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2024 CULINARY CAPER PROVIDING "MEALS ON WHEELS" FOR SENIORS
On Sunday, March 3, 2024 Meals on Wheels Montgomery AL Metro Area will hold the 30th Culinary Caper Celebration at the Alabama Activity Center in downtown Montgomery! This afternoon luncheon features a variety of dishes from area chefs. This event supports Meals on Wheels and the 431 seniors who receive a hot meal every weekday! Along with an extraordinary meal, participants are able to participate in an online auction, a fun wine pull, as well as enter the Caper raffle to win a $1,000 worth of gift cards from local area restaurants! Online Auction March 1-3, 2024 Featuring unique items, bid from the comfort of your home Web: https://www.biddingforgood.com/MACOA, Mobile: http://bforg.com/MACOA
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents February 2024
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Volume 14 Issue 7
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
Happy Valentine's Day
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
6 2024 CULINARY CAPER 12 Publisher's Letter 15 Jackson's "Get Heart Smart" 17 Mardi Gras Taking Over at Hilltop Public House 18 Jest a Moment: Celebrating Presidents’ (Pets) Day
page 32
21 Temple Beth Or’s Annual Jewish Food Festival
Features 32 Life Span vs Health Span
36 Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack, but I Learned I Have Asthma
38 Radical Downsizing
40 How (Not) to Manage Your Mother
44 Jeff Barganier: Guns Fudge and Coffee
Departments 46 This and That A variety of TIDBITS
page 46
58 Greg Budell THE TTTTTTTs
page 58
(The WTH decade of our lives)
22 Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 25 The Big Wine Bash 34 Alabama Veterans Service Office 42 Move In Ready -Susan O’Conner 43 AUM OLLI Begins the New Year!
page 11
46 A Black History Month Family Event 49 Cartoon Humor 50 BOOM! Covers 2023 page 40
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page 44
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52 BOOM! Cover Profile Jeff & Timi Mallinson 60 Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits -Susan Moore
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62 Easing Anxiety with Essential Oils by Tracy Bhalla 63 Word Search Contest
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 2024 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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Publisher’s Letter
Lead With Love Love is all around us. Sometimes, we just have to pause our lives to appreciate the value of experiencing love. My experience with love has been that when I allow myself to be vulnerable, open, and honest, love finds a way into my heart. I hope your experience with love this month and every month is memorable and worth the effort. Hopefully, you can be proactive and lead each day with love; the results will be obvious, inside, and out.
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
Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell
Jeff & Timi Mallinson Anne Elizabeth McGowin Susan Moore Susan O’Conner Edd and Cynthia Staton Elaine Soloway Nick Thomas Jacquelyn Tomlinson Ashley Milne-Tyte John F. Wasik
Cover Photography Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com
Advertising
Jim Watson, 334.324.3472
This month’s cover profile is Jeff and Timi Mallinson, a love story and an American success story all rolled into one. They met on a bus in Junior High School in Monroeville, Alabama. Timi told a friend she was going to marry Jeff, and sure enough, she did. They moved to Montgomery, the big city, in search of more opportunities for their new life. They found them. Jeff eventually connected with Dick McAdams and Don Davenport as part of their carpet store chain. Over time, Jeff became the owner of Georgia Floors Direct, the leading flooring company in the River Region. Timi works with Jeff in the store, managing many details involved with the operation. They are a success in many ways: hard work, dedication, faith-centered, and lots of love to go around. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know them as much as I have, and if you’re ever in need of new flooring, you couldn’t work with better folks. Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com
We have plenty more good reads to stimulate your thinking in some way. Our friend Greg Budell takes back to a decade I’d almost forgotten, probably because I wanted to shed myself of the polyester Leisure Suit! You may feel the same way after you read Greg’s take. Jeff Barganier has found a great place to do your Christmas shopping next year, they have a great selection of Guns Fudge and Coffee. As many of you know, the conversation about aging is now focused on your Life Span vs your Health Span, it matters when you’re seeking a quality of life. It’s worth a read to see where you stand. Another interesting feature this month is How (Not) to Manage Your Mother. You daughters know very well what we’re talking about, so this advice could go a long way to easing a few of those relational stress points.
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There’s plenty more to dip into this month, including a new Word Search worth $50 BOOM! Bucks if you can complete it and text me with your name for our monthly drawing. Congratulations to Lenore Vickrey for being our January Word Search Winner! A couple of other things to think about, such as The Big Wine Bash, the annual tasting put on by Ted, The Wine Guy & Company. This is the best opportunity to experience wine the way it’s meant to be. Your palette will thank you! Finally, I want to encourage all of you to support this year’s Culinary Caper, a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. What is more important than providing hundreds of meals for seniors in need, please help. Thanks for taking a few moments of your valuable time to read the February issue and maybe share it with friends and family; I appreciate each of you. Lead with Love! Age well, my friends. Jim
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Jewish Food Festival's Stuffed Cabbage Royalty
Karen & Bruce Lieberman
“Karen Lieberman, Temple Beth Or’s cabbage roll queen, assumed her duties about ten years ago. Her first task, along with her husband Bruce, was to adjust the recipe that they’d inherited. The first year, they made about 400 cabbage rolls. With the return of the Food Festival in 2023 after the Covid pandemic, that number increased to an all time high of over 1,200 cabbage rolls. The food festival favorite begins with boiling 4 cases of green cabbage and then separating and cleaning the leaves. 160 pounds of ground beef are then mixed with rice and seasonings and Karen’s dedicated group of rollers hand roll each cabbage roll before they’re baked in a sweet and sour tomato sauce.” Be sure and order yours today or visit the Jewish Food Festival, February 25th, 10-2 at Temple Beth Or, 2246 Narrow Lane Road. Also visit www.templebethor.net
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Mardi Gras Taking Over at Hilltop Public House Two Weeks of Festive Coffee, Cocktails and Ambiance
The spirit of Mardi Gras is taking over at Hilltop Public House! The twoweek celebration begins on Tuesday, January 30 and concludes with a huge Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, February 13. Guests can enjoy New Orleans inspired cocktails, jazz and blues music and, of course, decorations that will be sure to get the good times rolling. Hilltop Public House will be THE
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Mardi Gras spot for Mardi Gras enthusiasts, offering a unique and authentic experience that will rival the celebrations in the French Quarter. During the day, baristas will be making delicious Mardi Gras-inspired coffee drinks like the King Cake Latte and traditional chicory coffee. When the sun goes down, Hilltop will transform into a space that embodies the spirit
of the Big Easy. Expertly crafted cocktails like the Hurricane and the Vieux Carre will be on the menu and will be sure to get everyone in the Mardi Gras spirits. Funky Forte Food Truck will be open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and serving classic Creole and Cajun dishes. “We’re excited to bring the magic of Mardi Gras to Hilltop Public House and create a memorable experience for Montgomery,” said Andrew Szymanski, owner of Hilltop Public House. “We saw how much everyone enjoyed Miracle at Hilltop and we wanted to bring that feeling back to Montgomery for Mardi Gras.”
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Jest a Moment
By Nick Thomas
Celebrating Presidents’ (Pets) Day
Over the past 235 years, hundreds of animals have barked, purred, squawked, or growled their way through most of the 46 U.S. presidencies and, in some cases, were probably viewed with greater affection than their elected masters. So in observance of Presidents’ Day on February 19, let’s remember a few of those unelected White House residents.
House. But even with Millie as his speechwriter, Mr. Bush failed to convince the American public he deserved to be a two-termer. So Bill Clinton took over in 1992, with a chocolate Labrador retriever, Buddy, and Socks the cat. But of the three, it was the president who was a “very bad boy” in the Oval Office. Political opponents have been rubbing his nose in it ever since.
George W. Bush had several pets George Washington began including his energetic Scottish President Reagan and Lucky aboard the Marine One helicopter. the presidential pet parade terrier, Barney. Barack Obama in 1789 with many horses and a parrot, followed with a pure-bred Portuguese But in the modern era, dogs and cats have Polly. He also owned the first presidential water dog, Bo, later joined by Sunny, reigned in the White House. dogs with the names of two – Drunkard another dog of the same breed, although and Tipsy – suggesting that riding wasn't critics probably wanted to inspect their Franklin Roosevelt was devoted to the first president’s only pleasure. pedigrees. his Scottish terrier, Fala, while Lyndon Johnson was a beagle man with The vivacious wife of fourth president Pets played no role in the Trump White one, Yuki, singing (aka howling and James Madison quickly became the focus House – a missed opportunity for the accompanied by the president) to of Washington social events, often seen former president. He should have brought bemused White House guests. lavishly attired wearing her trademark a parrot back into the administration and feathered turban. But Dolley wasn’t the surely would have been delighted to line Richard Nixon’s famous political pooch only one flaunting her plumage during its birdcage with sheets of his ‘favorite’ was a cocker spaniel named Checkers who the Madison administration. She had to liberal newspaper. died before Nixon moved into the White compete with (another) Polly the parrot House, as did the president’s career after for her hubby’s attention. Dogs were again unleashed on the the Watergate scandal. Gerald Ford took White House lawns with the addition over, had several dogs, and loved golf. He Proving that early presidents lacked of Joe Biden’s two German Shepherds, would hit eagles and birdies, as well as imagination for naming feathered pets, Major and Champ, followed by a third, occasional human spectators who were Andrew Jackson’s parrot was called Commander. Alas, Champ died, and beaned by his errant strokes. Poll who, like its master, developed an biting issues with the others required earthy vocabulary. After Jackson died, reassignment to new homes. Ronald Reagan brought his big-screen it’s said Poll was placed in the room with movie charisma to the White House as Jackson’s body before interment, but the Today, Willow the gray tabby cat is the well as a couple of dogs including Rex, a bird let loose such obscenities it had to sole presidential pet at 1600 Pennsylvania King Charles spaniel, noted for tugging be removed. Whether that story is true or Avenue and no doubt hopes to retain that on his leash and occasionally dragging not, Andy would have loved it. residence come November. After all, no the president from questioning reporters. four-legged White House tenant wants to Undoubtedly a useful tactic to dodge Teddy Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge took be a one-termer pet. questions about the Iran-Contra scandal. First Family pet-keeping to extremes. George H.W. Bush’s spaniel, Millie, (with a Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Their menageries included badgers, little editorial assistance from Mrs. Bush) Montgomery in Alabama, and has written features, lizards, snakes, bears, and lions, as well as columns, and interviews for many newspapers and published a book about life in the White magazines. See www.getnickt.org. a hyena, zebra, bobcat, and pygmy hippo.
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Temple Beth Or’s 19th Annual Jewish Food Festival will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024
~We look forward to coming every year. I get excited when I see the signs around town announcing the date.~ ~Love, love, love the food. I wish they would hold it every month!~ Comments by past visitors to Temple Beth Or’s Jewish Food Festival The members of Temple Beth Or are ready to once again welcome our friends and neighbors to enjoy our Jewish Food Festival and Treasure Market from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, February 25th. Year after year, visitors enjoy delicious food, wonderful bakery items and great bargains in the Treasure Market. Choose from a variety of delicious food items available to eat in or take out. Some of our homemade, mouthwatering Jewish specialties include slow cooked, tender beef brisket, cabbage rolls (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat), noodle kugel (noodle and egg casserole made with sugar and raisins), fresh potato latkes, and Quajado (spinach, pasta, egg and cheese casserole). For lunch, choose from a hot plate consisting of beef brisket in savory pan juices, kugel, green beans and homemade Challah, or a veggie plate with Quajado, noodle kugel, a potato latke and Challah (traditional braided Jewish bread). Kids (or you) will love the kosher hotdogs with hearty mustard. In addition to the frozen quarts of homemade Matzah Ball soup we sell every year, this year we are offering Frozen-to-Go pans of kugel, Quajado, and cabbage rolls as well as frozen loaves of homemade Challah. Hungry yet? Don’t forget to visit our beautiful bakery for the many homemade pastries such as strudel, rugelach, mandel bread, curabies (traditional Sephardic sand tarts) and praline matzah. Take home several loaves The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
of our homemade Challah. This year we have several of options for Carnegie Deli Cheesecakes. The 4” cheesecake is perfect for two people or maybe as a hostess gift; the 6” cheesecake is large enough for a dinner party with friends and new this year, bags of chocolatecovered cheesecake bites – bet you can’t eat just one.
And don’t miss the Sanctuary tours and discussions led by Rabbi Looper. The 18 years of success of the Jewish Food Festival & Treasure Market is made possible by the hard work of our congregation members and the support of the greater Montgomery Community as well as the sponsorship provided by the Montgomery business community. We couldn’t do it without everyone!
Our Treasure Market is full of unique, pre-loved items ready for sale at bargain prices. Spend time browsing the book room, or enjoy the great deals on jewelry, silver, glassware, antiques, artwork, lamps, furniture, household and decorative items. We have children’s books and toys, lots of garden items, tools, cameras, linens and so much more. We will once again feature live, family musical entertainment by Dahlia Road.
For a menu or information, visit Temple Beth Or’s website at www.templebethor.net
What: Jewish Food Festival Where: Temple Beth Or 2246 Narrow Lane Road Montgomery, AL 36106 When: Sunday, February 25 10 am – 2 pm Additional info: www.templebethor.net Free Admission and Free Parking
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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
So warm, so hearty, so cozy! With tender shredded chicken breasts, mushrooms, wild rice, and feel good veggies.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 sweet onion, diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 ribs celery, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 6 cups chicken stock 1 cup wild rice blend, such as Lundberg 1 bay leaf Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions:
1-Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8-10 minutes. 2-Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute. 3-Stir in chicken, chicken stock, wild rice, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, about 35-45 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces, discarding bones and skin. 4-Stir in chicken and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste. 5-Serve immediately. Source: https://damndelicious.net/2024/01/19/chickenand-wild-rice-soup/
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Ted the Wine Guy & Company Presents
The Big Wine Bash Friday, February 23, 6-8 pm MACOA Archibald Center 115 E. Jefferson Street Downtown Montgomery We take the wine tasting downtown to the MACOA Archibald Center at 115 E Jefferson Street. From 6:00 to 8:00 pm we'll have between 100 and 120 wines open to taste from suppliers such as: Black Stallion_Alexander Valley Vineyards Hess_Jax_Vineyard 29 Spanish wine from importer Ole` J Vineyards_Mount Peak_Talbott_Orin Swift_Hedges Estate_Left Coast Cardwell Hill The list will only grow from there! Wines from the tasting will be offered for sale through the store at 15-20% off depending on purchase quantity. Tickets ($45+tax) are now on sale through the store. As usual, Jenny Weller catering will provide their superb small bites. Go ahead and make your plans to attend now! Ted the Wine Guy & Company 3062 Zelda Road, Montgomery phone: 334.395.9911. Business Hours Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat: 9 - 6 Wed: 9 to 5:30 Closed Sunday ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS
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AD Rick Dildine to Depart Alabama Shakes After 6 years of service, Rick Dildine will step down as Artistic Director of Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Dildine has accepted the Artistic Director position at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN. He will continue with Alabama Shakespeare Festival through June 30, 2024. Rick Dildine’s many achievements include directing the recent productions of A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cabaret. Dildine also expanded ASF’s educational partnership with Montgomery Public Schools, leading to productions of Four Little Girls and Ruby: The Ruby Bridges Story, as well as developing the Fall Festival of Shakespeare. ASF Board Chair Vanzetta McPhersonsays, “The ASF family, theater lovers, and the entire community have greatly benefitted from Rick's artistic expertise and his skillful management
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of ASF seasons and performances including during the pandemic. As a highly respected director and theater professional, Rick has attracted new and amazing actors, as well as other prominent directors, playwrights, and production experts, to ASF’s stages. We are also grateful for his always cheerful, sensitive management of ASF staff, a trait that has made him a genuine partner in ASF governance. For all these reasons, we will miss him, but we wish him every success in the future.”
Dildine says, “ASF gave me the opportunity to create some marvelous pieces of theatre, and I am incredibly grateful for my time in Alabama. The staff and Board of ASF are exceptional. Together we produced the largest season in ASF’s history, grew subscriptions, survived a global pandemic, launched the largest commissioning program in the southeast, and developed groundbreaking partnerships with the Montgomery Public Schools, Alabama State University, and the Equal Justice Initiative. My life is richer because of my time in Montgomery.”
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Blues in the Night
FEB 8–MAR 3, 2024 Octagon Stage Recommended Ages 12+ The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tony-nominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong. Glorious songs from Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox, and more tell of the pain and misery of life and love — and the dogged determination to get through it all — that is the essence of the blues.
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By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Life Span vs Health Span Life span is the quantity. Health span is the quality. Roger Daltrey wailed on The Who's first hit in 1965, "I hope I die before I get old." Fifty years later, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel wrote a controversial essay for The Atlantic titled "Why I Hope to Die at 75." No, he isn't tired of living. Rather, his article examines the futility of staying alive as long as possible while burdened with years of poor health.
increasing health challenges, health care systems and economies are strained by the greater resource demand.
Over the past century, our average life span, how long we are alive, has increased by 20 years. Average health span, however, has not had a proportional rise.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that is precisely the direction most U.S. adults aged 55 and over are headed. 78% of adults in that category have one or more chronic conditions. The number jumps to over 85% for those beyond age 65. These grim statistics are reflected in the average number of years Americans live (76.1) compared to the entire decade less they can expect to enjoy total health. Experts call this yawning gap the difference between life span and health span.
Life Span and Health Span How long do you want to live? According to an Edward Jones and Age Wave study, nearly 70% of Americans say the answer is 100 years as long as they still have their health and a sense of purpose. Life span, how long we are alive, has increased by 20 years over the past century due to advances in medicine,
sanitation and overall living conditions. These impressive gains, however, have not been accompanied by a proportional rise in health span. Dr. Xiaojing Yang, an expert on biological age quantification techniques at Mydnage, describes health span as "the portion of a person's life spent in good health, without significant diseases or disabilities that impair their quality of life. The focus is on adding life to years, not just years to life." Maximizing health span means maintaining one's physical and mental health, preserving cognitive function and minimizing the impact of age-related diseases. Why Maximizing Health Span Is Important Beyond the importance of extending the quality of life for individuals, the societal and economic implications of health span are substantial. As people age and face
Not to mention the drain on one's retirement savings. The average American household has managed to save $87,000. Meanwhile, experts estimate that a couple may need $445,000 to cover yearly medical expenses and long-term care.
By increasing health span, we can potentially delay or reduce the burden of chronic diseases, enhance productivity and financial stability in older populations, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals and communities. How We Can Increase Our Health Span We are born with a unique genetic code, but scientists are learning that our DNA is not necessarily our destiny. While our genes doubtlessly influence our dispositions and tendencies, the growing field of epigenetics focuses on "how behavior and environment can affect the way genes work," says Becca Roses of MindBodyGenes. It is exciting to know, says Roses, that "unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and can be influenced by factors like diet, exercise, stress and sleep quality."
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Dr. Scott Katzman, orthopedic surgeon at N.J. Spine and Orthopedic, agrees. "Increasing your health span mainly comes down to increasing your quality of life through lifestyle choices," he says. "While certain diseases and most accidents can't be avoided, you can improve your chances of vital participation in your own life." What exactly are those choices? Ways to be proactive about one's health include avoiding obesity, avoiding tobacco use and having regular medical checkups. "One clear path is examining populations like the Blue Zones," says James Dixon, certified personal trainer at Fitness Brain in the U.K., "where large percentages of people live to be over 100 yet remain very active." Here are critical common denominators from Blue Zone populations around the world: • Diet is mainly plant-based. Daily consumption of legumes. Small portions of meat are served 4-5 times per month. • Eating until 80% full • Alcohol is avoided or consumed in
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moderation (usually red wine) • Active lifestyle with vigorous movement through walking, work and daily chores • Minimize stress through prayer/ meditation, naps and regular interaction • Extended family structure and supportive social networks • Strong sense of purpose and faith in a higher source Bridging the Gap No one wants to live to 100 wracked with constant pain, disease, mobility issues and loneliness. Beyond improving lifestyle choices, many experts agree that a shift in medical care is essential to bridge the gap between life span and health span. "Medical care isn't presently designed for the long-term conditions that emerge once we leave the prime health span," says Tiryaki. Roses agrees, advocating "a shift in health care from a diseaseoriented approach to one that emphasizes prevention and wellness." Researchers and start-ups devote enormous time and money to answering
this call. New drugs like Ozempic are helping combat obesity. Urolithin A, a postbiotic produced in our gut microbiome, is promising to help kill off damaged cells that accumulate during aging. A new drug is about to be approved by the FDA to increase the longevity of dogs! Life span is the quantity. Health span is the quality. A cooperative effort between individuals and health care providers, with both parties pulling their share of the load, will ultimately yield the optimal result — years filled with abundant health, purpose and energy. Edd and Cynthia Staton write about retirement, expat living and health and wellness. They are authors of three best-selling books and creators of Retirement Reimagined!, an online program to help people considering the retirement option of moving abroad. Visit them at www.eddandcynthia.com. Source www.nextavenue.org
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Alabama Veterans Service Office
If you have a trusted advisor at a Veterans Service Office and are confident no other benefits are available, you are in good shape! However, if you would like free assistance from someone who also served in the military and who will not take any portion of the earnings to which you may be entitled, call your State Veterans Service Office (VSO) with the Alabama Department of Veteran’s Affairs (ADVA). There is more than one way to get assistance with veteran benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). Military personnel, veterans, and their families are served by accredited and certified veterans who work daily for the rights of other veterans. Everyone has a preference as to the best way to receive help, but this article is to educate you on the VSO. This is a free option for and by military personnel whose only job is to assist veterans with their benefits.
in obtaining documentation and filing service-connected disability claims with the USDVA. They can also assist veterans in obtaining benefits related to vocational rehabilitation, USDVA home loans, educational benefits, employment opportunities, insurance, burial benefits, and nonservice-connected pension benefits. You can find contact information for your local VSO at va.alabama.gov. The VSO assistance is part of your veteran benefits.
The ADVA implements the USDVA benefits program and oversees the five State Veterans Homes in Alabama and the State Veterans Cemetery located in Spanish Fort. The ADVA mission is “to promote awareness, assist eligible veterans, their families, and survivors to receive from the U.S. and State Governments any and all benefits to which they may be entitled under existing or future laws to be enacted.” The ADVA has a budget of over $190 million and access to coordinate state benefits and services for approximately 400,000 Alabama veterans and their families. The programs are implemented through the services of about 1,200 state and contract employees in 70 facilities throughout Alabama. The ADVA has VSOs located in 61 counties throughout the state of Alabama. Although the VSO is not in every county, there is an office available to you that will cover your county. Each VSO is staffed with service officers trained to interview and advise veterans and their eligible dependents of all rights and benefits legally offered by federal, state, or county in filing serviceconnected disability claims with the USDVA. Service officers assist veterans
Claims for VA benefits may be submitted without a VSO. Remember that State VSOs never charge a fee for their assistance, nor do they garnish your benefit. When searching for veteran claims assistance online, be aware that government-funded VSOs will have a .gov web address, be accredited and you can always confirm who they are. Any organization that is .org, .com, or other than .gov is not an Alabamaaccredited VSO. While other organizations and entities may do an excellent job for you, their service is not free and may lead to unnecessary complications and delays.
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Certain service-related documents will be needed to support a VA disability claim and access benefits regardless of how or who you file your claim. The DD 214 is always needed and considered the first step. Additionally, military service treatment records and any medical records related to your illness or injury will be required. Your VSO, attorney, or claims agent can help identify and gather the required documents for your claim. Keep in mind that no two claims are alike; what is required of you may be different than your neighbor.
The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. Our core values focus our minds on our mission of caring and thereby guide our actions toward service to others,” va.gov/icare 1/22/2024. Laws and benefits change, military veterans may have post-service benefits and some for their families that are new. An example of a new benefit pertains to the National Guard, who may be buried at the State Veterans Cemetery. Visit your VSO for an update or www.va.alabama.gov for a download of the 2024 Alabama Laws Affecting Veterans Booklet. Autauga County Veterans Service Office Prattville, Service Officer: Jenny Reed 218 North Court Street Prattville, AL 36067 Phone: (334) 358-6746 Elmore County Veterans Service Office Wetumpka, Service Officer: Edward Wilson Elmore County Courthouse, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Phone: (334) 567-1156 ext 5016 Lee County Veterans Service Office Opelika, Service Officer: Sean Gather 205 South 10th Street Opelika, AL 36801 Phone: (334) 737-3626
Montgomery/Bullock/Lowndes County Veterans Service Office Montgomery, Service Officer: Darryl Calloway Montgomery Co. Courthouse, Annex II, 125 Washington Ave, Second Floor, Room 220, Montgomery, AL 36102 Phone: (334) 832-1392 Senior Law Solutions, LLC offers a variety of opportunities to assist individuals and their families with aspects of Elder Law Care, Estate Planning, and Life Care Planning with individualized plans. If you have questions or want to learn more visit www.seniorls.com or call 334.758.9400 Alabama State Bar Requires the Following: “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.” Responsible Attorney: Anne Elizabeth McGowin.
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Vote Jacquelyn Tomlinson
Proudly running to serve the citizens of Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore Counties as Circuit Court Judge, Place 4. Jacquelyn earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and pursued her law degree at Jones School of Law. Since gaining admission to the bar in 2009, she has immersed herself in the fields of domestic relations, family law, and juvenile cases, demonstrating unwavering commitment to those in need as a dedicated guardian ad litem.
two children, Steven and Lola, actively participates in the Holy Spirit Parish in Montgomery. Jacquelyn's approach to the bench is characterized by thoughtfulness, fairness, and respect. Despite her identity as a conservative Christian, she emphasizes the impartial As an esteemed application Jacquelyn with husband Jared, son, Steven and daughter Lola member of the of the law, Alabama State Bar and a registered prioritizing servant leadership in her role mediator for Domestic Relations and as a Circuit Judge to diligently serve the Civil cases, Jacquelyn has undergone citizens of Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore extensive training in mediating cases Counties. involving domestic violence. While serving as a partner in Delk & Tomlinson, Vote Jacquelyn Tomlinson in the she practices law across the state of Republican Primary on March 5th! Alabama, with a primary focus on the 19th Circuit and Montgomery. Her impactful contributions have been recognized through appointments as a board member of both the Alabama State Bar family law section and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the River Region. Jacquelyn has also lent her support to various organizations, including the Inns of Court, the Junior League of Montgomery, Rotary International, and the ARC of Alabama. Married to her husband Jared for seven years, Jacquelyn, a proud resident of the Emerald Mountain Community in Wetumpka, is dedicated to her family's well-being. The couple, along with their
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
"I am running for Circuit Judge because of my profound passion for the law and a deep love for our Circuit. With over 14 years of experience as a family law attorney and Guardian ad Litem, I've seen the need for compassion and fairness in our Circuit, first hand. My focused background uniquely qualifies me for this role. With the support of friends, family, colleagues, and the people of the 19th Circuit. I aim to bring my experience and commitment to justice to the bench, ensuring every individual receives fair treatment and understanding." Jacquelyn Tomlinson I HOPE TO EARN YOUR SUPPORT WHEN YOU VOTE TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH
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February 2024
BOOM! 35
By Elaine Soloway
Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack, but I Learned I Have Asthma At age 85, after experiencing shortness of breath, I was surprised by an asthma diagnosis
infections. But I think you may have asthma." Asthma! How could I get this disease? Isn't it a kid's illness? My grandson had it as a youngster. I remember him using an inhaler.
At first, I blamed Doris. My four-year-old shelter dog walks so fast on the way to the dog park, I thought my striving to keep up triggered my labored breathing.
A quick search online confirmed that the prevalence of asthma is higher in children (9.4%) than in adults (7.7%) and it is the most common chronic illness in childhood.
There were other culprits. Recently, when I was walking "Scientific descriptions aside, for now, my inhaler is a genie in a bottle. Exhale, open and inhale home with friends deeply. Hold for 10 counts, Blow out slowly. Wishes granted!" | Credit: Getty from a neighborhood I was mystified. For my restaurant, I tried to advanced age of 85, I place to survive. With her stethoscope, chat and match their pace. But I huffed have been in good health. I followed the she listened to my heart and my lungs. and puffed. My pals are decades younger guidelines. Along with walking my dog She used an oximeter to check my than I am was my prognosis. four times a day, I regularly swim and oxygen. All of these, plus blood pressure, do strength training. I eat leafy green were in the normal range. I was relieved, But then, like an amateur pole vaulter vegetables with two of my three prudent but not convinced. easing past the bar but landing shakily meals. Portions are proportionate to my on the ground, I leapt to my certainty of 4'9" frame. "Let's get a chest x-ray," she said. a pending heart attack. Perhaps she observed the expression on I feel cheated, as if I had been chatting my face that hadn't yet changed from "I want a stress test," I typed from my online with a potential swain only to find fear to relief. computer to my physician's portal. My out he was a 12-year-old trickster. fingers were unsteady, mimicking the I took the elevator two floors down to speed of my heartbeats. Adult-Onset Asthma the imaging lab, with my symptoms Once home, I searched for symptoms of as accompaniment. I was not walking "I'm having trouble catching my breath adult-onset asthma, which is the tag for fast, but I was hyperventilating. I was when I walk my dog," I wrote. Then, to anyone over the age of 20. frightened. Lung cancer. I have lung increase the dire needed to help me slip cancer, I diagnosed. through her crowded calendar, I added: Wheezing! So that's what that whistling "Both of my parents died young of heart sound is when I get out of bed in the I returned to the doctor's office with disease. My dad at 47 and mom at 67." morning. I remember hearing it at other prayers accompanying my panting. times in my life, like when I've walked "Clear," she said after reviewing the Time for an Exam uphill. Have I had the disease for years, screens. "No change since your last x-ray It worked. "But before we schedule a but it's just now intensified? in 2019." stress test," she wrote back, "come in for an exam." And as for triggers, I had at least two and I was a death row inmate who had just possibly four: indoor smoke, pet dander, learned of the governor's reprieve. I felt safe in her office. If a heart attack swimming in an indoor pool and relatives "Let's get a blood test," she said. "That did plan an invasion, I was in a perfect with the disease. will eliminate pneumonia or other
36 BOOM!
February 2024
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
I was a fan of incense. For about a month, I had been lighting a stick at nap and bedtimes. Ventilation was urged on the packages, but I had closed the window and bedroom door to assure quiet. And as for the second clue, I sleep with a dog. For the third, I checked with my health club, and they demurred, "Our pools (by an automated system that is checked multiple times each day) are kept within the Illinois State Bather Code limits – traditionally around 3 parts per million." Genetics can also be a cause. But neither of my parents had the illness. A Trending Condition I quickly trashed remaining packets of incense. I upped my vacuuming of my apartment's hardwood and carpeted floors. And for now, I'm limiting my time in the indoor pool. So instead of a heart attack, all my hazardous roads led to asthma.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Over two million persons with asthma are aged 65 years and older, with this number expected to rise to more than five million by 2030." I am trending. A message from my doctor revealed a blameless blood test. Nothing was afoot. A prescription for an inhaler was already in the hands of my CVS pharmacist. Medicare covers the use of inhaled steroids prescribed by a doctor. Now twice a day, I use an inhaler. As I write this, I've only taken 33 of its 60 doses. I can already feel the difference. Three of our walks to the dog park are easier. The fourth continues to prompt heavier breathing. The unit fits in the palm of my hand, and by following step-by-step instructions complete with illustrations, I get a whiff of its magical powder, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The first is a steroid that reduces swelling in the airways. The second is a long-acting betaagonist. Together they work to relax and
open air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Scientific descriptions aside, for now, my inhaler is a genie in a bottle. Exhale, open and inhale deeply. Hold for 10 counts, Blow out slowly. Wishes granted! Triggers addressed. But I'm keeping an appointment for a stress test. The dog stays on the bed. Elaine Soloway is a PR consultant, writing coach and tech tutor, and the author of Bad Grandma and Other Chapters in a Life Lived Out Loud and Green Nails and Other Acts of Rebellion: Life After Loss. The Emmy Award-winning television series 'Transparent' was created by Elaine Soloway's child Joey and inspired by their family. Follow Elaine on Facebook, Twitter @elainesoloway and Instagram. Source www.nextavenue.org
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February 2024
BOOM! 37
By John F. Wasik
Radical Downsizing Getting rid of stuff for peace of mind and living a tinier life
Denise Shirey is pleased with the fact that next year she will be 65 and will easily be able to live only on her Social Security benefit. She also has no plans to leave her job and enjoys working remotely from her small home office.
more affordable retirements, for younger generations that won't have to inherit or store massive piles of stuff and for the environment. The reason Denise is sanguine Tiny home living is about something most people can't one of the biggest do in major metropolitan areas — beneficiaries of death live almost solely on Social Security cleaning. Smaller retirement benefits — is that she's domiciles mean less radically downsized and lives in a storage space, fewer home with under 400 square feet in pieces of furniture interior living space. and fewer reasons Denise Shirey moved from an expansive horse ranch to this 400-square-foot home so to own things you she could live well on only her Social Security benefits. | Credit: Felix Caron It's not that she's lived in an ultradon't need. It also compressed home most of her life. translates into dramatically lower bills. moving to a new home include living She used to live on an 11-acre horse independently and the cost and ease of farm with multiple dwellings. When Shirey pays only $600 a year in realmaintaining the home," according to a she decided to downsize, she found estate tax for the small-home zoned 2021 AARP survey. homes for all but two of her horses, then property her house occupies. She has donated most of her belongings. her own well (with a hand pump in case Inadequate retirement savings may also the power goes out) and septic tank. trigger radical downsizing: Some 55% of After months of research, Shirey Her electric bill is about $65 a month. those surveyed by Bankrate said they are designed her "tiny" north-central Florida She is still deaccessioning possessions "behind when it comes to retirement." home with ample screened porches. while working at home with full Internet The bottom line for most retirees and She moved what remained of her stuff access. pre-retirees is the cost of living in a larger into her home in 2013. "A death purge home. Nearly 70% of those surveyed by of (most) personal stuff is essential," While downsizing has a variety of homes.com said their "primary reason Shirey says. "I got rid of nearly all of my meanings, radical downsizing involves for downsizing was to save money." Note furniture except for two recliners and donating, selling or dumping most of that a higher percentage of Millennials a love seat. I didn't regret any decision your possessions. It's much more than and Generation Xers said that reducing (to downsize) and I'm still getting rid of cleaning out your attic or basement, their living expenses motivated them to clothing." though. Done properly, it can enable you consider downsizing. to move to a space that's less than half Smaller House, Lower Costs the square footage of your current home. For most Americans, though, unloading For millions of retirees, downsizing That translates into a "tiny" or mobile most of their possessions is a lot to straddles the challenging area between home, condo or "accessory dwelling unit" unpack (quite literally) on an emotional desire and necessity. Singles or couples that could be sited behind an existing level. After all, we live in a consumermay not need a 2,000-square-foot-plus house, perhaps one owned by children oriented society that stresses more stuff home. A pressing need to reduce living or grandchildren (if local zoning codes for more people 24/7. expenses may also be a deciding factor. permit these structures). A smaller living space typically means Less Room = Less Stuff lower tax and smaller bills for utilities and Ryan Mitchell of Charlotte, North Yet with more people considering and maintenance. Carolina, radically downsized so that he doing "death cleaning" — dostadning in could live in a 250-square-foot home. To Swedish — radical downsizing to smaller "The most common motivators for get there, he had to donate "80% of my living space makes eminent sense for
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February 2024
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clothes and furniture" so that he could lower his living expenses and "spend more time with family and traveling." Drastic downsizing "forces your hand to make decisions," Mitchell says. "You have to be realistic since there's only so much you can fit in a tiny home. You have to be thoughtful. You can't keep large furniture pieces like Grandma's armoire." Tiny Homes, Big Impact A significant bonus in downsizing comes if your tiny house generates a much smaller ecological footprint. Smaller homes consume less energy for heating and cooling, therefore emitting less climate-changing carbon dioxide. Most are heated and cooled by "mini-split" heat pumps, which consume much less electricity than conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Reducing your living space generally has an upside for the planet.
stranded on an island, what would you need to survive — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually? For me, I have long maintained a "desert island bookshelf" of classics that I return to and consider essential lifetime reading. The authors range from Homer to Barbara Kingsolver.
relocation, downsizing still makes sense. It compels you to be more introspective on what you need and want to reduce your material and ecological footprint. It won't be a seamless process, Mitchell adds, although it will propel you to consider "what you really need and how you want to live."
Even if you decide not to dramatically reduce your living space through
John F. Wasik is a regular Next Avenue contributor, author of 19 books and writer of the Substack newsletter “Refinement.” Source: www.nextavenue.org
"In 1973 the average newly constructed U.S. home measured 1,660 square feet," observes Maria Saxton, who is researching environmental planning for her PhD at Virigina Tech. "By 2017 that average had increased to 2,631 square feet — a 63% increase. This growth has harmed the environment in many ways, including loss of green space, increased air pollution and energy consumption, and ecosystem fragmentation, which can reduce biodiversity." Still, relieving yourself of many, if not most, of your belongings can have a heavy emotional impact. You may have to part with countless curios that trigger memories. You don't have to do it all at once, however. Shirey said her downsizing happened over a period of time. "You need time to mourn" the loss of your possessions, she notes. What Do You Really Need? Of course, a natural barrier thought comes into most Americans' minds at this point. "Yes, all this sounds like a great idea, but how would I get rid of all my stuff?" This is a difficult exercise for many, so it's helpful to engage in the "desert island" thought experiment. If you were Robinson Crusoe and
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
February 2024
BOOM! 39
By Ashley Milne-Tyte
How (Not) to Manage
From now on, we're trying, really trying, to keep our mouths shut — and imagine how we'll feel in 25 years if someone tries to fix us
Your Mother
It was around the fourth time I brought up the topic of church that my mother finally said something. I've often encouraged her to do more: walk a bit more, eat more fresh foods and call old friends more often.
Andrew says after his mom retired, her world shrank. Many of her friends were older than she was and either moved away or died. He and his girlfriend used to see her often, but as the years passed, his mom showed a declining interest in meeting up.
"She'd make excuses not to come over, and there was less and less interaction Ashley and her mother, July 2023. | Credit: Courtesy of Ashley Milne-Tyte between the two of The church she attended when we were us," he says. "So I started pushing stuff, I watched "The Blue Zones" on Netflix kids was just around the block. I checked and being like, 'Hey, let's get together,' or recently. The documentary series, with out their website and was impressed. 'Why don't you want to come over?'" its message of attaining a happier, Churches offered community! What healthier life - maybe even living to wasn't to like? I mentioned it once, to "I hammered this for a while and was 100 — through good food, strong which she replied, "It's not a bad idea … worried about her being depressed. I just relationships, and exercise galvanized me I'll think about it." felt like she could be happier, better, if even further. she did things differently," he said. I raised it again about a week later in a But is this idea that our parents could be Admittedly, my mom's chances of phone call. Had she thought about it? 'better' really about them or us? dancing at sunset with extended family, Not yet. By the fourth time I brought it as depicted on the show, are slim since a) up, she said, "How about I let you know Adult Children Project Their Fears she doesn't live on a Greek island but in if I go? How's that? You can't ask me Regina Koepp is a clinical psychologist London and b) she has a small family, all about it every week." and founder of the Center for Mental uptight Anglo-Saxons not known for our Health and Aging. Koepp says middlespontaneity. Chastened, I began to ponder my aged children's suggestions are pushiness. My mother has been a widow sometimes a projection of our concerns, A Shrinking World for more than a decade. She's 83. She and one in particular: "The adult child's Still, surely more community was lives 3,000 miles away in the U.K. I'm own fear of infirmity in the aging parent, achievable? That's when the church on the East Coast. I worry about her, and the eventual decline and loss of that idea struck. I'm not the only adult child even though my brother and his family parent, which is incredibly painful." hassling an aging parent. Andrew (not live across town. She's an introvert and Not to mention the fear of what a his real name) lives in Sarasota, Florida, not inclined to get in touch with others parent's decline may mean for our own as does his mother. He's in his early 50s. unless they contact her first. lives. Will we be plunged into caregiving? She's 77.
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February 2024
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Koepp says what the adult child presents as "I just want the best for you" may be self-serving, which is an uncomfortable thing to ponder. Meanwhile, parents in their 70s and 80s resist all this nagging for plenty of reasons. "At any age, no one enjoys being told what they should do," Koepp says. Also, she adds, "When we go in with, 'Why don't you walk more? Why don't you try these other things?' it's going in with the expectation that the older person's not doing enough or aging well enough."
him, "Don't try to fix me!" His mom later apologized for her reaction. Andrew did some thinking, too, reflecting on the irony that being told what to do "was exactly how I didn't want to be treated when I was being parented." When I asked my mother, Linda, how it felt to field a stream of suggestions from me, she caught me unawares. "You giving me advice reminds me of my mother," she said. "And then I have to remind
The Tyranny of Aging Well Ah, aging well. You read about it everywhere. But Koepp says within that idea lies some ageism and ableism. Not everyone can optimize for their 'best life' or wants to. She points out that plenty of older adults are not physically or economically able to 'age well,' whether in terms of their ability to exercise or eat fresh foods. For others, the implication that they should change their behavior "rubs them the wrong way, even if they know it's the best thing for them," she says. Andrew can attest to this. Last year, his mother spent two weeks living with him after a hurricane cut power to her home. They got along famously, talking and laughing more than in years. But he noticed that her physical condition had gone downhill. It was tough for her to move around. Andrew is a personal trainer, so it pained him to, as he puts it, "see her shuffling around my house." He gently suggested things his mom might do to help her mobility. She appeared open to working with him on it. But after she moved back home, he called her to suggest they try some easy workouts. "She ripped my head off," he says, telling The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
mom has neuropathy from a past stroke, a knee issue, and increasing arthritis in her hands. "I'm tired," she says. "Things hurt, and I'm not as active as I would have been 30 years ago." As for spending more time chatting with friends, Blue Zones style? The ghost of my grandmother rises again. "My parents raised me not to be a bother to anyone," my mother says. "And the result is I find it very difficult to pick up the phone and call somebody." I'm lucky that she didn't raise me that way. From my confident perch, it's been hard to see this from her perspective. After all, her reticence isn't that bad. She has a small circle of friends she sees each week, her bridge games, an art class, the occasional trip to the theater and even a weekly Pilates class. It ain't nothing. I need to lay off, just like my grandmother. Andrew has come to the same conclusion. He now meets his mom where she is, repairing things at her house when needed, seeing her on holidays and mostly communicating the way she prefers – by messaging app. "We worry, we're their children, we love them," he says. "From a guy's perspective, we're always trying to friggin' fix things, whether we're asked or not."
myself that you're not her. But it still gives me a sharp prod that I don't like." Ouch. My grandmother was a highly critical parent to her only child. My mom was 36 when she finally snapped and told her mother to back off. My mom told me she believes I mean well. "But sometimes I just don't feel like doing whatever it is. Then I feel I'm letting you down if I don't do it." Sometimes, she doesn't do it because of physical limitations - things that can be hard for a younger person who hasn't been through them to understand. My
But from now on, we're trying, really trying, to keep our mouths shut – and imagine how we'll feel in 25 years if someone tries to fix us. Ashley Milne-Tyte is a freelance journalist based on Long Island. She has a background in radio and reported her first pieces on older adults while working for Marketplace, the public radio business show. She is also the creator and host of The Broad Experience, a podcast on women and the workplace. Source www.nextavenue.org
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February 2024
BOOM! 41
Master Gardener's Perspective
by Susan O’Conner
Move In Ready
She stooped down and looked inside the broken flowerpot covered in sticks and bark. “But where are the fairies?” she asked in a slightly upset but definitely disgusted voice. The expression on her face matched the tone of her voice. We had spent the morning collecting bark, rocks, pinecones, sticks, and moss from the yard for our fairy house. She patiently, in a very four- year-old way, let me apply the hot glue while she held the bark and sticks as they cooled. A pinecone was a nice finishing touch for the roof where it came to a point. I found a large saucer that once held a flower pot, long ago broken. Filling it with dirt was messy fun. She gently placed the just completed house in the soil. The jagged hole in the flowerpot was the doorway for the fairies to use. We hot glued small pebbles around the sharp edge so the fairies wouldn’t hurt themselves on it. Two tiny pinecones were
placed on either side of the doorway to be pretend lights. Fairies are afraid of the dark. Moss dug from the cracks in the driveway made the lawn. She decided fairies liked flowers and wanted some for the project. I remembered I had planted a St. Patrick’s Day shamrock under some boxwoods last April. The shamrock’s leaves showed signs
of spider mites, but it was covered in delicate, white, trumpetshaped flowers. She was delighted, spider mites and all. Now it was time to put the completed project in an interior corner of a back patio bed filled with boxwood. Naptime, then milk, vanilla wafers, and apple slices. Time to jump up, go outside and check for fairies.
Oh my, no fairy sightings and one very disappointed little blue eyed babe. Ok, maybe fairies are afraid of people, just like the birds, butterflies, and squirrels we’ve spent so many hours trying to catch. That idea seemed to make sense to that young brain. The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating the patio with sidewalk chalk interspersed with moments of dancing, spinning, swinging and singing. We are sure the fairies will think all of this is just too beautiful. Surely some small spite will find our garden fairy home to be practically perfect in every way. To make a fairy garden you will need a broken flower pot of any size with a larger saucer, and a hot glue gun. Collect sticks, bark and other interesting yard trash. A small child adds a magical perspective.
Susan O’Conner Master Gardener Class, 2016 lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com
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AUM OLLI Begins the New Year! Despite rain, wind, and cold, AUM began the 2024 Winter Term in late January. Even with the severe weather and flu season, courses started with enthusiastic instructors and participants. Even though the term began on January 22, 2024, it is still possible to get involved in AUM OLLI. There are still vacancies in some classes, lunch presentations, and field trips. Because we are experimenting with oneday workshops this term, there are two courses for which you can register, and you will not have missed a single session: • Introduction to Dot Painting – Tuesday, February 01, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • The Art of Seeing with Your Camera – Thursday, February 08, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Full descriptions for both workshops are available in the AUM catalog and online (www.aum.edu/olli).
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The lunch presentations, free with AUM OLLI membership, cover a variety of interesting subjects and take place from 11:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. in the Center for Lifelong Learning. These presentations begin in late January: • January 29 – The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, by Layne Holley • February 05 – The Art and Science of Photography, by Warren Simons • USGS and Your Community, by Scott Wallace and Katharine Stoddard • The Triumph of Science Fiction, by Darren Harris Fain • World War II Posters, by Ann Linder • Montgomery Whitewater, by Brian Slaughter • Travel Safety and Planning Your Vacation, by Carol Bridgers There are also some bonus opportunities and field trips still available this term. Even if a course or another opportunity
is FULL, there are benefits to registering: registration available if someone drops out or priority registration the next time it appears on the schedule. AUM OLLI also has a valuable intangible benefit: the formation of a community. Friendships develop, members go out to lunch together, and gatherings are planned for outside of the classes and other opportunities. Become an AUM OLLI member and try something new in 2024! AUM OLLI www.aum.edu/olli 334-244-3804
JOIN TODAY! Tell your friends! www.aum.edu/OLLI
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February 2024
BOOM! 43
Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Photography by Jeff Barganier
Guns Fudge and Coffee
Coffee
Guns Fudge and Coffee
Driving down US 278 through Piedmont, Alabama two weeks before Christmas, I felt compelled to stop at Dugger Mountain Fudge and Coffee. Their sign reads: GUNS FUDGE and COFFEE. I entered through the fudge shop door. The aroma of rich coffee mixed in the air with gentle folk music. Cute kitchen ladies resembled busy elves as they dashed about their work. I ordered coffee, an egg/cheese croissant from the board menu; and claimed a seat at a table close to the garage-style door of the not-yet-open GUNS side of the business. (It’s all in one building.) Later, while sampling the wide selection of fudge—Raspberry is my favorite—the gun store man raised his door. I strolled in and talked with co-owner Greg South about how Guns Fudge and Coffee got started.
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February 2024
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“Well,” he replied, “it’s kind of a long story. “I’m from Georgia just outside of Carrolton. I drove a truck for sixteen years. I was driving a truck in 2014. My blood pressure was high. So, I bought a Trek bicycle in July of 2014 and started riding it on the Silver Comet [Bike Trail]. And then August 4th I took a week off to get out of the truck. I’d never done this end of the trail, the Chief Ladiga Trail. I’ve probably got about two thousand miles
Gun Case
on it [today]. So, I parked at Weaver, Alabama and rode through Piedmont for the very first time. Along the trail at Piedmont, I saw a sign that said Solid Rock Café-One Block. I thought: I’m gonna have to eat. But I continued on. Rode to Cedar Town. Rode the full sixty-something miles. When I got back to Piedmont, I rode up in front of Solid Rock. And it said Closed on Monday. Uh, I guess I looked kind of wounded out there. Anyway, a lady opened the door and said, ‘You look like you need something to eat.’ I said, ‘Yeah…’ At first, I thought: You don’t have to open up just for me. Then she offered again. She made me a chicken salad croissant with chips and a pickle. “I get back on the trail and I’m just praising the Lord, praising Him for the strength and the energy to finish the last nineteen miles. And, uh, I prayed, “Lord, please bless the lady at the café who fed me.
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Well, it wasn’t too long after that I married her. I married Jennifer.
we appreciate your business, too,” he added.
I bought $45 worth “So, we had the Solid of the best fudge I’ve Rock Café for a while. ever put in my mouth, And there was an and got a deal on a empty building across gun I’d been looking the street. Used to for, plus ammo; be a jewelry store and crossed some on Center Avenue Christmas gifts off my right next to the gazebo. Looking at that building right across from Solid Jeff and Greg Rock, well, I bought it. Put a gun store in it. Wasn’t doing too well while we were list. Shopping there. Opened up there in 2016. Shortly Guns Fudge after that, because of everything that and Coffee was going on—the café, we had turned may become it into a full-blown restaurant. We served a Christmas the first beer in a restaurant in Piedmont tradition for in a Christian café. It’s all about taste me … if the Gun Shop not about drunkenness. But, anyway, Good Lord we shut it down and sold it. Then this allows our country to survive another property came available. We wanted to year. do something, but not at the high level IN SERIOUS RETROSPECT: we were at with the café over there. So, In my May 2021 BOOM! feature on anyway, Jennifer started making fudge Goose Pond Colony at Lake Guntersville and coffee. I’ll say this: She turned me titled “Fishing for a Story” I wrote: A onto coffee and made me love coffee. mysterious gentleman sat at the table It’s great. So, we bought this. I moved next to mine [at The Docks restaurant]. the gun store over here. And here we He was lean, wore dark glasses and are selling guns, fudge and coffee.” Greg looked like a retired Navy SEAL. Turns grinned. out, he was a defense contractor working “It’s not easy in a small town. I’ll be on secretive US Government projects, honest with you. But I’m blessed to be making him an interesting person to talk here in Piedmont. And with. I can’t reveal what I learned … I’d
have to kill you. I’ll disclose this much: He thinks Russia and the Communist Chinese are numerically overwhelming Western forces with new weapon systems; the Wuhan virus and US border crisis are opening salvos of a new Cold War; and America’s days may be numbered. FAST FORWARD: Russia is reportedly using hypersonic missiles to destroy billion-dollar US Patriot Missile defense systems deployed in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated on a Heritage Foundation conference call January 8 that 60-70% of illegal US border crossers are military-age males, some in full camo and some heavily armed. Johnson believes the number of “gotaways” may number 2 million. Gotaways refer to border crossers of whom we have zero knowledge, likely coming here for nefarious purposes. Speaker Johnson went on to say Mexican Cartels are making $1.6 billion annually sextrafficking girls into the country. And our open border is a freeway for Chinese fentanyl that kills 100,000 Americans per year. In other words, the New Cold War is raging. And it feels like America is losing. We may need more than guns, fudge and coffee this time around. Let’s pray for His hand on our land in 2024.
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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A Black History Month Family Event Ho Ho Ho, Cotton State Santas Saturday, February 10 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm The Farmer's Market Cafe was site of a jolly Join us at the Archives for a celebration of Black gathering as over 70 Santas and Mrs. Clauses visited history and culture. This family-friendly event will Montgomery for the bi-monthly meeting of "Cotton feature a museum scavenger hunt, crafts, book States Santas", an Alabama chapter of IBRBS - The readings, and special presentations. A small exhibit International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. will feature items from the Archives’ collections Montgomery's River Region Santa along with a team highlighting African American art and artists. Recently of local Santa digitized historical news footage from our WSFA-TV performers welcomed the guests with an excellent meal and program featuring "Santa Slate", collection that captures African-American scenes from African American a Montgomery-based Santa who shared his story. This was the first time the life and history will stream throughout the day. group chose Montgomery as a meeting place and as CSS President Steve Rusk of Gardendale Admission is FREE! The Can Brotha Get A Slice Food mentioned "The Capital CityA is a great location! She opened up and treated us well." The visitors Truck will be on site with lunch available for purchase. left with gift bags consisting of a Montgomery guide book, a sample of ALAGA hot sauce, and anticipation of another excellent visit next year. Cotton States Santas are a group of over 200 professional Christmas Entertainers who meet regularly for fellowship and education. Meetings are held in different locations across the state. The next meeting will be in May at Guntersville.
ClefWorks Present String Theory at The Capri - Sunday, February 25
New Year's Resolution - Go to More Concerts! America's Band, The Beach Boys @ MPAC May 17
Please join us at The Capri on Sunday, February 25 As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making for our first concert of 2024! String Theory, Sunday, music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave February 25 at 4 pm, att The Capri Theatre, 1045 E. unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – Fairview Avenue. Come spend a laid back Sunday afternoon who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle with String Theory! This ensemble of violins, viola, bass, and an American icon, are bringing their shows to fans drums and cello brings their explosive skill to pop music. around the world. Since the band’s co-founder, lead-singer Conservatory trained classical musicians, they explore and chief lyricist Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach their love of “casual” genres of rock, folk, pop and jazz. Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the bands chart From Michael Jackson to Brubeck, Gershwin to Radiohead, toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: the element of surprise is always part of their eclectic “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” performances. Enjoy an afternoon with these gifted “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good musicians. Ticket sales will benefit the outreach programs of ClefWorks. Tickets at www.clefworks.org Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.” The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers where also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than The David Brewer Singers will present an evening of Gospel Music five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys at Jan's Beach House located at 850 Eastern Blvd in Montgomery. have performed more concerts than any major rock band in There will be great food and drinks and great Gospel Music from history. Montgomery at MPAC, Wednesday, May for 17. an Forevening tickets visit www.mpaconline.org 6:30 performance to 8:30 pm. Call your friends and plan of fun
David Brewer Singers Present an evening of Gospel Music at Jan's Beach House
and fellowship! Tuesdays, February 27, March 26
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Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ Montgomery Cultural Arts Center Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center (Armory Learning Arts Building), 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, February 7, 2024, “All About Seeds” Come join us on February 7 and get some answers from Mallory Kelley, ACES Horticulturist, who will present “All About Seeds”. If you’ve wondered about starting seeds for your Spring garden, here is a chance to learn some best practices for successful planting. When is the best time to plant? Do you need grow lights? Can you start seeds indoors? Join us and find some answers! March 6, 2024 “Daylilies of All Shapes and Colors” Terese Goodson, Master Gardener and President of Montgomery Area Daylily Society, will present “Daylilies of All Shapes and Colors”. Do you know there are more than 90,000 registered daylilies? How do you plant them? Where can you purchase them? Do they come back every year? Are they easy to grow? Come find out!! 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.
Montgomery Botanical Gardens Opens Season with Composting Class The Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park opens its 2024 season of classes with Composting: Black Gold for Your Garden, to be held in the Gardens Greenhouse on Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 am. The class will be taught by Master Gardener Karin Carmichael and will feature instruction on the simplest and least physically challenging methods to create a compost bed. The methods Mrs. Carmichael will share can apply to any age group, price range, and size of yard. She will demonstrate preparing a potting mix using compost. Time permitting, participants will learn how to transplant root-bound plants. Upcoming classes include Trees and Shrubbery; Backyard Wildlife Habitat, on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 am; and Physical Therapy for Gardeners on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 am. Montgomery Botanical Gardens, Oak Park, 1010 Forest Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106
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Nature Notes, a new website from Elmore DeMont Budding. For a dormant seed to grow, it needs nutrient rich soil coupled with the right blend of water and sunshine. It can take time for fallen leaves to decompose and for the right mix of organic materials, living organisms and other life giving elements to provide just the right environment. Over the last couple of years I have been allowing the seed within me to germinate and take root. Now I am prepared to open up and share what is ready to rise up from the dark, quiet soil. Welcome to Nature Notes! I will be sharing words and images that invite you to hear the call of Mother Nature and to marvel at Her magnificent beauty. I encourage you to find your way to regularly connect with the earth and hope that something I create may provide an inspirational spark for you. Sign up today at www.elmorecreates.com
The W.A. Gayle Planetarium Set to Re-Open with New Planetarium Coordinator The W.A Gayle is proud to announce the re-opening of the planetarium along with the recent appointment of the new Planetarium Coordinator, William “Lee” Tinker. The grand reopening event took place on January 27. The W.A Gayle Planetarium will be providing Saturday shows every Saturday from February 3- April 27. The show schedules for February through April are as follows:- 10:00 AM (Kids Show): Accidental Astronaut - 11:30 AM (General/ Family Show): The Planets - 1:00 PM (Kids Show): Accidental Astronaut - 2:30 PM (General/Family Show): Eclipse 2024 (from Feb 3 – April 6 in preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse), beginning April 13 – April 27, the show will be The Planets. * Special showing of Eclipse 2024 on April 8, 2024 for the total solar eclipse. Price for regular viewing shows is $7.50 per person ages 3 and up. Children under 3 are admitted free. The summer schedule will be announced at a later date. William “Lee” Tinker, the new Planetarium Coordinator, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the astronomy and space field and we are thrilled to have him join us. As the new Planetarium Coordinator, Tinker will be responsible for leading educational programming and managing day to day operations at the W.A Gayle Planetarium. For more information or to schedule a showing, please call (334) 625-4799. The W. A. Gayle Planetarium is located in Oak Park off Forest Ave.
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Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire
Coming Tuesday, May 28 at Birmingham BJCC. For tickets and info visit www.bjcc.org International superstar and Tuskegee native Lionel Richie has a discography of albums and singles that are second to none. His music is part of the fabric of pop music. Richie boasts more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, four Grammy Awards®, a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022 Class. Richie is known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,”
“Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and co-wrote one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” for USA for Africa. His song catalog also includes his early work with The Commodores, where he developed a groundbreaking style that defied genres, penning smashes like “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy (Like Sunday Morning).” Richie has had 11 consecutive years where he wrote #1 songs, and in recent years has headlined festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, &
Glastonbury. Richie was a judge on ABC’s American Idol for the past 6 seasons and will return for season 7 in 2024. He recently extended his “Back to Las Vegas” residency at the Wynn. Earth, Wind & Fire were one of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed, and commercially popular funk bands of the ‘70s. EWF’s allencompassing musical vision used funk as its foundation, but also incorporated jazz, soul, gospel, pop, rock & roll, African music, and more. With a catalog of chart-topping hits including “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “After the Love Has Gone,” and “Let’s Groove,” EWF’s stage shows are elaborate, dynamic and widely considered a masterclass by one of the tightest bands in funk.
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Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Patsy Hodges Patsy has been with Home Care Assistance since April 28,2021. In her time with HCA, Patsy has displayed Compassion, Kindness, and possesses all of the qualities that makes an amazing caregiver. Pasty is a gem to her clients and to the company, she has been able to display grace and form an amazing bond with her clients. “ The simple act of caring is heroic.” -Edward Albert
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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Jeff & Timi Mallinson BOOM! COVER PROFILE
The Flooring Specialists
As far as the secret to marriage success, I do not believe that they are secrets at all. I believe that, in order to have a successful marriage, you must remain the closest of friends, laugh at every opportunity, and, above all, keep Christ at the center of your relationship. Oh, and always be willing to say, “I’m sorry! This month’s cover profile is Jeff and Timi Mallinson; Jeff is the owner of Georgia Floors Direct in Montgomery, where Timi works in the office to help keep things running smoothly. They met in Junior High, and Timi told a girlfriend at the time she was going to marry Jeff! She was right, and they eventually did and moved to the big city of Montgomery for more opportunities than their hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. Jeff is an all-American success story, starting out in the warehouse of Dick McAdams GCO carpet chain and, through hard work, perseverance, and commitment, became the owner of the leading flooring company in the River Region, Georgia Floors Direct! If you have bought flooring, you probably met Jeff and his team, they have become the flooring experts for homeowners and businesses in the River Region. We recently spent some time with Jeff and Timi, and we enjoyed getting to know them...we think you will, too! Please share with friends.
Timi (Gram) with granddaughter Harper Leigh
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. are you from the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, marriage, family, etc?
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Leslie with Gram & Papa in NY
Jeff at his happy place...Clay Shooting
Jeff/Timi: Timi and I are from Monroeville, Alabama, and we both graduated from Monroe County High School. We were married on June 1st, 1990. Timi and I were looking to move to a bigger city with more opportunities,
so we moved to Montgomery in June 1993. We raised our three boys here in Montgomery, and they have given us four wonderful grandchildren. Our oldest son, Christian, is a linguist in the United States Air Force and currently The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Jeff and Timi with their sons, Christian, Timothy, and Austin, circa 1999
Jeff and Timi traveling in Maryland & Washington DC
holds the rank of Master Sergeant. Our middle son, Jeffery, is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and now manages operations for us at Georgia Floors Direct, and our youngest son, Tim, manages an auto service and tire store in Millbrook, Alabama. BOOM!: Jeff, you own and operate Georgia Floors Direct, the leading flooring company in the river region. Could you share how you got involved with Georgia Floors Direct and eventually became the owner? Would you describe the products and services offered by Georgia Floors Direct? What’s the most rewarding part of your work? Jeff/Timi: Initially, I got involved in the Carpet industry because my older brother William was working at a Georgia Carpet Outlet store and doing a great job for the emerging Carpet chain owned by Dick McAdams at the time. Vice president and director of expansion and franchise development Don Davenport asked William if he had any brothers as talented as him, and they found me. Dick McAdams offered, and I accepted a job in the warehouse of the original Georgia Carpet Outlet store (GCO) in Montgomery, which in a few short years expanded to over 100 stores located in 30 states. In 1996, the Flooring chain was then sold to a national public corporation, and we transitioned to Georgia Floors Direct in our current location. It was then that I moved into sales. From there I
Jeff & Timi's grandchildren: Left to right Leslie Wilson, Harper Leigh, Noah & Eli Mallinson
Timi, Jeff, Jeff's mother Dianna, daughter-in-law Heather, and son Christian in Washington DC
was promoted to assistant manager and then to store manager. I became a co-owner of the business with Dick McAdams in 2001 and full ownership in 2022. Georgia Floors Direct offers beautiful and practical choices direct from the top manufacturers in the world. We offer, large selections of hardwood flooring, laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), sheet vinyl, ceramic and porcelain tile, custom area rugs, and the river regions, largest inventory of in stock carpet and remnants. We also do granite, quartz, and marble countertops, as well as window coverings, blinds, shades, and shutters. And we guarantee the installation on everything we sell. I love to be the best at what I do, and serving our customers, and being the very best at that brings me great satisfaction. I am also committed and very much enjoy, helping to develop the careers and mentoring the young men and women that join our team and work within our organization. Just like Dick McAdams and Don Davenport have done for me. BOOM!: We understand that you work together at Georgia Floors Direct, can you describe your major roles and responsibilities? How would you describe the benefits and challenges of working together as husband and wife?
Jeff/Papa painting fingernails of granddaughter Harper Leigh
Jeff/Timi: Timi came to work with our company in 2013 and has become an instrumental part of our business. Timi keeps the ship going from the helm
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handling everything from accts payable to employee and contractor payrolls. Lisa Stovall orders and receives all of our materials and communicates with our customers to schedule their installation date. Truthfully, the store would not be what it is today without these ladies hard work and dedication. They along with our warehouse guys, installers, and excellent sales staff are truly amazing. As you can imagine with all of the different positions jeff honored to be the 2022 GMHBA (Greater I have been in over the Montgomery Home Builders Association) last 31 years my roles Associate of the Year have changed many know how to times over but I still find myself cleaning satisfy their the bathrooms and picking up trash in customer's the parking lot some days. My primary needs. Please role now is developing the vision and describe the managing the future growth of our team you put company. I do this through professional together to development and the upward mobility lead GFD? of our people. The things that are important to me are first and foremost, Jeff/Timi: spiritual growth, then personal and Some may relational growth, along with financial think this is growth and mentorship. Another cliché, but aspect of my work is networking in the God truly River Region. From my communication does answer on social media platforms to my involvement with many organizations to occasional radio and television interviews and appearances. For example, I am a regular cohost on Good Morning Montgomery with Joe Haigler a popular TV Left to Right:-former mayor, Todd Strange, Jeff and show spanning Joe Haigler, hosting his TV show.
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31 years. I am also very active with the Alabama Homebuilders Association and Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association serving on the GMHBA Associate Committee, and was awarded Associate of the year in 2020. These organizations have been very instrumental in my business development. BOOM!: Successful businesses have a team of dedicated employees who
have kissed a few frogs, and even some people who were great folks, just not the right fit. I believe God said He would bless what we put our hands too, and we have put together a company that offers a working environment like no other. We truly are family; everyone gets along great, and we even spend a lot of our time together outside of work. From going out to dinner with the wives to ball games to our time at Lake Martin and our yearly camping and Whitewater rafting trip in North Georgia. There is no job that doesn’t have stressful days but when those stressful days show up, your family is there to help you through them. “The Merry Band of Flooyers” is what popular radio host Greg Budell calls us and he should know because he has been an important part of our GFD family for many years as well. BOOM!: Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, would you share with our readers your love story, how you met, and some of the secrets to your marriage success?
Jeff/Timi: We met on the school bus in Jr. high school, and one of the first things we talked about was Jeff participates in Career Day with Valiant Cross Academy freshman through senior high the TV show Little House on the Prairie. Timi actually told her prayers. I have best friend sometime after that she was prayed for God going to marry me one day. (careful to bring us the what you ask for!) As far as the secret to right people marriage success, I do not believe that from every they are secrets at all. I believe that, background for in order to have a successful marriage, each role and you must remain the closest of friends, position within laugh at every opportunity, and, above our business. all, keep Christ at the center of your And God has relationship. Oh, and always be willing been faithful to say, “I’m sorry!” to do just that. Now, don’t get BOOM!: What is it about living in the me wrong, we The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Executive BOOM!: What are some of your favorite Committee, Beauty travel experiences? Favorite vacation By Fire Ministries, spot? Are any travel dreams planned? Neighbors In Christ, Pilots for Christ Jeff/Timi: In 2010, we took a cruise and Child Protect. out of New York up to Canada and Community service back down to New York with several is so important stops along the way. We have been Jeff/Timi: because, just back to New York several times in I love like your home, the last couple of years, so I would Montgomery, you show your have to say I NY. Being business Alabama. personality with owners, sometimes it’s tough to get I love our your landscaping, away. However, we have plans to visit people and the color you Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in our historical Jeff along with GFD Founder, Dick McAdams on closing paint your house, the very near future. culture; the day when Jeff became the sole owner! and the way you food, music, decorate inside and out is a reflection BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies military presence, museums like The of your care Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), and other for your home. attractions all make Montgomery a With community special place. I believe that one thing behind our city, Montgomery, Alabama needs is more we have the community involvement. More action opportunity to and less talk. create a beautiful masterpiece BOOM!: Do you have time to be right here in involved in the community, church, or Montgomery, civic organizations? What are some of Alabama. the organizations/projects you serve? Why is community service important? BOOM!: What are you most Jeff/Timi: I don’t have the time not passionate to be involved in the community. We about? have been members at Harvest Family Jeff with his friend, mentor, and ad man Don Davenport Church in Montgomery since 1997. I Jeff/Timi: The have increasingly over the years become Ripple Effect, I’m passionate about or other activities that grab your more involved in civic organizations having a lasting impact. I want my ripple attention? as well. Some of those organizations effect to be felt long after I’m gone. I include The Greater Montgomery Jeff/Timi: My hobbies are hunting, want my Homebuilders shooting and antique cars. Timi loves family, loved Association, ones, and to read and has a real heart for equine Alabama rescue. And, of course, we both love community Homebuilders spending time every moment we can to know Association, I care. I with our four grandchildren. Montgomery will strive Area Chamber BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your to make a of Commerce, priorities changed? How would you difference Montgomery describe what it means to “age well”? and a lasting Area impression Association Jeff/Timi: I would have to say, rather on their of Realtors, than being so career-minded, It is lives, and a River Region important to us to leave a lasting legacy community Salvation Army, for our children and their children. And that has Make-A-Wish I believe a big part of that is serving been so good Foundation, Christ through helping others. to me. Montgomery Jeff with co-worker Evan Milam and Dustin Davenport Republican for a photo BOMB Montgomery/ River Region that you like? What do we need more of?
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BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day of activity? Jeff/Timi: For Timi, it’s some good home-cooked food and relaxing with a good book or maybe her favorite show. I agree with Timi‘s answer, but in addition, I like to enjoy a nice Kristoff cigar and occasionally a visit to my favorite cigar lounge, Torch.
Jeff & Timi sharing a moment at their son Timothy's wedding in 2014
BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Jeff/Timi: Nothing fancy, just at the house in the yard or in the garden, maybe playing a game, but definitely finding the time for the grandbabies. We also enjoy a relaxing meal with family and good friends.
Feeling Good...Selfie Time!
BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for Georgia Floors Direct? Yourself? Jeff/Timi: It is important for me to continue the legacy that my mentor and
Jeff & Timi celebrate oldest grandson, Noah's kindergarten graduation
flooring, industry icon Dick McAdams started in the River Region in our industry back in 1958. Also, with the help of my friend, mentor, and ad man Don Davenport, we look to spend our advertising dollars wisely and to stay on top of all of the new advertising platforms that technology has to offer while continuing to provide our customers the best service, products, and pricing available anywhere. 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? Jeff/Timi: I would definitely say that we embrace our age now more than ever. I love being over 50. Age provides you with a special gift of certain freedoms and wisdom that are
still being sought in your earlier years. Many of us know people who did not receive the gift of seeing the other side of 50. So live for the day, care for others, stay honest with everyone, including yourself, and give back whenever you can. The weather is beautiful here; enjoy every minute of it. BOOM!: Jeff and Timi give us three words that describe you? Your marriage? Jeff/Timi: Jeff = Driven, Caring and definitely FLASHY! Timi = Moral, Classy, and Dedicated! Our Marriage = Lasting We want to thank Jeff and Timi for sharing some of their life's story with us this month. Jeff knows flooring and customer service. We hope you’ll share Jeff and Timi’s story with friends and family, they’ll enjoy the reading experience. If you want to reach out to Jeff and Timi, call GFD at 334.244.7004 or drop by the store at 1965 Eastern Blvd in Montgomery. Also, a special thanks to Don Davenport for helping us orchestrate this month's cover profile, he's a Pro! Thanks to DiAnna Paulk and her creative photography skills. 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 jim@riverregionboom.com.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
February 2024
BOOM! 57
By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
"A true story from the Greg files"
THE TTTTTTTs
(The WTH decade of our lives) Loud Clothes
CB Radio, Breaker, Breaker, Good Buddy
The title is not a typo.
housebroken. They didn’t bite guests and didn’t require kennel boarding if you were going out of town.
This month I’m revisiting the 70s. We have a tendency to name our decades, as if they were defined by a consistent or recurring theme. The “roaring 20s”, the “depression 30s”. World War II, pre and post, was the 40s. Of course, the 50s are defined by us. Booming economy, BOOMing population. The moon landing capped the 60s on a positive note.
The Mullet
Instead, it was a decade of quirky entrepreneurs who got very rich by convincing us to buy some very dubious stuff. Let’s begin our tour with The Pet Rock! Most of us were living in college dorms or first apartments, most of which forbid pets. One day, recognizing the mass loneliness of many BOOMers looked
When I shake my head over this particular fad, I wonder if I really think it was dumb, or if I’m jealous of the genius that took an item we see most every day and made a fortune. Some of both? Let’s talk fashion. We lost our minds and our eyesight in the 70s as we turned the volume up on our clothing. Like as in REALLY loud!
Then came 1970 launching 10 years of WTH, as in what the heck were we thinking! A recent article on MSN inspired me to reminisce. It didn’t focus on the big news stories of the decade like Watergate or the introduction of Right Turn on Red Laws.
Mood Ring
Pet Rocks, Did You Have One?
Smiley Face
downward and spotted a sizable piece of stone. The Pet Rock was born, and caught on in a way we would describe today as “viral”. Millions of them were sold to BOOMers ready to embrace a “pet” that required no maintenance and was
For most of world history, an era, the one constant was clothing that matched. Going back to the toga, people generally dressed in attire that looked aesthetically compatible- pleasing to the eye. Suddenly, inspired by a spike in hallucinogenic drug use (?) men began wearing garishly colored clothing. It became acceptable to be seen in a flower pattern shirt with striped pants. Bigger was better. The flared slacks of the 60s grew into bell bottoms, Big bells. Our legs became the clappers inside jeans that literally covered the shoes. That helped hide another 70s fashion I admittedly participated in- platform shoes. Yes, I invested in a pair of powder
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blue platforms with wood-looking soles that took me from 5’11” to 6’3”. Elton John helped propel their popularity. I loved the extra height! At the end of the day, when you undressed for bed, you were returned to your God-given height, and it was a bit of a letdown.
filled with some magic chemical that would “read” your mood and change colors accordingly. I never owned one but tried on a friend’s once. It turned black. My friend reacted as if it was an accurate scientific state of mind and quickly Cousin Eddie wearing his blue Leisure Suit excused herself. It was BS. I stuck with my eyes and probative We’re far from done. In the late 70s, questions like “how are ya?” to read something called the Leisure Suit became moods. popular. An overnight sensation. It’s absurdity if best epitomized by Cousin The 70s featured “advances” in Eddie in National Lampoon’s Christmas entertainment delivery systems. The worst Vacation. Those of us who owned one, of these was the 8-track tape! They could and I did, got the squeams watching hold an entire album’s worth of music, and lovable doofus Eddie sporting his in a just as you were getting a song, it would movie made 12 years after the leisure suit fade down, you’d hear a click, and it would went extinct- almost as fast as it came on resume on the next of the 8 tracks. The the scene. tape itself would frequently get caught in the gears of the player with no way to Big extended to shirt collars. Nothing repair it. No refunds. We’d have to wait looked better with a leisure suit than a for the 80s and the CD for better music shirt collar that extended to the tip of the options. shoulder. The 70s were a decade in which men and women looked like they were The movie Smokey and the Bandit dressing for a sitcom. introduced America to the CB Radio, a hot seller and the antecedent to today’s The calamitous combination of styles for cell phone. There was a special language men was topped by the introduction of to learn if you really wanted to be hip, The Mullet hair style (which later evolved “breaker breaker” and all that. I don’t do into the Big Hair 80s era for women). The well with languages, so I never invested. mullet lives on, mostly in movies and survivalist training camps. Bean bag chairs (great for kids but not adults in elephant bell bottoms wearing Our good contemporary friend, the Emoji platform shoes), shag carpeting and lava owes it’s origins to the 70s when we lamps were part of the fun of this WTH were first introduced to the smiley face decade. I may have missed a few on this (perfectly embolic for the decade where journey but I’m out of time and space. the funnier you looked, the better. Many people turned to another fashion Plus, my Pet Brick wants to go for a walk. trend that made someone filthy rich- The Mood Ring. The ring bore a large face Happy Valentine’s Day!
Share your thoughts on my experiences or other comments via email at gregbudell@aol.com. It's always fun to hear from BOOM! readers. Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dog, Brisco. He's been in radio since 1970, and has marked 17 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas and Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday - Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick, Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
February 2024
BOOM! 59
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
With the Presidential election year in force, most of the candidates aren’t once again ignoring the elephant in the room. Absent changes Medicare goes bankrupt in 2031 and Social Security goes bankrupt in 2034, according to the latest figures. There are options to address the looming deficit such as delaying the retirement age for people currently in their 20s and 30s and raising the income limit on which one pays Social Security taxes (currently $168,600). More than 95% of Social Security recipients don’t maximize their benefits, according to a study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Over 40% of Americans file at age 62, minimizing their benefits if they live into their eighties. By minimizing their benefits, Americans are missing out on tens of thousands of dollars of benefits, if not more, according to Larry Kotlikoff, author of a best-selling book on maximizing social security benefits that was published in 2015. The problem with maximizing Social Security benefits is how complicated it has become and is likely to remain so for the next several years. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. (MWM) will conduct a complimentary and without
Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore
By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.
Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.
obligation “Maximizing Social Security” webinar. The workshop will review how Social Security works and will include a discussion on ways to reform Social Security so that it doesn’t go bankrup. There will be both a live and recorded version. If you would like to be included in the webinar, please call the Moore Wealth Management office for further information or reservations at 334.270.1672, or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com . If you miss the webinar, we also offer free consultations that are without obligation. The workshop will cover how the Social Security system works in general. Specifically, the workshop will discuss
different techniques to maximize Social Security including when and how to file, how to lessen taxes on Social Security, and special rules that impact widows and widowers, divorcees and spousal benefits. For example, rule changes went into effect in 2016 that result in different options for people born before versus after January 1, 1954. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to maximizing Social Security. It pays to learn how the rules apply to you. 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 nearly 40 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672 Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney or tax advisor regarding your individual situation. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Kestra IS or Kestra AS are not affiliated with Moore Wealth Management, Inc. https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures
“Maximizing Social Security” webinar Wednesday, February 21st, Noon, Register today 334.270.1672
The workshop will cover how the Social Security system works in general. Specifically, the workshop will discuss different techniques to maximize Social Security including when and how to file, how to lessen taxes on Social Security, and special rules that impact widows and widowers, divorcees and spousal benefits.
60 BOOM!
February 2024
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
February 2024
BOOM! 61
Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla
Easing Anxiety with Essential Oils drops of either one on its own.
Anxiety is one of the many areas where essential oils can have a profound effect on one’s wellbeing. It is very well (scientifically) documented that certain aromas can induce a state of calm, and this is in no small part due to the chemical components within those aromas.
Roll-on – if you have a roll-on applicator that you can refill, use a carrier oil and add 3 drops of lavender and 3 of Bergamot mint, or again 6 drops of a single oil. Lotion – add up to 10 drops per ounce of lotion. Again your call as to whether you use two oils or stick to one. 5 drops each for two, 10 drops of a single oil.
A quick look at how we smell things may be in order here. An aroma is basically minuscule droplets in the air that we breathe in intentionally or get wafted up your nostrils just on general air currents. These droplets or molecules pass over a special patch in your nose called the olfactory epithelium, made up of very specialized nerve cells that can interpret what that “smell” molecule is. The message goes straight up the olfactory nerve to the brain which then disseminates the information to whatever part of the body it sees fit. This is all done in a fraction of a second. The olfactory nerve is indeed the fastest route to the brain that we have. So now you know WHY aromas work so well, let’s see which ones work best at inducing calm and reversing anxiety levels. First of all, we are looking for oils that have a significant linalool content. This is because linalool has had a whole host of scientific research done on it and it has proven time and time again to be very effective at calming the nervous system and making people feel relaxed. Linalool also supports the immune system, relieves pain, and reduces swelling. Linalyl acetate is the second chemical component we will be looking for in significant quantities. This has exactly
the same line up as linalool in terms of support for the immune system, pain relief, reduces swelling, calming, antianxiety. We can find plenty of oils that contain these two components, but to give you an example that is easily accessible (i.e. easy to purchase) LAVENDER has significant quantities of both and can be purchased at NYR Organic US (us.nyrorganic.com/ shop/tracybhalla). 27% linalool and 47% linalyl acetate! That is a no brainer, and I am sure you have heard of lavender’s excellent calming properties. Another to be aware of is Bergamot Mint. Especially if you’re not a fan of the aroma of lavender, and some people are not. Bergamot Mint is a slightly citrusy mint aroma and again has high linalool (35%) and linalyl acetate (43%) values. You can stick to just these two in various formats to help with anxiety. You can use them in a diffuser to make the atmosphere in your home or office more relaxed and calmer, or you can use them for a personal application in a lotion or a bath salt for example. Recipes: Diffuser – add 5 drops of Bergamot Mint and 5 drops of lavender to the water in your diffuser (not in a humidifier!) OR 10
Bath salts – add a tablespoon of either castile soap or a carrier oil (jojoba, avocado, etc.) to 1oz of salts – you can use Epsom salts or sea salt or a combination. Mix well, then add your essential oils and mix well before adding to your bath. Again, your discretion as to whether you mix one or two oils in; use the same dilution as the lotion – 10 drops total. Any questions on these, please ask! Of course, there are many other oils which can be added to your mix. Just look out for the linalool, linalyl acetate and d-limonene content. D-limonene has similar therapeutic properties to linalool and linalyl acetate and you may find it in place of one or the other in certain oil profiles. It is most prevalent in citrus oils, which themselves tend to have very pleasant aromas. You could look out for Neroli, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, for example and add them to your recipes. Play about with the fragrance profile. As long as you’re using oils with these chemical components, they will have the therapeutic properties you need to reduce anxiety, so now it’s up to you to find a recipe that has an aroma that you love.
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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February 2024
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
February 2024
BOOM! 63
64 BOOM!
February 2024
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine