ALMetro360

8 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com PUBLISHER’S NOTE ........................................................................................................... Access ALMetro360, Any Time… Any Place… AL METRO 360 MARCH 2020 VOLUME 25, NUMBER 3 CHARLIE SHAMBURGER Publisher JON SHAMBURGER Associate Publisher HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Associate Publisher Marketing & Sales, helen@almetro360.com HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Editor, editor@almetro360.com ANITA CAPOUANO Director of Marketing & Sales, anita@almetro360.com HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Director of Social Media, helen@almetro360.com GEORGE PUDZIS Art Director DARREN FREEMAN, DYLAN FYFFE, KIM NELSON, DIANNA PAULK, STEPHEN POFF, PAUL ROBERTSON, JR., LISA SMITH Contributing Photographers HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Staff Writer BECKY BEALL, BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS, KRISTI GATES, SANDRA LONG ELEANOR HENDRICKS MCDANIEL, LORI QUILLER, PATSY ROBERTSON, MELISSA JOHNSONWARNKE Contributing Writers TRACY SHAMBURGER Business Manager WILLIAM C. HONEY , HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Founders THE MAGAZINE OF MONTGOMERY LIVING, LLC 1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 224 , Montgomery, AL 36106, Telephone: (334) 265-0066 , Facsimile: (334) 386-3813 keep hearing the phrase “the new normal” being thrown around. But I’d like to just come out and say it — things have gotten more than a little weird. First of all, I’m writing to you from my temporary office — the master bedroom — with one of my three dogs cuddled next to me. When I do return to the office I’m afraid my pups are going to have to accompany me. If I leave my house for more than 30 minutes, it’s retribution time! The other day my husband left for work in pants. It occurred to me how weird it was that his pants seemed weird. For the past two months his work attire has been shorts and a tee. Since he was not seeing anyone or being seen — no need to dress up. My oldest daughter — a junior at Auburn University — sits at her desk (she was supposed to remain in Auburn through out the entire summer) conducting orientation as a Camp War Eagle counselor in her uni- form top and pajama bottoms — just how I imagine anchors giving the news. My middle daughter — the socialite in the family — is finally being allowed to connect with friends and fellow members of the Class of 2020. All of them have missed out on so many traditional rites of passage and opportunities to create special memories associated with a senior year in high school. Somehow, seeing her leave the house in “good clothes” and “made up” to attend a birthday party sadly seems out of place — weird. Meanwhile, my middle and youngest have been earning their keep — and the privilege of leaving the house regularly for the last two months — by getting up before dawn two or three days a week to feed horses at Seven Oaks Equestrian Center. Apparently they are now “essential.” That’s weird, I knew this already! And to be honest, I’m not sure when school ended for any of my children. Our days have looked pretty much the same — school or no school. But it must be over because I got an email saying report cards were posted. And I’m proud. They did great! The year ended with 4.2, 4.0, and 3.92 GPAs (in no particular birth- order to protect the child that only got a 3.92)! I know I am not the only one who feels as though I’ve somehow entered the twilight zone. This virus seems to have us all a little topsy-turvy. But on a positive note, the crisis has shown us here at ALMetro360 that the Heart of Alabama is strong, creative, and resilient! We are so grateful to be able to bring you this issue of ALMetro360. Many thanks to our presenting spon- sor, Jackson Hospital, and all of our advertisers — past and present. They have rallied to support us by being guest contributors or sending us important and compelling information to share with you. It is our hope that this issue highlights what’s great about our communities — the people, the businesses, the natural resources — and provides some helpful information to maintain your health, your finances and your sanity. And while the “new normal” may feel a little weird, it’s not all bad. I hope this issue shines a spotlight on what’s good and positive in the Heart of Alabama. It comes with prayers for a bright, healthy and prosperous future for all! Helen Helen Herndon, Publisher I