Walk into almost any gym and you’ll probably see a small piece of equipment sitting quietly in the corner—a simple wheel with two handles. It doesn’t look like much. In fact, many people walk right past it without giving it a second thought. But that little wheel might be one of the most effective core-strengthening tools you can use. The ab wheel rollout is a deceptively simple exercise that builds serious core strength, improves stability, and strengthens muscles throughout your entire midsection. When done correctly, it trains the body in the way your core is actually designed to work—stabilizing your spine and resisting movement rather than simply bending forward like a crunch or sit-up. Let’s walk through why this exercise is so effective and how you can safely add it to your routine.
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Volunteering
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Volunteering

Volunteering isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a powerful force for positive change that benefits both the volunteer and the communities they serve. Whether it’s tutoring children, cleaning up a local park, or serving meals at a homeless shelter, the impact of volunteering extends far beyond the immediate task at hand. For the volunteer, the benefits are abundant.
First, volunteering provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. It allows individuals to step out of their comfort zones, gain new skills, and discover hidden talents. Whether it’s leadership, communication, or problem-solving, volunteering offers a platform for honing these skills in a real-world setting.
Second, volunteering fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Research has shown that helping others can boost self-esteem and overall well-being. Knowing that you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life can be incredibly rewarding and can contribute to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction.
But the benefits of volunteering aren’t limited to the volunteers themselves. The ripple effects extend to the communities and individuals they serve. Firstly, volunteers play a crucial role in addressing social issues and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. Whether it’s providing companionship to the elderly, mentoring at-risk youth, or offering support to those experiencing homelessness, volunteers are essential in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Furthermore, volunteering strengthens communities by fostering connections and building social capital. Through volunteering, individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, form bonds, and work towards a common goal. These connections not only create a sense of belonging but also lay the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities.
Additionally, volunteering can have a lasting impact on those being served. Beyond the tangible benefits of the services provided, volunteers offer something equally valuable: hope and human connection. A simple act of kindness or a listening ear can make a world of difference to someone going through a difficult time. By showing compassion and empathy, volunteers not only address immediate needs but also instill a sense of hope and dignity in those they serve.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or considering getting involved for the first time, know that your contributions matter and that together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.
Tim is a graduate of Iowa State University and has a Mechanical Engineering degree. He spent 40 years in Corporate America before retiring and focusing on other endeavors. He is active with his loving wife and family, volunteering, keeping fit, running the West Egg businesses, and writing blogs and articles for the newspaper.
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Well said, babe

Mindset for Longevity
If you want to stay sharp, energized, and fully engaged in life as you age, the real work happens in your daily habits. Brain health isn’t built in a lab — it’s built in your routine. The good news? The most powerful strategies are simple, practical, and within your control. Here are six daily disciplines that support long-term cognitive strength and vitality.

A Bridge to Forever
Some love stories begin in youth. Others begin after life has tested you. Ours began in 2017 on July 26th. When I first met Pam, I didn’t know that the woman standing in front of me at Pinstripes would one day become my wife. What I did know was that there was something beautiful about her, inside and out. She had an amazing smile. She was warm. She was genuine. She was easy to be with. At a stage in life when both of us had already lived full chapters — raising children, building careers, walking through joy and hardship — we weren’t looking for fairy tales. We were hoping to fall in love again. To feel that spark, that closeness, that deep sense of choosing and being chosen. We wanted something real, yes — but also something tender, joyful, and alive. And that’s exactly what we found in each other.


Well said, babe