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4 Reasons to Have Your Child Tested for Lead at Ages 1 And 2: 1. Lead is often found in commonly used items. 2. Young children frequently put toys and non-food items in their mouths. 3. Lead can cause permanent disabilities in young children. 4. Lead poisoning can be prevented with early detection.

For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified, and lead poisoning can be alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp or call 1-833-667-1495. prevented through simple at-home strategies. This ad is 100% funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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BOOM! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents August 2026 Volume 17 Issue 2

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

Page 24

Facebook.com/River Region Prime, 50+ Lifestyle

Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration

Humor Advice Health Community

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

6 Publisher's Note 20 Event: Beautiful: Carole King Musical at ASF 20 Event: Buckmasters Expo

Features 10 Cooking Small, Eating Well

20 Event: Capital City Car Show 16 Lowering Your Risk of Dementia

24 Profile: Julie Turner Beard

30 Cruising at Your Own Speed

20 Event: Newcomers Club of Montgomery

Departments 8 Jeff Barganier: Brasstown Valley Resort

14 Greg Budell: Diagnosis: AARP

33 Grumpy but Grateful

34 Word Search: A Chance to Win $50

20 Event: Griefshare Support Group 22 Event: Jewell Pitts Memorial Pickleball Classic 22 Event: 2026 United Way Campaign Kickoff

34 Word Search Contest 36 Moore Wealth Management

BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. The phone number is 334.328.5189. Copyright 2026 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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Publisher’s Letter

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

Founder Jim Watson (1950-2024)

Publisher

Jason Watson

334.328.5189 cell/text jason@riverregionboom.com

Editor

DeAnne Watson

334.462.0225 cell/text

Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Greg Budell

Archie Grumbleton Senior Law Solutions Susan Moore

Cover Photography Tara Batson Holley

Advertising

Jason Watson, 334.328.5189 jason@riverregionboom.com

August has always felt like a transition month to me. Summer is still hanging on, especially in Alabama, but the calendar is already pulling us forward. School begins again. Families settle back into routines. College students leave home. Grandchildren head back to classrooms. And in our house, we still have a 15-year-old preparing for another school year, while our older children are already building careers and lives of their own. At 54, I’m learning that family life doesn’t move neatly from one stage to another. The seasons overlap. One child may still need a ride while another is making adult decisions. You can be packing a lunch while also learning how to be a grandfather. Somewhere in the middle of all that change, it helps to return to the basics. That’s one reason this month’s cover profile with Julie Turner Beard feels so timely. Before becoming Montgomery’s District 2 City Councilwoman, Julie spent four decades teaching, coaching, mentoring, and investing in young people. Retirement could have been her opportunity to step away, but one concerned Facebook post led neighbors to encourage her toward an entirely new chapter of service. Julie’s story is grounded in a simple truth: meaningful change begins with relationships. She believes people want to be heard, trust must be earned, and leadership requires showing up— sometimes literally knocking on doors and meeting people on their front porches. She also talks about getting “back to the basics.” In education, students need a strong foundation before they can build anything else. Julie believes communities work much the same way. Public safety, education, healthcare, clean streets, good parks, and neighbors who feel valued may not always sound glamorous, but they create the foundation on which a healthy city grows. This month, Greg Budell shares his own very Greg-like account of undergoing an aortic aneurysm repair. Beneath the hospital humor, questionable contraband planning, and his battle with a hospital gown, there is something worth remembering: health has a way of bringing life quickly back to the basics. Breathing fresh air. Going home. Being grateful you’re still here. Jeff Barganier takes us to Brasstown Valley Resort, where cooler mountain air, beautiful views, quiet trails, and an unhurried pace offer an early invitation toward fall. His story may have you ready to leave the flatlands yourself. We’re also sharing Cooking Small, Eating Well, a practical feature for households that no longer have a full table every night. That one hits close to home. Our table is smaller than it once was, even though it isn’t empty yet. Learning to cook for fewer people can feel like another sign of change, but the people sitting there are still worth feeding—and the time around that table still matters. Maybe that’s the thread running through this issue. Listen well. Care for your health. Enjoy where you are. Feed the people at your table. Serve the community in front of you. Life changes. Families change. Our roles change. But the things that matter most remain surprisingly steady. Sometimes the best way forward is simply to return to them.

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How Our Vision Becomes More Important As We Age As we age, our vision often changes, but not all changes are a normal part of the aging process. There are some that are expected, but others may be caused by eye diseases that become more common in older adults. Difficulty focusing on close objects that may require reading glasses, the ability to see

isolation and depression, and lower overall quality of life. To minimize the loss of vision, older adults should: * Have comprehensive eye examinations every 1–2 years, or more often if

acids, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Important nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Zinc are all beneficial * Avoid smoking as it can damage the optic nerve and increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration * Ensure adequate lighting at home * Regular exercise improves blood circulation to the eyes and can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Immediate evaluation by an eye care professional is needed if a person develops sudden loss of vision, onset of sudden flashes of light or a large number of new floaters, severe or excessive eye pain with redness, experiences a curtainlike shadow over part of your vision, or sudden double vision.

well in dim lighting, increasing sensitivity to glare, or colors that appear less vivid than they once did- these are just a few of the normal age-related vision changes. Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are just a few of the diseases that can significantly affect vision in older adults.

recommended, and use appropriate corrective lenses

Poor vision in older adults can often lead to an increased risk of falls and fractures and other challenges, including reading, driving, and medication management. Challenges may reduce independence, cause social

* Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays and wear wide-brim hats when outdoors

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* Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Keep blood sugar under control if you are diabetic and control high blood pressure and cholesterol with medication

* Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty

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Having routine eye care with your provider, early treatment of eye diseases, management of chronic diseases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and protecting your eyes from UV light can preserve vision and help older adults maintain independence and quality of life.

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. Senior Law Solutions is located at 1043 Ambassador Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Photography provided by Jeff Barganier

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa We’re sitting at a table on the third-floor deck outside the dining room of Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa just north of Blairsville, Georgia. We prefer to dine out here where birds are singing, and the splendid view of the golf course and distant mountains soothe our eyes and minds. This is the last day of our first visit, and there’s a slight chill in the air as we sip coffee and discuss our experience here, making us want to stay longer. “They have an equestrian center too,” Cindy notes, “and a gorgeous golf course. The grounds are immaculate. Landscaping is beautiful. The lodge looks a lot like the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. But, overall, it also reminds me of The Cove in Asheville, Highlands in North Carolina, and Calloway Gardens. It’s sort of a little compilation of the best of all of those.” “And the rates here, at least for now, are really reasonable. Don’t you agree?” I ask. “Yes. The resort is currently under renovation, but I’m told rates will not be going up after they’re finished. We only paid about $200 per night, which included breakfast.” (But we’re on the lowest floor with zero view. We have to traverse a long hallway to get to it. It may have been the only room available when we made the reservation. In any event, we strongly recommend asking for a room on a higher floor—3rd floor or above.) During peak leaf season, their best room with a scenic view is about $600—that’s the last two weeks of October—and they’re already completely booked. “They do a big business in meetings and gatherings here. This week they’re hosting the German American Chamber of Commerce,” I add. (We’ve met some of the Germans during our stay. They were quite amiable and polite.) I ask our waitress about them, and she raves about how much she likes them. 8

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Weddings and conventions happen here too. There are ample meeting rooms on the first floor which you can’t, at first, see. One doesn’t realize all of this space is available when driving up to the entrance. It’s well-hidden below ground. But these are the mountains. Architecture is different from what we flatlanders are used to. Cindy continues. “They have a pavilion—a beautiful pavilion—that will accommodate goodsized wedding parties. The pavilion features a big beautiful fireplace and a massive stone barbecue pit where the chef comes down and prepares the

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food on site. It all overlooks the golf course and the mountains. So pretty. A good idea for a family reunion, too.” Yesterday, we strolled down a shady concrete lane, through dense woods, to be surprised by a gorgeous driving range. Along the way, we passed trails where horses and their riders cross. And we spied a quaint walking bridge over a creek—another enchanting feature. We’re watching golfers on the putting green below us trying to nail uphill putts, no doubt reminding them they’re in the mountains. Their frustration is our amusement. We met a couple of employees yesterday sitting in golf carts. They were so nice and courteous … “and obnoxious,” says Cindy, laughing. (One of them was a rabid Alabama fan. Cindy’s a rabid Auburn fan.) Last night, during our open-air dinner, a mama cardinal hopped about close to our table, reminding us of a blue jay at Morrison’s Lodge in Oregon that would attempt to steal our butter. Afterward, we reveled at the glorious sight of lightning bugs, apparently celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking of dinner, we always thought Sinclair’s in Montgomery had the best She-crab soup in the world. Not so. The chef at this lodge has them beat! If you come here, you must try The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

it! (It has sherry and two kinds of wine in it.) Inside, the dining room has a big stone fireplace, and stacks of firewood are everywhere to be seen— in case of a cold snap. There’s a beautiful garden right in the middle of the central outdoor area of the lodge that has a man-made stone waterfall that splashes down into a stream leading to a fishpond. And close by is a low stone wall featuring three swings where couples may sit and watch the sun go down. Then the sky turns red and blankets the dark blue mountains. It’s stunning. The lodge lobby is a large octagonalshaped space with a massive telescoping stone fireplace soaring up through post and beam construction. Two ginormous antler chandeliers hang down. All the walls and floors are, we think, pine planks. Cindy says the furnishings have a Ralph Lauren look, with lots of seating and low lamp light

of mountains once home to the Cherokee. During its development, beginning around 1995, much care was taken to preserve Cherokee artifacts now showcased on the first floor. This resort and surrounding area offer a little something for everyone: history, fresh mountain air, wildlife, outdoor activities and exploration, great local restaurants, majestic views, rest and relaxation. “I don’t want to go back to the flatland,” Cindy says. “Maybe we should extend for a few days,” I suggest. “A few weeks,” She replies. throughout. Super relaxing. Upholstery is solid but in “heathered mountain colors— blues and greens.” Two big dining room tables have jigsaw puzzles spread out on them. Out on the veranda, Adirondack “twig” furniture reinforces the mountain ambiance. There are bars on two floors and a fire pit outside, ablaze in the evening. The staff people here are super nice and helpful. The atmosphere is unhurried and laid back. The resort is tucked in among a mantle

Jeff Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and speaker. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. His novels include Lawson’s Bluff (2021); The Slash Brokers (1998). He also manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC at The Waters in Pike Road, Alabama. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. You may print out his features at www.jeffbarganier. com and take them with you when you travel!

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Eating well in a smaller household does not require elaborate recipes, expensive specialty ingredients or an entire Sunday devoted to meal preparation. The goal is to build a flexible kitchen in which a few basic foods can become several different meals. For years, dinner may have meant feeding a full table. There were children coming home from school, teenagers bringing friends, weeknight practices, Sunday lunches and enough appetites to finish nearly anything placed in front of them. Then, almost without warning, the household became smaller. Cooking for one or two people should be easier. In reality, it can create a different set of challenges. Recipes still seem designed for a family of six. Produce spoils before it can be used. A package of chicken breasts begins to feel like a long-term commitment. After eating the same casserole three nights in a row, a bowl of cereal starts looking like a reasonable dinner. There is also the question of motivation. Preparing a full meal can

feel worthwhile when other people are waiting for it. Cooking only for yourself may seem like too much work, especially when a sandwich, frozen dinner or drivethrough is close at hand. But eating well in a smaller household does not require elaborate recipes, expensive specialty ingredients or an entire Sunday devoted to meal preparation. The goal is to build a flexible kitchen in which a few basic foods can become several different meals.

Stop Planning Seven Separate Dinners

One of the biggest mistakes in meal planning is choosing seven unrelated recipes that require seven different lists of ingredients.

That may work for a television cooking show. It usually produces an overcrowded refrigerator, a large grocery bill and half-used containers of ingredients you may never touch again. Instead, plan around two or three main proteins, several vegetables and one or two versatile grains or starches. The same roasted chicken can become dinner one night, a wrap the next day and part of a soup later in the week. For example, roast two chicken breasts with a pan of broccoli, carrots and onions. Serve the first portion with a baked potato. The following day, slice the remaining chicken over salad. Later in the week, combine what is left with broth, vegetables and rice for soup. One cooking session has now helped create three different meals.

Build Meals Instead of Following Recipes

Recipes are useful, but they can also make cooking feel more complicated than it needs to be. A basic meal can be assembled from four parts: a protein, a vegetable or fruit, a satisfying

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Smaller households can make this easier by purchasing portions that match their needs. Ask the meat or seafood counter for one or two pieces instead of automatically buying a family package. Divide larger packages into meal-size portions and freeze them immediately.

Let Frozen Food Work for You

“Fresh is always best” sounds good, but it is not always practical. Fresh spinach that turns to green liquid in the back of the refrigerator is not more nutritious than frozen spinach you actually eat. Frozen vegetables are already cleaned, require no chopping and allow you to use one serving at a time. Keep several dependable choices on hand: broccoli, green beans, mixed vegetables, spinach, berries and stir-fry blends. Look for vegetables without heavy sauces, then add your own seasoning. Canned foods can also save time and money. Choose beans, tomatoes, vegetables, tuna, salmon and fruit packed with minimal added sugar or excess sodium when possible. Draining and rinsing canned beans can also remove some of the sodium. Healthy convenience food is still convenience food. A rotisserie chicken, bagged salad, frozen vegetables and microwaveable brown rice can become a balanced dinner faster than waiting for takeout.

Make the Meal Feel Worth Eating

carbohydrate, and a source of flavor and healthy fat. That formula might become salmon, frozen green beans and a small baked potato. It could be scrambled eggs with spinach, whole-grain toast and berries. It might be beans, rice, salsa and avocado. The National Institute on Aging recommends building an eating pattern around vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein foods and healthy fats rather than relying heavily on foods high in added sugar, saturated fat and sodium. 12 BOOM!

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Give Protein a Regular Place at the Table

Protein helps maintain muscle, which becomes increasingly important for strength, balance and independence. That does not mean every dinner requires a large steak. Eggs, canned tuna, yogurt, beans, lentils, cheese, milk, fish and poultry can all contribute. The National Institute on Aging recommends including a variety of protein throughout the day, including seafood, dairy or fortified soy products, beans and lentils.

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Food carries pleasure, memory, comfort and connection. When eating alone, sit at the table rather than standing over the sink. Use a real plate. Invite a friend for a simple lunch rather than waiting until you have the energy to host an elaborate dinner. If appetite has decreased, smaller meals may feel more manageable. Add flavor with herbs, citrus, garlic, spices, vinegars and sauces rather than assuming healthy food must be bland. Cooking for one person is not a lesser form of cooking. Neither is preparing a simple meal for two. The table may be smaller than it once was, but the people sitting there are still worth feeding well. • The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

Diagnosis: AARP Well, I’m still alive to tell another tale. July began with a summons to the office of Dr. Robert Engles at the Baptist South Hospital and Body Repair Shop. Baptist South is now a Level One trauma center, a good thing for the River Region because that is the best a hospital can be, and it gives everyone a fighting chance in worst-case scenarios. Congrats! I’ve had an aortic aneurysm for years. I’ve been going for annual scans to make sure it wasn’t getting larger. My Growth Chart Luck ran out this year, so I was dispatched to Montgomery Vascular Surgery. I am an odd human being. I never get the Flu of the Year or maladies that spike my body temperature. I never got COVID, likely (not proud of this) because I’m a pack-a-day smoker. Nationally renowned physician Dr. Robert McCullough recently admitted this truth. Smokers had the highest group immunity to the virus, something a study in France revealed during the plandemic year of 2020. More on Anthony Fauci in a later column,

hopefully the one celebrating his prison sentence. Smoking was my first thought when told about my Aortic Aneurysm Repair Procedure (AARP). Dr. Engles said thanks to my overall good health, I qualified for the least invasive solution. As he explained it all, my mind wandered away and focused on the worst aspect of the chaos. No smoking in the hospital! I know it sounds stupid, dumb, immature, and ridiculous, but that’s the part I dreaded. 5-inch incisions in my groin? Check. General anesthesia and weeks of discomfort? A-OK. No smoking for 24 hours? AAAAGH. The thought of being trapped for a day with no access to my coping sticks required some HCP (Hospital Contraband Planning). There were 2 options. I was gifted nicotine-infused flavored toothpicks, which I use in my radio studio. They’re helpful. The second was a cigarette-

shaped vape, which is the closest to the real thing. Getting one of those into my room in the aftermath would be a huge relief. I had a willing unindicted co-conspirator for the HCP. My UCC will remain anonymous. The surgery itself fit well into my life plan. Rather than waste time on Things With Fevers (for $100, Alex!) I simply end up under the knife about every 8 years. Back surgery, meniscus repair, oral, and now this, scheduled for July 16. It seemed so far away! Let me tell you something about time, friends. Those 16 days went by at warp speed. The night before was my weekly NewsTalk 93.1FM listener gathering at Baumhower’s Victory Grille. Being a total weisenheimer, I promoted it as “The Last Supper”, you know, just in case. Honestly, I never thought about that possibility because I’m tough and Dr. Engles is one of the very best vascular surgeons anywhere. And we did have a very healthy turnout for the gathering!

The 3 Faces of Greg- Pre-op, Post-op, Going Home! 14 BOOM!

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On surgery day, I was puffing furiously at Baptist South’s beautiful fountain at 5 AM when my UCC (Unindicted Coconspirator) waved me in. “They’re ready!"

exhaled the steam down my gown. As ridiculous as that sounds, it took the edge off the pain and powerlessness of my circumstances.

I was honored to be draped in Baptist hospital gown #1, a dignity-free burial cloth that was so old it was no doubt used by Patient One on opening day way back. Once on the gurney, my UCC snapped a photo of me chomping on the nicotine toothpick. The anesthesiologist came into the prep area and said, “Hello, I’m Doctor …” and that’s all I remember.

All I really had to do was survive the night. I tucked the vape into the pocket of hospital gown #1 only to discover time and tide had ripped it open, so it was useless. My wonderful UCC went home after her long day.

It was late in the day when I awoke in my room in the ICU with my UCC in attendance. I tried to lift my arms but was thwarted by a bevy of wires and bandages so great in number I felt like I was installed into the hospital itself. My UCC said the surgery was a total success- the aneurysm that might have killed me (that IS what took down Sen. Lindsey Graham) was gone- and I was on the way to a longerthan-I-expected road to recovery.

Hospital sleep without anesthesia is impossible. The most excellent nursing staff was in constantly, monitoring everything so I could be discharged in the morning. My room had a TV, which, in the post-op fog, was tough to navigate, but around 8 PM- a miracle. I stumbled across TCM, just as they were launching a marathon of 50s Sci-Fi movies including an all-time favorite, “THEM!”. Those goofy old films got me through the night with occasional hits off the vape- before I fumbled it into the oblivion of my hospital nest.

Then, the vape stick fell onto my chest where it nestled among the wires. The coast was clear, so I took a quick hit and

At 8 AM, as I counted the minutes to release, Michelle, my nurse, came in for one last look at “FRANKENGROIN”.

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Approving, she began disconnecting plugs, monitors, IVs, and roughly a halfmile of medical tape. Dr. Engles soon followed, liked what he saw, and said he’d see me in two weeks. Tears of pain and relief burned my eyes as I gingerly climbed into my OCC’s passenger seat and breathed fresh air. Odd for a smoker to say that, ain’t it? In the 10 days hence, it’s been like walking (in the heat) wearing a pair of cellophane underpants, 2 sizes too small. Everything pulls. But I’ll be OK. And it beats the alternative! PS- Baptist South was recently voted “Best Place to Work”. Congrats!

Greg Budell has lived in Montgomery for 20 years. A 50+ year veteran of radio, TV and writing, Greg 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 Pamela Dubuque and a variety of sidekicks. His favorite topic is life! Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.

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Walking into a room and forgetting why you went there can feel unsettling. So can losing a familiar name during a conversation or searching for the glasses already resting on top of your head. Most people experience occasional lapses like these as they grow older. The brain, like the rest of the body, changes with age. It may take a little longer to retrieve a word, absorb new information or shift between several tasks.

Dementia is different. It involves changes in memory, judgment, language or thinking that become serious enough to interfere with everyday life. It is not an inevitable or normal part of getting older. No crossword puzzle, diet, vitamin or exercise program can guarantee that someone will never develop dementia. Age, genetics and factors outside our control still matter. Yet the idea that there is nothing we can do is also outdated. The 2024 Lancet Commission concluded that approximately 45% of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors

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across a person’s lifetime. These include physical inactivity, hearing and vision loss, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, social isolation, depression and traumatic brain injury. That percentage applies to populations, not as a promise to any individual, but it carries an encouraging message: everyday choices and basic health care may influence how well our brains age.

What Is Good for the Heart Is Usually Good for the Brain

The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. Conditions that damage blood vessels—including high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol—can also affect the brain. That makes managing cardiovascular health one of the most practical steps a person can take. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. Take prescribed medications consistently, and do not assume a reading that is “only a little high” is harmless. This does not require becoming obsessed with every laboratory result. It means treating the health of the heart and blood vessels as part of brain care rather than as a separate issue. The same principle applies to smoking. Quitting protects the lungs and heart, but it may also lower the risk of cognitive decline. Limiting excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a reasonable weight can further reduce strain on the body’s vascular and metabolic systems.

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Exercise May Be the Best Brain Game We Have

Many people think of brain health as something that happens from the neck up. In reality, one of the most reliable ways to support the brain is to move the entire body. Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing and other aerobic activities increase the heart rate and improve blood flow. Strength training helps preserve muscle, mobility and metabolic health. Balance work can prevent falls and the head injuries that sometimes follow them.

Brain Games Help—but Not All in the Same Way

Crosswords, Sudoku, card games and word puzzles can be enjoyable and mentally stimulating. They are certainly better than spending every evening passively watching television. However, becoming excellent at Sudoku mostly makes you excellent at Sudoku. There is not strong evidence that any ordinary puzzle or commercial brain-game application, by itself, will prevent dementia. Cognitive training appears most useful when it is challenging, progressive and aimed at particular thinking skills. In a major long-running trial, participants practiced memory, reasoning or visual processing exercises. A 2026 analysis found that the group receiving adaptive speed-of-processing training followed by later booster sessions had a 25% lower rate of dementia diagnoses in Medicare claims over approximately 20 years. The memory and reasoning groups did not show the same result, and researchers cautioned that more work is needed to understand why. This does not mean everyone needs to purchase a particular computer program. It suggests that effective mental exercise should stretch the brain rather than simply repeat what has become comfortable. Learn to play an instrument. Study a language. Take a class in a subject you know little about. Try photography, painting, woodworking or genealogy software. Learn new dance steps. Play a strategy game with another person. The important word is new. Your brain should occasionally have to slow down, make mistakes and figure something out.

Eat for the Whole Body

There is no single miracle food that prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy eating patterns appear more promising than individual ingredients. The MIND diet used in the U.S. POINTER program emphasizes dark leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish while limiting added sugar and unhealthy fats. Mediterranean and DASH-style diets follow similar principles: more vegetables, beans, fruit, whole grains, seafood and unsaturated fats, with fewer heavily processed foods and excessive amounts of red or processed meat. The goal is not perfection. Add greens to lunch. Replace one processed snack with nuts or fruit. Eat fish once or twice a week when practical. Use beans in soups and salads. Choose meals that protect the heart as well as the brain.

Do Not Ignore Hearing, Vision or Sleep

from conversations, social events and mentally stimulating situations. Untreated vision loss can reduce reading, driving, exercise and independence. Both are now recognized as potentially modifiable dementia risk factors. Have your hearing and vision checked, and use the glasses or hearing devices you need. These are not admissions of old age. They are tools that keep the brain connected to the world. Sleep matters as well. Poor sleep can affect attention and memory the following day, while untreated sleep apnea repeatedly disrupts breathing during the night. Loud snoring, waking with headaches, gasping during sleep or persistent daytime sleepiness deserve a conversation with a health professional.

Build a Life That Requires Your Brain

The most promising brain-health strategy is not one clever trick. It is a way of living that asks the brain and body to remain involved. You are not merely trying to preserve a brain for some distant future. You are building a fuller life now—and giving that brain more reasons to stay engaged in it.

5 Ways to Give Your Brain a Workout 1. Choose games that make you think.

Try strategy games, bridge, chess, word games, jigsaw puzzles or number puzzles. Rotate activities instead of repeating the same familiar puzzle every day. A game should require attention and problem-solving, not just occupy time.

2. Add speed and variety.

Research on adaptive visual-processing training is promising, although it does not prove that all brain-game apps prevent dementia. Activities that gradually become faster or more complex may provide a greater challenge.

3. Use your body and brain together.

Dance, play tennis, practice tai chi or walk a changing route. Activities that combine movement, coordination, memory and decision-making give the brain more than one job to perform.

4. Make it social.

Play cards with friends rather than always on a screen. Join a book club, choir, exercise group or continuing-education class.

5. Change familiar routines.

Brush your teeth with the opposite hand. Cook a new recipe without relying on your usual sequence. Drive a different safe route. Rearrange the order of a workout. Small changes force the brain to pay attention.

Hearing loss can gradually cause someone to withdraw

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Montgomery Federation of Garden Clubs Hosts Garden Party

The Members of the Montgomery Federation of Garden Clubs held a Garden Party on June 8 in the Betty Fitzgerald Biblical Garden in Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park. This garden was created years ago by the city of Montgomery to honor Mrs. Betty Fitzgerald for her diligent efforts to beautify Montgomery. It became part of the botanical gardens in 2013. The Garden Party was held to celebrate the completion of the Federation’s work on the Biblical Garden and to award their annual scholarships to worthy students. June Cyrus, Rose Winkler, Sarah Church, and Mary Helen Mahan of the Federation arranged a lovely setting for the ceremony and for refreshments afterward. Ashley Thorne, board member of Montgomery Botanical Gardens, represented the board at the event. The worthy scholarship recipient was Madisen Brundidge, a graduate of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study nursing. Federation members worked to rehabilitate the Biblical Garden from years of neglect and made it a beautiful venue again. They added an herb bed, replaced plants, added a shrub border and some roses. They also added benches, providing a place for rest, meditation, prayer, or admiring the surroundings. The board of directors of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens expressed their sincere appreciation for the dedication and commitment from the Federation for making the Biblical Garden an inviting place to visit again. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

AUGUST 25 • 6 P.M. Tickets available now! 334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTERTICKETS.AUBURN.EDU

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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical July 16 – August 16 I Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Audiences will be able to witness the Broadway musical filled with pop hits that defined a generation. The play follows Carol Klein, a Brooklyn girl who rose to stardom with her chart-topping hits including “You’ve got a Friend,” Will you Love me Tomorrow," “Natural Woman” and “Locomotion.” https://asf. net/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/

Buckmasters Expo Coming August 14 - 16 Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Buckmasters with one of the biggest outdoor events in the country! https://buckmasters.com/expo

Capital City Car Show I August 15 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM I Montgomery Motor Speedway

Calling all car enthusiasts! Do you have a classic car, muscle car, hot rod, truck, import, custom build, motorcycle, or specialty vehicle you’re proud of? Register today for the Capital City Car Show at Montgomery Motor Speedway. Whether you’re a member of a car club or simply an individual who loves showing off your ride, this event is for YOU! Car clubs are welcome, and individual vehicle owners are encouraged to register and join the fun. Admission to the car show is FREE and will lead right into the evening’s racing action featuring the Saturday of Speed Twin 73’s! Race admission is only $20 per person. Register at: https://cityofmontgomery.seamlessdocs.com/f/CarExpo2026

Newcomers Club of Montgomery

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery welcomes women who are new to the area or simply looking to stay active, connect, and have fun. With monthly luncheons at Arrowhead Country Club, 10 activity groups, and local outings, joining the Newcomers Club is great way to make friends and get involved in the community. Learn more on how to become a part of our vibrant, supportive group of ladies at NewcomersOfMontgomery.com or newcomersmontgomery@gmail.com.

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP There will be a Lupus Support Group

Lupus Awareness Support Group

There will be a Lupus Support Group that will meet the first Tuesday of each month at Tuesday of each month Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomery. Time is 6 pm and the group meets in Room 154. beginning August 4. Look for the purple balloons. Eastern Hills Baptist Church Contact Kim Cluck for information at 334.202.4253. 6:00 p.m. | Room 154 that will meet the first

Contact: Kim Cluck (334) 202-4253

Look for the purple balloons!

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DID YOU KNOW? Receiving the Flu and Pneumonia vaccines can help reduce illnesses, doctor visits, hospitalization, missed work, and missed school.

Hospitalization

Work

School

alabamapublichealth.gov/imm The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Inaugural Jewell Pitts Memorial Pickleball Classic August 7-9 I Dean Fain Park Pickleball Courts, 8700 Minnie Brown Rd

The City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Board Member Darlene Skier and District 9 Councilman Charles Jinwright, will host the Inaugural Jewell Pitts Memorial Pickleball Classic. The round robin tournament will feature nine divisions in men’s, women’s, and mixed play, with beginner (2.5–3.0), intermediate (3.5–4.0), and advanced (4.5+) skill levels. Players may register for up to two categories. Registration is $50 per person, per category, and partners must register separately. For more information, contact the event's director, Raj Kosaraju at raj@a2msports.com or 678-654-3778.

2026 United Way Campaign Kickoff August 13 I 5:00 PM-7:00 PM I The Tipping Point, Hampstead

Join us as we officially launch our 2026 Campaign, United is the Way We Thrive, and celebrate what’s possible when our community comes together to support, uplift, and strengthen the River Region. This special event will bring together community leaders, businesses, partners, volunteers, and supporters who share a commitment to creating opportunities for all to thrive. Visit rruw.org for details.

Meals on Wheels Montgomery Receives Grant to Support Seniors and Their Pets

Meals on Wheels Montgomery AL Metro Area (MOWMAMA) has announced that it has received a $5,500 Meals on Wheels Loves Pets grant from Meals on Wheels America. The funding, made possible through the support of PetSmart Charities, will help ensure older adults in Montgomery County can continue caring for their beloved pets while receiving the nutrition and support they need. This grant advances Meals on Wheels America’s national End the Wait® initiative, which aims to ensure every senior who needs Meals on Wheels receives it—without delay. MOWMAMA CEO Chris Turman emphasized the importance of the grant: “The Pet Food Program Grant from Meals on Wheels America will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our Pet Food Program, which has relied entirely on donated dog and cat food for the past 12 years. This funding will enable us to purchase pet food when donations fall short, ensuring that we can continue meeting the needs of current participants while welcoming new clients into the program. In addition, the grant will strengthen our outreach efforts by supporting pet food drives and improving communication with our volunteers, helping us maintain a reliable and consistent supply of pet food throughout the year. We are deeply grateful for the support of Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities. Their partnership, alongside the generosity of our dedicated local donors and volunteers, helps us fulfill an important mission—keeping senior neighbors and their beloved pets together, healthy, and thriving.” MOWMAMA launched its Pet Food Program in 2014 after volunteers noticed clients sharing their own meals with their pets. Today, the program provides pet food twice a month to 75 clients, supporting 91 dogs and 85 cats. The program relies heavily on volunteers and community donations to ensure seniors can keep their pets healthy and at home. To learn more about MOWMAMA’s programs—including the Pet Food Program—or to volunteer or donate, visit mowmama. org/programs, call 334-265-0532, or email mowmama@mowmama.org. The Montgomery Area Council on Aging, dba Meals on Wheels Montgomery AL Metro Area, has served seniors in Central Alabama for over 50 years. 22 BOOM!

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

Julie Turner Beard For Julie Beard, service has always begun with relationships. Before becoming Montgomery’s District 2 City Councilwoman, she spent four decades investing in students as an educator, coach, and mentor. Retirement might have slowed someone else down, but one concerned Facebook post—and the encouragement of neighbors who trusted her voice—prompted Beard to step into a new chapter of public service. At home, she and her husband, John, have spent 29 years building a close blended family that includes four sons and six grandchildren. Through every season—family, education, faith, and community leadership— Beard’s purpose has remained the same: build trust, bring people together, and leave her community better than she found it.

BOOM!: You’ve spent your life investing in people—as a teacher, cheer coach, community leader, and now as Montgomery’s District 2 Councilwoman. Looking back, do you see a common thread that ties all those roles together? Julie: If there is one thread that ties it all together, it’s relationships. As a teacher, cheer coach, community leader, and now District 2 Councilor, everything I have done starts with building relationships – and relationships build trust for all involved. Once people trust you and you trust them, that trust becomes the foundation for positivity, collaboration, and progress. I love Montgomery, Alabama, and I love the relationships built here that will help raise the next generation of leaders. BOOM!: You spent 40 years in education, influencing generations of students. What first led you into teaching, and what kept you there for nearly three decades? 24 BOOM!

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Julie: I was led into teaching by tremendous mentors. Diane Lindsey and Josephine McCall were both Physical Education teachers at Capitol Heights Junior High; Betty Butler Coker taught at Robert E. Lee High School now Percy Julian); and Marzee Tew was my cheer sponsor at Capitol Heights. Each of these leaders showed me what it meant to be a great educator by expecting excellence and setting high standards. That is what inspired me to be an educator. What kept me in education for over forty years was the students. I loved the art of teachingthe ebb and flow of not only teaching but always learning alongside my students.

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I loved watching a child’s face light up the moment something finally clicked. But more than that, I knew every day I showed up, I had the chance to make a difference. If I taught a child one lesson or skill they could carry with them for life, then I did my job. BOOM!: After retiring from education, I imagine you expected life to slow down a bit. Instead, one Facebook post about a local issue led neighbors to encourage you to run for City Council. What convinced you that this unexpected opportunity was worth saying “yes” to? The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Julie: An incident in Montgomery led me to make a post on Facebook out of concern for our community. I knew this wasn’t how Montgomery was supposed to be- it wasn’t who we are - and I did not want to stand by while a positive place took on a negative tone. I knew I could not sit on the sidelines anymore. So, I stood up.

build the trust of District 2 residents by letting them know I cared, that I was willing to listen and make good decisions for our district.

Julie: Listening has become one of the most important parts of my job. Our community shares ideas that are genuinely valuable.

BOOM!: You knocked on every door in your district during your campaign. What did you learn from having those frontporch conversations?

Sometimes I can take an idea as it is, and other times I research it further and build on it to make a complete, informed decision that benefits the district.

BOOM!: Your father served this very same district beginning in 1983 under Mayor Emory Folmar. Looking back now, how did watching his example shape the kind of leader you’ve become?

Julie: Having front porch conversations taught me that people simply want to be heard - and we need to hear them. They want the chance to express their opinions and know that someone is listening. From those conversations, I started building relationships and trustlistening to their ideas and suggestions, and concerns. It proved that I was willing to meet people right where they were at - literally - to make sure their voices were being heard at City Hall.

Every individual has something to contribute, and that’s where collaboration comes in- especially in meetings with homeowner’s associations.

It also meant serving as a liaison to city services they may have needed, missed, or had concern about in the past.

BOOM!: You often talk about “getting back to the basics”: public safety, supporting county education, healthcare, and beautifying our city. Why do those priorities matter so much to you?

Julie: My father, Billy Turner, served in the same district beginning in 1983, under Mayor Emory Folmar, and watching him shaped the kind of leader I’ve become. He taught me that you must be a people person. We must love people, listen to them, and make sure they know you care. He set the example by pitching in and doing whatever needed to be done, always with a listening ear. He held himself to high standards and led with integrity, and no matter what came his way, he made his own decisions. Watching him campaign, watching his love for the city of Montgomery, and seeing how he gave back every single day for the four terms he served – I knew this is how the job must be done. Following his footsteps, I have tried to lead in the same way. I knew I had to The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Walking door to door was about showing people that I’m willing to put in the work. I was then, and I continue to be now. We are doing good work together in District 2. BOOM!: You’ve said that often people simply want someone to listen. Why has listening become one of the most important parts of your job?

Together, we build a kind of roadmap for the community. We set goals, checkpoints, and benchmarks, and we work steadily toward them to make sure we’re achieving what we set out to do… a real, measurable process for the betterment of the community.

Julie: My whole campaign was built on a “back to basics” mentality. That mindset comes from my years in education. If students master the fundamentalsreading, writing, and arithmetic- you can build on that foundation and set them up for success. Our city works the same way. Think of Montgomery as a big classroom.

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approach each person, make eye contact, introduce yourself, and then really listen. If an answer is not yet available, just like in the classroom, I am honest. I find the answer and let constituents know I will get back with them. As adults, life is now our classroom. We are all students, and we are all teachers. It’s vital that we are all interested in the ideas, comments, and concerns being shared, and as District 2 City Councilor, I am honored to have established the trust of our residents in bringing these back to City Hall. actively supported by elected officials and the public. Beautification: cleaning up our city. Our infrastructure, paving roads, filling potholes, updating our parks, and making sure our green spaces are available for everything from picnics to playdates to quiet strolls in the park.

When we focus on the fundamentals and bring discipline to the basics, we can build and follow a real master plan for growth. So far, in our city, getting back to basics means a few key things: Public Safety: making sure people feel safe in their own neighborhoods and making sure our police officers are fully supported. Healthcare: keeping major healthcare facilities accessible for our residents. Education: even though we are a county school system, MPS still needs to be 26 BOOM!

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To me, that means buildings are cared for, as well as our corridors and byways. The very roads that welcome people into downtown and into our neighborhoods should be inviting and pristine, not just when “company is coming” but every single day. These are the basics - from cutting grass to enforcing the traffic laws. If we shore up the fundamentals first, then Montgomery will continue to grow in a positive direction.

BOOM!: You describe yourself as the Energizer Bunny because you put passion behind everything you do. Where does that energy come from? Julie: I think the energy comes from knowing that every single day brings a job to do, and you have a choice in how you approach it. I am very taskoriented, with relationships always at the forefront, and I thrive on getting things

BOOM!: Even though you’ve retired from teaching, it sounds like you’re still educating people every day, just in a different classroom. How has your background as an educator helped you serve your district? Julie: I am a very organized person, and time management is very important to me. I am a pen-to-paper logistics planner and a face-to-face engagement believer. My background as an educator also helps me navigate the different personalities I meet every day. You must

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done for District 2 and Montgomery. I find it vital to bring the energy into the room to encourage others to join in and feel that passion for themselves. That’s how people know you’re the real deal, that you’re out here in the community wanting to make a difference. People The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

want to show up. People want to help. It becomes synergy of everybody working together toward common goals. BOOM!: One verse that has become especially meaningful to you is Esther 4:14: “For such a time as this.” You even saw those words displayed while walking into the hospital with John during a difficult season. How has that verse shaped your perspective on this chapter of life? Julie: That verse has become a constant anchor for me. Everywhere I turned, on the radio, in a devotional, on faith radio, that verse kept appearing. Whenever I felt down or discouraged, it would show up again, like a quiet reminder - don’t give up, don’t be discouraged, you were made for such a time as this. I believe I am in the middle of God’s mission for me. He places us exactly where we are needed at the exact time when we are ready for it. This is what God has been developing me for through every trial, every valley, and every mountaintop. He was preparing me all along for this office to make a difference. BOOM!: You and John have built a blended family over the past 29 years with four children and now six grandchildren. What have those relationships taught you about grace, patience, and love? Julie: John and I married when my son was fifteen, and he brought three boys of his own, so together we built a blended family of four boys and now six grandchildren. It’s taught me that every child is different, and like teaching, you learn each one’s personality and how to bring everyone together. John and I have always focused on staying connected, making holidays and get-togethers feel special, no matter what the distance between us. It’s taught us patience to adjust to their busy schedules, flexibility, and grace; most of all, that everyone has their own special place in our hearts in their own way and their own time. BOOM!: You mentioned that some of your favorite days are delivering Meals on Wheels and participating in the Our Montgomery Prayer Walk. Why do those simple acts of service mean so much to you? The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Julie: I’ve been serving Meals on Wheels Montgomery AL Metro Area for over six years, and it is the highlight of my month. One Friday a month for about two hours, I am honored to knock on the door and visit ten to twelve senior citizens, delivering a meal. For some of them, that visit is the only contact they have with the outside world all day. A smile, a hug, a handshake, a little conversation on the porch- it’s such a simple act, but it shows how much you care, and how important that human connection is. I share this wonderful opportunity with my dear friend Melanie Boulware. We’ve been doing this together for six years, and we always have fun bringing a little happiness to the people we visit. I also love the Montgomery Prayer Walk, held the first Saturday of every month. It’s a chance to meet and walk with people all over Montgomery, all united around the same purpose of praying for our community leaders, our public servants, our students, and any needs in our neighborhoods. You walk away realizing we all share one thread in common. We believe in Montgomery, and we unite our hearts in prayer. BOOM!: As a sixth grader, school integration introduced you to classmates who became lifelong friends. Years later, you taught many of their children, and

today you represent many of those same families on the Montgomery City Council. That’s a remarkable full-circle journey. What has that taught you about community and the relationships that truly shape a city? Julie: The friendships and connections you make early in life, if you nurture them, can carry your heart for a lifetime. Even when you haven’t seen someone in many years, when you do come back together, those memories and that laughter return instantly - the kickball games, the lunchroom conversations, the gym talks with the girls. You watch childhood friendships grow into lasting adult ones, and that’s truly special. Every step along the way, someone makes an

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they still have something meaningful to contribute in this season of life? Julie: I’d say this: live your best life, and live it fully every single day. You’re as young as you want to be; age doesn’t discriminate against purpose. Get out there, smell the roses, and do the great things Montgomery has to offer. Make a difference. Give back to your community. Put action behind your words and soak up every blessing you have, and every blessing you can give someone else. Sometimes doing the right thing is simply doing it at the right time, in the right season of your life.

impact on your life, and you remember the kindness and the connection long after the moment has passed. I am so grateful for the relationships of a lifetime and those that are new along the way. I see a legacy of love in each of them. BOOM!: After spending your entire career helping others succeed, what does “aging well” mean to you personally? Julie: To me, aging well means being comfortable in who I am. I’ve had such a blessed life full of experiences and opportunities, and I believe that’s what life is all about - taking everything as a chance to grow and achieve more. BOOM!: What encouragement would you give our readers who wonder if

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Quick Take with Julie Favorite place in Montgomery to relax: I like being at home in my chair with my husband watching a good movie or Gunsmoke (his favorite!). Favorite local restaurant: We have so many great ones, but Sol on the Atlanta Highway is one of my favorites. Best advice you’ve ever received:

Treat every person in every role with the same dignity and respect as those who sign your paycheck.

A teacher who changed your life: Diane Lindsey, Josephine McCall, and Betty Butler Coker

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Favorite way to spend time with your grandchildren: Riding jet skis at Lake Martin or going to the beach. A simple joy you never take for granted: That I have been blessed beyond measure. One thing people would be surprised to know about you: Although I am always talking, mixing, and mingling, I really like to sit still and be quiet. A Montgomery tradition you love:

Everything Christmas, particularly District 2’s Christmas at Eastbrook Village.

One word that describes this season of life: Content What are you looking forward to next? The next chapter - serving the residents of District 2 and making a difference each day.

Quick Take w

We thank Julie for sharing her story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@riverregionboom.com.

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

There comes a point in life when travel becomes less about proving how much you can squeeze into seven days and more about enjoying where those seven days take you. That may be one reason cruising holds such appeal for adults over 55. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new and let someone else handle the driving, cooking and logistics. A cruise can carry you past Alaskan glaciers, through European capitals, along the Mississippi River or across the Atlantic without requiring you to change hotels every other night. But choosing a cruise is no longer as simple as deciding between Alaska and the Caribbean. Today’s ships range from floating resorts carrying thousands of passengers to quiet river vessels where the crew may know your name by the second morning. The best cruise is not necessarily the newest, largest or most expensive. It is the one that fits the way you want to travel now.

Begin With the Experience, Not the Destination

Most travelers begin by asking, “Where do we want to go?” A better first question may be, “How do we want to feel while we are there?” Do you imagine dressing for dinner and listening to live music afterward? Would you rather spend the evening reading on your balcony? Are you looking for an active trip filled with hiking and biking, or do you prefer scenic drives, museums and leisurely lunches? Two cruises visiting the same ports can feel completely different. A large resort-style ship may offer multiple pools, Broadwaystyle productions, casinos, water attractions and more restaurants than you could try in a week. That is a good choice for multigenerational vacations because grandparents, adult children and grandchildren can each find something to do. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

The Best Cruise Lines for Different Kinds of Travelers Best for a peaceful, adults-only experience: Viking

Viking’s ocean cruises are limited to guests 18 and older. Its ships have no casinos, and fares include Wi-Fi, alternative restaurants and beer and wine with lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is calm, refined and centered on destinations rather than nonstop entertainment.

Best for traditional cruising and Alaska: Holland America Line Holland America combines live music, comfortable ships and a more traditional cruising atmosphere. Its long history in Alaska, accessible

accommodations and range of gentler sightseeing excursions make it a strong option for travelers who want scenery without an amusement-park atmosphere.

Best for a first Alaska cruise: Princess Cruises

Princess offers extensive Alaska itineraries and cruisetour options. Its wearable Medallion can unlock a stateroom, help passengers locate companions and simplify onboard service, which may make a large ship easier to navigate.

Best for food lovers: Oceania Cruises

Oceania is known for smaller ships, destination-focused itineraries and an unusually strong emphasis on dining. It suits travelers willing to pay more for good food, attentive service and fewer passengers.

Best for classic elegance and sea days: Cunard

Cunard’s transatlantic crossings appeal to travelers who enjoy dressing for dinner, ballroom dancing, afternoon tea and unhurried days at sea. Its onboard Insights program features speakers from fields including science, journalism, exploration, politics and the arts.

Best for exploring without leaving the country: American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers small-ship journeys along U.S. rivers and coastlines. Excursions are offered at different activity levels, and the itineraries can eliminate international flights, foreign currency and passport concerns.

Best for seeing European cities up close: AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers culturally focused European river itineraries with walking, culinary, biking and wellness options. It is best for travelers comfortable with gangways, motorcoaches and walking through older towns; those with significant mobility limitations should verify the details before booking. faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m

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Smaller ocean ships generally provide a quieter atmosphere, fewer crowds and more emphasis on food, service and destinations. River cruises place travelers close to towns and cities, often allowing passengers to walk directly from the ship into the historic center. The tradeoff is that smaller ships usually offer fewer entertainment choices. A river cruise may have a pianist or local performer in the evening rather than a theater production. For some travelers, that sounds peaceful. For others, it sounds like bedtime at 8:30. Neither choice is wrong. The mistake is booking one while expecting the other.

Think Honestly About Your Preferred Pace

Age alone does not determine someone’s energy or mobility. A 72-yearold may be ready for a six-mile walking tour while a 58-year-old with knee problems needs frequent breaks. Read excursion descriptions carefully. Words such as “panoramic,” “scenic drive” and “leisurely” often indicate a gentler pace. “Active,” “adventure,” “uneven terrain” and “extended walking” deserve closer attention. River cruising can appear easier because the ships are smaller, but accessibility varies. Historic European towns may have cobblestones, steep steps and docks that require passengers to cross through another vessel. AmaWaterways, for example, offers excursions ranging from guided walks and wine tastings to hikes and bike rides, but also advises that some transportation and excursions may not accommodate travelers who rely on wheelchairs or scooters. Before booking, ask specific questions rather than simply asking whether a cruise is “accessible.” Can the ship accommodate your particular wheelchair or scooter? Are there accessible cabins available? Will you be able to use the tender boats that carry passengers ashore in ports without a dock? 32 BOOM!

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How far is the walk from the ship to the motorcoach? Are low-activity excursions offered? Holland America, for instance, identifies mobility-friendly excursions and offers accessible staterooms and features intended to make navigating its ships easier.

Decide How Much Structure You Want Some people love having every day organized. Others want to wander into town, find a café and see where the afternoon leads. Ocean cruises usually provide the greatest independence. You can book the cruise line’s excursion, hire a private guide or explore on your own. River cruises tend to include more guided touring. This can be convenient, especially in an unfamiliar country, but the days can become surprisingly busy. A typical itinerary may place passengers on a motorcoach shortly after breakfast and keep them sightseeing until late afternoon. Do not feel obligated to attend everything simply because it is included. One of the privileges of this stage of life is realizing that you do not have to earn your vacation by returning home exhausted. Choose the cathedral, museum or castle that matters most. Skip the fourth walking tour. Sit by the river with a cup of coffee. The ship will still be there.

Consider the Journey to the Ship

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The cruise itself may be easy. Getting

to it can be the difficult part. An itinerary departing from Europe may require an overnight flight, airport transfers, unfamiliar train stations and several time-zone changes before the vacation officially begins. Whenever possible, arrive at least one day before embarkation. For an international cruise, two or three nights can provide time to recover from jet lag and protect you from missing the ship because of a delayed flight. Even when a closed-loop cruise allows passengers to travel with other documentation, the U.S. State Department recommends carrying a passport. An unexpected medical evacuation or change in the ship’s itinerary could require it. A domestic river or coastal cruise can remove much of this stress. It may be particularly appealing to travelers who no longer enjoy long international flights but still want scenery, history and the pleasure of arriving somewhere new each morning.

Give Yourself Permission to Cruise Differently

Perhaps you cruised years ago and loved formal nights, packed shore excursions and dancing until midnight. Maybe you now prefer smaller ships, slower mornings and dinner with a view. Or perhaps the opposite is true. You finally have the freedom to stay out late, try something adventurous and book the trip you postponed while raising children or building a career. Travel does not have to become smaller as we grow older. It can become more intentional. The beauty of cruising is that there is no single correct way to do it. You can cross an ocean in old-world elegance, watch glaciers from a balcony, explore European villages by river or follow the Mississippi through the heart of America. The goal is not to choose the cruise everyone else says is best. It is to choose the one that feels most like the life you want to be living. • The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Biscuits, Buses & Bleachers August is when the neighborhood changes shifts. All summer long, the kids have been outside getting progressively more bored and more dangerous. By late July, a child with a scooter and no plan can do real damage. They’re cutting through yards, leaving flip-flops in driveways, bouncing basketballs at 9:43 p.m., and somehow turning a garden hose into a neighborhoodwide water event. The neighborhood Facebook group doesn’t help. By August, it has become a full-blown crime lab run by people with doorbell cameras. “Suspicious noise near the cul-desac.”… “Was that fireworks or gunshots?”… “Found one Croc by my mailbox.” Somebody posts a blurry photo of what they swear is a coyote. It is clearly a golden retriever named Bailey, but now we’ve got 47 comments and one man recommending bear spray. Then school starts. For about nine minutes, it’s beautiful. The street is quiet. No scooters. No mystery screaming. No child sprinting across my yard like he’s late for a hostage exchange. Peace has returned. Then I try to get a Hardee’s biscuit. The same drive that took eight minutes in July now requires strategy, prayer, and an escort vehicle. School buses stop every 40 feet. Parents in SUVs line up like they’re storming Normandy. Nobody knows whose turn it is at the four-way stop, so everybody just waves everybody else through until the whole intersection looks like a mime convention. And the drop-off line? I don’t even have children in that line, and I’m still mad at it. There I sit, trapped behind a

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bus, watching my coffee turn cold. A child climbs aboard with a backpack bigger than a Yeti cooler, and I’m thinking, Son, are you going to third grade or hiking the Appalachian Trail? School starting back doesn’t just mean traffic. It means the fall calendar comes roaring back like a marching band trapped in a hallway. Football practice. Volleyball games. Band rehearsals. Cross country meets. Pep rallies. Fundraisers. Somebody is always selling a discount card, cookie dough, or a candle that smells like “Harvest Blessings and Credit Card Debt.” And before you know it, we’re back in the stands. Let me say this plainly: bleachers are a hate crime against the aging spine. Whoever designed aluminum bleachers had no hips and no knees. You climb up eight rows, sit down, and immediately begin negotiating with your lower back like it’s holding hostages. Then somebody squeezes past with nachos, steps on your foot, and says, “Excuse me,” like that uncrushes your toe. You pay $6 for water, $8 for a hot dog, and $3 for a program you’ll mostly use as a fan. Then you squint across the field trying to find your grandchild, but every kid is wearing the same uniform. “Is that him?” “No, that one runs different.”

“What number is he?” “I thought you knew.” But then the band starts. The team runs out, the cheerleaders line up, the lights come on. And I see a kid look up into the stands. Not at everybody. At his people! And I remember what that felt like. Looking up to see if my parents were there. Maybe my grandparents too. I probably acted like it didn’t matter, but it did. More than I knew how to say. Maybe that’s why we keep showing up. Not for the parking. Not for the bleachers, which should be investigated. We show up because kids still look into the stands to see who came. And when they find us there, something in them stands taller. So yes, I’m grumpy. I’ll complain about traffic, cold coffee, overpriced hot dogs, and bleachers that made my spine contact legal counsel. But I’m grateful too. Grateful for another school year, another season, and another reason to gather and cheer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to leave early for breakfast and find my stadium cushion before my lower back joins a class-action lawsuit.

faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m

- Archie Grumbleton

August 2026

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August 2026

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faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m

August 2026

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Putting Your Estate in Order When is the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you have a will? According to a recent survey by the 1Harris Poll, 64% of Americans don’t have a will. Why? The most common reason mentioned was that “they hadn’t gotten around to it yet.” If you have a will, when is the last time you reviewed it? Due to estate law changes in the last five years, there is a good possibility that a will that was drafted more than five years ago needs to be revised. In addition, when is the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations in your 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies and annuities? One of the most common estate planning mistakes is not making sure that beneficiary designations are in order. Many people believe that the will governs everything about their estate and don’t worry about regularly reviewing their various beneficiary designations. In fact, your beneficiary designations differ from what is expressed in your will, the beneficiary designations in your retirement plans or insurance policies will trump the will. Every August, Susan Moore of Moore Wealth Management in Montgomery, conducts a free estate planning workshop in a Webinar format. The workshop covers a number of issues, including a review of the various legal documents involved in estate planning such as wills, durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, revocable and irrevocable trusts. Beneficiary designations are a great tool, properly used, in estate planning. They are flexible and can be

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August 2026

Financial Thoughts with Susan Moore

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

changed without having to re-do legal documents to reflect family changes such as births, deaths and divorces. The workshop covers how to use these beneficiary designations properly, including primary and contingent beneficiaries and per capita or per stirpes distributions. In addition, the Webinar offers attendees a template of how to conduct a family meeting at which you communicate to your family and heirs your plans and intentions around the distribution of your assets. A vital part of this meeting is to define the roles and responsibilities of your various heirs as well as general instructions, including the location of key documents, burial wishes and intentions for tangible personal property. These methods will be covered in a Webinar format on Wednesday, August 26th by Susan Moore of Moore Wealth

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Management, Inc. at 12 p.m. Please call 334.270.1672 or email sarah@ moorewealthmanagement.com for more information and reservations. We conduct a variety of workshops and seminars at MWM. The mission statement of MWM is very simple: “and then some.” We attempt to do what is expected, what is required “and then some”. The Putting Your Estate in Order workshop is part of our monthly “and then some” workshops. In addition, MWM conducts daily current events market updates that attempt to explain what is going on in the financial world. If you would like to be on the mailing list or receive email notifications of upcoming webinars, please call 334.270.1672. Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices Montgomery and Alexander City, AL. Susan has over $150 million in assets (as of 9.1.24) under management through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for over 40 years. Contact Susan at 256.234.2761. 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://www. kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

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Sun Safety Starts Here Simple steps can help protect you from harmful UV rays, every time you’re outside. Sun protection is one of the simplest ways to help

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prevent skin damage, and reduce the risk of skin AUM DIXIE BASEBALL

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FOLLOW THESE SMART SUN TIPS:

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+ Apply sunscreen before heading outdoors

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+ Reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating)

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+ Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing

MONTGOMERY WHITEWATER

+ Seek shade during peak sun (10 AM–4 PM)

FIND SUNSCREEN STATIONS NEAR YOU AND EXPLORE MORE SUN SAFETY TIPS.