Cover Profile: Dale Kocher
Dale Kocher reflects on a life marked by love, faith, and purpose. From his humble beginnings in Eclectic, Alabama, to a 40-year career in corporate insurance, Dale’s story is one of steady growth and deep transformation. He opens up about discovering a personal relationship with...
Show and Tell
I was thinking about trying something I hadn’t done in 60-something years: a “Show and Tell” column of assorted items collected through my BOOMerhood. Let’s get started! ITEM 1– The May issue of BOOM had been out for a couple of days when my “war”...
Smart Shopping from Your Sofa: Online Tips for Savvy Seniors
Let’s be honest—online shopping is no longer a “young person’s thing.” Seniors have embraced it in growing numbers, and for good reason. It’s convenient, it saves time, and it often beats digging through aisles under harsh fluorescent lights. But even if you’ve dabbled in ordering...
To Clingmans Dome in the Smokies
Some consider the spiraling observation tower perched atop the Great Smoky Mountains a concrete blemish overlooking the pristine landscape of the nation’s most visited National Park that welcomed some 13 million guests in 2023. Eyesore or not, we made the half-mile uphill trek last summer...
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
My designer wife Cindy must have been channeling Birmingham Botanical Gardens during the weeks leading up to a special Mother’s Day event. She was working diligently to create a beautiful tablescape complete with a hand-crafted bouquet of crepe paper flowers that looked so real they...
Helping Widows and Widowers Move Forward on Their Own
The loss of a spouse can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, especially if it was unexpected. The stress of handling all the legal and financial issues can be overwhelming, even for women or men who are financially savvy. Widows are one of the fastest...
Weekend Getaways to Rekindle Your Friendship and Reignite the Spark
No matter how long you and your partner have been together, nurturing your relationship is essential to maintaining and strengthening your bond and ultimately, keeping the friendship and romance alive. So consider some of the following fun weekend getaways to revitalize your friendship and reignite...
Stay Curious, Stay Sharp: The Joy of Lifelong Learning
You’ve earned your wisdom. You’ve built a life full of stories, skills, and experience. But here’s the best-kept secret of aging well: you’re not done learning — not even close. In fact, continuing to learn — whether it’s diving into local history, picking up Spanish,...
Planning For Your Future (Part 2): Transferring Assets at Death and The Revocable Living Trust
In “Planning for Your Future Part 1” which appeared in the April 2025 Boom Magazine various documents were mentioned that, depending on your situation, may be beneficial when planning and preparing for your future and your beneficiaries. Most people believe that their will dictates how...
Stay Cool and Have Fun: Your Guide to Beating the Alabama Heat This Summer
Summer in Alabama isn’t for the faint of heart. The sun doesn’t just shine — it sizzles. Humidity wraps around you like a hot, wet blanket. And yet, summer can still be one of the most enjoyable times of the year — if we know...
Staying Close to Long-Distance Grandchildren
The miles may separate you, but they don’t have to keep you apart. Staying close to long-distance grandchildren takes creativity, consistency, and a little effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Whether they live a few states away, across the country, or around the world, building...
Hot and Bothered
Ah, June—the month where summer shows up like an uninvited guest, refusing to leave and making itself very comfortable. We fantasize about sunny days, ice-cold lemonade, and perfectly Instagrammable picnics. What we get is a sweat-soaked mess, mosquito attacks, and an electric bill that makes...
Cover Profile: Brenda DePlanche
Brenda’s passion for fitness runs deep, but it’s only part of what makes her story so inspiring. As the powerhouse behind The Workout Studio, she’s built more than a business—she’s created a thriving community centered on strength, support, and self-discovery. A former cheerleader, dancer, and...
Are You Thirsty?
In 1972, the U.S. Army taught me what it means to be thirsty. I was an eighteen-year-old member of “A-2-2! The best damned company at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Sir!” It was late July. Ninety degrees in the shade. A large water bag hung nearby....
Grumpy But Grateful: “What’s My Password Again?”
Ah, passwords. The digital version of keys—but worse, because you can’t just stick a spare under the mat. Every single website demands a password these days. Want to check your email? Password. Pay a bill? Password. Log into your grocery store account to save 30...