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Celebrating Life
April 2016
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Prime M
EDITOR’S NOTE
MAGAZINE
April 2016 Vol. 7, Issue 1
PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Andrea Gross, Brian Hayden CONTRIBUTORS Emily Bartz, Niko Corley, William McDonald, Mallory Kelley, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Sara Schwartz, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Irv Green 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 2016 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.
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April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
y earliest memory of a political campaign is the summer of 1956. I wasn’t old enough to cross the street yet, but the Republican and Democratic conventions that August wore the wax out of me, even at four-years-old. Like many of our neighbors in those early days of television, we had one, small black and white set, and my Mom did her best to support the fledgling industry by keeping the TV on much of the day and night. With regular programming preempted for convention coverage there was nothing else to watch. No Cisco Kid. No Super- Sandra Polizos, Editor man. No Little Rascals. Just hours and hours of men standing in front of a podium.Talking, talking, talking. It was enough to make a kid go outside and play. Fast forward to 1960 and the Kennedy-Nixon election. I was a mature woman of eight by now and knew the candidates and the process; after all, I’d been around this block before. My mind was long made up. I was a Kennedy supporter all the way… at least until Robert Dan, our neighbor and my elder by five years, sat me down and asked me the searing question of the day: Did I really want a Catholic to be our President? Hmm. Something to consider. Never mind I had no idea what a Catholic was; my steadfast faith had been shaken. I sat the ’64 election out, realizing my support wasn’t properly valued. While my older brother’s high school class got out of school to attend a Goldwater rally at Cramton Bowl, the seventh grade wasn’t even invited. I’d have AuH2O’d with the best of ‘em to miss one day of junior high. Goldwater obviously needed better advisors. My first real opportunity to participate in the political process came in a statewide race in 1966. A friend whose father had been involved in a myriad of Wallace campaigns asked me to help her hand out (Lurleen) Wallace bumper stickers. Even then I had a vague sense that working for a candidate should dovetail with candidate support. But it was my first chance to participate in the process. To be a part of The Show. The $20 I got for schlepping stickers only sweetened the deal. A few years later, when I learned you could actually major in political science in college, I was ecstatic. All those years of personal research and informal training might finally pay off. Who knew? For 30 years my professional career was that of a public tv producer whose work focused on political coverage. In those days my cohorts and I always thought that more coverage was better. Stump speeches? Let’s carry them. Candidate interviews? Book as many as possible. Debates? Bring ‘em on. We were convinced all these elements contributed to a more informed electorate. But these days it’s not so clear to me anymore. More information doesn’t equate to more valuable or more enlightening, as we once thought. If the message isn’t broadened, or probing methods to elicit fresh information aren’t employed, there’s no new revelation that enlarges the political discourse. Despite the hours and hours of live campaign coverage, interviews, and debates, something is missing. Talking, talking, talking. It’s enough to make a Yiayia and her grandkids go outside and play.
April 2016 Table of Contents g Aru
Editor’s Note 4
ul a u sh &m
Quick Reads 6
Knee cartiladge repair: new research
m roo
Yard ‘n Garden 9
Pruning? Follow the “May” rule
A Gracious Plenty 10 3 flatbread pizzas
Renewal in Alabama 12 Miracle, resurrection & faith
In Every Life 14
When home is not enough
Money Wi$e 15 Cyber self-defense
Tinseltown Talks 16
Late night TV host Dick Cavett
Improving home curb appeal 18 8 inexpensive ideas
White lies and on-line dating 22 What NOT to do
Social Security 25 The face of disability
Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles 26 Answers on page 31
History Mystery 27
Do you know the 1974 Beef Cook-off winners?
Medicare 28 Shingles
Reading & loneliness 29
A good story can change lives
This Month’s Advertisers 32 Calendar 33 Off the Beaten Path 34 The good life
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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Quick Reads Female Hearts and Stress The number of men dying from a heart attack has been constantly decreasing during the past twenty years, but the fatal risk for women has increased significantly. Gender medicine has already demonstrated that women exhibit different symptoms. For example, women were often wrongly diagnosed in case of a heart attack since their body often sends alarm signals that are different from those of men. New insights from a study at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, show that routine daily stress has particularly adverse effects on the hearts of women, which has been underestimated in the past. Following menopause, blood pressure generally increases and blood fats and body fat distribution are subject to adverse changes, which increases heart attack risks. Diabetes is often an underlying condition for women with cardiovascular diseases, which significantly increases the risk of a heart attack than in the case of men. The multiple stress factors due to job, household and domestic care of relatives cause the stress symptoms which may manifest in the heart. For relief, authors of the study recommend women actively incorporate periods of rest in the daily routine and ensure sufficient physical activities to alleviate stress. These could include wellness and stress reduction programs. — Medical University of Vienna
Health Benefits of Latin Dancing A four-month dance program helped older Latino adults walk faster and improved their physical fitness, which may reduce their risk for heart disease, according to research presented by the American Heart Association. Study participants were an average of 65 years old, and after four months of twice-weekly Latin dancing, researchers found: 1) dancers walked faster, were more physically active during leisure time than prior to starting dancing; 2) leisure physical activity rose from 650 minutes to almost 818 minutes per week. — American Heart Association
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April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
Health Risk & Family History Most doctors and nurses review a patient's family history to identify risk factors for heart disease and cancer, often through a paper checklist or brief interview. But more deliberate efforts to map a patient's family tree could identify additional risks and drive patients to more timely screenings, according to a new study from Duke Health. Published in the journal Genetics in Medicine, participants in the study used a web-based program called MeTree to map their family health history, a program designed specifically for the study which took participants 25 minutes to complete.
Knee Cartilage Repair for 40+ Cartilage restoration procedures using “plugs” are a viable treatment option for patients over 40 years old who have cartilage damage in their knees, a new study has found. Researchers at the Chicago Hospital for Special Surgery dealt with patients with cartilage damage in their knees that generated pain and made them unable to engage in sports and other activities. The mean age of patients was 51.5, and participants had no knee injury other than the cartilage lesion.
Besides helping determine high-risk possibilities formerly overlooked, the study found participants who assumed they were at high risk for a certain disease but were not. The Duke team is expanding its research to test a more complex version of the software and ways to increase buy-in from doctors and clinics. Pending the results of the study, the team hopes to publish the software for public use for free, or for a nominal fee that would defray the
The procedures, using different types of cartilage “plugs,” relieved pain and improved function in patients with articular cartilage damage. Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. Most of the patients did not meet the criteria for total knee replacement. Cartilage restoration is not intended for patients with advanced bone-on-bone arthritis. More than half of the patients
costs of hiring a third party to routinely update the program. — Duke Health via ScienceDaily (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/)
received a synthetic plug. The other patients received either a donor cartilage plug or a small plug of cartilage transferred from another healthy area of their knee that did support their weight. — Chicago Hospital for Special Surgery
Preventing Preseason Injury in Young Baseball Players Preseason prevention programs are beneficial to young baseball pitchers, according to research presented by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). The study, the first to analyze a well-monitored preseason training program, showed numerous arm flexibility and strength improvements in participating athletes that could ultimately diminish the risk of injuries. The study group included 143 pitchers at a median age of 15.7. Pitchers who had previous injuries and participated in the preseason training program were four times less likely to suffer an injury than those in the general arm care program. Further studies with follow-up are needed to confirm the benefits of these programs. — American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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YARD ‘N GARDEN
Late Winter Pruning
I
By Mallory Kelley
f you have not been out in the cold to prune your landscape plants and are wondering if this is even the time to do it, hopefully this information will be of help. Whether or not you should prune now depends on the plant, so be careful — not all plants should be pruned at the same time of year. Pruning at an incorrect time will remove buds that are already in place for next year’s flowers. Ornamental shrubs and trees, which bloom in late winter and early spring, should not be pruned until after the spring blooming cycle is complete. These plants bloom on “old wood” or growth that occurred in the summer and fall of last year, so pruning them now will remove all of the buds and thus, result in no flowers. Examples of plants that would be considered spring blooming are: Forsythia, Camellia, Spirea, and Azaleas. These should be pruned right after they flower and definitely before June as they will begin to set new buds for next year’s flowers. If the shrub or tree flowers in late spring, summer or fall, this means it blooms on “new wood” and the buds or flowers have occurred throughout the spring. These plants should be Capital City Master Gardener Association Free Lunch & Learn 12:00-1:00 pm | Armory Learning Arts Center 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery Bring a sack lunch (drinks provided) April 6: Growing Tomatoes – Mallory Kelley, ACES May 4: Bloom Times, Year Round Color – Terese Goodson, Master Gardener Call (334) 270-4133 for more information.
pruned once they go dormant into the winter, before they leaf out the following spring. Examples of these are: Crape myrtle tree, Gardenia, Lilac Chaste –Tree, Butterfly Bush, and Clematis. The best guideline for pruning is to follow the May Rule. If a plant blooms before May 1 prune it as soon as its flowers are spent. Early spring flowers, before May 1 are produced on last year’s “old wood” growth, and pruning in spring removes the current bloom buds. If a plant blooms after May 1, prune it when the plant is dormant, in the late fall or winter. Summer flowers produced after May 1 are on “new wood” growth. Pruning stimulates new growth and greater flower production for the following year. Exceptions to the May Rule: All Hydrangeas (summer bloomers) should be pruned immediately after flowering. During the late fall and winter months is the time to prune these to the ground. Discard all of the dry, spent plant material of ornamental grasses, annuals and perennials. As for bulbs, after spring bulbs stop blooming you can remove the spent flowers, but leave the foliage until it begins to turn brown and die down. The bulbs need this foliage as it is used for growth of the bulbs and to make “food” in the bulbs that will be stored up until next spring. For more information on types and styles of pruning such as renewal pruning, cane pruning, and tree pruning please visit: www.aces.edu/Tallapoosa/landscape-gardening/Pruning-Outline.htm Mallory Kelley, is a Master Gardener Regional Extension Agent - Alabama Cooperative Extension System. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.
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9
A GRACIOUS PLENTY
Fabulous Flatbread Pizzas
W
ith so many social events that revolve around food, it’s not easy to get a fresh start on making healthy food choices. However, with a little thought and planning, you can prevent taking your body on a roller coaster ride — without having to choose between food deprivation and satisfaction. “Whether you are hosting an event or attending someone else’s celebration, planning ahead can help you stay on track,” said Mitzi Dulan, a registered dietitian and nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert. “Having quick and simple strategies and recipes on hand makes it easy to eat well and keep you feeling great.” Put a winning plan in place to take a new look at your approach to eating smart with these tips from Dulan, who is the team nutritionist for the World Series champion Kansas City Royals. Don’t skip meals. Although skipping breakfast may seem like a good way to cut calories,
it’s a plan that can actually backfire, making you hungrier as the day wears on, and more likely to overeat or sneak unhealthy snacks. Start each day with a well-rounded breakfast to fuel your body. Apply a similar approach to events later in the day, as well. You may be tempted to skip a meal so you can enjoy the treats at a party, but chances are you’ll end up overdoing it with high-calorie indulgences, so make sure you fuel up ahead of time. Love what you eat. Be mindful of the food you eat and make every bite count. Enjoying each delicious taste will make it easier to stick to a sensible eating plan. For the foods you do love, look for ways to make them better — better for you, that is. For example, if pizza is your weak spot, substitute a lowercalorie crust, such as flatbread. Then choose toppings wisely to amp up the flavor while managing added fat and calories.
Eat smaller portions. When you simply must indulge, you may be surprised to hear "go ahead," but to do so in moderation. One clever way to keep your portions small: use a tablespoon, not a serving spoon to dish out portions. Then eat slowly so your body has time to tell your brain you're full. Get your fill in healthy ways. Overeating often comes down to a very basic cause: hunger. Becoming more conscious of how you answer your hunger will help you stay on track. Drinking water before and during events will help to fill you up so you are less likely to consume excess calories. Snacking throughout the day can also help keep hunger at bay; several small, healthy snacks, such as a handful of nuts or trail mix, can help keep you feeling full. Also, remember to stop eating when you feel satisfied, but before you feel full.
Thin Crust Egg, Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Pizza n n n n n n
1 flatbread, artisan-thin-pizza-crust style 1/2 cup cheddar cheese 2 eggs, lightly scrambled 3 ounces sausage, cooked and crumbled 2 ounces yellow peppers, diced 2 ounces red peppers, diced
Heat oven to 375 F. Place flatbread on cookie sheet. Bake for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to oven and bake 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts. Grilling method: Heat grill to 375 F. Pre-bake flatbread on grill for 1-2 minutes. Remove from grill. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to grill. Close lid. Grill 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.
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April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
Arugula Mushroom Flatbread Pizza n n n n n n
1 flatbread 1/2 cup mushrooms, cooked 1/2 cup arugula 6 grape tomatoes 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated 1 1/2 teaspoons fat-free balsamic vinegar
Heat grill or oven to 375 F. Pre-bake flatbread for 2 minutes. Remove. Warm mushrooms in microwave or pan. Top flatbread with arugula, tomatoes and mushrooms. Sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices.
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza (Recipe created by Mitzi Dulan, Registered Dietician) n n n n n n n n
non-stick baking spray 2 flatbreads 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, torn into pieces 1 tablespoon red onion, diced 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Heat oven to 400 F. Spray large baking sheet with non-stick baking spray. Place flatbreads on baking sheet. On each flatbread, evenly spread 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Sprinkle both cheeses over flatbreads. Mix remaining barbecue sauce with grilled chicken and place on pizzas. Top with diced onion. Bake 5 minutes. Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve. Courtesy: Family Features. Source: Flatout Flatbread. To find a retailer near you, visit FlatoutFinder.com.
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11
FEATURE
Above: Northwest Alabama is known for water sports and hiking trails as well as music and miracles.Top right: The Miracle Worker, a play that tells the story of Helen Keller’s childhood, is performed every summer on the grounds of her birthplace. As her teacher, Annie Sullivan, watches, Helen connects the word “water,” which Annie has been finger-tapping into her hand, with the reality of the liquid flowing from the pump. Right: A blind man discusses the statue of Helen Keller with a deaf woman.
Wondrous Miracles Story by Andrea Gross; photos by Irv Green
W
hen I visited northwest Alabama, I was hoping to find a wide variety of sports, culture, music, and history. I wasn’t disappointed, finding all these and more…as well as activities, places and events that could best be described as miraculous. Amazing Grace in Tuscumbia The small, black pump stands in front of a modest clapboard house. A seven-year-old girl reaches out and feels the cool water as it flows into her hands. The audience is absolutely silent. We’ve all seen The Miracle Worker, the play and movie that tell the story of Helen Keller. We know what’s going to happen, but we want to see it portrayed here, on the grounds of Ivy Green, the home where Keller grew up. The house in the background is the one in which she and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, struggled; the gardens are the ones through which they walked, and the pump is the very same pump 12
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
that spilled out the water that awakened Helen’s brain. With a frenzied cry, the young actress begins to finger-tap into the hand of the woman standing next to her. W…A…T…E…R. Helen Keller has learned to communicate. A miracle has occurred. For those in the audience, many who are deaf or blind, the moment is electric. After the play several of them walk over to a life-size statue of Keller and the pump. A woman looks with her eyes, but asks questions with her hands. Her companion finger-taps the answers. A man who sees with his hands runs his fingers over the statue. “I wish I could have met her,” he says. Helen Keller still serves as an inspiration to everyone, but especially to those who need her most. Chalk it up to another miracle. Resurrection in Muscle Shoals The word “resurrection” is always tinged with the miraculous, whether it’s used in the biblical sense or
simply as sound stuIndians from the Southeast, had been a synonym dio at 3614 relocated to Oklahoma in the 1830s, for “resJackson how she was determined to find her toration,” Highway. way back to nunnushae, the “singing as when I The Muscle river” that flowed near her Alabama speak of Shoals Muhome, and how she walked more than resurrecting sic Foun700 miles to do so, guided only by her my vintage dation is dreams. bathtub completing When he told this story to a tribal from the restoration elder, her answer changed his life. “You garbage bin. of the studio too will follow your path and sing your But here to look like song,” she said. Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon recorded in Muscle it did during Tom set forth on his path more than at 3614 Jackson Highway, home of “The Swampers.” Shoals it’s an its glory thirty years ago, and it has resulted in entire tradition that is being resurdays, and as of April 2016 plans are for the longest unmortared wall in Amerrected. it to serve as a museum as well as a stu- ica, one that winds 1.5 miles through Back in the 60s and 70s, Muscle dio and gathering place for musicians. the north Alabama countryside. It Shoals was a musical mecca, luring the The contains country’s greatest artists to its small rebirth of 8.5 million production studios. The Allman Broth- the Muscle pounds of ers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding Shoals stone — all and The Rolling Stones were among sound as put into the many who made pilgrimages to well as the place by Alabama to record songs that personi- Muscle Tom, withfied America. Shoals out help, But by the 1990s technological town has without advances had nearly decimated the begun. (For heavy marecording business. the most chinery and Music was no longer produced, up-to-date without distributed or listened to in the same details on complaint. way, and Muscle Shoals was in danthe resTom Hendrix used 8.5 million pounds of stone to honor his “We shall ger of losing its identity as well as its toration great-great-grandmother. Tom’s wall runs 1.5 miles through all pass industry. process, go the north Alabama countryside. through Then in 2013 a documentary celto www. this earth. ebrating the town’s musical legacy was msmusicOnly the released to critical acclaim at the Sunfoundation.org.) stones remain,” he says. “We honor our dance Film Festival, and folks began Renewal in Florence ancestors with stone.” clamoring to see Tom Hendrix had heard stories Part of the wall is straight, as was his the old about his great-great-grandmother great-great-grandmother’s mandatory all his life. He knew how march along the Trail of Tears. Anothshe, along with er part, which represents her return, is other full of twists and turns. In between are stone prayer circles, where visitors can sit, reflect and dream. Tom found his miracle in stones, and through his wall, he has helped countless others find their miracles as well. For additional information on Florence, Ala. visit www.visitflorenceal.com. For more on the places and sites listed here as well as other Alabama attractions, visit the companion website, www.travAretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding were among those who recorded at eltizers.com. FAME Studios.
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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IN EVERY LIFE
Choosing Care F acilities
I
t can be a joy to interact with family and friends of all ages. Reciprocity can occur when different generations share tasks of living. However, experiencing an illness or injury may require additional assistance. Arlene Morris The issue becomes determining what level of assistance is needed, for how long, and where and how to best obtain the needed level of assistance. Most people desire to retain autonomy in the familiar environment of their home for as long as they can. Options for in-home assistance include support from home health, rehabilitative care services, hospices, community support groups such as those provided by the Alabama Department of Senior Services, or adult day services provided by some local churches.These services can be individualized to support the needs of the person and family. If safety or declining physical or cognitive function is a concern, a person may move in with family, have volunteer or paid companions in their own home, or decide to relocate to another residence. Often difficulty with home maintenance, obtaining and preparing food, or caring for oneself prompt a decision to relocate. Some communities provide public housing for older adults or persons with disabilities, with services provided by a service coordinator. Other options include residential care which are private facilities that provide room, board, and some assistance, but no medical care. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) offer housing with options for meals and other personal care assistance (cost is based on level of assistance needed), but generally no healthcare is provided. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide independent living units, as14
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
sisted living, and skilled care (SCALFs) on the same location for a person to transition to the level of care or support that is needed. Other terms for skilled care include rehabilitation facilities, nursing facilities, nursing homes, or long-term care (LTC). Some long term care facilities provide for continuous long term residence, or for therapeutic rehabilitation for a short time period, such as following a hospitalization. It is important that those who need assistance and their family/support system carefully compare options. Considerations include the quality, cost, what the person can afford or what is covered by insurance. If public programs are available, what are eligibility requirements and is there a limit on their duration? Is an option available only after a hospitalization? Is the assistance intended for rehabilitation or supportive care and how does that classification affect reimbursement? Often, recommendations of others can guide initial visits to preview facilities. Questions may include: Is this a private, independently owned local facility, or a part of a larger corporation? Is it licensed by the state?
Does the facility have other credentialing? What is the mission and vision of the facility? What are the credentials of the staff and what percent are licensed as care assistants, therapists or therapy assistants, social workers, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physicians? What hours or days are the various staff members present, including what number and type of staff are present after 5:00 pm? How much and what type of personal care assistance is provided? Which person provides what type of care— such as who administers medication or therapy? Who is the contact person for coordination of care services or for any transition across levels of care? What activities promote social engagement? Personal visits to facilities at various times of the day or evening and observation of interactions can provide valuable information. Decisions to relocate to a supportive care environment require thoughtful consideration, planning, and financial preparedness. Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.
MONEYWI $ E
Cyber Self-Defense T
he creativity of the criminal class continues to evolve. Therefore, you need to take additional steps to protect your identity, confidential data, and access to any computers or similar devices that you Alan Wallace rely on, especially for financial transactions. This month we will look at a few email-related threats that you should be aware of and some tools to defend yourself from hackers. Once it leaves your device, email can be intercepted by people you do not want to see it. Do not include confidential information that would facilitate ID theft in unencrypted email or email attachments. If someone hacks into your email account, lots of bad things can happen, especially if you are not even aware that they got in. The damage goes way beyond spam being sent from your email address. It could result in the hacker: 1. Reading your undeleted emails to get the name of your financial advisor and institutions where you have
accounts, learning about your financial activities and habits, including deposits, withdrawals, transfers, how you request them, etc. 2. Changing your login credentials, creating a dummy email account for you that looks like the original, and having your incoming email redirected to a dummy account that they set up. 3. Imitating you via email to your financial advisor or institution, changing the address and/or phone number on your account, and requesting distributions to the new address or to a bank account the hacker set up in your name. You also need to be cautious about (a) opening email when you do not recognize the sender or (b) clicking on links inside such email. To get you to do these things, criminals pose as senders to whom you might respond. I have seen emails that falsely purport to be from FEDEX, UPS, banks, credit card issuers, insurance companies, airlines, stores, and government agencies. Before you open such an email, ask yourself, “If this is legit, where did the sender get my email address?” Make double or
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triple sure before you click on a link in a questionable email. Among other things the link could load spyware onto your machine or lock it up until you send the perpetrator a ransom payment. At this point you should be asking yourself, “How do I protect myself against these people?” The perfect defense does not exist, but generally speaking, the harder you make it on criminals to exploit you, the more likely they are to leave you alone—and bother somebody else. Here are a few tips: 1. Install and maintain good antivirus software on your machines. Have it scan your hard drive 1-2 times a week for problems. 2. Back up your data regularly after a scan. 3. Create and use strong passwords, a different one for each secure site that you access. Use a password to access your smart phone and a log-in password on your computer. One approach to strong passwords is to make them longer, perhaps repeating a shorter one 2-3 times. An example would be !M4u!M4u!M4u. 4. Use a password application, perhaps on your smartphone, to store your passwords for different sites. Face it; nobody can remember multiple strong passwords that have to be changed periodically. Let an app help you. 5. Be cautious about performing online activity involving secure data via public internet or wifi unless you know what you are doing and take steps to protect your data. By following the suggestions above, you reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime and ID theft. Be careful when you venture into cyberspace. Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU, is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www.ronblue.com/location-al. He can be reached at 334-270-5960, or by e-mail at alan.wallace@ronblue.com. (431762902-16)
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
15
TINSELTOWN TALKS
Vintage Cavett Returns to TV By Nick Thomas
T
Dick Cavett today. (Photo by Keith Munyan)
Marlon Brando appearing on the Dick Cavett Show. (Photo provided by Dick Cavett) 16
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
he battle for late-night talk show dominance is nothing new to TV audiences. In the 60s and 70s, three prominent hosts sometimes went head-to-head for the coveted ratings bragging rights. “There was a time when Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, and myself were all opposite each other,” noted Dick Cavett from his home in New York. With the addition of “The Dick Cavett Show” to the Decades Network line-up two months ago (see www.decades.com for schedule), the trio of former competitors are again filling late-night niches, this time as reruns on cable networks – Carson’s “Tonight Show” on Antenna TV since January and “The Merv Griffin Show” on getTV since last October. “We all had great entertaining guests, but it was also a rough period for America – Vietnam, Nixon, civil rights and a bevy of assassinations,” said Cavett. “People seem to like the nostalgia of these old shows, even if it means looking back at troubled times.” Transplanted from the Midwest to New York, Cavett began his journey to late-night as a copy boy for Time magazine in 1960. After sending some jokes to then “Tonight Show” host Jack Paar, he was soon hired as a writer. Throughout the 60s, Cavett continued to write for others, including Carson, as well as tackling standup himself, but eventually inherited his own daytime show at ABC in 1968. Known for his in-depth and well-researched interviews, enlivened with a touch of witty commentary, Cavett soon graduated from daytime to late-night as “The Dick Cavett Show” and attracted guests that competitors envied. “Fred Astaire rarely gave interviews, but wanted to come on my show,” said Cavett. “When he did, he danced for God’s sake, and the audience went wild.” But not all Cavett’s guests were so obliging, such David Bowie’s 1974 tense appearance in which the singer fidgeted with a cane throughout the interview. “He was the single most nervous guest I ever had,”
noted Cavett. “I wanted to Cavett became friends take that cane and throw it with Groucho, but says in the orchestra.” that was an exception, A year earlier, Marlon rather than the rule. He Brando’s appearance was a was also more than just a scoop, although the actor rival to one of his latepreferred to discuss the night competitors. plight of Native Ameri“Johnny Carson and cans rather than acting. I were actually good “When I asked for his friends,” said Cavett, who thoughts on the success turns 80 in November. of ‘The Godfather’ movie, “About a year before he he mumbled that he didn’t died, I had a wonderful want to talk about films,” evening with him at a resrecalled Cavett. “So I taurant and we talked for quipped ‘Did you like the Groucho Marx on the Dick Cavett Show. (Photo provided by Dick Cavett) hours about our shows book, “The Godfather?”’ and some of the guests we That got a big laugh from had over the years.” the audience and after he paused, he threw me that million Many were among the greatest celebrities of the Twentidollar Brando grin.” eth Century (see www.dickcavettshow.com). A huge Marx Brothers fan, Groucho Marx was one of “People have been asking me constantly over the years Cavett’s early guests. if they will ever see all those full episodes of ‘The Dick “Groucho came on with his writing friend Harry Ruby Cavett Show’ on TV again,” he said. “Well now they can.” and it was pure gold. But that’s one of the early episodes that went missing, probably recorded over when studios Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, reused videotapes. It still gives me bad dreams to think the Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for tape might have been turned into ‘Let’s Make a Deal.’” more than 600 magazines and newspapers.
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8 Cheap Ways to Boost Curb Appeal FEATURE
Home exterior looking tired and worn? Instantly increase its curb appeal with these easy, inexpensive ideas. By Sara Schwartz
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April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
1. Paint the front door You’ll hear this tip a thousand times from real estate experts, but that’s because it’s true! “The front door is important,” says John Gidding, architect, host of HGTV's Curb Appeal. “Before replacing it, think of adding a fresh coat of paint in tones that complement and contrast your house, in a glossy finish.” For $25-30, you can pick up a can of exterior paint and give your front door a fresh pop of color that sells. If you have the funds and the time, you can also paint the shutters and trim, and replace the door handles, knobs, and kick plates. 2.Bring the inside outdoors One trend decor experts are seeing this year is small touches that evoke a cozy, welcoming feel in your outdoor space. "An easy and inexpensive way to do that is to incorporate textiles—outdoor pillows, cushions, a rug, etc.—into your outdoor seating area," says Annie Talajkowski of Bellacor.com, a home furnishing and decor Internet retailer. "If your home has a front porch, you can instantly transform your aging patio furniture or simple garden bench with some fresh cushions or pillows in bright playful colors."
3. Make your lawn look sharp Another go-to realtor tip: Landscaping and building out tidy flower beds are an easy way to draw a buyer’s eye. But before you add anything, take away what’s not working. Cut back failing or out-of-control greenery to help you visualize the planting possibilities. “Make sure the lawn is mowed and beds are weeded,” says Denise Cheshire, owner of the Home Staging Institute. “Fill in bare spots with a lawn patch seeding product, trim hedges, and remove any foliage that blocks windows.” Not up for full-fledged gardening improvements? Install flower boxes in your front windows or simply place a few on the ground, flush with the wall of your house. "Add potted plants to quickly and affordably dress up your entryway, especially if your home doesn't have much of a yard," says Gidding. 4. Patch your walkway Have a cement walkway or stairs out front? If so, the surface has probably formed cracks over time, which can be
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unsightly for potential buyers. Fortunately, mending small cracks is an easy job using flexible sealant, a durable substance that’s textured to blend with concrete and sold in tubes with easy applicators. Quikrete, Sarkese, and Loctite are some popular brands. 5. Keep your adornments balanced Whether you decorate with urns, planters, or pink flamingos, keep your adornments symmetrical for a pleasing look, say most experts. 6. Add new house numbers Upgrading your house number is another inexpensive way to beautify your home's exterior. Plus, potential home buyers who hear about your house from a real estate listing will have an easier time finding you. "You can't go wrong with new house numbers in a metal finish," says Gidding. For a very low-cost and easy-to-do option, try pounding nails into a mountable wooden board in the outline of your house number. All you need is a box of nails and a paper template, which you can create and print out at home. For instructions, visit chatelaine.com/tag/house-numbers/. Find more creative ideas for DIY house numbers on architectureartdesigns.com. 7. Clean, clean, clean A house that looks clean and cared for on the outside will signal the same for the inside to potential homebuyers. Make sure to wash or pressure wash these areas, in particular: n Siding n Windows, inside and out n Walkway, steps, and driveway You can rent a pressure washer for $36 or less per day. Remember, your entryway should have a clean aesthetic, which also means clutter. From wind chimes to outdoor flags, clutter must go. 8. Other low-cost upgrades It takes a village to sell a house, and professionals in all arenas—from landscaping to real estate and inteApril 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
rior design—offer up these simple ideas: n Install low-voltage or solar lighting to accent your walkway, front door, a particularly pretty tree, or the front face of your house. n Replace or repaint your mailbox—and make sure it's straight. n Get a new doormat. Courtesy: grandparents.com., a lifestyle site that celebrates the grandparent community by providing trusted information about family & relationships, health & well-being, travel & retirement, and more. Follow the site on Twitter (@grandparentscom) and on Facebook (facebook.com/grandparentscom).
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5 Things You Don’t Know About Hospice People who choose hospice live longer than those who do not. “According to a 2010 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients receiving early palliative care experienced less depression, had better quality of life, and survived 2.7 months longer.” People who choose hospice report having a better quality of life. Pain and symptoms are better managed. Fear and apprehension are reduced. Energy can be used to spend time with loved ones doing enjoyable activities rather than sitting in doctor’s offices and long hospital stays. Hospice brings healthcare to your home, rather than having to go to the hospital. “Seven out of 10 Americans say they would prefer to die at home, according to a CNN poll, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 25 percent actually do.” Hospice helps the whole family. An interdisciplinary team approach is taken to help the patient and their family or caregivers cope with the challenges they are
facing. Each person is cared for by a Registered Nurse and the care is overseen by a Medical Director (physician). Individuals can choose whether or not they need a Licensed Social Worker, Spiritual Care Coordinator (Chaplain) and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Medical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual Needs are addressed for each person and their support system. As needs increase, hospice care increases. It is never too early to talk about your wishes. The best time to talk about healthcare choices is now. Many families are together during the holidays.Perhaps this year is the time to have an open and honest conversation about how you want your life wishes to be honored. Perhaps you need help knowing how. Comfort and Conversation is a program Comfort Care Hospice provides to help guide you through the challenging issues of health care and end of life. Call if we can be of any assistance (334) 514-0244. (“Why Hospice Is More Important Today Than Ever Before,” by Dan Hogan, National Association for Home Care and Hospice.)
Are you compassionate with a heart to serve? Become a ComfortCare Compassionate Volunteer. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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FEATURE
White Lies k
Online Dating Don’t Mix By Emily Bartz
T
here are a million different ways that singles can go about trying to impress a date. Some might opt for a new haircut while others might choose to tell their date about an impressive trip they took recently. Whatever the strategy may be, each dater has the chance to show off a little bit about what makes them great. Online dating is no different, even though the logistics may change a bit. Unfortunately, a common trend has broken out among online daters that is less than ideal — white lies. While a little embellishment may not seem too harmful, it can actually be more damaging than you intend. We’ve broken down three areas where online daters often stretch the truth, and explained why opting for a white lie may not be the best idea. Exaggerating your appearance Perhaps the most common form of white lies on an online dating site is profile exaggerations, specifically when a dater stretches the truth about their physical appearance. When daters first sign up for a service, they’re asked to fill out a brief questionnaire, including such information as their height, body type, hair color and etcetera. While it's understandable that not all online daters will want to
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divulge such information, there is never any reason to outwardly lie about your stats. Not only is this a dishonest way to begin any potential relationship, but the plan is bound to fall apart immediately upon meeting any potential date in real life. Men and women alike are notorious for exaggerating the truth about how they look on their online dating profile, but most will tell you that the risk is simply not worth the reward. In the event that you don't feel comfortable being honest about your physical appearance on your online dating profile, it's a much better idea to simply forego answering or filling out
any questionnaires rather than lying. If the opportunity for a date in real life does arise and your match is genuinely curious about what you look like, you can choose to divulge the information you'd like then. Keep in mind that the description of your appearance is not the only place on your profile where you can lie, as you can also purposely or unintentionally deceive potential matches with your profile photo. While we all love photos of our younger selves, it’s not an accurate depiction of how you look today. As such, you should be sure to include only relevant photos (taken within at least the last
six months) so fellow daters can see what you actually look like. Learn more about the top online dating photo mistakes so you can be sure to avoid them. Jobs and money It may seem odd that money talk would come into play at any point during a potential romantic endeavor, however, it's not uncommon for online dating sites to ask their users to submit some information about what they do for a living or even a "ballpark" range of how much money they make. Some users opt not to include such information, others might give a vague idea of the lifestyle that their
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particular income affords them. Again, unfortunately, there are some people who take this as an opportunity to grossly exaggerate how much money they make or create a fake job title to impress other online daters. Lying about money is a serious offense, and should never be taken lightly. Especially when it comes to interactions with other people with whom you hope to share a relationship, lying about your income or your job title is extremely misleading and dishonest, and can lead to an unfixable situation. Hobbies and weekend activities The days of including "long walks on the beach" as a part of your list of favorite pastimes are behind us, thankfully. Now online daters have taken it upon themselves to get a bit more creative in what they include in the "interests" section of their profile. In fact, some people are going as far as to include hobbies they've never actually participated in just to up their appeal to others. This may seem like a harmless strategy — after all, how can someone disprove that you don't actually like to go hiking on the weekends — however, that plan will backfire almost immediately when you chat up a match and can't figure out how to accurately describe which local hiking spot is your "go-to" destination. The beauty of online dating is that there is a niche out there for everyone. That means, no matter what your hobbies may be, there is someone out there who loves to do the same things as you. While lying or stretching the truth may seem like a good way for you to meet someone fast, it’s still important to remember that you’re joining a dating site to meet a potential match with whom you likely hope to share hobbies and interests. Being honest will always be the best option, and ultimately land you a more satisfying date with someone who wants to get to know you authentically. Courtesy: NextAdvisor.com 24
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
Some people are going as far as to include hobbies they’ve never actually participated in just to up their appeal to others.
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SOCIAL SECURITY
The Faces of Disability
S
ocial Security is committed to the principles and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which improves the lives of our beneficiaries and our employees who have disabilities. We are proud to say that we’ve been helping people with disabilities for over 25 years. We also want you to see and hear from the people who rely on Social Security disability benefits to not just survive, but thrive, as acKylle’ McKinney tive members of our communities. Our Faces and Facts of Disability website highlights the real life stories of people who have disabilities. The newest person we are featuring on our Faces and Facts of Disability website is Lynne Parks. She is an artist from Baltimore, Maryland. First diagnosed with metastatic fibrosarcoma at age 14, she has lived with this illness for nearly 35 years. It started in her face and moved to different parts of her body, including her abdomen and leg. She also has various tumors on her shoulder and arm. Inflammatory responses, infections, and new tumors are complications that Lynne deals with every day. “Because of the tumors, I have limited use of my left arm,” Lynne said.
“I have weakness in my legs. There's fatigue because my immune system has taken such a big hit from the cancer and the cancer treatments. I get sick all the time. There might be a day that I can be at home and resting and I'll try to make the best of it. I'll wake up, fix breakfast and eat, and that takes a while because of my physical limitations, but also because of my first tumor that was in my face.” Having been helped by Social Security, Lynne tries to help others. “I'm also helping people who have issues learn to cope with them, because they see in me someone as a role model, essentially. Life without Social Security benefits, it's a horror story, because I imagine myself on the streets.” The disability benefits Lynne receives are a crucial resource for her quality of life. Our disability programs continue to be a mainstay in the lives of many people — people just like you. Social Security disability beneficiaries are among the most severely impaired people in the country. It’s something that can happen to anyone when least expected. We invite you to learn the facts about the disability insurance program, and see and hear these stories of hardship and perseverance at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.
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GAMES Across 1 Modern location code 10 Vertical sides 15 Ability to stand? 16 “What I always get” 17 Baby, for one 18 Ward cry? 19 “Bless __ ...”: Psalm 68 20 “Shadow of the Vampire” Oscar nominee 22 Mr. __!: old detective game 23 Churchill’s “so few”: Abbr. 25 Chess tactic 26 [Oh, my!] 27 Reagan era mil. program 30 “Die Hard” cry adapted from an old cowboy song 33 Trap catchings 35 Wager 36 Get comfy 37 “The Hangover” star 39 Is worth something, in dialect 40 Fifth-grader’s milestone, maybe 41 One may involve a homonym 42 Like the Negev
43 Range for some power measurements 46 “The Spanish Tragedy” dramatist 47 Behan’s land 48 Robot extension? 49 Chinese dynasty during Caesar’s time 51 Little 52 “__ yourself!” 54 1946 Literature Nobelist 58 Nice parting 60 Baklava flavoring 62 One removed from the company? 63 Cocktail portmanteau 64 Start using Twitter, say 65 Victoria’s Secret purchase Down 1 Tiny 2 Urban, e.g. 3 Boorish Sacha Baron Cohen persona 4 Style 5 1993 rap hit 6 Low-quality paper 7 Home of Phillips University 8 Full of spunk
9 Instagrammed item 10 __ bug 11 Pac-12 sch. whose mascot carries a pitchfork 12 “Swingin’ Soiree” DJ 13 It doesn’t include benefits 14 About to crash? 21 About 1.8 tablespoons, vis-à-vis a cup 24 “Double Indemnity” genre 26 Basic ideas 27 Despicable sort 28 Australian wind 29 Willing consequence? 31 Step on stage 32 Grasp 34 Jackson Hole’s county 38 Court call 39 TV input letters 41 1980s “SNL” regular 44 Sacred beetle 45 Name derived from the Tetragrammaton 50 “Far out!” 52 Cheat, in slang 53 Notice 55 Hullabaloo 56 Text status 57 Most massive known dwarf planet 59 Fair-hiring initials 61 2012 British Open winner 2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.©
Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle Answers on page 31. 26
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
HISTORY MYSTERY: DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?
W
ith your help, the Alabama Department of Archives and History has been able to put names to faces of local individuals whose identities were previously unknown. Building on last year’s success, Prime and Archives are continuing this year by bringing a trio of new photos each month. If you can help identify anyone in these photos contact Meredith McDonough, 334-353-5442 or meredith. mcdonough@archives.alabama.gov, or e-mail Prime magazine at primemontgomery@gmail.com. Right: July, 1967. Young woman playing baseball, probably in Montgomery. (Jim Peppler, photographer) Below: April 20, 1974. Top winners of the 1974 Beef Cook-off sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. (John E. Scott, photographer)
1940s or 50s – Hunter Flack and employees at company picnic at the yard of the J. H. Flack Lumber Company, Montgomery. (Horace Perry, photographer) www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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MEDICARE
Medicare helps pay for shingles vaccine A
nyone who has suffered from shingles knows the pain is excruciating. “Uncomfortable” doesn’t begin to describe your plight if you come down with the disease. “Miserable” is much closer to the truth. Shingles produces a blistering skin rash that lasts from two to four weeks. It usually appears on just one side of your body, most often on the torso or face. You also may have a fever, headache, chills or an upset stomach. When the blisters finally go away, you may be left with scars. And for one in every five sufferers, the pain continues – sometimes for a year or more. You can’t catch shingles from someone else. The disease — also known as herpes zoster — is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus actually starts as chickenpox, the childhood illness that comes with a fever, sore throat and rash. When the chickenpox ends, however, the virus doesn’t. It hides in your nerves and, for some people, emerges later as shingles. No one knows why that happens, but shingles is more common after age 60 and among people whose immune systems have been weakened by a disease like cancer. 28
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
By Bob Moos About 1 million Americans a year get shingles. Most will have only one outbreak in life, though a second or third outbreak can occur. Fortunately, you can prevent shingles or at least blunt its effect with a vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a one-time shot if you’re 60 or older. The vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by about 50 percent. If you do come down with it, you’re likely to have a milder case if you’ve been inoculated. There have been no serious problems with the vaccine, though the CDC cautions that anyone with a weakened immune system should not be inoculated. The most common side effects have been redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the shot site. If you have any questions, visit with your doctor. Medicare covers the shingles vaccine as one of its preventive benefits. But, unlike some other vaccines that are paid through Part B, the shingles vaccine is covered by Part D. That’s the part of Medicare you use when you buy prescription drugs at your pharmacy. People get Part D through a private stand-alone drug plan, if they have traditional Medicare, or through a
Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Your Part D plan will pay for the vaccine itself and for your doctor or other health care provider to give you the shot. But you need to make sure you follow your particular plan’s rules in order to keep your out-of-pocket cost as low as possible. The average copayment for Medicare beneficiaries who get inoculated for shingles is $60 to $80, though that will vary by plan. If you’re vaccinated at a drugstore, check to make certain it’s in your Part D plan’s pharmacy network. Otherwise, the shot will cost you more than your usual copay. If you’re inoculated in a doctor’s office, check to make sure the office can bill your plan or at least can work through a drugstore in your plan’s network. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay the entire bill upfront and then claim reimbursement from your plan. Just to be safe, call your Part D drug plan ahead of time and ask which pharmacies and doctors in your area you can use to receive the shingles vaccine at the plan’s regular copay. To learn more about shingles, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines. For more about Medicare’s coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www. medicare.gov. As today’s 78 million baby boomers age, the number of shingles cases will only increase. Guard yourself against the pain and suffering. Get vaccinated. Bob Moos is Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
FEATURE
Reading: Antidote to Loneliness T
By William McDonald
hey don’t ask for much - just a good story now and then. Sometimes, a lot of the time, they may not be able to ask, but you can see it in their eyes. Tired eyes that are saying “I can’t make out the words anymore.” Proud eyes that hate to say, “I’ve had a stroke. I can’t hold a book in my hands.” Quiet eyes that are asking, “Could you take a minute and read me a story?” Usually a love story that might take them back to a time when they were young and in love as only the young can love. Helen closes her eyes when I read, perhaps to keep me from reading something in them that is for her eyes only. But she cannot hide the smile that dances across her face. She can not hide the way her hands, folded over her chest, sway back and forth to a melody of memories only she can hear. Rebecca asks me to change the names in every story to Rebecca and Franklin. She does not close her eyes when I read. She stares, beyond the room, beyond the walls, beyond the building – beyond time itself, into a world where a man named Franklin and a woman named Rebecca lived and loved and promised a forever to each other. John likes me to read to him. Most men don’t but John does. I think it’s because every woman in every story is, in John’s mind, a woman whose heart he once won. He doesn’t say it but … and lost. I used to wonder if the seniors I read to considered me a time thief, stealing a little of what little they might have left. But no. I have learned that reading to someone is the antidote to loneliness. It is like giving and getting a hug when we need it most. A good story is a good escape, a good safe place to hide. From a step that isn’t quite as strong as it once was, from eyes a little dimmer than just the other day, from a mind not quite as sharp. A good story can turn today into yesterday, when loneliness was absent, love and respect ever present. A good story is, indeed, a good escape from, as Shakespeare wrote, “second childishness and mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.” My grandmother was considered forever lost to Alzheimer’s. The last time I saw her, her eyes were closed. No, they were crushed shut. Her fists were clenched so tightly around her bible I could almost see the blood draining from her veins and she was tap, tap, tapping her feet, faster and faster until the tapping became an angry stomping. She was digging into her mind, trying to remember someone, something, anyone, anything, but the deeper she dug the further down she fell into the abyss that was once a well of golden memories. Every memory that had been tucked away for safekeeping, every moment of love and hope, every dream, every victory, every
loss, every moment worth saving – no longer accessible. I removed the Bible from her grip then sat on the floor and started reading. Before long her hands relaxed, she stopped stomping her feet and the only sound in the room was the sound of my voice. I read to her for about an hour. Finally, sadly, I kissed her goodbye. My hand was on the doorknob when she called to me. “Billy? Is that you?” I turned. Saw the recognition in her eyes. “We had some times, didn’t we, Billy?” That was all. As quickly as it had come, the light went from her eyes and she was gone again. Don’t be afraid to read to someone considered forever lost to Alzheimer’s. You might just find yourself in the middle of a miracle. Gwenna is 93, in our world. In her world she is somewhere between seven and eight, and what “somewhere between seven and eight-year-old” doesn’t like a bedtime story? Gwenna prefers stories about angels. One night, long after the bedtime story had lulled her to sleep, Gwenna woke, saw me sitting at her bedside, book of stories still on my lap and asked, “Are you my guardian angel?” “Yes, darlin’, I am.” “And you have a book.” “And I have a book.” “I like that.” Carry a book of stories with you. Read to someone who can no longer read for himself or herself. A good story will lift your old friends from a life as empty as a weed-ridden patch of dirt into the Garden of Eden. William McDonald is the author of Old Friends (Endless Love). He can be reached at www.oldfriendsendlesslove.com. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
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Prime FREE FOR YOU
Celebrating Life
March 2016
Forgetting: A normal part of aging?
Spring Break Fun for Young & Old (page 22)
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Celebrating Life
April 2016
Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal 8 Cheap Ideas (page 18)
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White Lies & On-line Dating Don’t Mix (page 22)
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April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
April in Montgomery Music -- Nashville Songwriters Assn. International, Montgomery Chap. Apr. 3, May 1, 2-4 pm. Mtgy Museum of Fine Arts. All genres, skill levels welcome. Capitol Sounds Concert. Apr. 14, 7 pm, Frazer UMC, Montgomery. Free (donations accepted.) For info visit www.capitolsounds.org, call 334-324-8661. Gardening -- Annual Plant Sale. Capital City Master Gardeners. Apr. 23, 7 am-noon. Frazer UMC, Montgomery. Plants of all kinds plus soil test kits available. Herb Day, May 7, 8 am-3 pm. Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For info visit www.oathsblog. com, e-mail oathsblog@gmail.com. Walking Tours -- Downtown Montgomery. April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 10 am. AL Tourism Dept. From Montgomery Area Visitor Center. For info www.alabama.travel. Huntingdon College. April 10th, 2 pm. Conducted by Landmarks. $10 for non-members. Members free. Fundraisers -- Church Youth Auction, St. James UMC, Montgomery. Preview Apr. 15, 5-7 pm. Auction Apr. 16, 4-6 pm. For info visit www.sjlifeauction.com. Easter Seals Auction. Apr. 22. Easter Seals Central AL.
2014-15
Privately hosted, Lake Martin. Limited seating. For tickets e-mail Varina Mead, vmead@eastersealsca.org. Child Protect ‘Chairs for Children’ Auction. Apr. 28, 5:307:30 pm, Union Station, Montgomery. Live/silent auctions. Info: www.childprotect.org, 334-262-1220. Montgomery Area Council on Aging. “Swinging Fore Seniors” golf tourney, May 13. Enter by Apr. 25. For Meals on Wheels. 334-263-0532, cjohnson@macoa.org. Meetings/Events -- Free document shredding. Apr. 8, 7 am-1 pm. South parking lot, Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Dr. Residential only. Call 334-625-2175. Family Night, Elmcroft Assisted Living. Apr. 19, 5:30 pm. Call 334-396-1111. In-Water Boat Show. Apr. 22-23. Harbor Pointe Marina, Lake Martin. 256-825-0600, harborpointe.net. 10th Annual Alabama Book Festival. Apr. 23, Old Alabama Town. For info visit www.oldalabamatown.com. Newcomers Club of Montgomery. River Region women luncheon. Apr. 28, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Arrowhead CC. $18. Reserve by noon, Apr. 25 (334-593-9266, jan8410@bellsouth.net).
Season Classical Season Concert V • Monday, April 25 • 7:30pm featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian”
Jubilee Pops • Friday, May 27 • 7:00pm Patriotic salute to Memorial Day
Fellowship Series Kris Kendrick
Violin, Thursday, May 12 • 7:30pm www.montgomerysymphony.org 334-240-4004 montgomerysymphony.org / 240-4004
featuring Nadir Khashimov, violin
and Barno Nishanova, piano www.primemontgomery.com | April 2016
33
The Good Life
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
“T
hursday night?” I asked. “Thursday night,” the voice on the phone confirmed. “We’re going to fry some quail, sit around and talk about the good life. Hope you can come.” Like any gracious guest, I asked how I might contribute, and was given a fairly simple assignment: show up at 6 with enough salad to feed 15 to 20 hungry men. While quail was to be the main event, there would be a cadre of other wild game entrees and sides. At the appointed date and time, my salad and I arrived with fellow invitees my father-in-law and brother-in-law, each with their own dishes, along with a dozen-and-a-half other men and their respective culinary contributions. While it is entirely possible to fry quail in the city, clean country air seems to improve the taste, something our host knew well as the venue for our gathering was his own rural getaway, a rustic chalet tucked deep in the planted pines. As we pulled up, I could see a crowd out back gathered around a bonfire. When I opened the truck door, the unmistakable smell of hot cooking grease on the breeze started my stomach to growling and after dropping off the salad in the kitchen and saying hellos I made my way to the firepit in search of our host and the promised quail. I found him by the cooker, carefully examining the first morsels to emerge from the bubbling peanut oil. As is customary at such gatherings, the small leg portions were fried first as an appetizer while the breasts were battered and prepared. The pan of hot fried quail legs - well-breaded and crispy - was passed around and we took turns pitching our clean-picked bones into the fire. I informed our host that not far from where we’d pulled off the blacktop, turned through the green gate and onto the hard-packed red dirt road as directed, we had roosted three gobblers. His eyes grew large. He pushed his forefinger into the chest of another member of the group - one known to slip into the office a little late during turkey -season - and asked whether he’d heard my report. “Somebody needs to kill those birds,” he said, with a bit of a twinkle in his eye, “tomorrow!” As the pile of quail legs grew smaller, we talked about the previous deer season; how hot it had been and how few good bucks had been taken. All agreed the weather was to blame. 34
April 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
When several dozen quail breasts had been cooked, we were corralled inside where a king’s feast awaited. Besides the mountain of birds, there was cube steak, summer sausage, Conecuh sausage, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, Mexican cheese grits, hoecakes, deer burgers, fried cheese balls, grilled venison wrapped in bacon and one very big salad. Our host introduced the benefactor of all our quail and informed us we’d not find a bit of lead in the birds as they “were all headshot.” “Only on the wing, of course ... he’d never take one on the ground,” he added wryly. After we’d all had a good laugh the bounty was blessed and we each piled our plates high. A dozen bodies sat in so many chairs around the main table while others found seats in the den by the fire or perched on kitchen stools. While the fried quail stole the show, compliments on multiple dishes were traded with more than a few requests that recipes be swapped. As plates were cleared, I made it a point to drift slowly between the various groups, just a fly on the wall, quietly listening to the conversations. Topics ran the gamut, from preferred frog gigging techniques to stock investment strategies to snapper limits, along with a fair amount of bemoaning days gone by. Surveying the room, everywhere there was laughter, back slapping and good spirits, some likely improved by spirits themselves. In the corner, a guitar player strummed a pleasant tune. When our host had called to invite me, he’d said we’d fry some quail, sit around and talk about the good life. Looking around the room - with a belly full of quail and surrounded by friends, some old, some new - there was really no need to talk about it. This was the good life. Niko Corley is a USCG-licensed charter boat captain and spends his free time on the water or in the woods. Contact him at niko.corley@gmail.com.
Niko Corley
TM
Wesley Gardens Retirement Community 1555 Taylor Road
“...where life is celebrated... and the touch of God’s love is ever-present and ageless.”
• Montgomery, AL
334-272-7917 www.methodisthomes.org
AFFORDABLE ASSISTED LIVING & DEMENTIA CARE
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