Road to Resilience: A Journey to Birmingham

Driving north on I-65 toward Birmingham, Alabama, early on a crisp Saturday morning, the road was unexpectedly clear, almost as if the day was holding its breath, waiting for something remarkable to happen. I was on my way to a very special event: the championship weekend for my grandson’s wheelchair basketball team. The event took place in a state-of-the-art gym designed just for athletes like him, who show every day that nothing—not even a wheelchair—can hold back true determination and spirit.

As I walked into the gym, the atmosphere hit me like a wave of warmth on a cold day. The air buzzed with excitement from the kids, their families, and the coaches, all pumped for the big games ahead. Every corner of the place was filled with life and joy. My grandson, who lives his life from his wheelchair due to spina bifida, was there, not just participating, but shining as a sharpshooter. He might not be the fastest on the court, but his aim? Incredible. Watching him and his teammates play with such heart, you couldn't help but feel your own heart swell with pride.

Sunday rolled around, and the stakes were high. The gym was packed, the cheers were loud, and the energy was through the roof. At the end of the day, after all their hard work and teamwork, my grandson’s team won. They weren’t just champions of the tournament; they were champions of resilience, showing everyone that true strength comes from within.

And here's the thing—this story isn’t just about winning a game. It's about life. It’s a reminder that no matter what obstacles we face, we have the power to overcome them. We all face challenges, but it’s how we respond that defines us. If my grandson and his team can face their physical challenges with such courage and joy, it makes you think, doesn’t it? What's stopping any of us from tackling our own challenges head-on?

To anyone who's feeling down, or maybe a bit defeated: remember this. Like the clear roads that morning that seemed to pave the way for victory, there are always openings in life for us to push through and move forward. Sure, the traffic was heavy when we headed home that afternoon, a stark contrast to the morning's ease. But that's life, isn't it? Full of ups and downs. The key is to keep moving, keep striving, and keep aiming for those nets, no matter what obstacles might block your path.

Let this story be a spark for you, as it was for me. Whatever you're going through, you have the strength to overcome it. You can be your own champion, in your own life's tournament. Let's take that shot, shall we?

Jokes Of The Week

I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough.

 Now I'm a Comedian-it's a piece of cake!

I told my wife she was drawing eyebrows too high.

She looked surprised.

Why did the math teacher break up with the biology teacher?

There was no chemistry.

Why don't skeletons ever go trick-or treating?

Because they havee no body to go with. 

Irresistable Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Crispy, juicy salmon coated in a shiny honey-garlic glaze, topped with sesame seeds and green onions. Served with rice or veggies—it’s as delicious as it looks!

Recipe @ Bottom of newsletter

Freeze Grapes to Chill Wine Without Diluting It

Instead of using ice cubes that melt and water down your wine, freeze grapes and use them as chillers. They’ll keep your drink cold without affecting the flavor!

🎉March 5–11, 2025: Your Week in the River Region🎉

Here's everything you need to know about upcoming events in Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore Counties. Check out the lineup below, and don’t miss the chance to experience the best of our community!

🎤 Music & Theater Highlights

• The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute
  📅 Saturday, March 8, 2025
  ⏰ 7:00 PM
  📍 Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
  Get ready for a night of nostalgic melodies with the world-famous Beatles tribute band. Sing along to classic hits and enjoy a memorable musical journey.
  ➡️ Get tickets here

• Spring Day of Play
  📅 Saturday, March 8, 2025
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  📍 Alabama Shakespeare Festival
  Bring the family for a day of fun-filled activities, interactive games, and theater workshops. Perfect for kids, parents, and anyone looking to let their imagination soar!
  ➡️ See more details

🌱 Local Workshops & Classes

• Planting Your Garden Class
  📅 Tuesday, March 11, 2025
  ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  📍 Highland Gardens Community Center
  Get your hands dirty and learn the ins and outs of planting a healthy, vibrant garden. This free class covers soil preparation, seasonal tips, and expert techniques.
  ➡️ Find out more
•  

🐄 Community Events & Agriculture

• Junior Livestock Expo – Beef Show
  📅 March 12–15, 2025
  📍 Montgomery, AL
  Celebrate the hard work of young livestock exhibitors and enjoy the excitement of the annual beef show. It’s a great way to connect with the agricultural roots of the region.
  ➡️ Learn more
•  

⭐ Special Features

• Spring InterGen Program
  📅 Monday, March 10, 2025
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  📍 Alabama Shakespeare Festival
  This intergenerational theater program invites participants of all ages to share their stories, learn new skills, and connect through the magic of performance.
  ➡️ Get involved
•  

🎰 Try Your Luck at Wind Creek Casino

• Explore the exciting gaming options, top-notch dining, and live entertainment at Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka. Whether you’re in the mood for slots, table games, or a show, the casino offers a vibrant nightlife atmosphere that’s perfect for wrapping up a day of events!
•  

📅 Plan Your Week Now! From music and theater to food and family-friendly activities, the River Region has it all. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and enjoy everything our amazing community has to offer. See you there!

This Week We Have Alabama Trivia

Answers @ Bottom of Newsletter

1. What is Alabama’s state bird?
   a) Northern Cardinal
   b) Yellowhammer
   c) Blue Jay
   d) Bald Eagle

2. Which famous civil rights leader was born in Tuskegee, Alabama?
   a) Martin Luther King Jr.
   b) Rosa Parks
   c) Booker T. Washington
   d) Malcolm X

3. What is Alabama’s official state nut?
   a) Pecan
   b) Walnut
   c) Almond
   d) Peanut

4. Which Alabama city is known as the “Rocket City” due to its ties to the U.S. space program?
   a) Birmingham
   b) Huntsville
   c) Mobile
   d) Montgomery

5. What is the name of the famous music festival held annually in Manchester, Tennessee, but founded by an Alabamian?
   a) Coachella
   b) Bonnaroo
   c) Lollapalooza
   d) SXSW

6. Which Alabama-born author wrote To Kill a Mockingbird?
   a) Harper Lee
   b) Truman Capote
   c) F. Scott Fitzgerald
   d) William Faulkner

7. What is Alabama’s state dessert?
   a) Banana Pudding
   b) Peach Cobbler
   c) Lane Cake
   d) Red Velvet Cake

8. Which Native American tribe was forcibly relocated from Alabama during the Trail of Tears?
   a) Cherokee
   b) Creek
   c) Choctaw
   d) Seminole

9. What is the oldest city in Alabama, founded in 1702?
   a) Birmingham
   b) Mobile
   c) Montgomery
   d) Huntsville

10. Which Alabama river forms part of the state’s border with Georgia and is known for its scenic beauty?
    a) Tennessee River
    b) Chattahoochee River
    c) Alabama River
    d) Coosa River

🏡March 2025 River Region Real Estate Market Update

Your guide to the latest housing trends in Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore Counties!

✨ Key Highlights for Montgomery County:

• Average Home Value: $140,563, reflecting a steady 1.6% increase over the past year.
• Median Sale Price: Homes are selling at a median price of $198,000—up 23% compared to last year.
• Market Activity: Homes are moving quickly, with the average property going under contract in just 35 days.
  (Source: Zillow, Redfin)
•  

✨ Trends Across Alabama:

• Home Sales: Alabama reported 5,259 home sales in January 2025—a 4.6% increase from the prior month.
• Median Price Statewide: The median home price reached $219,936, up 4.2% from last year.
• Inventory Growth: Active listings jumped by 27%, with 17,735 properties available as of January 2025.
  (Source: Alabama REALTORS®)
•  

🌟 Buyer’s Bonus:
Ready to purchase your dream home?
Check out our FREE Home Buyer Guide!
👉 Click here to download

🌟 Seller’s Spotlight:
Looking to sell and maximize your profit?
Get our FREE guide on how to sell your home today!
👉 Click here to download

Interesting Fact

Montgomery’s Role in the First Open Heart Surgery on a Baby

In 1958, Dr. John W. Kirklin, a Montgomery native, developed the first practical heart-lung bypass machine. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern open-heart surgery and enabled the first successful operation on a child. This groundbreaking medical innovation has saved countless lives and has a direct connection to the River Region’s rich legacy of scientific advancement.

Alabma Trivia Answers

1. b) Yellowhammer

2. c) Booker T. Washington

3. a) Pecan

4. b) Huntsville

5. b) Bonnaroo

6. a) Harper Lee

7. c) Lane Cake

8. b) Creek

9. b) Mobile

10. b) Chattahoochee River

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This sweet, sticky, and savory salmon is a showstopper and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s healthy and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes per side.

3. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon and simmer for 5-7 minutes, basting the salmon occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the salmon is cooked through.

4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice or veggies.