COMPLIMENTARY
Decatur-Morgan
APRIL / MAY 2022
How to keep a youthful outlook Rico Pickett uses sports to reach kids and teens, Page 22
He can still move like Elvis
Up, up and away at Alabama Jubilee
Tribute artist Bobby Hollis performs as king of rock ‘n’ roll, Page 6
Decatur’s Brian Dial loves sights and adventures of ballooning, Page 29
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Publisher CLINT SHELTON Operations Director SCOTT BROWN Executive Editor BRUCE MCLELLAN Living 50 Plus Editor LORI FEW City Editor ERIC FLEISCHAUER Assistant City Editor FRANKLIN HARRIS Living 50 Plus Writers CATHERINE GODBEY • MICHAEL WETZEL BAYNE HUGHES • WES TOMLINSON ERICA SMITH • TIM NAIL Living 50 Plus Photographer JERONIMO NISA Circulation Director WALTER GOGGINS Circulation Manager REBECCA BRAUN Advertising Director BARETTA TAYLOR Advertising Graphic Artists STEPHEN JOHNSON • RHONDA STENNETT Retail Advertising BECKY SPIVEY • SHELIA SMITH EDDIE JOHNS • ANNA BAKER MICHELLE LOTT • TERRI HASTON Decatur-Morgan
Visit us at living50plusdm.com HOW TO REACH US For story ideas or comments: Bruce McLellan 256-340-2431 For distribution questions: Rebecca Braun 256-340-2414
For advertising questions: Baretta Taylor 256-340-2370 For website questions: Daniel Buford 256-340-2408 Published by Decatur Daily Tennessee Valley Media
ON THE COVER: Decatur Youth Services sports coordinator Rico Pickett is surrounded by members of one of the program’s basketball teams. Back, on either side of Pickett, are Antonio McCall, left, and Trent Harris. Front, from left, Camoris Hullett, Jaquan Sweeney and JuJu Long. Photo by Jeronimo Nisa. Cover design by Stephen Johnson. 4 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
NOW IS THE TIME TO INVOLVE MORE SENIORS IN THE COMMUNITY Community leaders and local residents can make a concerted effort to involve seniors in local events. By METRO NEWS
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he negative effects of isolation is something the vast majority of the world can now relate to. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe to spend less time with friends, family members, neighbors, and other acquaintances. As the world cut back on in-person interactions to curb the spread of the virus, billions of people recognized just how difficult feelings of isolation can be. Feelings of isolation are a problem many seniors know all too well. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicates that roughly 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. That’s both sad and unhealthy, as the National Institute on Aging notes that research has linked social isolation and loneliness to problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors are invaluable resources in their communities. Community leaders and local residents can make a concerted effort to involve seniors in local events. Such efforts strengthen communities and help seniors remain active participants in their towns and cities. A couple of ways to do this is to promote seniorfriendly volunteering opportunities, give seniors a chance to mentor others and develop nature-based programs with seniors in mind.
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Apri-May Living 50 Plus 5
‘ALL SHOOK UP’
HARTSELLE HIGH CUSTODIAN HOLLIS KEEPS KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL’S LEGACY ALIVE
Elvis Presley tribute artist Bobby Hollis performs in the Hartselle High gym during halftime of a game between the home team and Decatur High. Hartselle High Principal Brad Cooper said his school’s students love watching Hollis perform and will even go on stage to dance with him. [Photo by Jeronimo Nisa]
By WES TOMLINSON Living 50 Plus
“I hate to admit it, but I cried like a baby,” Hollis said. “I didn’t understand how he could die. He was only 42.”
Bobby Hollis smiled as he remembered the first times he heard the iconic voice of Elvis Presley. “My (siblings) were constantly bringing his albums into the house when we were growing up,” Hollis said. “Back then, you had the black-and-white TVs and AM radio if you were lucky enough to have it. If you didn’t have albums coming into the house, you didn’t get to hear a whole lot of music.” Hollis, 62, grew up in a family of Pentecostal worshippers in St. Clair County and was exposed to live bands playing in church from a young age. The rock ‘n’ roll and blues riffs of the guitars and the jovial singing of the choir stuck with him for good. “My dad loved Elvis’ gospel stuff and that’s probably my favorite too,” Hollis said. “After hearing ‘How Great Thou Art,’ ‘Where No One Stands Alone’ and ‘Amazing Grace,’ I was hooked.” His appreciation for Presley’s music propelled Hollis to sing in karaoke contests and eventually become an Elvis tribute artist performing across the Southeast. A custodian at Hartselle High, Hollis says portraying Elvis forces him to stay in shape and keep a young mindset. “I run on the treadmill a lot,” Hollis said. “I try to practice a lot at home and just stay busy. If I ever slowed down, I’d probably get old.” Hollis said he never got to watch his favorite musician perform, missing an opportunity to watch Presley in Birmingham in December 1976. “I had a chance to go, but my mother, being so protective, wouldn’t let me go,” Hollis said. “Then I turned 18 in July and he died that next month.” Presley’s death in August 1977 was a huge blow for the teenage Hollis.
Imitating Elvis
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Hollis sang Elvis songs for years whenever he could through karaoke machines at house parties, restaurants and music venues, but he got serious about it in 2010. “That’s when I decided I wanted to buy some jumpsuits and become a tribute artist,” Hollis said. “I started growing out my hair and sideburns. A lot of guys wear wigs, but this is my real hair.” Hollis owns six jumpsuits for his tribute artistry, and his wife and sister-in-law made his first. “They sewed me my first one because I couldn’t afford to buy one,” Hollis said. “That thing looks like a toe sack. It looks terrible now, but it looked pretty cool when I first got it. They sewed all the conchos on there.” Hollis said the jumpsuits contribute to the authenticity that he tries to bring to the stage for every performance. “I try to be as close to (Presley) and not do anything negative to his image because I love and respect him,” Hollis said. “There will never be another Elvis, but I’m hoping that with these shows, I can give the public a taste of what it was like. Especially to these young people.” Hollis realized the emotions his voice could trigger when he played a show in Memphis a few years ago. “There was a lady that I knew in the front row that just lost her dad,” Hollis said. “I started performing ‘How Great Thou Art,’ and I looked over and there were these big tears falling down her face. It was hard to keep singing because I was trying to sing and not cry myself.” Hollis mainly performs with a backing musical track, but said he would like to play with more live bands in the future. “It’s expensive to hire a band, but people get into it a lot more because they like the bands,” Hollis said.
Hollis said he has noticed a growing number of young people throughout the years who are starting to listen to Presley’s music. Hollis earned a spot in the Guinness World Records after a contest at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina, on July 12, 2014. He and 894 others broke a record for being the largest gathering of Elvis tribute artists in one building. For the last two years, Hollis has played shows heavily in the Hartselle area. “I’ve played at The Venue two or three times,” Hollis said. “We were going to play a show on Feb. 12 at the (Sparkman) Civic Center, but it got canceled because of (COVID-19).”
Elvis’ music lives
Hollis said when he is on stage, he always feels young. Especially when he is competing in Elvis tribute artist contests in Memphis and he is up against younger artists. “You don’t ever want to look bad when you’re out there with them, so I try to stay in shape as much as I can,” Hollis said. “The dance moves are getting a little harder the older I get though. The old knees aren’t what they used to be.” Hollis said people should always pursue their passions and “keep at it” regardless of their age.
“Just stay active and keep loving what you’re doing,” Hollis said. “If you really love what you’re doing, it will always keep you focused and motivated.” Hollis said a lot of his shows were canceled this year and last because of the ongoing pandemic. “COVID has just messed everything up,” Hollis said. Hartselle High Principal Brad Cooper said he loves when Hollis performs “Suspicious Minds” and “Hound Dog.” “He does a great job involving the crowd,” Cooper said. “He’s not shy at all. Every time I’ve asked him to (perform), he’s been willing to do it. He makes it fun and upbeat and just provides a real good atmosphere.” Hollis has been working as a custodian at Hartselle High School for eight years and performed during halftime at the Hartselle and Decatur High basketball game in January. “I usually do a little show in the library every year for the faculty around Christmas,” Hollis said. “Cooper will catch me in the cafeteria sometimes and ask me to sing a song for him and everybody.” Cooper said the students at Hartselle High also love watching Hollis perform and will even go on stage to dance with him. “Surprisingly, the students know a lot of the words to the songs,” Cooper said. With tribute artists like Hollis around, Elvis’ music is alive and well.
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Apri-May Living 50 Plus 7
Spring Cleaning: Is Your ‘Junk’ Worth a Fortune? HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE IF YOUR STUFF IS VALUABLE AND, IF IT IS, HOW CAN YOU SELL IT?
By STATEPOINT
I
be valuable. Modern cards of such stars as Tom Brady, Mike Trout, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and others can sell for lots of money.“ He is offering tips to help determine if your belongings are valuable: Older Sports Cards Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be extremely valuable. Big-name Hall of Famers
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f your family is like most, you have “junk” in your basement, garage or attic, such as sports cards, memorabilia and toys. Before you toss them out during spring cleaning, consider that the prices of sports cards, games and other ephemera are skyrocketing. A widely accepted rule for sports cards, memorabilia and toys is that
older items are worth more. However, these days even more recent items are also commanding high prices. “Vintage sports cards from the early periods of a sport are almost always highly collectible, especially of Hall of Famers,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports and memorabilia auction that helps families sell collectibles. “But don’t assume sports cards or other memorabilia have to be old to
8 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle and others bring high prices. With old cards from the 1880s and early 1900s, look for tobacco and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal or American Caramel. Really old Sports memorabilia from the 19th and early 20th Century, such as photographs, postcards, bats, gloves and balls are also collectible. When opting to sell sports items, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to professionally research sports items and maintains lists of bidders specializing in this area, to get top dollar. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions. com. Modern Cards Prices on recent baseball, basketball and football cards have risen rapidly. The three keys are
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condition, star power and cards from early in player careers. Do you have major current stars, like Mike Trout, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and LeBron James? Or do you have greats from the recent
past, like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter or Joe Montana? Check if your cards are denoted as Rookie, Prospect, Draft Pick or other indicators they’re from a player’s first season. And condition is king, as cards that look pack fresh with sharp corners and a well-
Expertise and Advice
Memorabilia Do you have old advertising posters depicting sports stars or famous entertainment personalities together with food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Many original signs, store displays and promotional items are collectible, especially those dating from the early 1900s into the 1960s. But low-quality reproductions aren’t. Look for memorabilia spotlighting sports heroes, superheroes, early Walt Disney characters and Star Wars subjects. So, while you’re spring cleaning that attic, basement or garage, don’t rush to the garbage. Before throwing out old “junk,” determine if it’s valuable!
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ADSS SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2022 SENIOR CITIZENS HALL OF FAME
By BETH CHAPMAN
A
mong the agencies recognized in the governor’s cabinet is the Alabama Department of Senior
10 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
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ADSS is currently seeking nominations for its 2022 hall of fame inductions. If you know of couples who have been married 65 years or longer or individuals who are 100 years of age or older, they qualify to be
honored by the hall of fame. Also, individuals who have done outstanding work with seniors can be nominated for induction as well. Think about people in your community who go out of their way to assist senior citizens and nominate them. It could be a director of senior adults at your church or the local parks and recreation department senior director, a doctor, nurse or more. If you or an organization to which you belong are interested in making a nomination, visit AlabamaAgeline.gov for a nomination form. The deadline for this year’s nominations is May 1. Award winners will be announced this summer and honored in an induction ceremony in August. If you or someone you love needs assistance with programs for senior citizens or help for people with disabilities, and caregivers, ADSS recently updated its Guide to Services directory, which is available on its website at AlabamaAgeline.gov. Beth Chapman is Alabama’s former State Auditor and 51st Secretary of State.
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Services (ADSS). It is the one agency with guaranteed longevity because there is one thing for certain – we are all going to be senior citizens at some point in our lives. We pray we are anyway. Fortunate for us and those we love, we have an outstanding department of senior services with many benefits for those they serve. The agency has many responsibilities which include but are not limited to providing meals for qualified senior citizens, assisting with prescription drug medications, and Medicare and caregiver resources. According to the ADSS website, Commissioner Jean Brown says the department’s purpose is to “preserve the independence and dignity of Alabama’s seniors and disabled population.” They do a good job at it, too. The department even has its own hall of fame. Since 1983, the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has honored hundreds of Alabamians aged 60 and older for their exceptional contributions to older Alabamians in their communities.
Apri-May Living 50 Plus 11
FIRING UP A NEW CAREER
Hines started brick oven pizza business 5 years ago at age 57
Susan Hines says she likes building the fire in her food truck’s brick oven and keeping it hot. [JERONIMO NISA]
12 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
By TIM NAIL Living 50 Plus
Susan Hines, 62, of Hartselle, packed her suitcase for an excursion to Italy at the end of March. She wasn’t just getting ready for a vacation. For her, this trip also aimed to further her knowledge of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. “I’m going to take a pasta cooking class over there,” Hines said. “We’re doing a grand tour … plus an excursion to Greece with an interactive Greek cooking class.” Hines, former president of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce
for 14 years, may now be better known for her on-the-go business Brix & Embers, which has been serving up brick oven pizzas within the confines of a food truck for the past five years. She said she has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen and trying her hands at dishes from around the world, like when she learned to cook German foods while she lived in Germany with her husband stationed there. But Hines didn’t imagine herself operating a pizza business, let alone it being the only wood-fired pizza truck in the Tennessee Valley. “I like cooking, I like baking and I like making candies,” she said. “I never knew I was a pyromaniac, but I like building the fire in the brick oven and keeping it hot.” The concept first materialized when Hines helped organize Hartselle’s annual Depot Days celebration and was asked by a friend about bringing a brick ovenstyle pizzeria back to Morgan County after a previous such business shuttered. With no one else stepping up to fill the void, Hines took it upon herself to learn the craft at the age of 57 after a career in banking and at the chamber. “I’ve always loved being around people, and if you can feed them with good food that’s quality, they’re going to be happy people,” she said.
Getting started She sought the guidance of Stan Stinson and Tina Ford, co-owners of Earth & Stone Wood Fired Pizza in Huntsville, to learn more about pizza baking with brick ovens, and she hasn’t looked back since. “They had a wood-fired pizza trailer, and they actually knew a guy who was getting rid of one,” Hines said. “I talked with him and was going to buy it, and then they bought it before I did. But they only needed it because they tore down
theirs and had a wedding come up … (so) I picked it up from them later.” Five years on, she’s become one with the oven, producing a variety of pies with toppings ranging from feta cheese to honey to mustard. Sometimes, she’s even had her family help with creating new offerings. “We have a pizza called the ‘El Fuego’ that’s got Tajín (sauce), Salsa Valentina and fiery Cheetos on it,” Hines said. “The kids added
Susan Hines slides a pizza in a box for a customer. [JERONIMO NISA]
dill pickles to pizza, and it’s really good. I would’ve never thought.” Other menu items are seasonal, like strawberry pizza in the spring or apple dumpling pizza in the winter. Entrepreneurial family Hines, maiden name Shelton, said her family has a legacy of entrepreneurship in the area she feels she’s carrying on in running Brix & Embers. Her grandfather, Homer Shelton, owned a Decatur furniture store, and her father, Gene Shelton, was a four-term Morgan County coroner and owner of Shelton Funeral Home in Decatur. “My grandfather’s sign at his place was that ‘the customer is king,’” Hines said. “Being raised knowing that if your customers aren’t happy, I learned you don’t get a paycheck. If they’re not going to buy with me, they won’t be back.” With the enterprising spirit she inherited, getting repeat business hasn’t been a problem. Hines said she has plenty of regular customers whose names and preferred pizzas she knows well, and when the pandemic made it difficult for some businesses to operate, hers was a continued mainstay in north Alabama. She even created a dining area for customers to give them opportunities to eat and socialize outdoors when indoor dining was a concern. “I had built a pole barn out in front of my property and built a commercial kitchen out there because every food truck has to have one,” Hines said. “When COVID hit, I wasn’t going to not work — I was going to do something. So, we bought picnic tables and set up string lights and created a place where people could come and eat and be distanced, and the community embraced it.” Apri-May Living 50 Plus 13
Before the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, Hines served in a banking job for Colonial Bank in Hartselle. This combined with her role in leading the chamber has helped her remain financially sound and business-minded, she said, allowing her to network as well as stay competitive as a restaurant. “A lot of times, I’ll know who to call or know who to call to find out who to call, and having contacts is important,” Hines said. “And when I had a friend and his wife go to Italy, he told me about how they use an Italian pepper oil. He said (he’d) love to get that over here, … so the next time he came to the truck I had made Italian pepper oil.” As this year’s series of Food Truck Fridays returns to Decatur in April, Hines will be there firing up the oven most weeks. She said she isn’t remotely considering retirement. “The kids don’t want the business, so when I quit, I’m done,” she said, laughing. “I’ve thought I may need a brick-and-mortar (store) at some point so I don’t have to get out on the road as much and my daughters can drive the truck. For now, my husband’s retired so he takes care of the dogs and I drive the truck, so it works out.”
14 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Brix & Embers is present at most Food Truck Fridays by Decatur’s Old State Bank, but it’s also available to book for events. Hines said the best way to get in contact is via her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/brixandembers, but she may also be reached at brixandembers@ yahoo.com or by phone at 256-3038258.
Susan Hines chats with a customer by the Brix & Embers pizza food truck. She started the business five years ago after a career in banking and at the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce. [JERONIMO NISA]
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2114 Central Parkway, Decatur, Alabama 35601 Apri-May Living 50 Plus 15
THE BASICS OF CONTAINER GARDENING GARDENING CAN BE LESS LABOR-INTENSIVE AND EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL WHEN PEOPLE CONSIDER THE MANY BENEFITS OF CONTAINER GARDENING. By METRO NEWS
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ardening is a rewarding hobby that has been linked to health benefits like reduced stress and improved mental well-being. Gardening also can lead to an inviting home landscape full of attractive blooms and/or delicious foods. Backyard gardens have long been planted after clearing a plot of land, tilling and amending the soil, and planting rows of favorite crops. However, gardening can be less labor-intensive and even more successful when people consider the many benefits of container gardening. 16 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
What is container gardening? As its name implies, container gardening is growing plants inside of containers. These containers can be flower pots, rectangular deck boxes or even large raised garden beds. Pros to container gardening One of the advantages of container gardening is that plants can be moved in and out of sunlight to ensure the right growing conditions. This isn’t as easily achieved when gardens are stationary. Also, beginner gardeners may be more able to control soil conditions inside of a small container rather than a vast groundbased garden, which will require a good deal of manual
labor. Pots and boxes also can be grouped together to create eye-popping displays, usually at lower costs than the sheer volume of plants that would be needed to fill out an expansive landscape. Cons to container gardening Container garden plants will not have direct access to the ground, so they need gardeners to create the ideal growing conditions. Developing the right care formula can be challenging. The home and garden resource The Spruce says that drainage is an important factor in container gardening, and most containers do not offer enough drainage holes. If water cannot escape the soil, the roots of the plants can rot and die. It’s not enough to add stones or gravel to the bottom of containers. Drill additional holes in the bottom (1/2inch in diameter for small or medium-sized pots; one inch in diameter for larger pots). Also, be sure to check on soil moisture so that watering can be adjusted. During hot stretches, plants may need to be watered more frequently.
and moisture. Look at plant tags when visiting the garden center and select complementary plants, or ask a store employee. Mixing different plant shapes, colors and leaf textures, as well as plants of various heights, can help containers look filled out. Feed plants accordingly Plants need nutrition to thrive in containers. Quality potting mixes will contain fertilizers, but nutrition will wane over time. Every couple of weeks, container plants will need either fresh potting mix or granular fertilizer added to feed them. Oregon State University Extension Services suggests using a slow-release fertilizer or worm castings several times throughout the season. Container gardening is a great way to add plants to smaller patios, reduce the workload involved in maintaining expansive gardens, and customize conditions for optimal growth.
Plan for plants that play well Grouping plants together can create visually stunning combinations. However, it is important to choose plants that require the same amount of light
Thankful to our communities for calling and keeping us busy through 2021! Our families appreciate YOU!
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Shane Jones, President
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Popular insect repellent plants
CERTAIN PLANTS CAN HELP REPEL INSECTS AND PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS LIKE FRESH FOOD AND AESTHETIC APPEAL THAT SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE.
By METRO NEWS
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omeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring mélange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects. Certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love. · Basil: The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths. · Lavender: Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation.
· Mint: Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other plants’ domains. · Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes. Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long. · Chrysanthemums: The Farmers’ Almanac ® recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home.
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Springing into Hummingbird Season
HUMMINGBIRDS ARE FUN TO WATCH AND EASY TO ATTRACT BY USING FEEDERS OR BY PLANTING FLOWERS IN YOUR YARD. By WES ELLARD
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Spring is in the air. Temperatures are beginning to rise and flowers will soon begin to bloom. The fair weather and abundant supply of nectar will spring bee and butterfly populations upward. Homeowners may also find a hummingbird that has taken up residence in the back yard. Hummingbird Migration The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the state’s most common hummingbird. “They will arrive from mid-March to mid-April and stay through late summer and early fall,” said Wesley Anderson, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System forestry and wildlife specialist. “These colorful birds then fly south to Central America.” As with most species, hummingbirds migrate to areas as resources become available. Abundant nectar, insects and spiders are paramount for hummingbird survival. Interested homeowners and gardeners can find hummingbird migration maps by visiting websites such as hummingbirds.net. Alabama also hosts the Rufous Hummingbird around the Gulf Coast. It differs from the Ruby-throated species in color, plumage and geographic preference. Anderson said hummingbird migration patterns appear to be changing. “This is largely due to the climate warming in certain areas, causing milder winters,” he said. “Milder winters allow the birds to arrive earlier and potentially stay longer.” 20 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Attracting Hummingbirds There are several ways to attract hummingbirds to homes. First, Anderson said, is putting out hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so having a red feeder– but not red dye in it–will help. Anderson also suggests planting red flowers and hanging red ribbons to attract the birds, which weigh only a few grams on average. If using multiple feeders, be sure to space them apart from each other. “Hummingbirds can be territorial, and this (spacing them apart from each other) will allow them to establish their own territories and expend less energy chasing each other,” Anderson said. Planting trees and shrubs to be used as perches will also make an area more appealing to hummingbirds. Red Dye: Making Sense of Mixed Reviews Anderson said red dye in food has been a controversy since the 1970s. It also raised concerns relate to hummingbird health. Red dye No.2, a known carcinogen, has been banned in the United States since 1976. The current red dye used is Red 40, which is FDA approved for humans. However, hummingbirds’ small size and differing anatomy means that the dye may be dangerous for them. Until there is further research, Anderson said it is best to steer clear of red dye in hummingbird food altogether. More Information More information on hummingbirds in Alabama, check out the Alabama Extension publication Hummingbirds in Alabama at www.aces.edu.
Did you know?
HEALTHY EXERCISE Getting out and about is a vital component of many seniors’ daily lives, but it’s important that aging men and women recognize how much exercise is healthy for them. The Department of Health & Human Services notes that adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy. That mix should be a combination of moderateintensity aerobic activities, which can include golfing, swimming and even gardening, and muscle strengthening activities like weightlifting that make the muscles work harder than usual. The DHHS recommends adults combine 150 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity per week with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that these guidelines are safe for individuals who are 65 and older, generally fit and have no limiting health conditions. Individuals who do not fit that criteria should consult with their physicians before beginning a new exercise regimen, as it’s possible that they could be putting their health at considerable risk if they attempt to follow guidelines designed for people who are generally fit. It’s also important that healthy seniors avoid overdoing it in regard to exercise. Though the DHHS suggestions are the minimum recommendations, going too far beyond those guidelines without first consulting a physician could increase seniors’ risk for injury, illness or even death.
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Apri-May Living 50 Plus 21
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YOUTHFUL OUTLOOK AT 55 PICKETT SPENDS LIFE HELPING LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE
Rico Pickett chats with spectators during Decatur Youth Services’ playoff basketball games at the Aquadome Recreation Center. Pickett spends much of his life helping those much younger as Youth Services’ sports coordinator.
By BAYNE HUGHES Living 50 Plus
Kids in Decatur Youth Services programs call him “Mr. Rico,” and it’s a term of both respect and endearment for Enrico Pickett Sr. Although he’s 55, Pickett spends much of his life helping those much younger, whether he’s coordinating Youth Services sports leagues, teaching health and sex education or spending time with his children and grandchildren. “I love kids and I love helping people,” Pickett said. As Youth Services’ sports coordinator, Pickett organizes athletic leagues for mostly underprivileged youth and manages the Carrie Matthews swimming pool. Fellow DYS employee Kurtistyne White said Pickett earned the nickname “Mr. Rico” from the youth. He knows how to deal with the children, many of whom are from single-parent families or are living with a grandparent, she said. “The kids respect Mr. Rico,” White said. “He also respects the kids and they know it. It takes time to build rapport and he’s willing to do that.” 22 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Pickett said he uses this respect to bridge the age gap with the youth. He said he listens to them when some adults don’t. “When they ask a question, I say ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no sir,’ and I expect the same from them,” Pickett said. “Teenagers today just want to be heard. Too often, they’re told that they’re bad or adults just want to intimidate them.” Pickett is involved with a lot of young people who are dealing with adult-created problems, which he acknowledged is one of the most frustrating parts of his job. He said he tries to avoid judging people when working in Youth Services “because we don’t know what the kids are going through.” He often transports the youth from the schools to the different programs that DYS offers. He said they know they must say good afternoon or good morning when they open the door to get in the van. Pickett said he tries to manage the fine line between keeping the kids in line and smiling and laughing with them. “We joke but I don’t allow it to go too far,” he said. A Decatur native, Pickett said it also helps to talk
Even at 55, Pickett still dreams of finishing his college degree. However, his priority is helping his two youngest children, Draylin, 17, and Julius, 16, through college after they finish high school. His four oldest children, Rico Jr., Brianna, Andreia and Tobias, are adults and he has 10 grandchildren. Watkins said he’s not worried that Pickett doesn’t yet have a college degree. He offered promotions in Youth Services but said Pickett turned them down because he enjoys sports and wanted to stay in his current role. “Not having a college degree hasn’t affected him,” Watkins said. “There are a lot of people who have college degrees and they aren’t nearly as effective as Rico in doing their jobs. He’s a great man of our community and people trust him.” Pickett is so well respected that former high school players from both sides of the city are willing to play in the annual Austin-Decatur all-star game to benefit DYS. He also serves on the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame board.
Rico Pickett’s son, Rico Pickett II, right, volunteers to referee Decatur Youth Services’ basketball games. “I teach him to give back,” the senior Pickett says.
about his experiences and those who helped him along the way. DYS Director Brandon Watkins has known Pickett, who is eight years older than him, since they were young. “Rico was a really good basketball player who passed the ball extremely well,” Watkins said. “And he was always taking care of us younger kids like setting us up in a good position to score.” Pickett’s father worked at 3M Decatur and his mother was a nurse at what is now Decatur Morgan Hospital. His father also owned a gas station on Alabama 20 near what was then Lakeview Elementary (now Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School). “I used to work over at the gas station after school and work there pumping gas for people,” Pickett said. Decatur ties He graduated in 1985 from Decatur High and attended Calhoun Community College for a year and a half. He said “life happened” so he didn’t earn a college degree, but he’s still able to help people. Pickett worked after finishing high school at the now-closed Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center as a job coach. He worked at the Third Street Boys and Girls Club before joining DYS.
Programs still dynamic Watkins said this respect and trust are among the reasons Pickett was so successful in holding the basketball and baseball leagues this year despite coming off two years in which they weren’t held for various reasons.
Rico Pickett helps operate the scorer’s table during Decatur Youth Services’ playoff basketball games at the Aquadome Recreation Center.
Apri-May Living 50 Plus 23
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Rico Pickett jokes with volunteer referee Ricky Barrett during halftime of one of Decatur Youth Services’ playoff basketball games.
The Carrie Matthews Recreation Center has been closed for two years because of foundation problems. The coronavirus pandemic kept DYS from holding baseball in 2020 and basketball for the 2020-21 season. Pickett had to find places to hold a basketball season, which was limited to basically six weeks. Working with Decatur City Schools, the DYS teams practiced at some of the elementary school gymnasiums and played the games at Austin Junior High. “He got 200 kids to come out for basketball and 300 for baseball this season,” Watkins said. “That’s pretty good considering our limitations.” Pickett was ordained a year and a half ago and serves as youth pastor at Progressive Outreach Church. “I ran from it for four years before I finally accepted God’s calling,” Pickett said. “I don’t want to be full-time pastor. My focus is on being a youth pastor, but you never what God has in store for me.” White said Pickett’s church involvement and Christianity show through in his DYS job. “He doesn’t take his ministry lightly,” White said. “He’s always talking about his faith.”
24 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
THERE ARE SOME BENEFITS TO CATCHING A MIDDAY SNOOZE.
Did you know?
Do you relish the idea of an afternoon nap? If so, you’re in good company. According to the National Sleep Foundation, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Napoleon, and Albert Einstein each fancied afternoon naps. Youngsters nap, and so do many seniors. But by and large, humans are part of the minority of mammals that do not sleep for short periods of time throughout the day, instead dividing their days between sleep and wakefulness. However, there are some benefits to catching a midday snooze. The Mayo Clinic says napping can be a way to catch up on sleep lost during the night or if a person is feeling sleep-deprived. It also may be a way to relax, increase alertness and improve mood. Naps should take place before 3 p.m. and not exceed 20 minutes. The longer and later one naps, the greater the potential it will interfere with nighttime sleeping or backfire and cause daytime grogginess.
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Apri-May Living 50 Plus 25
WHAT SENIORS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY SENIORS WITHOUT MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCE CAN HEED THESE SAFETY TIPS AS THEY NAVIGATE POPULAR PLATFORMS AND DISCOVER ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER.
By METRO NEWS
Seniors might not be the demographic individuals initially associate with social media. However, Pew Research notes that seniors’ social media usage has been steadily rising for a number of years, proving that individuals 65 and over are not tech-averse.
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Pew data from 2019 indicates that 46 percent of individuals 65 and older use Facebook. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends and stay up-to-date on community events. But social media usage is not without risks, especially in regard to users’ safety. Seniors without much social media experience can heed these safety tips as they navigate popular platforms and discover all they have to offer. • Examine your account settings. Social media users can control their privacy settings so they can decide who can (and can’t) view their online activity. Each platform is different, but profiles set to public generally allow anyone to view individuals’ activity, so seniors should set their profiles to private to limit access to their information. • Be mindful of your social media social circle. It’s easy to make virtual friends via social media, but seniors should be mindful of who they accept as online friends. Carefully consider each friend request and decide just how big or small you want your social media community to be. Many individuals prefer to limit their online social circles to individuals they know well and want to stay in touch with, and that
can serve as a good measuring stick when deciding whether or not to accept a friend request. • Avoid sharing personal information. Seniors are no doubt aware that they should never share especially personal information, such as their Social Security number. However, seniors also should hesitate to share personal information like vacation plans. Seniors who post about upcoming trips could return home to find they’ve been victimized by criminals who scoured their social media accounts and learned when they were going to be away. A good rule of thumb is to keep personal information private and limit posts to information that is not overly specific or sensitive. • Recognize the threat posed by scammers. Social media platforms have had varying degrees of success in regard to keeping their sites scam-free. But scammers find a way, and users must take steps to avoid being victimized. Never click on a link within a post from someone you don’t know and avoid anyone soliciting donations through social media platforms. Seniors are engaging with social media more than ever. Such engagement requires seniors to be mindful of the many ways to protect their privacy when spending time online.
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Apri-May Living 50 Plus 27
BOOMERS’ RETIREMENT CONCERNS EVOLVE AFTER PANDEMIC By DEWAYNE EDDY
For many who are decades away from leaving the workforce, retirement may seem like an abstract concept. But once you’ve entered your late fifties — like the youngest Baby Boomers, turning 57 in 2021 — retirement may begin to seem very real. A recent survey of Boomers found that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 52% of those who are not yet retired are concerned about being able to retire. This survey looked at a representative sample of Boomers age 57 to 75, earning between $30,000 and $100,000 per year, with under $1 million in investable assets, and came to some surprising conclusions. The survey results may help you put your retirement plans into a better context. Boomers’ retirement plans Forty-one percent of Boomers polled in this survey reported financially supporting other family members during COVID.2 For many, this has had a direct impact on their financial readiness to retire. And more than half of the surveyed Boomers who haven’t retired yet have been forced to borrow from or liquidate some of their retirement savings to get by during COVID. As a result, the majority of non-retired Boomers who were surveyed reported that they’ve had to reevaluate their retirement plans and budgets. Many are more concerned that they won’t have enough money to retire at all or won’t have as comfortable a retirement as they had planned. COVID also had a major impact on Boomer lifestyles, both before and during retirement. 28 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Just over half of all Boomers had to cut back on their entertainment (whether due to budget concerns or social distancing requirements); 44% spent less time traveling than they wanted to, 39% saw a decrease in their hours at work, and 18% had one or more of their adult children move back into the family home. Boomers’ retirement priorities Due to its wide-ranging lifestyle impacts, the pandemic also reshaped some priorities. Although more than half of all Boomers focused on maintaining financial stability and financial independence prepandemic, now less than one-third of respondents list this as their top priority. Instead, 43% of survey respondents now report that their main priority for a post-COVID retirement is spending time with family members, including grandchildren. A third of respondents hope to maintain an active lifestyle, while another third wants to travel once it’s safe to do so. Disclosures All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Dewayne Eddy is a financial adviser in Decatur and registered principal of Provident Wealth Solutions/ LPL Financial. He can be reached at dewayne.eddy@ lpl.com.
UP, UP AND AWAY BALLOONIST ENJOYS FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN BALLOONING AS ALABAMA JUBILEE APPROACHES
Brian Dial will be the balloonmeister for the Alabama Jubilee over Memorial Day weekend.
We go where the wind takes us,” Brian Dial said of hot-air ballooning.
By BRUCE MCLELLAN Living 50 Plus
F
lying north from Hartselle toward Decatur in his hotair balloon decorated with strips of bright colors, Brian Dial found himself in a jam. A relatively new balloon pilot at the time, he wanted to land before his flight got too long. But as he hovered over woods near Flint, there were no large openings for a landing. “We had been flying for a while, and this was our second landing attempt,” Dial said. “Options ahead
were less appealing, and being a new pilot, I wanted to avoid reaching city congestion and power lines.” He radioed to his son Brady in a chase vehicle to be ready on Bowles Bridge Road. “Beyond that there was nothing but swamp and the city,” Brian Dial said. He planned to throw his drop line toward the road so the balloon could gradually be pulled to earth in a tight landing zone. The procedure depended on Brady being able to position himself perfectly to catch the drop line, a rope attached to the balloon. “My son, he prides himself on getting there (before the balloon),” Dial said. Brady did anticipate his father’s flight path and was able to catch the drop line and begin pulling the balloon down for pinpoint landing. “If he had not been there, I’d have been in quite a pickle,” Dial said.
It was fitting that a family member helped Dial, 53, handle the challenge. Family provided the encouragement for him to take up a new hobby in his 40s and is the reason he continues ballooning. He’s involved in the Alabama Jubilee, held annually on Memorial Day weekend in Decatur, and will be the event’s balloonmeister overseeing flights this year. “I’ve always had to have some kind of hobby,” Dial said. “When I was younger, it was skydiving. “As I had kids, that became the hobby. As they started reaching college years, I told my wife I had always wanted a balloon. When I was in my teens and 20s, I had crewed for some of the local pilots … but financially couldn’t buy a balloon or become a pilot at the time.” His wife, Beth, supported his desire to get into ballooning in 2014. “She said, ‘Well, why don’t you get one.’” Apri-May Living 50 Plus 29
Brian Dial’s balloon Bandit soars over a subdivision.
“I talked to one of the local pilots who is also an instructor, got a few tips and found a balloon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota,” Dial said. The Sioux Falls balloon was what Dial called a perfect “starter’s kit” with a 20-year-old balloon and equipment. “It was just the perfect opportunity,” Dial said. “There was a guy in his 70s who was getting out of ballooning. I called his repair shop, and talked to them about the history of the balloon and how it was taken care of.” A previous owner had named the balloon Feathers because that’s what the vertical strips of color on the envelope resemble. Dial and Brady brainstormed names on their trip to Sioux Falls to purchase the balloon and came up with Bandit in tribute to the radio exchanges and black Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” “The balloon is mainly black and ‘Bandit One to Bandit Two’ on the radio sounded fun, so it just stuck,” Dial said. 30 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Soon, the entire family was involved with flights, helping unpack the 800 pounds of balloon and equipment, going for rides and joining the chase to meet the balloon at its landing spot and pack everything back up. “What I’ve loved about it since then is it really has been a family event, or family activity I should say,” Dial said. “It brings all the family together. Everybody loves being a part and crewing and chasing the balloon. That’s the one thing that really keeps me doing this. “I started it because I like learning new things and doing new things. … But keeping the family together is really what keeps me going with it.” Cathy Wahl, a longtime local pilot and Jubilee volunteer, also appreciates the family aspect of ballooning. Her husband Mike is a pilot, as is their son Robbie. Daughter Molly Davis participated in ballooning when she was still at home. “We brought up our kids doing it,” Cathy Wahl said. It was enjoyable “just getting out and doing something together. They learned a lot about ballooning just being around it.”
“It’s a challenge in itself. It’s very easy to lose sight of it, and we don’t always land in the best place. We go where the wind takes us.” He said being part of a crew is “fun for all ages. If we got a 5-yearold out there, we’re going to put them to work and make sure they have a good time.” The Tennessee River is the dominant feature for balloonists in the Decatur area. “My favorite flights are over the river,” Dial said. “We have that beautiful view. Now, the river can be an obstacle to flights. You have to make sure you have enough wind to make it over the river. It’s not a narrow river.” During the Jubilee, flights take off from Point Mallard adjacent to the river and the view is even more exhilarating. “The Jubilee festival is an exciting atmosphere with all the spectators, music and many activities around the park. Lifting off to see all this as a panoramic view, seeing the (Point Mallard) Aquatic Center, the surrounding city, the river, 60 balloons flying with you in the sky, all with the music from the bands, is just an amazing experience.”
Crew’s importance Brian and Beth Dial have four children combined, and he says a large family is an advantage with supplying crew members. It takes four people to get the balloon ready to fly. “With a good crew we can have the balloon unpacked, (inflated) and ready for flight in about 15 minutes,” he said. “The pack up after flight can be done in about the same amount of time with a good strong crew.” Packing up is only part of the chase crew’s job. “The chase part, you need somebody that’s going to be there when you land,” Brian Dial said.
Getting started Flying a balloon isn’t as simple as inflating what’s called the envelope and taking off. Pilots have to study safety regulations, learn proper techniques and take test flights. Dial said it took him about a year to get his pilot’s license. Equipment also has to be in good condition. “We go through annual inspections,” Dial said. “They do stress tests on the envelope. … If it ever fails those tests, you can replace the fabric and keep using the basket, the instruments, the burners.” He said a used balloon can cost $10,000 to $15,000.
“While that might be sticker shock to some, that’s actually less than the cost of a boat,” he said. The best way to get started is “get involved with a crew,” he said. “The local pilots are always looking for crew.” And he has advice for anyone approaching middle age and interested in trying a new pursuit, whether it’s ballooning or some other adventure. “If you’ve got something you’ve always wanted to do, just do it,” he said. “I often hear, “I want to go up in a balloon. It’s on my bucket list. And my first thought is, ‘Well do it.’” “There’s no reason not to, especially here. We have the advantage of being a ballooning community.” He has no plans to stop ballooning anytime soon with a regular crew that, in addition to Beth and Brady, includes daughters Abbi Dial,
Savanna Davis and Shianna Snider along with his sister Heather Naron, her husband Jason and their children Landon Naron and Brileigh Horton. “As long as the family is coming out and having a good time and coming together,” Dial said, “I’ll continue to do it.” 45th annual Alabama Jubilee Dates: May 28-29 Where: Point Mallard Park, 2901 Point Mallard Drive S.E., Decatur Planned events: Balloon races, entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, tractor show and motorcycle show. Balloon schedule: Saturday, Hare & Hound, pilot briefing at 6 a.m. and balloons take off shortly thereafter; tethered flights, 5:15-7:15 p.m.; balloon glow at 8:15 p.m. Sunday, key grab, pilots will arrive at the Jubilee field from shortly before 7 a.m. until about 9; tethered flights, 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Brian Dial and his crew work to fill the balloon envelope with air as part of the inflation process. He said having a good crew is an important part of hot-air ballooning.
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Did you know?
While pastel-colored eggs are the norm, one color has particular religious significance for those who want to go a bit bolder with their egg displays “Christ has not risen no more than that egg is red (pointing to an egg on his table).” After making the statement, the egg turned blood red. Mary Magdalene then began preaching Christianity to him, and the red egg has come to symbolize the blood of Christ redeeming the world.
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aster eggs are decorated in many hues before they’re ultimately hidden for youngsters to find. While pastelcolored eggs are the norm, one color has particular religious significance for those who want to go a bit bolder with their egg displays. It is tradition among
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Fire up the smoker for Easter dinner this year
Big meals are part and parcel for Easter Sunday, this recipe for “Pork Loin Roast with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze” is a great way to take advantage of warmer Easter weather.
By METRO NEWS
E
aster Sunday typically falls during a time of year when the weather outside can be a little cool. But this year Easter falls later in April, increasing the chances that temperatures will be more spring-like and less reminiscent of winter. Warmer temperatures on Easter Sunday means hosts tasked with cooking Easter dinner might be able to expand their culinary horizons and avoid the stove. Though they might not have considered it before, hosts might want to fire up their smokers to give their families something delicious and different to dine on this Easter Sunday. If the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse, electric smokers can typically be used indoors, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that. 34 Apri-May Living 50 Plus
Big meals are part and parcel for Easter Sunday, this recipe for “Pork Loin Roast with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze” from Karen Putman and Judith Fertig’s “Championship BBQ Secrets for Real Smoked Food” (Robert Rose) is a great way to take advantage of warmer Easter weather while still ensuring everyone has a full belly by the end of the meal. Pork Loin Roast with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze Serves 4 to 6 1 boneless pork loin roast (about 2 lbs.) 4 cups apple juice 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Rib Rub (see below) 1 cup hot pepper jelly Additional apple juice for spraying 1. Rinse pork under cold running water and pat dry. Place in a large sealable plastic bag and pour in apple juice. Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours. 2. Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Discard marinade. Sprinkle dry rub over the surface of the meat, coating evenly. Set aside. 3. Prepare a fire in your smoker. 4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt hot pepper jelly over medium-low heat. Keep warm by the smoker. 5. Place pork directly on the smoker rack, add wood to the coals and close the lid. Smoke at 225 F to 250 F, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes, for 2 hours. Brush with hot pepper jelly, close the lid and smoke, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes, for 1 to 11/2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the pork registers 160 F for medium, or until desired doneness. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Brown Sugar Rib Rub Makes about 31/2 cups 2 cups packed dark brown sugar or granulated maple sugar 1/2 cup fine kosher or sea salt 1/4 cup sweet Hungarian paprika 1/4 cup chili powder 1/4 cup ground lemon pepper 1/4 cup granulated garlic 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, lemon pepper, garlic, black pepper, basil, and thyme.
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GRILLED GARLIC SHRIMP WITH A FRESH HEIRLOOM TOMATO SAUCE By METRO NEWS
W
hile we are on the topic of grilling, here is another recipe that is sure to please. Shrimp lovers accustomed to shrimp cocktail or other popular shrimp dishes may find that few ways to prepare shrimp can be as flavorful as grilling. Grilled seafood can be a perfect light alternative to grilled meats, which can be filling. The following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing) provides a less filling but delicious alternative to more traditional backyard barbecue fare. Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce Serves 6 For the marinated shrimp • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine. 5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper. 6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary. 7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!
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1. T o marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. 2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. 3. T o make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.
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• 12 6-inch wooden skewers For the tomato sauce • 3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes • 1 small sweet onion, minced • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey • 1 /4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips, plus more for garnish • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper
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RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE, INCLUDING THOSE YOU CAN CONTROL
IT’S VITAL THAT INDIVIDUALS RECOGNIZE THEY MIGHT BE AT ELEVATED RISK FOR STROKE EVEN IF THEY’RE OTHERWISE HEALTHY. By METRO NEWS
A
dults from all walks of life likely know at least one individual who has suffered a stroke. That person could be a family member, friend, colleague, or other acquaintance. The likelihood of
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knowing someone who has had a stroke underscores just how prevalent stroke is and how necessary it is that people understand its risk factors. According to the World Stroke Organization, there are more than 101 million people currently living who have experienced stroke. That group includes men, women and even children. No one is immune to stroke, but many instances of stroke can be prevented. Prevention involves recognition of risk factors individuals can control and subsequent action to reduce exposure to those factors. But the risk for stroke also is heightened by factors beyond individuals’ control, and it’s vital that individuals recognize they might be at elevated risk for stroke even if they’re otherwise healthy. Risks factors beyond your control The American Heart Association notes the importance of knowing the following risk factors for stroke, even if there’s nothing people can do to change them. • Age: Stroke is more common among individuals age 65 and older. That includes both men and women. • Family history: Individuals could be at greater risk of stroke if they have a parent, grandparent, sister, or brother who has had a stroke. Various factors could be
behind that link, including a genetic disorder known as CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant anteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) that affects blood flow in the brain. • Race: The AHA reports that African Americans are more likely to die from stroke than Caucasians. Part of that is undoubtedly due to socioeconomic factors such as inadequate access to health care, but the AHA also links this elevated risk to higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity within the Black community. • Gender: Stroke kills more women than men and women have more strokes than men. • Medical history: Individuals with a personal history of stroke and/or transient ischemic attacks, often referred to as “mini strokes,” are at elevated risk for stroke. Risk factors you can control The good news is that individuals, even those with risk factors beyond their control, can lower their risk for stroke. That’s because many of the risk factors for stroke can be monitored and treated before a stroke occurs. • High blood pressure: The AHA defines high blood pressure as the most significant controllable risk
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factor for stroke. Annual well visits are vital to preventive health care, which include monitoring blood pressure. When doctors diagnose high blood pressure, individuals should follow their advice in regard to getting blood pressure back to a healthy level. • Smoking: The dangers of smoking are well-documented. The AHA characterizes smoking as paving “the way for stroke.” Never smoking or quitting smoking immediately can lower risk for stroke. Women should know that the AHA reports the use of birth control combined with cigarette smoking can greatly increase the risk of stroke. • Diabetes: It’s important that individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, as diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for stroke.
• Diet: A poor diet that’s high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and cholesterol elevates the risk for various conditions, including high blood pressure and obesity, that increase the likelihood of suffering stroke. • Physical inactivity: The AHA reports that physical inactivity increases risk for stroke. Individuals who live a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, including office workers, are urged to discuss exercise with their physicians. There are numerous risk factors for stroke, many of which are beyond individuals’ control. However, recognition of these risk factors is often the first step toward adopting a healthy lifestyle that can greatly reduce the chances a person will suffer a stroke.
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