Prime Montgomery by Bob Corley

Prime dining

December 2013/January 2014

FREE

Holiday Menu (Page 18)

55555555 • Spanakopita (Spinach Triangles) – Mr. Gus’ Ristorante • Lemon Curd and Raspberry Brie – Michael’s Table • Bacon-wrapped Quail, Fried Farmer's Egg with Conecuh Sausage & Sweet Potato Hash – LaJolla • Corn Bread Dressing – Martha’s Place •Pimento Cheese and Bacon Macaroni & Cheese – Central • White Chocolate Bread Pudding – Chop House at The Vintage Year • Latin Bananas – D’Road Cafe’

• Gulf Shrimp Dip • 5 Exercise Myths • Medicare Deadline • Save $ @ Home • • Botanical Garden •Two NewYear Celebrations • Beat HolidayWeight Gain •

Holiday Special! 20% Discount on Gift Cards Purchased in December $10 off $50 Gift Card $20 off $100 Gift Card Monday-Thursday 4:30-9:30 pm Friday and Saturday 4:30-10:00 pm 10044 Chantilly Parkway â&#x20AC;˘ 334-281-3911 www.charlesanthonysatthepub.com December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Prime/December 2013 & January 2014 contents Editor’s Notes

Quick Reads

Yard ‘n Garden

A Gracious Plenty

Montgomery Gets a Garden Shrimp-it-up for the holidays

FEATURE - Exercise Myths

Social Security

In Every Life

Money Wi$e

Tinseltown Talks

FEATURE - Share the Kitchen

Puzzles

FEATURE - Two New Years

Prime Vintage

Is walking as good as running? Disabled but still want to work?

Another side of gift-giving Don’t waste your energy

Kaplan, Chaplin and Winters Don’t Worry! Be Happy! are great words to live by (page 6). Looking for a different gift? These may surprise you (page 14). Are we Baby Boomers as fit as we think we are (page 10)? Energy losses in your home mean you’re throwing money away (page 15). An old man, a boy, and an aged emerald-headed drake (page 24).

on the cover

Prime dining

December 2013/January 2014

FREE

Holiday Menu (Page 18)

• Gulf Shrimp Dip • 5 Exercise Myths • Medicare Deadline • Save $ @ Home • • Botanical Garden •Two NewYear Celebrations • Beat HolidayWeight Gain •

Several area chefs replied to our request for a favorite recipe they could share with Prime readers. From a Greekderived appetizer to a Latin-inspired dessert, we hope these recipes will inspire you to try them, or to create some of your own, and share with family and friends during the holidays. (page 18)

7 Area Chefs Offer Recipes

How to celebrate twice

What does brick dust taste like?

Moving Free

Prime Diversions

Medicare

Off the Beaten Path

Avoiding “Holiday Pounds” DVD releases: Dec. & Jan. Home Health Services The Old Drake

www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

River Region Senior Living Just Got Better!

Comfort and Luxury in a Gated Community

CaraVita Village Independent Senior Living

• Restaurant-style dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) • 1 & 2 Bedroom & Studio Apartments (Regular & Deluxe) • Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Fitness & Activity Centers • Pool, Beauty/Barber Salon, Transportation to Area Events/Activities • Pets Welcome (some restrictions)

4000 Fieldcrest Drive • Montgomery , AL 36111 For information/schedule a tour call Tonya or Jodi • 334-284-0370 e-mail caravitavillagemail@alcco.com www.alcco.com/location/caravita-village 4

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Prime

Montgomery

December 2013/January 2014 Vol. 4, Issue 9 PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Brenda Robertson Dennis, Andrea Gross CONTRIBUTORS Tina Calligas, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Mirabai Holland, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace, Eileen Webb, David White PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Corley, Irv Green, Heath Stone SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland, • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@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 2013 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 Big News! Prime was recently honored with 11 national awards from the North American Mature Publishers Association during their annual awards gala in Buffalo, New York. The award entries were judged by the prestigious University of Missouri School of Journalism, long considered the profession’s “mother lode” as the school has historically turned out some of the best reporters in the business. Prime competed in a category with publications distributing up to 100,000 copies monthly, winning three First Place awards, five Second Place prizes and three awards for Third Place. It was quite an exciting night! Prime won both First and Second Place national awards for coverage of Senior Issues (very apropos for a magazine whose contents are geared for the 45+ market!). Judges said First Place winner Dr. Arlene Morris (In Every Life) “...addresses readers directly, with specific guidance and direct questions to ask themselves around big events such as relocating and smaller ones such as wellness visits.” Regular contributor Alan Wallace was honored with Second Place for his MoneyWi$e series. Judges were impressed with Alan’s knack for “...walking readers through questions and points of consideration about money matters.” (Alan has also previously been a First Place winner in this category. The judges awarded Off the Beaten Path writer Niko Corley’s touching musings about everyday life a Second Place prize, saying the essays are refreshing, “...sure to be enjoyed by readers. Reflections on becoming the father of a girl and how to incorporate the camouflage of outdoor activities with the indoor pink hair ribbons and the antics of pets pursuing not-quite-ripe pears offer heart-warming moments. Other accolades awarded to Prime included top prizes in design for our Quick Reads monthly featurette as well as Best Ad Series, plus Second Place honors for the Table of Contents, website General Excellence, and Personal Essay (Editor’s Notes). Prime received three Third Place awards for General Magazine Excellence, Callie Corley’s “...doable and entertaining” Crafter’s Corner column, and Front Cover Photo of our May issue, featuring the bust of Hank Williams in the Williams’ museum downtown What a heady honor to be recognized by an organization comprised of senior-focused publications in the U.S. and Canada, representing more than two million North American readers! We’re grateful for that success, but even more so for the dedication of our readers and the trust of our advertisers during the (almost) four years we’ve been publishing Prime. In the spirit of the season, we wish you all happy holidays, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Sandra Polizos, Editor

If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery! www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

quick reads

“Depressed and anxious people are more likely to have heart attacks and to die from them than those whose dispositions are sunnier.”

Don’t Worry, Be Healthy! People with cheerful temperaments are significantly less likely to suffer a coronary event such as a heart attack or sudden cardiac death, new Johns Hopkins research published in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests. Previous research has shown that depressed and anxious people are more likely to have heart attacks and to die from them than those whose dispositions are sunnier. But the Johns Hopkins study shows that a general sense of well-being - feeling cheerful, relaxed, energetic and satisfied with life - actually reduces the chances of a heart attack. While some have suggested it’s possible that people lucky enough to have such a trait are more likely to take better care of themselves and have more energy to do so, the research shows that people with higher levels of well-being still had many risk factors for coronary disease but had fewer serious heart events. The researchers found that participants’ positive well-being was associated with a one-third reduction in coronary events; among those deemed at the highest risk for a coronary event, there was nearly a 50% reduction. The findings took into account other heart disease risk factors such as age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Anemia Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia Anemia, or low levels of red blood cells, may increase the risk of dementia, according to a study performed by University of California – San Francisco researchers and published in the online issue of Neurology®. For the study, 2,552 older adults between the ages of 70-79 were tested for anemia and also underwent memory and thinking tests over 11 years. The research found that people who had anemia at the start of the study had a nearly 41% higher risk of developing dementia than those who were not anemic. The link remained after considering other factors, such as age, race, sex and education. There are several explanations for why anemia may be linked to dementia. For example, anemia may be a marker for poor health in general, or low oxygen levels resulting from anemia may play a role in the connection. Reductions in oxygen to the brain have been shown to reduce memory and thinking abilities and may contribute to damage to neurons.

Routine Tasks Pose Problems for Older Individuals with Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D-deficient older individuals are more likely to struggle with everyday tasks such as dressing or climbing stairs, according to a study in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Scientists estimate as many as 90% of older individuals are vitamin D deficient. The vitamin – typically absorbed from sunlight or on a supplementary basis through diet – plays a key role in bone and muscle health. Researchers examined two groups – 762 people between the ages of 65 and 88, and 597 people between the ages of 55 and 65 – over the course of six years. Using blood test results, the subjects were split into groups with the highest, moderate and lowest vitamin D levels. Among the older group of participants, people with the lowest vitamin D levels were 1.7 times more likely to have at least one functional limitation compared to those with the highest vitamin D levels. In the younger cohort, individuals with low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have at least one physical limitation. While the majority of the people in the older cohort’s top two vitamin D groups did not report any physical limitations, 70% of the people with the lowest vitamin D levels had at least one limitation. In addition, the study found vitamin D-deficient individuals were more likely to develop additional limitations over time.

New Study Says Exercise Can Reduce Stroke Risk A new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke is one of the first to study the relationship between exercise and stroke in a large biracial cohort of men and women in the United States. Using 27,000 stroke-free blacks and whites ages 45 and older, researchers examined the association of self-reported physical activity with incident of stroke. Participants were followed for an average of 5.7 years. The results showed that physical inactivity was reported by 33% of participants and was associated with a 20% increased risk of stroke. Those who reported they exercised at least four times a week were less likely to experience a stroke or mini-stroke.

www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

yard ‘n garden

A Dream Come True By Eileen Webb

t was meant to be. On the grounds of Oak Park is an historical marker that includes the following sentence. “In February of 1965, the City Commission voted to reopen its recreational parks with Oak Park as a botanical garden.” Many years have passed since that date without the botanical garden coming to fruition. It took a passionate group of local citizens, educators and gardeners coming together to promote the idea of making it happen by planning, organizing and approaching city leaders. It became official November 7. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on an overcast, windy day with rain clouds all around ,but not a drop fell. Mayor Todd Strange spoke of what the gardens will mean to the city, the community and visitors to Montgomery. The Montgomery Garden Club provided refreshments at the ceremony led by Lallie Rogers, the great, great granddaughter of the Josephs, former land owners of the Oak Park property. Heather Coleman and Ethel Dozier Boykin, key players in promoting the project, presented the master landscape, currently on display at the park. The landscape, created by Boykin and Fairlie Rinehart, will include these specialty gardens: n Alabama Native Plants n Children’s Garden n Biblical Garden n Japanese Garden

Mayor Todd Strange speaks at the ground-breaking for Montgomery’s Botanical Garden.

Fern, Hosta and Hydrangea Garden Ground Cover Garden n Butterfly Garden n Rose Garden n Rock Garden n Conifer, Holly and Evergreen Garden n Serenity Garden The park is the perfect venue for future adult enrichment programs in gardening, botany, nature-related art, floral design, bird watching, botanical crafts, photography and health and wellness, as well as children's outdoor classroom activities. It will be a key destination for the city with the following concepts of its role developed by the Montgomery Botanical Garden Board of Directors: n destination location for residents and visitors n natural science-based educational experience n role model for environmentally sound, sustainable horticultural practices n important and profitable venue for events and functions n plant collections-based living museum n museum of Alabama outdoor art n n

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

The gardens will be developed in stages as money and hands are available, and several committees are being formed, including fund raising, events planning, strategic planning, history, membership and plant procurement. Volunteers are needed for these and other committees, as well as to work in the gardens. If you would like to volunteer for any of these opportunities e-mail montgomerybotanicalgarden@gmail.com. Honor bricks will be sold in the near future for paving a garden near the front entrance. If you wish to purchase a brick in memory of a friend or loved one, send donations to: Montgomery Botanical Gardens P.O. Box 344 Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Oak Park may only be a memory for many Montgomery residents, but its future is bright as a major recreational and educational asset in the River Region. Come watch, and participate, in the transformation. Eileen Webb is a member of the Capital City Master Gardener Association. For information on becoming a master gardener , visit the website, www.capcitymga.org or e-mail capcitymga@gmail.com.

a gracious plenty

Simple, Tasty Takes on

Entertaining with Seafood

othing pairs better with cool, crisp weather than warm, home-cooked comfort food. Whether you're searching for a dish for tailgating, a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just a relaxing night at home, look no further than the decadence of perfectly-prepared shrimp. Due to its versatility, shrimp is a top protein choice among many chefs. Shrimp can be served at any time of the day, from shrimp and grits at breakfast to shrimp salads at lunch, or simple boiled shrimp as a delectably light hors d'oeuvre. It can also be an elegant addition to Italian dishes, Mexican recipes and delicatessen favorites. Wild-caught Gulf of Mexico shrimp, in particular, has an exceptionally rich flavor profile due to the warm, nutrientdense water in which it was caught. Nothing packs a mouthful of savory flavor like fresh, Gulf shrimp. An important part of a healthful diet, shrimp contains highquality protein and a variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B-6 and B-12. Additionally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s among the few natural sources of vitamin D. While low in saturated fat, shrimp offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids, shown to help reduce the risk of

Warm up with flavorful dip Spice up those chilly days ahead with a steaming platter of Hot Gulf Shrimp Dip. Served with warm pita bread or crispy tortilla chips, this easy, cheesy, delightful appetizer presents perfectly, making it wonderful for tailgating and holiday parties. For more great Gulf shrimp recipe ideas, visit www. eatgulfseafood.com.

heart disease. For many home chefs, the idea of preparing seafood can be an intimidating process. Because they cook very quickly, the biggest mistake many people make while preparing shrimp is overcooking. But, with a little know-how, preparing a delightful shrimp dish is quite simple. Here's a fool-proof plan for preparing shrimp to please the palate of everyone at the table: 1. Bring a large saucepan filled with lightly-salted water to a boil. 2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water. 3. Cook for one to three minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. 4. Drain and rinse shrimp in a colander under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Hot Gulf Shrimp Dip (Gulf Seafood Marketing Coal ition) 1 pound Gulf o f Mexico shrim p, cooked, peel chopped ed, deveined, 1/2 cup chopp ed yellow onio n 1/2 chopped gr een onion 1clove minced garlic 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon vege table oil 1 teaspoon Cre ole seasoning 1/2 teaspoon fr esh ground blac k pepper 1/4 teaspoon sa lt 1 cup shredded cheese (chedd ar, mozzarella, Toasted pitas o Monterey Jack r sliced fresh br ) ead Combine ingred ients in an 8- by ing 1/4 of chee 8-inch baking di se. Mix well. Sp sh, reservrinkle remaining mixture. cheese on top of Bake at 350â&#x2C6;&#x17E;F for 25 to 30 m inutes. Dip wit sliced fresh brea h toasted pitas d. or (Provided by Fa mily Features) www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

feature

5 Myths About

Exercise and Healthy Aging P hysical activity is a top contributor to longevity and health in later years. With the aging of Baby Boomers, more attention is being paid to understanding how exercise can help reduce the toll of chronic illness on the health of seniors and on the financial health of our long-term care system. New research has shed light on some common misperceptions about exercise. Here are five myths—and the real facts — to help us design our own optimal exercise plan. Myth #1: Exercise only benefits the body. Exercise benefits our hearts, muscles and bones, and reduces the risk of an array of health problems, from diabetes to kidney disease to arthritis. Many people are unaware another very important organ—the brain—is also damaged by inactivity. “Brain fitness games" and special computer programs are designed to build up the mind and memory. Exercising muscles is equally important when it comes to protecting brain health, as it strengthens connections in the brain and lessens the damaging effects of stress and depression. A study by the American Heart Association used brain imagery to demonstrate that exercise lessens the brain damage caused by stroke and diabetes. Another imaging study by the Radiological Society of North America shows exercise slows shrinkage of the brain as we age. "Our initial results,” said Dr. Cyrus Raji, “shows brain aging can be alleviated through an active lifestyle." He also noted activities that simultaneously engage both mind and body may be especially beneficial. Myth #2:Your age determines your optimum fitness routine. With very few exceptions, gerontologists say older adults benefit from adding more physical activity to their lives. But the appropriate type and intensity of exercise varies from individual to individual, more so than when we were younger. Some of us are fortunate to have a combination of genes, lifestyle history and luck that allow us to continue an exercise program that matches or exceeds the activities of our younger years. For others, a modified, low-intensity physical activity prescription is recommended. It’s important to discuss any exercise plan with your healthcare provider to be sure all activities are both safe and beneficial. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that no matter what the intensity level of a 10

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Resources: n National Institute on Aging (NIA) -www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication. n American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons -http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/

person's workout, it should include aerobic, strengthening and flexibility components, as well as exercises that improve balance. Bicycling, dancing, walking the dog, working out on adaptive equipment at the gym, chair exercises, even playing some active video games can provide a good workout, depending on our needs. Myth #3: Running is better exercise than walking. For weight loss, running has been found to be more effective than walking, but losing weight is not the only reason to be physically active. Last month in its journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, the American Heart Association reported that moderately paced walking is just as effective in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Data from 33,000 runners and 16,000 walkers was collected over the course of six years. The study compared the benefits by the distance people covered, not by the amount of time the workout took, and found that whether people walk or run, they gain similar health benefits over the same distance. "The more the runners ran and the more the walkers walked,” said principal author Dr. Paul T. Williams, “the better off they were in health benefits. If the amount of energy expended was the same between the two groups, then the health benefits were comparable." Myth #4: Exercise must be scheduled and structured. Sporadic, occasional activities like a hike every couple of weeks don't provide the same benefit as regular, frequent exercise. However, recent research suggests your daily exercise goals needn't be achieved during a single time period, nor do you need a strict routine. Oregon State University researchers recently reported that small amounts of activity—as small as one- and two-minute increments that add up to 30 minutes per day— can be as beneficial as longer bouts of activity in the gym. "Our results suggest that engaging in an active lifestyle approach, compared to a structured exercise approach, may be just as beneficial,” said lead author Paul Loprinzi. “Seek out opportunities to be active when the choice is available. For example, rather than sitting while talking on the phone, use this opportunity to get in some activity by pacing around." Myth #5: Baby Boomers are the most physically fit generation ever. Baby Boomers - the large number of Americans born between 1946 and 1964 - have a reputation as being very fitness-conscious. The stereotypical Boomer goes running every day, works out at the gym, and has a personal trainer. Contrary to this image, recent research suggests Boomers are actually in worse health than their parents. In the March 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, West Virginia University researchers reported that Boomers have a higher rate of poor health and disabilities than did their parents' generation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even predict a decline in life expectancy as obesity leads to an increased rate of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic disease. What is responsible for this startling trend? Only 18 percent of Boomers get the recommended daily amount of exercise, and we now know that even people who exercise regularly experience a decline in health when they spend most of the rest of the day sitting. Our bodies did not evolve to spend hour upon hour in a chair or on a couch—yet today's culture, more than ever, finds many of us at a desk for eight hours or more, sitting down all day, e-mailing our office mates rather than walking down the hall. Even our leisure hours are often spent engaged in sedentary activities with a variety of electronic entertainment devices. Despite their image of active senior living, Boomers shouldn't rest on their laurels—or their recliners. Follow a regular exercise program and be sure to engage in regular small amounts of activity throughout the day. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

Prime Columnists Win 11 National Awards Prime Montgomery brought home honors in 10 categories at the national convention of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) held in October. Prime dominated the Senior Issues Category for publications up to 100,000 circulation, with long-time columnists Arlene Morris and Alan Wallace receiving first and second place awards

respectively in this category. Both Morris and Wallace have been contributing to Prime Montgomery since May, 2010, and both have won earlier awards in NAMPA competitions. Other awards are detailed in this issue in Prime Editor Sandra Polizos’ Editor’s Notes.

Bob Corley presents In Every Life columnist Arlene Morris with her national NAMPA award for her monthly column. As a professor of nursing at Auburn Montgomery, Morris brings a hands-on approach to her writing, helping seniors and their loved ones understand the often difficult transitions we face as we age.

Prime columnist Alan Wallace (right), accepts his 2013 NAMPA award from Publisher Bob Corley. Wallace’s column, MoneyWi$e, offers advice for investing and retirement planning as well as practical tips on the wise use of money. He is a Senior Financial Advisor for the Montgomery office of Ronald Blue & Co.

Donna Anderson (left), Pres. of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA), presents Prime Montgomery Editor Sandra Polizos with one of the 11 awards given to the magazine at the organizations annual convention in October.

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December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Serving Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga Counties.

social security

Opening Doors for the Disabled

he United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on December 3 to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. This Kylle’ McKinney year marks the 21st observance and provides an opportunity to re-commit to helping persons with disabilities break down barriers. In the United States, Social Security often is the primary source of income for people with disabilities. More than 9 of 10 American workers are covered by Social Security disability insurance, and Social Security provides benefits to young workers and their families if the worker should become disabled.

Social Security has a very strict definition of disability – a person must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year, or to result in death. We do not provide benefits for partial or temporary disabilities, so Social Security beneficiaries are most in need of support services if contemplating a return to work. In fact, 40 percent of Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries express interest in working and Social Security has a number of programs to help in those return-to-work efforts. Our work incentive programs feature: n continued cash benefits for a period of time while a beneficiary works; n continued Medicare or Medicaid coverage; and n help with education, training, and

rehabilitation to start a new line of work. In addition to these incentives, many beneficiaries are interested in the Ticket to Work program, which can help people with disabilities receive vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services free of charge. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work to learn more, or read our publications for SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance recipients, Working While Disabled – How We Can Help and Your Ticket To Work. These and many other helpful publications are available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.

The gift that always fits! A Gift Cer tificate from

Mr. Gus’ Ristorante Montgomery’s Finest Italian & Greek Cuisine

Tuesday-Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm 4:30 - 9 pm

6268 Atlanta Highway Montgomery AL 334-356-4662

Saturday 6 am - 2 pm 4:30 - 9 pm

*Where Montgomery meets for Saturday breakfast. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

in every life

Holiday Gifts D

uring the holidays comments such as “I wish I knew what __________ would really like” are often heard. However, healthcare providers often hear the reverse of this comArlene Morris ment, such as “I wish [insert name of a family member or friend] had told me about [insert topic: previous health, desires about treatment or relocation, location of important papers, what to do in case of a disaster].” Confusion and stress arise in families when current information is not readily accessible for a sudden need due to a change in health or during a disaster. Conversations before a crisis can provide the gift of information for family members to better make decisions for a common identified goal. Family gatherings provide opportunity to reminisce about family members no

longer present. From these conversations, a family health history can document as much as is known about special characteristics, work, illnesses, age and cause of death for past generations. When passed on to younger family members, this history can share the family story and help identify trends across generations for genetic or environmental health risks. There are many resources available to help you begin this important conversation, and assist you in gathering information and supplies in a central location (see Resources). There are also numerous holiday gift ideas for any member of your family, young or old, to help them in a crisis. These include:

Resources A Personal Health Record (PHR) format can be printed for each person in the family: n http://www.myphr.com/PHR_Forms/adultform.pdf n http://www.medicare.gov/manage-your-health/personal-health-records/ personal-health-records.html Contents for a survival kit suggested by the American Red Cross: n http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit How to disaster-proof your important papers: n http://hffo.cuna.org/12433/article/1172/html How to update financial records: n http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/brochures/Legal_Guide_for_Seriously_Ill.pdf Conversations before a crisis: n http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/brochures/Conversations_booklet.pdf Considerations for healthcare choices: n http://www.oktodie.com/pdf/PSAS.Form.Final.pdf Funeral plans: n http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/brochures/Leaving_a_Legacy.pdf 14

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

a first aid kit, including storage for a 7-day supply of prescription or nonprescription medications n a weather radio or flashlight with hand charger n an extra battery pack or chargers for cell phones and computers n a roadside emergency kit or annual membership in a roadside assistance provider group At this special time of year, I wish you good health and good times with those who are important in your life. n

Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.

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moneywise

A Stitch in Part Time 4 W

ith the onset of cooler temperatures, household service needs associated with interior climate and energy usage are the focus of this month’s column. All of these items can be costly if ignored, and some can be downright deadly. The modern home relies heavily on appliances that use lots of energy, whether provided Alan Wallace by electricity or natural gas. Operating efficiency is a function of the machine’s care as well as its design. Furnaces and air conditioners need periodic attention to run at peak efficiency, so having a trusted professional check and service your equipment usually pays for itself. One routine item that requires your attention is the replacement of filters. Dirty filters diminish the efficiency of your system, using more power to achieve the same results. And never run your system without filters in place. Doing so will clog the tight evaporator coil spaces with dust, forcing you to replace this expensive component. If you have a gas furnace, fireplace, stove or oven, it is important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, along with the smoke detectors that every residence needs. Check the batteries and test the units a couple of times annually. Doing this on the weekends when daylight savings time starts and ends is a good way to remember the task. If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have your chimney inspected every three to four years to defend against the risk of a chimney fire. Another fire risk can develop if

your laundry dryer exhaust hose accumulates too much lint. Check your dryer vent occasionally and clean or replace it if it gets too dirty. Also, a kinked or otherwise obstructed dryer vent hose can cause your dryer element to burn out prematurely. Keeping your stove, oven and range hood clean will improve their efficiency as well as reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. And while you’re in the kitchen, grab your vacuum and clean the coils behind or beneath your fridge and freezer to save energy. Ceiling fans are a popular device to keep the house comfortable without using as much energy to run the AC or furnace. Fans operate more efficiently if you clean the blades and vacuum dust from around the motor. Also, reversing the rotation in cooler weather so that the fan draws air upward will circulate warm air which rises to the ceiling. During the winter a humidifier may help you get by with a lower thermostat setting, just as a dehumidifier may save you money in summer by making higher temps acceptable. If you have an older analog thermostat for your central heat and air system, installing a digital programmable model can pay for itself within a year or two. Checking your ductwork for leaks and adjusting your room vents to get the most from your system will save you money, too, as will closing the vents and doors to any rooms that are seldom occupied. My final idea applies to folks with a freezer separate from their fridge. It is not only discouraging, but quite expensive to lose the contents of a fully stocked freezer when the unit stops cooling and you do not notice it soon enough. What to do? An alarm that sounds when the freezer temperature drops below an appropriate threshold can provide time to arrange a service call before the contents are lost. While this may not solve the problem while you are on vacation, it would work on many other occasions. Next month we will shift our focus to matters related to health care cost savings. Until then, stay well, enjoy the holidays, and take care of a few maintenance items around that house that need your attention.Your wallet will thank you for it! Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior Financial Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www.ronblue.com/locational. He can be reached at 334-270-5960, or by e-mail at alan. wallace@ronblue.com. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

tinseltown talk

Saluting

Marvin Kaplan

alf a century ago, the country was embroiled in civil rights conflicts, a war in Asia, and mourning the loss of a president.When released in the midst of this social turmoil in 1963, Stanley Kubrick’s “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” must have seemed appropriately titled. In reality, the film was an epic comedy featuring one of the greatest casts of comedians ever assembled on film. “There was a pall on the whole country and not a lot to laugh about,” recalled Marvin Kaplan, who appeared in the movie’s memorable gas station sequence. “With stars like Mickey Rooney, Milton Berle, Jonathan Winters, Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Buddy Hackett, and Spencer Tracy, the film soon became a comedy classic.” In the gas station scene, Marvin is paired with Arnold Stang. Their characters, Irwin and Ray, attempt to subdue a highly agitated Jonathan Winters whose character is competing in

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

the mad race to locate buried money. When Winters erupts in anger, he reduces the building to rubble. “Unfortunately, the gas station was destroyed before all the close-up scenes were filmed,” Marvin recalled. “It had to be rebuilt overnight – a mistake that cost $100,000!” The film, which took two years to make and was shot in thirty California locations, had its world premiere at the new Cinerama Dome in Hollywood which was completed just days before the movie’s first showing. While filming his scenes, Marvin was pleased to share quarters with Winters who had one of the few air-conditioned trailers on the set – a blessing in the 107 degree California desert. He also recalls experiencing firsthand Winters’ brilliance at improvisation and mastery of madcap mimicry and mime. “We would play a game in the trailer called ‘Who are

Kaplan (L) on stage with Jonathan Winters. Kaplan (R), the voice of Choo-Choo in the animated series “Top Cat.,” points to a production photo.

you today, Jonathan?’ He would go on for 45 minutes making up characters while we waited to shoot the next scene. I’ve worked with two comedy geniuses in my life and one was Jonathan Winters.” The other was Charlie Chaplin. In 1948, a youthful Marvin Kaplan was stage manager for a play called “Rain” at the Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Chaplin was the director. “He was so graceful and walked like a ballet dancer. One time he did a handstand on a table – he was around 60 at the time! MCA_Ad_7.10_Prime_Layout 1 7/23/10sit12:52 PMaudience Page 1 and watch And during the shows, he couldn’t in the

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because he was too hyper. So he’d walk around the theater with a handkerchief in his mouth, but all the audience was watching him!” Kaplan also recalls performing one Christmas in a play, “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp,” with Chaplin in the audience. “I was in dark Egyptian makeup with my glasses removed. During the show I was supposed to hold up cards, but couldn’t see a thing, so they were all the wrong way. It was really messed up. Chaplin came backstage after the performance to see the cast and Sydney, his son who was in the show.We asked him how he liked it: ‘Sydney was good,’ he said. ‘The monkey was good, too. But that nearsighted Nubian slave really cracked me up.’ It was one the greatest compliments I ever got!” Since the 1950s, Marvin has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and was a regular cast member on the 80s sitcom, “Alice.” With his distinctive Brooklyn-flavored accent, he also worked as a voice actor, notably in the popular “Top Cat” cartoon from the early 1960s where he voiced Choo-Choo. “People tell me all the time they named their cat Choo-Choo after that character!” In recent years, Marvin, who turns 87 in January, has concentrated on writing and producing, including the plays “A Good House for a Killing” and “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife” (see www. marvinkaplan.com) and is especially interested in working with veteran actors. “I also executive produced and wrote the screenplay for ‘Watch out for Slick,’ which was in nine film festivals and won several awards,” said Marvin. “The average age of the cast was 70 and one was 98 at the time. It’s a myth that actors over a certain age can’t memorize lines.We did one-takes mostly, and they came prepared and on time – none of the nonsense or tantrums we see from some young stars today!” In addition to writing and producing, Marvin still acts. “The great thing about growing old is that I can do whatever projects I want. I have to keep busy.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University Montgomery and is the author of "Raised by the Stars," published by McFarland. His features and columns have appeared in more than 320 magazines and newspapers. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot. com. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

feature

‘Tis the Season...to Cook By Brenda Robertson Dennis Phots by Heath Stone, Stone Image Photography; Bob Corley

o much of what we love about the Holiday Season is tied directly to our memories and family traditions. Often central to those memories are the dishes and treats unique to our own family. In other words, one man’s pumpkin pie is not necessarily another’s man’s gingerbread cake. This season, seven local chefs generously shared some favorite holiday recipes and the special memories that surround them. Janett Malpartida, Chef & Owner of D’Road Cafe Latin Bananas The recipe is my own creation. This represents the freedom I have to innovate with the Latin food. One Banana (sliced) 2 spoons of Shredded Coconut 2 spoons of “Papelon” or sugar cane 4 spoons of Sour Cream 2 Spoons of Liquid Chocolate 1 spoon of cocoa (dry cocoa powder) bitter Cut the banana and place it in a plate vertically. Spread the shredded coconut along the banana. Drizzle the liquid sugar cane across the banana. Drop the sour cream along the banana in order to cover must of it but not all. Drizzle the liquid chocolate across the banana (you may use liquid Hershey’s chocolate. Sprinkle the cocoa along the dish to give a contrast between the sweet and the bitterness.

Todd Batey, Chef and Owner of La Jolla Bacon Wrapped Quail, Fried Farmer’s Egg with Conecuh Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash This is the time of year in Alabama for Wild Game. Being home grown, I’ve spent the last 40 plus years outside with family and friends on the water or in the woods. Some of my greatest holiday memories are coming home after a long hunt and having grandmother cook the catch of the day, served with vegetables from the garden and perhaps some homemade sausage. 6 boneless quail wrapped in bacon 4 sweet potatoes peeled and diced 1\2 pack Conecuh county sausage slices 6 fresh eggs 1 onion chopped 3 oz. maple syrup 1 old large skillet Cracked pepper Tabasco Sear quail on both sides until golden brown, slightly under cooked, and then remove from pan. Add onions, sweet potatoes, and sausage, sauté until potatoes become soft, then add cracked pepper and maple syrup. The syrup will bring all the flavors together and caramelized the hash. Add the quail back to the skillet and fold in with the vegetables. Crack the eggs over the top, cover and let the steam poach the eggs. Add Tabasco Cook time 15 minutes and only one skillet to clean

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Dimitri Polizos, Co-owner of Mr. Gus’ Ristorante Mr. Gus’ Spanakopita (Spinach Triangles) I can’t remember a time in my life that we didn’t have Spanakopita on our dining table. Even when we went to Greece they were always there. This recipe has been handed from my grandmother, to mother, to myself. We serve them proudly at Mr. Gus’ and enjoy them at every family gathering during the holidays. 1/3 cup Olive oil 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach – thawed, drained, and squeezed dry 2 bunches green onions – diced 1/2 cup fresh dill – chopped (or 3 Tbsp. dried dill) 1/2 lb. feta cheese – crumbled 2 eggs – slightly beaten 1/4 cup parsley – finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 lb. butter – melted 1 lb. phyllo pastry sheets Cooking spray Preheat oven to 350°. Spray two nine by thirteen inch jelly roll pans with cooking spray. Thaw spinach completely and squeeze until dry. Place in a deep bowl. Add olive oil, onions, dill, feta cheese, eggs, parsley, and salt and pepper. Mix well. Carefully remove the phyllo roll from the plastic sleeve. Using scissors cut the sheets into three equal strips. Cover the unused phyllo strips with a damp towel to prevent drying while you’re working. On one phyllo strip, brush with the melted butter. Place a small spoonful of the spinach mixture one inch from the end of the phyllo strip. Fold one corner over the spinach mixture forming a triangle. Continue folding the triangle until the entire strip is used (looks similar to a folded flag). If a small tab is left at the end, brush it with butter and fold over the triangle. Place triangle with buttered tab down on the sprayed jellyroll pan. Continue filling and folding the strips as described above. Place a dry towel over the filled triangles on the jellyroll pans. After placing all the triangles on the jellyroll pan, brush them with the melted butter. Bake at 350° for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Triangles should be golden and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy. Makes about sixty triangles. Triangles may be frozen before baking for up to six months. Place wax paper between layers and cover tightly with aluminum foil or place in freezer containers. Allow ten extra minutes when baking frozen triangles.

Martha Hawkins, Chef & Owner of Martha’s Place Martha’s Corn Bread Dressing I enjoy the holiday season because it’s the time that my entire family gets together. I fix the traditional meal; turkey, ham, roast beef, all the sides and the best desserts your taste buds could ever imagine. But the cornbread dressing is the one dish that makes my family really feel the warmth and the love. I would never cook a holiday meal without it. 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 8 cups crumbled cornbread 1 tsp. poultry season 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1-10 oz. can mushroom soup 1/4 cup margarine 4cups chicken or turkey broth

Cook onion in margarine, until tender. Pour broth in a sauce pan. Combine crumbled cornbread, poultry season, mushroom soup, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add onion mixture and broth. Mix well into a greased baking dish, bake at 375 for 30 to 45 minutes. Serves 12. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014 19

Leonardo Maurelli, III, Chef of Central Pimento Cheese and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese I never really understood the craze behind pimento cheese. Being in the south, it’s a must and everyone has a recipe they swear by. I developed this recipe mainly for my wife. Like a true southerner she LOOOVES pimento cheese! Something so simple, it’s her favorite comfort food. My son is a mac and cheese fanatic, so I wanted to create something that would satisfy both of their favorite foods. I am a fan of neither, so it took some serious thought for me to try and develop something that I could eat myself and that would get the thumbs up from both my four-year old son and my southern wife. It’s now a staple dish at our home! 1 bag of elbow macaroni 1 quart of heavy cream 1 cup of pimento cheese 4 pcs of cooked diced smoked bacon Boil and cook elbow macaroni according to directions in the bag. Remove and set aside. In a medium sized skillet, add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer, slowly incorporate pimento cheese and gently fold into cream until cheese sauce is ready add macaroni and diced bacon. Serve hot!

Ben Skelly, Chef & Owner of Chop House at The Vintage Year White Chocolate Bread Pudding This is just a great, cozy dessert that warms you up during the holidays. It’s a classic dessert served in New Orleans, where my wife and I started our marriage. In New Orleans people go out and eat during the holidays. This dish reminds of that time we enjoyed with family. 3 C Heavy whipping cream 1 C Vitamin D milk 1/2 C Sugar 10 oz. White chocolate, chips or small pieces 2 (each) Eggs 7 (each) Egg yolks 1 24” loaf of stale French bread (or Fresh French bread, sliced and dried in a 275° oven) Stir together whipping cream, milk and sugar in a large heavy sauce pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and carefully add white chocolate pieces. Allow chocolate to melt for several minutes. Stir until smooth. Whisk together whole eggs and egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour hot cream and chocolate mixture into the eggs in a steady stream, whisking constantly as you pour. Use a rubber spatula to scrape all contents from the warm pot. Set pudding aside. Preheat oven to 350°. Thinly slice stale French bread and place in a 9” x 12” metal baking pan. Pour half of the pudding over the bread and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Use 20 December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

your fingers or a rubber spatula to press the bread into the pudding so that the liquid is absorbed and the bread becomes very soggy. Pour the remaining pudding over the bread and stir. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until bread pudding is golden brown. While bread pudding is baking, make white chocolate ganache by bringing cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and carefully add white chocolate. Allow chocolate to melt for several minutes. Stir until smooth. Warm white chocolate bread pudding can be spooned directly out of the pan, or cut into slices. If serving in slices, chill bread pudding for 6-8 hours to allow to fully set. Loosen the sides from the pan with a knife and invert onto a cutting surface. Cut into squares. Halve squares to make triangular slices. Place bread pudding slices on a cookie sheet and heat in a 275° oven for 15 minutes, or until warm.

Michael Hochhalter, Chef & Owner of Michael’s Table Lemon Curd and Raspberry Brie I did this brie for a wedding in Minneapolis. As Fate would have it, it was an outdoor wedding and it began to pour. When the Bride was given lemons she made lemonade. She ditched the heels, put on bright red rubber boots with her Vera Wang Gown, grabbed her Groom and Preacher, pulled up her dress and went to the lakeside to get married. I’ll never forget her or her wedding. Everyone was soaking wet but we all had a ball, it was a success nonetheless! 1 small wheel of brie cut into 2 round pieces (the Colder the brie the easier it is to slice in half) 1 Jar Lemon Curd (I make my own, but it’s so easy to do this way) 1 Jar Raspberry Preserves Poppy seeds Lemon Twists Mint or Thyme Sprigs Fresh Raspberries Good Crusty Bread Place 1/2 wheel of brie skin side down. Top with Raspberry Preserves. Place other wheel of brie paste side down. Top with Lemon Curd. Sprinkle Poppy Seeds on top. Garnish with the Raspberries, Mint or Thyme and Lemon Twists. Let come to room temperature Tear bread into nice pieces and place in a basket. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

Season

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra

2013-14

Classical Season Concert I • Monday, October 14 • 7:30pm Concert II • Monday, November 25 • 7:30pm Concert III • Monday, December 16• 7:30pm Concert IV • Monday, February 17 • 7:30pm Concert V • Monday, April 28 • 7:30pm

Fellowship Series Violin, October 29 • 7:30pm Cello, December 3 • 7:30pm Violin, January 19 • 2:30pm Cello, February 25 • 7:30pm Violin, March 25 • 7:30pm Cello, May 6 • 7:30pm montgomerysymphony.org / 240-4004

The Montgomery Ballet Presents

The Nutcracker Choreography by Darren McIntyre

De cemb er 1 2 - 1 5 T he Dav i s T he atre For tickets: etix.com or 334-409-0522 www.montgomeryballet.org

MONTGOMERY

The River Region’s Professional Ballet Company

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

games Across 1 __ squad 5 Sharp fasteners 10 Line of movement 14 In a while 15 Go back to the beginning, in a way 16 Spread unit 17 One lingering in Edinburgh? 20 Hoglike mammals 21 "I could __ horse!" 22 Touch 23 Stravinsky's "The __ of Spring" 25 DX V 26 "__ a rip-off!" 27 Some Athenian physicians? 32 Black gold 33 Big Bird buddy 34 DOD subdivision 35 Really feel the heat 37 Plus 39 Carpenter's tool 43 CD conclusion? 46 Charge carriers 49 Fury 50 Berlin sidewalk writing? 54 Valiant son 55 Heavenly altar 56 Hockey Hall of Famer Mikita

57 Sum (up) 58 Personal time? 60 Some govt. investments 64 Fancy singles event in Stockholm? 67 New coin of 2002 68 One may work with a chair 69 Vivacity 70 Church section 71 Angling banes 72 Oh's role in "Grey's Anatomy" Down 1 Humongous 2 Worshipper of the Earth goddess Pachamama 3 Condo cousin 4 Complete 5 British university city 6 Legal issue 7 "Off the Court" author 8 Separate 9 Post 10 Links standard 11 Like citrus fruit 12 They might make cats pause 13 Chef's array 18 57-Across's wheels 19 Military surprises

24 First name in humor 27 Tar 28 Sea inlet 29 One who observes a fraternal Hour of Recollection 30 Source of invigoration 31 One leaving a wake 36 Mess up 38 Self-recriminating cries 40 Have a health problem 41 Hindu title 42 Sweetie 44 Muscat native 45 Some Roman Catholics 47 Babbles 48 Perspective 50 Mature 51 Adds to the database 52 __ Detroit: "Guys and Dolls" role 53 Like some tree trunks 54 Having no clue 59 Peel on "The Avengers" 61 King who succeeded 59-Down 62 Swedish model Nordegren in 2004 nuptial news 63 Tough going 65 Buck's mate 66 Hosp. test (c)2013 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Sudoku and Crossword puzzle answers on page 30. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

feature

Double Your New Year Fun By Andrea Gross; Photos by Irv Green (unless otherwise noted)

he clock strikes midnight. Fireworks explode. Confetti fills the air. And I get a chance to make a whole new set of resolutions, some of which I may even keep. How can I not like New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? What’s more, if celebrating once is nice, wouldn’t twice be even better? Squeezing two such festivities into one year takes planning, but it can be done. First, welcome the new year on December 31st and January 1st, the dates set by the internationally-accepted Gregorian calendar.Then, several weeks later partake in a traditional Chinese New Year’s celebration, the date of which is set according to the ageold Chinese calendar. [In 2014, Chinese New Year will fall on January 31.] Two places that celebrate the new year in very different

ways are Savannah, Georgia, and Richmond, British Columbia. Savannah, Georgia As midnight approaches, people make their way to the upper deck of the three-tiered riverboat.They’ve been partying for more than three hours — dancing to live music, feasting on hors d’oeuvres and a buffet of elegant offerings. Now, as fireworks from nearby Tybee Island color the sky, it’s time to welcome the new year. On shore, Savannah’s famed City Market, a four-block area of restored buildings, is filled with landlubbers who are enjoying the city’s biggest street party. Some are dining in one of the many restaurants; others are enjoying the free entertainment outside.Then the countdown begins, and a

Traditional stern-wheel riverboats (above) offer a unique party spot for revelers in Savannah. (Photo: Savannah Riverboat Cruises.) More than 2,000 people (inset, right) take part in a New Year’s Day Polar Plunge near Savannah. (Photo: tybeevisit.com.)

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Lion dancers (above left) provide entertainment during the festivities. Above, a calligrapher makes new year banners. Hot pot dinners (left) are favorites throughout the year. man lifts his son to his shoulders for a better view of the fireworks. Another man lifts his drink as the band strikes up Auld Lang Syne.The new year has officially begun. The next day more than 2,000 people, presumably recovered from the previous night’s revelry, gather on Tybee Island for the Polar Plunge, an event that raises money for a local charity. In addition to swimming caps, which range from ordinary-plain to frivolously freaky, they are outfitted in glittery capes, feather boas, bathrobes, PJs and, occasionally, regular old bikinis and briefs. At noon they race for the water, emerging a few minutes later, shivering and smiling. “I’ve washed off the sins of the past. Now I’m ready to enjoy the new year,” says one woman. She wraps her arms about herself, smiles and disappears into the crowd of cold, but cleansed, folks. Richmond, British Columbia Three thousand miles away people in Richmond, British Columbia have just finished packing away the piney boughs and glass ornaments that represent the Western holiday season when they begin preparing for the traditional Chinese New Year’s celebration. In Richmond, this second welcoming of the new year is a very, very big deal.This isn’t surprising given that the city boasts North America’s highest percentage of people of Chinese heritage outside of China. Walking the streets of the area known as the Golden Village — a four square-block enclave that is home to more than 400 Asian restaurants and three Asian-themed malls — it's easy to www.savannahvisit.com

believe you're in China, except that there’s no smog, the water is safe to drink and most people understand English. Festivities begin approximately two weeks before New Year’s Day, as malls set up special booths where vendors hawk elaborate flower arrangements and special holiday treats. At Landsdowne Mall women make paper fish and lanterns; children perform dances and demonstrate their skill in martial arts; and expert calligraphers make banners that are used to decorate homes and public places. On New Year’s Eve restaurants serve multi-course feasts where each food has a special meaning. Since pork symbolizes good luck, Shanghai River Restaurant prepares bamboo baskets filled with xiao long bao (steamed dumplings filled with minced pork and jellied broth). “These are packages of good fortune,” says the waiter. Seafood dishes are supposed to bring prosperity because in ancient times only the wealthy could afford such treats, while eating long, uncut noodles foretells a long life. Sweet, sticky rice is served as a reminder that families should “stick together” and support one another. After dinner, many folks go to the Aberdeen Mall, where the new year is welcomed with speeches, lion dancing and lots and lots of confetti. Others go to the Kuan Yin Temple of the International Buddhist Society, which is modeled in part after the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is considered by many to be one of the most magnificent Buddhist temples in North America.There they greet the new year with prayer, many even staying overnight in order to be among the first to receive blessings in the new year. By noon on New Year’s Day thousands of folks have congregated at the temple for a prayer ceremony and vegetarian lunch. “Yes,” I say to myself as I munch on some bamboo shoots, “it’s definitely nice to celebrate twice.” www.tourismrichmond.com www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

Prime vintage

e s o h T Toss s e t o N g n i t s a t “While the baffling rhetoric of a typical tasting note might benefit some oenophiles, it intimidates consumers and stands in the way of wine appreciation.” By David White

ver tasted a boysenberry? What about cat pee? Can you easily discern Irish breakfast tea from English breakfast tea? And do you ever drink kirsch, the brandy made from sour cherries? If you're anything like me, your answer to all these questions is "no." Yet descriptors like these fill the cornucopia of words that critics use to write about wine. While the baffling rhetoric of a typical tasting note might benefit some oenophiles, it intimidates consumers

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

and stands in the way of wine appreciation. It's time to change the way we talk about wine. Consider a recent review of Domaine du Pegau's Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reserve, an iconic wine of the Southern Rhone. In a recent issue of Wine Spectator, critic James Molesworth praised the 2010 release for its "well-endowed core of crushed plum, blackberry paste, and braised fig" and savored "brick dust, pepper, warm chestnut leaf, and smoldering charcoal" on the finish. One can't fault a novice wine drinker for feeling daunted – or scoffing at such descriptors. Remarkably, though, the widespread use of longwinded tasting notes is relatively new. Until the rise of mass-market wine magazines, such notes were essentially shorthand – a way for sommeliers, importers, retailers, and collectors to track bottles they'd

consumed and communicate with one another. Today, though, they're ubiquitous. Last year, Wine Spectator's critics sampled more than 17,000 wines. Add their reviews to the ones published in Wine Advocate and other publications, and you'd have enough blackberry paste and braised fig to last a lifetime. Many of these notes find their way onto "shelf talkers" at local wine shops. It's no wonder why so many aspiring wine enthusiasts think the path to oenophilia is paved with brick dust and smoldering coal – and decide to stick with beer. After all, speaking in the stilted language of a wine critic at dinner would destroy any hope of a pleasant conversation. Communicating effectively about wine doesn't demand an encyclopedic knowledge of rare fruits and bizarre aromas. “People who have no idea how one is supposed to talk about wine,” says NY Times wine columnist Eric Asimov, “are far more creative and clear in discussing it than those who have read some books or undergone some training in wine classes." Think about your favorite hamburger joint. When you rave about your go-to burger, do you simply rattle off its composite ingredients – and expect your friends to know why it tastes good? Probably not. "Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun," conveys nothing about why the burger is delicious. Sure, you'll talk generally about the burger's makeup and mention anything that makes it unique – e.g., "the meat is tender yet slightly charred and topped with Swiss cheese and thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon" – but you'll quickly transition to a conversation about how it makes you feel. Talking about wine in this fashion makes much more sense. When discussing a white wine's general flavor profile, for example, consumers and oenophiles alike only have a few basic questions. Is it light or full-bodied? Do the fruits conjure aromas of citrus, pears and apples, or tropical fruits – and are they tart or ripe? Are the aromatics subtle or intense? Does it smell like butter? Is it oaked? From there, everyone wants to know if the wine tastes good – and why. My favorite Sauvignon Blanc isn't enjoyable because it smells like gooseberries and fresh-cut grass; it's enjoyable because it's packed with flavor, refreshing, and evocative of summer. Tasting notes certainly have a place. I collect wine and pay close attention to a handful of critics whose palates are similar to mine. But the omnipresence of such notes stifles clear and creative wine conversations. Let's move on. David White is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, which was named "Best Overall Wine Blog" at the 2013 Wine Blog Awards. His columns are housed at Palate Press: The Online Wine Magazine. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

Central Alabama Aging Consortium Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Free. Begins January 30, 2014. Six-week course meets once a week for 2 1/2 hours, 12:3-3 pm. Trained leaders teach those with chronic conditions (heart disease, arthritis, COPD, diabetes, etc.) how to manage their diseases with the goal of leading a more productive live. Crump Senior Center, 1750 Congressman Dickinson Dr., Montgomery. Ends March 6. Registration required, enrollment limited, funds may be available for respite care. To register or for more information contact Myrtle Scott or Jane Mitchel at Central Alabama Aging Consortium, 334-240-4666.

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

No Weight-Gain Holidays

hen we think of the holidays the first thing that comes to mind is fear of weight gain. That’s because we always have a few treats up our sleeves, and we do gain weight. But preventing weight gain isn’t as hard as you think. You don’t have to starve, deny yourself favorite holiday dishes, or do heavy-duty compensation workouts. If you’re cooking, you’re more in control Mirabai Holland of what’s going to be placed on the table. You can choose equally delicious lighter recipes. But if you’re visiting friends and family, all bets are off and your radar needs to be on. It’s all about portion control, and pre-planning is key. In some cases you’ll know from past experience what the menu will be. If you don’t, assume there’ll be a barrage of excess temptations. Excess is the operative word, so don’t wait ‘til the second piece of pie is offered. Enjoy, but not to excess. Whether you count calories, points, or eyeball your portions, eat half of what you think you should eat. If you’re not sure of a particular food or treat, pass on it, or take a bite to see if it’s worth the calories. If you find yourself hungry after all of this, eat just a little more, or maybe you’ve actually saved room for dessert. You can visit, enjoy the company, make merry and have a smug sense of self-assurance that this whole season will pass without you gaining even a pound. Who knows, you might even lose weight. That brings me to your insurance policy. If you don’t exercise regularly this is the time to start and get a jump on your New Year, New You. If you do exercise, make time for it.You don’t have to do extra, but don’t make the excuse you’re too busy at this time of year. Cardio exercise is a great calorie burner. Half hour of moderate aerobic exercise a day can reduce your chance of heart attack by a whopping 50%. See how I snuck in my pitch for exercise? I’m not suggesting anything I don’t do myself. It works for me, and I bet it will work for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy Holidays! Mirabai Holland M.F.A., a leading authority in the Health & Fitness industry and a public health activist, specializes in preventive and rehabilitative exercise. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work (www.mirabaiholland.com). www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

prime diversions

Recent dvd releases

Fast & Furious 6, The Wolverine, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, The Spectacular Now, Closed Circuit, Thanks for Sharin December Releases Fast & Furious 6 (PG-13) The cars, crew and cast are back for yet another mindnumbing, adrenaline-overloading series of chases, crashes fights and explosions. If you’ve liked one or more of the first five, you’ll be satisfied with this one. Newcomers will not feel particularly out of the loop, since the backstories are easy enough to catch during the previews from any nearby franchise fan in the audience. The Rock,Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and company reunite for another critical mission. This time the stakes are higher (duh), with world peace up for grabs at the hands of a supersoldier’s malevolent team, rather than the level of crooks and drug lords they’ve opposed before. The gang is straying into James Bond territory, both for villainy levels, and by staging most of the mayhem in London and other parts of Europe. The action is first-rate and plentiful, though some scenes were either too choppily edited to follow, or I’m getting too old for the video-game pace of such flicks. Macho humor among the characters still works during and between the physical stuff.

The Wolverine (PG-13) For most, if not all, fans of the misunderstood, evilfighting mutants known collectively as the X-Men (even though many of them are women), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is the favorite. So why not give him his own vehicle? We meet him in his civilian Logan persona, hiding from painful memories of his violent past in the Alaskan boonies. He’s living so deep into the woods that Sarah Palin couldn’t see his cabin from her porch. But foxy warrior Yukio (Rila Fukushima) tracks him down to bring him to Tokyo. An enemy soldier he saved in WW II during the Nagasaki bombing is dying, and wants to say goodbye. Well, not quite. Fans of the comic book and movie franchise will be quite satisfied, especially since they will better appreciate the nightmares and flashbacks that drove Wolverine into seclusion - particularly his agonizing over the loss of his beloved Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). Who wouldn’t? Compared to recent soulless epics like Pacific Rim with little regard for plot cohesion or character development, the 30 December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

protracted moping and talking in this one are relatively forgivable. Better to overdo Mark Glass the backstories than to leave us trying to care about caricatures amid the carnage.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG) This is the second feature film based on a series of popular fantasy novels for young adults. It chronicles adventures of a contemporary teen who happens to be the son of the Greek Sea God Poseidon and a mortal mom. In this round, Percy lives with fellow half-bloods in a magicallyprotected camp, because evil lurks without. He’s the most important because his dad outranks the other fathers of such offspring. When the barrier is breached, this quest begins, leading to a showdown with the biggest and baddest their mythology offers. Compared to the Harry Potter phenomenon, it’s hard to imagine a mediocre movie like this boosting the print franchise to the same extent. Granted, big-budget pix make Greek mythology more accessible and retainable than a typical class curriculum, but the script is lame, illogical and tedious. There are few moments of excitement or suspense. Actually, since this overlaps thematically with the two recent Titans flicks (Clash of and Wrath of), it winds up making them look better by comparison. Once again the gods of cinema were seemingly dazzled by the CG and other f/x powers they could deploy, leaving the screenplay and casting to lesser beings. January Releases The Spectacular Now (R) In most teenage romances, whether comedies or otherwise, whenever the flawed popular boy becomes surprisingly involved with a girl from the other end of the social order, he invariably learns Valuable Lessons making him a better person; and she ends the film prettier, happier and more fulfilled than anyone in their school could have imagined. This dramedy admirably steers clear of convention, giving us a shot at a more real-

Closed Circuit (R) Conspiracy theorists can go bananas with speculation over the extent to which this espionage-themed thriller from England reflects THE TRUTH. A truck bomb kills 120 people in London. An anonymous tip leads to the location where the bomb was assembled and loaded, followed shortly by the arrest of a Turkish immigrant who’d leased that space. He claims to have sublet it to one of the terrorists killed in the explosion, knowing nothing of its contents or their plans. Two lawyers are appointed to defend him, due to special national-security procedures used for such cases. One lawyer will defend him in the standard criminal system. But since the Government claims part of its evidence

is too sensitive for public disclosure, a second lawyer handles his interests in a closed hearing before a special judge to argue for discovery if any of that intelligence might aid the main defense, thus determining how the open trial can proceed. The two lawyers may not communicate with each other - especially after the after the second one sees the secret material. Rebecca Hall plays the secret half of the team. The first public defender is replaced by Eric Bana, after an apparent suicide. Keeping up with the plot requires quite an effort between the legal procedures and the spy side of the story. The script arguably includes too many sidebars and subplots for the kind of taut thriller we’ve savored in films like Munich or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Mercifully, the two lawyers don’t turn into action heroes while scrambling through the web of obstacles and deception, maintaining some sense of grounding in a credible cinematic reality. Ciaran Hinds, Julia Stiles and Jim Broadbent anchor a deep, talented supporting cast to fine effect in this better-than-average political thriller. Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

EYE

M Y T H S Sitting too close to the TV can damage children’s eyes. • Children can focus at a closer distance without eyestrain than can an adult. • There is no evidence this type of viewing damages their eyes. • Most children grow out of the habit of watching TV up close.

‘ n

S a v e

C l i p

Roy T. Hager, M.D., F.A.C.S. | James D. Izer, M.D. Jeffrey M. Healey, M.D. | Richard M. Murphy, O.D. 4255 Carmichael Court N. Montgomery • 334-277-9111

S a v e

Thanks for Sharing ***½ (R) This dramedy, with more emphasis on the serious side, offers some insights into sex addiction and methods of dealing with it. Despite the subject matter, there’s very little titillation or voyeuristic content. Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins and Josh Gad are the main characters dealing with that (and some other types of addiction) through 12step programs. They’re in various stages of admitting to and coping with their problems. We also see how the disease affects those around them at work, in their families and in all facets of life. The fine ensemble cast notably includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Joely Richardson and singer Pink, in a solid dramatic live-action feature debut. I have no idea how realistic any of this may be. Some consider sex addiction less of a medical/ psychological illness than a personality

weakness, compared to the chemical varieties. This film makes a compelling presentation for the legitimacy of that as a diagnosis – at least in appropriate cases. The script gives us a seemingly honest look into several lives without sugar-coating or idealizing the characters or any solutions. The last five minutes may seem a bit overly florid, but at least co-writer and director Stuart Blumberg delivers a sensibly nonHollywood ending.

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istic view of teen angst - romantic and familial - with Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley showcasing bright acting futures in the lead roles. Teller, resembling a young John Cusack, plays a good-time Charlie. He’s obviously bright, but puts all his energy into drinking and clowning. He’s a Peter Pan, fixated on a carpe diem approach to life. In their senior year, his teen-queen girlfriend finally dumps him in search of a guy who offers an adult future. He doesn’t even understand the problem. After passing out from a night’s drunken revels, he awakens in Woodley’s yard, with no idea how he got there, and only a vague idea of who she is. They start spending time together. Will they become friends, or more? Will anything between them be real, or just a rebound? Without covering the plot too specifically, the film’s tone is far more dramatic than romantic. Teller has many devils to purge which may or may not lead to a combined future for the couple. Several scenes are quite effective; other aspects of the story seem more contrived, if not overly convenient. The net result is intriguing, but well short of profound.

8007 U. S. Highway 231 Wetumpka • 334-567-9111

*For a free copy of ITEC’s Viewpoint newsletter call 334-277-9111. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

medicare

There’s No Place Like Home (for healthcare...)

ome health care once done in a hospital or doctor’s office can now be done at home. It’s just as effective, more convenient and usually less expensive. Medicare pays for health care you receive in the comfort and privacy of your home if you meet certain requirements.To qualify, you must be homebound, under a physician’s care and in need of part-time skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services. “Homebound” doesn’t necessarily mean “bedridden.” But it does mean that you seldom leave home, except maybe for a doctor’s appointment or a worship service. And when you do, you probably require a wheelchair or walker and someone’s assistance. Medicare pays 100 percent for your care as long as you’re eligible. It also pays for 80 percent of any medical equipment you need, like a special bed or oxygen. One in 10 people with traditional Medicare relies on home health in any given year. About a third of the home visits are for patients released from the hospital but still requiring attention. The other two-thirds are for people trying to stay out of the hospital in the first place. Your home health care starts with your doctor’s decision that your illness or injury demands it.You may need a skilled nurse to give you IV drugs, shots or tube feedings, or change dressings, or teach you and your caregivers about newly prescribed drugs. You also may require rehabilitative services, like occupational, physical or speech therapy, to become as self-sufficient as possible and regain your independence. The home health agency will work with you and your doctor to develop a plan of care.That plan will detail the services you need, how often you should have them, who will provide them, and what results your doctor expects from your treatment. To qualify for Medicare’s home health benefit, your nursing care must be part-time. Home health aides who help with bathing and dressing, as well as homemaker aides who clean or do laundry, may be covered, but only if they’re part of your overall plan of care. Medicare doesn’t pay for 24-hour-a-day care at home or meals delivered to your door. Nor does it cover personal care

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EARS

Hearing Centers 6912 Winton Blount Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-281-8400 www.allearscenters.com 32

or housekeeping if that’s all you need. Before your care begins, the home health agency should tell you about any services or items that Medicare won’t cover and how much you’ll have to pay for them.The agency should inform you about the coverage and costs both in writing and by talking with you. You’ll want to select an agency that’s Medicare-certified. Use Medicare’s Home Health Compare website – at www.medicare. gov/homehealthcompare -- to compare agencies in your area, checking on the types of services they offer and the quality of care they provide. You’ll find, for example, statistics showing how well the patients of particular agencies recover from illnesses or injuries and resume their everyday activities. In choosing an agency, ask your doctor, hospital discharge planner or social worker for recommendations. And visit with family and friends about their home health care experiences. Though most home health agencies are reputable, some have been found to commit fraud. So it’s smart to know what Medicare covers and what treatment your doctor has ordered for you. If you don’t understand something in your plan of care, ask questions. When your quarterly Medicare summary notice arrives in the mail, carefully check the statement for any services or items that you don’t think you received or used. Fraudulent billing wastes Medicare dollars and takes money that could be used to pay valid claims. If you’re in Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program and have questions about your home health care benefits and coverage, you can call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. If you’re in a private Medicare Advantage plan, you should consult your plan. Home health care can be a blessing by speeding your recovery after a hospital stay or, even better, by allowing you to avoid the hospital altogether. Bob Moos is Southwest public affairs officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Daily Health News Updates on Facebook Hearing, Heart Health, Nutrition & More Be the 100th “Like” on Facebook in December and win a $25 Gift Certificate to Mr. Gus’ Ristorante! Find us on Facebook at All-EARS-Hearing-Centers.

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

Around Montgomery Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tours. Dec. 2, 9, 16. 5-7 pm. Free. Tickets available at the gift shop prior to the tour, located at 30 Finley Avenue across the street from the side entrance of the mansion. The neighboring Hill House, part of the Governor’s Mansion complex, will also be open for the candlelight tours. More information is available about the Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tours by going online at www.alabama.travel. Free Christmas concert with the Capitol Sounds concert band and the Montgomery Recreators. Dec. 5, 7 pm. Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd. Includes Christmas carol sing-a-long. For information/directions call 334-2795433 or visit www.vaughnforest.com. Truman Capote’s Holiday Memories. Dec. 5-15. Thur-Sat 7:30 pm. Sun. 2 pm. Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Rd. For information call 334-262-1530, or visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org/.

A replacement historic marker was recently unveiled at Sidney Lanier High School. Among those responsible for getting the new marker were (L-R below) Pam Corwin Fellows, Donna Mills Davis, George Howell and Mike Manos.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. 18th annual Holiday Open House. Sat., Dec. 7, 1-4 pm. Entertainment, carriage rides, art-making activities, cookies. For info. call 334-240-4333 or visit www.mmfa.org http://www.mmfa.org. Free, but guests are encouraged to bring canned good items for a donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Harpsichord Ensemble Candlelight Chamber Music Concert. Dec. 11, 6 pm, Christchurch Sanctuary, 8800 Vaughn Rd. Free. Champagne & Dessert Reception following concert ($25). Tickets available by calling 334-387-0566, ext. 203. For info. visit www.christchurchxp.net. Featured artists include Maestro Thomas Hinds, conducting, and MSO Violin Fellow, Delyana Lazarova; Montgomery Chorale and Friends present Twelfth Night Celebration, Jan. 3 and 4, 7 pm, Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Avenue. $25 general admission, $15 student/seniors. Tickets available at montgomerychorale. org, from any Chorale member, or call 334-265-3737. Limited seating. Join friends from The Montgomery Youth Chorale, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Alabama Dance Theatre, Montgomery Ballet, Montgomery Symphony, Clefworks, Cloverdale Playhouse, and the St. Andrew’s Society. Volunteer: More than 350 opportunities are listed on the Hands On River Region website. Log in and register to volunteer. One opportunity in December is the MLK Day of Service. To find out more visit www.handsonriverregion.org, call 334-264-3335, or e-mail volunteer@handsonriverregion. org.

Prime Publisher Bob Corley will be among the performers at a singer/songwriter in-the-round Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Rd. 7-9 pm. $10 admission. For information call 334-262-1530, or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2013 & January 2014

off the beaten path

The Old Drake

he old man sat in the front of the boat, completely still save for the rhythmic movement of his right thumb working up and down the length of a shotgun shell. “I love the way shells feel,” he said. “The smooth brass, the ridges.” He turned around. “Remember how I could twirl them around in my hand? You always liked that." The boy, not a child anymore except to his grandfather, looked up. “Yeah, I know Pap. I remember.” He used to marvel at how the old man never dropped the pair of shells as he rolled them around in his huge paws while steering the boat, and how he himself had practiced it in private for hours until his little palms ached. He remembered one morning in particular. On the way to the blind a pair of woodies darted in front of the jon boat and the old man let go the tiller handle, tossed the two shells he was twirling into the old Parker and stood, fired and dropped both birds. He never missed; but he was younger then. “My fingers don’t work so well anymore," the old man said, looking down. His shriveled, bony hands were covered with faded pink scars and darkened here and there by sunspots.They were gnarled and weathered like exposed roots of an old river tree that had seen many floods and droughts. A scarred knee protruded through one leg of his patched pants, looking like an aged cypress scuffed by many a boat hull, stray pellet and outboard prop. As they motored along, the old man strained to keep hold of the battered Parker.That involuntary shaking that comes with age made it difficult to thumb the action, something he'd done a thousand times before but never with as much difficulty. He never made the switch to steel shot, and the shells he now fumbled into the cobwebbed chambers looked as old as the gun itself. Sunrise came, and with it flocks of mallards, teal and 34

December 2013 & january 2014 | www.primemontgomery.com

pintails.The boy picked a bird off here and there until he had his limit, but the old man remained still, watching the skies, despite a dozen seemingly easy shots. One by one, the other blinds on the swamp emptied, the hunters piling into jon boats and pirogues and heading back to camp. The old man, however, remained still, occasionally shuffling his feet on the sagging plywood floor. He toed a soft spot with his boot and sighed. “This blind’s near ‘bout old as me,” he said, exhaling deeply. The boy started to speak but thought better of it. When these spells set in, he had learned it was better to just ride them out.The old man’s drooping eyes slowly scanned the interior of the blind, sagging lower with each splitting two-by-four and warped piece of plywood. Several minutes went by. “It’s hell getting old, boy,” he said. His few remaining hairs were long, gray and unkempt and hung like Spanish moss. Except for a few scattered children and grandchildren he was alone. One by one, like ducks picked from the flock, each one - wives, friends, even enemies - had disappeared. He missed them all. All morning he sat quietly scanning the skies, a graying retriever whose spirit remained strong but whose aging body had betrayed him. “There,” the old man said, pointing. In the distance, a single greenhead, a cautious high-flyer, was closing in on the now still swamp. He passed by their blind, then circled back overhead and out of range, cruising the timber for a safe place to land.The boy could have taken the duck, but instead stood staring at his grandfather, whose dull eyes suddenly sparkled with life as he strained to follow the mallard. The duck came back around with wings cupped as the old man struggled to stand, shotgun raised.The boy went to brace him but was waved away.The old man pulled the trigger, missing, and the greenhead flared.The old man let loose with the second barrel and dropped the duck into the black water of the swamp. The boy waded out, retrieved the green-head, and placed it in his grandfather’s trembling hands.The scratches on the dull band around its leg told its life's story: this old drake, this lone, cautious high-flyer, had made many trips up and down the flyway.The old man sighed, and a single tear fell onto the duck’s emerald head. “It’s hell getting old, boy." Niko Corley spends his free time hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitters@gmail.com or Niko Corley follow him on Twitter@cootfootoutfitters.

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When you ring in the New Year, make sure you can HEAR as CLEAR as a bell!

The team at All EARS HEARING CENTERS can help you recover the JOY of HEARING! Call 334-281-8400 for an appointment, and for special Holiday Pricing on hearing aids.

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“Like” All EARS Hearing Centers on Facebook in December for a chance to win a Dining Gift Certificate! Now fitting high-quality Phonak hearing devices.