Prime Magazine Aug. 2013

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

August 2013

FREE

Sleepless in

Montgomery Tips for a good night’s rest

• Herbs • Medicare ABC’s (& D’s) • A Pair of Pear Recipes • Jar Candles • • TCM’s Robert Osborne • Investment Advisors • Back-to-School Shots •

Charles Anthony’s at the

Pub h

• Hand-cut Steaks • Fresh Seafood • Daily Specials Monday-Thursday 4:30-9:30 pm Friday and Saturday 4:30-10:00 pm

10044 Chantilly Parkway www.charlesanthonysatthepub.com 334-281-3911

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Wine Tasting 1st Wednesday of the month 5:30-7:00 pm Drawing for FREE APPETIZER at each Wine Tasting

Prime/August 2013

Pears will soon be with us (Gracious Plenty pg 8), it’s time to understand the basics of Medicare (pg 23), herbs are good for cooking and what ails you (pg 16), and a few sips of warm green tea just might help you sleep better (pg 18). Read on...

on the cover

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

August 2013

FREE

Sleepless in

Montgomery Tips for a good night’s rest

• Herbs • Medicare ABC’s (& D’s) • A Pair of Pear Recipes • Jar Candles • • TCM’s Robert Osborne • Investment Advisors • Back-to-School Shots •

We’ve all had trouble sleeping, but research indicates the problem is widespread and approaching chronic status. Our 24/7 connectivity and shifting work demands both play a role in turning us into a nation of Zombies (figuratively speaking, of course).

Try the tips on page 18 and see if they help. It’s no easy solution, but you just might rest a little easier.

EDITOR’S NOTES

5

SHORT TAKES

6

A GRACIOUS PLENTY A pear of Pear desserts

8

YARD ‘n GARDEN A city Botanical Gardens?

9

MUST-SEE FESTIVALS Peanuts, okra, beer and more!

10

IN EVERY LIFE School immunizations.

12

PRIME VINTAGE “Traveling’ with wine.

12

TINSELTOWN TALKS Mr. Movies, Robert Osborne

14

SMALL BUT IMPORTANT Herbs in your pantry

16

GIVE IT A REST Sleep better, feel better

18

CRAFTER’S CORNER A glowing creation

20

MONEY WI$E Advisors are NOT fortune tellers

21

MEDICARE Q&A What vaccines are covered?

22

MEDICARE FORUM Learn your (Medicare) ABC’s

23

SOCIAL SECURITY Q&A Disability: Who decides?

24

FINANCIAL TRAPS for SENIORS Oil, gas, gold, foreign currency.

26

BABY TALK Infants understand each other

27

SLEEP & WEIGHT GAIN

28

ALTERNATE WORKOUTS

30

PRIME DIVERSIONS August’s DVD releases

31

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Tying memories

34

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

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Karen Flanagan, DO Specializing in Family Medicine Dr. Karen Flanagan is board-certified in family practice and osteopathic manipulative treatment. She is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University and earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. Dr. Flanagan accepts new patients, including Medicare patients. She has a special interest in geriatrics and offers complete care to her patients, including continuing care in the hospital.

Dr. Flanagan is located at 1801 Pine Street, Suite 301 on the Jackson Hospital campus. To schedule an appointment call 334-265-5577.

Another great reason to choose www.jackson.org/clinic 4

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Prime

Montgomery

August 2013 Vol. 4, Issue 5

PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Janet Adams CONTRIBUTORS Joe Borg, Tina Calligas, Betsy Coley, Callie Corley, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace, David White PHOTOGRAPHER Bob Corley 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 As a child, we had patches of mint growing wild in the flower beds around our house. I thought everyone did. The same was true for basil, fennel, parsley, and dill. Aromatic herbs, they add a unique, unmistakeable taste to a variety of dishes, from stuffed tomatoes to rice pilaf. One, in particular, made my grandmother’s meatballs legendary.

Ask any of her nine grandchildren what dish they most remember from “Yiayia’s” kitchen and it’s a good bet each will answer “kef-teh’-thes,” otherwise known as meatballs. From the time I was tall enough to peer over my grandmother’s shoulder (she was barely five feet) I remember watching as she prepared this flavorful dish.

Though similar in size, these were different from the meatballs of spaghetti fame. Rolled in flour and pan-fried to a golden brown, these biscuit-sized balls of ground beef were served as an entrée, without pasta or even a sauce. Delicious at dinner, they were just as wonderful as leftovers, cold from the refrigerator. As the oldest granddaughter and the one always underfoot, I delighted in watching Yiayia’s precisioned process.

Placing a large bowl in one side of the sink, she added ground beef, a raw egg, and a grated onion, always in the same order. Mesmerized, I watched as my grandmother cut the ends off two slices of white bread, dampened what was left with water, and tore the bread remnants into pieces, dropping them into the bowl. Next came salt, pepper, ground garlic, and a little water. After kneading the mixture with her hands to assure everything was well-blended,Yiayia added the piéce de resistance: fresh, chopped mint from the garden.

I didn’t realize the significance of that last, simple ingredient until many years later, as an adult in my own kitchen. Attempting to duplicate my grandmother’s success, I dutifully followed all the steps from memory – unintentionally forgetting the last one – and was dismayed at the lackluster results. Definitely not the meatballs of my childhood.

A lightbulb went off when I finally remembered the mint. Dashing quickly to to the grocery I purchased packaged, fresh mint clippings and carefully added them to the mixture. Eureka, what a difference! Thrilled, I realized mint was my Rosetta Stone. It unlocked the zesty secret of the “keftethes” and at least a half-dozen other dishes I loved, but had never cooked to my liking.

I still prepare my grandmother’s meatballs, but no longer rush to the grocery for packages of mint. Though it took a while, mint now grows wild in my yard too – along with a tasty treasure trove of other herbs, secret ingredients for the dishes my family seems to love the most.

Don’t miss this month’s story by Janet Adams on the “The Lure and Love of Herbs” (page 16). If you’re an herb fan, or even if you’ve yet to be bitten by the herb bug, Janet offers engaging details on the value and significance of these unheralded household heroes.

Have a great month!

Sandra Polizos Editor

If you’re on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery! www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

5

Quick reads Hands-Free Not Risk Free Contrary to what many people think, using hands-free devices to talk, text or send e-mail while driving is distracting and risky (University of Utah study, issued by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).

Researchers found that the new, speech-based technologies in the car can overload the driver’s attention and impair their ability to drive safely.

The research found that as mental workload and distractions increase, reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, and drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them, including stop signs and pedestrians.

Walking Improves Health in Older Men The more an older man walks, the better his physical and mental health and his quality of life (American Journal of Health Promotion).

Although walking ranks among the favorite forms of physical activity for older adults, few studies have considered the specific impact of walking – as opposed to overall physical activity – on health in older people. The researchers divided the men into four groups based on the number of steps taken daily, ranging from lowest to highest.

The men averaged 8,539 steps per day.

“Older men who averaged the greatest number of steps per day reported more optimal quality of life profiles, in terms of both physical and mental health, than older men averaging fewer steps per day.”

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Fish Oil May Lower Heart Stress The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil have long been thought to protect against cardiovascular disease - so much so that the American Heart Association currently recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week, particularly fatty varieties rich in omega 3’s.

However, the mechanism behind this protective effect still remains a mystery. In a new study, scientists of Michigan Technological University shed light on this phenomenon by providing evidence that fish oil might specifically counteract the detrimental effects of mental stress on the heart.

Findings show that volunteers who took fish oil supplements for several weeks had a blunted response to mental stress in several measurements of cardiovascular health, including heart rate and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (part of the “fight or flight” response) compared to volunteers who took olive oil instead.

The results may explain why taking fish oil could be beneficial to the heart and might eventually help doctors prevent heart disease in select populations.

Hypoglycemia and Dementia Linked A study of older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) suggests an association between hypoglycemic events (low blood glucose) and dementia (research conducted by University of California, San Francisco; published online by JAMA Internal Medicine).

There is a growing body of evidence that DM may increase the risk for developing cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia.

When blood glucose declines to low levels, cognitive function is impaired and severe hypoglycemia may cause neuronal damage.

Patients who experienced a hypoglycemic event had a two-fold increased risk for developing dementia compared with those who did not have a hypoglycemic event.

Assessing Pain in Older Adults Several types of pain assessment tools are available to help clinicians evaluate pain in older people. However, too often the initial emphasis is to gauge pain intensity instead of determine how the pain affects function and the need for treatment (research presented at the American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting).

Researchers from the University of Iowa School of Nursing said persistent pain affects 50% of individuals 65 and older, and decisions regarding appropriate pain management strategies should rely on patient responses about how pain impacts daily life and activities, instead of simply asking ‘how much does it hurt?’ www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

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A gracious plenty

F

or the more than 25 million Americans with diabetes, food choices are critical to maintaining their health.

Chef Sam Talbot, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12 years old, understands those challenges. Talbot was also runner-up in Season 2 of Bravo’s hit TV show “Top Chef,” and his new cookbook proves diabetics don’t have to sacrifice flavor to follow a healthy eating plan.

“Pears are one of my favorite fruits to use in recipes,” says Talbot. “They are a low GI fruit (glycemic index; see sidebar), they’re high in fiber, and the flavor of a ripe pear is just out of this world. They are incredibly versatile in sweet and savory recipes in all types of world cuisines. They can be part of any meal of the day.”

The two recipes here are from Talbot’s book, and showcase the fresh, sweet flavor of pears. For more information, visit www.SamTalbot.com, and for additional pear recipes visit www. usapears.org.

Ripeness is the key to enjoying pears at their sweetest and juiciest. To judge ripeness, pear growers advise you to “check the neck.” Press the neck, or stem end, of the pear. If it yields to gentle pressure, it’s ripe, sweet and juicy. If it feels firm, leave the pear at room temperature to ripen within a few days. Refrigerate pears if you want to slow their ripening. d Coconut (4 servings) Yogurt with Pear an on l Juice of 1 lem t tened shredded coconu ee sw l 1/3 cup un s mb cru r s graham cracke l 2 tablespoon l e-Nuts or granola cerea l 1/2 cup Grap or to ct, tra granulated stevia ex l 1 tablespoon taste und cinnamon l 1 teaspoon gro htly such as Anjou or Bosc, slig l 2 ripe pears, firm to the touch in Greek yogurt l 3 cups 2% pla lemon juice, coconut, In medium bowl, combine cereal, sweetener and graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon. pears.

Peel, core and finely chop and top with fruit s wl Spoon yogurt into 4 bo sprinkle directly onto and coconut mixture, or r of yogurt each individual containe double duty as a desNote: This recipe can do rfait style. Spoon 1/8 of sert if you serve it up pa m of each of 4 bowls or the pears into the botto the cereal mixture, then parfait glasses. Add 1/8 of , with the remaining pears 1/2 cup of yogurt. Repeat rt. cereal mixture, and yogu s, g protein, 38 g carbohydrate Per Ser ving: 265 calories, 15 l, ero lest cho mg 8 ), 8 g total fat (6 g saturated 6 g fiber, 157 mg sodium

Pear Perfection

Lavender Poached Pears (4 servings) l 2 large ripe pe ars, such as Bosc or Anjou , slightly firm to the touch l 3 tablespoon s granulated stevia extra ct, or to taste l 1 tablespoon dried lavender l 2 blossoms dri ed hibiscus l 1 chamomile tea bag l 1/2 cup loosel y packed fresh mint leaves Peel, halve and core pears using a melon baller to sco op out seeds.

In large pot, combine 3 cu ps water, sweetener, laven der, hibiscus, chamomile tea an d mint. Bring to a boil ov er mediumhigh heat, then reduce he at to medium-low. Add pe ars and simmer until you can eas ily pierce pears with the tip of a knife, about 20 minutes.

To serve, transfer pear ha lves to 4 individual bowl s and ladle some of the cooking liquid over the top.

Per Ser ving: 72 calories, 1 g protein, 19 g carbohydrate s, 0 g total fat (0 g saturated ), 0 mg cholesterol, 4 g fibe r, 2 mg sodium

The Glycemic Index : The glycemic index (GI) rates carbohydrates on a scale of 1 to 100 based on how rapidly a food item raises blood sugar levels after eating. Foods high on the glycemic index are digested rapidly, which produces marked fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Foods low on the index are digested slowly and raise blood sugar and insulin levels gradually.

(Univ. of Sydney Glycemic Index Group, Human Nutrition Unit, School of Molecular Biosciences)

Recipes excerpted from the book, “The Sweet Life: Diabetes without Boundaries,” by Sam Talbot. Published by Rodale. Copyright © 2011.

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Yard ‘n Garden

The City’s Gardens

By Betsy Coley

I

f tourists from out of state stopped you on the street for directions to the Montgomery Botanical Garden, where would you send them? Blount Cultural Park? The Shakespeare Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival? Or perhaps one of our city parks with their majestic old trees? If you’re downtown you might suggest the Urban Farm by the river with its vegetable beds. The correct answer, however, is that Montgomery doesn’t have a botanical garden. The closest one is in Birmingham, 90 miles north.

Each of these Montgomery locations has some aspect of gardening, yet none can be classified as a botanical garden.

According to the Botanic Garden Conservation International (www.bgci.org), "Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education."

Dream with me, if you will, of visiting the future Montgomery Botanical Garden.

You’re walking down a sunlit path admiring a variety of flowering shrubs. You turn off into a woodland setting with shade trees, wildflowers, and a bench where you can sit and relax.You might join me as I stroll with my young granddaughter and point out the brightly colored flowers. Our next stop might be at the interactive children's garden she’s heard about from her cousins who have been to the Botanical Garden on school field trips and learned about healthy eating in the vegetable garden. Perhaps they watched a local chef cooking fresh vegetables during a demonstration in the outdoor kitchen.

If you are a serious gardener, you no doubt will notice labels on the plants and photograph those you want to add to your home garden. Perhaps you'll meet a friend at the garden café for lunch, browse through the gift shop, or attend a workshop on planting bulbs. Then there are the research labs, out of sight yet a vital part of any botanical garden, since conservation is part of the mission. Serious horticultural science is going on there.

Alabama’s Botanical Gardens n Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 67.5 acres, 25 unique gardens, 12,000 types of plants, largest public horticulture library in the US, www.bbgardens.org n Mobile Botanical Gardens, 100 acres, cultivated areas, natural habitats, classes, guided tours, www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org n Huntsville Botanical Garden, 112 acres, nature trail, vegetable garden, aquatic garden, www.hsvbg.org n Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, 50 acres, outdoor classroom, wedding garden, Southern Heirloom Garden, www.dabg.org

A Botanical Garden adds to the quality of life in a city, providing its citizens a wonderful place to enjoy and learn about the world of plants. It’s also an important element for attracting new economic development and expanding tourism.

Heather Coleman, a representative from the city of Montgomery, spoke in June at the first public meeting to announce the proposal to possibly develop Oak Park into a botanical garden. She urged interested citizens to sign up to participate on one of several committees that will be formed to research and develop this project. No funding is available from the city, so all funds must be raised by the private sector and/or grants.

For information, or to get involved, e-mail montgomerybotanicalgarden@gmail.com, or visit http://montgomerybotanicalgardens.blogspot.com or the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park Facebook page.

Betsy Coley is a member of the Capital City Master Gardener Association. For more information about the association, visit their website, www.capcitymga.org/, or e-mail capcitymga@gmail.com. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

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Alabama’s August Festivals Alabama Restaurant Week, Statewide Aug. 16–25 Enjoy the cuisine of your favorite Alabama restaurants during Alabama Restaurant Week.Various eateries around the state – including some of those featured in the “100 Dishes To Eat in Alabama Before You Die” brochure – offer special prices and menus throughout the week for diners who want to experience the flavors of Alabama. www.alabamarestaurantweek.com/ Black Belt Folk Roots Festival, Eutaw Aug. 24-25 Held in the historic Greene County Courthouse Square, this festival is organized by The Society of Folk Arts & Culture. The event celebrates age-old traditions of West Alabama through music, dance, storytelling and food. www.eutawonline.com/festival.htm World’s Largest Peanut Boil, Luverne Aug. 31 Recognized as the largest peanut boil in the world for more than 30 years, this festival will have more than 17 tons of peanuts in the boil. Along with peanuts, enjoy a 5K run, car show, beauty pageant, activities for children and music. www.crenshawcochamber.com/peanutboil/ Okra Festival, Burkville Aug. 31 The Okra Festival started as a small community event celebrating the only crop that survived an unusually hot summer in 2000. More than a decade later, it is one of the highlights of the summer season, featuring local food, music and cultural arts. www.okrafestival.org/ 10

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Dauphin Street Beer Festival, Mobile Aug. 31 Dauphin Street Beer Festival Guests can explore downtown Mobile and more than 30 venues at this unique beer festival.

Sample more than 100 craft and specialty brews while visiting different local hot spots.

Fort Mims Massacre 200th Anniversary, Tensaw Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Event begins on the anniversary date of the attack on Fort Mims, where more than 500 pioneer settlers were killed by Creek Indians in 1813. www.fortmims.org Dragon Boat Festival Montgomery, Aug. 24 Riverfront Park.

Competing teams raise money for local charities, Bridge Builders Alabama and Rebuilding Together Central Alabama. First race starts at 8:30 a.m. Food, entertainment. www.montgomerydragonboat.org/

NUMBER 3

A road trip to Mobile’s Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa is the perfect romantic getaway. In this legendary AAA Four Diamond Hotel, you can celebrate The Year of Alabama Food with a gourmet supper at the award-winning Trellis Room. Or relax at The Spa at The Battle House, a spectacular 10,000-square-foot Zen-like oasis. When you’re ready to explore Alabama’s 300-year-old port city, you’re just steps away from the entertainment district, the Carnival Museum and the History Museum of Mobile. Be sure to take time to savor the scented blooms at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, one of the South’s most storied estates. Whether you pack jeans or jewelry, your romantic memories will linger long after Mobile disappears in the rearview mirror.

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

In every life

Back-to-School Shots A

Recommendations for vaccinations accords families prepare for the coming ing to three age groups are available from the school year, back to school “shots” Centers for Disease Control (CDC; see sidebar). may be on the to-do list. Grandparents often have influential roles in decisions They include descriptions of the diseases, how made by family members. Grandparents can the diseases spread, symptoms and possible complications. bring up discussions of diseases and enAlternate forms for some vaccinations courage parents to carefully consider may be available, including inhaled or the risks of non-vaccination vs. liquid forms. Asking if children and benefits of vaccination at suggested care providers at in-home ages.

Parents can collaborate with Arlene Morris care, daycare facilities or healthcare providers to consider church nurseries have been vacthe individual needs of children, while cinated helps to assess potential addressing ways to prevent risks to the risks to children, adults, family, and family and their community. communities. Additionally, actions can “I remember when...” included in conspeak louder than words. Adults who versations, reveals a bit of reminiscence. follow vaccination schedules can motiHowever, references to lived experivate by example. ences also provide perspective from Updates for influenza, tetanus, pneumoanother time in history and decinia, pertussis, or a zoster vaccination to sions made during those life events. protect against severe shingles effects can Memories from parents or benefit adults and limit potential spread grandparents can involve experito family members. ences of contagious “usual childA recent study reported in The New hood diseases”. These included England Journal of Medicine chickenpox, measles, Recommended immunizations: (online July 10, 2013) indimumps, rubella, influenza.

Birth through 6 years cated pneumonia vaccine Other dreaded, although www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-toused in the U.S. beginning not “usual,” contagious read/child.html in 2000 prevented 168,000 infections included diphhospitalizations each year theria, typhus, typhoid, 7-to-18 years since, while the pneumonia whooping cough (pertusat www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/ vaccine for people age 85 sis), scarlet or rheumatic downloads/parent-version-schedule-7or older prevented 73,000 fever, pneumonia, tetanus, 18yrs.pdf hospitalizations annually. Also, smallpox, and fear of the hospitalizations for children paralyzing effects of polio.

A dults under age two were reduced Most families had www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/down43 percent, preventing an members or friends loads/adult/adult-schedule-easy-read.pdf estimated 47,000 pneumonia who suffered or perhaps hospitalizations per year. Addied from one of these ditional benefits include decreases in ear infecdiseases.Younger generations do not have a tions, outpatient visits, and deaths. The reduction sense of the potential serious effects from these in hospitalization rates for older ages occurred diseases because vaccination efforts during the past six decades have resulted in near eradication even though children were the group routinely vaccinated against pneumonia, showing that a in the U.S. and many other countries. However, vaccine for children can also serve to protect photos and descriptions of the suffering involved adults by decreasing risk of spread. are available on the internet. Other diseases that continue to pose a threat, yet have available Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursvaccinations, include hepatitis (A&B), meningitis, ing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her rotavirus, human papillovirus, pneumonia, influat amorris@aum.edu. enza, and shingles.

12 August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Travel in a Bottle

prime vintage

By David White ndependence Day is behind us, and though summer may appear to be winding down, it remains full of barbecues, hikes, and lazy days at the pool, lake or beach. Many of us are itching to leave town, eager to spend time away from work and escape from it all. Wine enthusiasts are fortunate in that we get to go somewhere virtually every night. Food, wine, and spirits expert Anthony Dias Blue put it this way: “Wine is a passport to the world.”

Consider Muscadet, a French white wine produced around the city of Nantes, where the Loire River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Made from a grape called “Melon de Bourgogne,” the wines are marked by subtle-yet-precise aromas of apples, limes, and seawater. Thanks to extended contact with the dead yeast cells left over after fermentation, Muscadet is also known for exhibiting a creamy mouthfeel.

Nantes’ local cuisine takes full advantage of the Loire River and the Atlantic, so unsurprisingly, these wines are perfect with shellfish and seafood dishes.

I’ve never been to Nantes, but every time I open a bottle of Muscadet, I’m taken to the coast of western France – and find myself craving mussels and fries.

Similarly, whenever I sip Australian Shiraz, I picture myself at a campfire in the Outback with a giant slab of beef.

The list goes on. Rioja inspires visions of a tapas crawl in the Spanish city of Logroño. When I drink Fiano -- a crisp, Italian white -- I find myself in southern Italy enjoying a fresh caprese salad. Beer might be the most popular pairing for bratwurst, but when I drink Riesling, I envision myself in Germany enjoying pan-fried sausage over sauerkraut with spicy mustard. Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc takes me back to those perfect evenings I’ve had in wine country dining al fresco with friends.

Wine is also a connection to the past.

I’ll never forget the evening some friends and I opened a perfectly cellared bottle of Bordeaux from 1919.

For starters, the wine still had life in it – savory, dark fruit was backed by notes of roasted nuts, eucalyptus, and cedar.

More importantly, though, the wine inspired a conversation about the lives of those who made it. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, officially ending World War I. So that wine was made while cleaning up from the wreckage of the first global war and hoping for a brighter future.

That experience can easily be replicated. Many fortified wines – think Port and Madeira – can literally age for centuries. Opening one is like opening a time capsule.

This romanticism – the understanding that wine is a window to other places and cultures – isn’t unique.

A few years ago, I interviewed David Denton, a wine educator and sommelier in Washington, D.C. In explaining how he developed his passion for wine, Denton eloquently summarized this very concept.

"Wine is like travel in a bottle," he explained. "For the cost of a bottle of wine, you can escape to somewhere exotic.You can get lost in the label, thinking about where the wine came from and who made it."

Vacation season may be winding down for many, but if you’re into wine, there’s no need to wait for a particular time of year to have an adventure.

I

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.PalatePress.com).

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

13

tinseltown talks

A Definite Classic: Robert Osborne O

By Nick Thomas

ver the last 60 years, long-time Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne has interviewed just about every Hollywood star imaginable – a dream job any classic movie fan would envy. He dabbled briefly in acting, including the 1962 pilot episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, but became a journalist for the Hollywood Reporter. After accepting an offer as temporary host for an entertainment segment on CBS in New York, he fell in love with the city and TV, and has remained in both ever since. Osborne’s movie knowledge and relaxed interview style has made him the “rock star” of classic film audiences.

“I like to think they are more ‘conversations’,” he said of his approach to interviewing. “I do my research before an interview, and will have one or two questions to get started. Then I let it flow from there. For example, when I interviewed Peter O’Toole for a TCM Film Festival, he really led the conversation with his interesting stories and even talked about his time in the navy, which he said he had never spoken about before.”

Osborne is not surprised with the continued popularity of classic films.

“The world seems so full of chaos these days and we’re constantly bombarded with depressing news,” he said. “TCM has come to be an oasis for its viewers because many of the movies are from an era where films left you with a positive feeling. Even in dramas, the good guy would usually win.”

Good guys and villains, Osborne has known most.

But there are a handful he wishes he’d interviewed.

“I’d love to have interviewed the Robert Taylors and Tyrone Powers of the world,” he said. “I never met Greta Garbo, and am actually glad because I was afraid if I did the illusion about her would have been lost.”

Without hesitation, he lists his most difficult interview as Robert Mitchum.

“We had him do a Private Screenings interview,” said Osborne, “and at lunchtime he was quite chatty – a great raconteur and talker. But as soon as we went on camera, he’d clam up! I asked him ‘When you first met Jane Russell, what was your impression of her?’ He said, ‘Don’t remember.’ I asked ‘Which of your movies would be the best representative of your work?’ He answered, ‘You decide.’ He was deliberately being a scoundrel!”

Anyone who watches Osborne’s TCM film introductions has probably heard him say a hundred times “this is one of my favorite films….” But if stranded on a desert island with just one film to watch over and over, which

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

would he choose?

“Probably ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’” he said after a brief pause. “Because the music would cheer me up, with one great number after another. It’s funny, and wonderfully entertaining.”

Not surprisingly, with his connection to film, Osborne is also a bit of a collector.

“I collect movie posters, but now really have pretty much everything I want,” along with other interesting memorabilia. “I also have an Oscar! I can’t say which one, but it was pre-1949 and was awarded to an art director.”

His numerous celebrity encounters almost beg for an autobiography.

“I’m not thinking about a book,” he said, “and the main reason is because I’m still writing so much for TCM. If I had any

free time, spending it behind a computer would not be very appealing right now. However, I did write ‘80 Years of the Oscar’ in 2008 and I’ve been thinking it’s about time to do an update.”

Meeting Osborne confirmed what his fans have long suspected: he really seems to be that genuine, soft-spoken, modest host we see on screen each week.

“I’m flattered that people enjoy what I do and it’s amazing how many people are so passionate about the classics.”

Nick Thomas teaches at AUM. His features and columns have appeared in more than 300 magazines and newspapers, and he is the author of “Raised by the Stars,” published by McFarland. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com.

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Montgomery’s Finest Italian & Greek Cuisine

W h at ’s y o u r f av o r i t e m e a l at M r. G u s ’ ?

F i l l o u t a n e n t r y f o r m at t h e re g i s t e r a n d y o u c o u l d w i n a $ 2 5 G i f t C e r t i f i c at e !

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 | August 2013

15

feature

Lure & Love The

of Herbs

By Janet Adams

F

or those of us who grew up in the years between the Great Depression and WWII, our minor childhood discomforts were often alleviated by homely teas and salves concocted from fresh or dried herbs gathered from yard and garden. And when faced with a fussy or feverish child, our mothers were more likely to call Grandma than summon the family doctor. Tummy-aches were soothed with steaming cups of peppermint or chamomile tea, and many a headache disappeared with the application of a cold cloth steeped in fragrant lavender. Bee stings and bug bites were instantly eased with crushed plantain leaves or a smashed clove of garlic.

(Garlic oil capsules are a convenient way to keep this effective remedy in your first aid kit. Simply puncture the capsule and apply the oil directly to the sting or bite, being careful not to get the oil in your eyes.)

Our mothers’ and grandmothers’ kitchens, redolent with scents of sage, rosemary, basil and thyme, reflected a long-standing tradition of using herbs for medicinal purposes as well as incorporating these familiar culinary ingredients in nourishing soups, delicious sauces and fragrant gravies. A plethora of fresh herbs – cilantro, parsley, tender beet leaves and a host of others gleaned from sheltered kitchen gardens – It wasn’t until many years later, as an adult in my own kitchen, that augmented springtime salads of fresh, tender dandelion greens and fern tendrils.

Montgomerians are fortunate to have an active Herb Society whose members are dedicated to promoting medicinal and culinary usage of local herbs.

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Each year the Society holds an Herb Day celebration in Old Alabama Town in downtown Montgomery. (Visit them on Facebook at Old Alabama Town Herb Society.)

Starting your own herb garden can be as simple as picking up a few plants at a local nursery or supermarket.

Plant them in a suitable container placed in a sunny spot on a deck, balcony or entryway. Growing herbs from seeds – preferably organic – may take a little longer, but assures a steady supply of tender, young leaves such as basil and cilantro for kitchen use.

Visit www.safeguardseeds.com and check out their extensive listing of organic seeds. Within each herb family there are distinct varietals, so do some online research to determine the ones best suited to your culinary or medicinal needs.

I like to plant two or more varieties of basil and oregano, for example, and several friends told me one of the mints they grow is chocolate-flavored! I recently ran across a recipe for strawberry basil ice cream in the April/May 2012 issue of Herb Companion magazine. Just as soon as my newly-planted basil is ready to pick, I intend to try it!

One of the most informative websites on herb gathering and growing is that of The Southern Herbalist, Darryl Patton, who was among the speakers during Herb Day at Old Alabama Town this past May (www.thesouthernherbalist. com). Darryl offers publications on recognition and use of herbs found in the wild as

well as information on cultivating herbs.You can also sign up for weekend courses on herbs and survival in the wild conducted by Patton at various locations near Gadsden, AL. Among the numerous reference books available on herbs, Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health published by Storey Books, 2008, is a straightforward, easily understood, comprehensive guide for neophyte or advanced herb enthusiast. Gladstar, an internationally recognized author, speaker and master herbalist, authored another book I treasure: Medicinal Herbs for Beginners (Storey, 2012), Newcomers to the world of herbs may not realize many herbal plants make colorful, fragrant bouquets. Anise, a member of the mint family, has an intriguing licorice scent and lovely lavender flowers. Bergamot, another mint family member, has bright, shaggy flowers growing in whorls around the stem. Calendula’s tall stems of yellow or orange flowers are a cheerful contrast to the pebbly, grey-green leaves of Salvia (sage). For more info on flowering herbs see The Flower Farmer, written and published

by Lynn Byczynski, 2008, who loves to fill her home with unusual groupings of fragrant herbals.

Perhaps these brief paragraphs will serve as an introduction to the fascinating world of herbs and will encourage readers to explore the many ways homegrown and wildcrafted herbs can enhance their daily lives.

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

17

feature

Dog-tired?

Try these tips. “When one person has a chronic sleep disorder, the whole family suffers.�

18

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

M

ore than 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, resulting in $18 billion lost to employers due to sleep loss issues. The long hours of summer can also contribute to trouble falling asleep.

"The inability to get a good night's sleep can be a complex issue, and is not as simple to cure as telling people to count sheep," says John Wilson, MD, neurologist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital (Loyola University Health System).

Wilson regularly works with the sleep lab to diagnose patients with chronic sleep issues. His colleague, Omar Hussain, DO, is a pulmonologist at Gottlieb and board certified in sleep medicine.

"Many societal trends such as working from home or swing shift workers,” says Hussain, “have economic-based lifestyles that prevent regular sleep patterns."

Obesity, recently declared a disease by the American Medical Association, has a direct link to poor sleep, says Ashley Barrient, RD, who counsels patients at the Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care. Wilson, Hussain and Barrient offer some healthful tips on how to get a better night's sleep.

Relax - Start quieting down and relaxing at least one hour before bedtime, and don't exercise or engage in vigorous activities.

Darken the room - Close the curtains or blinds; darkness is conducive to sleep.

Diminish noise - Use a sound machine to create white noise or experiment with soothing noises such as rain or the lap of waves.

Turn off the handheld devices - The need to text and email is a real problem for many when it comes to sleep. Turn the electronic device off and put it in another room. That way, if you wake up in the middle of the night, you don't automatically reach for the phone but instead turn over and fall back asleep.

Create a comfortable environment - A consistent room temperature, bedding, mattress and even sleepwear should all be appropriate to the season and comfortable.

Go to the bathroom - Waking up to use the bathroom is a complaint of many. Don’t eat or drink several hours before bed to avoid sleep interruptions from toileting.

Check medications - Some people who take medications before bed may do better to take them in the morning when they wake up or vice versa.Talk to your physician about changing your pill dosing schedule.

Write it down - Jot down worries, future errands or simply what is on your mind before bed.

This helps to allay anxieties, organize thoughts and prepare for sleep.

Read a magazine - Lighter content and shorter articles are ideal. Many like entertainment and celebrity-focused magazines as quick bedtime reads.

Have a regular routine - Try and go to bed at the same time every night to build routine and consistency.

Limit animals - Pets may be comforting and companionable, but if they move in the night and make noise, they disturb sleep.

Partner with your partner - Talk to those you live with and share your strategies.You need to get the cooperation of those in the entire household to be successful.

Reserve the bedroom - Train the body and mind to associate the bedroom with relaxation and sleep, not watching TV, playing games or exercising.

Stick with the new routine - You may not change sleeping patterns overnight, so give it a few weeks to acclimate your mind and body and establish the new habits.

Don’t eat, drink alcohol, watch TV or play electronic games before bedtime. If you have to have something, try a small cup of hot chamomile or other decaffeinated tea.

Alcohol does induce sleep but it is not restorative sleep. If you awaken in the middle of the night, do NOT turn on the TV. Many people with sleeping disorders undergo sleep studies and are diagnosed with chronic sleep apnea, a condition treatable with a variety of medical devices.

"Often it is the partner of the person with sleeping troubles who cannot stand the snoring or the irritability and issues an ultimatum for the person to get help," says Wilson. "When one person has a chronic sleep disorder, the whole family suffers."

Reprinted from material provided by Loyola University Health System as reported by ScienceDaily, July, 2013 (http://www.sciencedaily.com).

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

19

crafter’s corner

Mason Jar Candles

I

E ye s t r ai n in the Digital Age

C l i p

‘ n

S a v e

Tips to help minimize eyestrain caused by long hours at the computer.

EYE

F A C T S

• Sit 25” from the screen.

• Position the screen so your gaze is slightly downward.

• Practice 20/20: shift your eyes to an object 20 ft. away every 20 min.

• Use artificial tears when your eyes feel dry.

• BLINK! When working at a computer, we blink 1/2 as much as normally.

• Light the area properly (not too much contrast); use a screen filter.

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

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

*For a free copy of ITEC’s Viewpoint newsletter call 334-277-9111.

S a v e

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Callie Corley began crafting when she was old enough to hold a pencil, squeeze a glue bottle, and use a pair of scissors. If you have craft ideas to share, send instructions and photos to primemagdesign@gmail.com.

‘ n

20

DA! – you’re done.

The jars provide an accent of color, and the soft glow of the candle flame will add a definite sparkle to your evening party.

C l i p

think you’ll agree with me – there’s nothing quite like a Southern summer. The warm breeze, the flicker of a thousand fireflies, and the constant hum of the cicadas, the sound track to many a peaceful summer night.

Callie Corley Although we have to contend with the heat (which, unlike the rest of the country, doesn’t seem to be that bad this year), there’s nothing like having a get-together with friends and family in the back yard.

If you’re thinking about having folks over for a back-yard party, or possibly an evening wedding reception outside, decorations are key. Nothing too fancy, because we all know the food will draw all the attention. No, you want something that will accent the simplicity – and beauty – of the Southern summer. That’s where this month’s craft comes in.

Mason Jar Candle Glasses are the perfect addition to any table or centerpiece (not to mention SUPER easy to put together).

Materials Needed: Mason Jar, floating candle, water, string or ribbon, scissors.

You can get the jars and candles at a craft store. If you’re doing a significant quantity for a wedding or big party, consider ordering from a wholesale crafting supplier online. Also, unless your candles are small, the larger jars are easier to use.

(I meant what I wrote regarding simplicity.)

Tie colorful ribbon or string around the lip of the jar. If the jar is big enough, add rocks or pebbles - from a craft store or creek shore - to the bottom. Colored marbles also work well.

Fill the jar one-third to one-half with water, depending on how big it is. And, TA

moneywise

Great Expectations I

n recent months you have probably seen advertisements by certain investment houses suggesting that they have the ability to uniquely protect their clients from losses when the market declines. The inference Alan Wallace is that these advisors have some special insight about the direction markets will take in the short-term, enabling them to move into and out of asset classes at the optimal time. Although research has consistently shown that the skill to effectively time the market exists mainly in the imagination, some people continue to chase the possibility.

Hollywood has made much, through the years, about the advantage of knowing the future (for instance the TV series Early Edition and the film Back to the Future II). The reality is that no one knows what will happen an hour from now, let alone days or weeks hence. As much as investment advisors wish they could anticipate what the market or some segment of it will do in the near future, no system has yet been devised to make consistently accurate predictions about the short-term.

This fact raises the question: What should you expect from an investment advisor? What can an advisor actually do for you? A few observations come to mind, and while this list is only a sample, it may help you to form realistic expectations and find an advisor who acknowledges his limitations. After all, it can be dangerous to rely on someone who believes he can do something he cannot.

Investment advisors cannot control the direction of the market. An advisor cannot make your account go up in value when the markets you are invested in go down. To get growth in your portfolio, you must own assets offering growth potential. These same assets will necessarily expose you to the risk of unexpected declines in value. No investment offers above-average returns with below-aver-

age risk.

Investment advisors cannot accurately predict shortterm market moves.

While the long-term trend of stocks over time has consistently been toward higher values, the market has declined (often suddenly) over many shorter periods that are part of the long-term trend. No one has demonstrated that they are able to accurately predict what the market will do from one day to the next. Many interesting stories have been written about people who have tried, showing that the results of their efforts underperform the market.

Investment advisors can help you control risk by adding less risky assets to your portfolio. Including lower-volatility assets in your account, known as diversification, provides a buffer against the larger value swings of assets with greater growth potential. An advisor can help you evaluate your objectives and risk tolerance as a backdrop for building a portfolio that achieves your goals without causing you to lie awake at night.

Investment advisors cannot always protect clients against their own choices.

Clients make their own decisions, sometimes ignoring the counsel they receive.

If a client insists that he will only be satisfied with higher returns and is comfortable with more risk, an advisor will probably rely on what the client says. If a client is enamored of a stock or other pet asset and insists that it be included in his account, an advisor may acquiesce, even if it not something that he would recommend or be comfortable with aside from the client pressing the issue.

Investment advisors can help clients stick with an appropriate plan when

“No investment offers above-average returns with below-average risk.” the market passes through a temporary storm. A well-designed portfolio will tend to recover from temporary drops when the market turns up again. Clients often benefit from professional hand-holding when markets turn ugly.

Investment advice is offered on a best-efforts basis. Unfortunately, advisors cannot guarantee their clients a favorable outcome or a particular result. Sometimes the best decisions are undermined by circumstances beyond human control, at least for a period of time. More often than not, however, a disciplined approach to investment management over multiple market cycles should result in investment objectives being reached.

As I have said in a prior column, relying on honest advisors is critical. An honest advisor will understand what he can and cannot do. Beware of advisors offering assurances or promises that are unrealistic. Some of the best advice you can ever follow is: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Run, don’t walk, away.

Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior Financial 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. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

21

Marci’s Medicare Answers August 2013 Dear Marci, Does Medicare cover shots and vaccines?

— Job Dear Job, Yes, Medicare covers some shots and vaccines. However, the way Medicare covers them depends on which shot or vaccine you need.

Medicare Part D, also known as the Medicare prescription drug benefit, covers most shots and vaccines that you get. However, Medicare Part B, the medical insurance part of Medicare, may cover certain shots and vaccines in some situations. Specifically, Part B covers vaccines to prevent the flu, pneumonia and hepatitis B. Keep in mind that Part B will cover your hepatitis B shot only if you are at medium-to-high risk for hepatitis B. If you are at low risk for hepatitis B, your shot will be covered under Part D. Medicare Part B also covers shots, after you have been exposed to a dangerous virus or disease. For example, if you step on a rusty nail, Medicare Part B will cover your tetanus shot to treat the spread of the tetanus bacteria.

All other shots or vaccines, other than the ones mentioned above, are generally covered under Part D. Medicare Part D plans must include all commercially available vaccines on their formulary, or list of covered drugs, including the vaccine for shingles. Before you get a shot or vaccine, check with your Part D plan to see where you should get your shot at the lowest cost.

Dear Marci, I am signing up for Medicare for the first time.

What is the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit?

— Carrie Dear Carrie, The “Welcome to Medicare” visit is a one-time, preventive visit with a doctor or health care provider that occurs within the first 12 months of your enrollment into Medicare Part B, the medical insurance part of Medicare. The “Welcome to Medicare” visit is not a routine, head-to-toe physical exam.

Rather, it is a preventive visit designed to map out your health care needs and create a preventive plan to keep you healthy.

During your “Welcome to Medicare” visit, your doctor or health care provider may: n Review your medical and social history n Check your height, weight and blood pressure n Create a personalized plan to prevent disease based on your current health and risk factors n Counsel you on potential risk factors and educate you on other preventive services covered by Medicare 22

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

If you have Original Medicare, the traditional Medicare program administered directly through the federal government, then you may pay nothing for the visit as long as you see a doctor who accepts Medicare and takes assignment. A doctor who takes assignment accepts the Medicare-approved amount for a service as full payment. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as a Medicare private health plan, you should contact your plan to see what rules and costs apply. All Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same preventive services that Original Medicare does and will generally do so as long as you follow the plan’s rules.

Keep in mind that costs may apply if you receive additional services or screenings during the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. It may be helpful to ask your doctor whether you have only received the Medicare-covered preventive visit or if any additional services were provided..

Marci's Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for Medicare recipients. Visit www.medicarerights.org to subscribe to “Dear Marci’s” free educational newsletter.

medicare

Medicare ABC’s (and D’s)

E

very day about 8,000 Baby Boomers turn 65, qualify for Medicare, but don’t understand their health care options.

Remember the first time Paul McCartney sang “When I’m 64?” Hard as it may be for some to realize, the first wave of Beatle fans have reached that once-unimaginable milestone and stand on the threshold of qualifying for Medicare on their 65th birthday.

True to form, the generation that has gone through life believing it’s invincible hasn’t given much thought to Medicare.

Indeed, research from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has found that about two-thirds of boomers aren’t familiar with the program’s options. That’s cause for concern. If you don’t understand the fundamentals of Medicare, you can’t make informed decisions about your health care.

So here’s the short course – call it Medicare 101. Medicare comes in four parts.

Part A: covers hospital stays, skilled-nursing care, home health services and hospice care.You won’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes during your working years.

Part B: covers doctor visits, preventive services, outpatient hospital care and medical equipment.You’ll pay a monthly premium for Part B -- $104.90 for new enrollees this year. If your income is higher than $85,000 as an individual or $170,000 as a couple, you’ll pay a higher premium.

Because Original Medicare usually pays for most, but not all, of a patient’s health care costs, you may consider shopping for additional coverage or for help with the out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare doesn’t pay for.

Part C: the option to join a Medicare Advantage health plan sold by private insurers.

In addition to the services that Original Medicare covers, Medicare Advantage plans usually offer extra benefits, like dental, hearing and vision care. Most include drug coverage. The plans may also charge a separate monthly premium on top of the Part B premium.

Part D: to cover your prescriptions, you’ll need to buy a Part D drug plan from one of the private insurance companies in the business. The monthly premium, annual deductible and

other out-of-pocket costs will vary according to the particular plan you choose.

As an alternative to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can supplement your Medicare coverage by buying “Medigap” insurance. In return for a monthly or quarterly premium, the private policies fill many of the “gaps” for deductibles, copayments, co-insurance and other charges not picked up by Medicare.

Besides mastering the ABC’s and D’s of Medicare, you’ll need to know what to do to get your benefits. That’ll depend on whether you’re already collecting Social Security.

If you’re on Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare’s Part A and Part B. About three months before your 65th birthday, you’ll get a Medicare card and letter in the mail explaining that your monthly Part B premium will be deducted from your Social Security check.

You’ll have the option of declining Part B coverage. But unless you have health care coverage through your or your spouse’s current employer, delaying enrollment in Part B could result in a penalty – in the form of a higher monthly premium -- when you do sign up later.

There’s also a penalty for joining a Part D drug plan later.

If you’re not on Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare yourself. The Social Security Administration, which is responsible for enrolling most people in the health insurance program, says you can start the process about three months before your 65th birthday.

Don’t fret. It’s not hard. There’s a new online application that takes less than 10 minutes to complete.Visit www. socialsecurity.gov and click on “Retirement/Medicare.” Or, if you don’t want to apply online, you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213.

This was just the short course. For more detailed information about Medicare, get a free copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook.You can download it at www.medicare.gov or request a copy by calling Medicare’s toll-free help line at 1-800633-4227.

Bob Moos is Southwest public affairs officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

23

social security

Your Questions, Answered

T

hese are a few of the numerous questions received at the Social Security office.

Question: What are the limits on what I can own to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Can I have money in the bank, a car, and a furnished house?

Answer: We count real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, Kylle’ McKinney and bonds toward the resource limits on what you can own.You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Keep in mind that we usually don’t count the house you live in, personal items such as furniture and clothing, or the car you drive. If you own valuable property you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.You can find out more about SSI by going to www.socialsecurity. gov and selecting the “SSI” tab at the top of the page.

Q: How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

A: There are two ways that you can apply for disability benefits.You can: 1. Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov; or 2. Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to make an appointment to file a disability claim at your local Social Security office or to set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the telephone.

If you schedule an appointment, we will mail a Disability Starter Kit to you. The kit will help you get ready for your disability claim interview. If you are applying online or want to get started on the kit right away, it is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: My doctor said he thinks I’m disabled. Who decides if I meet the requirements for Social Security disability benefits?

A: We first will review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for

24

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Part II

Social Security disability benefits, such as whether you worked enough years to qualify. Then we will send your application to the disability determination services office in your state, often called the “DDS” or “state agency.” Your state agency completes the disability decision for us. Doctors and disability specialists in the state agency ask your doctors for information about your condition. They consider all the facts in your case. They use the medical evidence from your doctors and hospitals, clinics, or institutions where you have been treated and all other information.

The state agency staff may need more medical information before they can decide if you are disabled. If more information is not available from your current medical sources, the state agency may ask you to go for a special examination. We prefer to ask your own doctor, but sometimes the exam may have to be done by someone else.

Social Security will pay for the exam and for some of the related travel costs. Learn more about disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Q: Who can get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug coverage?

A: If you receive Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for Extra Help — Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage — to pay for the costs (monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments) related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help, you must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

Your resources must be limited to $13,300 for an individual or $26,580 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources.Your annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together.

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext.

26265, or by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

65th Annual Labor Day BBQ & Greek Pastry Sale

________

________

Monday, September 2nd • 9 a.m. until Sold Out ________ $10 Chicken or Pork Plate • Drive-Thru $10 Camp Stew Quarts • Eat In $12 Lamb Plate Plates include Camp Stew, •________ Take Out Slaw, Bread

Greek Orthodox Church

Corner of Mt. Meigs & Capitol Parkway ________ Call 334-263-1366 for tickets/info

www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

25

financial

Hidden Investment Traps M

any Alabamians are seeking to rebuild nest eggs damaged by the recession or frustrated with low interest rates on savings.

Our senior citizens are particularly susceptible to speculative investments that can often turn a promise for profit into thin air. Knowledge, attention to detail and a healthy sense of skepticism are all weapons to fight investment Joseph Borg, fraud.

Here is a list of common investment traps: n Oil & Gas Schemes. Fraudulent energy promoters continue to capitalize both on interest in the commodity and on oil and gas as investment alternatives to the stock market. Oil and gas investments tend to be highly risky and unsuitable for traditional, smaller investors who cannot afford the risk. Securities investments offering profit participation in oil and gas ventures can be legitimate, but even when the underlying project is genuine, any revenues realized can be absorbed by high sales commissions and dubious “expenses” skimmed off by the managing partner. n Green Schemes. Investment opportunities tied to the development of new energy-efficient “green” technologies are increasingly popular with investors and scammers alike. Scammers also exploit headlines to cash in on unsuspecting investors, whether from investments related to the clean-up of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill or the rising national interest in environmental innovations tied to “clean” energy. n Gold and Precious Metals. High gold prices have trapped some investors in gold bullion scams in which a seller offers to retain “purchased” gold in a “secure vault” and promises to sell the gold for the investor when it gains in value. In many instances the gold does not exist. n Foreign Exchange Trading Schemes. Currency trading and foreign exchange (forex) trading schemes can be particularly harmful to unsuspecting investors. Trading in foreign currencies requires resources far beyond the capacity of most individual investors. Promoters profit by charging 26

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

high commissions or selling investment strategies assuming that trades are actually made. Too often, there are no trades; the money is simply stolen. n Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). While ETFs resemble mutual funds in many respects, some, such as leveraged and inverse ETFs, may contain hidden traps and complexities, and may consist of highly leveraged bundles of exotic financial instruments, including options and other derivatives. These types of ETFs are primarily designed for short-term trading (such as day-trading), and not for buyand-hold strategies.

Contact the ASC at 1-800-222-1253 with inquiries concerning securities broker-dealers, agents, investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, financial planners, registration status of securities or debt management programs, to report suspected fraud or to obtain consumer information.

The ASC offers free investor education and fraud prevention materials in print, online and through educational presentations, upon request.

Joseph Borg is Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. This article is provided by a generous grant from the Investor Protection Trust:, www.investorprotection.org.

grandparents

Infants & Emotions 555

I

t may seem difficult for adults to understand what an infant is feeling, but a new study finds it’s so easy, a baby could do it. Psychology Professor Ross Flom, Brigham Young University, published a study in the academic journal Infancy showing that infants can recognize each other’s emotions by five months of age. This comes on the heels of other research by Flom on infants’ ability to understand the moods of dogs, monkeys and classical music.

“Newborns can’t verbalize to their mom or dad that they are hungry or tired, so the first way they communicate is through affect or emotion,” says Flom. “Thus it is not surprising that in early development, infants learn to discriminate changes in affect.”

Infants can match emotion in adults at seven months and familiar adults at six months. In order to test infant’s perception of their peer’s emotions,

“My dress and gloves?

Kynard Korner, of course.”

VINTAGE

Eastbrook Flea Market & Antique Mall 425 Coliseum Blvd.

Montgomery • 334-277-4027

KynardKornerVintageBoutique

“Babies learn more in their first 2 1/2 years of life than they do the rest of their lifespan...”

Flom and his team of researchers tested a baby’s ability to match emotional infant vocalizations with a similar infant facial expression.

“We found that 5 month old infants can match their peer’s positive and negative vocalizations with the appropriate facial expression,” says Flom. “This is the first study to show a matching ability with an infant this young. They are exposed to affect in a peer’s voice and face which is likely more familiar to them because it’s how they themselves convey or communicate positive and negative emotions.”

In the study, infants were seated in front of two monitors. One of the monitors displayed video of a happy, smiling baby while the other monitor displayed video of a second sad, frowning baby. When audio was played of a third happy baby, the infant participating in the study looked longer to the video of the baby with positive facial expressions. The infant also was able to match negative vocalizations with video of the sad frowning baby.

The audio recordings were from a third baby and not in sync with the lip movements of the babies in either

video.

“These findings add to our understanding of early infant development by reiterating the fact that babies are highly sensitive to and comprehend some level of emotion,” says Flom. “Babies learn more in their first two-and-a-half years of life than they do the rest of their lifespan, making it critical to examine how and what young infants learn and how this helps them learn other things.”

Flom’s next step in studying infant perception is to run the experiments with a twist: test whether babies could do this at even younger ages if, instead, they were watching and hearing clips of themselves. And while the talking twin babies in this popular YouTube clip are older, it’s still a lot of fun to watch them babble at each other: www. youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY. Reprinted from material provided by Brigham Young University as reported by ScienceDaily, July, 2013 (http://www.sciencedaily.com). The study was co-authored with Professor Lorraine Bahrick, Florida International University. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

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feature

Sleepless = Weight Gain

A

new study suggests healthy adults with late bedtimes and chronic sleep issues may be more susceptible to weight gain for a simple reason: eating late. The study showed sleep-restricted subjects who spent only four hours in bed for five consecutive nights (typically 4-8 a.m.) gained more weight than subjects who were in bed for 10 hours each night (typically 10 p.m.-8 a.m.).

There was an overall increase in calorie intake during sleep restriction due to more meals being consumed late at night.

In addition, the proportion of calories consumed from fat was higher during latenight hours than at other times of day. Previous studies have suggested an association between short sleep duration and weight gain/obesity, but this new study observed significant weight gain in controlled laboratory conditions.

The study was conducted in the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and appeared in the July issue

of the journal SLEEP. The study involved 225 healthy, non-obese individuals, 22 to 50 years old.

Meals were served at scheduled times, with food available to eat in the laboratory kitchen at other times of day. Subjects could move around, were not allowed to exercise, but were permitted to watch TV, read, play video games or perform other sedentary activities.

Among sleep-restricted subjects, there were also significant gender and race differences in weight gain. African Americans, at greater risk for obesity and more likely to be habitual short sleepers, may be more susceptible to weight gain in response to sleep restriction.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that weight gain is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep illness that has a severe impact on health and quality of life.

The risk of OSA increases as the degree of additional weight increases, with an extremely high prevalence of OSA in people with morbid obesity.

Anyone who has experienced recent weight gain and has symptoms of OSA, such as loud and frequent snoring, should be evaluated by a board certified sleep medicine physician.

Reprinted from material provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine as reported by ScienceDaily, July, 2013 (http://www.sciencedaily.com).

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Games Across 1 Composes, as a telegram 8 Render harmless, in a way 14 Warranty contract fig.

15 Hold 'em challenge 16 Sniveled, "But I don't wanna!"

18 Flagrant felonies 19 Moxie 20 Puffin kin 21 Damon and others 22 Like runts 23 River in a 1957 film title 24 What much may follow 25 Indigo Girls song, e.g.

26 Fetches flies 27 Common starting word 28 Male mallards 29 Treated like royalty 33 Symbolic trees of Lebanon 34 Days in Durango 35 Loosely arrange 36 Like a souffle 37 Scrapple meat 41 Prefix with byte 42 Pantry lineup 43 Broadcast network 44 Like the Opry?

45 Brand of syrup

46 Beatles nonsense syllables 47 Take care of every last detail 50 Tennis great Goolagong 51 Traces 52 Puts new prices on 53 He voiced curmudgeonly Carl in "Up" Down 1 Azadi Tower city 2 Barry Manilow's longtime label 3 Some Cote-d'Or reds 4 Composer Saint-__ 5 Auto industry pioneer 6 __-ball pens 7 Flooring joint 8 Unsportsmanlike 9 Piccadilly Circus statue 10 Critter to 8-Across, perhaps 11 Stare at the ceiling, maybe 12 Eased 13 Sloppy greeting from a puppy 14 Guru 17 Give up the ball

22 Tawny predator 23 Kublai __ 25 A&W competitor 26 Hindu titles 27 __ mortals 28 Time for action 29 TV roving reporter's opening 30 Words of reluctance 31 County with grapes on its seal 32 Finds cool, man 33 Storage for jewel cases 36 British peer 37 Offer to a bunch of hitchhikers 38 Valencia, for one 39 Not as well-done 40 __ Kringle 42 Makes fun of 43 Picks the locks for, perhaps 45 "__ Fu Panda": 2008 animated film 46 Greek high point 48 It was Genentech's stock ticker symbol, aptly 49 20-volume ref. Š 2013 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Crossword answers on page 28.

Sudoku answers on page 26. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

29

moving free ® with mirabai

Interval Training Workouts I

f your exercise routine is getting a little stale, it’s time for some interval training workouts. These interval training workouts combine periods of lighter exercise with bursts of more intense exercise.You get faster results without knocking yourself out. It’s a great way to jump-start your body again and keep your exercise program fresh.

You can apply the same interval workout Mirabai Holland routine in the water as well as on land.

Here’s a simple interval-walking, jogging or swimming program that will help you get and stay in shape.You will need a watch (waterproof if used in the water).

Start walking, or swimming, at a slow pace for the first 5 minutes to warm-up, help elevate your core body temperature and increase blood flow to your working muscles.

Pick up the pace for the next three minutes so you start to feel more effort but can still carry on a conversation comfortably. Then pick up more speed for a one-minute interval; either faster walking, a light jog or faster swim. Return to your comfortable conversation pace for three minutes. Alternate between three and one minute intervals of faster walking or swimming until you are able to sustain about 30-40 minutes 4-5 days a week.

I like to mix up my own interval training workouts alternating the days to get the most variety and training. For instance, do the walking /jogging interval workout on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Then do the swimming interval workout on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Either way, you’ll find yourself enjoying your interval workouts more, increasing your fitness level, and looking forward to your next interval training workout.

Have fun, and remember, you can be Fabulous Forever!

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).

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

MONTGOMERY

The River Region’s Professional Ballet Company Darren McIntyre,Artistic Director

Ballet and the Beasts, Sept 27 Montgomery Zoo The Phantom of the Opera, Oct. 11-13 Davis Theatre Masquerade Ball, Sept. 20 Location TBA Performance on the Green, Oct. 18 Maxwell AFB Military Appreciation Gala Monster Mash, Oct 25 The Courtyard Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 7, 8 Davis Theatre The Nutcracker, Dec. 13-15 Davis Theatre Sugar Plum Fairy Party, Dec. 14, 15 Davis Theatre (Following the performances)

The Montgomery Ballet Tickets:etix.com or 1-800-514-3849 Information:334-409-0522 montgomeryballet.org

prime diversions

Recent dvd releases Oz the Great and Powerful, The Place Beyond the Pines & Jack the Giant Slayer

Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) This overlong prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz offers much to admire, but more to regret. Its new screenplay gives us the backstory on how the Wizard wound up there before Dorothy blew into town for her famous adventure.

With the resources of the Disney empire and Sam Raimi at the helm, one might expect another fantasy for the ages. One would be severely disappointed.

James Franco stars as Oz, a cheesy magician in a seedy little traveling carnival in 1905 Kansas. He has no scruples about conning the rubes, or trying to seduce the local lovelies.While fleeing from an irate husband in a hot air balloon, a tornado swoops him up to the not-so-merry old land of Oz, where he’s believed to be the wizard of prophesy to free the kingdom from the clutches of an evil witch. As in the original, the Kansas setup is filmed in black & white, creating a stunning contrast when he reaches the colorful splendor of the main action.

The place is up for grabs among three witchy sisters (Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams) who are variably good or wicked. One kilt their pa, the kindly king who is mourned by the nice folk of the land.This “wizard” is actually more cowardly than Bert Lahr's lion; and whatever heart he may have beyond Jack Haley’s Tin Man is dwarfed by his avarice.

The visuals are truly spectacular - especially in the climactic confrontation sequence. But there’s not enough meat in the script for well over two hours of running time. Besides that, Franco mugs his way through the worst performance of his career, other than last year’s dreadful job of co-hosting The Oscars.

Parents should be aware that this is a darker, scarier adventure than Judy Garland’s journey, with less offsetting cuteness and music. It could easily have been rated PG-13. Keep that in mind, along with relative attention-spans, when deciding which kids to invite to watch this move.

Where were Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena BonhamCarter when they were needed?

The Place Beyond the Pines (R) This ambitious, lengthy drama tries for essentially a trilogy of overlapping tales, as the action shifts from one principal and time to another. Ryan Gosling opens as a motorcycle stunt rider on the carnival circuit. On one stop he sees a local lass he boinked (Eva Mendes) on last year’s visit, and learns a son resulted.

He tries to do the right thing, even though she has another man in her life. He quits the carny and scrambles for whatever work he can find. Unfortunately, crime becomes his only apparent way

to make enough to convince Mendes he deserves to be part of their lives.That runs Mark Glass him afoul of the police - especially one ambitious young officer (Bradley Cooper).

The action shifts to Cooper’s problems within his own department, embodied by Ray Liotta’s role, which adds yet another dirty cop to his cinematic resume of bad guys. Cooper has a young son, too.That sets up Act Three, focusing on the boys 15 years later.

The first two segments are suspenseful and intriguing, with fine writing and acting behind the tale’s moral ambiguities.

That’s what makes the next-generation story such a letdown.

It’s founded on unlikely coincidence, and meanders from there.

After such a strong pair of setup episodes, the script should have been more plausible, or at least more coherent. Meatloaf famously sang years ago that two out of three ain’t bad. But it’s not always good enough, either.

Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) Here’s yet another fairy tale stretched into a somewhat more adult action-adventure flick following what Hollywood has done lately to Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Hansel & Gretel, and perhaps a couple of others.These stem from a couple of irresistible temptations - the ease of creating fanciful worlds and creatures with today’s computer graphics, and the perceived box-office advantage of offering something based on the familiar.The latter also explains the proliferation of sequels in horror, action, sci-fi, animation and comedies.The former unfortunately has led to spending too much of the budget on the sizzle, at the expense of the steak...meaning the script.

So we get a rather tedious tale of intrepid Jack (Nicholas Hoult, who looks like Richard Thomas’ John Boy in the early years of The Waltons) and a spunky princess (Eleanor Tomlinson, who looks like every post-feminist, not-just-pretty-but-smartand-brave heiress to a mythical throne) climbing that beanstalk to encounter a whole ragtag army of nasty giants who ravaged the earthlings below many generations ago, who’ve been seething about their prison-in-the-sky existence ever since. Don’t even try to make sense of the premise.The producers didn’t.

Admittedly, the f/x make for some exciting moments, including a spectacular climactic battle. If these revisionist sagas continue to be profitable, how long will it be before Mother Hubbard’s poor doggie goes all Cujo for want of a bone, or Little Miss Muffet replaces John Goodman’s hilarious exterminator in a retooled remake of Arachnophobia?

Mark Glass is an officer & director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013 31

things to do

Armory Learning Arts Center - Montgomery Parks & Recreation 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery (334-241-2787)

Alabama Dance Theatre (ADT) Fall Classes Classical ballet, pointe, pre-ballet (beginning at age 3), modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and tap.

Starts August 19th. Company Auditions for ADT Sunday, August 25th.

Classes held at the Armory Learning Arts Center. For registration or more information call 334-241-2590 or visit the website at www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Fencing Club. Ages 10 & up. Thurs. 7-9 pm. $40/month.

Learn to fence with Foil, Epee and Saber.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes and tennis/sports shoes.

Call Wilbur Hill at 324-0731 for more information.

Open Art Studio. Available for private use. $5 per hour.

Open Clay Studio. Available for private use. $8/hour.

Reservations required, call 241-2787.

“Fossils of Time.” New works by Wetumpka artist P. Hope Brannon.

Through Aug. 30. Anita P. Folmar Gallery.

National Senior Citizens Day

August 21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., CaraVita Village 4000 Fieldcrest Dr, Montgomery Free Health screening, bingo, healthy snacks, senior aerobics, eye glass adjustments, hearing-aid checks, door prizes and more.

Free and open to the public.

Call 334-284-0370 for information.

Baby Boomers & Seniors

• control 70% of the disposable income

• will be 45% of the population by 2015 • read Prime Montgomery

Pr i m e and Celebrating Midlife

May 2013

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spend more per capita on groceries/over-the-counter products commissioned 27% of the past year’s landscaping account for 64% of the retail gardening market account for 89% of all dollars spent on travel account for 60% of all health care spending purchase 74% of all prescription drugs eat in restaurants an average of 3X/week purchase 52% of all new cars

To advertise contact: Bob Corley (334-202-0114) or Wendy McFarland (334-652-9080) primemontgomery@gmail.com 32

August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

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Beyond

AL Retired St. Employees’ Assn.

Taylor Vaughn Chap. Thurs.

Aug. 8, 10 am, Alabama Public Library Service, 6030 Monticello Drive.

Central Montgomery Chap.

Tues. Aug. 27, 1:30 pm, Cloverdale Baptist Church, 608 E. Fairview Ave. Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Meets 2nd Thurs, 6-7pm, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Atlanta Highway. For information e-mail gig17@gmail.com. On Facebook at GIGMontgomery.

Live Maine Lobsters delivered to the Montgomery Area Council On Aging downtown, Fri. Aug. 16.

Lobsters weigh approximately 1½ lbs. Must be ordered by Aug. 9 and paid in advance. $25 per lobster, $15 is tax deductible. Call 263-0532.

Giant indoor yard sale.

Fri, Sat. Aug. 9-10, 7-11am.

Montgomery Area Square Dance Association, 2201 Chestnut Street, Montgomery (off of Ryan between Spruce and Highland) Military Open House, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Thurs. Aug. 15, 5:30-7:30pm. Free for all active, reserve and retired military personnel and families. Art-making activities, buffet dinner, live entertainment. For more information, 334-240-4333, or visit www. mmfa.org.

Way Off Broadway Theater, Prattville.

Pulitzer Prize-nominated play “Collected Stories.”

Aug. 15-Sept. 1. 7:30pm (except Sunday matinees at 2pm). For tickets/information call 334-358-0297, or visit www.prattvilleal.gov/departments/ticket-information. html. On Facebook www. facebook.com/prattvillewobt.

Grand Ole Gospel Time, Aug. 31, 2-5 pm. Hank Williams Museum. Show will be recorded for TV. $10 admission includes museum tour.

Public Relations Professional Development Conf. for PR practitioners. Workshops, seminars, presented by the Public Relations Council of Alabama Montgomery Chap. Sept.

10. MAX Credit Union, 400 Eastdale Circle, Montgomery.

Four exceptional speakers, panel discussion. Early bird deadline Aug. 10. Final deadline Sept. 3. For information contact Janice Wood, jwood11@aum.edu.

Jasmine Hill Gardens Saturdays 9a-5p. Admission.

For info visit www.jasminehill. org, e-mail admin@jasminehill.org, or call 334-263-5713.

Groups, school and tour packages available. www.primemontgomery.com | August 2013

33

With Feather and Thread off the beaten path

I

tied my first fly at 10 years old. Covered in red chenille from eye to point, the hook shank disappeared underneath green marabou that peeked out from under a wad of gray rabbit fur. Coiled loosely around this was an entire package of top grade peacock hackle, all materials courtesy of my father’s fly-tying kit.

That fly had everything: rubber spinnerbait-skirt legs, a long feathery tail, a worm rattle buried somewhere under all that rabbit fur, and for some reason, two sets of eyes, one behind the other.

It was likely the two sets of beady eyes, but my little sister couldn't be left alone with that fly. It resembled more a hairy Jolly Rancher than any aquatic prey species. I don't think you could have cast it double-handed with a marlin rod, and Dad's best attempts with his 9-weight likely contributed to his carpal tunnel many years later.

“That’s a fish-killer right there,” my father said, stretching the truth to the breaking point. “Will you tie me one?” He obviously didn’t realize half his tying kit's materials had gone into that one fly.

I obliged, and fished another long shank hook from the package, eager to begin mass production of what was sure to be the next big thing in the angling world. Sadly, sales could not keep pace with manufacturing costs, and the "Hairy Jolly Rancher" never moved from R&D to the assembly line.

As my skills at the fly bench improved, Dad's attitude toward my feather-and-thread creations turned from fatherly support to genuine interest. I could knock out several different patterns in a sitting, and would throw different versions of streamers, woolly worms or willow flies his way. Then, we'd move to the most enjoyable stage, product testing.

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August 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

Some of those flies actually caught fish, while others just spooked them. We kept the good ones and tossed the spookers in the "Hairy Jolly Rancher" pile. Thankfully, we had access to testing grounds close to the “plant”. Down the street from our house were several ponds with bass, bream and carp, eager but unknowing test subjects for my feather-and-thread creations.

Dad and I would meet after work or school at the same spot and devise a strategy for the afternoon, splitting the pond and walking its perimeter, never out of sight – or shouting distance – when one of use would lay into a big one. We’d meet afterward and compare notes. May and early June were our favorite times. The weather was still comfortable, and the yellow mayfly hatch on one pond in particular provided the kind of fabled cast-and-catch action regaled in fishermen's tall tales. Except ours were all true. To this day, Dad and I would put that yellow mayfly pattern we devised up against anyone's.

But we weren't just fashioning feathers and fur to fishhooks hoping for a bite, we were threading together a mutual and lifelong passion for fishing home-tied flies. Two decades after my first fly, I laugh thinking about that “Hairy Jolly Rancher,” and venture a guess Dad's wrist still hurts from trying his best to fish it for me.

Niko Corley spends his free time hunting, fishing, boating, enjoying the outdoors and tying flys. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitters@gmail. com or follow him on Twitter@cootfootoutfitters.

Niko Corley

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