BOOM! April 2024

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

38

BOOM!

Housing

Tea

40

44

32

10 Commandments of Retirement

Publisher/Editor

Jim Watson

334.324.3472 cell/text jim@riverregionboom.com

Contributing Writers

Jeff Barganier

Tracy Bhalla

Greg Budell

Tina Fey

Anne Elizabeth McGowin

Harrel McKinney

Susan Moore

Linda Goor Nanos

Alan Reid

Marie Sherlock

Nick Thomas

Cover Photography

Photography by DiAnna Paulk photographybydiannapaulk.com

Advertising

Jim Watson, 334.324.3472 jim@riverregionboom.com

Jim Watson, Publisher jim@riverregionboom.com

Are you familiar with The Ten Commandments? No, I'm not talking about the Ten Commandments Moses received from God Almighty; no, I'm talking about the 10 Commandments of Retirement that Miss Terry Saban gave to long-time Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban when he decided to retire. She didn't reveal all ten to the public but she did share a few. The eating commandment, where he has to wait for her to sit down before eating dinner. the couch commandment, where he has to get her a blanket when they sit down to watch a little TV (One of his favorites is Game of Thrones). Another is the Tech 101 commandment, where he has to learn how to email and text per Miss Terry.

I'm not retired, but I do think about those that are, and having some guidelines like the "10 Commandments of Retirement" could be very helpful to being purposeful, efficient, and valuable in the new role you have within the family. We all need to be retrained for our new roles as we age; I just hope Nick doesn't get carried away using text, Instagram, Twitter, or...Tik-Tok! I understand he's even learning which mustard brand to buy when he does a grocery run! I'm sure he'll be as good at retirement as he was at winning National Championships for the Tide; Miss Terry wouldn't have it any other way :)

This month’s cover profile is Harrel McKinney; Harrel is a long-time resident of Montgomery, where he started and established his career in medical technology. He eventually founded a thriving medical testing lab called Alabama Reference Laboratories, which became one of the largest medical labs in the southeast. Having sold his business interest in 1995, he turned his attention to giving back, and he became very involved with the Sorrel College of Business at Troy University, his alma mater. Another interesting aspect of Harrel’s life is that he was one of the first people to buy the brand-new car introduced by the Ford Motor Company, called the Mustang! It was April 1964 when he bought his Wimbledon White Mustang sight unseen from a dealer in Hartford, AL. He still owns this classic and has been honored at various car shows for being one of the original buyers and current owner of this 60-year-old Mustang. He liked it so much that he bought another one a few years later, a Dynasty Green 1964 ½ Mustang coupe convertible! We featured Harrel and this classic Mustang on this month's cover at Troy University, Montgomery Campus. They make a good fit! I hope you enjoy getting to know Harrel this month; he's an American Classic.

We have much more information you’ll want to digest this month. Greg Budell explains our modern society in a way we can understand and be frustrated with. It’s more than a generation gap. Jeff Barganier takes us back to a major battle of the Civil War fought in North Georgia. It was a bloody battle for all sides, including all Americans. There are articles about the habits needed to be happy in retirement, like Nick will be, per Miss Terry, I guess. Do you remember dating etiquette from the 50’s? Well, we take a glance back to see how far we’ve come, no surprises. There’s plenty more to dip into this month, including a new Word Search worth $50 BOOM! Bucks if you can complete it and text me with your name for our monthly drawing. Congratulations to Mary Showers for being our March Word Search Winner!

Thanks for taking a few moments of your valuable time to read the April issue and maybe share it with friends and family; I appreciate each of you. Have a great Spring! Age Well, my friends.

The Jackson Wellness Center

The Jackson Wellness Center is a 17,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art medical fitness facility, offering a variety of weight training equipment, multipurpose activity rooms for classes, and a raised walking track, all within a pleasant and comfortable environment. Our wellness center also offers massage appointments to better support members in every aspect of their fitness journey.

We provide adults of varying fitness levels a method of achieving optimal health through individualized fitness programs, personal training, and tailored fitness plans designed to the fitness goal prescribed by their Jackson Hospital & Clinic provider. And with one medical record, your provider can monitor your fitness progress.

Through cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and specialty classes, members can increase productivity, manage chronic conditions, and improve general health.

The Jackson Wellness Center also staffs degreed health and fitness instructors, certified and degreed personal trainers, licensed massage therapists, clinical exercise physiologists, administrative staff, member service representatives, and dedicated volunteers.

Our facility features a wide variety of amenities, including:

• Cardiovascular exercise area • Strength training area • Sauna & steam room • Locker rooms with showers

• 3D body scans with biometrics • Massage therapy • Indoor walking track • Fitness classrooms • Personal training

Jackson Wellness Center: 7150 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117, Phone: 334-440-3330, www.jacksonwellnessmgm.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 5:00am-9:00pm, Saturday 7:00am-3:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-6:00pm. Closed Holidays

7th ANNUAL PUPPY PALOOZA AT THE SHOPPES AT EASTCHASE

Raise the woof! The Shoppes at EastChase’s favorite fundraiser, Puppy Palooza, will return for its 7th year! This event will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 11AM – 2PM near Pies + Pints and will benefit the Montgomery Humane Society. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a paw-ty for dogs and owners alike! “Puppy Palooza is one of our favorite events here at The Shoppes.” said Sidney Carol Barnhardt, Marketing Associate for The Shoppes at EastChase. “This event has grown every year, and we can’t wait to welcome owners and pets from all over the River Region for a great cause.” The event will feature an Ulti-Mutt Pet Marketplace, pet adoptions from MHS, food trucks, kids’ activities, live music and more! The EastChase tent will offer plenty of pet-friendly swag items, including a {paw}esome giveaway! This event is free and open to the public; however, donations to MHS are welcomed. The Shoppes at EastChase is now accepting vendor applications to be a part of the furriest event in town. Applications are available online at theshoppesateastchase.com/events. For more information about The Shoppes at EastChase, contact Marketing Associate, Sidney Carol Barnhardt at 334-714-0259 or visit The Shoppes at EastChase online or on Facebook.

Prayer Days for our Adult Children and Grandchildren

Most Christian parents begin to pray for their children even before they’re born. The frequency of prayer for our children only intensifies as they grow.

We pray for their health and safety, good and moral friends, success in school, the development of godly character and love for God’s Word, and emotional maturity. Some people have the blessing of seeing their children blossom into the kind of young adult they prayed they would become. But, statistically, more and more young adults are walking away from the spiritual practices of their parents, and they are embracing an increasingly dark secular ideology. Not only are they abandoning the church, but many are also pursuing contrary lifestyles that have taken them into patterns of addiction, abuse in relationships, unhealthy marriages, health issues whether mental or physical, or employment and financial issues.

These problems have one thing in common: Our best response is a spiritual response.

Satan has used pride, embarrassment, hopelessness, and wishful thinking to keep Christian parents from praying together. Just as Christians should be engaging in spiritual warfare for the nation, we must also be watchful and engaged on behalf of our adult children and grandchildren. We must continue to fight spiritual battles for their spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Beginning at 2:00PM on Sunday, April 21 River Region parents are meeting quarterly to pray for their adult children and grandchildren at Christchurch Anglican, 8800 Vaughn Road. Each gathering will open with worship before meeting in small groups to pray. At each day of prayer, there will be five groups praying simultaneously for:

• Salvation/Return to Christ

• Relationships/Marriage/Other Life Issues

• Addictions

• Mental/Emotional/Physical Health Issues

• Financial/Jobs/Direction

In addition to the meeting in April, days of prayer will also be held on July 21, October 20, and January 26, 2025. For additional information about Days of Prayer for our Adult Children and Grandchildren, contact Dcn. Dolly McLemore @ 334-301-3490 or email her at dmclemore@christchurchanglican.net

The Rev. Alan Reid, Pastoral Associate, Christchurch Anglican

By Greg Budell

"IN-FLU-ENCE-SAH"- The New Pandemic

"A true story from the Greg files"

BOOMers, we are winners!

Every year, Gallup Polling trots out a World Happiness Index. They rank the world’s nations, and the people within those countries using a simple survey technique.

From NPR (sorry)- “How happy are you? The Gallup World Poll has a way to gauge well-being around the globe. Imagine a ladder and think about your current life. The top rung, 10, represents the best possible life and the bottom rung, 0, represents the worst. Pick your number.

This year, Finland is at the top of the list. Researchers point to factors including high levels of social support and healthy life expectancy, to explain the top perch of several Scandinavian countries.” If meat locker weather is your thing, there is much to be loved about Finland, Norway and Denmark. As a tourist. Live there? Hard pass.

Our beloved country took a deep dive in this year’s Happiness Survey. As radio legend K.C. Kasem would say, “the USA slid down the charts all the way from #15 to #23!”.

23rd! I can’t imagine why!

OK, I lied. I not only can imagine why, I KNOW why.

According to Gallup, only one American demographic was into positive territory on the Happyometer. Us. This explains why there is an onslaught of anti-BOOMer narratives among our propagandists (formerly known as news networks). They seem to thrive on shrieking themes inferring that BOOMer happiness was achieved at the expense of every generation behind us.

MSN dot com is a complicit partner in the anti-BOOMer harangue. Every day there is another list of things we embrace that will die with us and it (seemingly) can’t happen soon enough. Most of us still believe in the 2 biological sexes, hard work and respecting authority including our elders, military, and police. MSN says we’re fools to stand by those beliefs.

A term that has infected our lexicon (one I am coming to despise) is “influencers”. Influencer has become a top career choice among those under 30.

How about that?

Surprise, Gen X, Y, Z! I’m an influencer. In five decades in all media forms, mostly radio, I’ve been influencing the music, cultural choices, and opinions of thousands of people.

We’re all influencers, and we need to get to work.

Younger generations should enjoy happiness and optimism, too.

In the 80s, when we were Gen Z’s current age, local radio was Facebook. People tuned in to find out who and what was hot. I had hundreds of thousands of “followers”. Becoming a radio “influencer” was an earned privilege.

Today a cell phone and a Tik Tok account are all you need to proclaim “influencer’ status.

Who were our (BOOMer) influencers?

While we had our share of icons and stars, my predominant influencers were family, teachers, and successful people.

I had great teachers! We were taught to “be all that you can be”, “go for it”,

A Happy BOOMer and his successful daughter (Janelle)

“work hard and make money”, “get married, have a family and go for the American Dream”. Many of us did and got there- or got a good taste of it.

As a happy BOOMer I refuse to apologize or feel guilty about it. My “happy” was hard earned along a path that included the challenges of heartbreak and failure. I’ve been wealthy and homeless along the way and regret none of it. They are requisite building blocks of my solid “happy”.

Why is younger America so miserable?

The Gallup study cited the following as causes for the state of the nuveau American Les Miserables:

“… younger generations feel that they’re facing mounting barriers to homeownership, such as steep prices, high interest rates, low housing supply, and slow wage growth.”.

I closed on a house at a painful 13% rate long ago. Things can change when the people in charge know what they’re doing.

MSN followed that by dissing a BOOMer vanguard- “renting is a waste of money”.

“Saying that renting is a waste of money can come across as insensitive to Millennials and Zoomers who aren’t in a financial position to buy a home yet, so you may want to refrain from saying this around them.”

Insensitive? Renting is OK, but dang, thicken your skin children! Life is neither sensitive nor fair. Those speedbumps, no matter how hard your unicorn tries to mute them, are part of the journey!

Let me play Influencer with the Unhappy Generation(s) with a few suggestions. “Happy” is not entitlement and we are responsible for our own state of mind.

Relaunch your path to happiness by asking yourself some tough questions. Who have you voted for? Have their policies made your life better? Tougher yet, ask yourself if you were bullied into voting the way you did because of the influencers you chose? Did you vote with critical thinking or your feelings?

Who has your ear? Are they constantly harping about America’s imperfections? Are they relentlessly telling you about threats to democracy (two wolves and a sheep deciding on dinner) or that we’re a democratic republic? Do your influencers have ANYTHING positive to say about anything?

No frickin’ way America should be anything but #1 on a list of happiest countries.

Had Gallup asked my rung, I’d have chosen #9. I like believing #10 is still achievable and remain optimistic about getting there. I’m having more fun now than ever.

BOOMers, the happy generation. Do we credit our positive influencers, or did we hit the higher rung through luck? For this BOOMer it’s the former.

Not the ladder.

Share your thoughts on my experiences or other comments via email at gregbudell@aol.com. It's always fun to hear from BOOM! readers.

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

Naming collective nouns is a time-honored grammatical pursuit of bards dating back to medieval days. Their linguistic talents have bequeathed to the English language some quaint and intriguing terms, especially for groups of animals.

Fun with Collective Nouns

While many are well-known and rather bland (pack of dogs, herd of elephants, swarm of bees), others are delightful with their pluralistic logic: a gaggle of geese, a pack of mules, a prickle of porcupines, a cloud of bats, and an army of ants.

Though archaic, and somewhat challenging to work into modern conversation, others display a grammatical poetic beauty but, really, are just plain fun to annunciate if only to elicit a listener’s curious smile: a congregation of alligators, a parliament of owls, an exaltation of larks, and a flamboyance of flamingoes.

Then there are the real oddballs such as a murder of crows, although this term isn't always promoted by ornithologists and bird lovers today. According to The Crow Society website, the term’s origin

has a tenuous link to avian fact: “crows flock to members of their own species after death.”

Collective noun names have even been ascribed to groups of imaginary creatures such as a coven of witches and a blessing of unicorns, although an impalement of unicorns might be more to the point. And for Dracula devotees, a kiss of vampires has appropriately been suggested for a group of the resurrected bloodsuckers.

In addition to animals, there are many familiar terms for groups of inanimate objects: flight of stairs, belt of asteroids, and chain of islands.

Here, however, restraint should be exercised least one succumbs to the

By Nick Thomas

irrepressible creative urge that collective nouning inevitably arouses. Indeed, many practitioners so inflicted have been inspired to create delightful terms such as a rash of dermatologists, a stack of librarians, a host of parasites, and a range of ovens.

And from there, it is a quick descent into the dark world of plural absurdity: a fraid of ghosts, a nun of your business, and a charlotte of websites. And the list goes on:

a raid of roaches; a waffle of politicians; a nag of spouses; a void of urologists; a division of mathematicians; a mess of cooks; an excess of administrators; a slew of assassins; a body of funeral directors; an invasion of telemarketers; a crash of computers, a mass of priests; a drove of truckers; a club of sandwiches; a basket of cases; a staff of infections.

And should you find yourself at a naval dock welcoming family or friends returning from a mission, expect to be greeted by “a hoy of sailors.”

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

A congregation of alligators in south Alabama - photo Nick Thomas

Paying for Aging in Place Support: Part 1

Aging in Place is a term used by the healthcare community to describe older individuals who choose to remain in their own home. Millions of seniors want to stay in their home as they age - in fact, a survey by AARP found that almost 85% of people ages 65 and above, would prefer to stay in their home as long as possible. Living in the home is not without potential problems.

Pitfalls of Aging In Place

Safety and fall prevention are a primary concern in the home and often some type of personal caregiver is required. The home should be assessed to ensure smoke detectors are working, lighting is sufficient and other safety concerns. Bathrooms should have grab bars, shower seats, handheld shower wands and nonslip bathmats.

Personal care needs including meal preparation and transportation needs should be evaluated. Family involvement may fill gaps in this area and/or caregivers may be hired at times if necessary.

Medicare Help In Home

This article focuses on identifying Aging in Place assistance through government Medicare services and private pay LongTerm Care Insurance. Medicare offers the Original Medicare coverage and a Medicare Advantage plan. The Original Medicare plan will cover tele-health services (phone or computer chat) through 2024, for individuals who have trouble getting out of their home to visit their healthcare providers ("provider"). These services are covered at the same cost as if one walked into his/her provider's office. Medicare Advantage plans have varying coverages and may include tele-health services after 2024. In addition, a Medicare Advantage plan

may pay for certain home modifications like grab bars, shower seats, walk-in tubs, wheelchair ramps, widening hallways for wheelchair.

Medicare Help In A Hospital And During In-Patient Rehabilitation, If Necessary

Should you need a hospital stay due to a fall, for example, Medicare Part A may cover the hospital stay (after at least a three day stay as an inpatient) and may cover up to 21 days at an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

If Medicare determines continued services are necessary, they may pay a portion of the daily in-patient rate and the individual will pay a co-pay daily. (In general, please review carefully your Medicare plans as to the deductibles, co-pays/coinsurance, benefit period and lifetime/reserve days, so that you will have the best understanding of what they pay.)

Medicare Help If You Return Home After In-Patient Rehabilitation

If continued therapy (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy) is needed when you are discharged home, Medicare may assist in paying for these services in your home or at an outpatient facility depending on your medical situation and as long as progress is being made. It is important for each individual

to review their Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan to determine what may be covered.

Long-Term Care Insurance Home Care Assistance, If Eligibility Is Determined

Some long-term care policies may help with Aging in Place by covering an array of different services. A policy may cover a variety of home modifications like the ones mentioned above, certain medical equipment, in-home nursing services, caregiver services and preparation of in-home meals. Some plans will pay for assistance provided by a family member or relative. (Insurance companies will require a written justification to explain the need for the expense to be covered. Typically the initial justification is submitted by the attending physician and the family can assist in providing information to the physician as to the need.)

If you have a long-term care policy, carefully review the scope of benefits and ask for an annual summary of the scope. This information is typically prepared by your insurance company on the anniversary date, which is the date you purchased the policy. If you bought an inflation rider your policy’s benefits may be increased every anniversary. Be knowledgeable about what triggers eligibility for your specific policy so that you can be ready to file a claim at the earliest possible time.

Senior Law Solutions, LLC offers a variety of opportunities to assist individuals and their families with aspects of Elder Law Care, Estate Planning, and Life Care Planning with individualized plans. If you have questions or want to learn more visit www.seniorls.com or call 334.758.9400

Alabama State Bar Requires the Following: “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.” Responsible Attorney: Anne Elizabeth McGowin.

Aunt Frankie’s Carrot Cake

This homemade carrot cake recipe is full of flavor with lots of carrots, covered in rich decadent cream cheese icing, and topped with crunchy pecans.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

2 1/4 cups self-rising flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs, room temperature

3 cups grated carrots

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted and divided (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened

1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the cake:

1-Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 3 lightly greased 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper; lightly grease parchment paper. Sift together first 3 ingredients. Set aside.

2-Beat sugar and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

3-Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until blended and stopping to scrape down sides. Fold in carrots and 1 cup walnuts or pecans. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.

4-Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in vanilla.

Assemble: Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Arrange remaining 1/2 cup of nuts around outer edge on top of cake. Cut with a serrated knife. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer.

Source: https://southernbite.com/aunt-frankies-carrot-cake/

Jackson Hospital Foundation Announces "The Band Party" - An Evening of Music, Food, and Philanthropy.

The Jackson Hospital Foundation is thrilled to invite the community to its muchanticipated event, "The Band Party," set for May 9th, 2024. This exclusive gathering will occur from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the elegant Central Restaurant, promising an evening filled with live music, gourmet cuisine, and artisanal drinks. Highlighting the night's entertainment are the sensational musical talents of Chevy 6 and Dixon Darling. These renowned acts promise to deliver unforgettable performances, setting the stage for a vibrant celebration. Tickets for this splendid affair are priced at $150 per person, offering an unparalleled experience of enjoyment and camaraderie. Adding to the excitement, the Foundation is hosting a "Whiskey Collection Giveaway," an opportunity for attendees to win an exquisite selection of fine whiskeys. Raffle tickets are available at $40 each or a bundle offer of 3 for $100, with proceeds directly supporting the Jackson Hospital Foundation's mission to enhance healthcare services and patient care. Join us for a night of celebration, music, and giving back. Secure your tickets for "The Band Party" and be a part of an event that promises not only a fantastic time but also an opportunity to contribute to a noble cause. For tickets and more information, please visit https://thebandparty.my.canva.site/

5 Good Habits to Improve Your Mental Health

Good habits are good for you in more ways than you might realize- they can help boost your mood and improve your mental health. While we often focus on physical health, caring for your mental health is just as important. It's easy to fall into unhealthy patterns, but with some simple adjustments to your routine, you can build good habits that can help you feel better and cope with some mental health issues that might be ailing you. Research reveals that habits can form in as little as 18 days, but once a good habit is created, it becomes effortless to continue the desired behavior. Here are 5 good habits to consider for better mental health.

Get enough sleep: Getting lost in scrolling on our phones at night is easy. But if you want to improve your mental health, you must prioritize getting a good night's sleep. Adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of issues, such as fatigue, changes in mood, and poor concentration. However, if getting a solid night's sleep is easier said than done, try practicing the 10-3-2-1-0

formula to promote better sleep hygiene: 10 hours before bedtime, no caffeine. 3 hours before bedtime, no alcohol. 2 hours before bedtime, no exercise. 1 hour before bedtime, no screen time. And 0 snooze attempts before waking up.

Stay Active: Studies have shown that during workouts, the body releases endorphins and serotonin, which in turn help with improving mood, memory, and concentration. It can be as simple as doing yoga, going to the gym, or taking a long walk.

what's happening inside and around you? Technology can worsen the situation as we search our phones for new distractions from our present environment. Help yourself find mental peace by practicing mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Try practicing mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay in the now.

Eat a Balanced Diet: The food you eat can directly impact your mood, especially sugar which can make you feel good at the momentbut can lead to a crash and decreased energy later on.

Practice Mindfulness: Do you have trouble concentrating? Racing thoughts? Feeling disconnected from the present and

Talk to Someone: It's important to recognize when you need help and seek support when necessary. Family members and friends can be good sources of support, as can trusted community members. Sometimes, extra support is needed when you are struggling. Reaching out to a mental health professional can be a helpful step in improving your mental health.

Source: Montgomery Probate Court Newsletter

Sewn Together: Two Centuries of Alabama Quilts

In 2017, the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) presented a collaborative exhibition called Sewn Together: Two Centuries of Alabama Quilts. The exhibition featured examples of Alabama-made quilts from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries drawn from the extraordinary collections of the ADAH and MMFA.

We are pleased to debut a newly redesigned digital exhibition featuring the quilts of Sewn Together and a wealth of additional content about our state’s rich quilting traditions. Visit Link Below to Explore: https://tinyurl.com/muxnyrsz

Surprising Dating Etiquette From the 1950s

The world of dating has undergone significant changes throughout history, from arranged couplings in ancient Egypt to medieval courtship to the modernday use of technology to find a partner. In the 1950s, dating was governed by a set of traditions and rules that reflected a postwar society that emphasized stability and conformity, and was largely influenced by the era's adherence to traditional gender roles. Men were expected to take the lead, covering the bills and demonstrating chivalry, while women were held to standards of modesty and femininity.

Though they may feel antiquated compared to more recent moves toward gender equality, independence, and a rejection of rigid cultural norms, the conventions that defined dating in the ’50s are fascinating to look back on. Here are some of the rules that defined dating etiquette in the 1950s.

Women Didn't Order for Themselves

The dynamics of a dinner date were markedly different in the 1950s. In a recovered ’50s article from British magazine Woman's Own, a guide titled “How To Behave in a Restaurant” outlined a number of rules that applied to all male-female relationships, “whether he is your father, brother or boyfriend.” Women were expected to be demure and reserved, telling their male counterparts — the protectors and providers — what they wanted and

allowing the man to place the order with the wait staff on their behalf.

Going out for dinner, while it did happen, wasn’t the default date at the time, especially for younger people: Group dates at sporting events, dances, or movies were the preferred way to get acquainted without spending too much time in private or spending too much money.

Men Were Expected To Pick Up the Check

Given various advancements in gender and socioeconomic equality throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, it’s no longer assumed that a man will pay for everything on a date. And while some old-fashioned opinions on the matter linger today, in the 1950s, it wasn’t even a discussion — the man was expected to foot the bill.

Men were seen as the primary breadwinners, as far fewer women were employed outside the home. The

act of paying for a date symbolized their role as providers and proved their financial stability, and it was considered the gentlemanly thing to do. In her 1989 dating history book From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in 20thCentury America, author Beth L. Bailey concluded that for young girls at the time, a date “was not the event, was not the companionship, was not even being seen with the boy. A date meant being paid for.”

Family Approval Was o f the Utmost Importance

In modern dating, seeking approval from friends and family doesn’t usually happen until things begin to transition from the “casual” stage to the “exclusive” stage. But 1950s dating was less of a private affair; it was a social event that often involved spending time with friends, and, most importantly, introducing a date to the girl's family.

Familial approval was imperative at the time; as Marion S. Barclay's 1950s Teen Guide to Homemaking stated, “It is a good idea to have your family meet and approve of the people you know.” The guide also stated that a potential date should be “punctual,” typically coming to the home and ringing the doorbell before departing on a date. Consistent with the etiquette of the time, this common ritual added a layer of formality to dating — one that contrasts sharply with contemporary practices.

Women Were Discouraged From Eating Certain Foods

The arbitrary gendered ideals men and women were expected to uphold during 1950s courtship extended even to what women should and shouldn’t eat. If a date took place at a restaurant, women were encouraged to eat foods that wouldn’t make a scene.

such as celery and cheese, could be eaten by hand as long as they were cut into small pieces first. These prescriptive recommendations reflected the broader cultural idea of a refined woman and served to reinforce the gender norms that characterized the era.

class rings or letterman jackets if of school or college age.

"Fruits cause some embarrassment in restaurants,” read a ’50s dating guide from Woman's Own. “Cherries should be put in the mouth whole, and the stones carefully placed on to a spoon. Plums and other large fruits with stones should be dissected in the dish and the stone placed at the side."

Other potentially problematic foods,

“Going Steady” Was the Ultimate Goal

“Going steady” was a hallmark of 1950s dating. This term meant that a couple had agreed to date each other exclusively, taking a major step toward a more serious relationship — often with the intent to marry. Couples abided by specific rituals to symbolize their commitment, often exchanging

Despite the era’s formalities, the concept of going steady wasn’t exactly beloved by all: Parents often worried their teenagers weren’t dating around enough and were settling down too quickly by committing to one person exclusively. They also feared that going steady would cause teenagers to become physically intimate more quickly than if they were going on one-off casual dates. As average marriage ages gradually rose and attitudes toward sex and dating shifted throughout the 1960s and 1970s, “going steady,” like many of the decade’s dating rules, began to fall out of favor.

Source www.historyfacts.com

Save Lives, Celebrate Lives, and Lead the Fight at American Cancer Society Relay For Life of River Region

Join the movement for a world without cancer

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the River Region invites the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight back for lifesaving change on April 20th at the Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation & Performing Arts beginning at 4 pm. Relay For

Life is a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers, and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer and own the power to make that change.

“We share a passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight

for a world without cancer,” said Kay Franklin with the American Cancer Society. In 2024, almost 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Thanks to that shared passion, the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission can’t be stopped, ensuring

we are here for everyone who needs us.”

Relay For Life has joined communities together to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer. Dollars raised each year help attack all cancers in countless ways – funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, assisting with transportation to/from treatments, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.

fund the future. Every dollar raised fuels the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. The fight against cancer needs you now more than ever,” said Kathy Wood, local event lead.

There are many ways to get involved.

• Join the Relay For Life of the River Region– Sign up to join an existing team or start a new team at www. relayforlife.org/RiverRegion

“It’s never been easier to raise money for Relay For Life and help

• Donate – If you can’t participate in this year’s event, you can still help save lives by making a donation. Every dollar fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Visit our event website to make a donation today.

We encourage all survivors to register online at www.relayforlife.org/ RiverRegion or by calling 800-2272345 ext 2 so you don’t miss out on the event festivities.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement unites communities worldwide to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage

There’s a stark contrast between merely retiring and having a happy, productive retirement. It’s all about the habits you adopt.

The key to a fulfilling retirement isn’t just about what you’ve saved up, but how you spend your everyday life.

Those who relish their retirement usually have a set of daily rituals that keep them active, engaged, and satisfied. And the best part? It’s never too late to start these habits.

By Tina Fey

A Happy & Productive Retirement adopt these 9 daily habits

So, let’s dive into the nine daily habits that happy and productive retirees usually adopt.

1) Active lifestyles

The difference between a dull retirement and a vibrant one often comes down to a single factor: activity level. Retirees who rate their post-work life as satisfying are usually those who keep themselves busy and engaged. It’s not about filling the day with mundane tasks, but about adopting an active lifestyle.

Whether it’s daily walks, gardening, joining a dance class, or even taking up a part-time job they love, these retirees understand the importance of staying physically active.

There’s scientific proof too. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity can help boost your mood, maintain your physical health and also improve cognitive function.

So if you’re looking forward to a happy and productive retirement, consider incorporating regular physical activities into your daily routine. But remember,

it’s not just about doing something to pass time; it’s about finding activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to doing.

That’s how you turn retirement into an active and fulfilling new chapter of your life.

2) Lifelong learning

I’ve seen firsthand how lifelong learning can transform retirement. My own grandfather is a shining example of this. After retiring from a long career in engineering, he didn’t just sit back and watch TV all day. Instead, he found a new passion: learning languages. Every morning, you could find him studying Spanish, Italian, or even dabbling in Russian. He used books, online courses, and language exchange meetups to keep his brain sharp and engaged.

And the impact went beyond just picking up new phrases. His dedication to learning opened up new worlds for him. He started reading foreign literature, watching international films without subtitles, and even made friends from different corners of the world.

From his experience, I learned that retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of personal growth. It can be the perfect time to dive into something new that you’ve always wanted to learn.

So whether it’s pottery, astrophysics or cooking, taking up a new skill or subject can add an exciting dimension to your retirement life. It keeps your mind sharp, broadens your horizons, and instills a sense of accomplishment and purpose in your daily routine.

3) Social engagement

One of the most common fears about retirement is the potential for social isolation. But those who thrive in their golden years know the importance of maintaining and fostering social connections. Retirees who regularly engage with friends, family, and community tend to report higher levels of happiness and fulfillment. This is not just about having a busy social calendar, but about meaningful interactions that add value to their lives.

Interestingly, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that regular social interaction can slow down the rate of memory loss as we age. Whether it’s joining a club, volunteering in the community, or simply making time for family and friends, keeping up social engagement is a daily habit that can make your retirement years more joyful and rewarding.

4) Regular routine

Retirement is synonymous with freedom –freedom from the 9 to 5 grind, from rigid schedules and deadlines. But surprisingly,

those who enjoy their retirement often establish a regular routine for themselves. Now, this doesn’t mean they’re back to the humdrum of a strict timetable. Instead, it’s about having a certain rhythm to the day that provides structure and purpose. This could include waking up at a set time, having meals at regular intervals, and designating specific times for activities such as reading, exercising or socializing.

Having a regular routine not only keeps you organized but also gives a sense of normalcy and control over your life. It’s the balance of having enough to do to stay busy without feeling overwhelmed. So while retirement does offer the luxury of flexibility, having a loose routine can actually enhance your daily productivity and overall happiness.

5) Mindfulness

In the hustle and bustle of working years, it’s easy to lose touch with the present moment. Retirement, however, provides an opportunity to slow down and practice mindfulness. Happy and productive retirees often make a habit of spending time each day in mindful contemplation. This could involve meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea and watching the world go by.

Practicing mindfulness not only reduces stress but also helps cultivate a sense of peace and well-being. It allows retirees to fully appreciate their surroundings and the freedom that retirement brings. So, if you want to make the most of your retirement years, consider setting aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness. It’s a small investment of time that can yield big benefits for your mental and emotional health.

6) Giving back

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving back to the community. Many retirees find a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others. This doesn’t necessarily mean grand gestures or huge commitments. It can be as simple as volunteering at a local food bank, helping out at a school, or mentoring younger people with your lifetime of experience.

The act of giving not only benefits those who receive but also those who give. It

fosters a sense of connection, empathy, and gratitude. It reminds us that we’re part of a larger community and that we can make a difference, no matter how small. So if you’re looking for a way to make your retirement years more meaningful, consider finding ways to give back. The joy and fulfillment it brings can truly enrich your golden years.

7) Embracing change

When I stepped into retirement, it was a time of significant change. My daily routine, my social circle, even my sense of identity – everything was in a state of flux. And that can be scary. Yet, what I’ve found is that those who thrive in their retirement are those who embrace this change. They see it not as an end, but as a new beginning.

These retirees understand that change is a part of life. Instead of resisting it, they adapt and find new ways to enjoy their time. They might pick up new hobbies, travel to new places, or even start a new venture. Embracing change can add a sense of adventure and excitement to your retirement. It allows you to explore new opportunities and experiences that you may not have had time for during your working years.

So, as you step into this new phase of life, remember to keep an open mind and embrace the changes that come your way. You never know where they might lead you.

8) Healthy eating

We all know that good nutrition is vital at any age. But for retirees, adopting a habit of healthy eating can make a significant difference in their well-being and energy levels. Retirees who enjoy their golden years are often those who take care of their diet. They understand that what they eat directly impacts how they feel.

This doesn’t mean strict dieting or depriving oneself of favorite foods. Instead, it’s about balanced meals, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining proper hydration. A healthy diet can help manage weight, keep chronic diseases at bay, and boost your energy levels. Plus, cooking at home can become a fun activity in itself!

So, if you’re looking forward to a happy and productive retirement, remember that your food choices play an important role. Make it a daily habit to nourish your body with wholesome and nutritious meals.

9) Positive attitude

At the end of the day, the most crucial habit for a happy and productive retirement is maintaining a positive attitude. Life will always have its ups and downs, and retirement is no exception. But those who navigate their golden years with grace and joy are often those who choose to focus on the positive.

A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and see the beauty in everyday life. It’s about appreciating the freedom retirement brings and making the most of this new chapter. Remember, your retirement is what you make of it. So choose positivity, embrace each day with enthusiasm, and watch how it transforms your life.

Final thoughts: The power of choice

Ultimately, the secret to a happy and productive retirement isn’t hidden in a specific routine or a magic formula. It’s deeply rooted in the choices we make each day. Every habit we’ve covered, from maintaining an active lifestyle to embracing change, is essentially a choice. A choice to stay engaged, to continue growing, to look after our health, and to maintain a positive outlook on life. The philosopher Socrates once said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

Retirement offers you the unique opportunity to build something new –a lifestyle that reflects your passions, interests, and values. It’s a chance to redefine what happiness and productivity mean to you.

So, as you embark on or continue your retirement journey, remember that the power of choice is in your hands. Choose wisely, embrace each day with enthusiasm, and create the retirement life you’ve always dreamed of.

Source www.geediting.com

Self-care, family connections, meaningful work and pursuing my passions all help me set a course through this decade

By Linda Goor Nanos

So This Is 70

When I turned 60, I thought it was the new 50. My mother was turning 90 and we celebrated together with a 60-90 party. I felt fit, I was at the peak of my career, and my brother asked me what hair color to look for when he picked me up at the airport.

Ten years later (a decade sounds longer), 70 doesn't feel like the new anything. I admit part of my mindset was preprogrammed. In our sixties, my husband and I agreed that sixty-something didn't feel old, but seventy would. I told my landlord that my office lease would only go up to my 70th birthday, because I would not have a commercial lease after that; he customized the terms.

This is not all subjective perspective. For most of my childhood, the life expectancy of an adult hovered around 72. I turned seventy-two, defying both my 1950's concepts of aging and the Who's song "My Generation" where Roger Daltrey famously sang that he hoped to die before he grew old. Whether subjective or objective, there are significant life passages that can't be ignored.

The Role of Family Matriarch

I ascended to the role of family matriarch when my mother passed away six years after we celebrated our 60-90 birthdays.

She was the last of her generation and left large shoes to fill. I miss her and all the elders. In the later years of my parents' lives, I had a caregiving role. When they were gone, and my son and daughter were living their own independent lives, I felt a void I needed to fill.

As if hearing my call, my role as matriarch expanded when I had three grandchildren within a threeyear span. My husband and I babysit our granddaughter who lives nearby and maintain a close relationship with her. We spend as much time as we can with our grandsons who live outof-state, whether by flying to them or having them at our home. Staying on top of the grandchildren's milestones is my new focus.

Continuing to maintain my health and be my own caregiver is critical. On airplanes, the instruction is to put on your oxygen mask first. Only in this way can you be of help to those who depend upon you. The need to maintain my own health is not only to be able to be an active part of my grandchildren's lives, but also to be independent and not a burden on my son's and daughter's busy lives.

Health and Wellness

I always prided myself in not relying on pharmaceuticals, although I took herbs and vitamin supplements. My health has been challenged and I accepted heart medication in my daily regimen. I begin each day with a stretching routine based on the years of yoga practice, to which I added Kegel contractions for organ prolapse and breathing exercises for lung capacity.

I barely passed a respiratory function test following a debilitating bout with bronchitis. I had dark moments with both heart and lungs on the fritz, but I finish my morning routine with affirmations of gratitude and express how I want my life to unfold: with ease. I've stepped up my holistic approach to health with homemade pear sauce served at breakfast, cooked with generous amounts of cardamom and cinnamon, for their health benefits to my heart and lungs.

Self-care, family connections, meaningful work and pursuing my passions all help me set a course through this decade

Linda Nanos on her 70th birthday | Credit: Courtesy of Linda Nanos

Linda Nanos and her grandchild doing yoga together | Credit: Courtesy of Linda Nanos

With physical upkeep taking a more central role, it dovetails with the sale of my professional practice. I work parttime for the new owner which allows me to arrive at 11:00 and have a leisurely start in the morning. It's healthy for me to get up and go to a job because I've worked my entire life, you might even say I was a workaholic, but now I'm working half the hours, and have no overhead responsibilities. It's so much more enjoyable with less pressure. Reduced tension is a key to preserving health at any stage of life, especially as I advance in age.

Central to keeping a positive outlook is devoting more time to passions: mine are writing, birdwatching and reading. Everyone must find their passion. It can be a hobby, or cooking, or pickleball, but there has to be something that calls to you each day to get out of bed.

I jump start my morning with a cup of coffee and watching the birds peck away at the feeders I fill. My evenings generally include writing articles and working on a book. I always have my next book club selection at my bedside to read.

Keeping up with extended family ties is another source of satisfaction. I send birthday greetings to nieces and nephews and their children. The children receive a token holiday gift from me. Most of them live in different states. Text chains, Wordle group, and Facebook are other ways I stay connected. My brother and I live nearly 3,000 miles apart, but I made the trek to visit him as a birthday present to myself.

My brother didn't have to ask what color hair to look for when he picked me up at the airport because it's now snow white. That change came about because of the COVID pandemic. While isolated in quarantine, I let my dyed hair grow out. I went through an awkward two-tone stage, but it's a relief to not be spending so much time and money in a salon tending to high-maintenance hair.

I'm more comfortable than I thought I would be as a white-haired grandmother. My physique has changed with age and

I'm thankful for a clothing line for mature shapes and for Spandex. My doctor has a relaxed attitude about weight, so long as my numbers are within a normal range. Admittedly, I have more work to do in this area but there should always be goals to attain.

Taking in the totality of 70, it may not be the new 60, but I'm all right with seventy for what it is: self-care, connection with family, meaningful work, and pursuit of

passions. I'm laying the course for my passage through this decade.

Linda Goor Nanos is a practicing attorney, author, wife, mother and grandmother. Her writing credits include a memoir "Forty Years of PMS," professional articles and published essays on life lessons.

Source: www.nextavenue.org

By Marie Sherlock

My Half-Century Attempt to Learn French

Kids may have an edge when learning languages, but adults also have some major advantages when they put their minds to it.

Conventional wisdom dictates that the best time to learn a foreign language is when you're young, very young, barely-out-of-thewomb young. The malleable brains of children — the logic goes — are quite literally designed to absorb new information (all of that neuroplasticity!).

I am decades — many decades — past that blinkand-you've-missed-it deadline. Even my earliest exposure to a foreign language was apparently too late: Junior High French taught the ALM way (remember ALM ? "Bonjour! Comment vas-tu?" Lots of rote memorization). I contemplated — for a nanosecond — majoring in French in college and that was the extent of my quest for bilingualism.

Psycholinguistics Research Lab and the author of "The Power of Language: How the Codes We Use to Think, Speak and Live Transform Our Minds." She adds, "It is absolutely possible to learn a second language at any age."

Until retirement. With time on my hands — and itchy feet — I've traveled to France four times, taken French classes, bought all five levels of Rosetta Stone Français, and, of course, I've got the Duolingo app on my phone. I've even participated in a couple of immersion programs.

And yet — I am still monolingual!

Oh. Mon. Dieu.

So does that conventional wisdom still hold true? Did I miss the boat?

Thankfully, no. "That seems to be a bias the general public has as opposed to what the scientific evidence says about learning a second language," explains Northwestern University Professor Viorica Marian, director of Northwestern's Bilingualism and

In fact, Marian says that older Americans attempting to learn a second language (aka Second Language Acquisition or SLA) have many advantages over those with supple younger brains.

And then there are the perks! When you hear about the many benefits that SLA bestows on learners, you may find yourself adding "learn to speak Spanish!" to that bucket list.

Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks

First, let's debunk that old saw that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Kids may have an edge when it comes to "unconscious" learning of a second language (passive exposure — like children raised in bilingual households) but adults have some major advantages when, well, when they put their minds to it.

One is (sort of) simple physics: If we're retired, we often have more time to devote to mastering a second language,

says Marian. "Another advantage is that older individuals tend to know themselves better — they know what works best for them in terms of learning strategies."

Adults also have acquired more knowledge about how language works, superior study skills and a better grasp of rules and patterns generally. Other research indicates that those over 55 are better at SLA than those under 35 because they "commit more heavily and stick to a language course once they start it." (Take that, millennials!)

Finally, there's this: "Older adults are often much more motivated to learn another language especially when they know all of the benefits of doing so," says Marian. "They really have a reason for learning."

She quotes Nietzsche: "If you know the why, you can live any how."

The 'Whys' (Benefits)

So what are those "whys?"

The first benefit is overall brain health. "Healthier brain aging is facilitated by using two or more languages," notes Marian.

The second big benefit is pretty much a corollary of the first: "Knowing more than one language delays Alzheimer's and other types of dementia by four to six years on average," says Marian.

Wait — what? Four to six YEARS? Yup, that's what the research shows.

"We don't have a treatment for dementia

"Knowing more than one language delays Alzheimer's and other types of dementia by four to six years on average," | Credit: Getty

right now," explains Marian, "but we do have intervention lifestyle variables that have proved protective toward delaying Alzheimer's and dementia, things like exercise, level of education, social circles and language acquisition." Of these, Marian notes, "the strongest two are exercise and using two or more languages."

"When you learn a second language your brain is constantly working, juggling multiple languages. It's like getting a workout for your brain," she explains.

Delaying Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD for short) stands out as a major "why." Developing ADRD is one of the biggest concerns of older individuals — some research indicates it's our number one fear. (Here's an added bummer: The fear of acquiring ADRD can, itself, lead to more memory failures.)

Beyond being able to speak another language and all of those healthy brain bennies, SLA has myriad other perks, according to Marian, including social, cultural, lifestyle and neural rewards — even higher salaries in some countries.

"There are ubiquitous benefits in all areas," she says. "When you learn another language, an entire new world opens up to you."

But what if you're not fluent — but more of a dabbler, like me?

about my high school and college efforts. "If you learned a language at some point, that information is not lost. It's easy to re-learn and bring up things that you've learned before. It's still there," she says optimistically.

Marian's first rule for SLA for the older individual is to be consistent. Make it a habit, like you would with an exercise program.

language into their lives," says Marian. There are a host of big and small ways to integrate another language into your daily schedule. Marian had one student who changed all of the settings on his TV and computer to French. "Listen to French music in the car, watch movies with subtitles. Little things that aren't overwhelming."

"Make it not a chore. Make it enjoyable," Marian concludes.

"Interestingly, you start to see changes in the executive function (a higher level cognitive skill set) after a couple of semesters of taking a foreign language," says Marian.

The ‘Hows’

I tell Professor Marian about my halfcentury SLA quest, thinking she might reprimand me for my French Fluency Failure.

She doesn't. First she says, "that's great!"

Secondly, opt for learning strategies that make sense for you. Tailor your efforts to your personality, interests and learning style. Marian rattles off a few possibilities — from traveling to (or living in!) another country to taking classes to simply playing games in another language on your phone. "If you choose a method that you genuinely enjoy, you're much more likely to have a positive experience, become proficient and reap all of those benefits," she says.

Finally, wannabe-polyglots should "build

So how do I measure up vis-avis these recommendations?

While I do generally opt for methods that I enjoy — traveling to Paris! — I am far from consistent. I'll get a spurt of second-language-learningenergy for a few weeks — and then slack off. And I certainly haven't incorporated French into my daily life.

But I've been inspired by Professor Marian to hop back on the SLA bandwagon. With new ideas for strategies (hows) and plenty of good-for-the-oldnoggin reasons (whys), I'm on my way to following Nietzsche's advice. I may even change the settings on my streaming services to Français (if I can figure out how to do that).

Marian sums it all up with this parting wisdom: "There is no downside to learning another language because it's so cognitively beneficial, so neurally beneficial, so lifestyle beneficial. And even if you don't become fluent you will still reap benefits."

Marie Sherlock practiced law for a decade before turning to writing and editing in her 30s — and never looked back. She's worked as the editor of several publications and is the author of a parenting book (Living Simply with Children; Three Rivers Press). She spends her empty-nest days writing about travel trends and destinations, simplicity, spirituality and social justice issues.

Source www.nextavenue.org

Plants & Gardens

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

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center (Armory Learning Arts Building), 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, May 1, 2024 “Container Gardening with Annuals and Perennials” Karen Weber, Master Gardener and Horticulturist, will present “Container Gardening with Annuals and Perennials”. Are you ready to see some Spring color on your front porch and in your garden? You won’t want to miss Karen’s presentation of how to plant a container garden. What plants should you use? What about your selection of pots and soil? Can you mix shade and sun plants? How do you water these containers? The questions go on, but you will have Karen as a resource if you attend this program! BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER

PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.

Central Alabama Master Gardener Association Spring Plant Sale

Spring Plant Sale! Saturday May 4th, 8 am to 12 noon, rain or shine at the Elmore County Extension, 340 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Local vendors...Great prices and plant selection…herbs, vegetables, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, succulents, house plants and butterfly garden plants. On-site master gardeners to answer your gardening questions and soil test kits available. Bring a friend!

Lee Ann Marona

Register Now for AUM OLLI

2024 Spring and Summer Terms

Registration is now open for the two remaining terms in the AUM OLLI 2024 year. Classes for the Spring Term began April 01 and continue through May 16. Summer Term is the month of June – June 03 – June 27. There is still time to get involved in classes, field trips, bonus opportunities, and lunch presentations for either term or for both.

You can still register for bonus opportunities, lunch presentations, and field trips. Bonus opportunities include book discussion groups, and lunch presentations will cover the

economy and brain health. Field trips are a Saturday (April 20) at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for a tour, lunch, speaker, and play or a Saturday (April 13) with AUM athletics – softball and baseball. More details about these options are in the Spring – Summer 2024 catalog now available online at www.aum.edu/olli.

The 2024 Summer Term offers members the opportunity to sample the program for a brief period. To encourage this sampling, the membership fee for new members is waived for the June mini-term. Even though

there are no field trips or lunch presentations, the sampling of classes includes the usual variety of study/discussion, active, and DIY options. Try one category – or all three – for a month to determine things that might interest you in 2024 – 2025.

Go online at www.aum.edu/olli to view the complete catalog for the 2024 Spring Term or the 2024 Summer Term! Call 334-244-3804 if you have questions.

Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier

Photography provided by Jeff Barganier

CHICKAMAUGA

I’m visiting Chickamauga Battlefield after reading Lee Elder’s book, That Bloody Hill: Hilliard’s Legion at Chickamauga. Hilliard’s Legion of Alabama volunteers were organized at Montgomery on June 25, 1862.

Standing atop Hill 1 of Horseshoe Ridge, I imagine looking into the faces of those Alabama volunteers of Company D, 1st Battalion as they fight uphill toward Union defenses.

They’re being cut to pieces.

The Battle of Chickamauga in the northwest corner of Georgia, September 19-20, 1863, was one of the fiercest of the Civil War, second only to Gettysburg, leaving 34,624 men killed, wounded, missing, or captured.

Visiting sites like this affords one an unparalleled sense and breadth of history.

I’m amazed at the numbers of markers, monuments and detailed battle

information all around me. Battlefield guide James Ogden tells me, “In the end, these people knew what they were fighting for—the existence of representative government on the face of the earth: government of the people, by the people, for the people. The United States was the only representative government at the time. And so, they felt they were participating in something that was of world importance. And they record, at the time, huge quantities of material that leads them to create this national military park in the eighteen nineties.”

Today, there are 705 commemorative features including monuments, markers, and tablets, spread across the units of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. As I stroll upon these hallowed grounds, as

with all historic battlefields, I’m struck by the beauty and peacefulness of the fields and forest.

But in marked contrast, Elder’s book tells the hellish truth of the horrors witnessed here.

Private J. Davenport penned: “But the cry of the wounded was enough to melt the heart of the most hard [sic] foragers heart. I could not sleep for listening to their pitiful cry and moans for two nights.”

One of the Legion’s more poetic souls, Private Lewellyn Shaver, historian of the 60th Alabama Infantry, wrote to his family: “All through the night a sharp fire was kept up between the pickets, and, ever and anon, the booming of a canon, startling us in

2nd Minnesota Monument

jeff Surveying a Battlefield

Jeff holding Lee Elder's book

Alabama Monument

our slumber, reminded of the carnage of the past day, and the coming horrors of the morrow. After nightfall, too, the shrieks and groans of the wounded, lying on the battlefield between the two lines, were more clearly heard. Add to all this the facts, that the night was cold, our supply of blankets and clothing scanty, and the orders prohibited fires, and you will readily understand that ‘tired nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep,’ visited but few eyelids in the Legion, for any length of time during the night of that stirring day.”

Hence, Elder points out, “Few letters written home by soldiers after a major engagement during the American Civil War fail to mention the sounds of the wounded as they lay on the battlefield.” Furthermore, Elder explains, “Various accounts of the fighting paint the picture: There was heavy gun smoke in the air and, in spots, small clumps of brush had caught fire, adding more smoke to the blinding air quality. Dead and wounded lay scattered everywhere, denser in some places than others. Darkness was nearly at hand. The combination of gathering darkness and the light and smoke from the fires must have added to the confusion. The fires were frequent happenings on Civil War battlefields. The weaponry, large and small, required a spark from one

source or another in order to fire, and the ammunition frequently left the barrels of small arms and the tubes of cannons trailing sparks. The Horseshoe Ridge area was wooded and tinder rich. At Chickamauga, as with other battlefields of the era, the results were ghastly. The seriously wounded often died on the [burning] fields and those already dead were sometimes burned beyond recognition. The smell of charred human flesh is ugly and it permeated the battlefield.”

William B. Doyle, survivor of Company A, 43rd Alabama Regiment, wrote, “I well remember that we had to move the dead men so that we could spread down our blankets to sleep.”

him. He decided to occupy the heights surrounding Chattanooga and lay siege to the city instead. Just two months later, the reinforced Federals drove the Army of Tennessee from their positions around Chattanooga, permanently securing Northern control of the city. With that loss, the Southern victory at Chickamauga was turned into a strategic defeat.”

“Determining the victor of the battle of Chickamauga is best summed up as a question of viewpoint,” writes Elder. According to the American Battlefield Trust website: “Although [Confederate General] Bragg’s original plan was the destruction of the Army of the Cumberland and the recapture of Chattanooga, the results of two days of bitter fighting at Chickamauga stalled

Five brothers from Lowndes County, Alabama enlisted in Hilliard’s Legion during the summer of 1862. One died of disease at the age of 30 before ever seeing combat. One was taken prisoner and later paroled by Federal forces in 1865. One was wounded in the ankle and never returned to service. Two others served until the end of the war. Of those two, a bullet creased the forehead of one, Lawson Brown Barganier, during the Battle of Chickamauga. Had the trajectory of that round been more lethal, you would not be reading this feature.

I pray we’ll never see another war on American soil. But because of the orchestrated invasion of our country by land, air and sea, escorting in millions of criminals, terrorists and foreign enemy combatants, weakening America, I believe war on our soil, or its equivalent, is imminent.

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

Reimagined Chickamauga Battlefield

U.S. Army Caison

This & tHAT i

Opelika Songwriters Festival May 16-19

Entering its 5th year, OPELIKA SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL attracts die-hard music lovers from around the Southeast. This year will feature over 80 shows in 7 venues throughout Downtown Opelika including N Railroad Main Stage, John Emerald Distillery, Resting Pulse Brewery, Irish Bred Pub, Heritage House, Jailhouse @ Rock N Roll Pinball and Market Street Paint Shop. 2024 ARTIST LINEUP: SHAWN COLVIN • KT TUNSTALL • SISTER HAZEL • Livingston

Taylor • Shawn Mullins • Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill •

Jon Muq • Joy Clark • Dan Navarro • Abe Partridge • Cousin

Curtiss • Peter Bradley Adams • Kristy Lee • Grayson Capps

• Eliot Bronson • Robby Hecht • Becky

Warren • Lilly Winwood • Noel McKay • Larry Mitchell • Jack Barksdale

• Meaghan Farrell • Noah Zacharin • Martha’s Trouble • Katie Martin • Mike Kinnebrew • Casey LeVasseur •Kurtis John • Clare Cunningham •

Jennifer Lynn Simpson • Alex Rogers • Sammi Accola • Dixon Darling •

Dave Potts • Jon Williams • Pam Bedwell •Shanna Sharp • Mia Rogers. For tickets and more visit www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com

2024 Fitzgerald Museum Gala: Bon Voyage!

The 2024 Fitzgerald Museum Spring Gala will be held at the Fitzgerald Home, 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106, on April 20th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This year’s theme is 'Bon Voyage!' in recognition of the Fitzgeralds’ love of travel and the numerous places their nomadic lives took them. In 1924 alone, the Fitzgeralds stayed in Long Island, NY, Paris, the French Riviera, and Rome. The evening will feature ‘20s music, a professional photo booth, silent auction, and themed food and drinks. The Annual Spring Gala is the museum’s primary fundraiser, and all proceeds from the event will go directly to continuing the literary and fine art legacies of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald through our community outreach programs and school tours through the museum. We are honored to promote and preserve these literary and fine art legacies here in Montgomery, Alabama, and we’d love for you to be a part of it. For tickets and more visit www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

Corbin Farms Winery Annual Spring Wine Festival

Our annual Spring Wine Festival is officially planned for Saturday, April 13th from 116PM packed with loads of fun!! We will have local vendors, food trucks, live music, grape stomping, great food and wine from CFW, and some great gear to help kick off spring in the South! This is a come-and-go style event, so you’re able to enjoy the event when you’re able! The winery will be open only for this event, and is a ticketed event ONLY. With limited tickets available at the door, we highly encourage that tickets are purchased in advance! This event is RAIN OR SHINE! Tickets are $27 for adults(21+) or $8 for children(<21). Adult tickets includes 2 drink tickets, grape stomp ticket, Corbin Cash(valid towards any purchase made with the winery on 04/13/24), in a Corbin Farms tote bag! Child’s Ticket includes a grape stomp ticket and a ticket for a soft drink. CFW is located at 800 Highway 87, Calera, Alabama, 35040 For more info and tickets visit www.corbinfarmswinery.com

This & tHAT i

Hampstead Taste & Tour : Saturday April 13

Hampstead Taste & Tour returns Saturday, April 13 with our biggest and best event of the year! Purchase your tickets online now to tour our beautiful private homes with food, drinks, and an after-party at the Tipping Point on Saturday April 13 from 3-6 pm. Showing a variety of house plans, the doors will open for guests to enjoy themed complimentary light bites and refreshments / cocktails while touring design and décor elements. The tour will conclude at The Tipping Point with giveaways and live music from 6 pm. Ticket Sales and Event Sponsorships benefit The Montessori School at Hampstead - including a major announcement for our community school!

20th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil

On Saturday, April 13th, Easterseals Central Alabama and the all-volunteer Mudbug Ball Committee will host the 20th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil, Presented by WindCreek Hospitality, inside Riverwalk Stadium in downtown Montgomery. This event is the premier kick-off event for Autism Awareness month, and for the 20th anniversary, has partnered with the Montgomery Biscuits on their 20th season to offer a fireworks game WITH the purchase of an Autism Crawfish Boil ticket! The Autism Crawfish Boil is run completely by volunteers. The event began in 2004 as a way of raising much-needed awareness and financial assistance for individuals in the River Region living with autism. Over the years, attendance has grown from a couple of hundred attendees to cooking more than two tons of crawfish for the last several years. They are passionate about this event because they know that hard work and generous contributions help their local neighbors. Tickets for the event are available for purchase online at www. mudbugball.com. Each $50 general admission ticket buys the donor all-youcan-eat crawfish and "fixin's", live music, the Biscuits game, and you finish it all out with fireworks! Kid's meals, cold beverages, t-shirts, hats, and goodies will be available for purchase.

EVERBOWL NOW OPEN AT THE SHOPPES AT EASTCHASE

The Shoppes at EastChase is pleased to announce its newest restaurant, Everbowl. The health-focused restaurant featuring acai bowls, pressed juices, and craft superfoods is now open near lululemon. The restaurant will be Alabama’s 1st location and will occupy more than 1,500 square feet.“We are so excited to welcome Everbowl to our restaurant mix,” said Sidney Carol Barnhardt, Marketing Associate for The Shoppes at EastChase. “Their clean menu provides an enhanced selection and fresh options for our health-conscious customers at The Shoppes!” Everbowl is a California-based company specializing in creating healthy and customizable superfood bowls. Everbowl's menu features a wide range of superfood ingredients, including acai, pitaya, acerola, and more, allowing customers to create their own unique bowls tailored to their tastes and dietary preferences. For more information on Everbowl and their menu, visit www.everbowl.com

2024 River Region Disability Expo

The Annual River Region Disability Expo is designed to empower people with disabilities, and of all ages, with the information, resources, and technology to enhance their lives. This event is free, open to the public, and will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd at the Alcazar Shriner's Temple between 10:003:00 p.m. "We believe helping connect families with the proper disability resources in the area will help empower them to greater self-sufficiency and independence," states Varina Mead, Marketing Chair for the event. "The vendors at the event benefit as well through professional collaboration and having an opportunity to talk face-to-face with those seeking services, so it's a win-win for everybody!" There will be exhibitors set up from a variety of programs, services, and products. Some examples include independent living, technology, children's services, recreation, advocacy, education, transition services, social skills, life coaching, employment, and more. Many of the exhibitors presented at the Disability Expo do not charge for their service. To learn more visit www.riverregiondisabilityexpo.org.

This & tHAT i

CoosaPalooza Brewfest is BACK on April 20, 2024!

Join us for the fifth annual Coosapalooza Brewfest in Downtown Wetumpka! This is a fundraising event for Main Street Wetumpka. All proceeds from this event go to Main Street Wetumpka's mission of downtown revitalization. Ticket holders will enjoy tastings of 40+ craft brews while taking in the beautiful backdrop of the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. Tickets also include entertainment, souvenir-tasting glass, and access to food trucks. For tickets visit www.bigtickets.com/events/main-street-wetumpka/

www.riverregionboom.com

Caregiver of the Month

Spotlight:

Carolyn Foster has been with HCA since 2021, in her time with the company she has been considered a blessing to the company and all her client's she has served. Carolyn has displayed grace, empathy, kindness and determination. She is one of the most dependable caregivers on staff and passes down her knowledge to her peers. HCA is honored to have Carolyn Foster on our team.

"To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors. "

-Tia Walker

We appreciate your hard work and dedication, thank you for a job Well Done!!

For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com

Harrel McKinney An Entrepreneur, Paying it Forward

This month’s cover profile is Harrel McKinney; Harrel is a long-time resident of Montgomery, where he started and established his career in medical technology. He eventually founded a thriving medical testing lab called Alabama Reference Laboratories, which became one of the largest medical labs in the southeast. Having sold his business interest in 1995, he turned his attention to giving back, and he became very involved with the Sorrel College of Business at Troy University, his alma mater. Another interesting aspect of Harrel’s life is that he was one of the first people to buy the brand new car introduced by Ford Motor Company, called the Mustang! It was April 1964 when he bought his Wimbleton White Mustang sight unseen from a dealer in Hartford, AL. He still owns this classic and has been honored at various car shows for being one of the original buyers and current owner of this 60-year-old Mustang. He liked it so much that he bought another one a few years later, a Dynasty Green 1964 ½ Mustang coupe convertible! We recently spent some time with Harrel and his Mustangs; we enjoyed getting to know him and are proud to share his American success story with you this month. We hope you’ll share his story with your friends.

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, family, etc.?

Harrel: I was born and grew up in the tiny town of Esto, FL, which borders the Alabama state line about 8 miles south of Hartford. I was the son of a sharecropper and the last of seven boys. We were so poor growing up that we couldn’t afford to have a pet peeve. My father died when I was nine and my mother and I picked cotton to make ends meet. I went to school in Harford, AL grades 4-12th and graduated from Geneva County High School in 1958. I went to college at Troy State College (as it was named then) where I earned a B.S. in

Medical Technology in 1962. In 1961, I moved to Montgomery for my last year of college to complete a one-year internship in the medical laboratory at St. Margaret’s Hospital. After graduation, I worked for a pathologist for 10 years at his private lab until I resigned in 1972.

I married my high school sweetheart, Peggy Chalker McKinney, in August 1959. We have three children; Lisa Barnes (married to Barrie Barnes). They gave us 3 granddaughters, Hillary, Hannah and Hayden. We have one son, Timothy, and our youngest daughter, Nicole, passed away in 2021 leaving us two fine grandsons, John Thomas Burton (17) and Mac Burton, who turns 12 on April 20th. My middle

Harrel at the Alabama State Capitol with his Wimbledon White 1964 ½ Mustang coupe that he ordered from a photo in a brochure in March 1964. (photo by Summer Patterson)

Young Harrel McKinney

granddaughter, Hannah Barnes Murray and her husband, Brett Murray, gave us our first great grandchild, Barnes, on Dec. 17th 2021

BOOM!: Harrel, you are a successful entrepreneur who started Alabama Reference Laboratories, Inc. in 1972. Would you please share with our readers what medical services Alabama Reference Laboratories, Inc. provided and how you came to launch this unique business?

Harrel: After resigning from my position as lab director in May 1972, I wasn’t really sure what I would do. However, I had always had a special interest in toxicology and had the idea to start a laboratory to perform primarily toxicology testing, much of which was not performed in this area at that time. With the backing of 4 pathologists, I opened Alabama Reference Laboratories in October of 1972 with myself and a secretary working out of a small apartment in an old house on South Hull Street. Within two years, I was the managing partner along with the medical director, a local pathologist. By that time, we had bought out the other three pathologists. There were some lean early years, but with time, the lab grew in size and scope. When I sold my interest in 1995, ARL was a complete clinical diagnostic laboratory with 5 locations and 500 employees. Multiple departments performed thousands of diagnostic tests daily. We were also one of the first labs in the state to provide drug tests approved by the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). From the tiny apartment, the lab grew to encompass several buildings covering nearly a city block.

BOOM!: As a graduate of Troy University, you have continued to serve and support Troy by serving on the Foundation Board and the Sorrell College of Business Executive Advisory Board. You also help launch a Mentor Program,

which provides support for students with entrepreneurial interests and helps them develop a network of professional mentors. Why was this important to you?

Harrel: I had a wonderful experience at Troy and feel like they prepared me well for my path to success. I am a strong believer in paying it forward. I am very supportive of anyone or anything that has the initiative to make a success out of themselves without the help of government support and without government interference. College students need more chances for success. They need someone who has done it and can lend guidance for their aspirations. I can say to them: "I’ve done it, here’s how I did it and now you can do it too.” I was honored when Troy awarded me an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1993 and the Distinguished Alumnus of the year in 2003.

BOOM!: You also have a unique interest in Montgomery’s Saint James School, where you helped establish a new Early Childhood Learning Center in 2022, named after your daughter Nicole, a graduate of Saint James and a lifelong teacher in Montgomery’s Public Schools. Would you please share with us how meaningful this project was for you and your family?

Harrel: Our relationship with Saint James School began in 1979 when our son, Tim, entered the school in the eighth grade. Two years later, our youngest daughter, Nicole, began kindergarten at the old Frazer Campus and graduated from the newly built high school at the Vaughn Road campus in 1994. Our three granddaughters attended Saint James from kindergarten through high school and our grandsons are in 11th and 6th grade currently. One granddaughter, Hannah, works at the school as a kindergarten teacher.

Harrel and Peggy on their wedding day on August 22, 1959

Harrel and Peggy celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019.

Harrel and Peggy with their children, Lisa, Nicole and Tim on Peggy’s birthday in 2021

Our daughter, Nicole, was passionate about molding young minds, so we were thrilled to be involved in creating an early childhood learning center for children as young as two years old. It is a great comfort knowing Nicole’s legacy of educating young minds will continue for years to come.

BOOM!: As we age, one of our fondest memories is the love affair we had with our first cars. You were one of the first people in America to buy the newly created Ford “Mustang” in the spring of 1964, nicknamed the 1964 ½. And you're one of a handful of original owners who still own their 1964 ½ Mustangs! Now celebrating the 60th birthday of this iconic car brand, would you please share your memory of buying one of the first Mustangs in America?

Harrel: In March of 1964, I had been looking for a new car but had not found anything I liked. On a trip to Montgomery from my hometown in Esto, my wife and I and our toddler, Lisa, stopped at a car dealership in Hartford where my older brothers had purchased several cars. The owner showed me every car they had on the lot, none of

which I liked. I was headed for the door when he stopped me. He showed me a brochure of a car Ford was debuting the next month called the “Mustang”. On the first and second page of the brochure was a photo of a beautiful blonde model posing with an equally

Wimbledon White

Palomino interior. I told the owner “I’ll

take one of those……and the car too”. I ordered it on the spot. My wife didn’t speak to me for a week, but six decades later I still own the Mustang, and have the original brochure and my original wife. The car was manufactured on May 14th 1964 in Dearborn, MI, and I picked it up from the dealership on May 22nd. The car’s list price was $2,677.35, and I have the original window sticker. The owner actually sold me the car for $2,440 because my brothers had done business with him. It took three years to pay for the car with payment of $64 a month, which, at that time, was hard to come by. It was cosmetically restored in 1990, but it still has the original engine with approximately 81,000 actual miles. I also have a Dynasty Green 1964 ½ Mustang convertible of which I am the third owner.

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

Harrel: Montgomery has been very good to me and my family. I would say the greatest asset of Montgomery is its people. It has been a great area to raise my family. It has numerous higher education institutions as well as great

beautiful

coupe with

Harrel and Peggy’s granddaughters, Hillary, Hannah and Hayden on Hannah’s wedding day in 2019

Harrel’s grandsons, Mac (standing) and John Thomas with his Dynasty Green 1964 ½ Mustang convertible in 2018

Harrel and Peggy with their great grandson, Barnes Murray, on his first birthday

Harrel receiving his honorary doctorate at the Troy commencement ceremony in 1993

recreational opportunities such as the Alabama River and the new state-of-the-art Whitewater Park. The Montgomery Zoo is also one of the finest small zoos in the Southeast not to mention the world-renowned Alabama Shakespeare Festival. I believe that if Montgomery could elevate its public education system there are no limits to what it could accomplish. We certainly need ample job opportunities for our young people to remain in Montgomery and not move away after high school or college.

life. In fact, my wife has a hand towel in one of our bathrooms embroidered with the quote: “Grandchildren are your reward for not killing your teenagers”. Our grandchildren call my wife and I “Noni and PawPaw”.

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

Harrel: At my age, I don’t often have a full day of activity. As the saying goes, “Inside of every old person is a young person trying to figure out what the heck happened”. I do try to stay active by working out several days a week. I relax by reading or visiting with friends and family.

BOOM!: How do you and your wife like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a grandparent? What do your grandkids call you?

Harrel: Family has always been very important to my wife and me. We are blessed to have all of our immediate family in Montgomery except for one granddaughter. We enjoy spending time with them as much as possible. Church also has been an integral part of our lives. I am a member of Heritage Baptist Church, and my wife and I enjoy attending monthly luncheons there. Being a grandparent has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my

BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? What is your favorite getaway spot? Do you have any travel dreams?

Harrel: One of my favorite travel experiences was on a mission trip to Brazil to establish a new church. My wife and I have also enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise with a group from Frazer Church. For several years, I enjoyed father/ son snow skiing trips with friends. We had a condo in Panama City Beach for 45 years which we enjoyed visiting often and have a condo at Lake Martin. My travel dream is to one day visit Australia.

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

Harrel: When I was younger, I was very business driven and focused on providing the best life possible for my family. Since I retired in 1995, I have been focused on giving back to my community and to those organizations that have positively impacted my life. In my mind, aging well means being focused on the things that really matter the most such as family and friends. I think it also means feeling grateful for what you have. I have been blessed with a loving and supportive wife for nearly 65 years. I could have never achieved what I have without her help. This month, 21 years ago, I underwent heart surgery with 5 bypasses. This experience gave me a new outlook

The dedication of the Nicole McKinney Burton Early Learning Center at Saint James School on September, 25, 2022. Harrel and Peggy’s late daughter, Nicole McKinney Burton, who taught in the Montgomery Public School system for 20 years

Harrel and Peggy at Lake Martin on Father’s Day 2008

Harrel with his son, Tim

on life. I had no idea I was having a heart attack. I was playing tennis and started to feel like I had indigestion. My friends said ,“You are going to the hospital” That was on a Monday and I had the operation on Wednesday. So, I think counting your blessings is very important in aging well.

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?

Harrel: I played tennis for decades. In fact, I was a founding member of the Early Birds Men’s group at O’Connor Tennis Center. I played three times a week until about 5 years ago when knee issues sidelined me. I still occasionally go out and fellowship with my former teammates. Several times a year I show

my Mustangs at local car shows. I also enjoy watching my grandson’s sporting events.

BOOM!: What are you most passionate about?

Harrel: I am most passionate about trying to be the most caring and compassionate family person and citizen that I can be and ensuring that the American Dream is just as much a possibility for everyone as it has been for me. I mentioned my love of reading earlier. I believe reading and continuing to learn is vital for anyone to achieve success. My friend and fellow Geneva County High School graduate, the late Milton McGregor, and I helped convert the old high school building in

Hartford to a public library. It bears the name “The McGregor-McKinney Public Library.

BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for Yourself?

Harrel: To keep breathing. In all seriousness, I hope the good lord keeps me around a few years so I can continue to be a guiding hand and source of support for my wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchild.

BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you.

Harrel: Honest. Loyal. Compassionate.

We want to thank Harrel for sharing some of his life's story with us this month. Harrel has experienced the American Dream, appreciated the journey, and believes in paying forward to help future generations strive for their dreams. We hope you’ll share Harrel's story with friends and family; they’ll enjoy the reading experience. We also want to thank Harrel's son Tim for helping us coordinate the photo shoot with Harrel's classic Mustangs, as well as his answers for our Q&A. If you want to reach out to Harrel/Tim, please drop them an email at timmckinneyrealtor@gmail.com. Thanks to DiAnna Paulk and her creative photography skills. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text them to Jim Watson at 334.324.3472 or email jim@riverregionboom.com

Harrel and his six brothers in Esto, Florida, 1947

A group of former employees from Alabama Reference Laboratories help Harrel celebrate his 80th birthday!

Harrel outside the McGregor-McKinney Public Library in Hartford, AL

Housing During Retirement: Your Go-Go Years, Your Slow-Go Years and Your No-Go Years

When people think of retirement, they often envision the couple walking on the beach, sailing the sailboat, or playing golf. It is easy to picture the active part of retirement that is free of the stresses of work and career. However, with many retirees living as long as 30 years in retirement, the reality is that their retirement ends up having three phases: the go-go years, the slow-go years, and finally, the no-go years.

Most people do not think through advanced retirement, where they will live, and what it will cost in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Housing is both a major financial asset on the balance sheet and a significant expense in the household budget. Housing may also be the largest expense component of retirement income; the time for planning is in advance of a major health event and before advanced age takes its toll. Where to live should be proactively thought through in advance of a health crisis, even if the intent is to “age in place” and remain in your home. Mobility limitations, a chronic illness or a catastrophic health crisis may give way to a housing move, reshape the bestlaid plans, and disrupt your financial preparedness.

Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management, Inc. (MWM) in Montgomery, AL conducts a free workshop every year in April on planning for housing expense during retirement. Legg Mason produced the workshop, in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

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

School of Nursing. Attendees receive a comprehensive set of worksheets that help them evaluate whether or not it is financially feasible to “age in place” and stay in their home the rest of their lives. What renovations would be required for them to remain in the home in the event that they had mobility limitations? They also receive worksheets that enable them to compare and contrast other options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities, as well as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that offer the entire spectrum of choices in one place. The April 2024 workshop will be conducted in an online webinar format on Wednesday, April 24th at 12 p.m. Please call 334.270.1672, or email Sarah@moorewealthmanagement.com for more information and reservations.

We conduct a variety of workshops and seminars at MWM. The mission

“Housing During Retirement”

statement of MWM is very simple: “and then some.” We attempt to do what is expected, what is required “and then some.” The Planning for Retirement workshop is part of our monthly “and then some” workshops. In addition, MWM conducts daily current events market updates that attempt to explain what is going on in the financial world. If you would like to be on the mailing list or receive email notifications of upcoming webinars, please call 334.270.1672, or email Sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com

Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices in Auburn, Montgomery, and Alexander City, AL. Susan has under advisement over $170 million (as of 1.21.2022) in brokerage and advisory assets through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for nearly 40 years. Contact Susan at 334.270.1672. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement.com.

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

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

webinar Wednesday, April 24th, Noon, Register today 334.270.1672

Attendees receive a comprehensive set of worksheets that help them evaluate whether or not it is financially feasible to “age in place” and stay in their home the rest of their lives. What renovations would be required for them to remain in the home in the event that they had mobility limitations? They also receive worksheets that enable them to compare and contrast other options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities, as well as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that offer the entire spectrum of choices in one place.

Tea Tree is one of the more well-known essential oils, possibly because it’s so widely available, but also no doubt because of its very reasonable price point and its large range of applications. I’m sure you’ve all had experience of tea tree oil at some point and quite possibly as a treatment for acne, for which it is undeniably successful.

Tea Tree

Just like Eucalyptus, however, it pays to know a bit about the safe use of Tea Tree. It is a very potent oil and a little goes a long way; in fact, too much can be downright dangerous, especially around small pets. There have been many (thousands!) of incidents of tea tree poisoning of small dogs in particular, to the point that most vets will now actually recognize the signs. With that in mind there is one simple rule regarding essential oils and pets, no matter how “safe” you think the oil is, NEVER apply an essential oil directly to a pet’s skin!

Having said that, there are many uses of Tea Tree for humans that, when administered correctly, have amazing benefits. Tea Tree is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. This plant grows wild in Australia, which is where most of us have heard of it, but it also grows in parts of India, China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Perhaps best known for its impressive capability to mitigate germs, tea tree owes much of its effectiveness to a molecule known as terpinen-4-ol. This amazing little molecule is a monoterpenol compound known for its ability to considerably diminish certain types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is also

scientifically proven to be incredibly effective against airborne microbes of viruses, bacteria and fungi.

It is well documented that Tea Tree oil can help fight off a cold, flu or sinus infection. Used in a steam, either via a diffuser or simply a single drop in a bowl of boiling water – put a towel over your head to contain the steam and inhale deeply for one to three minutes. The tea tree oil molecules will get right to the source of the infection and help to clear it up. I will repeat, use JUST

ONE DROP!

As previously mentioned, Tea Tree is also a great oil to use to help with acne. Do not use it neat (undiluted), instead put one drop in a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, which will also help calm and sooth the irritated skin; apply to the acne affected area with a clean finger. You can do this multiple times a day and you can also add a drop of lavender to add more soothing properties to the mix. (My son loves this mix.) This blend will help reduce the

inflammation that is causing the redness and will reduce or eliminate any infection, helping your body to do the rest.

Another important molecule in Tea Tree is a-pinene, which has scientifically researched antimicrobial and antifungal properties. When blended with other oils also high in this molecule, for example, Douglas Fir, you will see an exponential increase in the antimicrobial and antifungal capacity.

One particular application for this is in the treatment of foot fungus (not an appealing topic, I know, but one that many people seem to suffer from and generally in silence.) One recipe that has particular success for foot fungus issues can be found on the Aromahead Blog, shown below. This is a great resource for tried and trusted recipes for various issues. I would definitely recommend taking a look if you are planning to make your own blends using essential oils. There are too many recipes online which are just downright dangerous to follow. This one you can trust. Happy blending!

Foot Fungus Solution

• 1 oz (28 g) Aloe Vera Gel

• 3 ml Solubol

• 6 drops Tea Tree essential oil

• 3 drops Lavender essential oil

• 3 drops Geranium essential oil

• 3 drops Douglas Fir essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a 1 oz glass bottle and shake gently. The Solubol helps disperse the essential oils in the aloe vera gel, which is a water-based ingredient. Remember, since aloe vera is waterbased, it's best to make a fresh batch of this mixture every few weeks.

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