BOOM! November 2020

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Cover Profile page 40

Experience a Montana

Virtual

Cosmetic Surgery Amongst Baby Boomers

Dr. Blake Raggio, Jackson Hospital

My "UGHTOBER" Diary

Greg Budell

Front Porch

Holiday Fashion/Ideas

Vivian O’Nay!

Maximizing Medicare 2021

with Susan Moore Essential Oils for Immunity

Senior Fitness

Alcohol-Induced Dementia?

Trends from 2020

I REMEMBER...

SYRUP MAKING TIME

Hiking The Pinhoti Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier

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Sponsored by Vivian O'Nay

November is the official start of the Holiday Season!

Holiday Fashion Ideas for Women Over 50

Vivian O’Nay is very excited to bring the readers of BOOM! Magazine a column with the latest updates on current fashion trends and holiday gift ideas.

check/plaid for Christmas and through the remainder of winter. It’s such an easy decoration for Christmas and a cozy look for to sport on cooler days. Don’t rule out fall colors in tie-dye, camo and animal prints- these options are still popular and not headed out of style any time soon.

Each month we will feature a delightful employee from our store and highlight her own personal style combined with the trends that are “in” at the moment.

This month one of our sales consultants, Debbie O’Brian is sharing her take on fashion over 50 as we head into the most wonderful time of year.

There’s no doubt that we’re all ready for 2020 to start looking up with some positivity and Debbie is the very person that can do just that. Debbie calls herself a certified shopaholic! She has many talents but the one that sticks out the most is knowing how to dress herself and looking for the best quality and best deals. Prior to becoming a member of the staff here she was one of our favorite customers!

She has years of retail experience and knows just how to treat customers with the same level of service and respect she would expect when she is shopping herself. Debbie describes her own style as non-traditional with a little glitz and glam flare. She never leaves home without her classic diamond pendant necklace from her husband and a bracelet adorned with all her eight grandchildren’s birthstones.

She could be described as a “cool” MIMI! When you meet Debbie, you will see right away she keeps up with the latest trends in wearable fashion and accessories. She is fun and will absolutely see that you enjoy yourself while you shop too.

We recently attended the apparel market in Atlanta and quickly noticed a shift in the previous season’s fashion trends to a more relaxed and casual look. This fall fabrics are softer, and the fit is larger boxy styles to compliment popular leggings and skinny jeans. Dressing for comfort is certainly top priority right now. Western wear is also easing back into popularity for the South with tassels adorning accessories and even boots and booties. We see it frequently

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Debbie in a mustard plaid poncho for Fall

Handbags make the perfect gift, and this Fall we have two new brands that really make a statement! Neoprene bags have become quickly the “must have” tote to carry. They are made from the same material scuba diving suits are made from which is machine washable. Another popular handbag we carry right now is a leather or vegan leather shoulder bag with changeable guitar straps available allowing one bag to have more than one look. and Handbags make the perfect complement to any outfit. If you want to get ahead of the curve come on in and check them out soon!

on handbags and jewelry too. Felt hats, flannel, and scarves are also on our trend radar for Fall.

Many people are aware we carry a lot of options in clothing ranging in sizes from small to 3X and How will you dress for choices for all ages. Vivian Thanksgiving? In the past it has O’Nay also carries the been a running joke that people latest trends in gifts and Neoprene Bag will wear their best outfit to join home decor. We have an their family and friends around the living array of accessories, candles, home decor room every year. Our prediction for 2020 and so much more that would be worth holiday gatherings is mostly casual comfy a visit. We even have a selection of gifts outfits with some graphic tees and soft for that favorite guy on your list. If you sweaters or jackets. Most of us are running still cannot decide what to buy someone around preparing for company or headed special, we can put together a beautiful gift out of town so the shift in preference may basket to fit any occasion and budget. be a welcome change. Others will grab at the chance to get all dolled up since we No matter if your style is more on the fun haven’t had many opportunities to get side of things like Debbie or more classic dressed up in 2020. Either way, we have and traditional our goal is to have a little you covered at Vivian O’Nay! something for everyone at Vivian O’Nay. A staple we always love this time of year is variations of plaid and gingham in home décor as well as wearable fashion. Debbie looks fabulous in this mustard colored plaid poncho which is a perfect color for Fall. As we head into this holiday season we will once again love seeing the famous buffalo

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Until next time…feel your style!

Visit Vivian O'Nay and find your fashion sense, they're located at 3500 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery, AL. You can call 334.290.5268 or visit www.vivianonay.com

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Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Cosmetic Surgery Amongst Baby Boomers The Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Trend

Self-improvement takes it shape in many forms, whether it be dieting, exercising, meditating, reading, or picking up a new hobby. With that said, there is one self-improvement element that has become more mainstream over the last two decades—Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures.

Whether it be due to a culture where appearance seemingly drives societal norms (e.g., Hollywood), or where “selfies” and virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom) have become more commonplace, one thing is for sure, that is Cosmetic Procedures have become increasingly popular over the last several years, especially for baby boomers.

According to The Aesthetic Society’s National Databank of Statistics, nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the year of 2019, marking a 6.2% increase as compared to 2015. Similarly, there has been a 13.3% rise in non-surgical cosmetic procedures since 2015, with nearly 3.1 million procedures having been performed in 2019.

Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) and a wide variety of fillers from reputable companies such as Allergan (Juvederm), Galderma (Restylane, Scuptra), and Merz (Belotero, Radiesse), to name a few.

Another reason for Baby Boomers’ increased participation in Cosmetic Procedures includes the widespread use of social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram), which has opened the door for easier sharing about one’s Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “experience.”

This added familiarity and comfortability with cosmetic procedures promotes an increased participation by the older adult population.

Why are Cosmetic Procedures so popular amongst older adults?

Cosmetic Surgery has become a widely accepted practice for older adults, including men and women alike, and there are many reasons for this increasing popularity over the last several years.

For one, the social stigma that used to surround the field of aesthetic plastic surgery is nearly gone. This is especially true as more and more people, including older adults, are focusing on their

What about the Baby Boomers?

Older adults (ages 51 and up) represent a large portion of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures, constituting 39% of the aesthetic surgical patient population. In fact, nearly 571,000 cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in this older population, with some of the most popular procedures being Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, and Liposuction, amongst others.

Regarding non-surgical therapy, older adults underwent nearly 1.5 million procedures in 2019, representing roughly 47% of the non-surgical aesthetic patient population. Among these nonsurgical interventions, some of the most common procedures performed included injectables such as botulinum toxin (e.g., The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

outward appearance as it relates to their health and self-improvement.

Perhaps the Baby Boomers’ understand what scientists have known for years, in that attractive people tend to be more successful in life.

Whatever the reason, the Baby Boomers represent a large portion of patients who continue to experience all the wonderful benefits associated with undergoing cosmetic procedures to improve or maintain one’s appearance.

What if I am interested in a cosmetic procedure?

Whether you are considering a facelift to look your best for your daughter’s upcoming wedding, or whether you are interested in receiving filler under your eyes to look less tired, you should consult with a physician who has specialty training in the area you are looking to improve. Furthermore, ensure your doctor is well versed in both surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation procedures, so that you are guaranteed a comprehensive evaluation.

Lastly, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your physician. Until Next Time,

For instance, data suggests more attractive people tend to be more successful in the workplace. With that said, Baby Boomers often engage in cosmetic procedures to remain competitive in the workplace where younger colleagues tend to dominate.

For other older adults, an improved appearance may restore their confidence and help improve their love-lives.

Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Jackson Hospital and Clinics 334-270-2003 RiverRegionFacialPlastics.com drblakeraggio@gmail.com

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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents

November 2020

Facebook.com/RiverRegionBoom

Volume 11 Issue 4

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

C.S. Lewis

Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration

Humor Advice Health Community

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Carl Bard

4 Holiday Fashion with the Ladies at Vivian O’Nay! 9 Cosmetic Surgery Amongst Baby Boomers Dr. Blake Raggio 12 Publisher's Column 14 Alabama’s Fannie Flagg 16 National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

page 48

18 Maximizing Medicare for 2021, Susan Moore

Features 24 What is AlcoholInduced Dementia?

32 Hiking The Pinhoti with Jeff Barganier

Departments 34 This and That A few ditties of info

52 Greg Budell My "UGHTOBER" Diary

46 I Remember Syrup Making Time

48 Experiencing a Montana Virtual Front Porch

Happy Thanksgiving Be Thankful! page 11

22 ZOOM Workshops Now Available @ AUM OLLI 26 Location. Location. Location.

By Barbara Dozier 28 Senior Fitness Trends 2020

By Leigh Anne Richards 30 THANKSGIVING Ask an Elder Law Attorney 36 Thomas Hinds Retiring as Montgomery Symphony Conductor After 37 Years

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37 These Three Things to Increase Happiness 37 BOOM! Reader Discounts 38 The Early Years of Alabama State University 40 BOOM! Cover Profile

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54 Essential Oils for Immunity with Tracy Bhalla

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 2020 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

New Beginnings in November November brings with it so many exciting ideas to fill our heads. The election will be decided or at least in the process of being over! The sports world is teeming with games you may or may not care about, championships are starting to be defined. The holidays are forcing their way into our consumer consciousness, Rich Thomas’ Weather is the good news of the day, COOLER!

The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.

Publisher/Editor Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Tracy Bhalla Greg Budell

LaDonna Brendle Barbara Dozier Alex Harvey Bertha Lazenby Knox Susan Moore Julie Pfitzinger Leigh Anne Richards Raley L. Wiggins

Cover Photography Total Image Portraits www.totalimage.com

Advertising

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

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I’m feeling grateful for the start of November and all that comes with it, maybe we can begin to embrace a new way of thinking, less Covid 19 and more optimism about America’s future. Hopefully, The new President will make a huge difference on how that goes. Make America Great Again, please!

Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com

I’m also grateful for this month’s cover profile, LaDonna Brendle. LaDonna is that unique person who has a clear understanding about her relationship with God. She has been transformed in a way that causes her to serve the people in our community that are unloved, and whose needs are unmet. She does this with a plan, a vision and a team of volunteers dedicated to their faith’s calling. LaDonna shared some of her story with us this month and she represents her faith very well. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know LaDonna as much as I have. Perhaps you’ll find yourself in her mission.

We have more good reads for you to experience and they begin with a piece by our favorite travel writer, Jeff Barganier. Jeff recently spent some time with a friend hiking the Pinhoti Trail which starts in Weogufka, Alabama and goes to North Georgia. Jeff makes every experience interesting and this one is no different. We also have a feature about a virtual experience from Montana that many people are participating in, it’d like a front porch into the natural surroundings of a ranch out west.

Check it out and let me know what you think of this vicarious journey.

Leigh Anne Richards explains some of the fitness trends that have come out of our lockdown mindsets and forecasts which might continue into 2021. Greg Budell shares some of the real challenges from his "UGHTOBER" and we hope the rest of 2020 will have better outcomes for Greg.

We welcome a new column this month from Dr. Blake Raggio from River Region Facial Plastics who starts us off with some info about cosmetic surgery in case you wanted to know. Many of us think about it but we need someone to guide our thinking. Dr. Raggio is the one. I hope you’ll get to know him through his column each month.

Our advertisers are a valuable part of the 50+ community, they know your needs and want to help you with solutions to improve your quality of life. Please reach out to them and mention BOOM! Also, if you still haven’t signed up for our digital subscription please go to www.riverregionboom.com and check it out. It’s the new way to read and share BOOM! Enjoy this month's issue of BOOM!, we made it for you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jim 334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

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By Alex Harvey

Alabama’s Fannie Flagg returns to Whistle Stop in new novel Broadway in “The Best Little Whorehouse In 1987, Fannie Flagg first introduced in Texas” and “Patio/Porch” and had small us to Idgie, Evelyn, Ninny and the other roles in the inhabitants of the movies “Five fictional and oh-soEasy Pieces” and Southern Whistle “Grease.”

Stop, Alabama. The best-selling book Her most was “Fried Green well-known Tomatoes at the book, though, Whistle Stop Café,” is “Fried Green and it spawned a Tomatoes at the cookbook and a hit Whistle Stop movie starring Kathy Café,” which Bates, Jessica Tandy and Mary Stuart Masterson. It’s as a writer that Flagg has found her greatest Fannie Flagg success, with books tells the story of Idgie including “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last and Ruth, owners Reunion,” “A Redbird Christmas,” “Welcome of the small-town to the World, Baby Girl!” and “Can’t Wait to Alabama cafe; Evelyn Get to Heaven.”

Couch, a middle-aged housewife; and Ninny Now, 33 years later, Flagg, who grew up in Threadgoode, an Woodlawn and still calls Alabama home, elderly woman in a nursing home. is revisiting Whistle Stop in a big way. A sequel, “The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop,” “The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop” focuses comes out next week, and an NBC series on Buddy Jr., Ruth’s son, who lost an arm in based on the original book, starring country an accident. “He winds up in a retirement superstar Reba McEntire, is in the works. home in Atlanta, and he wants to go home, so he escapes from the nursing home,” “It all happened at once,” Flagg said from Flagg said. “The town of Whistle Stop is her home in Montecito, California. “I didn’t closed down and he can’t find it, but he plan this at all. It never occurred to me.” reconnects with Evelyn Couch and they Flagg grew up in Birmingham, working with bring the town back.”

Town and Gown Theatre and on Tom York’s For Flagg, revisiting Whistle Stop was “Morning Show.” She came to national welcome, particularly in 2020. “The world prominence working with Allen Funt on is so depressing right now, so it was a real “Candid Camera” and was a constant gamepleasure for me to get away and go back show guest in the 1970s. Flagg appeared on

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to a time like this,” she said. “It was a real escape for me. There are so many political books out there, so much angry stuff out there, and I just said I’m going to write a book that’s not about politics. It’s just the story of happy people, has a happy ending and is positive.”

Flagg is an executive producer of the proposed NBC series, which she said is “somewhat of a sequel.” “It’s about the original Idgie’s niece, who is named Idgie, and she comes back to the café,” Flagg said. “I really wasn’t interested in doing it, but I had lunch with Reba, and she’s just so adorable. If there’s anybody in the world I’d want to play her, it would be Reba. She’s so positive and so up.” The series is on hold because of the pandemic, which has kept Flagg in California, mostly at her Montecito home.

“I have been really sequestered because I have underlying health things and am of a certain age where I’ve got to be careful,” she said. “The hardest thing about this COVID for me is that I usually get to come home to Alabama two or three times a year, and I haven’t been able to get back.

So it was kind of fun for me to go back in my mind to Alabama and visit, because I couldn’t do it in real time.”

For the past five or 10 years, Flagg has always thought her new book would be her last, and this one is no exception.

“Alabama is my home, always has been and always will be,” she said. “If it’s my last book, I’m glad it’s set back home.”

Source: www.alabamanewscenter.com

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November is

National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Resources to help you learn more.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Helpline (866-232-8484) - The AFA Helpline is staffed entirely by licensed social workers and available seven days a week to answer questions, provide support and connect callers with resources. The Helpline is accessible by phone (866-232-8484), web chat (www.alzfdn.org) or text message (646-586-5283). The web chat and text message features can serve individuals in more than 90 different languages.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website (www.alzfdn.org)- Includes information about Alzheimer’s disease, warning signs/symptoms, healthy aging, memory screening and programs and services available to help families affected

by Alzheimer’s disease.

Free Memory Screenings- Memory screenings should be an important part of everyone’s health and wellness routine.

AFA provides free, virtual memory screenings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to anyone wishing to receive them (there are no age or insurance requirements). Individuals can learn more about getting a virtual memory screening here, https://alzfdn.org/memoryscreening-2/virtual-memory-screenings/

Steps for Healthy Aging- Lifestyle choices make a difference- diet, exercise, sleep and staying socially and physically active all play a role in promoting good brain health.

Tips for healthy aging can be found here, https://alzfdn.org/10-steps-for-healthyaging/

Daily virtual activity programmingAFA provides free, virtual activity programming seven days a week on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ AlzheimersFoundationofAmerica) to help people stay active and engaged from the comfort of their own home. Programs include music, art, fitness, dance/ movement, chair yoga, pet therapy and virtual tours.

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Maximizing Medicare for 2021 Maximizing your benefits and minimizing your costs for Medicare is becoming increasingly more complex. There are several significant changes that may impact existing participants for 2021, including those who take insulin or have End Stage Renal Disease. The donut hole in the Medicare Part D plans no longer exists. Increases in Medicare Part A and B premiums and deductibles are going to be limited, and premiums for Medicare Advantage plans have continued to drop under the Trump administration due to changes made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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

With Medicare Part D plans, a recent study found that drug costs can vary dramatically even in at the same pharmacy, depending upon which plan you use. The difference according to the study can amount to hundreds of dollars a year. As a result, experts advise that participants should review the changes and their individual program choices annually.

Medicare’s open enrollment period is underway. It started October 15th and continues December 7th. At the Moore Wealth Management, Inc. office in Alexander City, we offer an

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Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manage of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.., with offices in Auburn, Montgomery, and Alexander City, AL. Susan serves over $170 million (as of 7.31.2020) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for over 37 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement. com.

By Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.

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.

Principal of Moore Wealth Management, Inc.

annual workshop that covers how to build your pyramid, estimating what your income and expenses will be during retirement. Due to the pandemic, this year’s workshop will be conducted by webinar on Wednesday, November 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m., is complimentary and without obligation. There will be both a live and recorded version. Please call the Moore Wealth Management office for further information or reservations at 334.270.1672, or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com . If you miss the webinar, we also offer free consultations that are without obligation At Moore Wealth Management, we have been conducting our annual seminar on Maximizing Medicare since 2006. Our experience shows that over 90% of participants need to switch Medicare Part D plans annually to maintain the most costeffective coverage for their Medicare Part D plans. To get the most out of Medicare, retirees need to manage and review their options. At Moore Wealth Management, we do our best to help you do that.

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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. ¹ https://www.consumerreports.org/drugprices/medicare-part-d-drug-plan-savehundreds-of-dollars-each-year-on-drugs/ https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

Maximizing Medicare!

Sign Up Today for Our Complimentary Webinar!

Wednesday, November 18 12-1:30 pm

Call Sarah at 334.270.1672

sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com

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ZOOM Workshops Now Available

The AUM OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) fall term was a great success, stimulating the minds and hearts of our members in an online format. Even though we weren’t able to be in-person physically, we could still see each other, engage and laugh together online.

We are working to create an exciting schedule for our upcoming winter 2021 term. We have received several course proposals including classes related to: Poetry of the First World War, Exercise Pain Management, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Gardening, Hiking, and more!

Our OLLI Program has been utilizing the ZOOM web application to host our classes. This platform is quite easy once you get comfortable with it. During the past few months, organizations, churches, clubs, schools, government offices and numerous other organizations have been meeting via ZOOM. Many participants gathering

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for these meetings know how to click on a link and join a session, but there are so many more possibilities. People can create their own accounts and gather with families and friends, share photographs and videos, and share documents to discuss and revise.

In November and December, AUM OLLI will offer workshops so people can learn how to use ZOOM effectively.

For AUM OLLI current and former members, the workshops will be free, a Bonus Opportunity that comes with membership; non-OLLI members can pay $16 to take advantage of this valuable training. Registration is required to attend the workshops, to be held at the Center for Lifelong Learning (75 TechnaCenter Drive).

ZOOM Workshops Monday, November 30, 10-11 am Tuesday, December 1, 1:30-2:30 pm

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Call (334) 244-3804 or email bthomass@aum.edu to register.

We will cover the basics of the Zoom web application: downloading the application, logging in, joining meetings, screen and meeting controls, sharing your screen, sharing videos, leaving meetings, viewing participants and chat, changing your display name, creating a meeting link for distribution, and more.

We will be in a socially-distanced classroom. All participants will be required to have a mask on at all times when in our building and the classroom.

Space is limited due to social-distancing guidelines.

JOIN TODAY! Tell your friends!

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What is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?

When most people think about dementia, the first term that comes to mind is Alzheimer’s disease. Many people are also familiar with Vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia.

But one form of dementia that isn’t on everyone’s lips is a condition called Korsakoff Syndrome. This condition is most commonly the result of excess alcohol intake over a period of years.

In other words, while dementia may manifest for multiple reasons, this type of dementia is induced by heavy drinking.

Exploring the Alcohol-Dementia Connection The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that every day around 240 Americans die from alcohol-related causes. That adds up to 88,00 deaths on average, annually.

Widely used and often-abused, many of us know someone whose life has been devastated by alcohol addiction.

Besides the ravages of addiction, overconsumption can lead to heart disease, liver problems, numerous cancers, and a weakened immune system, to name just a few.

Alcohol can cause brain damage, killing off brain cells faster than they can regenerate. For some unfortunate souls,

too much elbow bending paves the way for serious memory problems, including dementia.

Korsakoff Syndrome: A Little Known, Big-Time Problem Korsakoff Syndrome belongs to a family of disorders known as Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). Simply put, ARBD may happen when someone over-indulges in adult beverages over a course of years.

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is specifically related to an extreme deficiency of vitamin B-1, which is also known as thiamine. While there can be other causes, Korsakoff syndrome typically results from alcohol abuse.

Thiamine plays a vital role in helping brain cells create energy. Without enough thiamine, the brain is unable to produce the energy that’s necessary for someone to function efficiently.

Signs and Symptoms of Korsakoff Syndrome Korsakoff syndrome causes chronic memory loss. People living with KS find it difficult to handle day-to-day activities. If your loved one has KS, you might see them struggle with learning something new. You may also notice changes in their personality, or see them

become apathetic about things they once cared about.

It is also not uncommon for people with the disorder to make something up and present it as the truth. Just know that this is not intentional, but that their brains are trying to make sense of memory gaps. They are not consciously making things up. Doctors call this behavior confabulation.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: a Tragic One-Two Punch Korsakoff syndrome has a common precursor called Wernicke encephalopathy (WE). Wernicke encephalopathy is a severe brain reaction to dangerously low thiamine levels. WE is a four-alarm emergency that erupts into a potentially fatal failure of brain function. Symptoms may include coordination problems, involuntary eye movements, confused thinking, and trouble walking.

Following an episode of WE, people may develop Korsakoff syndrome and its ongoing memory problems. Due to the close connection between the two disorders, many clinicians refer to it as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS).

However, there is no consensus on whether WKS is made up of two distinct disorders, or different aspects of the same condition.

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We’ll leave these distinctions to the researchers. What there is agreement on is that WKS is characterized by thought-processing issues and nervous system changes. Failing timely intervention, it can cause irreversible brain damage, and even death.

How to Spot Alcohol Abuse in Seniors One reason it’s hard to spot alcohol abuse in seniors is that the symptoms of drinking problems closely resemble the challenges of aging. That’s why it’s often hidden or glossed over. “Oh, I know mom has an extra glass of wine these days, but she’s had a lot to cope with lately. Anyway, it’s normal for a person her age to seem a bit confused from time to time.”

Stop Alcohol-Related Dementia Before it’s too Late There are some impacts of aging that can’t be helped. But trying to prevent your loved one from developing alcoholrelated brain damage – or getting help if it’s already developed – is something that’s within our power to accomplish!

What can you do right now to give your loved one the opportunity to live a longer, healthier, more satisfying life?

Resources: Korsakoff Syndrome: www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-isdementia/types-of-dementia/korsakoff-syndrome

Alcohol-related brain damage: www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/typesdementia/alcohol-related-brain-damage

Alcoholism and the elderly: www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/alcoholism-andthe-elderly.html

Alcohol use and your health: www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

On the other hand, please consider this fact: Some experts believe that more than half of senior citizens who’ve received acute hospital care are abusing alcohol. There are also the somewhat cynical outlooks that A) mom or dad won’t be around much longer, or B) that elderly people can’t be successfully treated for alcoholism.

But when you love a parent, you’ll do everything in your power to keep them as safe and healthy as possible, right?

Please keep your eyes peeled for these signs of aging that might also indicate a possible alcohol issue: I Disorientation I Frequent falling I Depression or anxiety I Slurred their speech or confusion I Lack of appetite or potential malnourishment I Inability to take care of themselves the way they used to In addition, be on the lookout for clear signs of heavy drinking: I Drinking more often I Breath smelling of alcohol I Drinking when alone I Becoming irritated when you bring up how much they are drinking

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Master Gardener's Perspective

By Barbara Dozier

Location. Location. Location.

When it comes to successfully marketing a property, real estate experts know that location is primary.

When it comes to successfully growing plants, gardeners know that a plant’s location is primary. Some gardeners learn this through classes, research, or in conversations with more experienced gardeners. Some of us learn the hard way.

For example, if the label on the seed packet or nursery container says plant in shade, it means just that. No matter how beautiful we think maidenhair fern will look in a sunny spot, just a smidge too much light will burn it to a crisp in no time. On the other hand, if the label says daylilies need full sun, they do. If we slip them into a semi-shady spot, they and we will be disappointed. To complicate matters, light isn’t the only aspect of the right location. Oh. No. There’s drainage.

There’s food. So many things can go so wrong.

Happily, if caught in time, many location mistakes can be remediated. A case in point: I love rosemary, not only for its fragrance and texture, but for its toughness too. I planted one near my front door, expecting it to thrive. It had sun for over half a day and there was enough of a slope for drainage. In theory, it should have been happy; in reality, it languished.

Fretting, I turned to my trusty resources – books and the Internet and was promptly reminded that rosemary is a Mediterranean plant. It doesn’t like damp feet, so the irrigation in my beds annoyed it. Rosemary has relatively low nutritional needs, so it was overwhelmed by the amendments that neighboring plants loved. And rosemary dearly wants to bask in all-day sun. I realized that if left where it was, it would never thrive. What to do?

We took a deep breath, dug up the spindly rosemary and transported it to the farm where we were installing some slightly civilized planting beds at our little house. The soil was worse, the slope more pronounced, the sun utterly relentless – not quite the south of France, but close enough.

We plopped the rosemary into the ground, filled the hole with Elmore County red dirt mixed with a little sand and a smidge of planting mix, watered it, crossed our fingers, and waited. By the third growing season the rosemary was three feet tall and wide and six feet long – and it just keeps spreading. It blooms. It overgrows the path to the front door. It couldn’t be

happier if it were in Provence.

The success of moving the rosemary taught me not to argue with labels and inspired me to be brave about relocating plants. Still, despite our best efforts, nature can make unexpected modifications to even the best location. Trees grow larger than expected, throwing more shade than anticipated. Disease necessitates the removal of trees, leaving shade-loving plants exposed. Wind removes large old branches, requiring a rethink of damaged under-plantings. When these events occur, we can cross our fingers and hope our plants persist. Or, if their size isn’t an obstacle, we can relocate them. The rosemary was lucky that we had another yard. But I’ve moved plants to different parts of the same yard. And, like most gardeners, I’ve shared plants with gardening friends. A few times I’ve even put an unhappy plant into a pot and moved it to a better spot.

That struggling rosemary taught me a lot. Every time I walk past it, I’m happy – and it’s happier – that it’s in the right place. Like they say, location, location, location.

Barbara Dozier, an intern in the 2020 Master Garden Class, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.

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Senior Fitness Trends from 2020 As we count down the last few months of 2020, I looked at the most popular trends for Seniors- those that I workout with, those that I know personally, and those I follow online. COVID made us change our way of staying fit and we will see those modalities push on into 2021. Who knew at the start of 2020 some of these trends would have become so popular and now here to stay.

Thanks to the digital fitness boom, you can now workout from anywhere at any time- not to mention you now have the high-tech wearables right at your fingertips. There is also a big change in focus that is happening: Instead of working out to get six pack abs, the mental benefits of exercise are showing to be equally important as the physical, if not more so.

An interesting trend that is in the infant stage is “instead of going to different places for your fitness, health and wellness needs, you’ll be seeing more trainers, dieticians, physical

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therapists and doctors working under the same roof, “ says Eric Rakofsky,

Creating community is huge among Seniors. It is so much easier to stick with a workout plan when you have a community of like- minded individuals by your side. It is becoming more important than

by Leigh Anne Richards ever as women seek connection in their lives. Having a group to cheer you on and empathize with you and where you are in your fitness journey helps make those director of fitness at The Well NYC. By tough days more achievable. We have eliminating the gray area between those a strong community at MetroFitness and I can personally attest that it practitioners, it will be easier for you to helps motivate and hold each other get the results you are working for. Our accountable. I’ve also seen it in virtual city has not quite bought into this like groups as well that have never met in many places, but I am hopeful. person but have developed community through their fitness group.

On the go wellness is also so much easier by having opportunities available right What is HILIT? It is high intensity low on your phone. As we get busier, people impact training. We have read about want to have their favorite workouts the benefits of HIIT training, but many on their phones, so they have access Seniors are no longer able to do high anytime, anywhere. Going digital makes impact types of movements. The lower some workout facilities more accessible impact movements still allow for the and affordable because so many places same sweat- inducing workout that’s are now offering virtual memberships at much gentler on your body. The benefits a reduced cost. Virtual personal training of HIIT training are well studied and has also become a big thing- done in the include top notch calorie burn, a boost in privacy of your home at less expense.

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metabolism, and improved heart health numbers.

HILIT combines the benefits of HIIT, but in a low impact environment that removes stress on the joints.

Farewell boring hour-long sessions on the elliptical or treadmill. Hello strength training. “ Women are now shifting from slaving away hours on cardio equipment, or resorting to yoga or Pilates alone, to strength training says Debra Atkinson, M.S., C.S.C.S, C.E.O of Flipping 50.

Women of all ages can benefit from strength training as it helps with weight control, builds up your body, and makes you feel better physically and mentally.

No more suffering wear and tear in the joints after all the years of high impact workouts.

Gone are the days of getting through a workout as fast as possible and compromising quality movement. People are more focused on what is happening to the body as you are doing certain movements.

Fitness professionals are becoming more interested in how to improve the way their clients move. Better movement quality is linked to pain reduction, increased ability to perform at a higher level, and being able to remain active longer. Trainers and fitness professionals will now use assessments, and apps to help measure and track their clients with their mobility and movement.

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Working out for wellness is now the most important for those of us over 60.

Its not about the chiseled abs. Instead of you using fitness to be a way to lose weight, it now becomes more about what it does for your mind and body.

Matthew Knippen, C.E.O and cofounder of Charge Running says taking a more holistic approach to fitness will become a norm. Instead of just numbers on a scale, people will start to look to other stats and figures that matter- like fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, tracking fruits and veggies, steps, cholesterol, and sleep- for long term success in their total wellness, rather than a short term goal.

I will be quite interested to see how many of these trends continue into 2021.

As we learn more about our bodies and focus on wellness, we will see more and more information on total wellness.

Adams Drugs Sommer's Place Fresh Market Whole Foods Tomatino's MCA Fitness Vintage Cafe Derk's UPS Stores Steak Out Metro Fitness Steaks & Wine Capital City-Ace Hardware Orange Therapy Down the Street Chappy's Deli Health Wise Foods Eastbrook Flea Market John Lee Paints Home Care Assistance Doug's 2 Baumhower’s Restaurant Jan's Beach House

Source: “20 Fitness Trends Everywhere in 2020 According to Trainers;” Prevention Magazine, Tehrene Firman, November 26, 2019 Leigh Anne Richards, MEd, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, General ManagerMetroFitness. For any questions or comments, contact Leigh Anne at LAMetrofit@aol.com

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Ask an Elder Law Attorney

By: Raley L. Wiggins | Attorney at Law | Red Oak Legal, PC

THANKSGIVING

memory loss that disrupts daily life, or November is here, which means the holiday get something from the kitchen. My confusion with time or place. season is in full swing. To me, Halloween grandmother looked at us, with a puzzled is like a warm-up for the “real” end-oflook on her face, and said, “Steve? His It was the third warning sign on their list the year holidays. Gorging myself on my name’s not Steve.” that caught my attention: “Difficulty with kids’ Halloween candy is just a preview of the upcoming battle against the We quickly figured culinary temptations of Thanksgiving, out she wasn’t Christmas, and countless holiday joking. In fact, she parties in between.

Estate Planning and Asset Protection Workshop couldn’t name a single person in Wednesday, November 18: Hosted by Red Oak Legal, PC: Of course, the holiday season is the room. What 1:30-3:30 pm at 322 Catoma Street downtown Montgomery. ultimately about spending time with was particularly This educational workshop presented by local attorney Raley the people you care about the most, strange is that and people go to great lengths to she knew who we L. Wiggins covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance do so. Thousands of Americans will were—her daughter, directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets suffer through the monotony of a son-in-law, and her from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing long drive, the mild humiliation of an grandchildren— just homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. airport TSA security screening, or even not what our names Registration is required. Call 334-625-6774 today to reserve your the unique odor emanating from a were. seat partner on a long-distance bus seat or register online at www.redoaklegalpc.com. trip, just to be home for the holidays.

A trip to the hospital ultimately provided a completing familiar tasks at home, at work In my line of work, the holiday season is a diagnosis—vascular dementia, a condition or at leisure.” They provide examples as busy time. It’s the time of year when adult with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms caused by having trouble driving to a familiar location, children take time off from the distractions a series of small strokes. In the short-term managing a budget, or remembering the of their everyday lives, and everyone is back she did improve and remembered all of our rules of a favorite game. It’s the last line in town to see Mom, Dad or Grandma. names. However, over the course of the that really spoke to me. It states: “What’s next ten years, her memory slowly slipped typical? Occasionally needing help to use This is the time when many families begin away. the settings on a microwave or to record a to notice, to suspect, and even to discuss, television show.” the fact that a loved one may be showing This year, pay attention while you’re home signs of cognitive decline. for the holidays. Ask questions and talk In the mid-1990’s, no one on earth could with your family if you think a loved one operate a VCR as well as my grandmother, As a lawyer, I typically use the term may be experiencing diminishing capacity. who lived with my family during childhood. “cognitive decline” rather than “dementia” If they are, the time to plan for their future She had a true skill for deciphering VCR or “Alzheimer’s.” These are closely related is now. Talk about who they would want recording instructions clearly written by medical issues, of course, but I feel that to care for them or manage their affairs if someone with only the faintest grasp of cognitive decline more accurately addresses they are no longer able to do those things the English language. She always managed the legal consequences of these conditions. for themselves. Encourage them to have a to record all of “her shows,” as she called good power of attorney, advance directive, them, and has a vast library of reruns to It is rare for someone to suddenly become living will, and last will and testament in choose from. incompetent (to use the legal term) place. overnight. Instead, it is usually a gradual We didn’t know it then, but looking back process in which a person’s cognitive This can be a tough conversation for now it’s obvious. Gradually, she began to function slowly declines. The difficulty children to have with their parents. Just struggle to operate the VCR the television. is distinguishing between ordinary, old remember that you’ll be the one picking up In hindsight, this was a sign of things to age forgetfulness, from something more the pieces, whether your parents do any come. serious. planning or not. The best time to get their affairs in order is now, while they are still in A few years later, on Christmas morning, The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) relatively good health and spirits. we finally learned that her cognitive lists 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s on Raley L. Wiggins decline was neither minor nor attributable their website. The complete list is worth Attorney at Law, Red Oak Legal, PC to old age forgetfulness. I recall my reviewing if this is a topic that concerns 334-239-3625 | info@redoaklegalpc.com mother calling for my father, Steve, to you. The warning signs on their list include 322 Catoma Street, Montgomery, AL 36104,

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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier

Hiking The Pinhoti The Pinhoti National Scenic Hiking/ Camping Trail stretches 337 miles from Flagg Mountain in Weogufka, Alabama all the way to North Georgia. Flagg Mountain caretaker Sunny Eberhart, aka Nimblewill Nomad, says, “there’s not a trail system anywhere that has anything over the Pinhoti!” The legendary thruhiker should know. He’s hiked them all.

In advance of my Pinhoti Trail hike with friend John Wade, I telephone Nathan Wright at the Pinhoti Outdoor Center in Sylacauga. Wright provides services to thru-hikers: transportation, hot showers, bunkhouse, camp sites, gear, maps, food and water. The Center is Wright’s long-time dream come true—"to live near a long recreational hiking trail and provide the kind of support that makes hiking memorable.” Only recently opened, the Center is already popular with hiking enthusiasts like Dothan resident Melissa Martin whose hikepreparation video I found on YouTube.

John and I arrive at the Flagg Mountain Ranger Station to find Nimblewill sitting by the door savoring a glorious blue-sky October morning and contemplating his next thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail! At 82, he’s hoping to set a new record. He greets us with his customary Nimblewillgrin, hug and offer of coffee. We drink gratefully while discussing politics, heartrates, pacemakers and other trivia— we’re not in a hurry. But eventually we part company and ease down the gravel road, passing several quaint 1930’s-built Conservative Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins. We’ll follow a blue mark on trees—a blaze—from here on. The Pinhoti Trail is exceptionally well-marked thanks to awesome volunteers.

It’s eleven o’clock. Not even a mile into our hike, we remove our packs and rest.

John’s is much heavier than mine and I’m about to learn why. “You want some smoked salmon,” he smiles. He removes

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a smorgasbord of delicious food from his bag and generously shares it with me. It’s the best salmon I’ve ever put in my mouth.

John caught it himself in Alaska.

Looks like I

Blue Blaze

the loop—about six miles. The view on the highest stretch of trail is stunning.

We contemplate spending the night at this scenic overlook.

But the day’s young and we’ve much trail ahead. We rest briefly then keep moving.

Taking the lead, I manage to miss the blaze three times— make that loop seven miles.

We’re on the Old Pinhoti now heading south. I walk face first into a spiderweb. Its Weogufka River Campsite landlord is crawling around on my nose. picked the I’m swatting at it furiously and twirling right hiking about like a whirling dervish. To my buddy! right is a steep slope. John starts to yell at me to drop to the ground before I cascade down the mountain.

But I succeed in swatting the critter away; and then open my eyes and regain my footing just shy of disaster. Close call! Still a way to go before we reach the shelter. Farther along we meet Steve James, a retired computer programmer out for a day hike.

We load up again and amble along the trail, stopping to admire blooms on what appears to be mountain laurel. It feels like North Carolina.

We cross over a brook, climb a fairly steep ridge and eventually Jeff on Trail arrive at the Weogufka Creek shelter. This is our campsite objective for the evening, providing we make it back before dark.

We rest briefly then head north up another ridge. We reach the intersection of the Pinhoti and Old Pinhoti (a white blaze). Our goal is to hike the blue blaze to the northern intersection with the white blaze, then circle back, making

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We reach the Weogufka Creek shelter about five. It sits well away from the creek; so, we soon decide to camp by the beautiful creek under the stars. No rain tonight. We start a fire, boil water and stir in some beef stroganoff/noodles; and, of course, make coffee. (Hole in the Wall Coffee Shop at The Waters in Pike Road would be proud.) After tree-hanging the food bag about ten feet over the edge of the creek, we relax by the fire, chat and grow heavy-eyed. I’m exhausted and ready for bed. Can’t speak for The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

John, though. He’s enjoying a cigar and seems full of energy.

a Marine—is softly snoring in the sand by the snake holes.

Splash! I’m awake! This I hang my time, it’s morning—a hammock close beautiful day. We break to the stream camp and hike back but John beds to the Ranger Cabin; down in a sand and then explore Flagg pit surrounded by Mountain’s amazing snake holes. He’s a CCC-built fire tower. A Marine. I’m trying veteran Appalachian to sleep but ache Trail thru-hiker, “Tide all over. Should Walker,” is sitting in a have packed some swing enjoying the new Ibuprofen. Night morning. (Alabama grad, View from Trail critters sing their of course.) She’s on a hearts out beneath a waning moon. mere nine-day Pinhoti Trail hike. We Stars twinkle through my mosquito net. encourage her to stop and meet the The fire slowly burns down. Doesn’t get legendary Nimblewill Nomad on her way any better than this. The fast flowing up the trail. And she does. rocky-bottom creek is gurgling loudly.

Occasionally, the creek makes a great It’s pushing lunchtime. John and I splashing sound, followed by a strange say farewells to Nimblewill and make bongo-drum-like noise. I try and doze a beeline for Good Ole Boys BBQ in off but I’m slightly delirious from the Sylacauga. We’re not disappointed! long hike. Just as sleep embraces me, Wonderful banana pudding. Later, we Big Foot leaps for the food bag, misses, stop at the Pinhoti Outdoor Center just and splashes loudly into the creek. It’s off Highway 280 to meet proprietor unnerving. Then Mrs. Sasquatch beats Nathan Wright in person. But he’s away the bongo…bop, bop, bop. He’s probably shuttling thru-hikers. Instead, I find angry we hung it so high. It was John’s Melissa Martin of YouTube fame sitting idea. But I’m closer to the creek. I raise on a bunk with her friendly pit-bull. “I up and gawk through darkness toward know you!” I exclaim. “You’re the hikerthe food bag but see nothing. Perhaps lady in the video!”

I shouldn’t have hung my hammock so close to the water. But I’m just too “That’s me,” she smiles. Wow, the tired to care. I sink back under my Pinhoti’s full of pleasant surprises. fleece. Whatever happens, happens.

Meanwhile, John—once a Marine always Go hiking! Happy trails.

For More Info: www.pinhotitrailalliance.org www.facebook.com PinhotiOutdoorCenter/ www.alabama.travel/places-to-go/flagg-mountain

John Wade

Tide Walker

Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram #jeffbarganier.

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Moore Wealth Management Conducting a Free Webinar Maximizing Medicare 2021?

At the Moore Wealth Management, Inc. office in Montgomery, we offer an annual workshop that covers how to build your pyramid, estimating what your income and expenses will be during retirement. Due to the pandemic, this year’s workshop will be conducted by webinar on Wednesday, November 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m., is complimentary and without obligation.

There will be both a live and recorded version. Please call the Moore Wealth Management office for further information or webinar reservations at 334.270.1672 or sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com If you miss the webinar, we also offer free consultations that are without obligation.

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D.

MACH Blanket Drive In conjunction with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is coordinating their annual Blanket Drive. The Blanket Drive is an opportunity for the community to donate new and gently used blankets, coats, hats, scarves, gloves and winter wear to benefit the homeless population in our area. WINTER WEAR ONLY, NO SPRING ITEMS PLEASE! On Saturday, November 7, 14 and 21, MACH will have donation sites set up throughout the River Region for collection of donated items. Also, volunteers are needed from 8:45 am to 12:00 pm at each location to: greet donors, receive donations, complete donation receipts, lift and carry donations, sort and count donations, organize and cleanup. Locations include: Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road 36106 (Volunteers needed for November 21st), Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 3800 Vaughn Road 36106 (Volunteers needed for November 21st). For more information, please email debbie@midalhomeless.org or call 334-261-6182.

MPAC Presents Nashville Nights A Sunday Supper Club Series of Songs and Stories from Music City. Sunday, November 15, 2020, Doors open at 5pm, Music starts at 7pm. Limited seating! The seating will be safe and socially distant on the MPAC stage. All tickets are $25 and you can purchase at www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 334.481.5100.

Food and beverage will be available for Purchase from 5pm-8pm. Normal security measures, as well as temperature screenings, and all other COVID guidelines will be in place. Mask required for entry and can be removed once seated. The Nashville Nights series is hosted by Jamie Kent. You may recognize him from his time on tour with artist such as Huey Lewis & The News, The Doobie Brothers and Brothers Osborne. Named by RollingStone.com as an "Artist You Need To Know", and dubbed a "Must Watch Artist" by the Huffington Post. Also appearing Marti Frederiksen a songwriter, producer, engineer, and drummer and Dan Rodriguez, who has had the honor of sharing the stage with artists and bands such as Matt Nathanson, Need to Breathe, Sister Hazel and many more.

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2020 River Region Ethics and Public Service Award Recipients Announced River Region Ethics and Public Service recently announced the recipients of the 2020 River Region Ethics and Public Service Awards at the Alabama Activity Center. The luncheon and awards ceremony recognized businesses, organizations and individuals for their community leadership, service, and contributions to ethical business practices in the River Region. Awards were given to recipients in each of the following categories: Small Business: State Farm Insurance—Willie Durham, Agent, Medium Business: East Taylor Dental Associates, Large Business: International Paper, Non-profit Organizations/ Public Agencies: Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, Maury Smith Award for Individual Community Leaders: Nan Hobbs Barganier. The ceremonies were live-streamed. The recording may be seen on You Tube. The River Region Ethics The order of the Recipients (l to r): Willie Durham, State Farm - Small Businesss, Killian Horner, East Taylor Dental Associates - Medium Business, Nan Hobbs Barganier in Business and Public Service Awards is a program of The - Maury Smith Award, Karlyn Edmonds, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama - Non Profit, Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. in collaboration with Carl Gunter, International Paper - Large business Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The purpose of the program is to bring the importance of business and public service ethics to the forefront of communities throughout the River Region and to honor those individuals and companies that practice and believe in good ethics. It is hoped that businesses and agencies throughout the community will aspire to be considered for this award. For more information about The River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards, and to nominate a business or organization in 2021, visit www.riverregionethics.com.

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Thomas Hinds Retiring as Montgomery Symphony Conductor After 37 Years Maestro Thomas Hinds is retiring as music director and conductor of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra after 37 years and is leaving a huge impact on the River Region.

Bryan Reeves, the symphony’s executive director, said the orchestra will bring in guest conductors for the coronavirus-shortened 2020-2021 season, and it will use the 20212022 season to audition potential conductors.

Hinds, 72, made his debut with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in 1983 and quickly became the face of the symphony, leading classical concerts at the Davis Theater and pops concerts at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the State Department of Archives and History. Hinds said he is retiring because his wife, cellist Katerina Juraskova, received an opportunity to teach and perform in London, Ontario.

In a letter to the symphony’s board of directors, Hinds said, “You have allowed me to make a contribution to an institution I have come to love, for the benefit of a city that has become my home. You have allowed me to have a life of meaning and purpose, and I cannot adequately express my gratitude to you.” Stanley Gregory, Montgomery Symphony Association board president, said, “When the symphony board of directors lured Tom to Montgomery with the offer of full-time employment as our music director and conductor, at a time when the orchestra was transitioning from a project of the Cultural Division of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, I thought his tenure with us would be a half dozen years at most. Not so. He devoted the prime of his career to MSO with enthusiasm and innovation. Tom is a tremendous talent, and the Montgomery region has been blessed to have him on our podium for so many years.”

During Hinds’ tenure, the symphony moved to a permanent home in the Davis Theater, expanded its classical season, upgraded the popular “Jubilee Pops” and “Broadway Under the Stars” free concerts, pioneered and brought in talented musicians from around the world for its “Artists in Residence” program, and expanded the Blount-Slawson Competition into a nationwide opportunity for outstanding young musicians to perform with the symphony.

“Being part of that growth has moved me in so many ways: the generosity and decency that are part of the DNA of the organization; the dedication of every single branch of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra; the clarity of purpose – we really do want there to be something of beauty and value in our community’s life; and the love and commitment by musicians to this extraordinary art,” Hinds said.

The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra would have begun its 2020-2021 season with its “Broadway Under the Stars” pops concert on Aug. 28 and its first classical concert on Oct. 5, but the symphony board had to cancel both due to restrictions on large gatherings caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The symphony’s next scheduled classical concert is Nov. 16 at the Davis Theater.

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MACOA’s 16th Annual International Tasting We hope you will join us for MACOA’s 16th Annual International Tasting on Sunday, November 8, 2020! This year's drive-thru event will feature cuisine from around the world! Pick up your meal and dessert and enjoy this International experience from your home! All proceeds support MACOA and the Meals on Wheels Program. Meal options include an Asian Meal, European Meal or both! Each meal costs $45 - dessert and a carryout tote bag are included. Pick up at a designated time between 1-3pm at the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, 115 East Jefferson Street, in downtown Montgomery. For more details and to register online visit: www.macoa.org/international-tasting or call 334.263.0532.

Free Subscriptions @ w w w.rive r re gio n b o o m.co m Spend Your Money on These Three Things to Increase Happiness According to a recent study the best way to spend money and receive happiness is: 1. Purchasing Experiences. Whether going to the zoo, the ballgame, or Europe for two weeks, spending money on experiences shared with others brings more lasting happiness than physical possessions.

According to the study: The earliest and most well-developed line of research treating money as a resource to be intentionally utilized shows that, on average, people experience greater happiness when using money to purchase experiences, as opposed to material goods. 2. Prosocial Spending. Spending money on others—whether supporting a charity, treating a friend to dinner, or buying a gift for another—brings more lasting happiness than physical possessions. When we entered personal spending and prosocial spending into a regression predicting happiness, we found that people who spent more money on others reported greater happiness; in contrast, the amount of money they spent on themselves was unrelated to happiness. The joy of giving is a fundamental component of human nature, detectable from the first years of life across a wide range of contexts. Based on their findings, spending money on others enhances social connection, provides opportunity to make a meaningful impact, promotes well-being and autonomy. 3. Buying Time. Whether paying someone to rake your leaves, clean your house, deliver your groceries, or buying a smaller house to reduce your commute, research indicates there is happiness to be found in not just purchasing positive experiences (above), but also purchasing the removal of negative experiences. People who regularly by time report greater life satisfaction. If you want to direct your financial resources toward pursuits that pay off in the long-run, choose to purchase experiences, prosocial giving, or buying time. Based on the studies, spending your money on those three things is the best way to increase happiness. www.becomingminimalist.com

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This & tHAT

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ASF, Speak the Speech Words matter. Language and stories have been used to empower, empathize, and embolden communities.

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s directive to “speak the speech” and by American playwrights today, we invite you to use your voice to bring these famous speeches to life in Blount Cultural Park. Around the pond and in our garden, you will see panels with famous speeches from characters in plays.

We invite you to “speak the speech” and feel the power of language in your voice. Speak the Speech is free and open to the public into mid-November 2020. The panels, spread along ASF’s grounds, are easily located and feature the works of August Wilson, Dominique Morisseau, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, Zora Neale Hurston, Christina Quintana (CQ), Jiréh Breon Holder, Alice Childress, Lauren Gunderson, Thornton Wilder, Lorraine Hansberry, Mary Kathryn Nagle, and William Shakespeare. Additionally, there is a speech from Wynton M. “Red” Blount, who, along with his wife Carolyn, founded Blount Cultural Park. Film yourself and share using #SpeaktheSpeech. www.asf.org

From Marion to Montgomery: The Early Years of Alabama State University, 1867-1925 Alabama State University is well known as a historically black university and for the involvement of its faculty and students during the civil rights movement. Less attention has been given to the school's remarkable origins, having begun as the Lincoln Normal School in Marion, Alabama, founded by nine former slaves. These men are rightly considered the founders of Alabama State University, as they had the drive and perseverance to face the challenges posed by a racial and political culture bent on preventing the establishment of black schools and universities. It is thanks to the actions of the Marion Nine that Alabama's rural Black Belt produces a disproportionate number of African American PhD recipients, a testament to the vision of the Lincoln Normal School's founders. From Marion to Montgomery is the story of the Lincoln Normal School's transformation into the legendary Alabama State University, including the school's move to Montgomery in 1887 and evolution from Normal School to junior college to full-fledged fouryear university. It's a story of visionary leadership, endless tenacity, and a true belief in the value of education. Order directly from New South at www.newsouthbooks.com, 334.834.3556, also available at www.amazon.com

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Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park

While we’ve been hibernating with the rest of the world…we have not been sleeping. Your Montgomery Botanical Gardens Board of Directors has spent the last eight months meeting virtually and working to enhance and expand the Gardens. Unlike the bears and flowers during the winter season, we have used this time to bring about positive change.

-The Daylily Garden, established by the Montgomery Daylily Society, was expanded during the summer, Restored Oak Leaf Bench providing a constant source of color and variety for visitors.

-We renovated and installed the “Wisdom Woods” sign at the entrance to the gardens. The David McClurkin family, inspired by daughter Mary Alma Neeley, donated this addition.

-The Federation of Garden Clubs added roses, angel trumpets, salvia, confederate roses and other plants to the Biblical Gardens.

-Our new greenhouse received a coat of paint to both doors from members of the Capitol City Master Gardeners Association.

And so much more, to learn more please visit us at www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com

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Caregiver of The Month Spotlight

Carla Perry

Carla started working for our company in June of 2020. She is one of the hardest working caregivers that we have. She goes over and beyond to care for her clients. Carla is extremely compassionate and caring with a desire and eagerness to make a difference in the lives of the clients that she serves. On top of her full time job, she works extra days, often working 7 days a week to assist the company where needed.

Thank you for being a valuable member of our team, Carla… Keep up the great work!

For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

LaDonna Brendle, To Serve & Glorify God This month’s cover profile is a woman who was moved to change her life…to serve those in need, the homeless, our neighbors. LaDonna Brendle felt this change beginning in 2000 and she continued this journey eventually creating Reality & Truth Ministries in 2008. Her ministry began by serving the homeless and poor in Montgomery while continuing to discover unique ways to serve and glorify God’s Truth through encouraging, teaching, and loving for the sake of others. As we reflect on what we are most thankful for in our community, we must include LaDonna and the work she does for those with the unmet needs, providing God’s hope along the way. LaDonna shared her story with us this month and we think you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as we have. Our two-word takeaway, inspiration and blessing.

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

Lauren graduated from the University of South Alabama, with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Statistics. She has one semester of graduate school left in Experimental Psychology. Lawson will graduate this summer from Auburn University, Montgomery campus, with a bachelor’s degree in Global Economics and International Trade. He is in the Honor’s Program and has begun graduate school for Economics.

LaDonna: I was born in Belleville, Illinois, where my late father’s side of the family lives. When I was one year old, we moved back to Slapout, where my mother’s BOOM!: You are the Founder and side of the family lives. Soon President of Reality & Truth Ministries in thereafter, we moved to Montgomery, started in October 2008.

Montgomery, where I was Would you please share the story on primarily raised. I attended how you launched this unique ministry? a Christian private school in What has it been like to go through such kindergarten and public school a life changing experience? How has for the duration of my primary your family and secondary education. supported I began my post secondary your efforts? education at the University of Montevallo and finished at LaDonna: My husband, David and I at one of my cousins’ house in Troy University, Montgomery Illinois. Though we don’t do it nearly enough, So… one Campus, earning a Bachelor we really enjoy travelling together. day back in of Science in Business Administration 2000 while I After five years of marriage, our degree with an emphasis in Accounting. I was sitting in first child, Lauren was born. She also attended two semesters of graduate church, the is 26 and lives in Brooklyn, New school, one in an MBA program and one Our family at the Frederick C. Robie House Lord spoke York. Two years later, our second while on vacation in Chicago, Illinois. We love in an MDiv program. clearly to child, Lawson was born. He is great architecture. Though you can’t see it, me that my this one was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

24 and lives in Montgomery.

My husband, David, and I met the professed They attended St. James School summer after my freshman year of faith was for most of their primary education and college. We dated two years, were in vain; that I often doubted the were homeschooled through Ezekiel engaged five months, and have been resurrection, that I was still Lord of Academy for their secondary education. married 32 years this December 3rd! my own life; and He asked if I would

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gifting others. I remember surrender my outreaches and Sunday Street School, thinking that this ministry life to Him. I a Sunday morning Bible study with would likely be diverse in said yes! It has a meal that we provided on a vacant it’s operations, to include been a grand lot each week for one year. Through more than writing and adventure ever this and a Wednesday evening Bible speaking. It was quite an since, being study with a meal that we provided at adjustment for our family, born of the a church downtown, where homeless especially financially. We Holy Spirit. But would come, we learned of so many had already gone from a early in 2005, basic unmet needs in this population. two-income family to a one a very special We prayed about those needs and the and a half income family. woman was Lord led us to begin the works that we This work would take us to discipling me still do today. Our One Church Mission a one income and challenged provides daily dinners, family. My me to spend clothing, hygiene, family has been time in God’s home furnishings, supportive in word every personal advocacy, so many ways… day. It’s in that birth certificates, primary donor daily time with state identification, of the initial the Lord that Bible studies, and My son, Lawson and I at a Hawks vs. Nuggets basketball game. One of our favorite things to works, extreme I have learned financial management do together is watch basketball. Lawson is a big flexibility of to hear even as a Social Security Lakers fan. He actually took me to a Lakers vs. our fluctuating more clearly Representative Payee Hawks game during Kobe Byrant’s last season! dinner schedule, the plans He Organization. In our surprise overnight guests, has for me and the gifts He gave me, previous location, we random car rides to those in as well as get understanding in many also provided daily distress, and patience with matters of life. During this prayer time, lunches, showers, hair me learning a healthy balance the Lord called me into full time ministry cutting, and laundry. with ministry, to name a few. that would include speaking and writing, Once the renovations which would use the Holy Spirit gift of of our new facility are BOOM!: In the past 12 years, teaching. So, I began to write as inspired completed, we will be Reality & Truth Ministries in my prayer journal, and then also speak able to continue those My daughter, Lauren and I in Times services with four has grown in the ways they within the role of Sunday School teacher Square, NYC. Though I wished she serve the homeless and poor for women at my church. times the capacity, lived closer, it’s always exciting to in Montgomery. Would you along with additional visit her there on my way to and describe the many ways you from Israel each year. One of our In 2008, the Lord called me to legally offerings such as favorite things to do together is visit computers. and your team are serving form the full-time those in need highly rated local coffee shops! ministry He had today? Please previously spoken Our organization describe the to me about. I didn’t is operated importance know everything it 100 percent by of your would entail, but I volunteers. There volunteer did know the name, are approximately team and logo, and mission 200 community how readers statement He gave volunteers that of BOOM! can me… The mission serve with us get involved of Reality & Truth each month. with Reality & Ministries is to The generous Truth? serve and glorify contribution of their God according to time is so vital to LaDonna: We the work of Christ us, as we rely on began serving by promoting the their commitment the homeless one source of Truth to serve, in order and poor in My dad and I at Captain D’s in amidst everyday for us to keep our Montgomery Panama City, Florida. We didn’t My mom and I at Sol Restaurante. Some of realities through commitment to this get to spend much time together our favorite things to do together is eat out through encouraging, community. It is during my youth. But we tried to and shop. If I’m lucky, she will play a game of various teaching, loving, and the consistent and make up for it in my adult years.

Rummy with me!

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earth, than that with Jesus in Heaven, compassionate they keep their light hidden under a work of all of us bushel. that has built the great trust we’ve BOOM!: How have you been dealing with gained with our the COVID 19 challenges personally? homeless and With Reality & Truth? poor community.

There are an array LaDonna: Because I know that the of opportunities Lord is sovereign and my faith in Him is to serve with us, strong, I have not been too concerned either remote personally with COVID. I have of course or in person. followed governing policies. I have been If anyone is exposed at least a couple of times and interested, they have not contracted it. I’m actually can contact us staying with my mom and sister right through our My friends Donna, Reggie, and I, working at The Well, our women’s transitional now to help them while they both have website www. house and discipleship program. God has used Donna for the past 15 years to COVID. Knowing friends that have lost realityandtruth. help me better understand the life and needs of those in transition. loved ones to COVID has been sad. But I com, email them. Lives were forever changed know they are in heaven, so that’s pretty realityandtruth@ because of it. They didn’t just ask Jesus exciting! But the saddest part of COVID live.com, or phone 334.354.6142. to come into their heart then attend a for me has been the quarantine of the church service and Bible study. Jesus church, as a place to gather and as a BOOM!: LaDonna. I recently read a asked them to follow Him and they people to gather and serve. We are the quote from you regarding the Light it Up! did. Fast forward to today, Body, and each body Revival held in Montgomery this past specifically in America. Look part belongs together August, “Before the church can reach our around. Do we see many to be complete. city, state, nation, and world effectively professors of Christianity for Jesus Christ, the church itself actually following Jesus? Did As for Reality & Truth, must become true followers of Jesus we get a different Holy Spirit we lost all of our daily Christ, fully surrendered to His will and than the early followers? Of mission leaders at the purposes. When Jesus Christ is above course not. There is one God, onset of COVID. Most all else in our personal lives and church one Spirit, and one Truth. And of the 200 monthly lives, other’s lives are forever changed.” that one Jesus is worthy to be volunteers have been Would you please share more on what followed. Too many of us are dropping off the that means to you? still sitting on our own throne, meals they provide, as Lord of our life. We don’t rather than serving LaDonna: As you may know, the early want to them. But God is so followers of let go and faithful to provide Jesus Christ surrender ALWAYS. We have were highly all (as two board members effective in many sing that immediately took changing the My friend Al and I at One Church that they world. Why? Mission. Birthdays are special to us. the daily leadership I learned early on in ministry that do) to the responsibilities. (I Simply because as we go to make a difference in Lordship cannot imagine any they actually others’ lives, they actually make a of Jesus organization having a followed Jesus. difference in ours.

Christ. But board as wonderful as They actually yet while we complain ours!) Then, we had new daily volunteers surrendered about the darkness that started serving faithfully. Lastly, to His will and and divide all around but certainly not least, we have some purposes. What us, we don’t GO do mission friends that have ALWAYS helped Jesus did for anything about it. The us since the opening of our One Church them compelled darkness is supposed Mission in 2010. Because we have had to them. Love to be presented with alter and condense the way we serve our compelled One of our volunteers, Karen and I on Let’s Talk the light. But because community during COVID, I am looking them. The Truth, our televised Bible Study. I truly love who so many hold greater forward to things getting back to normal.

Holy Spirit God sends to us! Karen is super organized and has value to their life on empowered singlehandedly set-up our offices twice!

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BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?

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

LaDonna: My life mission is to edify the church, through word and deed, by providing leadership, teaching, and inspirational resources, that will stir individuals into fulfilling their God-given purpose through Spiritual growth. I am most passionate about this process!

There is no greater joy than doing what you were created to do! And I want others to experience this.

LaDonna: I’m the kind of person that likes “diamonds in the rough,” whether it’s people, places, or things. As a young adult, early in my accounting career, I would dream of a better Montgomery. There were and still are so many opportunities to make it great. Opportunities to make a difference is what I like about living in Montgomery. Though there has been great progress, I think we still need more innovative thinking in how we process opportunities. A city will thrive, not just survive, when the needs of all people groups are met.

BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day’s activities?

LaDonna: I enjoy making bouquets with flowers and greenery from my yard.

Cooking is a pleasure for me. Sometimes I work on puzzles to wind down. Hot tea and reading are most often how I relax.

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

My sisters Joni, Gina, and I at one of my nephew’s wedding rehearsal dinner in Chicago. Fun fact: Gina and I didn’t know we had an older sister from one of our dad’s previous marriages, until we were adults! Sisterhood is fun! The more the merrier!

BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed?

LaDonna: As I’ve aged, I have learned to better order my priorities. God is still number one and even more so now. The priority of His plans and purposes continue to increase.

LaDonna: When I travel, I like to His Kingdom work is so important visit the best local coffee shops because many will die without in the area. To this day, Israel has Jesus and that should concern us. the best coffee! My favorite travel My priorities have also become experiences have been in Israel better balanced. I’m the type of and anywhere with my family. The person that will work until I go to beach is truly my happy place. sleep (that’s one reason I skipped So anywhere with a beach is my the resting question until last!). favorite spot! I travel to Tel Aviv, Unless it’s urgent, I stop working Israel for missions at least once by 5:00, so that I’m completely yearly. My dream travel is to go available for my home and family. to Israel for vacation with my One of the things I think that most husband, and then also with my in my family and I would imagine family. most people can appreciate, is that having the last word or giving My sister Gina, mom, and I on a Thanksgiving Day. Since my mom and BOOM!: What role if any, does dad divorced when I was just about one, most of our life has been just us unsolicited advice is no longer a technology play in your mission? priority. It’s hard when you really three. We love spending time together! like solving problems or giving LaDonna: Well, if we had advice, and it’s not the time to day. We also use these platforms to more technology skilled volunteers, do it.

Aging physically and spiritually has post ministry happenings and solicit our technology would play a bigger role in helped me understand this better. ministry needs. YouTube is where we our ministry. I would love for us to have upload videos from our Let’s Talk Truth an updated website that a professional BOOM!: Give us three words that TV program, of which we are hundreds designed, instead of an amateur like describe you? of videos behind. I’m very excited that myself. An app would be fabulous too! we are in the process of converting In addition to our outdated website, we LaDonna: Mindful. Analytical. Hopeful. our financial system to a cloud-based do have a Facebook and YouTube page. management system, with which it’s I post a Scripture with commentary on BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or technology will move us forward with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter each other activities that grab your attention? organizational efficiency.

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LaDonna: I really enjoy designing and planning. I’ve got a notebook full of grid paper that I use to draw plans for various projects.

BOOM!: With your ministry, Reality & Truth, you have become a Christian leader in the River Region and beyond, you have a television show, Let’s Talk Truth on Frazer TV and a website. Could you tell us more about these 2 forms of Christian outreach?

LaDonna: Because my original and longterm call from the Lord is to write and speak, yet much of my ministry thus far has been physically laborious, these two Christian outreaches totally excite me.

I love God’s word and helping others experience it personally, especially in how it can apply to their life today. Both of these platforms allow for me to do just that!

Let’s Talk Truth is a televised Bible study that focuses on how we live out the Scriptures in our daily lives. In addition to my life experiences, I often have guests to share testimonies of how the Word is being lived out in them too. Our desire is that the viewers would understand the simplicity of God’s word, become doers (not just hearers) of God’s word, and they would also feel like we are having a conversation together in their living room. The reach of this program has been shocking! We are contacted from churches all over the world that watch the videos on our ministry website, www.realityandtruth.com, of which we are way behind on uploading.

My website, www.ladonnabrendle. com, is a place to share my writing and speaking. Some of my writing has been published in books of collaborative works and some are in blog posts. Most of my writing is in a long process. I have several books in progress, ever so slowly. It’s like knowing a baby will be born, but you have to wait until it’s time for he or she to be born. I can’t wait to have more time to dedicate to these books!!!

BOOM!: How do you and your husband like to spend time with family? Describe your experience as a mom, can you share any motherly advice?

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LaDonna: Ping pong was a household favorite for a long time, especially for my husband and our children. I personally love board games with family. Having adult children with one living out of state, our family time together is usually spent site seeing on vacation. When I travel to see my daughter, we enjoy visiting different coffee shops together.

When my son is at home, we enjoy watching basketball together.

For many years, I was a working mom.

In addition to that, I’ve always been active in the community and other activities. So, I was a busy mom. Too busy. Usually God gifts leaders with the ability to multi-task many things. One of the greatest things I learned is that with

Here, I am dancing with some of the children in the congregation after our worship service in Kisii, Kenya, where we had our first Beautiful Feet Mission trip. I just love the joy and liveliness that other countries have for our Lord Jesus Christ!

people, especially family, specifically children, don’t multi-task. Be fully there in the conversations. Even if you’re in the middle of something, like cooking dinner, it’s important to stop, look them in the eye, and listen completely. So, my mom advice is to be fully present with your children, at all ages. For today, that might mean putting your cell phone in the closet until your children go to bed.

BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for Reality & Truth Ministries? For yourself?

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LaDonna: For Reality & Truth, there are two things. 1) In December, we plan to receive our first group of women transitioning from prison into The Well, our one-year housing and discipleship program. We want so badly for them to succeed and hope that everything we have planned for them will make a lasting impact. 2) We’ve been working on our new facility for quite some time. The primary challenges have been funding.

As we receive construction donations, work is done. I’m continuously contemplating this! It will be such a blessing to our community once it’s finished and open!

For myself, it is a new work the Lord has given me. I recently formed Compassion Companies, Inc., whose mission is to benefit communities by providing affordable housing, goods, and services through valuable resourcing of people, places, and things, in order to employ those with various challenges, such as homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. We have most of our board directors and about half of our investors.

The Lord has opened some great doors for locations to operate too. Though it is very exciting to see how powerful it will be when those I’ve been serving gain employment doing things that they enjoy, I know there will be challenges.

I’ve been contemplating these challenges, especially how to balance everything in the healthiest way.

We want to thank LaDonna for sharing her story with us in this month's cover profile.

If you want to connect with LaDonna, offer support for her ministry please email her at realityandtruth@live.com or visit www.realityandtruth.com for more info.

A special thanks to Shellee and the team at Total Image Portraits for the quality photo shoot in their studio, Great Job! If you have questions, comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please send them to Jim Watson at jim@riverregionboom.com.

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By Bertha Lazenby Knox

I REMEMBER SYRUP MAKING TIME Syrup making time is late October through November, but preparation beings in the early spring. The patch where the cane will be planted is broken up with a steelbeam plow and laid out in rows for planting. The sugar cane is uncovered where it was bedded in the fall and the fodder striped from the stalk, then the stalk is put into the row with the eyes on the stalk turned up so the shoots will have no problem coming through the soil, then it is covered with a plow.

Through the spring and early summer, it is cultivated and fertilized.

After the cane is laid by for the summer the fodder is scattered in the middles where it will rot and make mulch, fertilizer and help keep the grass from growing. Wood is cut and stacked near the syrup mill to let dry for cooking the syrup.

On the morning Papa was cooking syrup he was up early to start the

activities of the day. The mule was hitched to the pole that turned the grinder to extract the juice from the cane stalk. My brothers would take turns feeding the cane into the grinder. One would have to sit where the pole would not hit them as the

Early October the work begins, the cane is cut and put in piles, and then the best stalks are selected to keep for planting in the spring.

When the stalks have been bedded for spring planting the remainder of the cane is striped of fodder, loaded on the wagon, and hauled to the syrup mill for making syrup.

Cane Syrup Cake

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mule went around. After the barrel was full it flowed into the cooking pan where a fire was started and the cooking process began. The juice was cooking into syrup as it flowed from one section of the pan to another until it reached

the end, there the syrup dripped into another barrel to be put into gallon cans.

The aroma from the syrup cooking could be smelled a far distance. The yellow jackets swarmed around the juice barrel and often my brothers were stung my them. I was not allowed to help at the syrup mill, but as usual I was there seeing what was taking place and sometimes, I would get stung by the yellow jackets.

One of the hardest jobs of syrup making was cleaning afterward.

The grinder was washed and then

the pipes flushed out. The cooking pan was the most difficult to clean because it was sticky from the syrup.

If you are driving north of Wallsboro on Hwy. 231 on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and you smell a pleasant aroma it will be Jimmy Stubbs cooking syrup. Stop by, drink some juice, fight off the yellow jackets and buy a gallon of sugar can syrup. Go home and make a pan of cathead biscuits and sop syrup or bring out the old iron frying pan, put in some fresh butter, pour in the syrup, and make some pull candy.

Good eating!!

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Experiencing a Montana

Virtual Front Porch

By Julie Pfitzinger

From her home computer in Kennett Square, Pa., Diane Hoffman first learned of Dunrovin Ranch when she became riveted by an osprey nest.

The year was 2012, it was springtime and the osprey were in the process of laying eggs — a webcam across the country in Lolo, Montana capturing every around-the-clock detail of the nest located 57 feet above the ranch.

An avid birder, Hoffman was particularly intrigued by what was transpiring. “It was a failed nest, which was so interesting,” she says.

Along with six other people watching online, Hoffman observed the entire process up until the point where the osprey (which she learned were named Ozzie and Harriet) became aware their eggs wouldn’t hatch and soon abandoned the nest for the season.

(www.daysatdunrovin.com), on the ranch she has called home for 22 years, located 15 miles south of Missoula, her passion project has become a virtual front porch, an online respite, and most importantly, a growing community of individuals, many older and living alone.

“We want to foster health and well-being

Eager for more, Hoffman started a daily viewing of another Dunrovin webcam aimed at the barn and horses. Then, she says with a laugh, “I knew I was in deep.”

Around the same time, Hoffman was also caregiving for her mother. She would share the virtual world she had discovered at Dunrovin with her mom, once an avid traveler who had become homebound.

“It was like a whole window had opened up for her,” Hoffman said of her late mother. “She really felt like she was out and about, spending time in Montana.”

A Sense of Place

In the eight years since founder SuzAnne Miller, 72, launched the virtual community, Days at Dunrovin

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for people, animals and nature, and we use the resources we have right here at Dunrovin Ranch,” Miller says, adding that giving members of the online community "a sense of place" is so important to her.

ambient microphones, focused on the horse barn and the osprey site (filled with bird feeders to attract winter birds when the ospreys are away), there are webcams along the nearby Bitterroot River, where someone could just watch the light and movement of the river and spot wildlife such as bears and elk from sun-up to sundown, every day of the year.

Dunrovin offers daily online programming; options include everything from a sunrise tour of the ranch led by one of the employees to a training session with a horse to a presentation called ‘Birds of Dunrovin’ hosted by Miller, also an avid birder. A rare appearance of a kestrel on the ranch was a recent topic.

“We bring the ranch alive for people,” she says, adding that the majority of Days at Dunrovin followers don’t come from a rural background but have long been interested in horses, for example, or just daily life on a ranch.

“They are learning something completely new to them,” notes Miller.

"We bring the ranch alive for people."

However, there’s a lot of time when, as Miller says, “there’s nothing happening,” so people can just observe the ranch and the surrounding area in real time.

In addition to webcams, complete with

“I liken it to the front porch of

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yesteryear,” she says. “You can sit and watch, but you don’t have to pay rapt attention. It’s not so exciting that it distracts from conversations.”

Reading Books About the West Together

And there are a lot of conversations happening among followers of Days at Dunrovin. They include active chat groups, such as Ranch Chat (regularly populated with questions or comments about what viewers are observing on the ranch) and Community Chat (“That can be anything from what people are having for lunch to recipes — anything goes as long as what’s posted is respectful and caring," says Miller.).

One of the most popular conversations is the book club, and like so much that happens at Dunrovin, it’s a collaborative effort.

Judy Blunt, chair of the creative writing program at the University of Montana in Missoula and author of the bestselling memoir “Breaking Clean,” curates the reading list for the monthly book club; the titles for the year are released every fall.

by James Welch and “An Unfinished Life”

by Mark Spragg.

According to Blunt, “Fool’s Crow” was the first Native American literary

club,” Hoffman says. She and Miller often moderate the sessions, with Blunt and any visiting authors joining in. “There are also a lot of people who watch who haven’t read the book, but many go on to read it afterwards.”

“SuzAnne has created a really important cyber environment; she’s really led the way on building this community,” says Hoffman.

Feeling Ownership of Dunrovin

Days at Dunrovin is subscription-based, with members paying $8 per month.

Right now, there are more than 700 members worldwide, and Miller is always hoping to grow her base. Days at Dunrovin Ranch also has a YouTube channel, which is free, but there isn’t an opportunity to engage in the program’s community aspect.

book that many of the online book club participants had read. The book discussion also included a conversation with Welch’s widow.

“The conversations are so valuable – you learn so much more about a book when you talk about it,” says Blunt. “Stories can do so much to connect people; they can share their own experiences.”

Another key player in the book club is Hoffman, who does research on the book and its author, and also moderates the message boards before and during the scheduled book conversations, offering

“In the online world, you either have to pay by advertising or subscription,” says Miller. “Once you start advertising, you turn your clients into customers, and I did not want them to be viewed in that way. I think of them as friends. I wanted them to have ownership of Dunrovin.”

In light of the pandemic, Miller recently launched a new initiative called Monday Socials, sponsored by Friends of Dunrovin, where people can participate every Monday, free of charge.

“We want to give people a full Monday, 24/7, to get to know us and to socialize with us. If they want to join, great, but we won’t push,” she says.

Miller’s mission inspires Blunt.

“Her efforts to bring enrichment to people’s lives and offer an outlet that is creative and tickles the learning bone a little bit are literally contagious,” says Blunt.

The focus of the selections is literature of the West, which Blunt says speaks to universal themes like a sense of place and community. In addition to Blunt’s memoir about growing up in eastern Montana, the group has read several titles in the genre including “Fool’s Crow”

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participants the chance to ask questions.

Many do.

“I’m the ‘public facing’ part of the book

Another goal of the Monday Socials is to give a respite to caregivers.

“If someone has a loved one at home, we can help that person socialize and stay busy all day to help ease some of

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the socializing burden on the caregiver,” Miller explains.

Over the years, the Dunrovin community has not only bonded together individually (many regulars have formed friendships on their own), but collectively in significant ways.

“If you want to engage people, there need to be shared experiences,” says Miller.

There have been several at Dunrovin over the years.

People have watched the birth of a colt named Oggie (sticking with it for four nights in a row, with many across the globe altering their sleep schedules so as not to miss anything) and even participated in his naming.

“So many chimed in on the chat with stories of giving birth to their own children, of their own labors,” Miller says.

“That’s the seed of real friendships.”

And the community has observed death; a beloved horse broke its neck and Miller had to have a veterinarian come out to euthanize him.

“I asked if people wanted me to turn off the cameras, and they said no,” she noted. “They started talking about death like you wouldn’t believe. It wasn’t like talking about a person’s death; it was an opening without being too close.”

After the death of the horse, Dunrovin community members came together to fund a tree in his memory, something they’ve repeated following the death of another horse, Annie, Oggie’s grandmother.

“They are changing the ranch by adding these trees. They are making it their own,” Miller says.

'I'm Taking Visions of the Ranch With Me'

Miller’s goal is to make the Dunrovin model sustainable for the future, and she is currently working to secure additional funding.

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The ranch has as many as 10 employees during the summer months (Miller calls them “the boots on the ground” for Dunrovin followers riveted by their daily work), and two employees during the colder months.

But the lion's share of the work is done

by Miller. “I do ninety percent of the web development and writing; I have a tech guy who works with the webcams,” she says, adding that the steepest, and most expensive, learning curve was the installation and activation of the technology.

“I come from a background as a mathematician and scientist, so I wasn’t afraid of the technology; I just went for it,” she says.

Miller’s research background also frequently comes into play as she studies the data of Dunrovin’s frequent surveys to members (a Labor Day poll on first jobs generated many comments) and the impact of the social engagement on those who have come to think of Dunrovin as home.

During a virtual talk in June for the National Council on Aging, Miller shared some these statistics about Days at Dunrovin: 95% of participants are women, 60% are 60 and older, 29% live alone and 75% access the site daily.

While numbers are key to her work, the emotional connections to Dunrovin are what Miller finds inspiring, and what keep her committed to her mission.

“I’ve had people going into the hospital, asking me if I can send them a small piece of Dunrovin. I’ve sent feathers,” she says. “Or they will tell me, ‘I’m taking visions of your ranch with me.’ You don’t walk away from that."

Resource: www.daysatdunrovin.com Source: This story first appeared on Next Avenue, www.nextavenue.org Julie Pfitzinger is the editor for Next Avenue’s lifestyle coverage across the Living and Technology channels.

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

My "UGHTOBER" Diary "A true story from the Greg files"

Dear Diary, As I write this, Ughtober still has 3 days remaining. There is a Greek tropical storm heading our way, the 17th time this year we’ve been asked to prepare for severe weather. We’re prepared.

I have a tub of fresh dark chocolates on my nightstand.

They’ve been there since Sally.

Or Laura.

Next year maybe the Hurricane Center folks can hand out “HELLO, my name is” tags to make it easier?

It never occurred to me I might have the Coronavirus, but my absence sent the rest of the staff (justifiably) into a state of worry. So, the boss asked me to get tested before coming back. Radio stations are somewhere between day care centers and gas station bathrooms when it comes to effectively spreading germs.

Nobody misses Jay Scott more than Rich Thomas's boy, "Chase"!

What a month. On the first Friday of Ughtober, our intrepid NewsTalk 93.1FM morning producer- Jay Scott- stood up during our show and grimaced. “I just felt something really weird in my chest”, he said. I didn’t know it at the moment, but I was witnessing a heart attack! Jay put in a full day, then stopped at the doctor afterward. Before he knew it, he was in an ambulance headed to Baptist South Hospital.

His misfortune rocked the entire station. In addition to his morning duties, Jay is our company’s Operations Manager. Everyone loves the guy. Jay = MVP. He simply keeps 7

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radio stations running while making it look easy. Jay Scott is as close to indispensable as it gets in the radio business.

But we’re just getting started!

On Monday, Ughtober 5, I wasn’t feeling right. After the morning show, I felt feverish and sure enough, was running about 99.7; not life threatening but enough for me to call in sick for the afternoon show (my first sick day in years). Jay was back, so he, Rich Thomas and Jessie Lynn picked up the morning show the next day, Ughtober 6.

My fever had broken so I was planning on going back in that afternoon. Then the boss called.

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I went to a nearby clinic to get tested. I signed in and was told to return to my potentially Covid-ridden vehicle. They’d call me when it was my turn. After 45 minutes my cell phone rang, and I was directed to the door in back of the building.

A friendly technician swabbed my nostrils (I escaped the brain piercing test so many others endured) and was told to stay put for 15 minutes.

The longest 15 minutes ever.

That’s when it hit me. If I were positive, I’d be quarantined. All my friends and co-workers might have been exposed, and they’d need to be tested. Everyone would hate me. I’d return to work wearing the Scarlett “C”.

My wife, who’s remained Covid-free while processing thousands of Costco customers, and my stepson would now be at risk!

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disappeared, he went back to the doc to get retested so he could man the Rich Thomas Weather Center during the storm.

To his great dismay, he was still Covid positive- yet as I write this, he is planning to guide us through this ferocious storm from home. He has everything there except a Doppler radar dome so the man who should be resting resting resting- will be up during the 9 hours of expected impacts doing what he lives to do. Rich Thomas will not be sitting this one out.

Waiting room #7 became very dark while horrid scenarios played out in my head.

Suddenly, the door burst open and the nurse announced, “you're negative!”

Overjoyed, I requested a hug, but she offered a shoulder bump which I accepted.

Typhoid Greg left the room. It never occurred to ask what was making me feel so crappy. I took a cell phone photo of the test result, dispatched it to the boss and asked it to be distributed to the staff. It was, and I returned to radioland the next morning “clean”.

Nice weather is expected after Zeta’s exit. Halloween arrives under a full “Blue Moon”. Jay should be back on Monday.

Tuesday will be Election Day. I fervently pray it will come and go without incident, but this is 2020.

But Ughtober was just getting started.

Elated to have Jay back in the building and on the morning show, we celebrated his birthday on Friday the 16th. Dedicated to his new diet, among other things we gifted him an enormous bag of doctor-approved salad fixings and grilled chicken breasts along with some cool stuff.

By the end of his special day, Jay started feeling poorly, left early for the clinic, and learned he had Covid. Happy freaking birthday buddy. It was the ultimate “why bad things happen to good people” moment. Within a few days, Rich Thomas, my great buddy, and sidekick was running a fever and he too, had the Coronavirus.

There’s so much I don’t understand about this plague.

All of us have been diligent mask wearers.

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Greg was looking for radio sidekicks wherever he could find them!

We’ve been through a 55-gallon drum of Lysol wipes keeping our studio surfaces clean.

Diary, I promise if the fires are out by Thanksgiving, I’ll write something warm and festive for December.

In a blink, Joey Clark, Dan Morris and I were all that stood between live radio or dead air.

Let’s survive NO-vember first!

Rich, ever the trooper, had a link set up at home so he could at least spend a few minutes with us every morning. Everyone I know who’s had Covid points to fatigue as the worst symptom. Rich Thomas soldiered on!

Ughtober wasn’t finished with us. After taking his meds, resting and following doctor’s orders, Rich found himself following Hurricane Zeta. After his fever

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

Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and has marked 15 years in the River Region.

He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas & 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

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Smart Health - Nature's Way - Tracy Bhalla

Essential Oils for Immunity you should be looking for oils rich in at least one of the above components; or use a collection of oils that cover a few of the above components. Without that GC/MS report you really are working blind.

In these trying times, and especially with winter fast approaching, we can all benefit from fortifying our immune systems. There is an abundance of essential oils that can help support our immune system. I am going to introduce just a handful of favorites here, but first a little chemistry.

The therapeutic properties of an essential oil are determined both by the individual chemical components and by the synergy of all the components acting together within the oil. In the majority of cases it is this synergy that is most important, but certain components have been scientifically proven to have certain effects, even on their own.

The following chemical components have been studied by scientists and proven in tests to have immunostimulant properties: • Carvone – In mice, carvone increased total white blood cell count, and increased antibody production and the number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow.

• Limonene-d – Immunostimulant effects of d-limonene that have been seen in rodent studies include stimulating lymphocyte proliferation increasing the total white blood cell count increasing the number and phagocytic activity of macrophages and stimulating antibody production. Natural killer cell activity was enhanced in vitro by d-limonene.

• Linalol – Linalol stimulates interferongamma, a cytokine that plays an important role in tumor control, and in immunity against viral and intracellular bacterial infections.

• Linalyl acetate – In an in vitro assay of ten essential oil constituents, linalyl acetate was one of only two that were found to stimulate natural killer cell activity. In guineapigs infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, linalyl acetate significantly stimulated macrophage activity when 10 mg was injected every 5th day for 5 weeks. This immunostimulant action was considered the primary reason that the animals were able to control the infection.

• Patchoulol – Oral administration of patchoulol can enhance phagocytic capability and improve immune response. Patchoulol has significant immunomodulatory properties which

My favorites for an oil rich in each component would be: Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – very rich in Carvone.

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) – almost completely d-limonene.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum ct Linalool) – very rich in linalol (or linalool).

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) – very rich in linalyl acetate.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) – rich in patchoulol (I believe it’s the only oil to contain it).

Eucalyptus Dives (Eucalyptus dives) – rich in phellandrene-a.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – rich in terpinol-4-ol.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

probably act by activating mononuclear phagocytic system, augmenting humoral immune response while suppressing cellular immune response.

• Phellandrene (a) – In a rodent study oral doses of 5-25 mg/kg with α-phellandrene promoted the phagocytosis of macrophages from blood samples promoted natural killer cell activity from splenocytes.

• Terpinol-4-ol – In two in vitro studies, terpinen-4-ol markedly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, superoxide and PGE2.

Terpinen-4-ol suppressed the proliferation of cells for human leukemia (three types) cervical cancer and liver cancer. It had a similar effect on cells for human melanoma (including drug-resistant cells) and mouse mesothelioma. (All above data referenced from Aromahead Component Database, which in turn is researched and crossreferenced from a mass of scientific research from around the world.)

If you are looking to use an essential oil specifically for its therapeutic properties, then you MUST buy one with a current GC/ MS report so that you can see what the figures look like for the component you need.

There are other options of course, but all the oils listed above are affordable and easily obtainable. My suggestion would be to try and incorporate at least two or three of these into your daily routine, whether by diffusion or in lotions, in order to help support your immune system in these trying times.

My suggestions for reliable sources to purchase from include: www. Us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tracybhalla (A UK based company which has a distribution center here in Boston, MA.) www.Aromatics.com (A US based company, in Montana.) www.Florihana.com (A French company) You can also find essential oils at Health Wise Foods in Montgomery: www.healthwisefoods.com Please stay safe this season and help your body to support itself by using/diffusing some of these great oils.

I am happy to help with any questions you may have.

Considering immunostimulant properties,

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 a source for useful essentialMagazine oil and November 2020 RiverRegionBoom.com BOOM! The as River Region’s 50+ Lifestage 54 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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