Cover Profile: Ben Bradshaw
In this engaging and heartfelt interview, Ben Bradshaw, a tennis coach, community leader, and devoted father, shares his journey from growing up in a tennis-centered household to coaching in the River Region. Bradshaw reflects on his earliest memories of playing with his father, the valuable...
River Region Boom!,
1 month ago
13 min read
This & That: Jan-Feb Events
Enjoy these upcoming events. Sir Elton John (Tom’s Elton Tribute)January 19 at Troy University’s Davis Theatre The world’s number one Elton John tribute band are coming to play All The Hits by Elton John. The spectacular show includes Bennie and the Jets, Tiny Dancer, Rocket...
River Region Boom!,
1 month ago
3 min read
Grumpy But Grateful: “The Great Packaging Battle”
“The art of complaining —gratefully.” You know what’s tougher than opening a plastic clamshell package? Negotiating peace treaties. Performing brain surgery. Figuring out why your kid’s Wi-Fi works and yours doesn’t. These packages weren’t designed to protect the product—they were designed to test your will...
River Region Boom!,
1 month ago
2 min read
Real Hope, Real Change!
Celebrate like it’s 2025! Because it is. Just as the scars (or should that be “scares”?) of Y2K are fading, the new century is at the quarter-pole. Hard to believe. I’m excited about the new year. For 12 of the last 16 years, my country...
Greg Budell,
1 month ago
5 min read
Up Your Dinner Game: Host A Tasting Party
Coming up with an idea for dinner every night can be frustrating. We try to find a meal that everyone enjoys, that can be put together quickly and that reheats well. The key to adding a new recipe to your rotation is to sample it....
River Region Boom!,
1 month ago
3 min read
Magnolia Springs Getaway
I’m often asked, “How do you come up with travel ideas?” There’s no formula. But sometimes, the best adventure is the brainchild of impulse. For example, I turn to Cindy—who’s ogling her iPhone. “Hey, let’s drive to the gulf for some fresh oysters. What say...
Jeff Barganier,
1 month ago
5 min read
If Something Happens to You, Are Your Records Organized?
Are your records organized? If something were to happen to you, would it be easy for loved ones to take over your affairs or settle your estate? Would they know where to find all your necessary healthcare information, legal documents, passwords, and PINs? Would they...
Susan Moore,
1 month ago
3 min read
From Neutral to Noticable: 8 Budget Friendly Updates to Give Your Home an Extra Pop
Now that all the holidays decorations are gone, our house looks a little empty. A room that just a few weeks ago brought us joy, now feels lifeless and dull. As the cabin fever sets in, we turn to online scrolling for new décor, making...
River Region Boom!,
1 month ago
4 min read
What’s Not to Love About New Zealand?
If you’re looking for a New Year’s adventure, two words: New Zealand! Some years ago, I visited the small but stunningly beautiful country, and everything was spectacular – the scenery, the people, the food, the native animals, and the preponderance of woolly livestock where sheep...
Nick Thomas,
1 month ago
4 min read
Cover Profile: Janet Roberts, Compassion for the Community.
This month’s cover profile is a compassionate and community-oriented lady who embodies faith, resilience, and kindness. A devoted grandmother and aunt, she treasures her family deeply. Her commitment to service shines through her involvement with charitable organizations, such as adopting children during the holidays and...
River Region Boom!,
2 months ago
8 min read
10 Holiday Health Myths: The Surprising (and Sometimes Silly) Truths
Ah, the holidays—a time for twinkling lights, heartfelt gatherings, and more cookies than anyone should eat in a lifetime. But alongside all the joy comes a flurry of health myths passed around like a plate of fruitcake. Some of these myths are just good fun,...
River Region Boom!,
2 months ago
4 min read
Holiday Expose’! Big Fruitcake
Every 24 seconds between now and Christmas Day, an innocent American will receive a fruitcake. Why? Go ahead. Call me a Christmas conspiracy theorist. I want answers to the mystery behind this holiday tradition that no one seems to embrace. My Introduction to Fruitcake began...
Greg Budell,
2 months ago
5 min read
How to Make Charitable Distributions From Your IRA
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a tax-favored way to make charitable gifts from your IRA while gaining tax benefits that might not otherwise be available. If you are making charitable gifts without using your IRA, your gift will probably receive no tax benefit unless you...
Susan Moore,
2 months ago
3 min read
Meet 105-Year-Old, Oak Grove Inn Resident, Mildred Cook
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the humble but intrepid Mrs. Mildred Cook at Montgomery’s Oak Grove Inn. Mrs. Cook was a pure delight to visit, which elucidates why she’s so well liked and an inspiration to other residents. Daughters, Lydia Benefield (LB)...
Jeff Barganier,
2 months ago
5 min read
Start Your Engines: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Cindy and I recently attended the 1819 News’ 1st Annual Albert Patterson Gala titled “An Evening of Courage.” 1819 News is Alabama’s fastest growing independent, donor financed media group with a growing subscriber list, allowing it to produce unbiased Alabama news on politics and culture...
Jeff Barganier,
2 months ago
5 min read