represent a great way to improve texture, tone, and discoloration to the skin. While non-ablative lasers and light peels offer little to no downtime, nevertheless multiple treatments are often required to obtain (and maintain) good results. On the other hand, more aggressive treatments (i.e., CO2 laser, Phenol Peels) achieve more dramatic results but with longer downtimes (1-2 weeks). Estimated Cost: $200 for light treatments; $2,000 for more aggressive treatments

Event in 4-6 months: Facial Plastic Surgery

Although a cosmetic procedure may

sound off-putting or dramatic to some, modern-day plastic surgery techniques allow for subtle, natural refinements to the face with minimal downtime and low risks of complications. For example, a Facelift/Necklift is a great way to create a more youthful appearance to the midface and jawline. These patients should plan for 2-3 weeks of “social downtime” and understand that results take 2-4 months to fully appreciate. Another common facial rejuvenation procedure includes a Blepharoplasty (Fig. 1), which is a quick and well-tolerated in-office procedure used to refresh the appearance of one’s eyes. Lastly, an increasingly popular facial rejuvenation procedure is the Surgical Lip Lift (Fig. 2), an in-office procedure used to create a more youthful but natural appearance to the lips. Estimated Cost: Facelift/ Necklift ($10,000 and up), Blepharoplasty ($3000), Lip Lift ($3000)

How can I learn more?

If you are interested in learning more about looking your best for your next big event, I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation procedures. This will ensure that you receive a comprehensive, nonbiased assessment and treatment plan. As a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, I always encourage patients to understand the treatments available to them before making their decision.

As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor.

Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial

Blepharoplasty (Fig. 1)

Surgical Lip Lift (Fig. 2)

Jim

334.324.3472

jim@riverregionboom.com

Jeff Barganier

Tracy Bhalla

Kimberly Blaker

Christie Boucher

Elizabeth Via Brown

Greg Budell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Joshua Coleman

Sara DuBose

Judy Heinzman

Rick Lauber

Randi Mazzella

Susan Moore

Peggy Perdue

Dr. Blake Raggio

Sherry Schumann

Mary Ann Sternberg

Nick Thomas

Misty Trussell

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for picking up your copy of the November BOOM! This month was a labor of love just like all the others. There is much to enjoy about this issue beginning with our cover profile, Peggy Perdue. Peggy is the owner of the Merle Norman Studio in The Shoppes at East Chase, Peggy has created one of the leading Merle Norman franchises in the country, consistently ranked in the top 25 out of 1,000 locations! Ever since her dad encouraged Peggy to open her own franchise 44 years ago, she has worked smart and learned to survive and overcome the challenges of being a successful entrepreneur. Like many of us, she now contemplates new adventures and is preparing to sell her business and begin the next chapter of her life. It’s an exciting time for Peggy and we wish her well. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have. Be sure and share her story or maybe drop by the Merle Norman Studio and say hello.

We have plenty more good reads to stimulate your thinking in some way. Our friend Greg Budell shares his Greatest Day Ever! One of the beautiful things about Greg is his heart. He’s not afraid to share his emotions, he allows himself to be vulnerable. He’s a little older due to the recent birthday, but he’s also a little wiser and always a fun listen anytime of the day. Hope you enjoy his Greatest Day! Jeff Barganier heads off to another town to do some exploring and he has picked one I wouldn’t have thought would be that interesting but every time I read Jeff’s work, I tell my wife Sandy to pack a bag because I want to go there too. You may feel the same way. I think you’ll like his experiences in Modern Meridian.

We have loaded up this issue with many stories, a variety of interesting ways to look at the problems of aging and their solutions, some inspiration to make him fall in love again, maybe become the happiest Volunteer in your community and how to really vacation like a local. I could go on but let me say this month’s reading experience with BOOM! will be worth the time and share.

As you know, our advertisers are an important part of what we do each month. We consider each of them a Marketing Partner and we encourage you to consider their services when you have a need, they can help fly you somewhere for vacation, entertain you and your family, buy your gold and silver, help you remodel your house, take care of Mama, get you a new passport, enhance your beauty, dress you in the latest fashion and help you with all your holiday needs. BOOM! advertisers would appreciate the opportunity to serve you, please consider their services for your family.

Thanks

of

valuable time and reading the November

family, I appreciate the BOOM! Share. Happy

Gogue Center presents choreographer Mark Morris and composer Damien Sneed in November

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University presents the southeastern premiere of Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Look of Love: An Evening of Dance to the Music of Burt Bacharach at the Woltosz Theatre in Auburn, Tuesday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is presented as part of the Gogue Center’s 2022–23 Dance & Movement Series.

Following the roaring success of his Beatles tribute, Pepperland, Mark Morris reunites with musical collaborator Ethan Iverson for The Look of Love, a wistful and heartfelt homage to the chart-topping songs of Academy Award- and Grammy-winning songwriter Burt Bacharach. This evening-length work features original choreography by Morris; new musical arrangements by Iverson, performed by an ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and percussion; Broadway star Marcy Harriell on lead vocals; and costumes designed by Isaac Mizrahi.

Morris, who has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical,” has created more than 150 works for Mark Morris Dance Group. He is the recipient of numerous honors and accolades and was named a Fellow of the MacArthur Foundation in 1991.

On November 15, the Gogue Center will present Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices. The performance is presented as part of the Gogue Center’s 2022–23 Orchestra & Chamber Music Series.

Created and directed by composer, conductor and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices is an evening of music highlighting some of the world’s best-known operatic arias, art songs and spirituals. The concert brings together two of today’s most exciting operatic voices in a diverse and powerful event featuring mezzo-soprano Amanda Bottoms and soprano Raven McMillon accompanied by a string

quartet and Damien Sneed on piano. This will be an evening of memorable and beautiful music as they pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman, who have paved the way for them and other African American opera singers. The repertoire features compositions by George Frederic Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppi Verdi, Richard Strauss, George Gershwin, Margaret Bonds, Harry T. Burleigh, Richard Smallwood and a newly commissioned work from Damien Sneed.

Tickets for both performances can be purchased online at www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu, by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497), and in person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama.

Damien Sneed, Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices

The Look of Love: An Evening of Dance to the Music of Burt Bacharach

By Nick

Jest a Moment: Macbeth 101

The next time your local theater group produces a performance of “Macbeth,” don’t miss it. The play is generally regarded as one of the best tragedies ever written and with a ghost and several witches lurking throughout the story, a nice followup to Halloween. And while it’s certainly a compelling drama, the obscure language and symbolism can be as baffling as a Randy Quaid Twitter post.

So for those of you who took AP Cosmetology instead of English Lit as high school seniors, here’s a summary of the story: Macbeth’s villainous wife, Gruoch, convinces her hubby to rub out Scottish King Duncan, clearing the way for Mr. Mac to assume the royal throne. Lord Macduff serves as antagonist to Macbeth and eventually (medieval spoiler alert) does Macbeth in.

Early on, it’s pretty obvious that Lady Macbeth is going to lose it. But it’s hardly surprising she turns out to be less than the perfect royal hostess. After all, who wouldn’t be a grumpy, murderous, battleax with a name like Gruoch?

that Lady Mac’s first name is never revealed in the play; but trust Wikipedia on this, her real birth name was Gruoch ingen Boite. So there really was a Macbeth, with a better half – much better, in fact – than the literary characters portray. Like many of Shakespeare’s plays based on historical figures, the depiction of Macbeth and his wife as the Mad Macs filled with greed and ambition is mostly fiction and bears little resemblance to the real Macbeths of Scottish history.

Historians believe King Duncan really was killed by Macbeth around 1040, but most likely in battle. Years later as King of Scotland, Macbeth was himself slain in battle in 1057. As for Duncan, didn’t his descendants emigrate to America and open a successful chain of donut shops?

In modern times, many well-known actors have tackled the role of Macbeth on film. For instance, Orson Welles was an awesome Macbeth in 1948, as was Ian McKellen in 1979. But Sean Connery flopped in a 60s TV movie. That was the screenwriters’ fault. After bumping off a head of state, Connery should have introduced himself to his new subjects by announcing “The name’s Macbeth, KING Macbeth” with that distinctive sexy Scottish voice.

On stage, Christopher Plummer, Kelsey Grammer, Charlton Heston, Laurence Olivier, and Patrick Stewart all played Macbeth in theatrical productions. Personally, however, I'm anticipating the day William Shatner attempts the role, supplemented with a few updated and memorable ad-lib lines: “Is this a phaser which I see before me? Beam me up, Macduff!”

Now, before all you Shakespeare scholars get your pantaloons in a knot, I do realize

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See www.getnickt.org

Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

It’s everything we love about fall on one comforting plate. Creamy, pumpkinbriochesoakedbread topped with pecans for that extra crunch and that ohso-perfect buttermilk glaze

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed

10 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups whole milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

⅓ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kosher salt

½ cup chopped pecans for the buttermilk glaze

2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons buttermilk

2 teaspoons orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of bread cubes evenly into the baking dish. Top with cream cheese in an even layer. Top with remaining bread cubes.

2. In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove baking dish from the refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes.

4. Sprinkle with pecans; place into oven and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover; continue to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and center is firm.

5. Serve immediately, drizzled with buttermilk glaze.

for the buttermilk glaze

1. In a medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, buttermilk, orange zest, vanilla and pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar as needed.

www.damndelicious.net

Alabama River Region Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Home of the River Region's favorite holiday tradition

Alabama River Region Ballet and its Founder and Artistic Director, Priscilla Crommelin Ball, are proud to announce the 7th Annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the historic Davis Theatre in downtown Montgomery. Performances will be Friday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 3rd at 2:00pm and 7:00pm and Sunday, December 4th at 2:00pm.

“The Nutcracker” set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Stevan Grebel will thrill the audience with the prodigious dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. With spectacular backdrops, scenery and a growing Christmas tree, this ballet is a truly magical experience and a classic holiday favorite for the whole family!

Based on the original storybook written

in 1816 by German author, E.T.A.Hoffmann, Act I of “The Nutcracker” opens with “The Party Scene,” taking place on Christmas Eve in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum. Many guests are in attendance but none like the mysterious Drosselmeyer, who brings exciting and magical gifts for the children, the most magical gift being The Nutcracker doll for his niece, Clara. The Alabama River Region Ballet’s “The Nutcracker'' gets better every year and has become an annual tradition and holiday favorite for the whole family. This year will surely be the best yet!

A 10% discount is offered for military, seniors, and children 12 and under. Saturday night is designated as Military Appreciation Night where all members

of the military and first hand responders and their families can attend for 50% off!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.alabamariverregionballet.com or by contacting the ARRB office at 334-356-5460.

scan for tickets

Leaving on a Jet Plane? Travel Tips from Montgomery Regional Airport

The most wonderful time of the year is swiftly approaching, and the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is already planning for the two busiest months of the year. MGM expects an increase in passenger traffic and exceeds its 2019 levels when roughly 150,00 passengers packed MGM.

MGM aims to make the passenger experience as pleasing as possible this holiday season. Here are a few tips for those planning to travel during the sixweek holiday window.

• Avoid the busiest days to travel; weekend travel tends to be the most active.

• Book your flights early before prices go up, and be sure to check cancellation and change policies.

• Be prepared for delays and cancellations; with airlines downsizing in recent months due to staff shortages, some can't handle a surge of travelers.

• Pack light and consider traveling with a carry-on only; it's less expensive and frees you from the possibility of losing your luggage.

• Arrive early; while MGM is known for quick and easy security lines, peak days could delay your travel time. Avoid stress and plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.

• Consider purchasing TSA Precheck, which is offered at MGM.

• Pack your patience

MGM offers non-stop flights to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Dallas, Texas (DFW); and Washington, D.C. (DCA). MGM currently serves the region with daily flights by American and Delta Airlines. For more information about MGM, including flight status, passenger service aide service, restaurant service, and more, visit www.flymgm.com

READ IT LOVE IT - SHARE IT

BOOM! starts conversations and shares stories. Share your business with BOOM! readers. For more information call/text 334.324.3472 visit www.riverregionboom.com

2022 Benefit Dinner: Believe in Blue

"If everybody runs...you choose to stay." At Faulkner, we Believe in the Blue, and support the men and women in uniform who daily put their lives on the line to protect our communities, our homes and our streets.

During this year’s Annual Benefit Dinner featuring Candace Owens, Faulkner celebrated 150 law enforcement officers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and departments from all over the state of Alabama and the nation from Alaska, and Massachusetts to Georgia and Florida during the Walk of Honor.

After the walk concluded and conservative author, and talk show host Candace Owens came on stage, she again asked all the officers, first responders and military members to stand again and be recognized.

“Thank you to all of you who make it possible for me to do what I do,” Owens said. “I am beyond honored that I get to represent you and all of your endeavors and it makes me sad that there are so few voices that are willing to do it, so from the bottom of my heart ‘Thank You.’”

Faulkner President Mitch Henry shared a personal story from his time as a Faulkner professor teaching 49 Masters of Justice Administration students a Criminal Justice Ethics course during the outbreak of Covid and then the riots that followed the death of George Floyd in May of 2020.

“My students got sick, lost siblings, parents,

and spouses to the virus during the class term. Then three weeks into that term, riots and protests broke out in cities across the country. Students had to take on extra shifts, don riot gear, and put their lives at greater risk,” Henry said. “On top of this, they suffered undeserved criticism while trying their best to protect and serve citizens. I thought my working law enforcement students would drop out or take incomplete status. Not a single one did so.”

“Instead, these amazing men and women, buckled down in the midst of chaos and criticism, did their work with excellence, and never gave up. Our class became an open forum for prayer. A consistent theme in those prayers was officers’ pain caused by those who chose to reject law enforcement rather than give honor for faithful service. But now in this moment we can give honor, we can give respect, we can show our willingness to take hold of the hand of officers who put their lives on the line every day for us. We can show our acceptance of law enforcement’s extended hand of service and say, ‘Thank you.’”

As officers walked from the back of the Renaissance Convention Center to the stage, two women joined the group on stage holding framed portraits of fallen officers.

Faulkner alumna and former state president of COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) Cindy Hatcher, held the uniformed portrait of her son, Faulkner graduate Officer David L. Curtis with the Tampa Police Department. Officer Curtis lost his life in the line of duty in June 2010 during a traffic stop when the suspect shot him and assisting Officer

Jeffrey Kocab at close range. The suspect, who was wanted for three other murders in the Tampa area, was taken into custody and later convicted with the recommendation he receive the death penalty.

Officer Curtis had served with the Tampa Police Department for three years and eight months and had previously served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, four young sons, parents, and twin sister.

Faulkner Director of Graduate and Adult Enrollment Alison Cahoon carried the image of Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry upon request by one of our law enforcement students, Officer Matthew Mowry, who could not be in attendance. Before the Walk of Honor, Officer Echaverry’s portrait sat at a VIP table in a chair draped in black.

Officer Echaverry died in the line of duty while serving and protecting his community as an officer with the Miami-Dade Police Department. He succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained while chasing an armed robbery suspect on foot in August 2022. The suspect was killed by return fire.

Faulkner is proud to support and train up young men and women in our criminal justice and legal studies fields to serve and protect our communities as Christ would have them do. We offer 25% tuition reduction for individuals all over the country who active and retired members of our law enforcement, fire department and EMS. Throughout the year, we offer current and former law enforcement officials and alums law enforcement training and conferences as well as special events.

The 37th Annual Eagle Awareness!

Eagle Awareness Weekends are unique and so special. Created to coincide with Alabama’s Bald Eagle Restoration Program in 1985, steeped in the tradition of birding lore and legend, and led by some of the best conservationists and birders in the field, these Friday through Sunday Lake Guntersville State Park events bring people of diverse backgrounds and common interests together in one of the most beautiful parks in Alabama to observe and learn about one of the most mesmerizing avian species on the planet. Every moment is filled with wonder, delight, old and new friends, adventure, and educational opportunities. The park’s Pinecrest Dining Room serves delicious meals and whether you stay in a lodge room, chalet, or in the campground, the amenities are excellent. Eagle Awareness Weekends feature live bird demonstrations and programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, and the natural beauty of the mountains and Lake Guntersville.

Each year we welcome hundreds of

guests to experience and learn about the natural history of these majestic eagles, other birds of prey, and wild creatures. Exclusive opportunities are offered each year during Eagle Awareness weekends through our packages, these include lodging, two breakfasts, and one dinner, a welcome packet, VIP access to presentations, discounts at the restaurant and gift shop, photo opportunities with birds of prey, activities for children, engagement with featured sponsors, one-on-one access with the naturalists, and memories that last for a lifetime. It's no wonder that these weekends are the perfect gift for the one that has "everything". These weekends fill quickly so we encourage you to reserve your package as soon as possible.

Make your reservations for the following weekends: January 20-22, 2023 January 27-29, 2023 February 3-5, 2023

For more information regarding Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park, please contact: indya.guthrie@dcnr.alabama.gov

For Reservations: Call (256) 5056621 OR 1-800-ALA-PARK or email guntersvillereservation.statepark@dcnr. alabama.gov

Rosemont Gardens Christmas Open House and Author Event

“Mama, please. Could we go to the park?”

“Sure, why not?” Sara answered her eight- and ten-year-old daughters, DeAnn and Cherie. She loved to wander under the giant oaks and hickories.

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Oak Park is a tranquil area. It’s a place to think, play and allow your soul beauty soaks. Sara packed some snacks and they left.

This is the beginning of the first devotion in Growing a Peaceful Heart but by the end of the story the reader will learn a surprising and heartwarming secret to a peaceful heart.

Just released, this book containing 150 devotions will be featured at the Rosemont Gardens Open House on November 12th from 1 to 3 PM. The book is divided into 3 sections: Personal Peace, Peace in Relationships and Becoming Peacemakers.

If stress is a problem in your life these devotions of faith, encouragement, love, and forgiveness will help calm your heart. Each week contains a prayer, a devotion focused on a Biblical character, a devotion focused on a peacemaker from history, and three contemporary devotions.

In this book you will realize that peace is not an absence of conflict. It is an abiding trust in God who will guide you in your prayers and choices to maintain peace in the midst of struggle and difficulties. Your peace begins and continues in a Person: the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Growing a Peaceful Heart” is also available on Amazon and other sites.

Grand Blessings and Grand Responsibilities

Dear Grandparents,

I am not a grandma with a pantry full of sugar products. On occasion, however, I indulge our grandchildren with a gooey, homemade treat. I remember one such occasion when our oldest granddaughter was only two. I had homemade brownies, fresh from the oven.

I watched as our granddaughter savored each bite until there wasn’t a morsel, not a single crumb, left. With thirty minutes left to play before nap time, we went outside.

One thing that you need to know is that our granddaughter had a propensity to put her hands in her mouth. “Sweet girl, please don’t put your hands in your mouth,” I reminded her as we played around the yard. “They’re covered with germs.”

She stopped playing and examined her palms. “Gwam-mah,” she announced.

“It’s not germs; it’s chocolate.”

Grandchildren are a grand blessing, and we can't imagine life without them. Therefore, most of us are on the lookout for danger from the moment our grandbabies are born, starting with germs and choking hazards. I can't help but wonder... What are the hidden dangers that you fear most? How have these fears changed as your grandchildren have gone from from being toddlers to preteens or from middle-schoolers to high school graduates?

If these questions strike a chord or if you have a story to share, please email me at sschumann@christiangrandparenting.com.

God bless you and your loved ones. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sherry www.christiangrandparenting.com

St. John’s Episcopal Church Annual Bazaar

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at St. John’s 113 Madison Ave., will have its annual bazaar Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 10-2 p.m. in the Education Building.

Sunday School classrooms will be turned into shops for handmade arts and crafts, a pantry of homemade casseroles and breads; a silent auction; a treasure attic full of gently used household goods including kitchen ware, china and silver,

holiday and decorative ware and much more. Lunch using some recipes from the ECW’s “St. John’s Disciples Blest Recipes,” which is no longer in print, will be served in the Parish House from 11-1. Tickets are $12

each and can be purchased in advance from the church office. Pick-up and drive-through will be available in the rear parking lot.

A new feature this year will be a Boston butt sale from 5-7 p.m. which will also be available for drive-through. The shops will be open during the early evening hours.

All proceeds are designated for the ECW’s outreach projects that benefit the local community. For more information, contact the church at 262-1937 or Elizabeth Via Brown, publicity chairman, elizabethviabrown@gmail.com

Jane Barganier, Debbie Schremser, Kathleen Bradford, Josie Eskridge, the Pantry Chairman, Susan Harris and Jim Bennett work in the kitchen preparing for the pantry sale for St. John’s bazaar, Nov. 16.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival 2022-23 Season Featuring Shakespeare, Cabaret and Tony-Nominated Clyde’s

Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Executive Director Todd Schmidt have announced the 2022-2023 Festival Season at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, which features six productions illuminating humanity through stories of transformation — effected on and by individuals and the world around them. In its 51st season, ASF continues its mission of building community by engaging, entertaining, and inspiring people with transformative theatrical performances and compelling educational and community programs.

“This upcoming season includes something for everyone,” said ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine. “As we put together this slate of shows, we considered the diversity of our region; all with the goal of fulfilling our mission to build community.” A holiday celebration kicks off the season with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a whimsical take on a classic Christmas story. The new year begins with a joyful noise as the a capella musical Jubilee takes the Festival Stage, followed by William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, directed by Rick Dildine and starring ASF favorite Greta Lambert. The season continues as music legends Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins come together in a jam session for the ages in Million Dollar Quartet, followed by the Tony-nominated comedy Clyde’s about workers in a diner learning to find normalcy after incarceration. Concluding the season is Kander and Ebb’s Jazz Age-inspired musical, Cabaret. ASF will continue to offer opportunities for the community to further engage with theatre through Schoolfest performances — matinees during school hours featuring talk-backs with the cast — as well as Insights, which provide a deep-dive with experts that offer behind-the-scenes knowledge to enhance the theatrical experience. Town Halls at Kress will connect the works being brought to ASF stages with timely topics in the community through panels and open discussion. The Southern Writers Festival will also be entering its 22nd year of developing new work about the South. Subscriptions are on sale now at ASF.net or by calling the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353. Single tickets will go on sale for all season productions on September 1.

PRODUCTIONS

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: Dec. 1 – 31, 2022

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers the impact of his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

Jubilee: Jan. 5 – 29, 2023

“A known showman” with a “gift for stirring theatricality,” playwright and director Tazewell Thompson brings an innovative and heart-stirring score to life with this inspirational a cappella tribute inspired by real life. The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings and queens.

The Tempest: Feb. 23 – March 19, 2023 Shakespeare’s final play is a story of adventure, magic, music, and forgiveness.

Prospero has been exiled on an island with his daughter for more than a decade when he conjures a storm that crashes his enemies on the island in a violent shipwreck. Greta Lambert stars as Prospero. Million Dollar Quartet: April 13 – May 7, 2023

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records in Memphis, TN. Million Dollar Quartet is a celebration of the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds

of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together. This is a rocking night of classic music!

Clyde’s: May 11 – May 21, 2023

Creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck stop cafe. Even as the shop’s mischievous owner tries to keep them under her thumb, the staffers are given purpose and permission to dream — finding that “sometimes a hero is more than a sandwich.”

Cabaret: July 6 – Aug. 6, 2023

One of the most famous American musicals of all time — from the creators of Chicago — Cabaret takes us to 1929 Berlin during the twilight of the Jazz Age as the Nazis are ascending to power. This groundbreaking musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Clifford Bradshaw and the English cabaret performer Sally Bowles.

American Village Annual Colonial Christmas Lunch & Tour

December 5-6-7-8-9, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m. Pre-reservations are required. Call (205) 665-3535 extension 1031 to make a reservation. Tickets are $40 per person.

Visitors gather in the Colonial Chapel, where they see a light-hearted performance that tells the tale of what was happening in the lives of George and Martha Washington leading up to the time that they met one another.

It is May 1758, and Martha has very recently become engaged to Colonel George Washington. Eager to get wedding preparations underway, she and her sister, Anna Maria visit a milliner in Williamsburg named Jane Hunter. Martha decides what her wedding dress will look like, and has her measurements taken, while the ladies discuss how George and Martha met, and express their happiness for the future. It is July 1758, and George Washington is back in command of his Virginia Regiment at Ft. Cumberland. He has a military campaign to undertake before his wedding to Martha can take place. He expresses his frustrations with the military to his good friend and fellow officer, Robert Stewart, and is soon joined by James Craik who bears good news. The three men discuss George’s engagement, how he and Martha met, as well as his hopes and ideas for the future.

It is the end of December 1758, and wedding preparations are underway. Martha’s dear friend, Elizabeth Chamberlayne, has been charged with several wedding tasks, and she is soon joined by George’s sister, Betty Lewis, who has come to “help.” This humorous scene depicts a bit of a power struggle between the two ladies, but also enlightens visitors as to the nature of the 12 Days of Christmas. Visitors will have the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry at lunch time as they are greeted by the newly married George and Martha Washington, who will be accompanied by family and friends. The celebrations will begin as the characters dance for the audience, richly dressed in formal attire. American Village staff have studied historical accounts of the wedding clothes worn by George and Martha, and have re-created custom interpretations of these garments specifically for this event.

Patience Makes Dementia Caregiving More Enjoyable

My father had always been a bit absentminded, so I didn’t give it much thought when he started repeating questions and stories. The problem persisted and progressed, however, leading to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Eventually, Dad could not remember what day of the week it was, where he lived, or me – his only son. With no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there was no stopping what was happening to Dad; I could only watch helplessly and keep him as comfortable and safe as possible.

Family caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s disease can find this time immensely stressful – losing Dad this way is likely the hardest thing I will ever face in life. Caring for someone with dementia or any other condition that affects mental function may be more difficult than a physical health condition. While injury dressings can be changed and medications can be provided to reduce pain, there are no bandages and/or pills to stop cognitive decline.

If you’re the caregiver for someone who is living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, here are some recommendations, based on my experience, to help both you and your loved one.

Dementia Caregiving Tip #1: Practice Patience

Family caregivers will find those affected by dementia routinely repeat themselves when speaking. Instead of getting angry with Dad, I learned to respond calmly and appropriately – as if I had never heard his question or story before. You may also find that trying to explain facts to a person with dementia can be frustrating and futile; they may have difficulty understanding. Instead, go to where they are going. Whether your loved one is “remembering” going on a family holiday that never occurred, mistakenly identifying you as an old friend, or watching the boats come into dock outside a long-term care room window, the conversation can be far more enjoyable if you imagine and affirm what they’re seeing and experiencing.

Dementia Caregiving Tip #2: Promote Physical Health

Many scientific studies have found a direct connection between physical and mental health. When a person’s memory

starts to fail, his/her physical condition can also decline. During visits to my father’s long-term care home, I spotted other residents slumped in their wheelchairs and parked in corners alone. Care home staff explained that these residents had worsened so much that they were unable to participate in activities. It was a sad picture, and I vowed to help the care home staff keep Dad moving for as long as possible. I chose to walk with Dad, though seniors could also benefit from practicing chair yoga, swimming, dancing, gentle stretching, and/or lifting light weights.

Dementia Caregiving Tip #3: Use Physical Touch

There’s a reason touch is one of the five love languages; it is a powerful form of communication and connection. It can also be a valuable expression of reassurance particularly to someone living with dementia. Judging by his approving grunts, I found that Dad enjoyed a good hug from me. Physical touch can also be a good trick to help get a person’s attention. Try standing directly in front of your loved one when speaking. When combined with a physical component, talking slowly and limiting sentences to one thought can also be effective.

Dementia Caregiving Tip #4: Find Respite Care

It’s common advice that we’re sometimes quick to dismiss – caregivers must look after themselves. I heard this advice often enough but did my best to ignore it – mistakenly thinking that caregiving for my father was totally my responsibility and obligation and not understanding my own personal limits of what I could achieve. It wasn't until I started writing about my experiences, walking more regularly, and visiting coffee shops (and turning my cell phone off when doing so) that I began to feel less stressed. If you’re focusing most – if not all – of your time, energy, and resources on caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, you may find you cannot sustain doing so over the longterm. With proper self-care, you can relax and recharge, manage caregiver stress, and become a better and more effective caregiver. When the weather is warm, consider planting a garden in your backyard, sitting in a patio chair and reading a book outside, or riding a bike.

Dementia Caregiving Tip #5: Reduce Working Hours

Family caregivers often lament that there are not enough hours in a day to complete everything that needs to be done. A primary conflict can be your full-time job – which can easily eat up 40 hours in a week. Caregiving responsibilities can pile up and become the equivalent of a secondary full-time job while overlapping with a career.

More employers are recognizing their employers who are caregivers and are open to working with them. It costs an employer time and money to advertise, hire, and train a new staff member if a proven current employee leaves to tend to caregiving obligations. If Alzheimer’s caregiving is interfering with your work, I recommend scheduling a meeting with your human resources manager to propose temporarily working from home, flex-time opportunities, job sharing, and/ or even paid leave due to your caregiving demands. You may be pleasantly surprised by the accommodations your employer is willing to make.

Source: www.cargiving.com

Tell Your Friends

BOOM! Available Here and 200 other locations! Renfroe's Market_Adams Drugs_Sommer's Place_Fresh Market _Tomatino's_MCA Fitness_Vintage Cafe_Derk's_UPS Stores_ Steak Out_Steaks & Wine_The Vintage Olive_Capital City-Ace Hardware_Orange Therapy_Down the Street _Chappy's Deli_Health Wise Foods_Eastbrook Flea Market_John Lee Paints_Home Care Assistance_Doug's 2_Baumhower’s Restaurant_Jan's Beach House_San Marcos_Chris' Hot Dogs_Lek's_SaZas_Mexico Tipico_La Zona Rosa

By Judy Heinzman

An Expression of Love

Christopher was a sleepy little village and barely a wide spot on a southern Illinois road before its train depot was built in 1879. It eventually became a trading post for farmers and then grew rapidly with the mining of coal. Over the years the population grew from about 300 residents in 1906 to now having just over 2000 call it home. My husband’s Grandfather, Walter Hawkins, was a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, high school teacher, and high school principal: and he knew them all.

Walter and his wife Madeline had been married for 75 years. Although they had truly little in the way of material possessions, they happily shared much of what they did have with them; family, friends, and neighbors. Grandpa Hawkins had grown in the yard of their modest home much of what they shared: vegetables, blackberries, and beautiful roses.

He would often be tending his gardens, especially his roses. A fall off a hay wagon when he was a young boy had left him with a pronounced and painful limp. Yet he walked through his gardens daily, pulling weeds, harvesting vegetables, and cutting roses.

Seldom was the altar of his Baptist church, or a neighbor’s living room after a funeral, devoid of overflowing vases of his roses. He often visited those in the hospital, bringing a kind word, a prayer, and a freshly-cut, colorful bouquet of flowers from his garden.

Grandpa taught me how to start a new rose bush from a cutting. He would begin carefully cutting a stem about 8-12” from the fading bloom on a beautiful pink rose bush. He then slit the bottom of the stem and dipped it in Root Tone. Next, he removed the faded bloom, punched a hole in a pot of garden soil with a pencil, and inserted the stem into the hole and kept it moist for several weeks. He shared many of those new cuttings with his family, friends, and neighbors.

For example, when my husband and I bought our first home in Virginia,

grandpa lovingly delivered to us a beautiful pink rose bush that he had started as a cutting from the rose bush I loved in his garden. I planted it beside our front door so we would see it as we went in and out of our home and be regularly reminded of a much loved and humble man.

Our daughter was born while we lived in that house. Laying in my hospital bed, our baby in my arms, my husband Rick, walked into the room, not with a huge bouquet of flowers, butsomething more precious and thoughtful—a single pink rosebud from grandpa’s gift.

A special and enduring expression of love. My favorite hymn is “In the Garden” and it always reminds me of grandpa and grandma. I’m convinced that grandpa’s visits to his garden was his alone time to “walk and talk” with God. The “joy they shared as they tarried there” was literally Christopher community by Walter. I know he helped make his small mining community a better place for all to call home.

Judy Heinzman, an intern in the Master Gardener 2022 Master Gardener Class. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www. capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com

READ IT - LOVE IT - SHARE IT

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

Bonus Opportunities in November for AUM OLLI Members

The fall term for AUM OLLI ends in midNovember so classes will be ending soon. However, there are still several exciting Bonus Opportunities available. Bonus Opportunities are included in the annual OLLI membership fee; there is no additional charge to register for these events.

LUNCH PRESENTATIONS:

These presentations are scheduled between classes on selected days. They meet from 11:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Since some attendees are coming between classes, they may bring their brown-bag lunches to eat during the presentation (we have coffee and water available on all class days). We have two of these presentations scheduled for early November:

Tuesday, November 1 – Jim Barber, AUM OLLI instructor, San Francisco’s Leaning Tower

Wednesday, November 2 – Layne Holley, ASF Director of Marketing and Communications, The Coming Season at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

BOOKS AND COFFEE:

We are experimenting with a new bonus opportunity this fall at AUM OLLI: BOOKS AND COFFEE. We invite authors to come to the Center for Lifelong Learning on selected Tuesdays. From 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., they talk about their books, sell them, and sign them for unique holiday gifts. There are two of these sessions left in the term:

November 1 – John Dersham, Changing Moods and My Alabama

November 15 – Wayne Flynt, Afternoons with Harper Lee

AUM Potluck Lunch: Prior to the pandemic, we hosted

a potluck lunch each term as an opportunity for OLLI members to show off their cooking skills and then have an opportunity to visit informally with members and instructors over a meal. We are returning to that tradition this term on November 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a terrific opportunity to have a delicious meal and get acquainted with the AUM OLLI program.

Join AUM OLLI by calling 334-244-3804 or going to www.aum.edu/olli. Register for one or all of these opportunities!

TODAY!

Modern Meridian

If the new vacation trend is small towns, I keep striking gold, this time three hours west. My search for diamonds in the rough usually leads me to three conclusions. One: Every town has potential, but often hidden, treasures. Two: The inner-city is usually the epicenter of a city’s crown jewels for attracting visitors. And, three: It takes talented local leadership to modernize and reveal these assets to the world.

As I travel around the Southeast visiting small towns, I love to discover what inhabitants, caught up in the daily rush, may not see—the presence of hidden gems in their city. And like Marion in Southern Illinois, renewing its historic city square, or like Cartersville, Georgia with its stunning Museum of Western Art; Meridian, Mississippi evidences my observations in a spectacular way. Over the last twenty years or so, Meridian (pop. about 33,000) has been methodically developing its significant resources from the inside out. For example, renovation of the amazing Threefoot Hotel has transformed the city’s downtown. This Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott is a makeover of the Threefoot Building office complex constructed in 1929 by German immigrants named Driefuss who adopted the English translation of their name—Threefoot.

The structure is a towering symbol of the Golden Age, featuring Art Deco mosaic tiles and Art Deco interior design. At sixteen floors, it’s the tallest building in East Mississippi.

Open since November 2021, the Threefoot is located a short walk from the magnificently restored 1889 Grand Opera House theatre—now called the MSU Riley Center—where we enjoyed a sold out Boz Scaggs concert. Scaggs and his band performed in this nearacoustically-perfect concert hall to the cheers of boomer-fans from all over Mississippi, and at least two from Alabama. Fall and winter performances include Jay Leno, Trombone Shorty, Emmylou Harris, The Temptations and The Four Tops. (The Moorish Revival style Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts is another must-see Meridian gem.)

In modern Meridian, you can tour Merrehope, the city’s only Greek Revival mansion Sherman didn’t burn to the ground. Sample superb craft beer at Threefoot Brewing. Leave a wine bottle or coin on the grave of Gypsy queen Kelly Mitchell or take a ride on the G.A. Dentzel-built carousel that debuted at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The only two-row stationary Dentzel carousel known to survive with its original horses and chariots is now a Mississippi/national landmark. After you take the grands for a ride on the carousel, treat them to hours of fun at the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian. Let them play their way through almost 35,000 square feet (25,000 outside) of brainstimulating wonders and adventures. We met a dad and his daughter from Hattiesburg on their way there.

They say Meridian has music in its soul. The city has been a hub for regional music dating back to 1890 when railroads made the city boom, bringing musicians to town from New Orleans. Meridian-born Jimmie Rodgers is known as the Father of Country Music, but a marker near beautiful Union Station depot chronicles his contribution to the blues as well.

MSU Riley Center Seating

The Threefoot Hotel Rooftop Bar

The Threefoot Hotel

Greek Revival Mansion, Merrehope

Mississippi’s musical heritage, arts and culture may be experienced in the six galleries of the fabulous Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The Max), an ultra-modern, interactive venue that may be enjoyed by all ages. We did for sure! “The most impressive part of The Max, to me, was that it was the most positive celebration of local talent I’ve witnessed anywhere! To think they had to whittle down nominees to the fifty featured celebrities is astounding!” Cindy says.

Exploring downtown Meridian is like experiencing time-travel. If one opens his or her eyes, ears and olfactory senses to see, hear and smell history; suddenly, past is catapulted into one’s present consciousness as if it never left. See the once-proud buildings as they were before decay, hear the trains passing nearby, smell the aroma of (the best food ever) wafting from Weidmann’s Restaurant—in operation since 1870—and you’re ensconced in yesteryear.

With scarcely 400 words remaining in this feature to highlight the myriad

gems of Meridian, I’ll conclude with my favorite experience, a tour of Soulé Industrial Heritage Museum at Historic Soulé Steam Feed Works! This once factory (now museum) retains much of its original furnishings and equipment. Seemingly trapped in time—1920 to 1945—the factory’s beltdriven machine shop has the longest operating line drive shaft (106 feet) in the United States. This shaft is turned by an antique three-phase electric motor and powers belt-driven machines that date back to the early 1900s. The Soulé family operated the steam works for 110 years under founder George W. Soulé and his descendants.

Soulé was a genius inventor who held 40 patents incorporated into products that met the needs of sawmills that mushroomed in the South between 1885-1930. (I used to work for one of them.) The museum displays the Soulé Company’s most noted products once sold worldwide. Soulé Steam Feed Works was one of five remaining late 19th/early 20th century foundry/ machine shop/factories with original workings in the United States. Of note, there were more than 1,000 such businesses prior to World War II. Technology fans will find this place mesmerizing. Children should find this museum fascinating, too, with so much to see and learn.

And when you’re done with your Soulé tour, go eat at Jean’s Meat & Three. Best pecan pie ever! Tell’em Jeff sent you to experience history in modern Meridian.

www.Visitmeridian.com www.Thethreefoothotel.com www.Msurileycenter.com www.Msarts.org www.Industrialheritagemuseum.com www.Eatjeans.com

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

Cindy & Jeff @ Weidmann's

Boz Scaggs

Soule Industrial Heritage Museum

This & tHAT i

Corbin Farms

Our annual Fall Food & Wine Festival is officially planned for Saturday, November 5th from 11-6PM packed with loads of fun!! We will have local vendors, food trucks, live music, great food and wine from CFW, several photo opportunities - it'll be a BLAST! This is a come-and-go style event, so you’re able to enjoy the event when you’re able! The winery will be open only for this event, and is a ticketed event ONLY. With limited tickets available at the door, we highly encourage that tickets are purchased in advance! This event is RAIN OR SHINE! Tickets are $23 for adults(21+) or $2 for children(<21). Adult tickets include 2 drink tickets, Corbin Cash(valid towards any purchase made with the winery on 11/05/22), and a stemless wine glass in a Corbin Farms tote bag! If tickets are available at the door, the ticket price will be $30 for Adults and $4 for Children. These tickets will be limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance! Music Lineup: Mikey Clams 11AM-2PM, JSR Trio 2:30-5:30PM. Corbin Farms Winery, 800 County Road 87 Calera, AL 35040. www.corbinfarmswinery.com

& Wine Festival 2022 Free Subscriptions

WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT THIS YEAR?

Saturday, December 3, 10:00am - 12:00pm at Cloverdale Park

Gift Hope 2022, the annual community wide alternative gift fair, will feature numerous nonprofits that serve "the least of these" in our community and will offer shoppers the opportunity to make a donation for specific items in honor of another. In other words - Give Hope This Christmas to someone in need. It will be the perfect Christmas gift for: Children and Grandchildren of all ages, Teachers, Colleagues, Friends, Loved ones who are "hard to shop for". New this year will be Christmas music by First United Methodist Church's children's choirs, games for children, door prizes and That's My Dog food truck. By supporting Gift Hope, you are helping to fund specific community needs through each nonprofit - for example, one week of hot meals for an elderly couple or one night's shelter for a homeless family. The gift recipient will receive from the gift purchaser a card announcing the gift made in the recipient's name and the name of the designated nonprofit. This year's Gift Hope event will be on Saturday, December 3, 10:00am - 12:00pm at Cloverdale Park across from the First United Methodist Church. There, "shoppers" will have an opportunity to speak directly with nonprofit representatives, view their displays and learn more about their missions. There will also be an "online shopping" option as well! Gift Hope shopping is available online at www.fumcmontgomery/GiftHope until December 6. Brief videos featuring each nonprofit, a link to their website and a shopping menu of gifts will be available online beginning on November 20.

READ IT - LOVE IT - SHARE IT

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

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

Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, November 5

The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair was started over 55 years ago by the Pike Road Civic Club ladies. The Civic Club needed a way to raise money for their many charitable endeavors. The Fair started out with the ladies selling items from their own attics and handmade items they themselves made or crafted. The food items sold during the earlier years were peanut butter sandwiches, BBQ their husbands cooked in their backyards, vegetables they grew, picked and cooked, and baked breads, cakes, pies and later our world famous Mocha Nut Squares. Several years later, the Pike Road Community Club offered their services to help with the Fair and so it began a wonderful partnership between the two clubs. Over the 55 plus years, the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair has grown into one of the largest and oldest outdoor arts and crafts fairs in the Southeast. Location: Marks House, 890 Old Carter Hill Road, Pike Road, AL 36064. www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com

Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Carol Knight

Carol has been with Home Care Assistance since January and has not looked back since. She is a very reliable, caring, consistent, compassionate, and dedicated caregiver. Whenever we needed Carol, all we had to do was call and she was there. With a caregiver like Carol families can sleep well knowing that their family is being well taken care of. “Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today.” – Amy Leigh Mercree

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

The Dementia Friendly Alabama (DFA) Memory Café is a relaxed social gathering held monthly, free of charge and open to anyone affected by memory loss or related cognitive changes. The DFA Memory Café is designed to make people living with dementia feel comfortable and successful. It's a much needed break and a chance to have fun for caregivers and care partners!

This & tHAT i

Help a Hurting Family this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and for the thousands of people in the River Region who struggle to make ends meet every day, this is a time of fear and anxiety rather than CHEER. For more than 40 years, HandsOn River Region has partnered with individuals, agencies and businesses to assist disadvantaged families through the Christmas Clearinghouse. HandsOn encourages clubs, organizations, individuals, churches and businesses to "adopt" families who have registered for help. "Adoption" means providing gifts and much-needed items for members of the family. Another important way the community can help is by donating directly to Christmas Clearinghouse to provide gifts for families who have not been "adopted" so that they too can experience the JOY of the season. Click www.handsonriverregion. org/cch to learn more about the Clearinghouse and how you can provide HOPE to a hurting family this season.

IMAGINE a performance that displays 5,000 years of culture in one night. A seamless blend of: • timeless stories • live East-West orchestration • innovative digital backdrops • a deeply expressive dance form. Shen Yun is something you have to see to believe. The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and a heavenly scene is right before your eyes. Fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky. Classic stories of love and loss, of humor and heroic deeds, come to life. You will be amazed by how vibrant, exciting, and profound classical Chinese culture can be. “An explosion of color and sound...Chinese culture in its fullest flower.” — Charlotte Observer “Chinese civilization is so powerful, and to see that so much has been lost—Shen Yun has saved so much before it was too late.” — Dr. David Reynolds, NYT bestselling author. “Life–changing, breathtaking, invigorating, and it’s a must-see.” — Marcenae Lynette, actress. porder tickets at www.mpaconline.org and www.shenyun.com

North McDonough St.

AL

China Before Communism: Shen Yun 2023

Pensacola FOO FOO Festival, November 3-14

Foo Foo Fest is a 12-day celebration of culturally creative happenings, events, and moments under one banner, attracting visitors to beautiful Pensacola, Fla., Nov. 3 – 14, 2022. Foo Foo Fest is big fun, with events of high artistic and cultural caliber, delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication. www.foofoofest.com

UPCOMING SENIOR TRIP: Christmas in Nashville

Come join us as we head to the winter wonderland of Nashville! Parks and Recreation Department is planning a senior trip on December 14-16, 2022, to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, an Oak Ridge Boys Dinner Show, admission to "ICE" (a walkthrough ice sculpture display), admission to Cheekwood, a Nashville City Tour, flat bottom boat ride, transportation, and more! For more information, please call the Gillespie Senior Center at 334-5950840. Cost: $600 per person for the traditional view, $700 per person for an Atrium view. (Price based on double occupancy.)

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

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center (Armory Learning Arts Building), 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, November 2, “Garden Tools and Equipment” Mike Forster, Master Gardener, will present a program on “Garden Tools and Equipment”. How do you sharpen garden tools for next year? What are different types of shovels and how are they used? Is annual maintenance needed for my yard equipment? Mike will have answers in this hands-on presentation. December 7, “Holiday Decorating in the South” Anne Carr and Linda Cater, Master Gardeners, will present a program on “Holiday Decorating in the South”. Watch as these ladies take ordinary items from the back yard and create lovely seasonal decorations for inside and outside your home. Come early for a good seat. 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.

10%

Off Your Purchase

Please present coupon or mention you saw it in the BOOM! Digital Issue. Offer Expires 11/30/2022

BOOM!

Partner: Health Wise Foods

Receive an additional 10% off if you are a Senior Citizen, Military or 1st Responder. 334.277.9925 O 5147 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery

A GriefShare Support Group -- Your Journey from Mourning to Joy -- will meet every Wednesday through Nov. 30 from 10 AM until noon. All meetings will be in the East Sanctuary. This is a free group with discussion concerning stages of grief, the storms that accompany it, and ways of dealing with loss. Sorry, childcare is not available during this time.

CONTACT BJ Nave, rnave@frazer.church, 334.495.6343, www.frazer.church

More This & tHAT i

The Montgomery Botanical Gardens, Inaugural Sculpture Exhibition in the Beautiful Gardens

The Montgomery Botanical Gardens, with the support of the Kiwanis Foundation of Montgomery, sponsored the inaugural Sculpture Exhibition in the beautiful Gardens, utilizing as a pivotal point the newly constructed Outdoor Classroom. Combining art and nature , the members of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens invite visitors to experience both in new ways, discovering new and unexpected relationships. The Sculpture Exhibition joins the work of Alabama artists of all ages with the curated landscapes in the Montgomery Botanical Garden. Together they will celebrate art, the natural world, and our environment; and invite visitors to think about the symbiosis between the two. As the gardens change the sculptures will also change – we invite visitors to return multiple times to enjoy this shared growth. This year’s Artist in Residence was Charlie “Tinman” Lucas. The Internationally and nationally renowned Charlie “Tinman” Lucas brought many of his works for exhibition. He has held free workshops with Alabama teachers in advance of the Exhibition, so they can go back to the classroom and help their students create sculptures for the Exhibition. For more information visit www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com

30A Songwriters Festival 2023

We are very pleased to announce the initial round of confirmed artists for the 14th Annual 2023 30A Songwriters Festival! Headliners will include legendary artists: LYLE LOVETT, GIN BLOSSOMS, RICKIE LEE JONES, YOLA, STEVE EARLE, and MORGAN WADE. Introducing to the 30A Songwriters stage for the first time: AMY GRANT, TOM RUSH, BLACK OPRY REVUE, BRIAN VANDER ARK (THE VERVE PIPE), JOHN CRAIGIE, and BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN.

Returning to perform two shows each throughout the weekend are songwriting legends KATHLEEN EDWARDS, SHAWN MULLINS, ADIA VICTORIA, DARYL SCOTT, LIVINGSTON TAYLOR, JOHN FULLBRIGHT, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE, JAMES McMURTRY, LILLY HIATT, TINSLEY ELLIS. Paul Thorn, Hayes Carll, John Paul White, Pat McGee, Bob Schneider, Abe Partridge, Mary Gauthier, Jonathan Byrd, Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey (the dB’s), Will Hoge, Glenn Phillips, Jeffrey Steele, Chuck Prophet, Don Dixon & Marti Jones, Dan Navarro, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Nicole Chillemi & The Jazz Legacy Project, Griffin House, Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton, Will Kimbrough, Leigh Nash, Garrison Starr, Michael Tolcher, Mary Bragg, Tim Easton, Kalen & Aslyn, Cooper Carter, Crys Matthews, Certainly So, Florence Dore, Adrian Carter, John Lowell, Heather Mae, Charlie Mars, Michael McDermott, Leslie Mendelson, Eddie 9V, Amy Rigby, Side Pony, Darden Smith, The Kennedys, Pat Byrne, Levi Lowery, Meaghan Farrell, The Tall Pines, Jesse Lynn Madera, Danni Nicholls, Alice Peacock, Hannah Miller, Sammi Accola, Goldpine, and many more! Learn more when you visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com

Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC), Connecting You To Services

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) 2404670 or toll free (800) 264-4680 or visit https://centralalabamaaging.org/

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,

More This & tHAT i

Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony

Join us on Sunday, Nov. 6, as we honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep our country free! The 11th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the Pike Road Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park, 4902 Pike Road. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band will begin providing patriotic tunes at 1:30 p.m., and the Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. The event will feature the Veterans Walk of Honor, the dedication of new commemorative bricks installed in our Veterans Memorial, music by the Capitol Sounds, the Presentation of the Colors, and remarks by a distinguished guest speaker.

Whether you have been involved with First Choice for years or are just discovering what we are all about, you do not want to miss the annual Celebration of Life Gala benefiting our pregnancy resource center! Join us in hearing stories of what God has done through the ministry over the past four decades. It promises to be a night of celebration and worship! For more information or to register for the 2022 Celebration of Life Gala, please visit our website at www.supportfirstchoice.org . First Choice Women's Medical Center opened as Sav-A-Life Montgomery in 1982. Our vision is to reach abortion-vulnerable members of our community in the name of Christ to make life their first choice. We provide Christ-centered medical, parenting, and life-skill services to extend help, offer hope, and promote healing. Celebration of Life Gala, Thursday, November 3rd, 6:308:30 pm, Renaissance Hotel, Downtown Montgomery

First Choice's 2022 Celebration of Life Gala

By Randi Mazzella

Vacation Like a Local

Barbara Costello, 72, spent a month this summer on vacation in the South of France. The trip was incredible, especially because she got to go with her husband and several of her adult children and young grandchildren. "It was something I never thought we would be able to afford to do all together," says Costello.

The Costello family could keep the trip's cost down by participating in a house swap. "My daughter Liz owns a home in the Hamptons (beach towns in New York)," explains Costello, the TikTok sensation behind Brunch with Babs. "She decided to rent it out over the summer and listed the home on a rental site. She was contacted directly by a family that lived in the South of France. They asked if she would be interested in doing a home swap instead of renting."

House swapping had never occurred to them before. "We had rented homes in Florida through sites such as VRBO," Costello says. "But after the host sent us photos of their big, beautiful home in France, we decided to take this once-ina-lifetime opportunity."

While the idea of home swapping is not new, it has gained in popularity in recent years. The home swapping company Home Exchange reports that requests

for exchanges in 2021 were up by 31% compared with 2020 and 39% compared with 2019.

Older adults are a big part of this trend, Jessica Poillucci, public relations representative for Home Exchange, says. "Between 2019 and 2022, the number of users of our service that are at least fifty years old has increased by 47%," she says. "These users are also more active, doing 13% more exchanges as guests and 4% more exchanges as hosts in 2022 compared with 2019."

House Swapping in Retirement

The primary benefit of a home swap over traditional vacation lodgings like staying at a hotel or a home rental is the cost. House swapping allows people to enjoy homes worldwide without having to pay for accommodation, making the overall cost of travel much more affordable.

"If we had gotten hotel rooms for

everyone or rented a house big enough for the fifteen of us, it would have been much more expensive than doing the house swap," Costello explains. Beverly Berryman, 66, lives in Minnesota and traveled all over

the world through home swapping.

"My husband and I have always liked to travel, and through his job, we were able to travel quite a bit," Berryman says. "But when he left his job, travel became so expensive. I read an article about home exchange as a way to lower your expenses and we decided to try it."

Berryman and her husband began home swapping in 2008 and have not stopped. They did four swaps in 2012 alone, including Iceland, Hawaii, Santa Fe and Washington, D.C.

New Costs to Consider

Not having to pay for lodging means more money for vacation extras. "Since the home was in a residential area, we had to rent cars," explains Costello.

"But we still saved enough money to splurge on excursions like renting a boat for a day. I got to swim in the Mediterranean with my grandkids, which was incredible."

House swapping in retirement can let you vacation in beautiful locales you might not otherwise be able to afford

Shoppers at a farmers' market in Catania, Italy | Credit: Mateusz Butkiewicz

Another benefit of house swapping is that you get to experience a place less like a tourist and more like a local.

"We spent much time in the home, cooking meals and swimming in the pool," Costello says. "We shopped at the local market and interacted with people who lived and worked in the area. It was so great to have this type of everyday exposure and immerse ourselves in the culture of this foreign country."

Berryman heartily concurs. "If you stay at the hotel, you go to places that the concierge recommends," she says. "But with home swaps, you can find hidden gems and enjoy places the locals frequent."

Finding a Home Swap

Most swaps are done through companies such as Home Exchange, LoveHomeSwap, or HomeLink, which usually charge annual subscriptions ranging from $105 to $180. Home Exchange also requires swappers to put up $500 deposits that the company can use to settle small claims of damage or theft. Home Exchange also promises, for no added fee, to reimburse swappers for as much as $1 million in property damage if it meets the firm's terms of use. None of these three businesses require cleaning deposits or charge cleaning fees.

Despite the terminology, travelers do not always have to vacation at the same time in the same home as people on the other side of the home swap.

"We offer two options to members," says Emmanuel Arnaud, CEO of Home Exchange. "One is a classic traditional home exchange that is reciprocal, and the two families exchange homes simultaneously. Our second option is a guest points system. The points system allows members to earn points if they

allow someone to stay in their home, but they don't want a reciprocal exchange. These points can be redeemed for another member's home or another date."

Swaps Let You Work Really Remotely

There are also Facebook groups for people looking for home swaps without having to pay an intermediary. Home swaps are available within the United States as well as all over the world.

"COVID changed travel a lot," Arnaud says. "People were less inclined to travel internationally. But they also had more opportunity to participate in home swaps since many began working remotely."

This is especially true for people 50 and older, a group he says has been "surprisingly active."

"Home swapping has become a lifestyle," Arnaud says. "Our annual membership allows people to make as many swaps as they want in a year. Older adults have been taking advantage of their flexibility whether they are retired or now work from home."

Berryman and her husband were able to stay in a home in Northern Ireland for five weeks this year. "A longer stay meant we didn't have to be on the go all the time," she says. "We got to live our lives in another place and discover more of the area."

Is House Swapping Right for You?

Here are some things to know when considering house swapping: • Location: Homes near a beach, ski area or city are very popular for home swaps, as you might expect. But you may still be able to arrange a swap if your house is not close to any such place because some people want to swap for houses in suburbs or smaller towns to be close to a

wedding or a newborn grandchild.

• Don't Expect a Hotel: Swaps involve people's real homes, so they are not perfect. There may be glitches, so Arnaud suggests you adjust your expectations.

• Be a Good Host: A house swap is like inviting guests to stay at your home, so leave your place clean and uncluttered. As a gracious gesture, Costello suggests preparing a list of things to do in the area, such as good restaurants or local attractions, as well as the names and numbers of a plumber and other maintenance workers, just in case.

• Be a Good Guest: Follow your host's house rules. If, for example, the homeowner asks you not to smoke, don't smoke. If they ask if you would mind watering plants, politely comply. Should you accidentally break something, inform the host and offer to pay for repair or replacement. When you depart, Arnaud says, show your gratitude by leaving a bottle of wine or a thank you card.

An added bonus of house swapping is the opportunity to make friends in other places. "We have made lifelong friendships with people worldwide through home exchange," Berryman says. "In 2014 we home-swapped with a family in South Africa and have kept in touch, sending holiday cards every year and (connecting) on Facebook. We're talking about returning to South Africa, this time staying with them as guests in their home."

Randi Mazzella is a freelance writer specializing in a wide range of topics from parenting to pop culture to life after 50. She is a mother of three and lives in New Jersey with her husband and teenage son. Read more of her work on randimazzella.com.

Source: www.nextavenue.org

READ IT - LOVE IT - SHARE IT

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

Peggy Perdue, Makeup Artist

This month’s cover profile is Peggy Perdue, an entrepreneur and “Makup Artist” in her Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio located in EastChase. She has owned her Merle Norman franchise since 1978 and has achieved top 3 status with studios in her region and among the top 25 nationally out of close to 1,000 studios! Her degree at the University of Alabama was in design and she believes her Merle Norman experience has been a perfect outlet for her creativity. Like many of us, Peggy is preparing to change her lifestyle from entrepreneur to retiree, which is why she is preparing to sell her business and live full time with her husband Allen in Daphne, AL. Peggy knows hard work is necessary for success but it’s time for a change and she’s ready for the next adventure. We recently shared some time with Peggy, and enjoyed getting to know her, you will too. Better yet, stop by and see her at the Merle Norman Studio in EastChase, maybe it’s time for a makeover?

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

Peggy: I was born in Eufaula, Alabama, but we moved to Montgomery to live when I was four years old. I was educated in Montgomery Public Schools, and a Lanier High School graduate. My dear parents were William and Camille Campbell who had four children (I was the 2nd born). My father was a CPA in private practice and my mother was his right hand. They gifted us with a college education at the University of Alabama. They instilled in us hard work, independence, and honesty.

Being a committed career woman, I did not marry until I was 47 years old. One of my customers told a handsome man named Allen Perdue to come by my Eastdale Studio and introduce himself

me as my surrogate daughters. We worship at Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church in Fairhope.

unbeknownst to me. It was magical and we married 1 1/2 years later in October 1995. "The Lord gives us the desires of our heart," says Psalms 37:4. Although we were not Blessed with children, I think of all the college girls that have worked for

and many of our readers have been loyal customers for years. Please tell us how you got involved with Merle Norman and owning one of the top locations in the country? What are some of the most rewarding aspects of representing the Merle Norman Brand?

Peggy: After leaving the University of Alabama with an Interior Design major, I chose to work for an investment firm which lasted for 8 years. My father, with his independent spirit, would always say to me more than once, "you need to have your own business". He knew I was a people person! It would be 8 years

BOOM: You are the owner of the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in East Chase

later in 1978 while I was living in Macon,

Peggy and Allen celebrating 27 years of marriage at the Wash House Restaurant in Point Clear, AL

Peggy and Allen, wedding day October 1995

“Belief in yourself is the number ONE of success. Look inside-that’s where you live and breathe and have your being. It’s up to you.” Merle Norman

Georgia, that my father called to inform me he had found the perfect business for me - the Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio at Eastdale Mall. It was a scary thought at first, since I had never worked in retail, and I knew nothing about the cosmetic industry. I accepted the challenge in August of 1978 and with my parent's help purchased the small 10-footwide storefront by 40 foot deep "shoe box". My sister remarked from Zechariah 4:10, "don't despise small beginnings," just go for it! I was determined to succeed and passionately learned the beauty of skin care and the art of makeup from the valuable training provided by Merle Norman Corporate in Los Angeles. Finally, I could put my college art principals to work. And in 1984, I went to the Fashion Academy in Costa Mesa, California for an expensive 3-week course in Color Consulting with Gerrie Pinckney. This helped me understand warm and cool coloring in skin tones and how to complement them with clothing colors.

When my first lease (a 12-year lease!) was up in 1990, I was able to lease the ideal spot at Eastdale Mall which was center court across from my "shoebox" studio. It had almost 3 times the frontage

with so much visibility!

Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. " In 2002, I opened the Eastchase studio in the new Lifestyle center with the concept of outdoor shopping.

Merle Norman's philosophy "Try Before You Buy" is a recipe for success. Because seeing is believing and the more ladies you get to try on the product first, and they see how pretty they look, the more you earn their trust. Trust builds relationships. And that is how you build a successful 44-year-old business with a quality product and a loyal clientele. The Eastchase Studio is one of the top 3 studios in the region, and it is one of the top 25 studios, nationally including Canada.

BOOM: Merle Norman Cosmetics, is a true American success story, can you share this success story with our readers?

Peggy: Merle Norman was a trailblazer in the 1930's. She was a chemist and

in a coffee pot on her kitchen stove formulated 3 cosmetic products. The original formulas of Cleansing Cream, Miracol mask, and Powder Base foundation known as her "3 steps to Beauty" are still in the line. She wanted to give women the opportunity to own their own business by selling her cosmetics, so she began the first format for a franchise business. Merle Norman Corporate is a privately held, familyowned American company located in Los Angeles, celebrating 91 years in business. There are over 980 studios independently owned and operated in the United States and Canada. The success of this time-tested company is in the quality products and Merle Norman's philosophy "Try Before You Buy".

BOOM: Your store offers much more than makeup, tell us about the variety of products and services you offer at Merle Norman?

Peggy: The Eastchase Studio is wellstocked with the full line of Merle Norman skin care and color products. The services we provide include complimentary makeovers, and Special Occasion makeovers.

The Lord has allowed it to be a ministry for the inner beauty, as well, as the outer beauty. The intimate setting allows us to

Center Court Studio at Eastdale Mall 1990-2010 (Eph. 3:20)

Peggy's Merle Norman Stores

Peggy with her dad, he inspired her to buy her first Studio at Eastdale Mall

Current Studio at The Shoppes at Eastchase 2002-? (Ecc. 3:3)

Small "shoe box" Studio at Eastdale Mall 1978-1990 ( Zech. 4:10)

Merle Norman, Founder, Chemist, Trailblazer

listen to the joy and pain that ladies share with us.

BOOM: You help women look their very best, why should a woman consider Merle Norman as their beauty consultant? MN is considered to be the world’s #1 Foundation company, could you explain the importance of that?

Peggy: We are welltrained professional Beauty Consultants. Merle Norman

Corporate provides continuing education in product knowledge and make-up artistry. The customer can feel confident of our expertise when we are advising her on her specific needs. Not only can she see how the products feel and look on her face with a makeover, but she can learn how to apply it herself. Our company ranks tops in foundation sales because our dermatology tested foundations in 13 formulas come with a guarantee and are personalized to the customer's needs. We test foundation on the face (not the hand) and compare color, as well as, texture. Then the customer has the most natural finish.

BOOM: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends?

Peggy: During football season we are cheering on the Crimson Tide with friends. We have given up the road trip to Tuscaloosa for the past 7 years. We also enjoy meeting friends at the great restaurants along the Eastern Shore. Family is so spread out; we have to wait until Holidays to be together.

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

Peggy: My husband and I have been Blessed to travel Europe, Canada, and every state in the Union, except 7 states - Alaska, No. and So. Dakota, Minnesota,

Michigan, Iowa, and Delaware. I loved our time in Carlsbad, California, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Maui. My dream trip is to see Israel and walk where Jesus walked!

BOOM: As a woman business owner what have been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome to be successful? What advice would you share with other women wanting to launch a new business? What’s the secret to your success as an entrepreneur?

Peggy: Building a business and paying for it in the first five years is truly challenging. You must be committed to go above and beyond what is expected to earn the customer's trust and to work long hours until you are on your feet. Location, Location, Location! In 1987 I made a mistake when I opened my second studio on Woodley Road. Because it was less traffic than expected, I closed it in 3 years when the lease was up. It was just in time, I moved from my small location at Eastdale Mall to center court which was 1990. Deciding to open a studio at Eastchase was a big decision in 2002 because it was a new concept in outdoor shopping, but it was the best decision.

The biggest challenge yet was covid and the shut down for non-essential businesses. Customers were wearing

masks and not makeup, but they were taking care of their skin. I had to lock the studio doors and do mail orders and curbside deliveries to pay the rent. This is when you muster up your commitment to survive. That survival mode has kept this studio in business. I believe in giving customers extraordinary service and they will remember, and they will return.

BOOM: When the going gets tough where do you find your strength?

Peggy: I find strength in His Word early in the morning before the day begins. My sister, Barbara, was a woman of faith, who I could call on for encouragement. She lived life with grace and dignity even though her "lot in life" was Parkinson's. She went to her Heavenly home in 2017. My 4 "sisters in Christ" have been Faithful prayer warriors for over 40 years. MasterLife was a Bible study we shared together that changed each of our lives. It taught us to be selfless and to serve others like Christ. It prepared me for my business.

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

Peggy: Watch the sunset over Mobile Bay with a glass of wine!

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

Peggy: Although we pulled up stakes in

Peggy with sister Barbara...and Santa

Peggy with her 4 "sisters in Christ", friends for over 40 years, Backrow, Ivy Berman Buhl (in Heaven), Mary Ann Swanson, Jeannine Svenson, Nancy Burt.

June and moved to our forever home on Mobile Bay in Daphne, Montgomery holds a lot of family memories for my husband and me since we were both raised here. Some of our lifelong friends still live in Montgomery.

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

Peggy: Aging well is not looking or acting it!!

BOOM: Give us Three words that describe you?

Peggy: Fun-loving, perfectionist, trustworthy.

BOOM: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for your business, Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio? For yourself?

Peggy: Since I am old school, the trend toward social media for advertising and for reaching out to a younger customer base is a challenge to me. I prefer HiTouch to Hi-Tech.

BOOM: Many people, as they age, experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe

this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? What are your thoughts on retirement?

Peggy: I think of renewal as a fresh, new outlook on life. I have achieved my goals - a wonderful marriage and a successful business. It is time to look at incredible sunsets together at our home on Mobile Bay. So, I have stepped out in Faith and put my Eastchase Studio up for sale. My Prayer is someone with a Servant's heart will carry on the beauty of this business which is relationships. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven."

We want to thank Peggy for sharing some of her life's story with us this month. Be sure to share and let her know you read her story in BOOM! If you want to reach out to Peggy, call her at Merle Norman at 334.409.2345 or drop by the store at 7032 Eastchase Parkway, Eastchase Mall. Thanks to DiAnna Paulk and her creative photography skills, you're the best! 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.

Free Subscriptions

How Peggy and Allen spend their evenings in Mobile Bay, AL

Maximizing Medicare for 2023

Maximizing your benefits and minimizing your costs for Medicare is becoming increasingly more complex, especially in the age of Covid-19. There have been numerous articles about the expected increase in Social Security benefits due to inflation for 2023. However, there may very well be matching increases in Medicare premiums that soak up the increase in Social Security benefits. For example, there have been reports of an increase in Social Security benefits of up to 9%; there is an expected increase of 8.5% in Medicare Advantage premiums and nearly 5% in Medicare Part D plans. ¹

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans continue to increase. These plans have an annual maximum outof-pocket cost for hospitalizations and doctor treatments; however, there is no maximum out-of-pocket cost for drug plans that are included as part of some Medicare Advantage plans. Not all Medicare Advantage plans include drugs; as a result, some Medicare Advantage participants would be better off with a separate Medicare Part D plan.

With Medicare Part D plans, a recent study found that drug costs can vary dramatically even in at the same pharmacy, depending upon which plan you use; the difference according to the study can amount to hundreds of dollars a year². As a result, experts

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

At Moore Wealth Management, we have been conducting our annual seminar on Maximizing Medicare since 2006. Our experience shows that over 90% of participants need to switch Medicare Part D plans annually to maintain the most cost-effective coverage for their Medicare Part D plans. To get the most out of Medicare, retirees need to manage and review their options. At Moore Wealth Management, we do our best to help you do that.

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D. Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

advise that participants should review the changes and their individual program choices annually.

Medicare’s open enrollment period starts October 15th and continues until December 7th. On Wednesday, November 16th from noon to 1:30 p.m. Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. will be conducting an annual complimentary webinar workshop that covers how to maximize your Medicare. There will be both a live and recorded version. Please call the Moore Wealth Management office for further information or reservations at 334.270.1672 or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com. If you miss the webinar, we also offer free consultations that are without obligation.

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.., with offices in Auburn, Montgomery, and Alexander City, AL. Susan has under advisement over $170 million (as of 1.21.2022) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for over 38 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement.com

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

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

¹https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cms-finalizes-85-rate-hikemedicare-advantage-part-d-plans-2023

²https://www.consumerreports.org/drug-prices/medicare-part-d-drugplan-save-hundreds-of-dollars-each-year-on-drugs/

At Moore Wealth Management, we have been conducting our annual seminar on Maximizing Medicare since 2006. Our experience shows that over 90% of participants need to switch Medicare Part D plans annually to maintain the most cost-effective coverage for their Medicare Part D plans. To get the most out of Medicare, retirees need to manage and review their options.

“How to Maximize Your Medicare” webinar November 16th, Noon, Register today 334.270.1672

Thanksgiving will be a bit easier this year.

I’m not talking about the dinner, or who’s joining us. Those details are unknown.

As always, there is much for which to be grateful.

God has been good to me. 18+ years sober (one day at a time) opens the door through which all good things in my life enter.

That was my daybreaking thought the morning I began celebrating one of those “benchmark birthdays”. You know, those milestone aging achievements Hallmark honors with specially numbered cards. I turned (redacted) the 27th of September.

Like most BOOMers who reach these ages (60, 65, 70, 75 and up) I woke up with mixed feelings on 9/27.

My Newstalk 93.1 morning teammates and I typically celebrate our birthdays with gifts and cards. Knowing this was inevitable, I approached Rich Thomas and Jay Scott weeks ahead of the

occasion with cheerful optimism: “If I’m not dead I would prefer a VERY LOWKEY birthday this year”. We agreed to abandon the expensive craziness of previous birthdays. Oddly enough, we were all born on Saturdays 3 weeks apart. In 2022, our birthdays all fall on Tuesday- the perfect day of the week for a low-key anything.

In fact, when the show began that morning, I announced I had turned 85. Many listeners bought in, shocked I

By Greg Budell

looked so good at such a ripe (? Or beyond expiration date) old age.

At 7AM our subtle celebration took a turn. More like whiplash, actually.

Rich and Jay line up a phone call from my daughter, Janelle and at 7 she joined us on the air. I told her how much I missed her; I was wearing a shirt and vest she’d given me previously. I then asked about Hurricane Ian which was advancing towards her home in south Florida.

“I don’t know”, she said. At that moment I noticed the studio door

cracking open. “The weather is great because I’m here in Alabama!”.

"A true story from the Greg files" THE. GREATEST. DAY. EVER!

Whitney and Janelle enjoying the view from Montgomery's Renaissance Hotel

Father and Daughter Surprise!

Holy (redacted)!

“Oh my God! She’s here”. I threw my headphones on to the floor and stood up to enjoy a Hug for the Ages. As the moment sunk in, I broke down and unashamedly sobbed with joy. Not only did I not have a clue, as the day settled in (and I settled down) I began to learn how many people were in on it. About 2 dozen! They did a damn fine job of keeping The Secret!

As I write this, I am still processing the shock of seeing Janelle accompanied by her friend Whitney Hinton (girls road trip!) in my studio. The moment was video taped on 4 different devices but as yet, I haven’t needed to watch them all because every detail plays on my Big Screen Brain

On Demand. My afternoon producer, Rosie (Ticket to Heaven) Brock, prepared an enormous breakfast feast in the station kitchen.

Breathe. As it turned out, there was one more surprise (shocker) to go.

I knew my wife Roz had invited a few people to our house that night, friends who are part of almost all our celebrations including holidays. Wonderful people I expected to see for a party I’d specifically asked not to happen during my low-key benchmark birthday.

Exhausted from the full emotional drain and 2 radio shows, I was zombieing my way through the kitchen when Roz (who’d worked like a fiend getting everything together) said “The doorbell just rang. Please go see who it is”.

Eyeroll. I shuffled to the door and opened it. My jaw hit the floor! Standing there were Christina and Fernando Bosch- two of my favorite people from Miami! They’d actually flown up for the party! For the second time that day, I blubbered unashamedly.

The Bosches are phenomenal people. Christina works with Janelle at Zoo Miami (and was a listener from my Miami days) and Fernando is a storyteller par excellance who’d served as a Miami Homicide Detective and appeared on “48 Hours” over a 10+ year period. The next day Fernando joined me on my afternoon show (Newstalk 93.1FM) and regaled listeners with the stories and insights you never hear on

the news. Fernando will be joining me again for future broadcasts. Listeners loved his stories, and there are many more to tell.

I looked around at the gathering, all people I cherish and love and could not believe they all went to such extraordinary trouble for me. A month has passed and it’s still sinking in.

It may never sink in. LOL.

The next night, my extended family and I were joined by innumerable listeners for a celebration at Baumhower’s Victory Grill. I spoke briefly to keep my emotions in check. Janelle is well known to my listeners. So many came to meet her in person, along with Whitney, Fernando and Christina.

My life has been blessed with countless extraordinary moments, too numerous to list here.

I know longer have to think about the best day of my life.

Amazing how the (redacted) birthday I dreaded turned out to be The One.

Thank you all, especially BOOM!

Publisher Jim Watson and his beautiful bride Sandy, for letting me share the day here. Sharing this space with those of you who read it is the gift that keeps on giving!

(If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!)

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

Christina & Fernando Bosch at Greg's side with wife Roz and daughter Janelle seated.

Breakfast by Rosie Brock!

Passionate About Teaching (A Family of Educators)

Chances are if you are from Montgomery, Alabama, you had one of the Trussell educators as your teacher at one time over the past several years! This family of educators is passionate about helping educate the young minds in this community. Joyce Trussell is a retired music and physical education teacher with 41 years of educating and caring for her students in the Montgomery Public School System. She retired from Dalraida Elementary School under the leadership of Mrs. Elise Keith who inspired her by the ways that she showed love and kindness to the students in their school.

You would never know that Joyce is retired, because her passion and love for teaching is still so evident in her daily life! There isn't a day that goes by, where she doesn't run in to one of her former students, whether it is at the

grocery store, gas station, or shopping center. To this day, Joyce stays in contact with her former students. They contact her to tell her thank you, that they love her, invite her to weddings and funerals, and to introduce her to their own children and grandchildren. Joyce Trussell has touched many lives, and she continues to with her compassion that she has for everyone and especially the young children!

She is Joe and Misty's biggest encourager and supporter as a fellow teacher with so much wisdom about teaching and education! She supports them, and when the COVID pandemic hit, she helped them to get through a tough time of teaching in a whole different way be reminding them that they will get through this because of the AWESOME students who needed them!

It was not only difficult for educators, but for all of the students, too. No one ever thought that we would go through a pandemic in 2020, but they embraced the circumstances and made the best out of a very difficult and scary time.

Phillip Joseph Trussell or as most know

him as Joe, has been a middle school and high school teacher for over 21 years. He is the son of Joyce Trussell, and she taught him many lessons about outstanding work ethic and giving your best! He proves that each and every day by the dedication he gives to teaching. He teaches 8th grade English in the Montgomery Public School System at Floyd Middle Magnet School. Joe loves encouraging his older students to never give up, because middle school age and high school age students can have their own different challenges at school and away from school. He has touched so many lives over the past years of teaching, because he listens to his students. They can count on him to be present in their lives by helping them to be the best student that they can be. He gives them guidance when they need it, and they love to come back to visit with him to share about their life journey.

The Trussells, Joe, Misty and Joyce

Joe with wife Misty

Joyce with son Joe receiving AUM diploma

By Misty Trussell

Misty Trussell is married to Joe Trussell, and she is a Gifted Specialist in the Montgomery Public School System. Her base school is Dalraida Elementary School where she has the honor of teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade gifted students. She has been teaching elementary age students for over 26 years, and she absolutely loves what she does! She loves her students and their families, and she feels that it is all about creating a community within her class families! Misty is honored to get to see her students each class and hear about their lives and what is going on. It is so important to listen, because every student deserves to be heard. It helps them to know that they are valued. The Trussell's together always have rewarding moments with past and present students where they are reminded of the impact they had on their lives as their teacher! They all hope that their time with each student taught them skills that they can use at school and in the real world.

All three of these educators in this family are passionate about making a difference in ther students' lives each day. They believe that the kindness they show their students may be the only kindness that they get that day. It's all about getting to know their students and families. Going to their life events when invited such as; birthday parties, sports games, church concerts, band concerts, weddings, baby showers, etc.

The Trussell family has dedicated their lives to the teaching profession, making a difference in the lives of their students. Teaching is an admirable profession because when you teach someone how to learn you teach them how to navigate many challenges of life. Thanks to the Trussells for teaching the students of Montgomery's Public Schools.

Natural Pain Relief

There are many ways we can relieve pain without resorting to drugs, whether over-the-counter Tylenol, etc. or the more potent prescription drugs; ALL of which wreak havoc on our liver, one of the most critical organs in the smooth running of our bodies (and one that we know the least about.)

Lavender –inhalation of lavender essential oil has been shown to reduce the pain associated with migraines and with chronic menstrual pain. You can diffuse it or just put drops on a tissue and inhale it directly from there.

Lavender also significantly decreases pain associated with burns, and helps the skin heal much more quickly. I can personally attest to that and always keep a bottle on hand in the kitchen, though it works just as well on sunburn or even gunshot burn (UK Doctors took it by the barrel load to Afghanistan.) It is also extremely effective at taking the pain away at the site of an insect bite or sting. In all these cases it must be applied immediately and neat – no water or other oils.

If you have arthritis, then ginger is going to be your new best friend. It is the fact that ginger lowers the level of prostaglandin that makes it so effective at reducing both the pain and inflammation of arthritis. You can use the essential oil SPARINGLY in a massage oil or lotion base and apply it to the affected joints, or you can enjoy a cup of ginger tea.

Start with 4 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Add a 2-inch piece of peeled ginger root. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with lemon and honey (or just honey).

Arnica is also excellent for arthritis pain and can be bought in most health food stores in the form of a topical ointment or cream. This has been proven very effective for centuries. Curcumin is the key healing ingredient found in turmeric and is very useful at helping ease pain associated with autoimmune disorders. It seems to take over the proinflammatory proteins called cytokines which are the root cause of inflammation and the associated pain. Many Indian dishes contain turmeric – giving them that rich yellow color, so you can start by adding them to your diet. Also, you can try Golden Milk, a drink made with turmeric and ginger (double whammy!) Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan; add 1 small piece of fresh ginger or one teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 pinch of black pepper (there has been quite a

bit of research done on the fact that adding the black pepper to turmeric is vital in increasing the body’s ability to absorb the curcumin, and therefore increasing its efficacy, so don’t skip the black pepper!) Simmer for 10 minutes. Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten to taste.

Bromelain is our last natural remedy to discuss today. This is a key component in pineapple! Similar in effect to ginger, it decreases the amount of prostaglandin and can help ease the pain of many issues from arthritis to trauma related inflammation. The only problem is the amount of pineapple you would have to eat!

Thankfully there is a Bromelain supplement that you can take instead.

So really you can take your pick, depending on your type of pain or pains or you can just have these ready in your home first aid kit just in case. Above all, they are a wonderful alternative to just reaching for the Tylenol or Advil or whichever pill you usually pop in your mouth when the pain hits. Think about

the long-term damage to your liver and try something else instead.

These examples are also just the tip of the iceberg; there are SO many other options available. I just don’t have room here to go into more detail, but if you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email. I will do my best to guide you in the right direction.

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

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

RiverRegionBoom.com

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage

Ginger

Tumeric

It’s hard to stop trying with your adult child. But sometimes it’s best for everyone.

One of the most common questions I receive from parents in my practice is whether they should keep trying to reach out or just give up. In general, I think that parents should try to reach out to an adult child for a significant period of time with letters of amends, empathy, and attempting to address their complaints before they stop trying. However, sometimes giving up is best for everyone. But when?

Here are some good reasons when you should stop:

▪ You are being threatened with restraining orders.

▪ Your adult child says that they need time apart but will be back in contact.

▪ Whenever you do reach out, they’re consistently hostile and threatening.

▪ All your letters or gifts to them or to your grandchildren are sent back “return to sender.”

While those conditions may seem obvious, many parents feel like they’re being neglectful or abandoning their children if they stop reaching out. This may be especially challenging for mothers who are often governed by the following convictions:

▪ Put yourself last, especially where your children are concerned, including grown children.

▪ Give till it hurts.

▪ Worrying about your child is part of being a good mother.

The constant cultural transmission is that if you don’t feel all of those things then you’re somehow behaving selfishly, irresponsibly, and unlovingly. That you’re being unmotherly.

Yet, sometimes the most loving, parental action is to allow the distance that your child says they need. You don’t have to commit to it forever. But if things are so inflamed that you’re getting threatened with restraining orders or your gifts are being sent back, then they’re too inflamed for progress to be made by reaching out.

And even if those conditions aren’t met, but you’re being ignored year after year, then discontinuing to reach out is probably best. I typically recommend at least a year.

Here’s why discontinuing to try is not only better for your mental health, but

also sometimes better for a potential reconciliation:

▪

Your estranged adult child may feel like you’re respecting their wishes more.

▪

They may respect you more for not continuing to set yourself to be rejected by them.

▪

It may invite more self-reflection on their part: “Hmm, my mother hasn’t reached out in seven months. Wonder what’s going on?”

▪

It may cause them to miss you. That old saying, “How can I miss you if you never go away?” is sometimes true in families.

▪

It gives the relationship time and space to allow things to become less inflamed.

It’s not easy to stop trying. But sometimes it’s best for everyone.

Joshua Coleman, Ph.D., is a psychologist in San Francisco and Oakland. He is also a senior fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families. He is the author of The Rules of Estrangement published by Penguin/Random House and when Parents Hurt.

By Mary Ann Sternberg

Building Skills and Happiness As A Volunteer

After I read Dr. Sanjay Gupta's book, "Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age," I was left with several compelling ideas. The most profound was do something different to help create new neural pathways which will help keep the old brain sizzling.

It didn't matter whether it was carrying your coffee mug in the other hand, taking up a new language or tripping over your feet learning to play pickleball, mindfulness would improve mental acuity and help stave off memory loss. It would also add to a life that might have become a tad too routine (but that is my observation, not Dr. Gupta's).

When I showed up on a Saturday morning last year at a local Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Habitat for Humanity construction site, Dr. Gupta wasn't on my mind. I had simply responded when a woman friend had rallied a coterie of distaff older adults to join her Women Build construction team. We had bright fuchsia T-shirts reading: "As girls we played house, as Women we build them" and sporting our team logo, "We nailed it!" on the back.

I arrived at the designated address, and I saw a rainbow of shirts onsite, but no other fuchsias; I didn't know anyone else there. Gupta challenge No.1: Remember everyone's name. But that was not an issue because we each printed our name on a piece of duct tape and stuck it on our shirts.

A Role for Everyone

The variously colored T-shirts, I soon learned, were shorthand for their wearer's relationship with Habitat. Ms. Judy's orange shirt was proudly emblazoned with the title "homeowner" indicating that this compact, welldesigned, three bedroom, one-and-ahalf bath cottage would soon be hers. She told me she was thrilled to be moving there from a cramped efficiency apartment.

Several green "Partner" shirts were worn by homeowners-to-be, working to fulfill a requirement to invest 255 hours of sweat equity before qualifying as potential Habitat homeowners. A clutch of fresh-faced twentysomethings wore white or gray shirts with an Americorps insignia; they were spending several months in Baton Rouge on FEMA projects.

Habitat regulars, much closer to my age, were clad in official, tan Habitat tees and our two supervisors sported mustardcolored shirts imprinted with "Staff." During the course of the day, I came to believe their shirts been dyed in a solution of patience and good humor, in order to deal with novices, like me.

A passer-by observing the dusty site would have seen Ms. Judy's unfinished home surrounded by a diverse and motley crew — white, Black, young, old, female, male, preppy and scruffy — and heard the metallic pinging of hammers, the droning buzz of saws, and cheerful laughter and chatter among the construction crew. But no passer-by could have detected the aura of goodwill and dedication that filled the air along with the swirls of dust and sawdust.

After reading a book by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the author was inspired to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project which led to new skills and camaraderie

Habitat for Humanity volunteers building a house in the Los Angeles area | Credit: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Our job that day was to precision nail Hardie planks in careful overlap onto the walls of the small front porch. Since I begged off climbing a ladder, the supervisor assigned me to measure and cut the long boards which would span the expanses and fill spaces around doors and windows.

"Have you done this before?" he inquired as he waved toward a stack of planks and an electrical tool with a forbidding steel nose. Never, I replied, but he didn't bat an eye and instructed his co-worker to teach me what to do: measure and mark planking using a professional steel square; create a straight line down the board by unspooling and twanging a magic red string called a chalk liner; operate the heavy electric shear specially designed to cut Hardie boards, both horizontally (difficult to follow the red line!) and vertically; and apply thick white base paint over the cut surfaces to protect them from weathering.

We worked from 8:00 until 2:30 with morning and lunch breaks, both times when we strangers mingled and chatted together. By quitting time, I'd almost gotten the hang of measuring and shearing the planks to spec; I'd even begun to slap white paint on the cut edges with panache, though admittedly I also decorated my arms and fuchsia

T-shirt. And the next day my right arm was sore from the intensity of guiding the blade, the heft of the tool itself, and my fierce desire to get it right.

Building My Skills

The second time I volunteered at Ms. Judy's house, we were assigned to paint the exterior. The paint was a lovely dove grey, the brush as wide as my hand — not a Dr. Gupta exercise but rewarding, and it added new splashes of color to my T-shirt. Then we moved inside to paint with rollers and brushes. I was assigned the former — new to me but, again, I figured, in the interest of brain development, I would do my best.

I was to rub the felt cylinder head at the end of a long pole back and forth in a wedge-shaped bin, to coat it with paint, then roll over a screen to remove the excess. I started the roller about six inches from the top of the wall and rolled down, being careful not to slather, but also not to apply the paint too thinly. It offered a learning curve, plus a physical and mental challenge, which was further extended when I was told to also roller paint the ceiling. Definitely Gupta-worthy as I tried not to slather, not to apply too thinly, keep paint droplets from my eyes and hair (unsuccessful), and use muscles (previously in repose) that were surely

similar to those Michelangelo needed for the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

When I left the site that second day, I was even more paint splattered but equally pleased to have been part of a wonderful team with effective, patient leaders, helping Ms. Judy get closer to owning and living in her new home.

And less altruistically, of course, I'd mindfully followed Dr. Gupta's advice: wading in far beyond my skill set, working with demanding new tools, and revealing latent abilities. I was sure I'd built new neural pathways and had been completely and joyously out of my usual social environment. Enough so that I invited the three twentysomethings from Americorps, plus their six pod-fellows I hadn't met, to come to dinner.

This offered another kind of challenge which I hope would have pleased Dr. Gupta: it represented the first time since I'd downsized two and a half years ago when I had to plan and cook dinner for ten people gathered around my table — and it was a fun evening!

Mary Ann Sternberg Mary Ann Sternberg is a longtime freelance writer and nonfiction author who specializes in Louisiana history and culture as well as travel and personal essays. Her work has appeared in local, regional and national newspapers and magazines including NewYorker.com, Preservation, AARP magazine and The Dallas Morning News. She lives in Baton Rouge.

Source: www.nextavenue.org

Tell Your Friends BOOM! Available Here and 200 other locations!

Chappy's Deli_Renfroe's Market_Adams Drugs_Sommer's Place_ Fresh Market_ Tomatino's_MCA Fitness_Vintage Cafe_Derk's_UPS Stores_Steak Out_Steaks & Wine_The Vintage Olive_Capital City-Ace Hardware_Orange Therapy_Down the Street_Health Wise Foods_Eastbrook Flea Market_John Lee Paints_Home Care Assistance_Doug's 2_Baumhower’s Restaurant_Jan's Beach House_San Marcos_Chris' Hot Dogs_Lek's_SaZas_Mexico Tipico_La Zona Rosa

Read the digital version from your phone, tablet, ipad or computer subscribe free at www.RiverRegionBoom.com

Gestures and Habits

Make Him Fall in Love ❤ All Over Again

It likely comes as no surprise that keeping the romance alive in a relationship requires effort. But when women feel their romantic relationships becoming stagnant, they often blame the man in their life for not being romantic enough. Yet 44% of men say it bothers them "a lot" that their wife or girlfriend isn't more romantic, according to a study of 80,000 participants by Chrisanna Northrup.

So why not take the first step, and give your man the romance he's craving? Try the following to reap the reward of your man falling in love with you all over again.

Be spontaneous. Routine and spontaneity are opposites. Routine, which typically sets in once a relationship is established, often leads to monotony. But what keeps relationships alive early on is the excitement of spontaneity, which lends itself to discovery about each other and new things. When couples lose their spontaneity, life becomes routine and dull. So practice spontaneity. Do things on a whim with your partner to awaken the feelings you both felt when your relationship first blossomed.

Write him a love note. It doesn't have to be lengthy, although it could be. Just a simple "I love you" or "I can't wait to spend time with you this weekend" placed in his lunch box is sure to make his day. If you're good with words, write him a poem. If not, borrow one, and leave it on his pillow.

Laugh at his jokes and with him. Men love to be funny. So no matter how corny his jokes, genuinely laugh when he's trying to be funny, even if you have to laugh because he's so corny. Not only will your laughter boost his ego, but it's good for your relationship, too.

But there's more. Numerous studies, including a 2015 study by Laura E. Kurtz appearing in the Personal Relationships journal, have found shared laughter brings couples closer together. So look for opportunities to share laughter with your partner. Watch sitcoms, go to the comedy club, hang out with other fun couples, or be silly together.

Physical affection. This is so simple and can be done anytime, any place. Hold hands when you're watching TV or out and about. Kiss him on the cheek. When he's sitting at the table, walk over and give him a shoulder massage. Pat him on the butt, or walk up from behind and wrap your arms around him. There are so many ways and opportunities to show your affection.

Make his favorite dinner. The adage goes, a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So go all out, and prepare his favorite dinner and dessert. Don't forget the candles, wine, and soft music for a romantic ambiance.

Take him on a date. Make a plan for something the two of you both enjoy but haven't done in a while. Better yet, plan something special he particularly enjoys that you haven't been keen to do with him in the past. Then, make the most of it, even if it isn't your favorite activity, and let him know how much you enjoy seeing him happy and spending time with him. Do you need some ideas? Go to a sporting event, concert, or play; visit a museum; or go golfing or bowling.

Pay him a compliment. Everyone loves a compliment, especially from a significant other. Tell him how his blue shirt brings out his dreamy, blue eyes. Compliment his new haircut. Or let him know how much you appreciate his handyman skills. Look for genuine reasons to compliment him, often.

Initiate sex. If your partner is the primary initiator of sex, you initiating it can go a long way toward making him fall in love all over again. Men need to feel desired as much as women do, according to a survey conducted by Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D., in “Men Need to Feel Desired by Their Partners, Too.” So practice coming on to your man more often.

Give him a gift. Men don't place as much importance on receiving gifts as women. Still, it can be a very romantic and meaningful gesture when done out of the blue. Look for something he'll love such as tickets to a game, a favorite movie on DVD,

Kimberly

or something useful for his favorite hobby or sporting activity.

Show him your unconditional love. Women often fall for and marry men with the idea they can “fix him.” Over time, this results in constant badgering for a man to change, wreaking havoc on his romantic feelings. So learn to accept your partner's shortcomings, and love him unconditionally. You'll likely see your man's romantic side shine through again.

Spoon with him. Cuddle with your guy before falling asleep and when you wake up. It'll make you both happier and improve your relationship because of the endorphins it releases, particularly oxytocin, the love hormone.

Tell him you love him in a deep and meaningful way. During a romantic moment, tell him, "You're my soul mate," "I want to be with you forever," "You make my life whole," or whatever you honestly feel for him.

Give him a massage. Even men enjoy getting pampered. So give him a foot or back massage, or have him strip down for a full body treatment. Massage also increases oxytocin. So it can improve the romance in your relationship.

Books on keeping the romance alive

The Normal Bar: Where Does Your Relationship Fall? Chrisanna Northrup, Pepper Schwartz, James Witte

Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey

Mars and Venus in the Bedroom: A Guide to Lasting Romance and Passion John Gray

Courtship After Marriage: Romance Can Last a Lifetime Zig Ziglar

Rekindling Romance for Dummies Sabine Walter, Pierre A. Lehu

Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love Sue Johnson

The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives

Lewis Howes

Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples Harville Hendrix

By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

The New Golden Girls

The number of older adults sharing homes is growing, as is the number of companies that help roommates find one another

Betty White's death at the end of last year brought back memories of her role as the kind but dim retiree Rose Nylund on the 1980s sitcom "Golden Girls," in which four older women shared a house in Florida.

Women who watched the show as young adults are now at or near retirement age themselves, and many are finding that they're New Golden Girls, sharing homes because of financial concerns or a desire to fill the social void left by the loss of a partner.

According to SpareRoom, one of the growing niche businesses that help people find rooms, sublets and roommates, the number of people over 50 living with a roommate is growing at twice the rate of any other group, with one in five saying they're living with a roommate for the first time.

Research by the Joint Center for Housing at Harvard University suggests this trend has been gaining speed since at least 2006. It concluded that a "small but growing number of older adults" now live with a non-relative roommate.

Marlene Mears, 64, knows how important it is to find a compatible roommate. After a long marriage that ended in divorce, she first downsized to a townhouse in Michigan, then decided she really didn't know where this chapter of her life would end up.

"My kids are young and scattered in different states. They don't have children

yet and I just didn't know where to live," recalls Mears. "I tried teaching in Costa Rica, but then decided I would like to go back out west."

Baby Boomer Roommates

She first tried home sharing a few years ago, but the roommate wasn't the right fit. "She had strict protocols and was demanding," says Mears.

"She was up at 5:30 every morning and wanted me up, too, and for me to be there to help her all the time."

They soon parted ways, and Mears temporarily stayed with a cousin in Denver before deciding to look for another roommate. "The experience didn't put me off," she says of her first attempt at house sharing. "I really don't like living alone, but I'm also not big at socializing either."

A year and half ago, Mears signed up

with Silvernest, a home-sharing matching website specifically for older adults, and found Becky Miller, 72, who owns a two-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style townhouse in Longmont, Colorado.

After Miller's divorce, she became a single parent and just didn't save as much as she needed for retirement. She got a part-time job but decided to also rent spare space in her home. A year and half ago, she and Mears matched on Silvernest. "Marlene contacted me, she came over and had an interview," recalls Miller. "She met my needs and we just hit it off."

Home Sharing Is Growing

Riley Gibson, president of Silvernest, which is based in Boulder, Colorado, says his site added an average of 3,000 registered users a month over the past year. Los Angeles, Denver and Phoenix are its biggest markets, but users are spread throughout the West. Gibson says there are 56 other home-sharing programs in 23 states.

Some matching services are offered by not-for-profit organizations. The National Shared Housing Resource Center, a network of independent non-profit

Women who grew up watching the "Golden Girls" are now at or near retirement age, and many are finding themselves in living situations not unlike the 1980s sitcom

From left, Marlene and Becky | Credit: Courtesy of Marlene Mears

home-sharing programs, has a directory of member agencies across the country.

"Our typical user falls between the ages of fifty to seventy and sixty percent are female," Gibson says. "We don't have scientific data on the benefits of older people home sharing, but we know that it helps people achieve financial stability, which is key to health, and it reduces social isolation, which is also key to health."

Debbie Gentry, a realtor for The Villages, one of the largest communities for people 55 and older, says the number of residents who live with roommates is growing, but people didn't want to be interviewed about it. "They're embarrassed," Gentry says.

Dealing With Roommate Stigma

Mears says many of her friends and relatives think it is "odd" to live with someone at her age. "They ask why I'm doing it," she says. "I must explain the benefits."

Being an older adult with a roommate carries a bias for many. "The biggest

challenge is normalizing it," says Gibson. "We're finding the view beginning to shift and we're even seeing households with more than one roommate, creating their own "Golden Girls"-type household."

Gibson says Silvernest surveyed 300 people last year and found that 26% of the responders said they were more likely to share a home than they would have been in the past.

Mears and Miller say they believe they have forged a lasting friendship. They have met each other's families, and Miller has even welcomed members of Mears' family into the home during visits. The roommates help each other by, for example, driving to medical appointments and say the key to making a roommate situation work is mutual respect. "The only downside is knowing that Marlene may move one day, and I'll have to find someone else," says Miller.

Tips on Finding Compatible Roommates

Gibson says his company does basic due diligence on prospective roommates, such as background checks and identity

verification. It also tries to match people based on the following:

• Making sure each party knows whether the other's interest in being a roommate is based on financial need, a desire for companionship or both.

• Determining if each roommate is a smoker or non-smoker, and whether either has strong feelings about it.

• Asking if roommates are comfortable with pets, which species are dealbreakers and whether pet care and costs will be shared.

• Deciding who, if anyone, will work at home and where remote workers can set up office.

• Reaching agreement on the division of chores.

• Establishing if roommates can agree on whether to keep the house warm or cool. "The biggest mistake people make is trying to rush it," says Gibson. "We encourage both parties to be picky."

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell is a full-time freelance writer and author living in the Ozark Mountains. She is the founder and administrator for the public Facebook page, Years of Light: Living Large in Widowhood and a private Facebook group, Finding Myself After Losing My Spouse, dedicated to helping widows/widowers move forward.

Source: www.nextavenue.org

Five Reasons You Should Consider Pre-planning Your Memorial

You won’t be around to see it, but planning can give you the assurance that your memorial will be a perfect reflection of the person you are

Saying goodbye to a member of your family can be a difficult process to be sure. Experiencing feelings of deep grief and loss is only natural, and it's the same no matter who in your family has passed away — even the loss of a beloved family pet can be just as devastating as a human member of your family. Below you'll find important reasons to consider pre-planning your memorial to lessen the burden on your family and loved ones.

1. Relieve Financial Stress

Planning your memorial may feel like something you can postpone. It is not an immediate need, and it can feel daunting to some people. You could reframe the idea of memorial planning as not a future burden, but instead a current financial savings opportunity. The cost of food, clothing, cars, housing and just about everything else could rise each year. The cost of planning your burial could also rise.

You can visit websites that help you estimate the cost of your burial in five to twenty-five years, or you could be proactive and lock in your price at today's rate. It does not matter if you want a traditional burial, cremation or something unique to you for your memorial, prices will continue to rise. It's possible that by the time you or your loved one passes away the nest egg allotted will no longer cover the cost. Planning today may not only provide a cost savings but also the peace of mind that you could be financially covered.

2. Plan a Memorial that Reflects the Life You Lived and the Legacy You Want to Leave Behind

Your memorial should be very personal. It should be a celebration of the life you lived, your values, and the community you created. Pre-planning your memorial will provide the opportunity to incorporate what is most important in your life.

Unsure where to start or how pre-planning

will help you to personalize your memorial? Answer the following questions:

• Do you want a religious funeral?

• Do you want a specific person to perform your funeral services? This person could be a priest, deacon, pastor, reverend, minister, rabbi, funeral director or someone close to you.

• Is there a funeral home that you would like to handle your arrangements?

• Do you want a traditional burial? Do you want to be cremated? Have you looked into other options like a private or public mausoleum or possibly a natural burial?

• Have you thought about details such as the type of casket or urn you would like? Do you have a preference on headstone and the wording associated? Do you have a particular flower that you would like displayed at your memorial?

• Would you like a loved one to read a passage or poem at your memorial?

Would you like a specific song such as “Ave Maria,” “Danny Boy” or “Wind Beneath My Wings?”

• How do you want to notify the community of the memorial? Would you like an obituary? Do you have a picture that you would like to accompany it or have it displayed at the memorial?

These are just a few of the details that you can specify when pre-planning your memorial.

3. Start a Conversation

There are so many components that go into pre-planning a memorial. It's not just choosing burial or cremation, religious funeral or secular ceremony — it also includes important documents and plans.

• Will — legal document that defines how your assets (money, property, etc.) should be divided up among family, friends, loved ones or charitable organizations.

• Power of Attorney — a person legally responsible, as defined in the will, to make decisions pertaining to a persons assets, finances and at times their medical care.

• Living Will and Advance Directives —

legal document that contains instructions for medical care if a person is unable to make decisions independently.

• Executor — person legally responsible to carry out the wishes of the deceased as previously defined in the will.

• Trust — a third party that has the fiduciary responsibility to manage or hold onto assets on behalf of trustees until a predetermined time.

These are just a few of the legal decisions you may need to make and documents you may need to create. It may feel uncomfortable, but you need to talk to your loved ones about your wishes and their potential responsibilities. This will remove any surprises if the situation arises and will give them time to ask you pertinent questions.

4. Pre-planning is a Gift to Your Loved Ones

Pre-planning is not just a financial savings and an opportunity to create the memorial that you feel best represents your time on earth — it is also a gift to your family, friends and loved ones.

The passing of a loved one is a very difficult time. It is one of the number one causes of physical and emotional stress. By preplanning your memorial, you are relieving them of the duty of worrying that they are honoring your wishes by the decisions they have made. You are also allowing them the opportunity to grieve as well as celebrate your life instead of running around stressing and planning.

Whether you leave behind friends, children, siblings or a community of likeminded individuals, they will be thankful that you took the time to plan your memorial and gave them the opportunity to focus on their memories of your time together and the beautiful life you lived.

5. Pre-planning is Also a Gift to Your Future Self

Finally, pre-planning your memorial is a gift to your future self. You will not be around to see the memorial, but you will know that it was a perfect reflection of who you were as a person. It will also relieve you of the worry that you may not have enough money to cover your memorial.