The Menopausal Pot Belly: Why It Happens and How to Fight Back
As women enter midlife, their bodies begin to change in noticeable and often frustrating ways. One of the most common complaints during and after menopause is the sudden development of stubborn belly fat—a soft yet unrelenting pot belly that wasn’t there before. It can feel...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
7 min read
Back to School Support: How Grandparents Can Play a Meaningful Role
As summer winds down and families prepare for a new school year, much of the focus naturally falls on students and their parents. But there’s another group with the power to make a real difference during this busy, emotional, and sometimes chaotic season: grandparents. Whether...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
7 min read
Rediscovering What Matters
It’s August in the River Region—hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk and just humid enough to steam it. But while summer’s heat lingers, something shifts this month. You can feel it in the morning air, just a hint of what’s coming. Fall...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
2 min read
COVER PROFILE: Tonya and Butch Speed
In this inspiring and heartfelt interview, Tonya and Butch Speed—married 41 years—reflect on the deep lessons learned through decades of love, faith, creativity, and commitment. They share how marriage has grown from youthful romance into a daily choice to show up for one another, especially...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
15 min read
To Florida’s Rainbow Springs State Park
With 175 state parks spread across the Sunshine State, the Florida State Park system is one of the largest in the U.S., providing visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of diverse environments. If you’re looking for parks with jaw-dropping crystal-clear water, it’s hard...
Nick Thomas,
1 year ago
3 min read
The Great BOOM-Centennial
I recently asked Siri to give me the word for “250th Anniversary”. For the first time, I heard her say, “I don’t know!” Quarter-millenia? We have a year to figure it out. We all remember the Bi-centennial. In 1976, America threw itself a 200th birthday...
Greg Budell,
1 year ago
5 min read
“The Wi-Fi War”
Ah, Wi-Fi—the magic signal that promises us everything from endless entertainment to “seamless connectivity,” which is marketing speak for “works just fine until it doesn’t.” It always starts innocently. You’re sipping your coffee, halfway through sending an email or streaming your favorite show, when BAM—everything...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
3 min read
Reviving the American Spirit
When an American church announces a homecoming picnic for its “online viewers” and people show up from 40 states and 4 foreign countries, does this reflect revival is in the air? It sure looked that way to me and Cindy when we attended an exciting...
Jeff Barganier,
1 year ago
5 min read
The Power of Purpose: Why Older Seniors Need Respect, Dignity and Meaning to Thrive
Aging is a natural part of life, yet for many senior adults, it can also bring unexpected emotional and psychological challenges. The need to feel respected, to live with dignity, and to have a sense of purpose isn’t something that disappears with age. On the...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
6 min read
“It Won’t Happen to Me!”
The statistics can’t be denied. Seventy percent of Americans will need long-term care before they die. On average, someone needing long-term care will receive over four years of care in their home and then will go on to a facility, such as an assisted living,...
Susan Moore,
1 year ago
3 min read
Construction Begins on Montgomery Botanical Gardens New Pedestrian Entrance
“I can’t find the Montgomery Botanical Gardens”! “I don’t see a sign for the gardens on Forest Avenue!”. Those have been repeated messages from potential visitors to our beautiful gardens. It is both sad and frustrating that there has been no sign to identify the...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
3 min read
America at Its Best Starts With Us
Every July, we’re reminded how bold and beautiful this grand experiment called America really is. And like any work in progress, we carry both the weight of our flaws and the hope of our potential. We’ve never been perfect—but that’s never been the point. We...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
2 min read
How to Advocate for Yourself at Doctor’s Appointments
Visiting the doctor can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical concerns or unfamiliar terminology. As we age, it becomes even more important to take an active role in our healthcare to ensure we receive the best possible treatment. Advocating for yourself at...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
4 min read
Is Bone Density Loss Real? What Every Woman Over 50 Should Know
As women enter their mid-50s and beyond, conversations around bone health tend to grow louder—and for good reason. You’ve probably heard about osteoporosis, maybe even had a friend who broke a bone from what seemed like a minor fall, or been told to get a...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
5 min read
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport in America and Why You’ll Love It
If you’ve been hearing the buzz about pickleball and wondering what all the excitement is about, you’re not alone. From neighborhood courts to recreation centers, this paddle sport is sweeping the country—and it’s especially popular among adults 50 and older. Whether you’re looking to stay...
River Region Boom!,
1 year ago
4 min read