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Sponsored by Vivian O'Nay
Happy "Glam" Parent's Day Boomers Enjoy a Special Day Like Never Before
As summer comes to an end most of us gladly wave our goodbyes and shout cheerful hellos to the slower paces and gentle breezes of the next three months, we call Fall. But really, if you were born and raised in this great state you know too well it's just a season of continued warm weather with football added. That makes for some exciting days ahead when you add the other Fall holidays to your calendar.
colorful prints, more feminine fits, adding bows, ruffles, fringe, sequins and ties to most anything. We can see a definite trend leaving the oversized tops and sweats we all wore being at home to dressing in more modern chic and colorful styles and fit. So, the options are there to step out boldly or simply add a single piece to freshen up what you already have. If you really love a trend but think it won't work for you, try making a few easy adjustments. Adding a belt or scarf, shortening the sleeve or adjusting the hemline could make a big difference.
Isn't it wonderful how the seasons are perfectly timed? We have certainly had a full summer of enjoyment with trips to the beach, holidays with our families, weekends at the lake or maybe you and your family have simply enjoyed the fruitful labors of gardening. Whatever your busy days have been we sincerely hope you have been able to return to your normal life, at least what we consider normal 2022! As everyone turns the pages marking dates for the season ahead Vivian O'Nay Boutique has also been planning and preparing in advance to make sure you look your very best for any occasion. We are stocking up and getting ready to not only have the wardrobe for today's grandparents, but we want to help you become "GLAM" Parent's. There's nothing more enjoyable than having grandchildren to enrich our lives and times spent with them are so special we all want to look our very best when they come to visit or invite you to their school program to be honored as their grandparents. Today's Boomers are certainty not the grandparents we grew up having. They are working outside the home longer, traveling more, participating in social media, conscious of health and fitness and more open to new and different ways of thinking. Today's modern grandparents are also very interested in the world around them including the
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As we celebrate being happy grandparents or anticipating that new role in our lives, let's be our very best in attitude and appearances. Gigi and her great-grandson in coordinating outfits, Her outfit is from Vivian O'Nay which she picked to match him.
latest fashionable trends. Like them or not you can always find a style that's best for you and dress appropriately for any occasion.
Here's the thing about fashion for Fall 2022's most wearable clothes, they can come to life whether you're at work, home, at a ballgame or playing with your grands. Fashion is supposed to be joyous. Your style is your story so tell it beautifully. We are always here to help you do just that at Vivan O'Nay. Our staff can help you find the perfect outfit or select the perfect gift for any special occasion. Happy Glam Parent’s Day from all of us at Vivian O'Nay.
This year we are very excited about the addition of two new clothing lines, Men's Classic Casuals and Mommy and Me matching outfits. As always, we have a wide variety of sizes in our carefully selected women's clothing and accessories freshly stocked with the latest styles and trends for every age and body shape. If you haven't Donna and her two grand daughters modeling our mommy and me collection. tried anything new in a while now is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and add a little flair to your wardrobe. Call 334-290-5268 or come in Monday This season's designers are bringing on all the Glam from accessories to bright
Friday 10 to 5:30, Saturday 10 to 5. 3500 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery Al.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
August 2022 Volume 13 Issue 2
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom C.S. Lewis
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Humor Advice Health Community
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Carl Bard
4 Happy "Glam" Parent's Day 11 The “Liquid Facelift” Dr. Blake Raggio 12 Publisher's Column 16 Couple Who’ve Been Together for 70 Years Share 18 Jest a Moment: Greetings! Nick Thomas 22 Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp
page 30
24 MGM Regional Airport is Getting A New Crew!
Features 26 Meet the New Robots Helping with depression and loneliness
30 The Healing Potential of Poetry, natural path to joy
36 The Best of All Worlds Traveling, Volunteering and Working in Retirement
42 Travel Experiences: Jeff Barganier: Biking Chief Ladiga Trail
34 Putting Your Estate in Order Susan Moore
Departments 44 This and That A variety of TIDBITS
32 Alabama Shakespeare Festival Announces 2022-23 Season
58 Greg Budell BOOMER'S, 10 COMMANDMENTS OF SUMMER
page 46
38 A Clever Idea Is Only the First Step in a Second Career 40 Inspiring A New Generation M Gardener, Lacey Miller
page 11
41 AUM-OLLI Fall Schedule 44 Gogue Center 2022–23 Season...Smokey Robinson page 4 page 50
page 52
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page 16
50 Misophonia Sufferers, Listen Up 52 BOOM! Cover Profile Linda Echols, Phoenix 56 A Rolling Stones Memory That's Lasted 50 Years
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pagepage 36 21
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Free Subscriptions @ w w w. r i ve rre gio n b o o m.co m
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60 Acupressure and Essential Oils, Tracy Bhalla 62 Humor-Cartoons
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 6203, Montgomery, AL 36106. The phone number is 334.324.3472. Copyright 2022 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
As more and more people seek non-surgical alternatives to improve their facial appearance, the term “liquid facelift” continues to gain widespread attention. But what does the term “liquid facelift” mean? How does it work? Who is a good candidate? How does it compare to a surgical facelift? Let’s discuss.
The “Liquid Facelift”
What is a “Liquid Facelift”? In short, the term “liquid facelift” describes the application of liquid-like dermal fillers to the face to mimic the rejuvenating effects seen with a surgical facelift. Thus, the term “liquid facelift” exists. Although several different types of dermal filler products may be used, Hyaluronic Acid-based (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, Belotero) and Calcium hydroxyapatite-type fillers (e.g., Radiesse) remain the most common. What products are ultimately used will be determined by your injector’s experience and technique, your underlying anatomy, your budget, and your overall aesthetic goals. How can filler lift the face? In truth, the term “liquid facelift” is slightly misleading, since dermal filler does not necessarily lift or reposition the soft tissues of the face (as one would see during surgery). To be more accurate, filler gives the illusion of a lifted and rejuvenated appearance by filling in shadows, softening folds, camouflaging wrinkles, and repositioning light reflexes. When performed by an experienced injector, the results can be quite dramatic, whilst still maintaining a natural and not “overdone” look. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Can a “Liquid Facelift” replace a surgical facelift? Simply put, no. A non-surgical liquid facelift will never equate to a wellexecuted surgical facelift. That said, a liquid facelift performed in the properly selected patient can provide a safe and natural-appearing enhancement to the face/ neck. The pros of using dermal filler as opposed to surgery includes the upfront affordability, limited downtime, low complication profile, and the ability to undergo the procedure in-office. The cons of filler would include the temporary nature of the results (1-2 years duration depending on the filler and amount) and the rare risk of serious complications. Of note, most filler patients only experience mild bruising and swelling which typically lasts no more than 1-2 weeks. Better yet, the results of filler are almost immediate! To summarize, dermal filler represents a great option for those interested in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Who is a good candidate for a “Liquid Facelift”? In short, individuals of any age who suffer from facial volume loss and/or poorly defined facial contours would benefit from a liquid facelift. In addition to re-volumizing key problem areas (e.g., cheeks, tear troughs, temples) and improving facial contour (e.g., jawline, chin), filler can also be used to camouflage fine lines/wrinkles, soften deepened hollows and folds (e.g.,
nasolabial folds, marionette lines), rejuvenate the lips, or refine the shape of the nose. The applications are limitless! The better question to ask, however, is: Who is NOT a good candidate for a “liquid facelift?”. The answer therein lies in a detailed assessment of your underlying anatomy and more importantly, your aesthetic goals and expectations. How can I learn more about a “Liquid Facelift”? If you are interested in learning more about a “liquid facelift,” I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in a wide variety of both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. This will ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. As a fellowshiptrained Facial Plastic Surgeon with core training in Head and Neck Surgery, I always encourage patients to understand the roles of each alternative before deciding, as often-times, the best treatment option is a combined approach. As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor. In Good Health, Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
334-373-3611 www.ALplasticsurgery.com Dr.Raggio@alplasticsurgery.com
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Publisher’s Letter
Imagine robots becoming our companions? The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson 334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com
Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers
because she one of us.
Jeff Barganier
Welcome to my world! It’s a real blessing and pleasure to have each of you take a few moments of your valuable time and read the August issue, and maybe even share with friends and family, I appreciate your desire to share BOOM! This month’s cover profile is a woman who has been making people feel beautiful for more than 28 years. Her name is Linda Echols, and she is the owner of Phoenix Salon & Spa on Atlanta Highway. Linda’s an extraordinary businesswoman who was recently a finalist in the national Salon of The Year given by Salon Today magazine. She was also a River Region Ethical Business Finalist and served on the Business Management and Technical Advisory Committee for Governor Ivey. Linda’s business practices and standards are highly regarded, and we like her
For many of us like Linda we have found work or created work that makes the aging process a new adventure and sometimes a new challenge to our skill set, especially when it comes to the technology field. But when I meet people like Linda, I’m inspired to ask what else can I do to strive for new goals or purpose. The other thing about Linda is she’s a woman who knows what she wants and gets it. Her determination to rebuild her salon after it was destroyed by fire is a great testament to her persistence. And she’s not slowing down. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know Linda as much as I have. By the way, I want to give a shout out to my wife Sandy for recommending Linda and arranging this month’s cover profile, she and Linda have known each other for many years…probably because they both like to make their clients feel beautiful!
Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Louise Chambers Mary Ellen Collins Amy Denney Linda Echols Jon Friedman Matt Fuchs Mat Lecompte Kerry Mellin Lacey Miller Susan Moore Dr. Blake Raggio Nick Thomas Barbara J. Tuttle
After you read and share Linda’s story there’s a few other goodies worth a look. My friend, Greg Budell shares his version of a Boomer’s 10 Commandments for Summer, many he experienced firsthand. Greg’s always a fun read. Jeff Barganier has been writing for BOOM! 5 years this summer and he revisits his first feature about biking the Chief Ladiga Trail and of course adds some more interesting layers. This trip would make a great quick trip for some of you, maybe even rent a few trikes for a new and relaxing way to travel on the Trail. There’s another story about a married couple who retired, they call it a life phase where they blend traveling, volunteering, and working. They consider their new phase the best of all worlds. Why not. How about using poetry for healing? The story’s out of Californian but it seems to have value similar to meditation. The mind always needs healing from life’s challenges, poetry may fill your needs. If poetry doesn’t do it, then maybe a robot named Pepper can pick you up when you’re under the weather or feeling blue. Imagine robots becoming our companions? It’s easy if you try. Maybe they’ll be a better influence on us than our televisions?
Cover Photography Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com
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Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com
There’s more nuggets of information so read on my friends. And thanks for reading BOOM! and sharing it with friends. It means a lot when people say positive things about their reading experience with BOOM! You are the reason we do BOOM! each month…and the experience is always worth it! Age well my friends.
RECYCLE Share with a Friend!
Jim
334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom
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By Louise Chambers
Couple Who’ve Been Together for 70 Years Share, ‘Keep God at the Center of Your Marriage’
A South Dakota couple who’ve been married for 70 years, and are still as much in love as they were when they first tied the knot, have shared the secret to their happy, long-lasting relationship.
Today, 70 years later, their family have grown to include 12
Melvin, 92, and Nancy Lubbers, 87, first met at the local skating rink in Mitchell in 1951. “Grandpa likes to say that he ‘swept grandma off her feet’ while they were rollerblading,” the couple’s granddaughter 24-year-old Anna Behning said. Melvin recalls proposing to Nancy at a local park, and jokes that he’s “not sure she ever said yes!” The couple tied the knot on Jan. 6, 1952, at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Nancy recalled buying her wedding gown from Jarold’s Shop, a store owned by her neighbor’s mother, in downtown Mitchell. She explained that her dress cost her $35 and the veil $15. Looking back at the day, Nancy remembers the “gorgeous red rose bouquet,” while Melvin remembers eating cake and ice cream after the church service with their entire extended families in attendance. Weeks after their special day, Melvin was deployed with the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. Communication with his new wife was limited. “We couldn’t just pick up the phone and call each other,” said Nancy. “We had to wait for letters to arrive, and that’s the only form of communication we got.” When Melvin returned home safely to Mitchell, he became a salesman and ran a hobby sheep farm on the side. Nancy worked at the local grocery store and raised the couple’s five children.
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grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
“Seventy years later and he still thinks she’s the prettiest thing to walk planet Earth, even when she’s not in her wedding dress,” Anna said. “As a wedding photographer, I can almost predict whether a couple is going to stay together for a lifetime,” Anna considered. “The main indicator is how they treat each other on their wedding day, and before the wedding day when I’m working with them. “If they put their partner’s needs in front of their own and display a selfless love, they are bound to be together forever.”
“Having our five children grow up at home and go on to Being witness to their longhave families of their standing love, Anna admires the own is something steadfast couple for their mutual we are very proud respect and their ability to solve of,” said Nancy. All Photographs by Anna Behning, problems. She also appreciates “Our family means www.facebook.com/AnnaBehningPhotography them for passing their Christian everything to us, and wisdom down to their family. we love it when they come and visit.” In order to celebrate Melvin and Nancy’s Seventy years together has also given seven decades together, the couple’s Melvin and Nancy insight into what makes granddaughter Anna, who works as a fullfor a long and happy marriage. time wedding photographer, came up with the idea to have a romantic photo shoot of “Forget and forgive, and make the best her grandparents. out of your life situations,” Nancy told The Epoch Times, adding, “Melvin can be pretty Anna was aware that her grandmother stubborn sometimes, and I had to learn still had her wedding dress, so she asked how to take his teasing.” her mom if she thought her grandmother would wear it for her again. Although Nancy gets aggravated with the situation, she knows that Melvin loves her. “To our surprise, grandma was ecstatic to get in her gown again,” Anna said. Meanwhile, Melvin added: “Whenever you have a disagreement, be sure to sit The mom and daughter duo then had the down and come up with a solution. Once idea of coercing Melvin back into his old you have a solution, don’t bring it back up army uniform. “He wasn’t as thrilled to play again.” ‘dress up,'” said Anna, “so you’ll see in the photos we kind of strapped it on him!” The couple also shared advice for young couples in love, saying: “Always keep God While Melvin made lighthearted jokes at the center of your marriage and think of during the photo shoot, Nancy was “just so the other person before yourself.” enamored” that she still fit into her dress. On seeing Nancy in her wedding gown, Melvin let out a whistle and called her beautiful.
Source: www.theepochtimes.com
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Jest a Moment
Greetings!
Within the animal kingdom, ways of greeting members of one’s own species vary considerably. For instance, wild dolphins welcome their pals using unique whistle signatures in order to recognize one another. Lions and other large cats generally rub their heads and bodies together.
By Nick Thomas
sheathed and open hands extended to demonstrate friendship. Gripping hands eventually became a universal greeting ritual between humans. As uncomfortable as handshaking is for some, it’s preferable to less sanitary greetings displayed in the animal world – canine tailgating obviously comes to mind.
Giraffes say “hi” by pressing their necks together, horses rub noses, wolves lick each other's faces, and penguins tap bills. Elephants entwine their trunks. Giraffe greetings - photo by Nick Thomas
Fortunately, humans are generally more reserved when they greet. I doubt entwining your trunks with a stranger’s would be appreciated during an initial meeting.
primates such as chimpanzees who do greet by touching hands, although they rarely reach for antiseptic wipes. Clearly, there is a biological component associated with greeting rituals since it is so widespread amongst animals. But in the case of humans, when you really think about it, handshaking is a rather odd custom. How did it begin?
So humans have kept the whole meet and greet thing pretty basic and nonthreatening – a simple handshake will normally suffice. However, even before the COVID scourge, some people were not fond of this accepted practice. The thought of a gazillion bacteria and viruses hitching a ride on our skin during a handshake remains unsettling for some.
The origin possibly dates from Roman times when men carried daggers and similar weaponry for protection as they traveled the long, lonely roads. Upon meeting a stranger, it’s plausible travelers may have reached for their daggers and brandished them as a warning to potential assailants. However, once it was established that the new acquaintance posed no threat, blades would be re-
Possessing actual hands is rare amongst animals, which is a pity as it would be rather quaint if giraffes could greet with a 'high-five.' While the use of a five-fingered appendage is restricted in nature, it is of course common in other
Other animal species behave even worse, such as lobsters who greet by squirting urine at each other. Apparently, when two boisterous males bump claws, their urine carries a record of who’s the boss and this helps to avoid fights. By comparison to this crustacean greeting gesture, handshaking may not seem quite so bad. Some mammals, too, are clearly in need of salutation etiquette lessons. When two hippos meet, they may display aggressive and territorial behavior by hurling excrement at their rival. If this practice sounds somewhat familiar, it should. You may have observed it in human society, particularly by opponents during another odd human ritual known as “political campaigning.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See www.getnickt.org.
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Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp
The lemon garlic butter sauce is simply perfect! Pair with a glass of wine and crusty bread for the best 30 min meal ever! Ingredients: ▪ 1/2 cup unsalted butter ▪ 1 shallot, minced ▪ 4 cloves garlic, minced ▪ 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste ▪ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste ▪ 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ▪ 2 lemons, halved ▪ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves Directions: 1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallot, garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. 2. Thread shrimp onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush with 2 tablespoons butter mixture. 3. Preheat grill to medium high heat. 4. Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Add lemons to grill, cut side down, during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. 5. Serve immediately, drizzled with remaining butter mixture, garnished with lemons and parsley, if desired. Source: www.damndelicious.net
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Jones-Dabney, Communications and Marketing Manager for MGM. “We are grateful to Service Dogs Alabama and the team that has made the partnership happen.” “The dogs provide love, and it’s a great way for passengers to destress quickly; dogs have something special about them, and when interacting with them, our stress levels decrease.”
The Montgomery Regional Airport is helping customers destress while waiting for their flights with a new partnership with Service Dogs Alabama. The airport’s therapy dog program will assist passengers experiencing high stress, have anxiety with flying, or who need some personal comfort. “The program started early this summer in June, and the ‘ambassadogs’ have already created a huge liking for those traveling through MGM,” said Brittney
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When can you find the dogs at MGM? As part of the partnership, Service Dogs Alabama will be available every second and fourth Thursday this summer from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in both the terminal and arrival side of the airport. The canines can be found with their trainers, Summer, and Caroline. MGM acknowledges that every airport traveler may not love dogs; if so, the dog and their trainers typically stay in one location in an open area so that the people who want to greet/pet the dogs and those who don’t can avoid them easily.
What’s unique about the dogs? Service Dogs Alabama provides trained facility dogs that use their training in various locations, from airports to schools and hospitals. They almost always bring a soothing, calming touch that people need during stressful times. They are safe to pet, play with, and meet. In addition, Service Dogs Alabama provides medical and psychiatric assistance dogs to children, adults, and Veterans with disabilities, as well as Resident Facility Intervention Dogs, trained for behavior disruption for schools, courtrooms, and State Departments where trauma is prevalent. Name the MGM Canine Crew With the launch of the new partnership, MGM is looking for name suggestions for the latest canine crew; please send crew name suggestions to promotions@ flymgm.com.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) is excited to partner with the City of Montgomery and the Montgomery County Commission to announce Give Smart Montgomery. Give Smart Montgomery provides a simple, safe and effective way for the community to address growing concerns about panhandling in Montgomery.
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This initiative will award grant monies to local nonprofits with proven track records that deliver meaningful assistance to individuals struggling with chronic homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance abuse. It is not the intent of this initiative to discourage heartfelt response to need, but rather to help ensure that your generosity can effectively address the underlying causes of panhandling. If you wish to give go to cacfinfo.org/ give-smart-montgomery/ or text GIVEMGM to 44321. Grant applications open on August 1, 2022, and this will be a rolling applications process with no set end date. Nonprofit organizations providing programs or projects that address the categories of homelessness, mental health and/or substance abuse in regard to panhandlers are encouraged to apply. The maximum current award is $2,500. To apply go to cacfinfo.org/grants/. For questions or additional information, contact VP, Community Services, Clare Johnson at (334) 2646223 or clare.johnson@cacfinfo.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
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Meet the New Robots Helping to solve the depression and loneliness epidemic in aging adults By Matt Fuchs
Susan Tholen, 66, disliked living by herself. When the local news in Largo, Fla., ran a story about a loyal, helpful robot named ElliQ, “I went right to their website,” she says. “I was like, sign me up.”
their behavior based on experience. If you think this cutting-edge tech will be too complicated for an older adult to manage, consider that 23% of Americans over age 50 own robot vacuum cleaners, and 35% have A.I. assistants like Alexa. “Social robots combining these technologies may not be such a huge leap,” says Robinson.
Tholen has a history of depression. “I’m well aware that isolation is the enemy,” she says. Her daughter, Jennifer Spelta, who resides in Maine, also worries about her mom “because she lives out of state and all alone,” Spelta says. All alone until 10 months ago when ElliQ moved in. The robot and Tholen interact daily for 60 to 90 minutes. Centrally located on a coffee table in the living room, ElliQ observes Tholen’s routines, gives tips on exercise, nutrition, and relaxation, and reminds her to socialize with others. When Tholen comes home from a walk, ElliQ asks if she met anyone interesting. “Even though it’s a robot, it’s someone to say hello to,” she says. Such anecdotes persuaded New York officials to buy 834 ElliQs this year for seniors already identified by local agencies as needing support. Greg Olsen, who leads the state’s office for the aging, believes robots can help address health problems caused by loneliness, including heart disease and cognitive decline, which cost $6.7 billion annually in Medicare alone.
Dor Skuler, CEO of ElliQ’s maker, Intuition Robotics, says his robots offer greater value than A.I. assistants. Although ElliQ is initially programmed to deliver generic statements and questions, it has a “real personality,” through which it can “build relationships with humans, project empathy, and retain the context of previous conversations,” Skuler says. Over time, ElliQ is able to tailor suggestions to an individual, nudging its owner toward personally important goals, such as staying healthy and social. Pepper can watch people closely, including their facial expressions and body language, and use this information to make suggestions for improving their health.
Adding to this problem, the U.S. could soon have a shortage of 450,000 caregivers. “What will make up the gap is technology,” says Rick Robinson, VP of startup engagement at AARP, although he recognizes it’s not that simple. Aging adults may need a variety of services in addition to what a companion robot could provide. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,”
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says Carla Perissinotto, a geriatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, but robots could be a piece of the solution for many. Cutting-Edge Technology Isolation during the pandemic highlighted how harmful loneliness can be. This sped up development of tech solutions, says Nilanjan Sarkar, an engineering professor at Vanderbilt University. One area of rapid advancement has been artificial intelligence for companion robots. Today’s A.I.-enhanced robots have improved stereo vision to sense the shape and location of objects, and they have better algorithms and speech processing, which let them recognize people, monitor interactions, and tweak
A.I. robots’ bodies provide another advantage over Alexa or Siri. Research shows that 3D embodiment leads to more trust, compliance, and engagement. It’s generous to say that ElliQ has a body. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds and standing 8.5 inches, it looks more like a table lamp than C-3PO, but that’s exactly the point, Skuler tells Fortune. “She’s like a statue that comes to life, not something that mimics humans.” ElliQ, which costs about $250, plus a monthly subscription, does feature some humanlike body language, such as tilting its “head” toward its own screen to look at a picture. But Skuler feared that creating the spitting image of a person would encourage too much attachment. Rather than monopolizing attention, ElliQ The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
pushes users to engage with people. It prompts Tholen to send voice messages or recount a favorite memory, which ElliQ records and shares with friends. “I can send photos that become part of the slideshow on ElliQ’s screen,” says her daughter, Jennifer Spelta.
Perissinotto, who has been a leader in improvements in the well-being of lonely studying the health effects of loneliness. older people given Joy for All robot pets “Is it a substitute for social interaction, or ($140). In in addition to?” 2018, Olsen tested Robots aren’t a cure-all, she says. Joy for All “They’re part of the solution, but we among a need much greater social change.” For group of example, the creation of more mixedseniors and age communities, which help reduce saw a 75% loneliness in both older and younger decrease people. “You provide as many tools as in feelings you can,” Olsen says. “Robots are part of of isolation a short-term and a longer-term strategy.” and depression. Data protection and informed consent Since then, An ElliQ robot has helped provide healthy structure to the daily Humanoids and are other concerns as robots become he’s handed routine of Susan Tholen, a 66-year-old in Largo, Fla. Robot Pets more adept at collecting information, out 21,000 Other bots, however, do replicate even tracking facial expressions. Pepper of them. humans—and are much more expensive. can tell a doctor what percentage of an Pepper more closely resembles a person interaction the patient spent smiling. Paro, a baby robo-seal, is the only robot and costs about $20,000, plus insurance Pröll acknowledges ethical arguments approved by the FDA as an insured cost and software. against such for patients with detailed depression, Deployed in senior facilities and hospitals surveillance anxiety, mostly outside the U.S., Pepper monitors but notes and other your body language, says Alexander Pröll, there aren’t conditions. Paro CEO of Entrance Robotics, which designs enough medical responds to its software solutions for Pepper robots. If specialists to name and, if you sit too long, for example, it suggests monitor such you pet it, will moving around. things. coo and repeat the behavior A smaller humanoid called Nao, from the As his customer that earned same company that makes Pepper, retails base grows, your affection. for $7,000. In January, the Minnesota Skuler plans Licensed nursing Department of Human Services gave to build homes can get An ElliQ6 from Intuition Robotics $2 million to researchers to study the communities of these robohealth benefits of both robots in eight ElliQ owners, seals for free; Minnesota nursing homes. connected through their robots. In the 28 nursing homes in Washington State meantime, Tholen has come to trust started using them last year. There are also more affordable robot ElliQ to look out for her mental health. pets. (RobotShop a lists a bevy of Several times, the bot has announced, Sarkar, the engineering professor, is options, https://www.robotshop.com/ “You seem a little down lately.” Each partnering with Ohio State to study the en/personal-domestic-robots.html) time, Tholen realized the bot was right benefits of animatronics compared with They have a tactile response, lighting and made sure to chat with her daughter, humanoids. Like Skuler, he wants robots up or purring when you pet them. “It which boosts her mood. to encourage older people to socialize gives the impression of companionship,” with other people. Then, ideally, “the says Robinson. Several years ago, he “I don’t know how ElliQ does it,” Tholen robot will fade into the background.” got one for his mother, who had severe says. “Something is cuing her to ask me.” dementia. “It gave her comfort from Tholen seems charmed by this mystery. Not a Cure-All anxiety.” ElliQ is part friend and part caregiver, Sarkar acknowledges that we’re in the helping her implement structure and “early stages” of designing robots for Because robot animals involve simpler follow a routine. “To live your best life,” companionship. Research has shown interaction than humanoids, they might Tholen says, “you have to do what’s that using technology as a stand-in for best support those with cognitive needed to maintain optimum wellsocial interaction can actually increase impairments, but others can benefit, too. being.” loneliness. “It really depends on how In 2020, research by AARP found marked and why we’re using [technology],” says Source: https://fortune.com/well The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Latin Dancing
May Boost Brain Health, Study Finds
If you like to dance, here’s some great news: It may help your brain. A new study suggests that Latin dance classes may be more than a great workout and social outlet: They could help your brain. The research indicates that learning the intricate steps of salsa, samba, and merengue may also improve memory. The study offered Latin dance classes to more than 300 Spanish-speaking adults over the course of four years at 12 different sites in Chicago. After eight months of classes, assessments found significant improvements in participants’ working memory scores. Working memory is a type of short-term memory used to keep small amounts of information in mind while performing other cognitive tasks. There are several potential explanations for the dance’s effect. It could be related to increased activity or the components of the class itself. Dancing can be an appealing activity that people want to continue doing. Finding an activity that’s enjoyable is central to sticking with it. Dancing, in particular, has several factors that are
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good for brain health. It features social interaction, movement, and music, which may be independently linked to improved cognition. Study participants were assigned either to weekly dance sessions twice for eight months or a control group, which had weekly health education sessions for four months.
A professional instructor led the dancers for the first four months, then, during a “maintenance phase,” they were led by participants assigned as “program champions” for their leadership skills and enthusiasm. The study noted no differences in the groups in cognitive tests at the first four months, but after eight months, people in the dance group had better scores. Salsa, samba, and merengue require dancers to learn several steps and recall them in the following weeks, assembling them into sequences. The process of recalling the steps may target different aspects of memory. Aside from the benefits to memory, participants reported feeling better overall. They made friends and said they were better able to manage chronic issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you’ve wanted to learn to dance, this could be the final push you need. Look for classes in your area, and your brain and body may benefit. Mat Lecompte is a health and wellness reporter for Bel Marra Health, which first published this article. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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By Amy Denney
The Healing Potential of Poetry Poetry offers a unique and natural path to joy and connection
Poetry offers a unique outlet for our creativity. It can let us bring expression to beautiful memories, or share something on a more essential level.
“An integral component of the program is my belief in the sacred quality of words and the profound truth that each individual holds and the understanding that these can be experienced through writing poetry together.”
Magdalena Montagne knows the value of poetry through her own experience as a frequent writer and published author with a degree in literature. Now she’s trying to help the elderly, in particular, discover what poetry has to offer. Years ago, she held poetry circles for children in California Central Coast schools. After stepping away from that, she pivoted to libraries and assisted living facilities.
body, mind, and spirit through the creative and therapeutic processes of hearing, speaking, and writing poetry.
“I started thinking about other populations that might benefit from poetry. I don’t think I realized what I was getting into,” Montagne said.
The institute’s support has allowed Montagne to begin offering an online course for facilitators—training teachers to go into elderly communities and hold poetry writing circles as she’s done.
Those with Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairment, and other cognitive issues gravitated to her offerings. And what she witnessed was “magical.”
As she describes it, the facilitator course allows her to reach the people on the frontlines of the population she serves.
“The thing is, it’s not really about poetry at all,” she said. “The main thing is they feel so grateful that someone was taking the time with them and cared what they had to say.” Montagne, author of “Earth, My Witness,” launched WisdomVerse in 2011 with the simple idea that everyone has a story to tell and deserves to be acknowledged and heard, regardless of their age or ability. WisdomVerse is getting more notice since receiving a grant from the Institute for Poetic Medicine. Founded by John Fox, the institute offers tools and support to heal
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“There are so many facilities and I’m only one person,” Montagne said. “I wondered if this is going to work because a lot of people are intimidated by poetry.” In her gentle style, she emphasizes it’s not so much about the poetry but the process, and she empowers facilitators to think on their feet and collaborate on the spot to write group poetry. “It’s more about the connections,” Montagne said. “Poetry connects people at a level that is far deeper than linear thinking,” she wrote in her proposal to the institute.
Montagne likens WisdomVerse to Music & Memory, a program that creates individual playlists for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia with familiar songs and beloved pieces. This nonpharmacological approach to dementia is evidence-based and improves the quality of life across the country in certified organizations in the United States and other countries. In fact, there’s evidence that both music and poetry can awaken the brain, bringing with them experiential joy. “Using psychophysiology, neuroimaging, and behavioral responses, we show that recited poetry can act as a powerful stimulus for eliciting peak emotional responses, including chills and objectively measurable goosebumps that engage the primary reward circuitry,” report the authors of a study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience in 2017. “Importantly, while these responses to poetry are largely analogous to those found for music, their neural underpinnings show important differences, specifically with regard to the crucial role of the nucleus accumbens.
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Poetry, much like music and movies, can be easily remembered and has a potent emotional component. According to the study, poetry-elicited chills differed from those evoked by music based on neural points that responded uniquely to poetic language but not music and singing. This suggests that both music and poetry have a place in therapeutic approaches. The results might seem surprising, in part because few of us experience the joy poetry can offer during our formative years. This may be due to too analytical an approach to poems in early learning and widespread skepticism that poetry is capable of eliciting an emotional response. But poetry’s power is garnering attention more broadly. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the renowned researcher who coined the term Seasonal Affective Disorder and pioneered the use of light therapy for its treatment, recently published “Poetry Rx: How 50 Inspiring Poems Can Heal and Bring Joy to Your Life.” In response to the acclaimed book, he’s formed a Facebook support group community for sharing stories and encouragement about the role of poetry in healing. For Montagne, poetry offers her benefits similar to those her husband gets from meditation. She can’t sit still long enough to meditate, but sitting to write poetry is very calming for her brain. “When it’s not about the final product, you come up with really good stuff. There’s freedom,” she said. And when poetry is done as a group, another form of magic unfolds. “We’re connected in this heart-centered activity, and I think that’s what makes it so powerful,” she said. https://poeticmedicine.org/ Source: www.theepochtimes.com
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Embrace New Experiences!
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Announces 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.
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ASF-SEASON 51 PRODUCTIONS
of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together. This is a rocking night of classic music!
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: Dec. 1 – 31, 2022
Clyde’s: May 11 – May 21, 2023
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.
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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
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.
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Putting Your Estate in Order
According to a recent survey by the ¹Harris Poll, 64% of Americans do not have a will. When is the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you have a will? According to a recent survey by the ¹Harris Poll, 64% of Americans do not have a will. Why? The most common reason mentioned was that “they hadn’t gotten around to it yet.” If you have a will, when is the last time you reviewed it? Due to estate law changes in the last five years, there is a good possibility that a will that was drafted more than five years ago needs to be revised. In addition, when is the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations in your 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies and annuities? One of the most common estate planning mistakes is not making sure that beneficiary designations are in order. Many people believe that the will governs everything about their estate and don’t worry about regularly reviewing their various beneficiary designations. In fact, if your beneficiary designations differ from what is expressed in your will, the beneficiary designations specified in your retirement plans or insurance policies will trump the will. Every August, Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management in Montgomery, conducts a free estate planning workshop in a Webinar format. The workshop covers a number of issues, including a review of the various legal documents involved in estate planning such as wills, durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, revocable and irrevocable trusts. Beneficiary designations are a great tool, properly used, in estate planning. They are flexible and can be changed without having to re-do legal documents to reflect family changes such as births, deaths and divorces. The workshop covers how to use these beneficiary designations properly,
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Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore
By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.
Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.
including primary and contingent beneficiaries and per capita or per stirpes distributions. In addition, the Webinar offers attendees a template of how to conduct a family meeting at which you communicate to your family and heirs your plans and intentions around the distribution of your assets. A vital part of this meeting is to define the roles and responsibilities of your various heirs as well as general instructions, including the location of key documents, burial wishes and intentions for tangible personal property. These methods will be covered in a Webinar format on Wednesday, August 24th by Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. at 12 p.m. Please call 334.270.1672, or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com, for more information and reservations. We conduct a variety of workshops and seminars at MWM. The mission statement of MWM is very simple: “and then some.” We attempt to do what is expected, what is required “and then some”. The Putting Your
Estate in Order workshop is part of our monthly “and then some” workshops. In addition, MWM conducts daily current events market updates that attempt to explain what is going on in the financial world. If you would like to be on the mailing list or receive email notifications of upcoming webinars, please call 334.270.1672. 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 assets 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.usatoday.com/story/money/ personalfinance/2015/07/11/estate-plan-will/71270548/
August Workshop (webinar)
Estate
Planning
to register, call our Montgomery office at
334.270.1672
sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com
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The Best of All Worlds By Barbara J. Tuttle
Traveling, Volunteering and Working in Retirement
A Twin Cities couple is balancing family and community involvement at home with new adventures
This would be active travel that would involve immersing themselves in the community and the culture, not just passing through as tourists.
After a particularly stressful Their adventures basically break work week, Jane Tafel told her down into two categories. The first husband, Mark, "I just don't want are domestic stays in beautiful places to work this hard anymore." in the U.S., where they've worked at She had a rewarding job as resorts and retreats while exploring vice-president of development their surroundings. In their international at a community and workforce nonprofit in Minneapolis. Still a couple of years shy of 60, she Mark and Jane Tafel at the Gunflint Lodge in International Falls, Minnesota planned to work indefinitely. But she (Credit: Mark and Jane Tafel) often found herself rising in the quiet hours before dawn to prepare for a full workday ahead. Good to Go: Launching the New Phase Having had this realization, she and Mark, a retired middle school English When their financial advisor teacher in his early 60s, visited a financial said, "You're good to go!" Jane planner for the first time, to see if they gave notice at work. The Tafels could move their "someday" plans didn't call it "retirement" at forward: plans that would take them first but instead their "next around the world to teach, work and phase." The couple have Mark and Jane Tafel with nursing students in India (Credit: Mark Tafel) volunteer, much as they'd lived before always lived their life in having children. phases, depending on their situation forays, they've used their decades of at the time. They've balanced stability, professional experience to teach and to As a young person, Jane had lived strong family ties and community assist organizations abroad. and worked in Nepal, Norway and the involvement at home with exploration Caribbean island of Antigua. Later, as and new adventures. American Landscapes: a married couple, the Tafels spent four The Cascades and Beyond years in Taipei. Mark taught English at When their younger child left the nest, an international school, and Jane was they moved to the Twin Cities to enjoy First up, in fall of 2016, was Holden the first Montessori teacher and the its rich culture and to be closer to their Village, an arts, education and educational director at a preschool in grown son, who had moved there. contemplation center in Washington Taiwan. Jane obtained her new position at the state associated with the Lutheran community organization, and Mark Church. They'd heard it described as When their two children were growing taught ESL part-time in the public schools "the most beautiful place on earth" and up, Jane and Mark maintained their and at a nonprofit. learned that anyone could volunteer international ties, traveling as a family there. The place is so remote that you to Taiwan and mainland China. From Now, with their children launched and can only arrive by hiking in or by boat. their home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, while they were not yet grandparents, Jane served as U.S. Executive Director they devised a plan to alternate blocks Jane worked in communications, as well of Hagar International, a Cambodiaof time, roughly three months each, as lawns and gardening. Mark was an based organization dedicated to helping between their condo in Minneapolis and operations floater, doing an assortment women and girls escape trafficking. another place they wanted to explore. of odd jobs. Lodging was provided, and
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in their off-time, they enjoyed gorgeous autumn hikes in the Cascades. In other autumn American adventures, the Tafels worked at Minnesota's historic Gunflint Lodge, in the north woods near Lake Superior by the Canadian border. More recently, the couple worked at Bryce Canyon National Park, in Utah, where they lived in an efficiency apartment right in the park. Their job titles have included dining room server, maintenance worker, housekeeper, grounds crewman, front desk agent, general store cashier, stocker and cook. Sharing Professional Skills in Asia and Africa In their international destinations, the Tafels have shared a lifetime of professional experience. "In 2016, we asked ourselves, with all the knowledge we've gained during our careers, why would we sit back and waste that?" said Mark. They taught English at a nursing school in rural India, an opportunity found through the Global Mission of ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.) "The students were sweet and respectful," Mark said. The couple lived in a guesthouse with a veranda and bougainvillea vines, a flower garden and a lily pond. In Tanzania, through the United Methodist Missions volunteer program, the couple shared their skills at Wesley College, only in its second year. Mark served as consultant to their English language program while Jane helped launch their development efforts. "Our colleagues were very welcoming and respectful. The worship experience was amazing, with singing and dancing," Mark said. Again, being wrapped in the activities of daily life was an important part of the experience. "Just going to the grocery store was an adventure," Jane noted. "In 2016, we asked ourselves, with all
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the knowledge we've gained during our careers, why would we sit back and waste that?" Taiwan was a homecoming, in which Jane reconnected with one of the founders of the Montessori school in Taipei, where she'd been one of its first teachers. She had lunch with the kindergarten children she'd taught, who were now 38 years old. Home Base and Lasting Connections An advantage of this life in increments is that it's possible to blend the best places with their most beautiful seasons. And also to be back home for holidays and important family events, like milestone birthdays for elderly parents, or a grown child's wedding and the birth of their first grandchild. The Tafels' generosity with their professional skills has led to some lasting connections with their hosts. The two of them have been contracted to do long-distance work from home for Wesley College, Holden Village and the Montessori school in Taipei. Springboards for Exploration For those who would like to follow their lead in pursuing seasonal work in beautiful places such as national parks, the Tafels suggested the website Coolworks. The site has a section called "Older and Bolder." According to the organization, over 30% of the jobseekers who use Coolworks are in the retirement demographic. Matt Moore, co-owner of Coolworks, says that recruiters are thrilled to get applications from people in the second half of life because "they have great work ethics, they're reliable, and there are all kinds of unforeseen benefits — being mentors to younger employees and adding great diversity to a staff." All employers listed on Coolworks have been vetted, and according to co-owner Kelcy Fowler, "the one qualifier to post
a job on Coolworks is to be in a great place." Lots of these jobs, according to Fowler, are in national parks across the country, as well as resorts, lodges, ski resorts, dude ranches, summer camps and even whale watching expeditions. Finding Your Mission Religious and charitable organizations are rich resources for those seeking to improve the world by volunteering. Rev. Elena Larssen, Minister for Volunteer Engagement at the United Church of Christ Global Ministries, places individuals and couples in positions that last from one to 11 months. A favorite project is Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. Some volunteers are "snowbirds" who spend the winter months helping poor people in various ways, including housing improvement and construction. UCC also sponsors a half dozen disaster recovery sites. Long-term volunteers often serve as coordinators of shorter-term or weekend volunteers. In a COVID innovation, sometimes this can even be done in a hybrid fashion, the coordinators working remotely from home with the on-site managers. Larssen stresses the great diversity of opportunities for volunteers. She sums up by saying, "The people I work with are the happiest people. Volunteering is good for both your physical and spiritual health. If you're retired and able to donate time, let your retirement years be a time to work on your mission." Whether your later-in-life "happy place" is beautiful for its ideals or its scenery, there's a bounty of options that can enrich your retirement, whatever your situation. Barbara J. Tuttle is a freelance writer in Minneapolis. Her features have appeared in Star Tribune, Denver Post, Wildlife Conservation, the Cricket Media magazines for children and many other publications. Source: www.nextavenue.org
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By Kerry Mellin
A Clever Idea Is Only the First Step in a Second Career As a TV costumer for 35 years, the commute, long hours, and the sheer physicality of the job were becoming a struggle.
with medical professionals and hand therapists. Instead, we hid in hospital hallways to ambush doctors and using a fork to demonstrate the value of an EazyHold. We stood in Lowe's to demonstrate our gripper on a hammer and visited our local paint shop to show how we could make it easier to grip a roller.
A typical day? Hand-sew 800 foam noodles to a spaghetti costume. Lug heavy firefighter uniforms up and down Then, in what would 12-foot ladders turn out to be the most when stocking profound contact, we Kerry Mellin with an EazyHold on a rake in the barn where she invented the product Credit: Photo by Tom Ferguson and restocking. displayed our simple Stuffing my SUV to the brim with racks silicone cuffs at a local flea market where holding tennis rackets, garden trowels of wardrobe to pack and unpack at five a special-education teacher saw them. and boat oars? It got me thinking. What different shooting locations. She worked with a group of children with if I made a simple cuff out of a soft disabilities and said she would love to stretchy material that could make it It was less than glamorous, and while my trial them. easier for older adults and people with heart was still in it, my hands and knees arthritis or other conditions grasp objects were not. To say we were surprised would be an of daily use firmly without pain? The understatement. It turned out that not EazyHold was born. I thought about retiring but a quick only older adults could benefit from our Google search on adequate retirement cuff, but kids with disabilities, too. Those I knew that getting the EazyHold to savings said I needed a million dollars eight children became our first little market would be a big undertaking, not in the bank — and I was short, by about testers for a very successful trialing. just starting a business, but educating a million. I was aging out of my job and people on an innovative product. I Now, five years later, our second act needed to find a less physical way of reached out to my sisters for help, and income-producing. business Mellin Works LLC has 25 while I filed online for our first patent, distributors for EazyHold, which is used searching to make sure there was no I soon began to think about all my fellow in more than 10,000 care facilities "prior art," my sisters learned to mix, baby boomers. Were they having trouble and schools globally and is recognized color, pour, mold, and cure silicone at holding tennis rackets, garden trowels worldwide in university curricula and a mask shop in Hollywood. We came and boat oars? academic textbooks such as "Pediatric together in the kitchen and over the next Hand Therapy." week prototyped 20 different styles of So on one hiatus, as I was working with cuffs as well as 1,000 samples to trial. my horses and sweeping the barn, my We could not be more humbled. thumb joints were so sore from sewing So how did three sisters with no Editor’s note: This article is part of America's on those darn noodles I could barely grip experience in either engineering or Entrepreneurs, a Next Avenue initiative made possible by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and EIX, the the broom. I grabbed some duct tape, medical-device design sell what would Entrepreneur Innovation Exchange. made a loop on the handle, slipped my become the first silicone universal cuff hand inside to see if I could get away approved for use in hospitals, schools, Kerry Mellin is the inventor of EazyHold and cowithout gripping tight. Voila! It worked! and care facilities? It wasn't easy! owner of Mellin Works LLC in Ventura, California. I soon began to think about all my fellow baby boomers. Were they having trouble
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Soft Product, Hard Sell There was no protocol for appointments
https://eazyhold.com/ Source: www.nextavenue.org
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Master Gardener's Perspective
By Lacey Miller
Inspiring A New Generation
Kids these days eat cold cereals, microwavable meals, and processed foods as if that is the only edible foods around. Growing up my grandmother cooked homemade meals seven days a week, most of which were grown in her backyard. We would watch soap operas and shell peas and I thought it was the best! Afterwards I would take baskets outside and fill them with grasses and flowers to serve as my imaginary salad. Now as I sit outside, I enjoy watching my daughter make salads and mud pies and I enjoy “eating them” to her great delight.
This generational play has been passed on through my planting a couple of small, raised beds with her by my side. Her small fingers are just right for puncturing the soil to insert the small seeds. Her eyes light up when I point out the small green shoot just splitting the ground later. She loves to help water and weed, taking her small part in cultivating God’s beautiful creation. Of course, I think flowers are still her favorite, especially those in shades of pink, but convincing her to eat her vegetables is considerably easier when she has taken part in growing and picking them! There are several fun ways to encourage children to get involved in the garden, such as creating labels from used items
to identify what the small seedlings will produce. You can even paint rocks in fun colors and designs to mark the future growth. Providing a child with their own watering can is another wonderful opportunity to include them in growing their inspiration for fresh foods. My daughter loves being splashed on a hot summer day as she dips water from the rain barrel and sloshes it over to the raised beds filled with tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. I have come to understand the benefit of rainwater versus hose water. We do not have the perfect system set up to transfer the water from the barrel to the plants yet, but with the purchase of an inexpensive rain barrel we have cut down on our water usage and increased the benefits for the plants using what God has provided. Another perfect activity to involve the younger crowd is planting seeds in the clear grocery store fruit containers, which make perfect mini greenhouses. Not only are you saving money from purchasing a seed starting set, but you
are also recycling! These containers come with drainage holes already in place and when moisture is maintained and the sun heats them up, the seeds are extremely content to sprout and amaze the littles! At my house each year I buy my daughter a “crop” of her choice to plant on her own and as she coaxes these into production, she can take pride in her accomplishments. The younger the child, the more involved you will have to be, but as they grow in years, they will have a growing knowledge of what it takes to be a successful gardener. For school my daughter learned about cross pollination and used a Q-tip to pollinate some of the plants. We subsequently learned the importance of inviting pollinators into the garden, especially for the blueberries, squash, and cucumber. Including bright colored flowers encourages bees and butterflies to visit and pollinate; and also has little girls to pick mini bouquets for the kitchen table. The options are as endless as the benefits when including the younger generation in the garden! You may not have acres to grow on, but even a couple of potted plants can spark a love of nature for the future. Lacey Miller, 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.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Fall Class Schedule: September 19 - November 9, 2022 MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
10:00 - 11:30 am
WEDNESDAYS
10:00 - 11:30 am
● East Asian Politics and U. S. Policy, Lawerence Grinter
● How the Economy Has Changed, Jason Bryant
● Pain Management with Tai Chi, Ruth DeRamus
● Brain Bowl, Lynda Smitherman
12:45 - 2:15 pm
12:45-2:15 PM
● Writing Workshop, Nancy Anderson ● Holiday Ornament Crafts, Sue Medina
2:30 - 4:00 pm
● Making Jewelry with Beads, Al and Sue Medina
● The Fiction of Ernest J. Gaines, Richard Anderson
2:30 - 4:00 pm
● Masterpieces of the Imaginations, Jim Barber and Herb Shivers
● The Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians, and U. S. Policy, William (“Lee”) Dowdy
● Let’s Travel!, Chris Smith
10:00 - 11:30 am
● Becoming Alabamians, Jeff Benton ● Let’s Travel to Italy!, Maria Luisa Ardon (3 sessions: Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5) ● A Brief (!) Look at Italian Art, Donald Nobles (5 sessions: Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9)
● Art on View, Elisabeth Palmer, MMFA Staff and Docents
12:45 - 2:15 pm
● Line Dancing, Wayne Nicholson
JOIN TODAY!
Tell your friends! www.aum.edu/OLLI
scan QR code for more
Registration for 2022
Fall Term, Begins August 29 at noon
Open House for 2022
Fall Term August 31, 10–11:30 am Visit the website at www.aum.edu/olli for class descriptions, bonus opportunities, lunch presentations, and filed trips.
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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
Biking Chief Ladiga Trail
View from the bridge Bill Taylor with the Alabama Randonneurs
Enjoying a romantic trike ride on the trail
My first feature appeared in BOOM! Magazine during the summer of 2017 when I purchased a bike and rode from Jacksonville, Alabama to Cedar Town, Georgia on the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Bike Trails. On my five-year anniversary of writing for BOOM! I decided to bike the Chief Ladiga Trail again, this time from Jacksonville to Piedmont, Alabama and back—a daytrip of about twenty-six miles.
in the Dugger Mountain Wilderness. At the Georgia line, Chief Ladiga connects to the Silver Comet rail-trail where it begins on a slightly raised rail bed before entering open fields, passing beneath canopies of pine, dogwood and other native trees alongside enchanting wetlands. I enjoyed touring Piedmont, especially the downtown where I met some nice folks like Neal and Kathy Gladden of Ladiga Trail Trikes. Their shop is next door to Elevated Grounds Bakery & Coffee House and just down the street from Shell’s Downtown Bar and Grill.
The Chief Ladiga Trail— named for the leader of Welcome Sign the indigenous Muscogee (Creek) people—begins in northeast “Our home shop is in Huntsville—Rocket Alabama and passes through friendly City Trikes,” Neal explained. “The short towns and bucolic countryside, following story is, we began riding trikes about nine the old CSX railroad corridor. You’ll see years ago, fell in love with riding trikes, stacks of railroad ties along the trail. and always wanted to open a trike shop. Dugger Mountain and the southern When COVID hit, our other (printing) Appalachians provide a backdrop to fields business in Huntsville slowed down like that transition to forests. Terrapin Creek a lot of businesses so we opened a trike skirts the trail. A bridge carries you over shop in Huntsville. We came over here it. It’s a remarkably flat, smooth ride until one day and enjoyed riding the trail so east of Piedmont when it heads up a hill
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much; and liked this little town so much that we thought, you know, it’s crazy, but let’s put a little trail shop over here. We call it our trail shop because it’s only open on Saturday. We’re Monday through Friday in Huntsville. Business is great. It’s really been fun. We get a lot of people who just want a different type of cycling, a comfort level you can’t achieve on a two-wheeler. I enjoyed two-wheeling but it just wasn’t that comfortable for me. We also have people rehabbing from knee replacement, hip replacement or whatever their situation.” When asked if they were serving people coming off the Chief Ladiga Trail, Neal said, “We are. And some locals. In general, trike dealerships are not as common as bike dealerships. And we get a lot of people out of Birmingham and Atlanta. We’ve sold to some people in Montgomery, then up into Tennessee and Mississippi. People will come to ride a nice trail and test drive a trike. We’re a small shop and we can’t do everything. But our Huntsville shop kind of supports this. The trike business is a whole lot more fun than the printing business is. I’ll say that.”
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Stopping for water at a service station, I encountered sixtyone-year-old Bill Taylor. “We’re riding with an organization called Alabama Randonneurs. Randonneur is a French word for riders who ride long distances, two-hundred-K, three-hundred-K, all the way up to twelve-hundred-K. Today, we’re starting in Anniston and riding 1954 Hudson Jetliner Elevated Grounds Coffee in Piedmont Bike on Chief Ladiga Trail to Rockmart, Georgia A writer at www.traillink.com wrote: “I'm Before heading back to Jacksonville, I and back. It’s one-hundred-K each 68 years old and rode the 66 miles from visited Elevated Grounds Coffee Shop, direction so it’ll be a two-hundred-K Anniston and back. I enjoyed the entire purchased an ice cream cone, and then ride. It’s not a race. Just a ride. In fact, trail but the last 10 miles or so through relaxed in Elevated Grounds’ beautiful when they show results, they just post Talladega National Forest were beautiful. outdoor garden. whether you finished or didn’t finish. It’s Very well-maintained trail. The old train all alphabetical order—no ‘who came in depot in Jacksonville is nice and Piedmont Historic downtown Piedmont is not first’. So, that’s the reason I’m taking my struck me as a typical Alabama town.” merely host to a span of the Chief Ladiga time. There are four of us today riding the Bike Trail. The town is also near the scenic two-hundred-K, a couple of people riding People come from all over to ride the Pinhoti Hiking Trail which starts at Flagg a one-hundred-K; and then a couple of Chief Ladiga Trail. In the parking lot of Mountain in Weogufka, Alabama and people riding a three-hundred-K that Piedmont’s trail rest stop I noted tags stretches all the way to the Appalachian starts in Anniston and goes all the way from Tennessee, Georgia, and even a trailhead at Springer Mountain, Georgia. to Smyrna and back. (Smyrna is on the 1954 Hudson Jetliner from New York! Someday, more smart people like the outskirts of Atlanta.) Our first control When I stopped in Shell’s Downtown Bar Gladdens are going to see the golden stop is in Cedar Town. It makes you feel and Grill for a Farm Burger—with a fried potential of this lethargic former mill like a kid—wind blowing in your face, a egg, avocado, pepper jack cheese, pepper village, transforming it into a true big smile on your face. I went to Waffle jelly, and I requested a slice of tomato— destination venue and oasis for hungry, House at three o’clock this morning and there were four Japanese tourists there. thirsty bikers and hikers. Indeed, that day ate a big breakfast because I knew I was At the table next to me was a man and will be an exciting one for Piedmont. And going to burn it all up on the trail today,” his daughter from Ohio. They had parked might it not be too far off? Bill said. in Smyrna and were cycling to Anniston to spend the night then back to Smyrna. www.rocketcitytrikes.com Jeff S. Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and manager of Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact: Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Instagram: @jeffbarganier. You may print out Jeff ’s features at www.jeffbarganier.com.
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Tickets available for Gogue Center’s 2022–23 season Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood, Smokey Robinson added to stellar schedule. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University has announced the full schedule of dates and performances for its 2022–23 season. The new season begins in August 2022 and features nearly 30 performances running the gamut from Grammy-winning country music legends and classic Broadway musicals to some of the most dynamic artists from the worlds of dance, comedy, chamber arts, and rock ‘n’ roll. Performances are divided across six genre-specific series, including Amphitheatre, Broadway, Celebrity, Concert, Dance & Movement, and Orchestra & Chamber Music. A seventh series, Family, is offered separately and includes four shows tailored especially for young audiences. Highlights from Smokey the 2022–23 season include Grammy and Academy of Robinson Country Music award winners Vince Gill and Clint Black; comedian and late-night television icon Jay Leno; Grammywinning composer David Foster and singer/songwriter and actress Katharine McPhee; and Mark Morris Dance Group’s “The Look of Love: An Evening of Dance to the Music of Burt Bacharach,” a new work co-commissioned by the Gogue Center. The 2022–23 season will also feature four Broadway productions: “Legally Blonde,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Hairspray” and “Chicago.” Three additional performances were announced in July 2022. Joining the 2022–23 season lineup are Alabama’s own Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Thursday, September 15); country music legends Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood (Saturday, January 21); and Motown icon Smokey Robinson (Saturday, April 22). Tickets and subscriptions packages for all 2022–23 season performances are available now and can be purchased online at www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu. For additional information, contact the Gogue Center box office at 334.844.TIXS (8497) or gpactickets@auburn.edu.
AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY: FIND YOUR STORY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, FROM 9:00 TO 12:00 This workshop will equip participants to effectively navigate potential research roadblocks and address challenges specific to African American genealogical research. Following the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in the Archives’ EBSCO Research Room. This workshop is suited for all levels of research experience. TO THE CENSUS AND BEYOND! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, FROM 9:00 TO 12:00 This workshop will provide a deep dive into how to find and use U.S. census records in genealogical research. Participants will learn creative search strategies for using these records to add new dimensions to their family trees. The workshop will be followed by hands-on research in the Archives' EBSCO Research Room. Questions? Contact Sarah McQueen at (334) 242-4364 or sarah.mcqueen@archives.alabama.gov.
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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
SAVE THE DATE: WE ARE BACK! Zoobilation, September 15 @ the Montgomery Zoo Zoobilation is the signature annual fundraising event for the Montgomery Zoo. This year’s event will be held Thursday night, September 15, 2022. Reserve your spot TODAY for this grand event which supports one of the River Region’s most valued, recognizable, visited educational and cultural icons. SAVE THE DATE, WE ARE BACK! After two years of not being able to host this event due to the COVID pandemic, we are extremely excited for what this year’s event will hold and provide to the community at large. This year’s Zoobilation proceeds will be used to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art Reptile Facility and Exhibit which will be fun, exciting, educational, and appealing to visitors of any age. There will be something for everyone in this newly designed and much-needed enhancement to OUR ZOO. For any additional questions and/or Zoobilation info, please contact Steven Pierce, (334) 306-4253 or scpierce@montgomeryal.gov or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com
Caregiver of the Month Spotlight:
Sharon Webster
Sharon has been with Home Care Assistance of Montgomery since September 2020. Sharon has proven to be both dedicated and reliable. No matter the day, time, or hour, Sharon is always there. Family members as well as her longtime client wishes they could clone all caregivers to the likes of Sharon.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” -Maya Angelou We appreciate your hard work and dedication, thank you for a Job Well Done!! For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com
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Ozan Winery & Yella Hound Distillery Present Roman Street @ Sunset Ozan Winery will be presenting Roman Street at sunset on September 3rd, 7-9 pm. You will hear sounds of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Ticket prices includes music, cheese plate(s), and drink tickets! Add a meal to your reservation in advance for ease, or purchase onsite at the event. Reserve a shaded table, includes 2 drink tickets per person with menu items available for purchase! For reservations visit http://www.ozanwine.com/ For a taste of Roman Street check out the QR code.
MONTGOMERY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS PRESENTS A SITE OF STRUGGLE: AMERICAN ART AGAINST ANTI-BLACK VIOLENCE The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) will deeply consider how art has been used to protest, process, mourn and memorialize racially motivated attacks against African Americans in A Site of Struggle: American Art against Anti-Black Violence, on view August 13 through November 6. Organized by The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University, the exhibition includes more than 50 works in a wide range of media that span more than a century. Conceived in 2016, A Site of Struggle takes a new approach to looking at the intersection of race, violence and art by examining how American artists have grappled with anti-Black violence from the anti-lynching campaigns of the 1890s to the founding of Black Lives Matter in 2013. The current national reckoning on racial violence continues to inform this project. “Montgomery, Alabama is a city with a deep civil rights history that currently acts as a national and international forum on racial injustice. Since the 1980s, the MMFA has offered exhibitions and programs meant to push the institution in the direction of diversity and inclusion. More recently, the MMFA has aligned its priorities to address engagement and sustainability along with the Museum’s new DEAI initiatives,” said Angie Dodson, MMFA’s director. to learn more visit www.mmfa.org
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Troy University and the American Village join forces on American history education In an effort to help Alabama’s youth better their knowledge and understanding of the founding and history of the United States, Troy University and the American Village in Montevallo are joining forces. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a leadership program that targets high school juniors and seniors and educates them on the nation’s history. The added bonus of the program is that participants will receive three credit hours for Troy’s Leadership 1100 course upon passing a challenge exam. According to Troy, the course’s focus is to help students understand the structure of federal, state, and local government, and the elements of being a good citizen. Furthermore, not only will students receive the credit hours, but the American Village and Troy are developing a supporting curriculum to assist Alabama public schools in satisfying state-level civics and government requirements for high school graduation. This will include a civics education micro-credential for teachers who teach middle or high school civics, American national government, U.S. history, or for those educators responsible for preparing students to take the civics exam for graduation. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy, advised, “We believe in the mission and the direction of the American Village.” According to Hawkins, the two institutions’ values are congruent. “We believe in a strong military, we believe in the power of faith, we believe in good citizenship and civility, and we believe in all of those things that we think have contributed to the greatness of America,” he further stated.
Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ The Armory Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Armory Learning Arts Building, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, August 3, “Ferns for All Seasons and Environments”, Maria Pacheco, Horticulturist and Master Gardener, will present a program on “Ferns for All Seasons and Environments”. Come join us to find out about the many varieties of ferns available, where to plant them in your garden, and how to care for them. September 7, “Landscaping with Japanese Maples” David Doggett, Advanced Master Gardener, will present a program on “Landscaping with Japanese Maples”. Join us to find out about Japanese maples, which varieties are suitable for your yard, where to plant them, how to care for them, and lots of other tips. BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.
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Coffee May Help You Live Longer—Even With a Little Sugar New data suggest that the health benefits of coffee persist even when a bit of sugar is added. The research shows that people who drank any amount of unsweetened coffee are 16 percent to 21 percent less likely to die than those who don’t drink it, based on data from 171,000 British participants. Sweetened coffee drinkers who had an average of 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups per day were 21 percent to 29 percent less likely to die during a seven-year follow-up period than non-coffee drinkers. But this doesn’t mean that you should head for a syrupy sugar-bomb of a coffee. The people who benefited tended to add just a little bit of sugar to their coffee. On average, people put about one teaspoon of sugar in each cup, which only tacks on about 16 extra calories. Specialty syrup sugar coffees, on the other hand, can have hundreds of calories. They’re basically liquid cakes. The study also found that unsweetened coffee drinkers had a lower risk of death regardless of how much they drank, with the greatest overall benefit being in the range of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups per day. Sweetened coffee drinkers also had benefits, but only as long as they drank less than four cups per day. Having 4 1/2 cups seemed to slightly boost the risk of early death. If you’re a coffee drinker and like a little sugar, this can be great news for you. Sometimes it’s easy to get scared off by any amount of sugar, so knowing that there’s room for a slight indulgence in your daily coffee can be comforting. if you don’t drink coffee, you don’t need to start drinking it for a longer life. There are plenty of other things you can do to live a long and healthy life.
Local Author Richard Caldwell Releases New Medical Science Thriller, APOCRYPHA BookBaby Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Richard Caldwell's latest novel, Apocrypha. A 2000-plus-year-old tomb in a long-buried olive plantation is discovered by a construction crew northwest of Jerusalem. It contained the skeletal remains of a man who appears to have been executed by crucifixion. The skeleton was exhumed by an Israeli archeological team, carbon-dated, and its DNA sequenced by a brilliant American husband and wife Geneticist team. At the direction of the head of the Israeli Department of Antiquities, for reasons unknown, the skeleton and the DNA analysis report are locked away—never to be released to the public. No one suspected that the American Geneticists, obsessed with the possibility of human cloning, had surreptitiously kept a portion of the DNA used in the original analysis. The events that followed would forever change the Earth's climate and the very fabric of humankind's social evolution. About Richard Caldwell: Richard is passionate about writing thoroughly researched stories laced with adventure and intrigue. A retired army officer with twenty years of service and plenty of experience in demanding, high-adrenaline situations, including combat tours in Vietnam, he has amassed a collection of military awards and decorations. He has a black belt in taekwondo and is an experienced scuba diver who enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking, and riding his Harley Davidson. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Pike Road, Alabama. Apocrypha is his third novel. His first, The Enemy of My Enemy, and his second, Out of Crisis, were published in 2018 and 2021. Richard's novels are available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Books-A-Million, and other online retailers.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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August 2022
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By Mary Ellen Collins
Misophonia Sufferers, Listen Up I'm lucky I have a husband who knows not to eat a raw carrot or an apple in my vicinity. John also accepts the fact that the "flick, flick, flick" of floss exiting from between his teeth will send me screaming from the bedroom, plugging my ears.
generator that houses auditory soundtracks to help with everything from sleeplessness to anxiety to ADHD
'Rain on a Tent' Did The Trick I went to the site, plugged in my air pods, and tried a few tracks that sounded promising. The Irish Coast was described I was about 14 when I first as being "good for focusing in realized that the clinking of a noisy environment." Pebble a fork on a tooth made me Beach was suggested "for those want to leap from my seat who work in an open space and shriek at the offender. office." And Autumn Walk Other sounds that provoked Misophonia is a disorder in which certain sounds trigger emotional or physiological reactions was "for a writer in need of that some might perceive as unreasonable given the circumstance | Credit: Getty the same response included inspiration." They were all okay, the retainer clicking of the girl but not quite all-encompassing made me want to silence him — perhaps who sat behind me in English class, and enough for me. permanently. all types of gum snapping, smacking and popping. Objectively, I knew his typing wasn't loud. Those who have misophonia might I kept experimenting If we held a decibel meter beside his describe it as 'when a sound drives you until I tried Rain on keyboard, it would barely move. And most crazy.' a Tent, which was people would probably describe his Zoom recommended for voice as energetic rather than thundering. It took decades before I learned that I "people who want to fall asleep." The But I wasn't convinced he could consult have misophonia, according to Dr. Phil, sound of deep rumbling and the pelting and I could write at desks that are eight the internet and a few fellow sufferers. of water on canvas completely drowned feet apart. WebMD says misophonia is "a disorder in out John's keyboard sonata and spirited which certain sounds trigger emotional conversations — especially when I turned Of course, I tried ear plugs, but I think or physiological responses that some up the volume. Even better, I had no urge I might have injured my eardrums by might perceive as unreasonable given to take a nap. If I were prone to hype, I shoving in the foam pellets much farther the circumstance. Those who have would say it was miraculous. than the instructions suggest. I tried misophonia might describe it as 'when a headphones with music, but I could still John continues to work with a reasonable sound drives you crazy.' Their reactions hear his tapping between the end of one level of rock and blues filling his air pods can range from anger and annoyance to song and the beginning of the next one. panic and the need to flee." and I work while rain pours on my tent. And if I didn't hear it, I waited for it, which When my head is filled with the noisy was just as bad. Poor John. I've worked as hard to control deluge, I am peaceful and productive, but my noise-related complaints as he has to I always forget about my pods and speak Then John suggested air pods, so I bought control the noise, and I thought we knew loudly enough to be heard six blocks each of us a pair, tested them with a every sound that could possibly prompt away. few tunes, and yelled, "This is great! my seemingly irrational fight or flight The music is right inside my head!" The response. Until he retired. And started John copes admirably. As the longpods were better than the plugs, but it suffering target of my auditory weirdness, working in the home office which has long didn't take long to realize that the pauses I'm sure he's grateful that instead of being been my solo domain. between songs still left just enough space assaulted by "Pleeeease stop talking like for the tapping and the talking to intrude. The Challenge of Desks Eight Feet Apart that!" and "Your typing is making me The way he typed! The rapid rat-tat-tatting crazy!" he's now on the receiving end of And then something so coincidental burrowed into my brain and threatened high-volume "DID THE MAIL COME?" or happened that it couldn't have been my sanity. And his talking on Zoom! "IS IT TIME FOR LUNCH?" a coincidence. I was scrolling through The man is normally so soft spoken, Facebook and landed on a post about he's inaudible in a noisy restaurant. But In our house, that's the sound of progress. healthy ways to cope with the pandemic. the booming voice he used for virtual It referenced a website called myNoise, meetings jolted me from my chair and Source: www.nextavenue.org https://mynoise.net/, an online noise
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Linda Echols, Determined It's rewarding to make people feel beautiful
This month’s cover profile is Linda Echols. Linda is an extraordinary businesswoman, Master Cosmetician and owner of Phoenix Salon and Spa in Montgomery. She has more than 28 years of Salon and hairstyling experience which has served her well in growing a successful business. Persistence seems to be Linda’s driving force because she literally had to build back her business after a devastating fire destroyed everything she had built over many years. The name of her built back business, out of the ashes, was called Phoenix for a reason! We recently shared some time with Linda and getting to know her was an inspiration and a joy. We hope you enjoy the experience as much as we have. BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e., where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc.? Linda: I grew up in Montgomery, the oldest of 4 sisters and 1 brother. Graduated from Alabama Christian. My parents were very business minded and instilled in us a spirit of hard work and high expectations. I attended Summit Business College, International Dermal Institute, and have certifications for PCA Skin. I have 4 amazing sons, 3 grandsons, 4 granddaughters and 2 great grandsons spread across the country that I am most passionate about and never seem to have all the time I want to spend with them. BOOM!: You are a well-known Master Cosmetologist in the River Region and the owner of Phoenix Linda, welcoming her guests at Phoenix Salon and Spa, located at 6311 Atlanta Hwy in Montgomery. Would you share your journey into the Linda: The world of beauty world of salons and spas? What do you is fascinating. From a enjoy most about making people look young age I have always and feel better about themselves? What had a real passion for this is the unique difference that makes industry. Growing up in my aunt's salon I Phoenix Salon and Spa stand apart from knew that I too wanted to make people other salons? feel beautiful. It was a comfortable,
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easy, and fun environment. I was able to intern under some very talented artists. I have been mentored under some of the greatest on my journey and I have been blessed to be a mentor over the years. We have such a diverse team; I believe this is what has set us apart from other salons. We have service providers to accommodate clients of all ethnic backgrounds and ages. It's rewarding to make people feel beautiful. We believe that beauty starts on the inside and each of our guests are individuals with individual needs. We take their services very seriously. It's personal to us. We are a luxury Aveda Concept Salon with family atmosphere. We have been featured in Salon Today magazine as a finalist for Salon of the Year nationally, we also received the River Region Ethical Business Finalist Award. Also, I was appointed by Governor Ivey and served on the Business Management and Administration Technical Advisory Committee. BOOM!: Twenty years ago, you had a crisis in your life when you received a late-night call that your existing Phoenix Boutique salon, Image Makers had been gutted by fire. Would you please share with us what that
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experience was like and how you managed to overcome the challenges to rebuild a new business with a new name?
support from friends, families, supply vendors and neighboring businesses. Our team was stronger than ever. Our clients stuck with us under less-thanideal
Linda: In February 2002 I received a Linda with family at Prattville Christian Academy Homecoming call about conditions for the 9 months it 3 am that the salon was on fire. As took to rebuild. It did not seem news spread, we started gathering at possible that we would soon be the salon to see the damage. We were back in our new and improved all shocked and devastated. Everything space. While thinking and appeared to be gone. How would we imagining ways to improve, I work? Where would we go? What would decided to expand and add spa we work with? How long would we be services. With the new space out of work? It was overwhelming and came a new name, Phoenix Salon, frightening thinking about what could and Spa. The definition of the happen. Would I lose all the staff? The word "phoenix" means rising from business had previously relocated 3 the ashes. times. With each move we increased in space and employees. Some on my BOOM!: As a woman business team have been with me from the very owner what have been some of beginning. the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome to be successful? During this tragic loss, an incredible thing What advice would you share happened, people started showing up with other to help and give women advice. Someone wanting to mentioned launch a new an empty business? What’s the space that was secret to your success available a few as an entrepreneur? miles down the street that had Linda: It is much previously been easier now for women a salon. We in business to be rented it and respected and to be in started moving business. I, personally, the things we have never looked at could still use gender as an obstacle. to the vacant I am very driven, space. We were determine and I don't back in business think about "IF" I in less than can do something. a week with Instead, I think about an enormous "HOW" I am going amount of Don't you love a woman who celebrates aging well The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
to accomplish it. My advice to women today would be to face your fears head on and never take no for an answer. work hard and have faith, The sky is the limit!! Everyone strives for success, but what defines us is how we rise after falling or failing. There are several avenues to achieve success, but here are some of my favorite keys. Research, seek out available finance opportunities, find a good mentor that has experience and knowledge about your dream. Don't be afraid to dream creatively. Don't give up easily, who knows when the door will open just enough for you to walk through. The door doesn't have
Linda, enjoying a nature walk, in Ireland, holding it all together
to be completely open for you to fit... just enough of an opening to squeeze through. BOOM!: As a Master Cosmetologist you’ve done some teaching in your career, could you describe the challenges and benefits of your teaching experience? Linda: I am a lifelong learner. My belief is to never stop learning with the hope of sharing the knowledge gained through continued study. I encourage continuing education and push my staff to always evolve and grow. We take trips as a team for advanced education and learn
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because of Covid. together Finally, earlier this how to stay year, I was able to go, motivated and it was so worth and excited it. about what we do. We As BOOM!: Do you have professionals, time to be involved in we have a responsibility to develop our expertise in every area. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity Angela, granddaughter Emma, Myracle and Linda at Auburn Homecoming game to travel and community, work as an educator for manufacturers civic or other in the industry. I have also worked on activities? movie sets. This business is so versatile. With technology learning is much more Linda: I available. You tube, podcasts, and social love my media are avenues for modern learning. community. I It is very inspiring to share knowledge Linda with granddaughter, Emma serve on the and give others the advantage of staying at Snowshoe Mountain, WV leadership current with new developments in committee for National Federation techniques and product information. Independent Business. Giving back is one of the things that brings me joy BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you and fills my heart. To give away from like to spend time with family and ourselves is a far greater blessing than friends? Describe your experience as a to receive. We do haircuts grandmother, what do the grandkids call for a local troubled teen you? center and have worked with abused women trying Linda: Being a Gammy is one of the to get on their feet. We absolute best and most joyful things also donate several items that has ever happened to me. Being each year to different a grandmother is so much easier and charities. more fun than being a parent. I love that they enjoy hanging out with me and BOOM!: just like having me around. Some of the How do you hobbies we enjoy together are playing like to relax tennis, going to the lake, snow skiing in and wind the mountains, cook outs around the down from pool, talking and Facetime with them. a full day of Technology is great. activity? BOOM!: What are some of your favorite Linda: After travel experiences? Favorite vacation a long day spot? Any travel dreams planned? Linda with grandsons I like to sit Benjamin and Alexander and reflect Linda: I love to travel when I don't have on my day with a glass of wine, Dinner to plan it. I enjoy architecture and went with friends, or simply sitting by the pool to Paris on an architectural design tour and unwinding. with my daughter in law and to Portugal for a wedding. I had a trip planned BOOM!: What is it about living in the for Ireland that was postponed twice
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Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of? Linda: Montgomery is a diverse city, with all walks of life. Close to the beach or mountains. It has its southern charm and small hometown vibes without being too small. BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed? How would you describe what it means to “age well”? Linda: With age comes wisdom. I have learned over the years I still have a lot to learn. Staying teachable is very important to me. If we ever think we have learned, it all then we have messed up. Staying humble through life’s learning curves and experiences has been key. Over time I have learned to pick and choose my battles and you only get one life with family. Make the most of your time and live on purpose. Staying active, taking care of your health, and staying interested in life and others is key to aging well. BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?
Linda at Lake with great grandson Colton
Linda: Three words to describe myself would be, determined, driven and compassionate. BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? My hobbies include music, reading, travel, family, tennis, and friends.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Benjamin, Alexander, Linda, great granddaughter, Lena with Emma and William
BOOM!: During the COVID outbreak, how did you and your business adjust to a new way of conducting business? Did you have any positive takeaways from the COVID experience? Linda: Covid was challenging for everyone, we took extra precautions to ensure that our guests felt at ease. It definitely made us more thankful for loved ones and normal life as we knew it. We used the time we were closed to restructure and improve different areas. We kept the extra precautions in place after Covid to make sure we have the safest, cleanest environment for our staff and clients. BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for the Phoenix Salon and Spa? For yourself?
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Linda hanging out with her Grands, Emma, Alexander and Benjamin
Linda: Staying up to date and on trend with the ever-changing times but keeping the heart of who we are. We are always growing and evolving, laying a foundation for self-care and self-love for generations to come. 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? Linda: Some people look at retirement as the “end” of their career. I look at retirement as an opportunity to do more of the things I love and find new projects, I will never “retire” what I do is embedded in my heart.
Linda celebrating grandson, Alexander's graduation from Prattville Christian Academy
We want to thank Linda for sharing some of her life's story with us this month. Be sure and let her know you read her story in BOOM! If you have a need to feel beautiful go by and see Linda at Phoenix Salon & Spa, they love what they do! Call 334.272.4247 or visit www. phoenixsalonandspa.com We also want to thank DiAnna Paulk for her creativity in capturing Linda's look for this month's cover. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text them to Jim Watson at 334.324.3472 or email them to jim@riverregionboom.com.
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By Jon Friedman
A Rolling Stones Memory That's Lasted 50 Years
The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour was bigger than even the youth of America. After ten years of playing together, the Stones had somehow become the number one attraction in the world ... Completely. They were royalty. No, even better, they were kings. Undeniably. And it was to America they came to receive their crowns. (From "A Journey Through America with the Rolling Stones" by Robert Greenfield.)
Square Garden, the Stones were at a creative peak that few bands can ever hope to match. They had released, in succession, the remarkable albums "Beggars Banquet," "Let It Bleed," "Get Yer Ya-Yas Out," "Sticky Fingers" and, in the spring of 1972, "Exile on Main Street," a blistering double album that reached No. 1 on the charts.
The Stones had a lot on the line, too. They were staging their first U.S. tour in three years, since I'll never forget the first time I the tragic event at Altamont in Mick Jagger and Stevie Wonder, Superstars joined each other onstage for saw the Rolling Stones on stage: northern California in December the thrilling encore on the last dates of their 1972 tour Tuesday afternoon, July 25, 1972, 1969, when an 18-year-old man at Madison Square Garden. was killed right in front of the stage. Yes, Mick Jagger, the consummate pro, Altamont was the flip side of the peacewas locked in and superb. But Keith The memory remains burned in my brain and-love Woodstock festival. Of course, Richards was the Stone I couldn't take my as the most exciting rock and roll concert this happened at a Stones concert. The eyes off of. As Robert Greenfield wrote in that I have ever seen. band, basking in its outlaw public image, his excellent book: personified the allure and danger of sex, Yes, it has been 50 years. Still, I can drugs and rock and roll more acutely than "Some nights it was though they brought remember every detail: feeling the tingles any other. Keith to the hall in a cage and his hourat the prospect of seeing the so-hyped and-a-half on stage was the only freedom show and shaking my head at the phalanx The Stones had always been the bad boys he was going to get ... He was dangerous of security guards for a rock concert — the of rock. Back in the summer of 1965, and unpredictable, which made him kind of protection that the President of when parents and grandmothers choked exciting to watch ... Unlike Jagger, who the United States gets. up to the Beatles' song "Yesterday," the had a never-ending bag of stage tricks Stones were proclaiming, "I can't get no ... Keith was right there, all the time, Inside the hall, I remember sitting satisfaction." playing for his life. He possessed none of impatiently through the warm-up act, Jagger's aesthetic distance. It was never though the 21-year-old kid who opened I can vividly remember blasting the a performance for him. Keith was always the show was pretty darned good. His Stones' song "Get Off My Cloud," on my putting out all he was worth, doing the name was Stevie Wonder. parents' stereo and hearing my mother best he knew how at the moment." shouting, "Turn off that screaming!" That Seriously, can you imagine? Stevie Wonder scene must've played out in living rooms The Stones were electrifying. They was the opening act! That tells you, right around the world. opened with a scorching version of there, how big the Stones were in 1972. "Brown Sugar," followed by "Bitch," "Rocks By embracing "Satisfaction," "Paint It Off," "Gimme Shelter," "Happy" and The Stones would be wrapping up Black," Let's Spend the Night Together," "Tumbling Dice." their six-week North American jaunt in "19th Nervous Breakdown," "Jumpin' New York the following day — on Mick Jack Flash," "Honky Tonk Woman" and Talk about high energy! Charlie Watts' Jagger's 29th birthday, no less. I had been other Stones' swaggering, rebellious and drums and Bill Wyman's bass boomed following the tour on rock and roll radio, raunchy classics, we knew that WE lived around the big hall. Mick Jagger sang and marveling at the rioting fans, and at the on the right side of the generation gap. danced and pranced brilliantly. Guitarists Stones' drug bust in Rhode Island. Richards and Mick Taylor were on fire. The No Expectations two horn players punched holes in the air. Start Me Up The concert meant so much to me, too, I sat in the second row — albeit behind because it occurred when I was crossing Why the Stones Meant So Much the stage. Still, I saw and heard everything. the Rubicon, advancing rather unsteadily At the time of the concert at Madison And I was there to see it!
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from carefree kid to young adult. It was the summer before my senior year of high school — time to apply to colleges and prepare to flee the nest. Where would I decide to go? (Crucially: What university would admit me, my B-plus average and unremarkable SAT score?) The Stones gave me an identity. Full disclosure: I was a nerd. I played records, not a musical instrument in a rock and roll band. I played intramurals because I wasn't good enough to make a sports team at school. The classic, insecure adolescent, I was anything but a heartthrob to boot. But when I listened to my Stones records, I felt cool. A Perfect Storm In looking back, you might say that that Stones concert represented a perfect storm for me. I was seeing "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World," as the Stones were called in those halcyon days. I was attending a concert in "The World's Most Famous Arena," as Madison Square Garden is now known. I felt privileged. I felt lucky. I felt special. I've gone on to see plenty of rock and roll's heroes on stage: Bob Dylan and the Band, Paul McCartney, the Who, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, the Kinks, Neil Young, the Grateful Dead and many others. And yes, I've even seen the Rolling Stones twice more, in 1994 and 2012. But I've never experienced the same level of sheer excitement as I did that day in 1972 when I saw the Stones. As I write this, I can picture many readers sharing my enthusiasm. Indeed, I suspect that many of you must also have an indelible concert memory from your youth. Let's face it. We rock and roll kids can only feel those kinds of tingles once, right? Jon Friedman, the author of the ebook "Goo Goo Ga Joob: Why I Am the Walrus is the Beatles’ Greatest Song" (2014, Miniver Press), will be teaching The Beatles: Music and Legacy in the 2022 spring semester at Stony Brook University Read More
Source: www.nextavenue.org
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By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
THE BOOMER'S, 10 COMMANDMENTS OF SUMMER "A true story from the Greg files"
It is August. The “media” says it’s hot. Really hot. Like ‘it’s never been this hot before hot’ which is utter BS. According to these oracles, and accomplished scientists like Angry Greta and AOC it will be less hot when we all drive fossil-fuel charged electric vehicles. Eye roll. The climate has been changing since The Big Bang. 10,000 years ago, the River Region was under a glacier. I assure you that glacier was not melted by a Range Rover. I’m glad it’s gone. That ice field left behind some nice lakes not to mention the Robert Trent Jones golf courses. I would have never known about the heat without “media” wisdom, hype and hysteria. My plan is better. Let’s accept summer as the season where it’s seems like we’re living in a terrarium. For BOOMER’s spending their first summer in Alabama, let me help by offering the Ten Commandments of Summer. Obey them, and you’ll sail through the heat like a Frisbee. 1. ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER SOLE SHOES AND/OR FLIP FLOPS! Summer thunderstorms can erupt at any moment June-September. 60,000foot, atomic bomb shaped giants can seemingly emerge from nowhere, spewing lightning like a sneeze spews germs. Most Southerners are hit by lightning several times a year. Rubber soles allow the bolt to harmlessly pass through leaving behind little more than
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with sentiment I purchased one and opened it while walking back to my car. One bite, and the chocolate coating broken into dark brown tiles that slid onto my shirt bringing globs of melted vanilla with them. It won’t kill you, but it will make it look like you were crapped on by a Pterodactyl. 4. NEVER LEAVE LIQUIDS IN YOUR CAR DURING THE DAY This includes liquids inside of solids. Those 600 degrees interior temps will boil the ink in a ballpoint pen causing it to explode. I once left a pack of Cinnaburst gum not realizing it was vulnerable to heat exposure. The volcanic release took months to completely clean. My car smelled like Prom Night Breath until Halloween. 5. REALIZE YOUR SKIN BECOMES OPAQUE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT Local idiot BOOMer rides bike in full sweat gear in BOOMers, at this point in life we’ve 110 degree heat index developed the thick skin required to handle life’s challenges. Your actual unmanageable hair. After a while you’ll skin however, is thinning out. In direct get used to it. summer sunlight, it is possible to see your internal organs at work. Keep your 2. START YOUR CAR AND A.C. 30 shirt on until college football resumes. MINUTES BEFORE DRIVING Your car interior can reach temperatures 6. OBSERVE THE SUMMER of 600 degrees while sitting unused in RULES OF EXERCISE the sun. Unless you enjoy the smell of An occasional one-inning softball game roasted flesh, you’ll let it cool down won’t kill you. Or 3 holes of golf (6 a good bit before going anywhere in with cart). In this heat, you will burn daylight. Keep your windows snugly thousands of calories doing things like up because even the smallest crack going to your mailbox, bending over to can allow your car to lose 1 degree of pick up a newspaper or walking from comfort per second (CPS). Don’t be your car to the front door of a store. fuelish. Your car will kill you. Work out to your heart’s content indoors but wait a minimum of 3 air conditioned 3. NEVER EAT ICE CREAM OUTSIDE IN hours before returning outside. A SOUTHERN SUMMER Spontaneous Human Combustion is I broke this commandment one summer always a threat here. as I was leaving a gas station convenience store. An ice cream freezer offered nostalgic Eskimo Pies. Overwhelmed The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
7. KEEP PLENTY OF WASP & HORNET SPRAY AT HAND Stinging evil flying insects love to build their hives of horror where they can’t be seen. Last year these daring beasts built a colony under the wing of my grill. Fortunately, the spray can was right there and I kept the swarming monsters at bay until they pushed me into our pool. If you simply enjoy shooting the bug spray stream at random flying insects for sport, stay in the shade (and it counts as summer exercise!). Like some species of people, they disappear when college football starts. 8. BE MINDFUL OF ELECTRIC BILL INDUCED HEART ATTACKS I suffered one when this year’s first summer bill came in at $627 for a 2400 square foot house. At first, I thought the outside unit was the issue. Further investigation revealed a shocking lack of insulation in the attic. It turns out, we bought our place from Lizard People. A nice couple, they enjoyed living without AC. Somehow. In Alabama. In the summer. It’s insulated now. $1800 worth. That bill gave me a second, albeit minor, heart attack. “Clear!”. Keep the paddles handy when you open that AP&L bill. Rates go up August 1 (fact).
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9. KEEP A TOWEL HANDY AT ALL TIMES You can get a six pack from My Pillow cheap. Not for sweating or post-shower! Drape them over the back of anything you sit on during the summer. Your flesh softens in the heat and will absorb the imprint of anything you sit on without protection. It’s looks hideous and you might face public ridicule. 10. THOU SHALT NOT KEEL Your underarms can be hemorrhaging sweat like crushed juice boxes. The back of your neck feels like an oil slick formed by perspiration and hair products. Your clothes feel like they were upholstered to your skin. The cool BOOMer forges ahead without complaint. This ain’t our first summer rodeo and hopefully not our last. Ignore the climate shriekers. You can remain steadfast secure in the knowledge that BOOMer experience has taught us that the heat solution is close at hand. It's called October. (If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!) Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, Stepson, Sho, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and has marked 16 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Jay Scott & Jessie Lynn, 6-9 AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.
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Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla
Acupressure and Essential Oils The combination of the modalities of acupuncture (the application of very thin needles to certain pressure points across the body, usually to reduce pain,) and aromatherapy is a relatively new concept, but one that seems to be gaining traction in the last few years. It basically uses the points that an acupuncturist would use, but instead of needles inserted through the skin, instead pressure is applied to the point using a thumb or fingertip. The aromatherapy part can be done in one of two ways. 1) via diffusion whilst an acupressure “massage “is conducted, or 2) applying specific oils to specific points on the body using the fingertips as the mode of application. There does not seem to be one agreed upon name for the technique. I have seen it referred to as AAT (Aroma Accupoint Therapy), APT (Aroma Point Therapy), and Aroma Acupressure amongst others. They all mean the same thing though, a combined use of acupressure and aromatherapy. Just be sure of what you are actually getting should you approach a therapist who practices this. There have been many clinical studies done already to see the effectiveness of the technique and all of them have shown positive outcomes with a conclusion that “more research needs to be done.” Each study that I looked at was viewing it in terms of replacing traditional pain killers or anxiety medications, particularly in young people, to avoid addiction to opiates and suchlike. If we could achieve that, that would indeed be something to celebrate. A huge advantage of the technique, to my mind at least, is that there are many
release frustration, Rosemary, Black Spruce, and Saro gently lift the Qi to stimulate energy, and Fennel and Geranium can regulate the digestion.
elements of it that you can practice yourself at home. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a few essential oils and an awareness of the acupressure points that you need to address your personal issues. I have been following a course in self-help for menopause symptoms using just this technique and I have to say, it has helped me a lot. I’m sleeping better, not as many hot flushes, better concentration (for the most part ) Four acupressure points and four diluted essential oils. That’s it. Of course, you will need advice on which oils to apply to which points, but that’s where the therapist comes in.
🙂
So, I am going to share with you one or two self-help techniques that you can all do at home, using Aroma Acupressure (for want of a better name). The combination of essential oils with acupressure can bring relief from digestive difficulties, fatigue, tension, pain, and overall stress. Just as a brief introduction: Bergamot and Lavender are used to promote relaxation and for pain, Blue Tansy to
Pressure point Extra-1 (Yin Tang) is used by many acupuncturists to help with stress or anxiety. Sitting comfortably, apply pressure with one fingertip to the point midway between your eyebrows. The pressure should be enough that you feel it, but not so much that it hurts. You should hold it in place for 2-3 minutes before releasing. During that time, you may feel changes in energy in or around the point. This is normal. Using either Bergamot or Lavender will help release any tension and help you relax. Dilute with a carrier oil such as olive oil or avocado oil before application. 10 drops per tablespoon. If using Blue Tansy, use less, 4 or 5 drops per tablespoon. For additional support in relieving anxiety, rub upwards to the hairline. The Du 24 point is located just inside the hairline straight above your nose. Gently rub in small circles in that location. For upper body pain or headaches apply lavender oil to the LI4 (Hegu) pressure point — the fleshy web connecting the thumb and forefinger, applying pressure to the top. (Please note, this pressure point is contraindicated for pregnancy.) In this case lavender can be applied neat (undiluted) as we are trying to work on an acute and immediate issue. I hope you get to try this at least once. Let me know how your experience goes. I’d love to hear about it.
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.
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“There are six myths about old age: 1) that it’s a disease, a disaster. 2) That we are mindless. 3) That we are sexless. 4) That we are useless. 5) That we are powerless. 6) That we are all alike.” Maggie Kuhn
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