Prime Montgomery Aug 2011 by Bob Corley

Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

August 2011 F R E E

Montgomery

Rich in Weather River Dragons INSIDE

nSavannah's

Sugar-coated Memories

Got It All nSnapper for Supper nWonderful Water Gardens nYour Unclaimed Treasure nDVD Reviews and more!

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond!

Features 9

Montgomery

THINGS WE ATE AS KIDS...! Remember candy cigarettes and Necco Wafers? Your sweet trip down memory lane begins here, with the first in a series. By Tom Ensey

DRAGONS ON THE RIVER

A festival/fundraiser/race combine to bring fast-paced, paddle-powered fun to Riverfront Park. By Jennifer Kornegay

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods -- Rich Thomas has seen it all during 30 years at WSFA-TV Montgomery.

A BON ADVENTURE IN SAVANNAH

Whether searching for history or hauntings, art or architecture, Georgia’s oldest city offers all this and more. By Bob Corley

The entrance to Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt.

August 2011

By Lenore Reese Vickrey

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

Financial 14 SOCIAL SECURITY Don’t be SCAMMED out of your money. Learn the warning signs. By Kylle’ McKinney 17 INVESTMENT SECURITY Protecting your retirement funds from unscupulous con artsits. By Joseph Borg 26 LOST TREASURE You may have assets you didn’t realize you had. Here’s how to find out. By Alan Wallace

Lifestyles 10 A GRACIOUS PLENTY Your grilled snapper will get snapped up! By Patsy Smith

28 YARD ‘N GARDEN You’ll never have to water this garden. By Ethel Dozier Boykin

Entertainment

16 AROUND MONTGOMERY Find this WEB and you could win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Plus: FOUND July. By Jake Roberts 29 OFF THE BEATEN PATH For success in the field start training your bird dog in the backyard. By Niko Corley

34 PRIME DIVERSIONS Reviews of these recent DVD releases: Limitless, Arthur, and Rango. By Mark Glass

Health/Medical

11 IN EVERY LIFE Like everything else in our lives, our eyes change as we age. Protect, don’t neglect them. By Arlene Morris

On the Cover

15 CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH If you’re in a high-risk group to develop cataracts, take action by learning the warning signs, risk factors, and treatment options.

21 MARCIE’S MEDICARE ANSWERS Understanding Advanced Beneficiary Notices, or “waivers of liability.” 27 MOVING FREE WITH MIRABAI You’re in the water to cool off, why not exercise? Here are three you can do anywhere. By Mirabai Holland 4

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

Meteorologist Rich Thomas. Photo by Bob Corley. Story page 18.

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

MONTGOMERY

August 2011,Volume 2, Issue 5 PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Bob Corley, Tom Ensey, Jennifer Kornegay, Lenore Vickrey CONTRIBUTORS Joe Borg, Ethel Boykin, Mazie Bryant, Tina Calligas, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Mirabai Holland, Kylle’ McKinney, Arlene Morris, Jake Roberts, Patsy Smith, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Mazie Bryant, Bob Corley, Heath Stone INTERN Mazie Bryant SALES Bob Corley, 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Stephanie Crompton 334-462-1240 stephaniecrompton7@gmail.com Prime Montgomery 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035 Prime Montgomery is a publication of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2011 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals. Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters. We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.

EDITOR’S NOTE When our children were young and bad weather threatened, my husband would hastily clear out the closet under the stairs. That’s where we’d hold up, four family members and an 85-pound black Labrador, for minutes or hours, depending on the length and veracity of the weather threat. If the alarms sounded in the dead of night, Bob and I would shake the kids to rouse them before they stumbled downstairs, pillows-in-hand, settling uncomfortably into the tight closet quarters. (“Never clean out more closet space than necessary” is the unspoken rule at my house, and it applies to no area more than under-the-stairs.) On far more occasions than I care to recall our family waited out the weather there, amidst old super 8 movie projectors, vacuum cleaner attachments, Christmas decorations, and outdated stereo speakers that were larger -- and older -- than our children. We’d shut the closet door and listen -- radio or TV blaring through the closed door barrier -- until the weather announcers beckoned us out with an “all clear” notice. We’d tell jokes, poke fun at one another, laugh at how horrible a wet dog smells, and collectively complain about life in a small, enclosed space. It was miserable, but also comforting. Just being together made us feel safe from the gusty weather outside. Not as secure as a proper shelter, our improvised “safe place” was as protective an area as we could create. Like many of you, I shudder to think what would happen in storms as big and angry as the ones that ravaged Ala. last spring. But what makeshift shelter could protect anyone from monster tornadoes that even lift sidewalks from the ground? None of us will forget the faces of the TV weather folks who provided the live tornado coverage last April, and the dread and anticipation that was so palpable.This month writer Lenore Reese Vickrey profiles one of those broadcasters, 30-year veteran meteorologist Rich Thomas in In the Eye of the Storm (page 18). As the 2011 hurricane season looms before us, Rich ruminates on weather past, present and future, and shares insights into the ways weather forecasting has improved since he first appeared on the radar of Montgomerians in the early 1980s. It’s August, and dragon boats are back! In this month’s Dragons on the River (page 12) Jennifer Kornegay reports that the boats’ return engagement is creating even more excitement than last year’s event. These popular races take their name from an old Chinese tradition and provide a fun sport for observers as well as the cleverly named crews that will compete to raise money for two deserving area non-profits. With more than twice as many competitors as last year, the event has the definite appearance of an adopted Montgomery tradition-in-the-making. Remember the candies and treats we used to eat as children, but that can no longer be found in stores? Writer Tom Ensey certainly does. This month he looks back at some of those anything-but-healthy treats, in his own nostalgic, tongue-in-cheek style. Don’t miss Tom’s Things We Ate as Kids...(page 9), a very entertaining look at snacks we enjoyed all those years ago. It’s a fabulous issue. Enjoy! If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery! www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

mentia is that normal memory loss doesn’t get much worse over time. Dementia gets much worse over several months to several years. Some memory problems may be due to medications or depression. Talk to your family doctor about any concerns you may have. nMemory problems that aren’t part of normal aging nForgetting things much more often than you used to nForgetting how to do things you’ve done many times before nTrouble learning new things nRepeating phrases or stories in the same conversation nTrouble making choices or handling money nNot being able to keep track of what happens each day

NEWS YOU CAN USE How Can I Tell if my Memory Problems are Serious? A memory problem is serious when it affects activities of daily living. If you sometimes forget names, you’re probably okay. But you may have a more serious problem if you have trouble remembering how to do things you’ve done many times before, getting to a place you’ve been to often, or doing things that use steps, like following a recipe. Another difference between normal memory problems and de-

Coffee Cuts Prostate Cancer Risk Harvard researchers have discov-

ered that men who drank six or more cups of coffee a day were almost 20 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who drank no coffee. And they were 60 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer that was fatal or metastatic. Metastatic cancer is cancer that spreads to other areas of the body. Men who drank less coffee – one to three cups a day – were almost 30 percent less likely to develop fatal or metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers are looking at the antioxidant properties of coffee to explain why coffee consumption reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer. It didn’t matter whether the men drank caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. (The Journal of the National Cancer Institute) Vaccine First to Show Improved Survival Rates for

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Patients With Metastatic Melanoma For patients with advanced melanoma, which is the most lethal type of skin cancer, the results of a large clinical trial show that a vaccine combined with the immuneboosting drug Interleukin-2 can improve response rate and progression-free survival. The findings of the study were published in the June 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. This marks the first vaccine study in the disease and one of the first in all cancers to show clini-

cal benefit in a randomized Phase III clinical trial. Therapeutic cancer vaccines, unlike typical vaccines that prevent infections, are meant to jump-start the immune system to help it battle existing tumors. Migraine Relief Bariatric surgery can lead to total or partial alleviation of migraines in nearly 90% of morbidly obese patients diagnosed with migraine headaches, according to a new study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Over an average followup of three years after gastric bypass surgery, more than 70% of patients never had another migraine. More than 18% had partial resolution, with migraine attacks dropping from five to two per month. These patients also experienced less painful migraines and

took fewer medications. Nearly 11% of patients had no change in migraine status. The researchers noted that while gastric bypass generally improved or resolved migraine headaches among all study participants, those who developed their first migraines after becoming obese experienced the most improvement. Artificial Disc a Viable Alternative to Fusion for 2-Level Disc Disease When two adjacent discs in the low back wear out, become compressed and cause unmanageable pain, numbness or other symptoms, replacement with artificial discs can be a viable alternative to standard fusion surgery, based on two-year post-surgery data from a randomized, multicenter trial recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The study

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was designed to meet FDA criteria comparing overall results from a disc replacement patient group with those of a fusion group. Overall, 24 months after surgery, patients in both groups had less pain and were able to reduce their use of medication, but the percentages were higher in the disc replacement group. Seventy-three percent

of disc replacement patients met the study’s pain improvement criteria, compared with less than 60% of the fusion patients. Of these, only 19% in the disc replacement group continued to need narcotics for pain, compared with 40% in the fusion group. Also, more disc replacement patients said they were satisfied with their outcomes and

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would choose to have the surgery again. The article reported that disc replacement operations were quicker and resulted in less blood loss, hospital stays were shorter and patients experienced more rapid improvement. Olive Oil in Your Diet May Prevent a Stroke A new study suggests that consuming olive oil may help prevent a stroke in older people. The research is published in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. “Our research suggests that a new set of dietary recommendations should be issued to prevent stroke in people 65 and older,” said study author Cécilia Samieri, PhD. “Stroke is so common in older people and olive oil would be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent it.” After considering diet, physical activity, body mass index and other risk factors for stroke, the study found that those who regularly used olive oil for both cooking and as dressing had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never used olive oil in their diet. Olive oil has been associated with potentially protective effects against many cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

FEATURE

Things We Ate as Kids...! By Tom Ensey Photos courtesy Gelato Baby, Zombieite

e Baby Boomers came of age during a golden era of weirdness in the manufacture and distribution of confections, crackers and more-or-less edible doo-dads that were none too tasty and in some cases, just wrong. But we babysat and mowed lawns, saved our allowances, bought this junk and ate it. Why would we do that? We were kids. What are you gonna do? But do you ever wonder whatever happened to: Candy Cigarettes Cylinders of chalky sugar tipped on one end with red food coloring to simulate the glow of a burning cigarette. The packs they came in were remarkable recreations of those that contained mom and dad’s deadly, adult treats. Candy cigs are all too easy a target for gleeful ridicule, but on the other hand, damn! Here was the marriage of sugar and tobacco, two of the most unhealthy, legal addictive substances known to man, precursors of a multitude of diseases, marketed and sold exclusively to kids. Small wonder a 2010 web hoax announcing that candy cigs had been banned in the U.S. was bought hookline-and-sinker by a number of blogs and online publications. But that was just a pipe dream. While candy cigs and their bubblegum and chocolate counterparts have been outlawed in a handful of countries, here in America, they’re legal as milk and available 24-7-365 via the Internet. Fire up the computer and puff some nostalgia in bulk

(Part 1 of 3)

at: www. blaircandy.com. Necco® Wafers These multicolored, quarter-sized, rock-hard disks were available in packs you could buy over the counter at drug stores and smuggle onto the school bus to pop in your mouth and enjoy surreptitiously in the dark corners of math class when Teacher turned her back to write on the board. Was it worth the risk? Not if you got the blackcolored, licorice one. Ugh. The other flavors ranged from weird purple (clove) to hot pink (cinnamon) to almostnot-awful brown (chocolate). These candies are among the oldest in U.S. history, manufactured since 1847 by Chase and Company, which eventually became the New England Confectionary Company (hence, NECCO). Made possible by a stamping machine used originally to manufacture medicinal lozenges, the wafers were, according to some sources, included during the Civil War in rations of Union soldiers as a source of quick energy. Maybe it worked. They won. Since the wafers are all but indestructible, won’t melt or crush in shipping and last roughly for eternity, they also were included in the knapsacks of the victorious Allies in World War II. They accompanied Admiral Byrd to the South Pole and Donald MacMillan to the Arctic. NECCO, based in a massive warehouse in Massachusetts, also manufactures Clark Bars, Mary Janes and Sweethearts – those chalky heart-shaped deals stamped with lovey-dovey messages that you see every Valentine’s Day. People who have tried them divide sharply into two camps. n You find them delightful, or n You’d rather eat a poker chip, for which they can serve as a reasonable facsimile. You can order five pounds, enough to last for several generations, for $24.98 at www.candyfavorites.com. Ed.’s Note: Next month, Tom Ensey continues his irreverent three-part look back at Boomer childhood treats, in “Things We Ate As Kids”, Part 2.

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

A GRACIOUS PLENTY

A Gracious Plenty

Photos by Margaret Ann McGregor

illy and I just finished supper, the one you see here: broiled snapper, grilled asparagus, and new potatoes with Greek yogurt and dill. A great, quick, nutritious meal for the middle of the week, and one that we love. People ask me if I really cook this way for my family on a regular basis. I do. I am one of those who believes that you treat company like family, and family like comPatsy Smith pany. A family meal should be a celebration of sorts. A treasured time when we gather back in, share the events of the day, and talk about what’s important to us. Our dinner conversations lately have been focused on my commitments and the increasing constraints on my time. Last week we actually had a meal from a can and a meal from a box. Not fun for one who loves to cook and one who loves to eat. Billy’s not complaining, but neither is it fair. My husband and I are both happy that I found energy at 58 for projects and work I’ve wanted to accomplish. Other wonderful things are on the horizon. Praise you, God. But some things simply have to be pared away. Writing this column is one of the things that I will have to let go. Regretfully, this column you are reading will be my last. I will miss the time I share with you. But I encourage you: enjoy the snapper. It’s simple. It’s delicious. Way better than something from a can. And plan to take time to

enjoy dinner conversation with someone you love. Life doesn’t get any better! Blessings, Patsy Patsy Smith is a Montgomery native and author of two cookbooks, A Cookbook for My Southern Daughter and A Southern Daughter Entertains.They may be purchased at Capitol Book and News, Rosemont Gardens, Southern Homes and Gardens, Jo’s Hallmark, Richardson’s Pharmacy, and other fine book and gift stores, or through her website at southerndaughtercookbooks.com.

BROILED SNAPPER Yield: 2 servings

2 snapper fillets 1/2 stick of butter or margarine, mel ted Juice of 1 lemon Salt or Mrs. Dash Dash of paprika Spray broiler pan with Pam with Olive Oil. Wash snapper fillets and plac e on the broiler pan. Place butter in Pyrex measuring cup and microwave for 30 seconds, or until butter melts. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and add to melted butter. Pour half the lemon/butter mixture onto the fillets. Sprinkle fillets lightly with salt or Mrs. Dash, then sprinkle with paprika. Place the pan in the oven about 6 inches from the broiler element 10

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

(this is my second rack.). Broil for 2-3 minutes or until fillets starts to brown. Remove pan from oven and turn the fillets over. Pour remaining lemon/but ter over fillets and place back under broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until fish begins to flake. Remove pan from oven and gently turn fillets once mo re. Drain drippings from broiler pan into measuring cup and pour over fillets. Broil an additional minute until lightly browned. Serve with additional lemon slices.

IN EVERY LIFE

Vision for the Future

“... avoidance of smoking and ultraviolet-B light have been shown to be important, cost-effective prevention strategies.”

hanges in vision occur in most people with aging, although not all. Common changes include decrease in ability to adapt to light, darkness, or glare; to focus on near objects (presbyopia), to produce adequate Arlene Morris amounts of tears, or to view upward and peripheral visual fields. Some individuals develop cataracts, while other may develop age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinopathy, or other eye disorders. Additionally, some systemic disorders can influence vision (i.e., diabetes, hypertension). Although each of these eye or systemic diseases can be treated, it is very challenging to manage visual decline from overlapping processes. For example, if a person experiences some of the common age-related changes, develops both a cataract and glaucoma, and has a high risk for diabetic retinopathy, a cataract removal is unlikely to enable the person to regain full vision.

Cataracts are the fifth most common chronic condition in adults older than age 75 (Capezuti, Zwicker, Mezey, & Fulmer, 2008), and cataract removal is currently the most frequently performed surgical procedure among Medicare beneficiaries in the US at an annual cost of over $3 billion (Congdon, 2001)! Cataracts can be hereditary, from an injury or medications, or arise as a process of aging. Cataract formation occurs as the lens of one or both eyes become clouded, gradually but progressively occluding vision. Researchers have investigated possible prevention strategies, including controlling bodymass index (weight); dietary intake of antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamins A, C, E, riboflavin, niacin, and carotenoids; use of sorbinil, pyruvte, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, but results have been inconclusive. However, avoidance of smoking and ultraviolet-B light have been shown to be important, cost-effective prevention strategies. Other prevention practices that have shown promise are management of diabetes and judicial use of medications

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that have side effects that contribute to cataract formation (such as steroids) Studies continue to be conducted worldwide to identify factors that could lead to cataract prevention, including identifying the effect of other medications on cataract development and identifying genes associated with the various factors that contribute to lens opacity (Robman & Taylor, 2005). Routinely scheduled eye examinations allow early cataract identification and monitoring. Discussions with an ophthalmologist can guide planning for extraction. When removal is indicated, prevention of infection will likely include eye drops before and following the surgery. Planning can be beneficial for another person to help instill the eye drops if self-administration is not desired or possible. Additionally, following surgery, an eye patch will be in place. If vision is impaired in the non-surgical eye, another person may be desired to help ambulate safely during the recovery period. In caring for your vision, prevention strategies include avoiding smoking and bright sunlight, eating a healthy diet to maintain an appropriate weight, managing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and discussing possible side effects of medications with your healthcare provider. Prevention continues to be important prior to, during, and following extraction to avoid infection or falls. Arlene H. Morris, RN, Ed.D. is a Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor in the Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Email her at amorris@aum.edu. References: Capezuti, E., Zwicker, D., Mezey, M., & Fulmer,T. (2008). Evidence-based geriatric nursing protocols for best practice (3rd ed.). New York: Springer. Congdon, N. G. (2001). Prevention strategies for agerelated cataract: Present limitations and future possibilities. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 85, 516-520. Robman, L., & Taylor, H. (2005). External factors in the development of cataract. Eye, 19, 1074-1082. doi: 10.138/sj.eye.6701964 www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

FEATURE

The Tun-

Dragons on the River S

Story by Jennifer Kornegay Photos by Heath Stone, Stone Images Photography; Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival.

leek, multi-colored dragons fly along the edge of downtown entertain the city for the second year on Aug. 27. Montgomery locked in battle. Each holds at least 20 people. For those who missed the inaugural event, here’s a dragon Townsfolk watch transboat primer. fixed from the banks of the Teams of 25 people (padriver as the beasts chase one dlers, a drummer to time another, fiery breaths pushthe rowing, and several ing the temperature above alternates) “buy” a dragon 90 degrees. An onlooker boat for the event. A portion screams: “Go Chics Ahoy! of the money goes to the Faster!” two benefitting charities. Okay. So, they’re not actuThe teams choose a catchy ally dragons. They’re dragon name (some print t-shirts boats. And it’s not a chase, and hats) and on Festival but a race. And the high day race each other along a temperatures? Well, that’s stretch of the Alabama River August in the capital city. It adjacent to Riverfront Park. may not be as dramatic as Heats lead up to a final race A Dragon Boat team practices at Riverfront Park prior to the 2010 race. some medieval epic, but it’s Cadence and precision paddling can be more important than brute strength. to determine the overall every bit as exciting and way winner. more fun (nobody dies). It’s Dragon boats are 44-footthe Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival, scheduled to thrill and long, canoe-like fiberglass and wooden structures with 10 bench12 August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

es. They’re adorned with brightly colored scales on the hulls and huge cross section of Montgomery involved.” ornate dragon heads and tails affixed to the bows and sterns. Last year teams from the fire and police departments raced This innovative fundraising event was the teams from area churches (the Episcopaddlers first of its kind in Alabama and proved to be and Holy Rowers were two) as well as local a major success last year with 27 teams (725 business teams and teams made up of friends. participants) and hundreds of spectators “We have high school kids, teams of folks in packing the riverfront area. This year promtheir mid-thirties, several with most members ises to be bigger and better, according to Fesover 50, and a lot of teams with a good mix tival Executive Director, Andrew Szymanski. of all ages,” Szymanski said. “This year, we are pushing the bar as high “The excitement of the competition, the as it can go, given the space at the riverfront teamwork and trying your best, is what I and on the river,” he said. “We’ll have 60 love,” said Joe Lanoux, a former tri-athlete teams, so that’s over 1,500 participants, not who remains active. “Racing is always a big including spectators. The biggest difference is thrill and it is even more so with a group and that we are increasing the number of teams for two really good causes. Almost anybody racing per race, so there is a little more accan do it.You just do the best you can, and tion each time.” there are 20 of you, so yours is just a small “It’s a blast,” said Szymanski, “but of course part.” the real reason behind it is to benefit two “The nice thing about dragon boating local non-profit organizations, Rebuilding Toas sport,” agrees Szymanski, “is that really gether and Bridge Builders. Last year, the two any body, any age can do it. It is not really split over $75,000 thanks to the Festival, and a strength thing. It is more a finesse and Szymanski at one of his favorite spots we feel like we’ll have much bigger financial rhythm-based activity.” in Montgomery. impact for both groups this year.” It’s a bit physically demanding, said Lucie Rebuilding Together provides no-cost Lee Lanoux, but nothing that would stop her home repairs and modifications to homfrom doing it. eowners in need, particularly seniors, those “It doesn’t last long, and it is more fun than with disabilities and families with young it is hard,” she said, her favorite part being children. It organizes volunteers to work, and fellowship with teammates. “Chics Ahoy is an raises funds to purchase materials, supplies, adorable group of girls, and we had a great insurance, etc. time.” Bridge Builders works with students from The Lanouxs had so much fun they couldn’t public, private, parochial and home schools stop talking about it months later. to develop future leaders who will lay aside “We had friends from Alexandria, Louisiindividual, social, economic and cultural differana, visiting in October,” said Lucie Lee, “and ences and work for the benefit of all. we went on and on about the Festival so Joe and Lucie Lee Lanoux paddled last year much, they went home and organized one in and are participating again. The couple is split Alexandria. They raised $100,000 for a local between competing teams, Joe again rowing museum.” for Blazing Paddles, with Lucie Lee pretty and When asked whose team would finish betperky in pink again on the all-female team, ter this year, the Lanoux’s competitive spirits Chics Ahoy. emerged. “It was just so much fun,” said Joe. “There “I’m not sure which of our teams did betis a lot of camaraderie. It’s a great way to get The Lanouxs will compete against each ter last year,” Joe said. to know others on your team.You’re down at other again this year. Below, Lucie Lee’s “Chics Ahoy did better,” said Lucie Lee, our beautiful riverfront. It’s just great fun.” “because we had the most fun!” Chics Ahoy teammates with the Mayor. “It’s great to get to see the city “I bet they won for the most from the water,” chimed in Lucie talking,” quipped Joe. “And this year, Lee. “It’s a whole new perspective.” I don’t know how Blazing Paddles The Festival is not just focused will do, but I do know we’ll beat on the races. The family-friendly Chics Ahoy. event is free for spectators, and “Not so fast!” Lucie Lee shot there will be food, a kids’ village back. with water inflatables and other So the lines are drawn, the gauntdiversions, and the Splash Pad. let (or paddle) tossed down in a “It is such a unique event, and spirit of friendly competition. that’s what’s so cool,” said SzymanAcross the River Region boat ski. “Even the boats themselves crews prepare to once again fly are so amazing looking. It is for their dragons across the water. everyone, and we’ve gotten such a www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

FINANCIAL

Social Security SCAMS T

hese days, everyone needs to be cautious of scams – Internet, mail, even phone scams – which can damage your credit score and pocketbook. Anytime someone asks for your personal information, be wary. Particularly cruel are swindles who target Social Security beneficiaries. Recently, Social Security became aware of a scam targeting beneficiaries in the Southern California area, with scammers Kylle’ McKinney telephoning beneficiaries to tell them they were due a “stimulus payment.” The scammer offered to deposit the payment to each beneficiary’s account once the personal and bank account information was provided. The scammer then contacted Social Security by phone to request the benefits be deposited into a new account – the scammer’s account, to steal the payments. A similar version of this criminal ploy has scammer call the beneficiary to “confirm” their personal and financial information. As a rule of thumb, Social Security will not call you for your personal information such as Social Security number or banking information. If someone contacts you and asks for this information, do not give it. Never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the contact,

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

or are confident of the person to whom you are speaking. If in doubt, do not release information without verifying the validity of the call by contacting the local Social Security office or Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778). Another way to protect yourself is to keep your Social Security card and other important documents locked away in a safe place. Do not give personal information to just anyone. If you’ve fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, be sure to file a report with the local police or the police department where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the report as proof of the crime. Information on how to prevent scams and protect yourself can be found at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You can also read Social Security’s publication, Identify Theft And Your Social Security Number, available online at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html and Your Social Security Number and Card, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html. Be alert when dealing with people who want your personal information, such as your bank account number, date of birth, and Social Security number. By using a little caution, you can protect yourself from scams. Learn more about Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914 Ext. 26265, or kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov

FEATURE

August is Cataract Awareness Month

ataracts is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Most foods with antioxidants. are related to aging and can occur in either or both If you’re 60 or older, have a comprehensive dilated eye eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are your eye care professional can check for signs of glaucoma, other types: age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and 1. Secondary cataract other vision disorders. can form after surgery for The symptoms of early other eye problems, such as cataract may be improved with glaucoma, or in people with new glasses, brighter lighting, other health problems such as anti-glare sunglasses, or magnidiabetes. fying lenses. If these measures 2. Traumatic cataract can don’t help, surgery is the only develop after an eye injury, effective treatment. sometimes years later. Surgery involves removing Congenital cataracts can the cloudy lens and replacing occur in infants or develop in it with an artificial lens. This is childhood. one of the most common op3. Radiation cataract can erations performed in the develop after exposure to U.S., and also one of the Normal vision some types of radiation. safest and most effective 4. The lens of the eye types of surgery. is mostly water and protein, with the protein precisely In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract arranged to keep the lens clear and let light pass through. surgery have better vision afterward. As we age, some protein can clump together and cloud a It is beyond the scope of this article to detail the surgical small area of the lens, formoptions, risks involved, and ing a cataract which can grow recovery period. Check the over time. Resources Section for more Cataracts can occur in your information, and discuss the 40s and 50s, though most are details throughly with your small and don’t affect vision. eye-care professional before It’s after age 60 that most undergoing surgery. cataracts begin to affect vision, 1. A number of studies are and the risk increases as you focusing on factors associated age. Other risk factors include: with the development of age1. Certain diseases such as related cataract. These include: diabetes. 2. The effect of sunlight ex2. Smoking and alcohol posure, which may be asuse. sociated with an increased Simulated vision with cataracts. 3. Prolonged exposure risk of cataract. to sunlight. 3. Vitamin supplements, Common cataract symptoms include: which have shown varying results in delaying the progres1. Cloudy or blurry vision. sion of cataract. 2. Faded colors. 4. Genetic studies, which show promise for better un3. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright or derstanding cataract development. have a halo. 4. Poor night vision. For eye health information visit the National Eye Insti5. Double vision or multiple images in one eye. tute website, part of the National Institutes of Health, at 6. Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or www.nei.nih.gov/health. contact lenses. Wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat to block Information provided by the National Eye Institute (NEI), ultraviolet sunlight can help reduce cataract risks. If you part of the National Institutes of Health, a federal government smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition plays agency for vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments a role in reducing the risk of age-related cataract, particuand plays a key role in reducing visual impairments and blindlarly consumption of green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other ness. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

AROUND MONTGOMERY

August’s Mystery Spot

ind this location and you could win a Gift Certificate to Mr. G’s! This is definitely not the Web our children and grandchildren surf everyday. This web is rooted firmly in the past, being firmlyl attached to a bit of Montgomery’s theatrical history, suspended, as it were, within a stones throw of the seat of city government. Find this August mystery, snap a photograph of yourself there, and send it to me.You’ll be entered in a drawing for a $20 Gift Certificate from Mr. G’s Ristorante. Deadline for receipt of your photographs is August 16. E-mail photos and information to jakebroberts1@gmail. com. That’s a one, not an ‘el’ in my e-mail address.

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

July’s Found M ontgome r

In the park across from the RSA Tower are a series of statues, one of which was July’s Mystery location.Thanks to Mila Thomas for finding it and providing this photograph. She won the drawing for the Mr. G’s Gift Certificate.

FINANCIAL

Seven tips to protect your investments

very day our citizens are bombarded with negative news about a continuing national recession and debt problems. Also, interest rates on savings are at a historic low. Here are seven basic Joseph P. Borg tips to help senior Alabamians make more informed investment decisions and protect themselves from securities fraud during turbulent economic times. 1. Check out the person touting the investment. Alabama law requires most securities and the people selling them to be registered. Do this BEFORE YOU INVEST. 2. Beware of high-pressure tactics. Say “no” to any person who presses you to make an immediate investment decision. Take time to do your own research and

Announcing

understand a financial product offer before you invest. 3. Don’t be a “courtesy victim.” Con artists will not hesitate to exploit the good manners of a potential victim. When a stranger asks for your money, you should proceed with the utmost caution. You are under no obligation to stay on the telephone with a stranger or allow them in your home. If you are lonely and in need of companionship, don’t make the mistake of seeking it from someone whose real interest may be to get their hands on your money. 4. Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears. Recent news concerning long term recession and national debt can make you afraid of running out of money. Swindlers commonly pitch their schemes as a way to eliminate your financial fears for the future. 5. Monitor your investments. Insist on regular written reports/statements and look for signs of excessive or unauthor-

the

ized trading of your accounts. 6. Report suspected investment fraud or financial abuse immediately. Despite any embarrassment or fear you may feel, immediately call the Alabama Securities Commission, Enforcement Division (contact information below). 7. Beware of “reload” scams. To recoup their losses, victims sometimes invest in another scheme (a “reload”) in which the con artist promises to make good the original loss and may offer new, higher returns. Often, the result is only more losses. Joseph Borg is Director of the Alabama Securities Commission.The ASC promotes financial literacy through presentations, free information and access to financial literacy and education material. Call for your FREE “Safe & Wise Investing Kit”, 1-800-222-1253, or visit the website www.asc.alabama.gov. View personal finance and investor educational materials and read about those caught and punished for cheating Alabamians.

ALABAMA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

2011-2012

SEASon

Dracula · A Christmas Memory · In the Book Of... · The 39 Steps Travels with My Aunt · The Merry Wives of Windsor · Henry VIII A Midsummer Night’s Dream · NANTA Cookin’ Show The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Tickets go on sale August 1. WWW.ASF.NET facebook.com/alabamashakes

334.271.5353 twitter.com/alabamashakes www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

FEATURE By Lenore Reese Vickrey Photos by Bob Corley

ich Thomas has been living and breathing the weather since the third grade when his teacher in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, assigned the class a project: Go home and make a weather instrument. He made a barometer. The project earned him a “C.” Undeterred, nine-year-old Thomas was bitten by the weather bug and the science of forecasting. He staged makebelieve forecasts for his parents, became the National Weather Service’s youngest cooperative observer for Ohio at 13, and did weather casts for fellow high school students. August 3rd marks his 30th year at WSFA, where he has been bringing central and south Alabama viewers their highs and lows and weather warnings since 1981. “It’s an awesome responsibility,” says Thomas, whose boyish looks belie his 55 years. “I understand that I’m an ambassador for the station, and it’s part of my job. People rely on you.” Thomas began his broadcast career in his 20s after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in broadcast communications, and later studying meteorology at Mississippi State. In 1977 he was working as a disc jockey at WHSY-AM in Hattiesburg, a sister station of WHHY in Montgomery, when WHHY’s Larry Stevens hired him away. Thomas worked as a deejay and in news and weather from 1977 to 1981. “I was the go-to guy because there was only me (on the air) when there was bad weather,” he said. His reporting skills caught the ear of Carl Stephens, then program manager of WSFA, who asked if he’d considered working on TV. “And that was the only thing I wanted to do!” Thomas auditioned, but he didn’t think it went well. But he’d no sooner returned home when the phone rang, and he was told he had the job of weekend meteorologist. “Back then, [forecasting] the weather was not sophisticated, “ he said. “All we had was the Teletype machine and color 18

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

radar. The skywatch/warning map was very simple. There was just an outline of the state, with dots for the cities. If there were severe weather, the dot would be blinking. If the dot was steady, it was under a watch. If it wasn’t on, you were OK. “We’d talk about the nation, then go to the chroma key (also known as blue or green screen technology which makes it appear as if the weather forecaster is

standing in front of a map, but he’s actually in front of a blue or green screen). “ Nowadays we don’t talk about the nation, we talk about what’s going on here. The style has changed, and so has the technology.” He uses software to prepare his forecast and create maps. “I build maps all day long,” Thomas says. “I know what story I want to tell, and I

In The

EYE of the

Storm

think about what graphics I need. Even with all the bells and whistles and technology, it’s important to focus my storytelling on the main elements.” In the early 80s WSFA had only three newscasts: noon, 6 and 10 p.m. It wasn’t until the mid- to late 80s that the first PC was used in weather forecasting at the station. But it changed everything. “We started getting images through the

computer,” says Thomas, “and by the early to mid-90s the weather map had become much more sophisticated.” When Dan Atkinson left in 1983 for WSB-TV in Atlanta, Thomas was promoted to chief meteorologist. He also did commercials and co-hosted both “Young World,” and the syndicated “PM Magazine.” His first big weather event was May 3,

1984, when a tornado struck about 7 a.m., killing five people on the Northern Bypass. More tornadoes struck that afternoon, with a funnel cloud even passing over the station. The power went out but the broadcast continued with an emergency generator, one camera and a light. “We went wall to wall (continuous coverage),” he said. “I was 28 years old, and it was a trial by fire!” The station general www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011 19

(Above) Rich Thomas, 30 years ago this month, in his videotape audition for WSFA-TV. At right Thomas describes the tornado outbreak this past Spring. (Bottom).The cleanup and aftermath of the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa in April. (Photo courtesy of Drew Hoover). manager was so impressed with his coverage that day he gave him $100. There were many other days of severe weather, and Thomas can rattle them off: Oct. 4, 1995 - Hurricane Opal; Sept. 16, 2004 – Hurricane Ivan; Aug. 28, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina (and tornadoes in Alabama); March 1, 2007 – Tornado in Enterprise; Feb. 7, 2008 – Tornado in Prattville. Nothing, however, would rival the outbreak of tornadoes in April of this year. The first was Apr. 15, when 53 twisters struck in one day. On Apr. 27 the worst tornado outbreak in the U.S. since 1974 occurred, when an estimated 346 persons were killed. “I remember saying on April 15, ‘Well, we’ll never see an outbreak like that again. But 12 days later there are no superlatives to describe what happened on April 27.” In Alabama alone there were 108 tornadoes, more than typically struck in an entire year. Thomas and his fellow meteorologists broadcast non-stop. They had been predicting potentially dangerous storms for five days before, but nothing could have prepared them for what was to come. “I’m doing the 5 p.m. newscast and my producer tells me we have a live shot from WBRC, live from Tuscaloosa,” he recalls. “Here is this massive tornado coming and people are losing their lives….” His eyes fill with tears as he recalls what was going through his head, but he managed to maintain his composure on-air and keep talking. “I’m looking at this, people are screaming in my earpiece, and I know people out there are relying on my information, but I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my God. There are a lot of people dying right now.’” “I can’t remember a weather event like that in 30 years,” he said. “You just go on automatic and you’re on adrenaline.You have to sound authoritative and not emotional. But later it hits you.” The heavy responsibility he feels towards his viewers hit home two days later. A man who heard him on the radio (Mix 103, which simulcasts WSFA during severe weather), told him, 20

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

“Because of you guys, I’m alive today.” Producing the weather not only for TV but also for radio is another example of how technology has improved access to weather information. Thomas is also responsible for weather reports on the digital channels, WSFA.com, Facebook and Twitter. “There’s no spare time,” he admits, sipping a V-8 juice between taping promos and a forecast that will be shown on the Jumbotron at the Biscuits game. “Most important is our weather app for your phone,” he said. “We are wherever you are. I can’t imagine where we’ll be in five years. I’ll be coming out of your toaster when you’re making toast!” Spare time is indeed a precious commodity, and when he’s away from the station Thomas likes to travel, tinker with technology, relax with friends, grill out and walk his dog, Skyy. Although the requests are overwhelming, he enjoys responding to children’s questions and speaking to school and civic groups. “I happen to work at a ‘storybook’ station,” he says. “I always wanted to work in TV like this. Now how great a story is that?”

HEALTH

Marci’s Medicare Answer August 2011 Dear Marci, My provider just asked me to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice. What does this form do? — Marjorie Dear Marjorie, An Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), also known as a "waiver of liability," is a notice that suppliers and other medical providers are required to give you when they offer you services or items that they know or have reason to believe Medicare will determine to be medically unnecessary for you, and therefore, will not cover. Providers are not required to give you an ABN for services or items explicitly excluded from Medicare coverage. In addition, ABNs apply only if you are in Original Medicare, not if you are in a Medicare private health plan (HMO, PPO or PFFS). If you do not get an ABN to sign before you get the service or item from your provider, it is not specifically excluded from coverage, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you do not have to pay for it.You may need to file an appeal to show that you should not have to pay.

If the provider does give you an ABN that you sign before you get the service or item, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you will have to pay your provider for it. There will be an option on the ABN to check whether or not you want your doctor to submit a claim to Medicare for the service.You should always select that you want your doctor to submit the claim to Medicare. If you do not, your doctor is not required to submit the claim.You should check this option, because Medicare may still pay for the services after all. If you sign an ABN but ask your doctor to bill Medicare, and Medicare then denies coverage, you can always appeal. Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare.To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114.To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org.To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www. medicareinteractive.org.

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Join us for Saturday breakfast • 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

FEATURE

Midnight in the Garden

of Good (Food) and Evil (Spirits) Story and Photos by Bob Corley

“...that ungodly

buccaneer with the

blue face --he who

died at Savannah,

singing and shouting

for drink-- had there, with his own hand, cut down his six

accomplices.”

Treasure Island. Wall of misplaced tombstones, Colonial Park Cemetery. (Photo courtesy Jaime E. Calder.) A century after the peak of piracy on the high seas, Scotsman others failed. Robert Louis Stevenson gives Savannah, Georgia a place in pirate In the mid-1960s, as many American cities bulldozed their way lore. There is scant evident Stevenson ever visited the city, but Satoward an ill-defined urban future, leaving a path of destroyed vannah’s 18th Century Pirate House has a documented history of historic structures behind, a dedicated cadre of no-nonsense volunscrupulous captains shanghaiing pub-goers and smuggling them unteers worked to preserve a handful of period homes then slated onto ships anchored in the nearby river. for demolition. Once the preservation mindset took hold, there Savannah is a timeless, elegant city, Georgia’s first, nestled in an was no turning back. outer bend of the Savannah River. It’s a few miles inland from the Today, spectacular homes line Savannah’s 18th and 19th Century sea, before the river spreads its watery fingers around a series of town squares, holding offices, residences, restaurants and musemarsh and sand islands -- Skidway, Wilmington, Tybee -- and empums. These diminutive tree- and hedge-laced squares, envisioned by ties into the Atlantic Ocean. City Father James Oglethorpe, define the city’s character. Within Steeped in history, Savannah reaches back to the 1700s. Sacked the historic district itself are 21 named squares. This doesn’t count by the British following the American Revolution, it was spared de- a handful of much larger parks. struction during and after the Civil War. But 20th century progress, Look for accommodations within this area, roughly bounded by not battles and cannon fire, almost proved the city’s architectural Water St. on the north, Park Ave. on the south, and E. Broad St. undoing. And it’s here that Savannah succeeded where so many and MLK Blvd. on the east and west respectively. There’s plenty to 22 August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

by Water St. on the north, Park Ave. on plain spooky occurrences, some speculathe south, and E. Broad St. and MLK Blvd. tive, others well-grounded in history. One on the east and west retour includes a visit to spectively. There’s plenty an underground autopsy to occupy your time lab used during the outside this space, but devastating Yellow Fever within it lie enough places Epidemic of 1876. More of interest to keep you than 1,000 Savannah busy for days. residents succumbed to Lodging is available for the plague, and according almost any price range. to our guide, left behind Typically, if you’re in the a fair number of restless historic district, which inspirits. (Sidebar: Our cludes the river, you’ll pay Very Own Ghost). more. But bargains can be Most visitors make a found. An Internet search stop at the Bonaventure followed by a phone call Cemetery, made famous is a good way to uncover in John Berendt’s book bargains. Midnight in the Garden Your visit to Savannah Former Confederate Pres. Jefferson of Good and Evil. Fashould start with a trolly mous though it may be, Davis stayed here in 1886. ride. Several companies operate throughin the final analysis it’s just a cemetery and out the historic district, typically 9 a.m. to is, depending on the time of day, dull and 5 p.m.You can lifeless, or shadowdisembark and ridden and eerie. board at any of Less well-known their stops, with cemeteries dot trollies typically the city and are passing every 20 worth a visit. minutes. Drivers Union soldiers are well-versed encamped in the in city hisColonial Park tory, offering Cemetery during an overview of the post-Civil War places you pass occupation. They that you’ll want pulled up tombto return to stones to make later for an extended visit. room for tents and fires, not bothering to For a good introduction to the area, note which tombstone went where. After board a trolly at the Visitor Center after their departure, tombstones were gathtouring their Savannah History Museum. ered up and placed in rows against one Following a circuitous route to River wall of the cemetery, never to be reunited Street, disembark for lunch, sightseeing with their rightful owners. and shopping, which Savannah has proyou can also do anyduced and attracted where along the route. its fair share of artists, After shopping and through the Savansightseeing for a couple nah College of Art and of hours, step back on Design and the visual aboard and return to the and emotional characVisitor Center. Another ter of the city. Galleries worthwhile ride, or abound and provide walk, depending on your great shopping opporcapabilities, is a haunted tunities for locally-protour. It’s something you’d duced art of all media. expect from a place Dining can be casual on the Top 10 list of or fine, wolfed down or haunted U.S. cities. lingered over in culinary Along the route the imitation of the languordriver cites strange, ous nature of the city unexplained, and just Old ballast stones on River Street. itself.

A Ghost of Our Own Our haunted trolly tour stops at the crumbling remains of Chandler Hospital, the oldest in Georgia. It sits unused, with rusted wrought iron handrails and corroded columns. We’re lead to a padlocked door beside the hospital and down a few steps into a stuffy, lightless tunnel angling toward the street and the park beyond. During the 1876 Yellow Fever epidemic 276 people died in one 48-hour period, many of them here. Fearing panic, a tunnel was reportedly dug beneath the street to Forsyth Park where bodies were buried. Our guide claims this hasty internment was not taken lightly by those whose remains still lay unmarked and unmourned. We enter the tunnel with flashlights, crouching in the tight quarters, moving single-file until it widens into an autopsy room. Beyond is a shorter tunnel, blocked at the end just before it passes under

the street. In the silent, damp interior the guide points out where a basin once held organs removed from corpses, and offers to douse all lights if anyone wishes to take a photo, in pitch blackness, to see if an ‘orb’ as she terms it, appears. A few of us stay behind as the others exit. We douse our lights. I point my camera toward the blocked tunnel and snap one digital frame. That single frame, taken in total darkness, shows a curved streak of light with a bulbous end. I exit quietly, ahead of our guide. Outside, we gaze quietly at the oddly streaked frame, void of explanation. Savannah, at least for this group, has lived up to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

(Above) Riverboats ply the Savannah River. (Left) The home of music-great Johnny Mercer is a museum. (Below) The platforms where cotton ‘factors’ graded wagon loads of cotton passing below.

Dining In the Pink The Olde Pink House, built in 1771, takes its name from the pink tint created by the indigenous bricks used in construction that leached through the white plaster finish. One customer favorite is the “BLT” Salad. Buttermilk Thyme Dressing BLT Salad 6 cups buttermilk 2 green tomatoes for frying. 4 cups mayo cornmeal sap, flour, and buttermilk for coating tomatoes before 4 cups sour cream frying 2 cups milk 2 apple wood smoked bacon strips, folded and cooked with 1/4 cup dried thyme brown sugar 2 tablespoons black pepper chopped red pepper (garnish) 1/4 cup red wine vinegar chopped green onion (garnish) 3 cloves chopped garlic Slice tomatoes and dip in flour/cornmeal mixture and but1 tablespoon honey termilk. Fry in hot oil till they’re golden brown. salt to taste Mix greens with dressing. Stack salad, layering greens with Mix all ingredients well. tomato and bacon. Garnish last tomato with a small amount of dressing and garnish with chopped pepper and green onion. 24

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

Art on Every Corner Practicing artists share more than their talent with the city in which they live. They give residents and visitors alike a glimpse into their artistic inspiration. In galleries scattered from River Street to City Market you’ll have a chance to take home a bit of the artists’ vision as they seek to capture what makes Savannah unique. Sharon Saseen’s work can be seen at Gallery 209 on E. River St., as well as in City Market. Saseen, a Savannah native with numerous awards to her credit, is also an author, book illustrator and teacher. Stephen Kasun paints from his studio on Bryan St. in City Market, but doesn’t use a brush. He creates his Savannah scenes in oil paints using knives, imparting a textural component to the canvas.

are in abundance, and provide great shopping opportunities for locally-produced art of all media. Dining can be casual or fine, wolfed down or lingered over in culinary imitation of the languorous nature of the city itself.You can grab quick snacks during the day at pizza parlors and pubs, then settle in for a two hour dining experience at one of the city’s well-known restaurants. Our fine-dining choice featured crispy scored founder and crab stuff black grouper, with an unusual, but oh-so-tasty BLT Salad (See Sidebar: Dining In the Pink, for the recipe.) Savannah also offers riverboat excursions, horse-drawn car-

Advertise in Prime Montgomery. It’s effective & affordable. For rates contact: Stephanie Crompton 334-462-1240 stephaniecrompton7@gmail.com

riages, and streets paved with the ballast stones of sailing ships from the 1800s. Parallel to River Street is an odd-looking series of foot bridges over a narrow alley, viewing platforms where cotton ‘factors’, men who judged the quality of cotton as it passed below in wagons, graded the precious commodity. The term ‘fair to middling’ was used to indicate a good grade of cotton, and it was here where the international price of cotton was set. Great food, beautiful historic structures elegantly preserved and in-use, riverside beauty, good shopping... what more could you ask of a city? Oh, yea. Two more days to enjoy it.

Heartland Village A Memory Care Community at Elmcroft Assisted Living

Bob Corley 334-202-0114 primemontgomery@gmail.com

Welcome Home

Kynard Korner’s Reinvintage Boutique

vintage apparel & accessories for every occasion Mardi Gras • costume parties • films plays • proms • balls • cotillions Eastbrook Flea Market & Antique Mall 425 Coliseum Blvd. • Montgomery, AL 36109 334-799-0709 • nkynard@yahoo.com

Call for your personal visit.

Home is Where the Heart Is

334396-1111

ELMCROFT OF HALCYON Assisted Living & Memory Care 1775 Halcyon Blvd., Montgomery www.ElmcroftAL.com www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

MONEYWISE

On-line Treasure Hunting

hether it’s Treasure Island, National Treasure, or the latest news about longlost valuables recovered by shipwreck divers or archeologists a la Indiana Alan Wallace Jones, the notion of discovering something of value is universally appealing to the human psyche. If you are a treasure seeker at heart, you are going to like what I have to tell you. Every year, thousands of people lose— or lose track of—valuable property. Sometimes the loss is caused by relocating, even within the same community. Without a correct forwarding address, bank balances, utility deposits, rebates, items in a safe deposit box, checks for commissions, wages or tax refunds may be unable to find you. Other times a death or memory loss can cause a person and their heirs to lose track of assets like insurance policies, stocks or bonds. After a reasonable period of time, these

Open House Sun, Aug 21 5 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church Pike Rd.

assets are turned over to the state of last known residence. To the extent possible, they continue to be registered as payable to the true owner. The only barrier that keeps the owner from collecting them is his failure to know that this property exists and is available to him. While someone may search diligently for something he knows is missing, who looks for things he doesn’t realize he owns? Fortunately, Alabama, like other states, has a searchable website with information on unclaimed property. From my experience, the Alabama site compares quite nicely to the others. All you have to do is enter a last name to get a list of what the State Treasurer is holding for lost owners.You can narrow the search by entering a first name and/or a city of residence. I recently spent a few hours checking the site to see if any listed property

832-1907

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

belonged to me, my family, or some of my friends. Although I had retrieved a couple hundred dollars from the state a few years ago, I did find some dividends payable to my late parents which I can claim. Moreover, I found property belonging to at least 15 friends whom I alerted by email to collect their property. For me to find so many people I know on the list clearly indicates that lots of people have unclaimed property. Everyone should check the unclaimed property database now and every few years thereafter. The address for the Alabama site is www.moneyquestalabama.com. In addition to checking for yourself, I recommend that you check for other members of your family, both living and deceased. You might discover that your grandpa bought some Coca Cola® stock 80 years ago which was never distributed after he died. If you have had children in college, they may have left utility deposits or bank balances behind at graduation. If you have lived in other states, you should also check their sites. A good starting point is www.unclaimed.org.You can check one state at a time from this location without having to track down multiple web addresses. You can also be a friend by passing this information on to others or by checking for them yourself to let them know they have treasure awaiting them. So, happy hunting, and may your day be better because you and your lost property are finally reunited! Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior FInancial Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, 334-270-5960, alan.wallace@ronblue.com.

MOVING FREE ® WITH MIRABAI

Aqua Toning: Beat the Heat and Firm Up

ith this summer’s heat wave in full sizzle, it’s time to jump in the water and cool off as best you can. Here are three aqua toning exercises you can do at the beach, the lake or the pool. Aqua Exercises: Stand in water shoulder high with your feet at least hip width apart and knees slightly bent, breathing normally. For Mirabai Holland all exercises keep water weights or air filled water bottles submerged. If you are just getting started you can use your hands as paddles for less resistance than aqua weights or plastic bottles. Use weights with water for less resistance. Use less water for more resistance. Rows: BACK AND ARMS Keep weights just below the surface and using the broad side for resistance, push one slosh weight straight out in front of you while pulling the other straight back behind you. Then switch directions keeping the weights in the water the whole time. SHOULDERS/ARMS/TRICEPS Extend arms in front of chest, palms down. Move arms straight down and extend in back of your hips. BICEPS: UPPER ARMS/FOREARMS Arms are at sides palms up. As you hold the weights. Slowly pull arms as you bend elbows and bring weights up to your shoulders. Then lower them back down. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is a leading authority in the Health & Fitness industry, and a public health activist specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for women. Her Moving Free™ approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. Send your Ask Mirabai questions to: askmirabai@movingfree. com. Visit her website at www.movingfree.com (c)2011.

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

YARD ‘N GARDEN

Creating a Water Garden “If near a busy street, the pleasant sounds of water can mask traffic noise.”

ith the lack of rain this summer neither are for sissies. water is a rare sight. However, The placement of rock in the pond will make all the difference you can always have water in as to how natural it looks when finished.There’s an art to placing view with the addition of a water garden to the rocks. your landscape. Water plants and fish complete the Water project. The area around the pond is gardens can the perfect spot for a sitting area to be very small view the fish and listen to the calming or as large as water sounds. A flagstone patio blends you want. I was well with the rock on the pond, and once involved consider adding a hammock for relaxEthel Boykin in filling-in a ing after a long day. Chairs and a table swimming pool for outdoor dining create a peaceful and turning that space into a water environment for any meal. garden.Your space will determine The pond gives the feeling of being what’s workable. in the tropics right in your yard. Add Your garden can include simple banana trees and/or palms and you goldfish or fancy as Koi. Frogs are a can imagine yourself anywhere but bonus, and come on their own. your own zip code.Once the pump is The selection of water garden plugged in, sit back and enjoy a garplants includes those that float and den you do not need to water. those that are upright, many of which bloom. Water Lilies are the first pond Ethel Dozier Boykin, a Montgomery plant most think of, and they come in native, owns Art in the Garden, a landscape an assortment of colors; pink, yellow, design and consulting company in the Capwhite and a very expensive blue one. ital City. Contact her at 334-395-5949, or Several favorites from your landscapby email at etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com ing will also grow in water, such as Iris Ethel Dozier Boykin, a Montgomery native, & Canna lilies. Water plants multiply owns Art in the Garden, a landscape design quickly. In a single season you’ll have excess to share with other and consulting company in the Capital City. Contact her at 334-395pond owners. 5949, or by email at etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com If you locate the water garden near your house you’ll benefit from the sound. The water fall or stream to the pond can be soft or loud, depending on the height of the fall. If near a busy street, the pleasant sounds of water can COME VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION! mask traffic noise. The pond does not need to be deep, but a three-foot pocket is advised to give fish a safe place to go in winter and to keep them away from prey, such as raccoons. Choosing a site is the first step. Next, determine the size. Pond size dictates pump size and the amount of liner, rocks and gravel needed for the project. There are a variety of kits for F I N E J E W E L RY the do-it-yourself type, but this is one project 7857 Vaughn Road I recommend you leave to the professionals • Custom Design Halcyon Village UNLESS you have a strong back and are sure • Jewelry Repair Montgomery, AL 36116 three of your best friends are willing to donate a few days hard work. Depending on soil type • Gifts the digging can be a overwhelming. Plus, pond 334-239-7700 liners are very heavy and require strength to heidi@heidisfinejewelry.com place correctly. Gravel and rocks are next, and 28 August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

Heidi’s

We’ve moved!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Backyard Bird Dogs: An Introduction

he paced back and forth, tail moving rhythmically side-to-side as she circled the isolated strip of overgrown fencerow in the otherwise ankle-high cut grain field. Head high in the air then low to the ground, her nostrils flared to pick up the scent carried by the slight breeze. Her tail movements quickened as she narrowed her search to a patch of Johnson grass at Coco & Bella the base of a wooden fencepost. On command she rushed in, flushing half a dozen quail hiding in a stand of weeds no bigger than a paint bucket. He raised his shotgun, picked one bird from the covey and swung, pulling the trigger as the bead cleared the bird’s beak and dropping it into the field. He repeated the feat with his second barrel on a bird flying straight away from him. The dog had marked the first bird and retrieved it but not the second. Upon receipt of the first he lined the Lab to where he had seen the second bird fall and sent her. A half-minute search and she returned, panting, fat quail in her mouth. He patted the dog on the head and tucked

the birds into his game bag, smiling. “Hunt ‘em up!” he said, and followed the dog to the second of several coveys that day. When I started training Bella (our Chocolate Labrador Retriever) in 2007 I’d hunted over friends’ and guides’ dogs but never trained my own pup to hunt. Now nearly four years, countless hours of training and hunting together, and a litter of puppies later, I can’t imagine not owning and hunting a dog I trained. As I began training Coco, one of Bella’s pups, I found myself reviewing the dog-eared pages of the same books I read when training her mother. Coco is a German Chocolate, a German Shorthaired Pointer/Chocolate Lab Retriever cross. As I write this, my training methods for her are mostly retriever-based but I will adapt to her hunting style as her training progresses. While I’m not a professional trainer, I am the king of guy who is willing to put in the personal time and effort necessary to produce a good dog. Bella is not a perfect Food, Fun, hunting dog by any means, but I’m proud of she turned out and how Coco’s hunting Friendly how career is shaping up. In subsequent issues I’ll People! share some of the things I’ve learned through mistakes, along with tips picked up from professional trainers kind enough to help me. Training tips coming up in September: 1) consistency is the key, 2) make training a journey not a trip, and 3) build confidence through challenges.

• FREE Contract Bridge Lesson •

Montgomery Bridge Club

Two Sessions Tuesday, Sept. 13 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Montgomery Bridge Club 1711 Mulberry Street To register, call or e-mail: 334-244-5052 or clubinfo@montgomerybridgeclub.com

Niko Corley spend his free time hunting, fishing and enjoying other outdoor activities. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitters@ gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @cootfootoutfitters. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

OUT & ABOUT

At the Montgomery Curb Market: (below L-R) Clyde and Betty Hall with B.A.S.S. founder Ray Scott; (Right) John Grier with grandson Alex.

(Above Left) Alex Scarborough and grandson Nicholas. (Above Right) Jim Berdeaux shows off his sauces.

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

OUT & ABOUT

(Below) Singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman at the Hank Williams Museum to conduct a songwriting workshop. (Right) Cam Martindale, Bob Froese, Larry Pucket at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. (Bottom Right) Mrs. Wilma McNeill at her 90th birthday party with Marilyn McNeill Johnson and Ben McNeill. (Photo courtesy Photography by the Robertsons.)

De•fin'•ing Re•tire'•ment 1. Care•free (adj.) - untroubled, relaxed 2. In•de•pen•dent (adj.) - self-determining 3. Com•for•ta•ble (adj.) - a state of physical ease

Eastdale Estates

5801 Eastdale Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Contact: Frank or Lynn; Wade or Rose 334-260-8911 • • • • •

Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apts. w/kitchenettes Prepared meals, restaurant-style dining Guest dining and lodging Pets welcome Library/TV media room

• • • •

Exercise equipment Paid utilities and cable Daily shuttle bus Enjoy a complimentary lunch prepared by our award-winning chef, then take a guided tour of our community

FREE SEMINAR -- “Benefits for Veterans & Surviving Spouses” Saturday August 6, 10 a.m. CALL TODAY TO REGISTER! For more information visit www.holidaytouch.com and click on Our Communities. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

AUGUST CALENDAR

Theatre Aug. 4-6. Union Springs. The Exact Center of the Universe. Red Door Theatre. 334-738-8687. conecuhpeople@ knology.net. $. Aug. 4-7, 11-13. Wetumpka. All Shook Up. Wetumpka Depot Players. 334-868-1440. www.wetumpkadepot.com. $. Aug. 11-13, 19-20, & 25-27. Mtgy. Smokey Joe’s Café. Faulkner University. 334-386-7190. boxoffice@faulkner. edu. $. Music Aug. 7, 3 p.m. Alabama Roots Music Society with Jerry Salley and Larry Cordle. Capri Theatre. 334-262-4858. www.capritheatre.org. $. Aug. 12, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mtgy. Chestnut Street Opry. 2201 Chestnut Street. Play, listen sing, dance. 334-313-0843. 334531-0054. www.chestnutstreetopry.com. Aug. 13 & 27, 9 a.m.-noon.Mtgy. Jam Sessions. Old Alabama Town. Bring your instrument. 334-240-4500. www. oldalabamatown.com. History Aug. 6, 13, 20, & 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mtgy. Half Price Saturdays, Old Alabama Town. 888-242-1850. www.oldalabamatown.com. $. Aug. 18, noon-1 p.m. Mtgy. “Race Relations in Alabama, 1965-1968” by Jim Peppler. Dept. of Archives/History. 334353-4726. www.archives.alabama.gov. Arts & Crafts Aug. 4-Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mtgy. Works by Bruce Phillips. Rosa Parks Museum. 334-241-8701. www.montgomery.troy.edu/rosaparks/museum/. Fundraisers Aug. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Millbrook. 15th Annual MillbrookCoosada Kiwanis Golf Tournament. The Pines Golf Club. 334-285-9099. $. Aug. 19-21. Mtgy. Buckmasters 18th Annual Expo. Montgomery Convention Center, Renaissance. Admission is one can of food for Salvation Army. 334-376-2619. www. buckmasters.com. Aug. 26. United Cerebral Palsy Summer Casual Day. Buy a shirt benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Central Alabama by Aug. 5 and wear it to work. 334-271-2280. mmayfield@ ucpcentralalabama.org. $. Other Aug. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. Mtgy. Alabama Dance Theatre’s “Stars on the Riverfront.” Riverwalk Amphitheatre. Gates open at 6 for picnicking. 334-241-2590. www.alabamadancetheatre. com. Aug. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Capital City Club. Wine tasting 32

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

AUGUST CALENDAR

and financial seminar. NEXT Financial Group. RSVP by Aug. 15. Call 334-532-0873 or email karen.ledford@nextfinancial.com. Aug.21, 5 p.m. Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House, Grace Episcopal Church, Pike Rd. Refreshments, Tai Chi demonstration, intro to health benefits of Tai Chi. 334-832-1907. Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m. AUM Continuing Education Preview. 75 Techna Center Drive. Courses/certificates offered, meet instructors and staff. 334-2443804. www.aum.edu/coned. Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ABC of BATS. Montgomery Zoo. Advanced reservations required. 334-240-4900. www.montgomeryzoo.com. $. Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Montgomery Dragon Boat Race & Festival. Riverfront Park. 334-3152358. www.montgomerydragonboat.org. • IMPORTANT • August 12 -- Last day to register to VOTE! August 23 -- City-wide elections. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

GAMES Crossword Clues ACROSS 1 Have regrets 4 Give a speech 9 Labor leader Eugene __ 13 Poison ivy symptom 15 Meat shunner 16 Concept 17 Show courage 18 Chris of tennis 19 Haughtiness 20 One __; 1 percent 22 Hounds and hamsters 23 Medicinal tablet 24 Actress Charlotte 26 Too diluted 29 Elevator alternative 34 Oust a tenant 35 Pigsty dinner 36 __ bandage; wraparound type 37 Sausage shape 38 __ out; relax 39 Miss 40 Remain behind 41 Glow 42 Cut fancy sloping edges

43 Lurking 45 Embrace 46 Nothing 47 Melancholy 48 Mail 51 Tactfulness 56 __ so; very 57 Relative by marriage 58 __-biter; close contest 60 Existed 61 Open dislike 62 Catch sight of 63 Winter flakes 64 Hell 65 __ off; anger DOWN 1 Get __ of; eliminate 2 “The Beehive State” 3 Shade of beige 4 Excessively 5 Live it up 6 Grew older 7 Small pie 8 Hold spellbound 9 __ rash; baby’s skin irritation 10 Actress Falco 11 Ernie’s buddy on “Sesame Street” 12 Impudent talk 14 Nag 21 Soil 25 Feel sick 26 Water sources 27 Of birds 28 Slight coloring 29 “__ Low, Sweet Chariot” 30 Scrabble piece 31 Forgo voluntarily 32 TV’s “Green __” 33 Hollers 35 Part of the leg 38 Immature 39 Relevant 41 Enjoy the slopes 42 “The Wizard of Oz” author 44 Prince Charles’ brother 45 Circus funny men 47 Stare angrily 48 Sutures 49 __ if; although 50 Fiddling emperor 52 Peruvian Indian 53 Walk heavily 54 Group of actors 55 “Egad!” 59 Corrosive alkali ©2011 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

PRIME DIVERSIONS

Recent dvd releases Limitless • Arthur • Rango

Limitless (PG-13) Those who followed the TV series LA Law may remember nebbishy attorney Stuart Markowitz’ romantic overachievements thanks to a sexual technique called the Venus Butterfly that an even nerdier client disclosed to him as the secret to his rampant polygamy. Pop culture buzzed with speculation about what this key to dazzling women in bed might be. This suspenseful drama serves up a likely successor to that realm of fantasy - a pill that unleashes the full power of our brains, compared to the 5 - 15% scientists claim we function with in our current state of evolution (or semi-intelligent design, depending on one’s preferences). Bradley Cooper is a depressed, blocked writer whose lot changes dramatically when his former brother-in-law gives him one of those pills. Suddenly, he’s happy, dazzlingly brilliant, finishing the novel he hadn’t been able to start within days. But pills wear off, and more are needed. Unfortunately, someone murders his source, and the danger part of the plot begins. Considering the fanciful premise, the plot is relatively thoughtful and coherent, with several arenas of suspense and food for thought about what “better living through chemistry” may come to mean in the near future. Cooper and DeNiro turn in compelling performances in this sci-fi variation on the sort of Wall Street clashes between old mentors and young wizards of the wandless variety. (6/7/11)

Arthur (PG-13) I never fully appreciated Dudley Moore’s original until I saw what they did to it in this terrible updated remake. Perhaps the days of finding charm in the antics and misadventures of the boozing scion of a wealthy family have passed. These days we’ve seen too many victims of drunk driving or abusive conduct to see the humor in portrayals of lovable lushes. Would Foster Brooks, who regaled us in the days of Dean Martin’s TV roasts, find work for that character today? Besides picking the wrong time for this tale, Russell Brand camps it up like Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow, fending off whatever empathy we might have developed for him; Helen Mirren can’t replace Sir John Gielgud’s droll butler, Hobson (another weird bit of slumming for one who should know better); and having Brand 34

August 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

fall for the blandest blond they could find makes Liza Minnelli seem like Myrna Loy by comparison. The script offers a few laughs, Mark Glass including some mild attempts to give a nod to Arthur’s prolonged adolescence in the climate of our current financial mess, but there are fatal shortcomings in both chemistry and context, making this one of the year’s most annoying films - especially for those who relished being caught between the Moon and New York City a couple of decades ago…when it was still fun. (6/14/11)

Rango *** (PG) Apart from the deceptive gap between the look of this animated feature and the actuality of its script, this one’s a pretty good bet for the right audience, in the right frame of mind. The characters are so adorable one may expect a light-hearted animal adventure for all ages. But the story and action unfold in a more dramatic tone than the artwork indicates, making it less likely to please those under ten than one expects. With that caveat in mind, enjoy the tale of a daydreaming city-raised chameleon who accidentally lands in a desert town in which foul play is afoot, as he unwittingly, then reluctantly, sets himself up for the role of hero - the good, the bad and the ugly of such gigs. In structure, the plot seems much like Jack Black’s recent outing in a contemporary spin on Gulliver’s Travels. This variation on the theme is less funny, but much cuter. (6/21/11)

Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

Seton Haven

Affordable Housing for the Elderly and Mobility Impaired

• Spacious 1 Bedroom Apartments • 24-hour Security • Planned Activities • Beauty Salon

3721 Wares Ferry Rd. | Montgomery, AL 36109 For information call: 334-272-4000

63nd Annual

Labor Day BBQ & Greek Pastry Sale __________________________________ Monday, September 5th 9 a.m. until Sold Out _______________________

$9 Chicken or Pork Plate $12 Lamb Plate Plates include Camp Stew, Slaw, Bread _________________

Drive-Thru, Eat In, Take Out ____________

Greek Orthodox Church

Corner of Mt. Meigs & Capitol Parkway ________ Call 334-263-1366 for tickets/info www.primemontgomery.com | August 2011

Did you know? Untreated hearing loss can cost you $30,000 in annual income. Those with severe hearing loss have unemployment rates double that of their peers who use hearing aids. For mild hearing loss, hearing aids can reverse income loss by 90 to 100%.

Only 13% of general practitioners screen for hearing loss.

When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem. LET US HELP! A medical evaluation of your hearing can best discover the cause of your hearing loss and allow us to select the proper treatment. Whether medicine, surgery or a hearing instrument is right for you, at all EARS we provide comprehensive, physician-directed hearing services. R.G. Love, M.D. Michael Passineau

2006 AAO-HNS BOG Practitioner of Excellence

Director of Hearing Instruments

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Find us on the web at www.allearscenters.com.

Call us today • (334) 281-8400 “The doctor to see is an ENT.”