1
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
1
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
BOOM! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents October 2026 Volume 17 Issue 4
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
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
2 Publisher's Note 22 Event: Joy to Life 5K and Celebration
Page 24
Features 10 Sharing the Care With Aging Parents
16 Stop the October Medicare Panic
30 Profile: Steve Straughn
38 When Aging Makes You Feel Invisible
28 Grumpy but Grateful
42 Word Search: A Chance to Win $50
Departments 14 Jeff Barganier: Southern Hospitality
20 Greg Budell: I Finally Did It...Sort Of
22 Event: Junior League Holiday Market 22 Event: Pike Road Plein Art Weekend 22 Event: Caregiver of the Month 24 Event: Prattville's Parade of Pumpkins 24 Event: Pike Road Arts and Crafts Festival 42 Word Search Contest
44 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.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM!
1
Publisher’s Letter
What the Leaves Know 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
There’s a reason we stop and notice the trees this time of year. They’re changing. The green that seemed permanent all summer gives way to reds, oranges and golds, and somehow the change makes them more beautiful, not less. I’ve been thinking about that lately. This month I finish my latest six-month round of chemotherapy. I’m grateful to reach that finish line, but I also find myself wondering what the next season looks like. After months of treatments, appointments and planning life around how I might feel on a given week, I’m ready to hit the reset button a little. Maybe that’s one of the lessons of getting older. Life keeps changing, and we keep learning how to change with it. Our October cover profile, Steve Straughn, is a pretty wonderful example. At 71, Steve has already lived through plenty of chapters—45 years in healthcare, service in the Navy, loss, finding love again, retirement, a move to Pike Road and becoming part of a new community. Yet he’s still adding chapters. He recently joined a band and is playing music again. He serves through Kiwanis, explores Alabama backroads with his wife, Lee, spends time with grandchildren and remains genuinely curious about what he might discover next. Steve says aging well means “squeezing out every drop of life this world has to give, while you still can.” I understand that sentiment more today than I once did. Greg Budell is navigating change too, experimenting with his own Johnny Carson-inspired version of retirement by finally giving himself Friday afternoons off. He’s discovering that learning how to slow down can be almost as difficult as learning how to keep going. Jeff Barganier takes us into the mountains, down a winding road and toward whatever might be around the next curve. And Grumpy But Grateful finds some wisdom beneath all those falling leaves—once the neighborhood men finish blowing them back and forth across each other’s property. Maybe October is a good reminder that change doesn’t always mean something is ending. Sometimes it means something new is taking shape. There are seasons for pushing hard and seasons for recovering. Seasons for building and seasons for enjoying what we’ve built. Seasons for holding on and seasons for letting a few things fall away. The leaves seem to understand that. I’m trying to learn it too.
Digital Subscription
Facebook.com/River Region Prime, 50+ Lifestyle RECYCLE Share with a Friend!
2
BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM!
3
ADVERTISEMENT
More Alabamians Now Qualify for Prescription Drug Savings There’s good news for Alabamians living with limited income and resources. The Medicare Extra Help program—also known as LIS—expanded in 2025. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may now qualify for full Extra Help benefits. This means you could pay lower or no premiums, reduced Part D drug copays and reduced or no Part D deductible for your prescriptions. Many people don’t realize they’re eligible—so it’s worth checking. For example, in 2025, individuals earning less than $23,475 per year (or couples earning less than $31,725 per year) may qualify as long as your assets are below the specified limits. You could save hundreds of dollars each year on the medications you rely on! To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call: The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
Choose a Medicare plan with confidence. Medicare can be complex, and it’s normal to feel uncertain with so many parts and plans to consider. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama understands this and offers Medicare plans grounded in decades of experience and trust. For generations, Blue Cross has been a steady partner for individuals and families, providing coverage that gives you confidence and peace of mind as you navigate your healthcare choices. With a name you can depend on, you can feel secure making important decisions about your health.
4
BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
ADVERTISEMENT
Understanding Medicare: One Part at a Time Medicare is divided into four parts, each covering specific services:
Part A and Part B are provided through the U.S. government and are referred to as Original Medicare. Part A Hospital Insurance: Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care Part B Medical Insurance: Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services Part C and Part D are offered through Medicare-approved private insurance carriers, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Part C Medicare Advantage: Includes all benefits and services covered under Original Medicare, and typically includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan Part D Prescription Drug Plan: Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and some Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans are not part of Medicare but help cover gaps in Original Medicare, including hospital and medical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. They do not include prescription drug coverage.
When can you enroll in Medicare Coverage? INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (IEP)
3
MONTHS BEFORE
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (AEP)
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD (MAOEP)
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (SEP)
October 15
January 1
through
through
December 7
March 31
After certain events
From October 15 through December 7, you can review and make changes to your Medicare coverage, including changing or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or swapping from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap plan.
From January 1 through March 31, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time election to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you may also purchase a Medicare Supplement and/or a Prescription Drug Plan.
3
MONTHS AFTER
This is the seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday when you can first enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/ or Part B) and additional coverage.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
After certain events, such as a recent move outside of your plan’s service area or losing your employer or union coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
October 2026
BOOM!
5
ADVERTISEMENT
Simplified Plan Options Recognizing that each individual has unique healthcare needs, Blue Cross provides a range of plan options to help you find the right fit.
Designed for Alabamians by Alabamians With 90 years of experience, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers trusted healthcare coverage. Our extensive network includes 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals in Alabama,1 providing access to top-tier care statewide. We offer comprehensive plans that cover medical expenses, prescription drugs and include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Our commitment to quality is reflected in high customer satisfaction and ratings, with Blue Advantage plans earning 5 stars for “Member Experience with Health Plan” and 4 stars overall in 2025.2 Our emphasis on customer service ensures you’re never alone in navigating your healthcare options. Choosing Blue Cross means peace of mind, with local resources and straightforward plans designed to make your Medicare journey simple and easy.
If you want freedom of choice and many extras included, consider Blue Advantage® (PPO). It’s a Medicare Part C plan that provides both medical and prescription drug benefits, and it’s an excellent option if you want one easy-to-use plan with comprehensive coverage. With Blue Advantage (PPO), you get: • Choice of plans, including a $0 monthly premium option • $0 Primary Care Physician (PCP) copay, depending on plan selection • Prescription drug copays as low as $0, depending on plan selection
If you want to lower your out-of-pocket costs while keeping Original Medicare, consider C PlusSM. It’s a Medicare Select plan that helps cover the costs Original Medicare doesn’t — like deductibles, copays and coinsurance — so you pay less when you get care. With C Plus, you get: • No referrals needed to see specialists • Use any doctor or hospital accepting Medicare, even out of state • No underwriting restrictions or penalties, unlike many other carriers
If you want simple and easy stand-alone prescription drug coverage, consider BlueRxSM (PDP). It’s a Medicare-approved Part D plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama that helps cover the cost of your medications. With BlueRx, you get: • Drug copays as low as $0, depending on plan selection • Coverage for Medicare-approved generic, brand-name and specialty drugs • A large selection of network pharmacies in Alabama and over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide
Blue Advantage® is a PPO and BlueRxSM is a PDP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) depends on contract renewal. Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) are provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an issuer or insurance producer. C PlusSM is a Medicare Select Plan and is a private insurance plan regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance. It is not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 1 Doctors refers to Medicare participating providers. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 2 Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5 star rating system. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 3 For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-888-246-7023 (TTY 711). 4 We are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. From October 1 to March 31, the hours of operation are Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. You may be required to leave a message for calls made after hours, weekends and holidays. Calls will be returned the next business day. 6
BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
ADVERTISEMENT
How to Choose the Right Plan for You
Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans
Choosing the right Medicare plan is an important decision, and it’s essential to think about several factors to make sure it meets your needs. Here are some things to consider as you make your choice:
Medicare Advantage plans, like those offered by Blue Cross, combine the benefits of Original Medicare with additional coverage options. These plans often include prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing and dental care.
Network Coverage: Is your doctor in the plan’s network? If they are not in network, how much will it cost to see them?
Prescription Costs: What will your prescription costs be? Understanding the out-of-pocket expenses for your medications is essential in choosing the right plan.
Monthly Costs: What are your overall monthly expenses? Consider the premiums, copays and any other expenses that will be part of your budget.
Travel Coverage: Are you covered when you travel? For those who travel frequently, ensuring that your healthcare plan provides coverage outside your local area is important.
Extra Benefits: Are there extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing? The additional coverage can add significant value to your healthcare plan.
By choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, you can simplify your healthcare experience by having one comprehensive plan that covers a wide range of services. Medicare Advantage plans are designed to provide more coverage than Original Medicare alone. This holistic approach to healthcare provides access to a wide range of services that support both your medical needs and overall well-being.
Take the Next Step Understanding the different parts of Medicare and their benefits can help you choose the right plan for your needs. Blue Cross offers support and guidance to help you navigate this important decision. With a variety of plan options and dedicated customer service, you can find affordable coverage that suits you. For personalized advice, sign up for a meeting3 with a local advisor. Our advisors can assist you in exploring your choices and selecting a plan that fits your needs.
Let Blue work for you.
To get more information or talk to a local advisor, call 1-855-978-5239 (TTY 711) or visit BCBSALMedicare.com/BA3, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST.4
To choose the right plan, assess your current and future healthcare needs. Consider your medical conditions and potential health changes that may require more coverage. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a plan that offers the best combination of coverage and cost. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Y0106_NTMAdvert426_M faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM!
7
Winter Safety for Aging Adults Winter can be a wonderful transition from warmer to cooler temperatures, but these changes can bring icy surfaces and shorter days that can create some anxious moments in aging adults. As we age, our bodies cannot regulate our temperatures as well; our balance may change, and even some medications bring with them side effects that can increase our sensitivity to cold. When we take a few precautions, we can ensure we stay healthy, safe, and warm through old man winter. As we age, one of the most important safeguards we need to take is fall prevention. With icy surfaces, like driveways, sidewalks, and steps, this can become more complex. Aging adults should always wear rubber, non-skid shoe bottoms if they must go outside, but when icy conditions arise, it is best practice to try and remain indoors. If going outside is a must, take hold of handrails, wear shoes with good grip, and try to keep walkways, sidewalks, and driveways free of ice. Of course, this may be something that you must ask a loved one or even a neighbor for help. Keep in mind the shorter days that winter brings with it, and make sure you have good lighting when outside, as that makes hazards easier to visualize. As we mentioned above, when we age, we do not recognize that our body temperature regulation may not work as well as it did when we were younger. Keeping warm is just as important as fall prevention, so older adults should dress in several warm layers, including gloves and a hat, especially when going outside, along with rubber-soled footwear. In the home, it is important to keep windows and doors shut so that cool air does not 8
BOOM!
October 2026
Having extra supplies of the following items in the case of a severe storm is always a good idea: * Medications * Canned food items or nonperishable food * Bottled waters * Batteries * Blankets * Flashlights Make sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in proper working order. Make sure that cell phones are fully charged in case of a power outage.
create drafts in the home, and do not use grills, ovens, or small space heaters as heating devices, as these can create house fires or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Winter months with cold weather and slippery conditions outside can lead to isolation for older adults. Staying connected to friends and family, church family, or any social club can reduce the effects of loneliness and can help you stay engaged on a regular basis so that if something is wrong, or assistance is needed, someone would notice. During severe winter weather, it is best to check on aging adults regularly, especially if they live by themselves.
RiverRegionBoom.com
Some signs associated with cold-related illness that should not be ignored, like confusion, lethargy, shivering, weakness, or having trouble talking, should have immediate attention from a medical provider, and you should move to a warm area. A shelter close by that provides a warm area will be something to consider before winter conditions become too treacherous. Planning and support from friends and family can make getting through the winter months for older adults much more enjoyable, safe, and healthy. 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
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM!
9
10 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
It often begins gradually. Mom needs someone to drive her to a doctor’s appointment. Dad needs help getting his prescriptions straight. Someone notices the refrigerator is nearly empty or that a bill has been missed. Then there is a fall, a surgery, a hospital stay or a diagnosis that changes everything.
Suddenly, the adult children are no longer simply sons and daughters. They are caregivers, and one of the first questions families face is also one of the hardest: Who is going to do what? In theory, four siblings should make caregiving four times easier. In real life, it rarely works that way. One sibling may live five minutes away while another lives five states away. One may be retired while another is still working full time. One may have money but little time, while another has time but cannot afford repeated travel. One has always been close to Mom, while another has spent years keeping some emotional distance.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Then there are the old family roles. The responsible oldest child is still expected to be responsible. The peacemaker tries to keep everyone happy. The sibling who has always needed rescuing may still be the one everyone assumes cannot handle much. Those roles have a way of showing up again when parents begin to age. That is why dividing caregiving requires much more than dividing chores. Families also have to navigate expectations, relationships, money, geography and sometimes decades of unresolved history.
Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal One of the biggest mistakes siblings make is assuming caregiving should be divided equally. Often, it simply cannot be. If one child lives across town and another lives six hours away, they cannot reasonably provide the same kind of help. The nearby sibling may handle groceries, appointments and emergencies, while the distant sibling
handles insurance claims, finances, online prescription refills or arranging outside help. One sibling may have more flexibility at work. Another may have greater financial resources. The goal should not necessarily be equal hours. The goal should be a fair contribution based on each person’s circumstances and abilities. The difficulty comes when “fair” is never actually discussed. Instead, one sibling slowly becomes the default caregiver. They are the one the doctor calls, the assisted-living facility calls, or Dad calls when the TV stops working. Mom calls them when she cannot find her insurance card. Months later, that sibling is exhausted while the others believe things are being handled. That is where resentment begins.
Stop Saying, “Let Me Know If You Need Anything” It sounds generous, but “Let me know if you need anything” often places another responsibility on the person who is already overwhelmed. Now the primary
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 11
caregiver has to recognize what needs to be done, decide who can do it, make the call, explain the task and follow up. A better approach is for siblings to own specific responsibilities. One person can manage the pharmacy and prescription refills. Another can take Mom to certain appointments. Someone else can handle bills, insurance paperwork or household repairs. A sibling who lives farther away might commit to coming one weekend each month or every few months so the primary caregiver can have some time off. Specific help is much more useful than general willingness. Families may even need a written list or shared calendar. It does not have to be formal, but a shared document, group text or calendar can eliminate much of the confusion about who is responsible for what.
Distance Does Not Excuse You From Caregiving The sibling who lives nearby will almost always carry more of the hands-on load. There is simply no way around geography. But living far away does not mean there is nothing to contribute. A sibling who lives hundreds of miles away can make medical calls, research home-care agencies, order groceries, manage bills, schedule appointments, deal with insurance companies or coordinate repairs. Many of the most frustrating caregiving tasks can be done from a laptop and a phone. A distant sibling can also provide something the nearby caregiver may desperately need: relief. Coming into 12 BOOM!
October 2026
town for several days and taking over can give the primary caregiver permission to leave, spend time with friends or a spouse, take a short trip or simply sleep without worrying about the next phone call. If you live far away, one of the most helpful questions you can ask is not simply, “What can I do from here?” Ask instead, “What are you doing right now that I could take completely off your plate?”
Money Counts Too, But It Needs to Be Discussed
finally happens, someone is already frustrated. A better approach is to hold a family meeting when parents first begin needing regular assistance. Talk honestly about what Mom or Dad needs now and what may be coming next. Who lives closest? Who has the most flexible schedule? Who understands finances? Who is comfortable talking with doctors? Who can help financially? Who can provide occasional weekends of relief? Most importantly, talk about what each sibling can realistically commit to. One sibling may say, “I cannot take off work every week, but I can handle all of the insurance paperwork.” Another may be willing to help financially but uncomfortable making medical decisions. Someone else may be able to manage appointments but need another sibling to handle Dad’s finances. Clear limits are much better than promises people cannot keep.
Old Wounds Can Walk Into the Room
Caregiving costs money. There may be gas, meals, home repairs, medical equipment, housekeeping, travel, paid caregivers and sometimes lost income when someone repeatedly leaves work. Money can become another source of resentment if one sibling provides most of the time while another believes writing a check fulfills the entire obligation. At the same time, financial help can be enormously valuable. If one sibling has significantly more financial resources, paying for housekeeping, transportation, respite care or part-time home assistance may be one of the most practical contributions that person can make. The issue is not that every sibling contributes in exactly the same way. The issue is whether the family has openly discussed what each person can and will contribute. Silence creates assumptions, and assumptions eventually create resentment.
Caregiving has an uncomfortable way of resurrecting childhood. The daughter who was always considered responsible may find herself expected to become responsible again. The sibling who believes Mom always favored the youngest child may suddenly resent doing more than that sibling. Someone may feel Dad was never there for them and struggle with the expectation that they should now rearrange their life to care for him. Those feelings do not disappear simply because a parent has grown old. Families do not necessarily have to resolve 40 years of history before creating a care plan, but it helps to recognize when the argument is no longer really about who is taking Dad to the doctor. Sometimes the emotional charge behind a caregiving disagreement began decades earlier. Recognizing that can keep siblings from turning every disagreement into a referendum on the entire family.
Have the Hard Conversation Before Everyone Is Angry
Someone Usually Has to Be the Point Person
Most families wait too long to talk about caregiving. By the time the conversation
Even when several siblings are helpful, caregiving tends to work better when
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
one person coordinates the big picture. That does not mean one person should do everything. It simply means everyone knows who has the current medication list, who communicates with healthcare providers and who keeps the family updated when something changes. Without a point person, information can quickly become scattered. One sibling hears something from Mom. Another hears something different from Dad. Someone else gets half the story from a nurse. Before long, everyone is arguing over information instead of making decisions. A brief weekly update to siblings can prevent a great deal of confusion. So can making sure important legal documents are in place, including powers of attorney and healthcare directives, while parents can still participate fully in those decisions.
Do Not Let Caregiving Destroy the Sibling Relationship There may come a point when the work is not equal. The nearby sibling may do more. The sibling with greater financial resources may pay more. The sibling with medical experience may handle more complicated health issues. Perfect balance is probably impossible. What does matter is whether people feel seen and appreciated. If your sister has spent 12 hours sitting in an emergency room with Dad, acknowledge it. If your brother has flown in three times this year to help, acknowledge it. If one sibling has spent months untangling insurance paperwork or coordinating home care, acknowledge that too. Caregiving becomes much harder when people feel invisible. Someday Mom and Dad will be gone, and the people left standing around the table will be the siblings. That is worth remembering when tensions rise. The goal is not simply to create the most efficient caregiving schedule possible. It is to care for your parents well without sacrificing the family relationships that will remain after the caregiving is over. • The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
NOVEMBER 17–19 7 P.M. WOLTOSZ THEATRE PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH AND ENDORSED BY NEIL DIAMOND
Tickets available now! 334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTERTICKETS.AUBURN.EDU
View our complete 2026–27 season calendar online.
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 13
Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Photography provided by Jeff Barganier
Southern Hospitality and Tail of the Dragon’s Sister Cindy’s in Highlands, North Carolina, enjoying the company of friends. I’m on my way to get her. Along the way, I’m looking for something, or someone, interesting to write about. It’s been years since my last stay at Dillard House Resort in Dillard, Georgia. I’m delighted to discover a significant transformation in progress as construction is underway all over its campus. “It’ll be an eighty-milliondollar resort property,” a staffer tells me. In my opinion, Dillard House Resort is destined to become one of North Georgia’s premier mountain resorts. Meanwhile, growing pains have created some issues. But rather than making those issues my focus, I prefer to accentuate the positive. I’ll visit again in a couple of years to see how things have changed for the better. Excellent hospitality is an art not always easy to execute. But the Southerner’s innate friendliness combined with a “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” attitude gives the South a distinct advantage. A young Dillard House Restaurant hostess is the perfect example. “Is this the original dining room or was it somewhere else?” I ask her. “This is the original spot. It just used to look a lot different. It was very closed in. There was still the window view, but it was a lot darker.” “How long have you worked at Dillard House?” “I’ve worked at Dillard House for about five months. I love it. I think the environment is great. I love the view. I go 14 BOOM!
October 2026
outside all the time and just stand by the door. I’m so appreciative of where we live. It’s such a beautiful spot.” “What was it like growing up in Dillard?” “It was great. I was always hiking Pickens Nose.”
RiverRegionBoom.com
Pickens Nose is the name given a rock formation, elevation 4,900 feet, by native Americans who thought the outcropping resembled the nose of a Revolutionary War soldier named Pickens. “You can hike up there and see the whole town and all the way to Lake Burton. It’s a beautiful view. I love and have grown really appreciative of nature because we just live in such a beautiful area.” The trailhead is about thirty-five minutes from Dillard House. “It’s about a mile up,” she says. I ask about her plans for the future. “That’s something I’ve really been debating. My dad didn’t go to college, and he has a very successful career for himself as an entrepreneur. He does a lot of work around this area doing construction. He’s really given me inspiration to learn things without having to go to college, and maybe have my own business. So, I’m really in a rock and a hard place with that. I know learning is free. College is helpful for some people but, for me, I don’t know if it’s the path I want to go down. I have, in my family, doctors, teachers, very smart individuals. But I’m thinking about entering the workforce and learning (on my own). I’m so family oriented. It’s just hard to find the right person.” She laughs a bit nervously. “I really do think it would be best for me, at least when I do have children, to be with them full-time and even maybe do some homeschooling and teach them the right way. I love my life. And I know I have so much more traveling and learning to do. I’m really excited.” The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Now. I’m thinking … this young lady is a breath of fresh air and the embodiment of poise: confident, delightful, hospitable, and a gifted communicator. I expect her to be running this place when I return in a couple of years! Onward to Highlands. When I purchased my Honda Accord Sport Special Edition five years ago, I asked the saleslady about the SPORT button on the console. “Whatever you do, don’t touch it,” she warned me. I’m driving on Highway 64 West. There’s a fellow on my bumper. To his chagrin, I’m driving like an old geezer, negotiating many narrow curves and switchbacks with great caution. But he’s beginning to get on my nerves. There are zero opportunities for him to pass and few places along this route to get out of his way. Oncoming traffic is brisk. To make matters worse, the flooding in 2024 has left bad trenches along the road. If not careful, I could drop a tire into one. Conversely, a little distance between our bumpers would soothe my nerves.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The sport button is shouting my name. 64 West is hardly North Carolina’s famed “Tail of the Dragon” with its 318 curves in eleven miles. But it must surely be the Dragon’s sister! My rearview mirror says he’s still there. I punch the button. The engine’s RPM’s—how many full turns the engine's central crankshaft makes in 60 seconds—increase from 1,500 to 8,000. I feed it fuel. In seconds, my friend disappears from view. In a mile or so, I see a roadside gravel clearing ahead and pull off. I allow him to pass, steer my Honda back onto the road, and
proceed with care. But within a minute, there are four bloodred Porsches hot on my tail. And no matter how fast I go, they stay with me. As before, I exit into gravel. The sleek little machines roar by me as if on the track at Indy. The last driver waves a hand of appreciation in the air, thanking me for yielding asphalt—just another (my) sterling example of Southern hospitality at its best. The pleasure is all mine.
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!
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 15
16 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Your mailbox is staging a takeover. Plan books thick as catalogs. Postcards shouting DEADLINE. Callers who somehow know you are "due for a review" and need your Medicare number before lunch! October in the River Region smells like leaf piles and Friday night lights—and also like a manufactured emergency aimed straight at anyone 65 and up.
Here is the truth the marketing machine hopes you skip: Medicare's Annual Election Period is useful, not apocalyptic. From mid-October through early December you can review coverage, compare options, and make changes that take effect January 1. It is a checkup. Panic is the product someone else is selling. BOOM readers span roughly thirty years after 50—from the mid-fifties still launching teens to the mid-seventies deep into retirement. This guide aims at the 65+ segment already on Medicare, and at adult children sharing a kitchen table with a plan book and a highlighter. If Open Enrollment is not your season yet, file it—or use it to help Mom and Dad without absorbing their stress as your own. Medicare's Annual Election Period— often called AEP or Medicare Open Enrollment—runs October 15 through December 7. During that stretch, people already on Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or join, drop, or change Part D drug coverage. Changes generally start January 1. One caution: if you're leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and want Medigap coverage, check your eligibility for a Medigap policy before making the switch. Guaranteed access to Medigap is not available in every situation. There is a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period early in the new year for people already in Advantage plans. Different window. Different rules. Do not let a caller blur them. For fall, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
mark AEP on the kitchen calendar and treat it as decision season—not a Fridaynight fire drill. Before you compare anything new, pull last year's explanation of benefits, your current plan summary, and a blunt list of doctors, pharmacies, and prescriptions. Then answer three questions the ads will never ask: Was your specialist in network when it mattered? Did a medication jump tiers? Did labs or imaging land as January surprises? Those answers beat every glossy spread. A rock-bottom premium can cost more if your cardiologist is out of network or your pharmacy is not preferred, depending on how the plan handles out-of-network care. A slightly higher premium can save money if it covers the drugs and providers you actually use in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka—or the Birmingham and Auburn specialists River Region families often juggle. If you winter elsewhere or spend stretches with out-of-state family, ask how your plan treats out-of-area care— especially Advantage plans built on local networks. Your real life is the scorecard. The brochure is a suggestion with good lighting.
Original Medicare vs. Advantage: Pick the Fit, Not the Hype Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program. Many people pair it with Medigap to help with deductibles and coinsurance, plus standalone Part D for drugs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage through a private plan—usually
with network rules and extras like dental or vision. Neither path is automatically ‘better.’ Advantage can feel simpler—one card—but networks and prior authorization requirements can matter considerably. Original Medicare plus Medigap can mean broader provider choice, with premiums that reflect that flexibility. Your health, budget, travel habits, and preferred doctors drive the choice—not a neighbor's anecdote or a celebrity voice selling calm you have not earned yet. Prescriptions get their own pass. Formularies change. Tiers move. If you take even two or three medications regularly, run them through Medicare's Plan Finder (Medicare.gov) or sit with a counselor who will do it with you. Thirty minutes on drugs can prevent a January ambush.
Compare like an adult— not a hostage Use official tools first. Medicare.gov's Plan Finder lets you enter ZIP, drugs, and pharmacies and see estimated annual costs—not just premiums. SHIP offers free, unbiased counseling; Alabama's aging network can point you to local help through AgeLine: 1-800-243-5463. Build a one-page scorecard: monthly premium, deductible, estimated drug cost, doctors in network, extras you will actually use. Ignore bells you will never ring. Rank two or three finalists. Sleep on it. Then decide on your schedule.
Pressure is the tell. Hang up is your strategy. Legitimate marketing exists. Urgency theater does not deserve your Medicare number tonight. No reputable counselor needs you to "lock in" before you understand the network. Hang up. Write the plan name. Compare it on Medicare. gov or with a trusted advisor when you are ready. October and November also costume unrelated scams in Medicare language.
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 17
Treat unsolicited calls, texts, and emails as hostile until proven otherwise. When in doubt, you initiate—numbers from Medicare.gov or the member services line already on your card.
Your counterattack 1. Confirm AEP dates on Medicare.gov; put a mid-November review on the calendar. 2. List doctors, pharmacies, and prescriptions; note anything that changed this year. 3. Pull your Summary of Benefits and a recent Explanation of Benefits. 4. Run Plan Finder or meet a SHIP counselor / trusted advisor with that list in hand. 5. Compare two or three options on total estimated cost and network fit—not ads. 6. Enroll through official channels; save confirmation numbers. 7. Update automatic payments; tell doctors' offices if your plan changes for January.
READERS Are On The Go!
Get Our Advertising Rates and Begin Reaching Our Amazing Readers!
TEXT 334-328-5189
18 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
Living fully includes protecting the coverage that keeps you in the stands, on the volunteer shift, at the lake, and in the specialist's chair when you need it. Open Enrollment is agency: an annual chance to align your plan with the River Region life you are actually living. If you change nothing after a careful review, that can still be a win. Informed confidence is the goal. The panic in your mailbox is optional—and you do not owe it a reply. • The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 19
By Greg Budell
The Mayor of BOOMTOWN
The Johnny Carson Retirement Plan might dare to express a conservative opinion. God forbid!
I finally did it. I’m retired! Sort of. I have some splainin’ to do here, Lucy, so please permit. For my entire adult life, I’ve been waking up at 3:30 AM (or thereabouts) to do a morning radio show. On weekends, I sleep in ‘til 5 AM.
As a result, late-night viewing has dwindled from Carson’s 20 millionplus per night average to a mere fraction of those numbers.
I love it. I’m done at 9 AM and am home for lunch and a nap while everyone else is staring down the 9-to5. For the last 21 years, I return for an afternoon show from 3-6 (NewsTalk 93.1FM). Unlike years ago, I don’t party and have evolved into an almost annoyingly disciplined person.
Carson welcomed everyone. He was paid handsomely for his five-nighta-week grind. He was worth every penny of the multi-million dollar salary he earned, but in the 70s and 80s he decided to dial things back. There was actual outrage when he took summers off in the late 70s, and even more when he asked and received a 4-day work week from NBC until he retired in 1992.
Over the last couple of years, my GP, Dr. Dennis Woodling, has hinted that I might prolong my life by reducing that schedule. I never gave it much thought until this past summer. This summer was brutal. An aortic aneurysm repair in July spared me a drop-dead event, but recovery has been tough. Last month, I started thinking about cutting back after barely navigating my schedule without day-end exhaustion. First consideration was money. Giving up one of the 2 shows would have been a financial hit- not disastrous- but I still like spoiling my daughter and others and am not inclined to tighten the grip on my wallet. When my AARP surgeon suggested (at the follow-up) there was no point to enduring the surgery if I continue working an insane schedule. “I’m tired”, I complained when reporting 3 weeks after the procedure. He was unsympathetic. Doc said, “Look at your age! Your routine! Find a way to cut back or the Good Lord will do it for you!”
20 BOOM!
October 2026
So, inspired by Johnny’s plan, I decided to ask for Friday afternoons off moving forward. Ya gotta love an honest doc. I began plotting a cutback. Should I give up one of the shows? For me that was like picking among my children. Quitting either was not an option, especially after some healthy ratings. Both are great fun. I never see it as “work”- and I love the great people who work with me. Then I remembered Johnny Carson. BOOMers know Johnny. He was the undisputed king of late-night TV, with a 30year run that began in 1962. This was at a time when people tuned in at 10:30 PM for laughs and entertainment. Today’s pathetic nighttime hosts have embraced political lecturing and avidly eschew anyone who
RiverRegionBoom.com
I’m not good at asking the boss for things, but armed with medical support for my request, I mustered the courage to see my boss, Rick Peters, and ask for my work week to end at 9 AM on Fridays. Mornings Monday-Friday, afternoons MondayThursday. That would create a near 3-day weekend-without abandoning either show. I took a deep breath, made my request, and he said (drum roll), “OK. Good idea.” That was much easier than I expected! He put the new schedule into effect immediately. 9 AM Friday morning arrived, and I was done for the week! I went home, had some lunch, took a nap as I do every day, and then woke up realizing I had nowhere to go that afternoon. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
I’m an annoyingly disciplined person, and when 2:36 PM came along and I was not in my car aiming for Radioland, I was flummoxed.
I’ve learned when to squirt my Swiffer on the floor. I’ve kept up with laundry and changed the bedding more often. I have time to do as they do on fabric softener commercials- grab a freshly dried load and smile after a big, deep breath.
It felt wrong. In fact, I had every Friday in September to get used to this arrangement and have failed terribly. I spent every Friday afternoon doing absolutely nothing productive while feeling lazy. I didn’t take up pickleball. Or occupy a park bench feeding random birds. My golf clubs remain crusty from the last round I played ages ago.
Instead of using the “retirement” time to take a class or finish my degree, I’ve mastered the dishwasher and putting dishes where they’re supposed to go. Most of the time. This is all very unnatural to me because I’m a slob at heart.
Most of those newfound off hours were spent on a patio smoking cigarettes and guzzling Diet Cokes.
My cat, Calliope, has benefitted. I’ve brushed an extra cat’s worth of fur out of her, and she is pleased with that routine.
That’s not totally true. Some of my free time has been spent doing (drum roll #2)CHORES!
This is going to take some getting used to. I’m struggling with breaking the BOOMer work ethic.
The good news is I’m feeling better after the surgery and can resume bike riding this month. That’s a great way to kill some time as the weather slowly cools down. My hat is tipped to BOOMers enjoying active full retirements! It’s an adjustment, whether it’s a full stop or similar to my incremental plan. Who knows? At this rate, by November I could be raking leaves or washing my own car! But probably not.
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 Monday - Thursday 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.
RIVER REGION
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestyle Magazine
“Try Us”
ONE MONTH
Advertising Special
$399 $250
Full Page
Half Page
FREE AD DESIGN Must Be Reserved By July 23
TEXT “Try US” to (334) 328-5189 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 21
Joy to Life 5K & Celebration Saturday, October 24 * 17 Springs, Millbrook
This year we’re going to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT to FIGHT BREAST CANCER! Pre-register by purchasing your ticket online, then watch your email for confirmation. The 5K route will run throughout the 17 Springs complex. The Finish Line will lead everyone into the stadium Celebration where ALL ages can enjoy the FUN ZONES before the 400+ DRONE SHOW takes off! Visit joytolife.org.
The 38th Annual Holiday Market October 14-17 * Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery
The Holiday Market returns with a classic feel and timeless holiday charm. Let’s travel back to the good ol’ days with Holiday Market, classic edition. The Junior League of Montgomery cordially invites you to join us for a holiday shopping extravaganza just like the tradition that started it all. Join us and shop with new and returning vendors, just like you remember. Visit jlmontgomery.org for more information.
Pike Road 15th Annual Plein Air Paint Out October 7 – 11 I 8AM - 5PM
Join us as artists from across the River Region and beyond bring their creative spirits and fresh perspectives to our hometown. Wet Paint Show, Sale & Reception: 2 pm - 4 pm, October 10, Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd. Celebrate the beauty of Pike Road through the eyes of talented artists from the River Region and beyond at the Wet Paint Art Show & Sale, the exciting finale of the 15th Annual Plein Air Paint Out! Join us for an afternoon showcasing incredible works created during the four-day outdoor painting event.
Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Pat Sellers Congratulations to our October Caregiver of the Month, Pat Sellers! Pat is a caregiver who brings compassion, patience, and genuine dedication to every client she serves. She understands the importance of not only providing quality care, but also making her clients feel valued, respected, and comfortable. Pat's commitment to her clients and the care she provides each day truly makes a difference. Her positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond are qualities that make her a wonderful part of our caregiving team. Congratulations, Mrs. Pat, and thank you for the heart, compassion, and dedication you bring to your clients every day! For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com.
22 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 23
60th Annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair, November 7 Old Marks House I 890 Old Carter Hill Rd I 9 am to 4 pm
As one of Alabama's oldest and most cherished community traditions, this milestone diamond anniversary event brings together thousands of visitors for a classic "Fun Day in the Country" filled with local shopping, art, and fantastic Southern food. Over 150 artists and crafts exhibitors, food for sale! Visit pikeroadcraftfair.com.
8th Annual Parade of Pumpkins October 16-31 * Downtown Prattville
Thousands of decorated and carved pumpkins from citizens and local schools, festive storefronts, the GLOW Trail, Harvest Haven in the Butterfly Garden, and food trucks will transform Historic Downtown.
24 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 25–31, 2026
Is Your Home Lead Safe? Most children get lead poisoning from paint in homes built before 1978. Keep paint in good condition and use a certified lead contractor to safely perform home renovations if your home was built before 1978. A blood lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. Talk with your child’s doctor about testing, especially at the 1- and 2-year check-up, when children are at greatest risk.
Lead poisoning can cause permanent learning and behavior problems. Follow these steps to stop lead poisoning: • Practice and teach good handwashing, especially before preparing food and eating. • Feed your family a low-fat diet high in calcium and iron. • Damp dust and mop, especially around windows and play areas, to remove lead dust. • Keep children away from areas with peeling or chipping paint.
Visit our website to learn about other sources of lead and the importance of prevention.
ADPH Environmental Alabama Childhood Lead Services Lead Branch Poisoning Prevention Program 1-800-819-7644 1-833-667-1495 alabamapublichealth.gov/lead alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp is 100%Magazine funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the Centers forRe Disease and Prevention. faceb o o k. co m / R iver gio n Bo oControl m The River Region’sThis 50+ad Lifestage October 2026
BOOM! 25
Pottery Class in the Gardens A Family Affair The Montgomery Botanical Gardens began its Fall schedule of classes in the Gardens with the delightful “Pottery in the Gardens” class by Margaret Barber. With the threat of rainy weather gone for the morning, a full class arrived at Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 am, anticipating the “Pottery in the Gardens – A Family Affair” class in the Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom. Montgomery-based ceramic artist Margaret Barber taught the class and demonstrated how to work with airdried clay. Margaret has specialized in beautiful handmade crafts in her home studio since 1997. Her pottery, inspired by her love of nature, includes functional dinnerware, decorative vessels, seasonal collections, and other decorative art. Her past and
present participation in art festivals and competitions throughout the Southeast and Midwest regional markets highlights 26 BOOM!
October 2026
her skills and talents, and her work has been both exhibited and sold. One can also view and purchase her work at the Montgomery Herb Day Society’s annual festival each spring. Margaret welcomes you to her studio for Seasonal Sales. You can find out more at her website www. margaretbarberpottery.com. For eight consecutive years, Margaret organized and chaired a huge community-wide fundraiser that included pottery bowls created by middle and high school youth for purchase. The Empty Bowls Project is a community fundraiser that raised money for Montgomery Area Food Bank through the sale of handcrafted ceramic bowls. The class learned about various types of clay creations and the techniques needed to make them. Students then had the opportunity to create their own clay creations. Margaret taught each attendee to make a small, shallow bowl shaped like a flower blossom for bees to drink from. She cautioned them to research bee safety if they plan to seal their bowls
RiverRegionBoom.com
before placing them outdoors. Margaret showed them how to use natural items to create texture in the pieces. The outdoor classroom has benches, but some students brought their own folding chairs. Bottled water was provided. There is no admission fee to the gardens, and there was no charge for this class, but we always sincerely appreciate donations to MBG. Signs in the gardens display the MBG QR code, which you can use to donate. Or you may visit the MBG website to donate at www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com, or mail your donation to Montgomery Botanical Gardens, P.O. Box 344, Montgomery, Alabama 36106. Before or after the class, attendees took the opportunity to stroll through the Phase I Southern Garden of MBG to enjoy the beautiful fall blooms and observe the busy pollinators at work. Then some visited the Japanese Maple Garden and Hosta Garden of Phase II and observed the construction in progress for the installation of the historic Janney-Crane Fountain. An official ribbon-cutting will be held soon to open the fountain venue. The MBG October Class in the gardens will be “Japanese Maples in the Landscape,” and Mr. Lee Moore will be the presenter on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Watch for later announcements for this class. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 27
The Leaf Blower Arms Race spent twenty minutes building into You can always tell when fall a "fort" — has been redistributed by arrives in the River Region because foreign policy. And somewhere, a wife every man on the street suddenly is standing in a doorway with coffee, believes he's been called up for a shaking her head in that particular special ops mission involving a leaf way that says: You could've used a blower. rake. You own a rake. The rake is in One Saturday it's quiet. The the garage. Next to the leaf blower next Saturday it sounds like a you insisted you needed. helicopter landing on your mailbox. She's not wrong. But she's also At 7:12 a.m. On the nose. Like they not holding the leaf blower. Power synchronized watches at the Home changes people. Depot parking lot. By midmorning the yard looks My neighbor starts first. Always. worse than when we started. That's He's out there in a hoodie, safety the secret nobody puts on the box: glasses, and the focused face of a leaf blowing doesn't remove leaves. man defusing a bomb — except the It just relocates the argument. They'll bomb is three maple leaves on his be back Tuesday. With friends. With driveway. He blows them onto my cousins. With a whole extended yard with the confidence of someone family of leaves who heard there was who thinks property lines are more of a party. a suggestion. Still… here's the thing. So of course I retaliate. That's how Somewhere in the civilizations fall: one leaf at a time. middle of all that I fire up my own blower, which noise, a grandchild somehow has two settings — "polite runs through breeze" and "summon the National the one decent Guard." There is no middle. Within leaf pile left four minutes we've turned the entire on earth, cul-de-sac into a leaf weather system. laughing like Leaves go left. Leaves go right. Leaves October go straight into the open garage of invented joy. the guy who just washed his truck. He Your knees does not wave. remind you Meanwhile, somebody's dog is you're not built barking like we've invaded his country. for diving A kid two houses down is crying in after because his leaf pile — the one he RiverRegionBoom.com October 2026 28 BOOM!
them. You do it anyway. Somebody takes a picture where you're half smiling, half wheezing, fully covered in oak debris, and it somehow becomes the best photo of the month. You catch your neighbor later — the leaf terrorist — and you both pretend you weren't in a turf war at dawn. You talk about the game. How fast the kids got big. How the evenings got dark early and nobody asked your permission. So yes, I'm grumpy. I'll keep complaining about 7 a.m. leaf blowers, relocated maple diplomacy, and equipment that costs more than my first car and somehow still can't make a leaf stay put. But I'm grateful. Grateful for a season that still gets people outside. Grateful for the ridiculous little wars that somehow turn into shared jokes. Grateful for the sound of a kid laughing in a leaf pile that won't last the week — and for still being around to hear it. Even if my ears are ringing until Thursday.
- Archie Grumbleton
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A quick and easy, no-fuss chicken tortilla soup with so many amazing flavors!
Ingredients: ½ cup elbows pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, diced 4 cups chicken stock 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 4-ounce can green chiles 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon oregano Pinch of cayenne pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 cups shredded chicken breast 1 cup roasted corn kernels 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves Juice of 1 lime 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced, for serving Tortilla strips, for serving
Instructions: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano and cayenne pepper; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in pasta, chicken, corn, cilantro and lime juice until heated through, about 2 minutes. Garnish with avocado and tortilla strips, if desired.
OCTOBER 19–21 | 7 P.M. Tickets available now! 334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTERTICKETS.AUBURN.EDU
View our complete 2026–27 season calendar online.
https://damndelicious.net/2013/10/26/chicken-tortilla-soup/
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 29
BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Steve Straughn Steve Straughn isn’t spending 71 watching life from the sidelines. He’s playing music, serving his community, exploring Alabama backroads, spending time with family, and still looking for what might be around the next corner. He carries with him a deep appreciation for how precious life is and lives by the idea that “a body in motion stays in motion.” For Steve, aging well means staying curious, connected, and fully engaged in the life in front of him.
BOOM: At 71, you've said that rarely does a day go by when you don't have a project or something you're involved in. You live by the idea that "a body in motion stays in motion"—and you believe that applies to the mind as well. Where did that philosophy come from, and how does it shape the way you live today? SS: The idea that "A body in motion stays in motion" has been a mantra that I picked up over many years, stemming from my work as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). For the past 45 years, I have interviewed thousands of patients in regards to their medical history and the types of activities they do on a daily or regular basis. 30 BOOM!
October 2026
A very important part of my job has been to obtain a very thorough history of each patient prior to providing a safe and reliable anesthetic, based on their overall health status and activity level, as well as their mental status. Somewhere along my journey, it became very apparent that individuals who remain active live longer, healthier, and happier than those who choose to live a mundane and sedentary lifestyle. As a result, I chose to adopt this mantra for myself and made it my everyday mantra. BOOM: Your journey has taken you through a 12-year career in the Navy after earning your nursing degree from Troy, years
RiverRegionBoom.com
in Northport, and eventually back to the River Region. What experiences along the way have most shaped the person you are today? SS: First of all, let me say that Troy State University provided me with an excellent education, not only in the classroom and clinical experiences, but also in life. "Go Trojans!" I was very active in my fraternity, a charter member of the Sigma Tau chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. The brotherhood that I experienced during those years was very instrumental in shaping me to be who I am today. Our ritual used biblical scripture as its basis for all of the teachings during the ritual process. I still remain in close contact with at least 10-15 brothers who were at Troy during my time, as well as others who became brothers after I graduated. After Troy, I worked in Mobile for a few years and was planning to further my education in a nurse anesthesia program at USA, but unfortunately that didn't work out because the program closed. I chose to join the Navy and pursue The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
my graduate degree through the Navy Nurse Anesthesia Program, in conjunction with George Washington University Medical Programs. The years I spent as a Naval officer had a major impact on who I was to become, both professionally and mentally. Having the pleasure of serving in several hospitals throughout the Southeast U.S., I was exposed to many people from all over the nation. Yes, there are great people from all parts of the country that mentored me throughout my Naval Career. Serving with the Marine Corps (Naval Medical Component) in a "MASH" type field hospital on the Kuwaiti border had a huge impact on how I should view everyday. "Every day is a gift." It became very clear that we should look at every day as potentially being your last day. Life is precious; use it wisely. Returning to civilian life after the Navy, armed with an excellent education and experience, I felt very proud of the fact that the Navy had prepared me well for the next chapter in my life. My naval experience had prepared me well both as a person and as a competent healthcare provider. My civilian career has spanned over the last 33 years, first in Memphis at the Regional Medical Center Trauma hospital, as well as a few other metro area hospitals, including St. Jude Children's Hospital. Once again, taking care of individuals who were severely injured, sometimes losing their lives in front of me, helped me to reaffirm that every day is precious. Over the past 27 years, I have had the pleasure of taking care of patients at The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Northport Medical Center. The staff in the operating room are not just co-workers; they are my extended family. The camaraderie that I have experienced there has been extremely fulfilling and helped me through many seasons of change. The friendships I have developed with those co-workers have been most valuable and rewarding. While living in the Northport/ Tuscaloosa area, I had the fortune of playing in several different bands, from classic rock to zydeco and even blues. There are some great musicians in that area.
lot of time with my grandchildren there, watching them grow through the early childhood years. Lee got to enjoy them with me for some time during our early years of marriage. Lee's two biologic children were living in the Tuscaloosa area also during our early marriage years, as they were in college as well. They eventually moved away as they started their adult life.
BOOM: You and Lee moved to Pike Road in part to be closer to your children and grandchildren. What has being physically closer to family added to your lives in this season?
through the help of new found friends and extended family. We truly enjoy the frequent visits with the youngest grandchildren. They are sweet, sweet little girls that keep us on our toes. Close proximity to them has been just what we had hoped it would be, a complete joy. I still get the chance to visit with the grandchildren in Northport on a regular monthly basis while I am working a few days parttime back at Northport hospital.
SS: Lee and I have been married for 11 years. We both have two children from our previous marriages. My two biological children have lived in the Northport area since they attended the U of A. I was fortunate to have spent a
When Amy (Ingram) started her family here in Pike Road, we realized that she would need the help of grandparents (Big Daddy and Mama Lee). Something, maybe divine intervention, told us we needed to be close to her to provide help. So fortunately, we found a very suitable house near them and moved to Pike Road as well. That move has proven to have worked out very nicely for us in many ways. We have connected to the community quickly
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 31
town that is strong and vibrant. BOOM: That desire led you to become involved with the Pike Road Kiwanis Club, where you've just completed two years as President. What has serving through Kiwanis added to your life, and why do you believe civic involvement still matters?
after 23 years in one geographic location. As a military dependent growing up and as a military officer during the first part of my career, I had never lived in one location for more than 5 years. My time in Memphis, both military and civilian, accounted for a 10-year period. Before Lee came in to my life, I had been under the impression I probably would continue to live in Northport permanently. Fortunately, our marriage had carried us on a new and wonderful path, to an area that is somewhat familiar to both of us from the past, but yet different because it is new for both of us as a married couple. Having retired from full time work at 62, I knew that I would have to seek other avenues to remain engaged with the community I live in. Pike Road has done a good job of keeping me quite busy. BOOM: When you moved here, you knew you needed more than proximity to family—you said you needed the "stimulation" of being involved in a community. Why is staying connected to people so important to you as you get older? SS: I must admit that I had some concerns about moving to a new area 32 BOOM!
October 2026
Multiple studies have shown that retirees who remain engaged in their communities stay healthier and happier later in life, both mentally and physically. Staying "plugged in" has multiple benefits, including opportunities to learn and develop new friendships as well as giving back something to the town you live in. Once again, staying engaged has helped me to look forward to more ways to help our community develop in to a
RiverRegionBoom.com
SS: Lee spent the vast majority of her career working for the State of Alabama. As a result, she has many friends and former colleagues who now live in Pike Road and the surrounding areas. One of those friends, Phil Rawls, knew I was new to the area and invited me to join Kiwanis of Pike Road. I would have never guessed that I would be asked to become the President of the group after being a part of it for just a short time. Becoming a Kiwanis member has really accelerated my growth within the community drastically. New friendships that have developed by working with individuals that have a servant heart at their core has been very enjoyable. Kiwanis has given me the chance to develop strong bonds with some very fine folks here in Pike Road. I have certainly learned a lot from our service work in the community, and just how important it is get folks involved in that service. During all of my working years, my crazy hours and schedules would not allow me to participate in service work in a group such as Kiwanis. But now that I am retired, I can devote the necessary time and effort to as many activities as I choose. BOOM: You're passionate about encouraging the next generations to become involved in their communities. What would you like them to understand about the value of showing up and serving where they live? The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
SS: Obviously, the younger generations are our future. It is incumbent upon us older folks to encourage them to carve out some time away from their work and families in order for them to help shape what they want their community to look like. That participation not only benefits the community; it also sets an example for their children. One day it will be their children that will reap the benefits of their involvement with community service. BOOM: Faith is an important part of your life, and you've said you want your life to be a light and witness for Christ. How does your faith influence the way you approach relationships, service, and this stage of life? SS: One of the most profound influences in my life was my grandfather, Leo
Roland Straughn, who I am named after. He was the most easy going, honest man that I have ever known. He taught me, by example, to live by the golden rule. Treat everyone how you wish to be treated. Many of the biblical teachings of Christ have that very rule at their core. Personally, it just serves me so well to keep that rule in my heart everyday, no matter where you are or who you come in contact with. My faith in Jesus and his teachings in the synoptic gospels offer daily guidance in how we should conduct our lives. I believe that to give freely to others, whether that is your time, your service, your gifts, or your willingness to be a friend, is the way in which Christ has set forth the perfect example. While he was on this earth, he gave us explicit instructions on how to love one another. There is no greater way of giving than to be of service to others. I just hope and pray that each day I can be a blessing to someone. To walk in the light of Christ each day is at the forefront. BOOM: Music seems to be another source of joy for you. You play bass with the praise team at Woodland Methodist and recently joined a new band called 3 Strikes. How did 3 Strikes come together, and what is it like to still be making music and trying something new at 71? SS: For the past 30 or so years, I have played in various bands that concentrated on anywhere from classic rock, alternative rock, country, zydeco, and blues. The guys I'm playing with now really mix it up, but keep a heavy dose
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
of classic rock on the set list. I haven't played secular music since I moved to Pike Road in 2022. I was about to think my playing days were over, outside of church. A few months ago, I had the occasion to listen to a couple of guys out at the Waters on a nice Sunday afternoon. They were quite good musicians, and I really liked their interpretations of many songs that I had played in the past with other bands. So after the show, I approached them to let them know how much I enjoyed listening to them. As a duo, they managed to cover those songs quite well. Just as I was about to leave, I thought, maybe I should ask if they would ever consider adding a bass player to their music performances. Well, I was bold and put the question out there to see how they'd respond. I was very surprised to hear their immediate response. Yes! We had a great bass player, but unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago. He was also from here in Pike Road, a retired banker who was quite the musician. We exchanged contacts, planned a working practice interview, and luckily they gave me an opportunity to join up with them. Formerly, they were known as the JD Express (Jon Youngblood and Doug Simms). As a 71-year-old, I am like
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 33
His travels away from home (Covington County, AL) started at a very young age. He left home at age 14 to work in Jacksonville, Florida, to help clear the land that eventually became Naval Air Station Jax, ironically, my first duty station in the Navy. From there, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and ended up working in the Northwest, mostly Oregon but other states as well. Eventually, as WWII developed, he enlisted in the Army, spending some 23 years on active duty.
a kid with a new toy. Playing music gives me such great joy. My hope is that others seeing me still playing and having a good time doing so will inspire other "seniors" to pick up their instrument and play again. Another well-known fact is that playing an instrument in older age thwarts mental decline because it exercises your brain in a healthy way. Music is good for the soul and the brain! BOOM: You've experienced the loss of your first wife and later found love again with Lee. You've now been married for 11 years. What has this second chapter of marriage taught you about love, companionship, and appreciating the person beside you? 34 BOOM!
October 2026
SS: Wow, the answer to this question could go on forever. I consider Lee to be an absolute gift from God. Having her in my life as a wonderful, caring, intelligent, committed, true partner in this stage of life is just incredible. I never imagined I could be so lucky and blessed to share life with her as my wife. I thank God every day that we are together. She completes my life beyond all measure. Finding happiness in life with her as my partner has been something I never dreamed would happen. BOOM: You spend much of spring through fall at Lake Martin, but what caught my attention is that you'll intentionally head in a different direction just to see what you might discover. Where does that explorer's spirit come from, and what are some of the things you've found by simply remaining curious? SS: The explorer part of me is definitely in my bloodline. My father was career Army, and he had that spirit of always being ready to explore new places, especially after he retired from the military.
RiverRegionBoom.com
He educated me at an early age about going to new places. When he was serving in South Alabama as a recruiter in the early 60's, he would take me along with him in the summers on his recruiting route. That probably got me started very well in the explorer mode. After retiring from the Army, he ended up returning to one of his prior duty stations, Fairbanks, Alaska. During two summers in college, I was fortunate to work there on related Alaska Pipeline jobs, while enjoying the land of the midnight sun. That explorer spirit, going a different way, stopping to learn something about local history, has always excited me. I have always had an inquisitive nature. Many years ago, I set out to research our Straughn family genealogy. That research led me to discover that for many centuries, my ancestors had traveled constantly in to new areas, serving jobs like river runners, trading and selling goods in South Alabama and in Mississippi, buying land, improving it, and selling it to move on to the next piece of land. Many in Scotland were nomadic clansmen who traveled to fight for or against the king at the time, even opposing Robert the Bruce. Many of them were soldiers and sailors; some were even famous officers in the English Navy. In that spirit, I always look for something different to see, a different road to travel, or a historically significant site in Alabama. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
and England exploring your family roots. What was it like discovering that your families' histories actually intertwined in the same part of Scotland? SS: Well, having both done the research of our family genealogy, Lee and I were aware that many of our ancestors originated outside the area of Aberdeen, Scotland. When we travelled to Scotland and began touring some of the castles, we found historical documentation of the one event that occurred at Dunnottar castle.
Lee also enjoys genealogy, and we oftentimes ride the backroads of Alabama learning more about where our ancestors lived and what they did for a living. There are some amazing things to learn about and explore right here within 75 miles. I highly recommend that folks get out and learn about the "firsts" that occurred or were developed very near this area. For example, the first medical school in Alabama started in Dadeville, AL; the first helicopter was invented in Andalusia; and the first all-female college in the US was in Lagrange, GA, in 1825. Lake Martin was the largest lake in the world when it was impounded in 1926. The list goes on and on.
Originally, around the 13th to 14th century, that castle was owned by the Keith family, who are in Lee's ancestral tree. The story goes that one of the Strachans (Straughn) decided to steal away the King's wife, Isobel; she was actually complicit in the whole plan, and he and his clansmen overtook the castle. The Strachans eventually lost the castle back to King Keith in a legal ruling;
BOOM: You and Lee also love to travel, including trips through Scotland, Ireland, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
BOOM: You returned to Ireland for a traditional Irish music tour, spending evenings listening to musicians in pubs along the way. What is it about travel and immersing yourself in other places and cultures that continues to excite you? SS: Specifically, traveling to Scotland and Ireland was a tremendous education and journey into why and how our presentday culture has been influenced by these countries. Place names, traditions, sayings, and musical roots all played a large part in how the southern states of America came to be and carried on traditions. The majority of the settlers in these southeastern states, more specifically South Alabama, came from Scotland, Ireland, and England. BOOM: Between family, travel, music, faith, civic involvement, the lake, and simply exploring what's around the next corner, you seem very intentional about continuing to experience life rather than watching it pass by. What does "aging well" mean to you personally? SS: To me, aging well means squeezing out every drop of life this world has to give, while you still can. It means watching our grandchildren grow up to be happy and successful people. It means not missing out on going or doing because we didn't put the effort into exploring, learning, and enjoying every part this life has to offer.
BOOM: What does a really good day at Lake Martin look like for you and Lee? Has having that place changed the rhythm of your life or helped you learn how to balance activity with simply enjoying where you are? SS: Absolutely, the lake house has created a true respite where our minds can rejuvenate and relax. A great day for us is any day that we can take a long, slow pontoon ride, maybe a stop at one of the lakeside restaurants, and then end the day by watching the sun go down while sitting quietly in the middle of the lake at dusk. Many days the sunset is majestic.
we travelled in Scotland, we felt weirdly like we were at home, like we belonged there.
however, he kept the wife! There is a historical plaque in the castle today that tells the entire story of what happened. It was a blast to see all of this written down, and we were relieved that it happened centuries ago. The entire time
Staying healthy and active is a major part of aging well. We have witnessed too many people who retire, get bored, and become complacent, and then just wither away due to the lack of stimulation or effort to change. This world changes every day, and you have to stick with it and ride the ride of life! BOOM: Some people reach their 60s or 70s and begin narrowing their world. Yours seems to keep expanding. What
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 35
Silver Sneakers program. Maybe return to an activity that you had to give up because of work/family constraints. Maybe find something that you always wanted to learn about but just didn't commit the time to do it, then pursue it with fervor. Act like you only have one month left to live and try to pack in as much as you can.
would you say to a BOOM reader who needs a little push to get moving, meet someone new, try something different, or rediscover their own curiosity? SS: I would encourage people to reflect on what they were passionate about when they were younger. Sure, that may take some adjustments, but
Enjoy life to the fullest and make your dreams come true. But always, always, be sure to laugh, love, and be kind to yourself and your fellow man, and above all LOVE JESUS with all of your heart as he does for us. maybe seek out a new hobby, try a sport your health can tolerate, join a mahjong group, or join a gym or a church with structured fitness classes. Volunteer at your church. Utilize the
We thank Steve for sharing his story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@ riverregionboom.com.
READERS Are On The Go!
Text Now To Get Our Advertising Rates and Begin Reaching Our Amazing Readers! 334-328-5189 36 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Celebrating a 31-year legacy of opening doors and building dreams!
L to R:
D L O S
Anna Kate Bowen, Lee Goodwyn, Sally Byrd, Ann Michaud, Kelli Gilliam, Jennifer Bhojwani, Lynn Peck,
Your best source for buying and selling in the River Region!
Don’t make a move until you contact:
AEGIS-Michaud Properties, Inc.
334-271-2230 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
www.AegisMichaud.com faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 37
There is a strange thing that can happen as we get older. We walk into a room and no one looks up quite as quickly. We offer an opinion and sometimes feel as though it carries less weight than it once did. A younger person may speak over us, a salesperson may seem more interested in the person beside us, or a conversation about what is new and relevant somehow assumes that anyone past a certain age is standing outside the circle. Even family life changes. Children grow up and build lives of their own. Careers slow down or end. The phone may not ring as often. The people who once needed our advice, our help, or simply our presence suddenly seem perfectly capable of moving through life without us. Somewhere along the way, we may begin to wonder:
38 BOOM!
October 2026
When did I become invisible? RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Why Being Seen Matters That feeling is more common than many people admit, and it is not simply vanity. Human beings want to be seen. We want to know that our presence matters, that our voice still counts and that we still have something meaningful to contribute. Yet we live in a culture fascinated with youth. Advertising promises younger skin, social media rewards what is new, and businesses are constantly talking about innovation, disruption and the next generation. There is nothing wrong with youth or progress. Every generation should make room for the one coming behind it. But sometimes, in our enthusiasm for what is next, we unintentionally send the message that what came before no longer matters. For women, feeling invisible can sometimes be connected to appearance and the realization that the kind of attention they once received has changed. For men, it may happen when a career no longer provides the title, authority or sense of usefulness it once did. For both, it can come when children no longer need us in the same ways, when friends move away, when a spouse dies or when health changes the activities that once kept us connected. The real danger is not growing older. It is beginning to confuse being less noticed with being less valuable. Those are not the same thing. One of the gifts of aging, if we allow it, is learning that being important and
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
being the center of attention are not the same thing either. When we are young, much of life is about becoming. We are building careers, raising families, buying homes, developing friendships and trying to figure out who we are. Life naturally places us right in the middle of the action. Later, the spotlight shifts. Our children become the parents. Younger coworkers become leaders. Someone else gets the promotion. Someone else organizes the family gathering. At first, that can feel like losing something. But maybe our role is not disappearing. Maybe it is changing.
A Different Kind of Influence Think about the people who have mattered most in your life. Often, they were not the loudest people in the room. They were the steady ones. The grandmother who remembered every birthday. The neighbor who always checked in. The former teacher who continued encouraging students decades later. The older friend who could listen without immediately trying to fix everything. The man at church who quietly showed up whenever someone needed help. None of those roles requires a spotlight, but remove those people from a family or community and everyone notices the empty space. Another mistake we can make as we age is assuming that because the world
has changed, everything we have learned has become irrelevant. Technology changes. Language changes. Workplaces change. But people remain remarkably familiar. They still fall in love and get their hearts broken. They worry about their children. They lose jobs, make mistakes, struggle with friendships, face illness, question themselves and wonder whether they are making the right decisions. If you have lived six or seven decades, you have probably survived something another person is facing for the first time. That does not mean younger people are always waiting for our advice. Part of wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to listen. But there is enormous value in being the person who can quietly say, “I have been through something like that. You are going to find your way.” As we get older, our value may shift from what we can produce to what we can provide: perspective, calm, history, encouragement, patience and a longer view. Those qualities may not get as much attention as speed, ambition or novelty, but they are desperately needed.
Don’t Help Yourself Disappear There is another side to feeling invisible, though. Sometimes the world overlooks older people, but sometimes
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 39
we begin withdrawing before anyone asks us to. We stop going places because we assume everyone will be younger. We stop learning new things because we think we should already know enough. We stop reaching out because we are tired of being the one who makes the effort. We stop dressing the way we enjoy because we wonder whether something is “too young.” We stop speaking because we are afraid of sounding outdated. Slowly, invisibility can become partly self-imposed. That is why one of the most important things we can do as we age is refuse to disappear from our own lives. Take the class. Join the group. Invite someone to lunch. Learn the technology. Go to the concert. Volunteer. Travel if you can. Start the project you have talked about for ten years. Wear the jacket you like. Ask the question. Make the friend. Being older does not require becoming smaller. It also helps to build relationships across generations. We certainly need friends our own age who understand this particular season of life, but we also benefit from relationships with people younger than us, and they benefit from knowing us. Older adults bring experience and perspective. Younger adults bring energy, new ideas and a view of the world we might otherwise miss. The healthiest intergenerational relationships happen when neither person believes they have all the answers.
Ask younger people about their lives. Listen to what matters to them. Let them teach you something. And when the relationship earns the right moment, share some of what life has taught you. Not every story has to begin with, “When I was your age.” Sometimes the most valuable thing an older person can say is simply, “Tell me more.”
Purpose Doesn’t Have a Retirement Age A sense of purpose rarely appears while we are sitting at home waiting for someone to notice us. Purpose usually grows from participation. Maybe your grandchildren need more of your time. Maybe a nonprofit needs the skills you spent decades developing. Maybe a younger business owner could benefit from what you learned through years of success and failure. Maybe your neighborhood needs someone willing to bring people together. Maybe there is a lonely person who simply needs a friend. Or perhaps there is something creative you put away years ago because work and family left no room for it. This chapter of life gives us the opportunity to ask a different question. Instead of asking, “Who still needs me?” we can begin asking, “Where can I be useful? Where can I bring something good? Who can I encourage? What would I still like to learn, create, experience or give away?” Those
questions move us away from waiting to be noticed and toward choosing to remain fully engaged with life. Growing older does involve loss. Pretending otherwise does not help. Our bodies change. Some doors close. People we love leave us. Roles that once defined us eventually belong to someone else. There can be real grief in that. But aging also has a way of stripping away some of the things we once thought mattered and leaving us with a clearer understanding of what actually does.
Maybe Being Seen Looks Different Now Maybe being seen is not ultimately about having every head turn when we enter a room. Maybe it is about having a few people whose lives are better because we are in them. Maybe it is being the person someone calls when life falls apart, the grandparent whose stories hold a family together, the friend who shows up, the mentor who sees potential in someone else or simply the person who has learned how to sit with another human being without rushing them. We may not command the room the way we once did. That does not mean we have disappeared. Sometimes the most important people in the room are the ones who no longer need to be noticed to know that they matter. •
YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES
The Spotlight “Advertise in Boom! and connect with Montgomery’s vibrant 50+ community. With 15 years of proven success, we help local businesses grow by reaching this active and loyal audience.”
Reserve Your Ad Spot Today TEXT 334-328-5189 40 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
05.2024 BOOM! 41
42 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
October 2026
BOOM! 43
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 44 BOOM!
October 2026
RiverRegionBoom.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
1
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Introducing Dr. Samantha Lloy F E L LOW S H I P -T R A I N E D B R E A S T S U RG I C A L O N C O LO G I S T Baptist Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Samantha Lloy, fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist, to the UAB Medicine Breast Health Clinic right here in Montgomery, Alabama. Board-certified in general surgery with advanced fellowship training in breast surgical oncology, Dr. Lloy specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast disease, offering personalized surgical care tailored to each patient’s unique diagnosis and goals. From breast-conserving procedures to mastectomy with reconstruction planning and care for patients at high risk for breast cancer, she’s committed to helping every patient move forward with confidence, compassion, and hope. ADVANCED CREDENTIALS
+ Fellowship-Trained in Breast Surgical Oncology + Board-Certified in General Surgery + Member, American Society of Breast Surgeons + Member, Society of Surgical Oncology Currently accepting new patients. No physician referral required.
BREAST HEALTH CLINIC
MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH
Call 334.747.7440 to schedule an appointment.
1
BaptistBreastSurgery.com
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents