Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond
Montgomery
December 2012/January 2013
FREE
Cooking Gifts Surprise your favorite chef
I N s ide • Year-end Tax Tips • Winter Pansies 2013 Health Plan Check List • Ending a Duck Hunt • Value of Volunteering • Red Velvet & Lane Cake!
Will O. (Trip) Walton, III
Walton Law Firm, PC
2011-2012 Alabama Super Lawyer
Ph: 334-321-3000 www.waltonlaw.net
The
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
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Features 10 wrap-up the kitchen Ten useful gifts, from stocking-stuffers to things to wrap and hide under the tree. By Brenda Robertson Dennis
14 the consequence of war The defeat of the “Red Stick” faction of the Creek Nation in 1814 resulted in profound changes that affected Alabama and the nation. By Alan Wallace
18 Jane austen to downton abbey Touring the English countryside brings you face-to-face with both real and fictional history. By Andrea Gross 24 protect yourself Computer hackers and ID thieves have evolved ever more elaborate schemes to steal your information and ID. Here are eights steps to help foil their attempts. By Pano Yannakogeorgos and Billy Barth
Columns
8 A Gracious Plenty — Carron Morrow
21 Medicare - Medi-Gap Coverage — Bob Moos
28 In Every Life — Arlene Morris
22 Crafter’s Corner — Callie Corley
29 Off The Beaten Path — Niko Corley
23 MoneyWi$e — Alan Wallace
30 Yard n’ Garden — Ethel Dozier Boykin
26 Social Security — Kylle’ McKinney
31 Prime Diversions — Mark Glass
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27 Volunteering — Jessica Vann
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December 2012/January 2013 December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
Prime
Celebrating Midlife and Beyond
Montgomery
December/January 2012-2013 Vol. 3, Issue 9 PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Brenda Robertson Dennis, Claire Fadden, Andrea Gross, Alan Wallace, Pano Yannakogeorgos CONTRIBUTORS Ethel Boykin, Tina Calligas, Callie Corley, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Carron Morrow, Jessica Vann, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Corley, Irv Green SALES Bob Corley, 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Karen Day., 334-202-0727 kkday42@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 2012 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals. Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters. We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.
Editor’s Note Big news! At the 2012 meeting of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) meeting in Reno, Nevada, Prime Montgomery won nine – count 'em, nine – national awards! The competition was judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism, long considered one of the country's premiere journalism schools. Out of a total of 198 submissions sent in by NAMPA members (who have a combined circulation of more than 2.0 million in the U.S. and Canada), Prime won two First Place awards for Best Profile/Feature and Best Website in its division, as well as seven additional second and third place awards for overall design, briefs and shorts, table of contents, senior issues, feature layout and personal essay. What thrilling honors for a magazine that’s less than three years old! With the New Year approaching, I’m reflecting on the excitement of a family milestone in early 2013, the birth of our first grandchild. This baby’s father and aunt (our son and daughter) were also born in the winter months, bringing warm rays of sunshine into January and February’s otherwise cold, dreary days. Back then, we were considered older parents. I was 30 when our son was born. Bob was 34. Four years later, I gave birth to our daughter. I never imagined (how can you?) the changes each child would bring to our lives. Like most parents, we focused on feeding schedules, doctor visits, child care, proper schooling, and social interaction with other children. Our lives were often a chaotic whirlwind, bearing no resemblance to the immaculate picture of the family I had earlier conjured up in my head. Looking back, I remember few perfect days, but recall countless individual hours filled with perfection. Child-rearing was not what we expected. As we diligently worked to shape, influence and mold their lives, all the while they are subtly, forever, changing ours. Our babies are now adults. In a few short weeks our son and his wife will have a baby of their own, and our daughter will become a first-time auntie. As I witness this generational shift, it’s exciting to reflect on the life experiences our children will pass on. What stories will be retold? What traditions will be shared? What lessons will be taught? How will this blend of Greek islander, Scot/Irish settler, English aristocrat and Native American come to bear on the next branch of our family tree? I can’t wait to find out. Our most sincere wishes to you, our readers, for the happiest of holiday seasons.
Sandra Polizos Editor www.primeeditor@gmail.com
If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery!
www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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news you can use
Mid-life Fitness Staves Off Chronic Disease Being physically fit during your 30s, 40s, and 50s not only helps extend lifespan, but it also increases the chances of aging healthily, free from chronic illness, investigators at UT Southwestern Medical Center and The Cooper Institute reported in Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers determined that being fit is not just delaying the inevitable, but it is actually lowering the onset of chronic disease in the final years of life. This positive effect continued until the end of life, with more-fit individuals living their final five years of life with fewer chronic diseases. The effects were the same in both men and women. The data suggest that aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or running, translates not only into more years of life but also into higher quality years, compressing the burden of chronic illness into a shorter amount of time at the end of life.
Zinc Deficiency Linked to Aging and Disease A new study has outlined for the first time a biological mechanism by which zinc deficiency can develop with age, leading to a decline of the immune system and increased inflammation associated with many health problems, including cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. The research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry suggests that it’s especially important for elderly people to get adequate dietary intake of zinc, since they may need more of it at this life stage when their ability to absorb it is declining. Researchers recommend senior citizens take a dietary supplement that includes the full RDA for zinc. Zinc can be obtained in the diet from seafood and meats. Levels of zinc intake above 40 milligrams per day should be avoided, researchers said, because at very high levels they can interfere with absorption of other necessary nutrients, including iron and copper.
A Compliment is the Same as Cash Japanese scientists have found scientific proof that people doing an exercise appear to perform better when another person compliments them. The study tested 48 adults performing a specific finger pattern on a computer keyboard. According to the National Institute for Physiological Sciences Professor Norihiro Sadato, the brain responds positively to a compliment in the same way it responses to a cash reward. “There seems to be scientific validity behind the message 'praise to encourage improvement',” said Sadato. “Complimenting someone could become an easy and effective strategy to use in the classroom and during rehabilitation." (National Institute for Physiological Sciences)
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
Eating Tomatoes May Lower the Risk of Stroke Eating tomatoes and tomato-based foods is associated with a lower risk of stroke, according to new research published in Neurology®. Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene. The study found that people with the highest amounts of lycopene in their blood were 55 percent less likely to have a stroke than people with the lowest amounts of lycopene in their blood. The study adds to the evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of stroke.
7 Minutes A Day Improves Fitness Level in Children Children need a minimum of seven minutes a day of vigorous physical activity, says recently published findings from U. of Alberta medical researchers. The seven minutes, noted the study, had to be intense to prevent weight gain, obesity and its adverse health consequences. "This research tells us that a brisk walk isn't good enough," says the study’s co-principal investigator. “Kids have to get out and do a high-intensity activity in addition to maintaining a background of mild to moderate activity.” Six hundred children, age nine to 17, participated in the study. Those who were overweight had improved fitness levels and shrinking waist lines when they increased the amount of time spent doing vigorous activities. (University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry)
“A brisk walk isn’t good enough...”
Low Levels of Vitamin D Are Associated with Mortality in Older Adults Low levels of vitamin D and high levels of parathyroid hormone are associated with increased mortality in African American and Caucasian older adults, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM). The study also indicates that the potential impact of remediating low vitamin D levels is greater in African Americans than Caucasians because vitamin D insufficiency is more common in African Americans.
Green Tea May Help Reduce Blood Sugar Spikes An ingredient in green tea that helps reduce blood sugar spikes in mice may lead to new diet strategies for people, according to Penn State food scientists. Mice fed an antioxidant found in green tea -- epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG -- and corn starch had a significant reduction in increases in their blood sugar — blood glucose — levels compared to mice that were not fed the compound. The dose of EGCG fed to the mice was equivalent to about one-and-a-half cups of green tea for a human. The compound was most effective when fed to the mice simultaneously with corn starch. For humans, this may mean green tea could help control the typical blood sugar increases brought on when they eat starchy foods, like breads and bagels, often a part of typical breakfasts. For example, if you have green tea with your bagel for breakfast, it may reduce the spike in blood glucose levels that you would normally get from that food. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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a gracious plenty
Holiday Cakes A
s far back as I can remember, mama has made “Lane” cakes. My grandmother Foshee gave my mama the recipe when she and daddy married, and it’s been passed down Carron Morrow through our family. We especially love it around Christ-
mas. “Lane” cake is well-remembered by older folks, but the younger generation has never heard of it, though its history is right in our own backyard, so to speak. From the Morrow-Foshee home, we wish you all of God’s blessings at this special time of the year, and thank you
so much for reading our column. Carron Morrow owns Personal Touch Events, a 35-year-old Montgomery-based company specializing in corporate and personal event planning. Contact Carron at 334-279-6279 or by e-mail at carronmorrow@bellsouth.net, or visit www.onlinepersonaltouch.com.
Red Velvet Cake Our Red Velvet cake, a best seller through out the year, is also requested as a groom’s cakes at our Souther n weddings. 2 cups Wesson oil 2 large eggs 1-2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. white vinegar 2 tsp cocoa powder
3 oz. red food coloring 2-1/2 cups all purpose White Lily flour 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring 8 oz. buttermilk
With an electric mixer on medium spee d, blend the oil, sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add soda, vinegar, cocoa, flavoring and mix until well blended. Alternately add flour and buttermilk until ingredients are completely mixed. Pour batter into three round, nine inch pans greased and lightly floured. Bake at 350 degrees about 25 minutes, until your testing pick comes out clean. Icing 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 box confectioners sugar 1 stick butter softened
1 tsp vanilla 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Cream together all ingredients except pecans and beat until fluffy. Add nuts and beat well. Ice the cake after it has cooled down. If you like lots of icing, carefully cut each cake in half lengthwise, ice the individual layers, then re-stack and ice the com plete cake. Whether three layers or six, Red Velvet cake is a yummy and beautiful confectionary delight. 8
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
Lane Cake us Georgia, the cake In 1898, at the State Fair in Columb of Clayton, Alabama baked by Mrs. Emma Rylander Lane . won first place. Hence, “Lane” cake 8 egg whites 1 cup softened real butter 2 cups sugar 1 cup whole milk ite Lily) 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour (I use Wh 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. of vanilla d butter and sugar On medium speed with a mixer, blen gradually add milk until fluffy. Add baking powder and t egg whites until they and flour alternately. Separately, bea flour mixture. Add peak, then fold the egg whites into the ely blended. Pour plet com vanilla and fold the mixture until red pans, bake flou and mixture into two, nine inch greased ing pick test l the at 350 degrees 20-25 minutes or unti re icing. comes out clean. Cool on rack befo
Icing 8 egg yolks 2 cups Mogen David Wine or ½ cup softened butter 1 cup bourbon 1 cup sugar 1 cup fresh or frozen coco1 cup finely chopped raisins nut 2 cups finely chopped pecans In a double boiler mix egg yolks, suga r, butter and whisk mixture until well blended. In a blen der, chop raisins until they’re “gummy”. Mix with yolk mix ture and stir constantly until all are blended and it starts to thicken. Add coconut, pecans and wine/bourbon. Allow mix ture to come to a slight boil and remove from heat and stir until icing is well blended. Set aside and let cool before icing cake . Because the icing is so delicious, I like to slice each of the two large cake layers into two thinner layers so there are several layers of icing.
Social Security Disability Law
Brenda L. Vann Attorney at Law, P. C.
“Practicing Social Security Disability Law for seventeen years.”
Call toto schedule schedule Call FREE aa FREE Consultation. Consultation.
The Strickland Building • 4252 Carmichael Rd. Suite 113 • Montgomery, AL 36106 334-272-6425 • 888-272-6465 (Toll Free) • E-mail brenda@brendavann.com No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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feature
10 Great Gifts
for t he Chef on Your List By Brenda Robertson Dennis
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
n Pot Clip Silicone Spoon Holder
$4.00 at Solutions, www.solutions.com Any chef will appreciate a gadget that keeps the mess of meal preparation to a minimum. This barnyard-themed spoon holder is unique in that it tickles the fancy AND functions as a clever tool for keeping drips where they belong. The Pot Clip Silicone Spoon Holder (they really should streamline that name) fits firmly on the edge of your pot and grips your utensil in between stirrings. Nothing to clean up off your counters and you never have to worry about losing your spoon. Choose from a yellow hen, pink pig, or a red rooster.
n Prepara Herb Saver Pods (set of 3)
$29.99 at Amazon.com, www.amazon.com Here’s a great gift for the chef who enjoys cooking with fresh herbs. These pods save money in the kitchen by prolonging the life of fresh herbs - up to three weeks - whether your herbs are homegrown or purchased at the local farmer’s market. This little gadget, which looks like it came straight out of an episode of Star Trek, acts as sort of a mini-greenhouse. You keep the water-filled pods in the refrigerator, and the herbs soak up the water through their stems. It’s great for asparagus, too, and is BPA-free.
n Stainless Steel Finger Guard
n Fox Run Rolling Pin Cover & Pastry Cloth
$4.99 at Kitchen Collection in Eastdale Mall, www.kitchencollecton.com A great stocking stuffer for the budding baker on your list. Canvas pastry cloths and rolling pin covers are rumored to be the secret trick to a more tender pie crust. They eliminate the need for extra flour, which can toughen pastry. This kitchen helper creates an excellent non-stick surface for preparing pies, biscuits and bread loafs.
$9.95 at Chefs, www.chefscatalog.com This is a great device for anyone who has been watching too many episodes of “Top Chef” and has developed a burning desire to hone their chopping skills. The stainless steel finger guard slips onto the middle finger and stays firmly in place while slicing and dicing, keeping those precious digits free from harm.
n Vegetable Scrubbing Gloves
$11.95 at Williams and Sonoma, The Shoppes at Eastchase www.williams-sonoma.com Instead of a cumbersome brush, these gloves are great for scrubbing carrots, radishes, potatoes and other vegetables while preserving their nutrient-rich peels. The rough-textured nylon fabric scrubs away dirt and debris in half the time, leaving a flavorful skin. They’re even imprinted with the word “veggie” so they’ll never be confused with the “change the oil” gloves. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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feature
n Herb Scissors
$12.95 at King Arthur Flour, www. kingarthurflour.com Here’s another gift for anyone who loves to cook with fresh herbs. Five stainless steel blades work together to quickly snip chives, parsley, oregano or other garden favorite into recipes and dishes. These scissors cut down on time and effort when preparing a flavorful meal.
n EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale
$25.85 at a Walmart near you, www.walmart.com These days, chefs are concerned with preparing tasty AND healthy dishes. Part of staying healthy is limiting calorie intake and eating the right-size portions. This state-of-the-art digital kitchen scale helps to do that and more. Weighing food is ultra efficient with the scale’s tare (zero) function, which eliminates the weight of the bowl or plate it’s in. It’s also very accurate in calculating grams and ounces for monitoring calorie and carbohydrate intake, and includes a free EatSmart Calorie Factors book to aid calorie counting. The chef in your life will appreciate having the guess-work taken out of determining portion sizes when cooking.
n Better Breader
$12.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond in the Shoppes at Eastchase www.bedbathandbeyond.com Since most chefs would rather be cooking than cleaning up after themselves, the Better Breader is a perfect under-the-tree surprise. This device allows you to keep the breading process contained and off the counter, cutting down on potential germs. The container holds the batter mix while the food tray, which flips down over the container, holds fish, chicken or vegetables. Just secure the lid and shake. Pretty clever.
n Egg Separator
$4.95 at Tumbleweed, www.tumbleweedpottery.com In keeping with the barnyard theme, this adorable ceramic egg yolk separator is not only useful but fun! Crack an egg into the top of the baby chick’s head, then tilt it until the egg white begins to pour out of the beak. The yolk stays separated inside to be used for another recipe. If you buy four you get one free, making the job of spreading whimsy in the kitchen that much easier. It comes with its own gift box.
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n Indoor Flameless Marshmallow Roaster
$69.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer, www.hammacher.com Last but not least, who doesn’t love the thought of roasting marshmallows in the comfort of their own home? This indoor roaster creates the pleasure of campfire-living right in your living room, but without the dangerous open flame. Marshmallows are toasted over a stainless steel electric heater, which means even the little chefs can create s’mores under the tree this Christmas. Divided trays hold all the toppings and ingredients for roasting, and there are four stainless steel forks to hold marshmallows securely over the roaster. Needless to say, this is great for parties!
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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feature
Creek War Consequences T
By Alan Wallace
eral of the U. S. Army, a promotion from state general of militia, he Creek War of 1813-14 is one of the most important Jackson persuaded the government to grant him full authority events to occur within the borders of our state, yet few to set the treaty terms. In August of 1814, friendly Creek chiefs are familiar with the incidents of this era and fewer still - Jackson’s former allies - were compelled recognize their impact. The three most to accept Jackson’s terms, relinquishing important results of the war and the 23 million acres, approximately half the treaty that ended it were 1) the rise land area of Alabama, plus a sizable part of Andrew Jackson, 2) the opening of of southern Georgia. former Creek land to settlement, and 3) Jackson’s success in Alabama elevated the decline and relocation of the survivhim to national prominence. After subduing Creeks. ing the Creeks, he was largely responAfter victory at Horseshoe Bend, sible for military activity in the South late Jackson’s men retired to the site of Ft. in the War of 1812. Best known for his Toulouse, the old French outpost at the January 1815 victory against the British Coosa and Tallapoosa River junction. in the Battle of New Orleans, he also There they built Ft. Jackson, named in led U.S. troops against the Seminoles honor of their leader, and for the next in Florida. Jackson’s invasion of Spanish few months assisted displaced and destiFlorida ultimately led to U.S. acquisition tute widows and orphans while roundof the peninsula, and for his services he ing up the few surviving hostile warriors received valuable land grants in Alabama who had not fled to Spanish Florida. and Florida. With the Red Sticks no longer a Although his bid for the presidency threat, Indian Agent Benjamin Hawkins failed in 1824 (a bitter four-way contest and Gen. Thomas Pinckney, commander Horseshoe Bend map drawn at the battle. of the Sixth U.S. Military District, favored (Used by permission.TN St. Library & Archives.) settled by the House of Representatives), he succeeded in 1828 and again in 1832. lenient settlement terms with the Creeks. Among his initiatives was the forced removal of the SouthJackson had other ideas. After accepting appointment as a gen14
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. At this bend in the Tallapoosa River, Jackson’s troops, aided by their Native American allies, crossed on stolen canoes and attacked the Red Stick Creeks from the rear.
ernment. Sizable groups began moving west in the late 1820s, eastern tribes to “Indian Territory” (later Oklahoma). One of a difficult trip at best, and many did not survive. The journey Jackson’s former Cherokee allies, hearing of their impending consisted of a march to Montgomery, steamboat travel to removal, remarked, “Had I known that Jackson would steal our Mobile, to New Orleans, up the Mississippi to the Arkansas land, I would have killed him that day at the horseshoe.” River, then west to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and finally overland into In June 1815 the Mississippi Territorial Legislature created a what is now Oklahoma, all under military escort. The process single large county, Monroe, from the land within their borders ceded by the Creeks. The entire county belonged to the federal continued into the 1830s until just a few small bands remained in Alabama. government. The following year the legislature divided Monroe, A particularly poignant story is of a Creek lad who was being naming the northern portion for Maj. Lemuel Montgomery, marched in a large group through the streets of Montgomery who died at Horseshoe Bend. Meanwhile, the federal government was surveying the Creek cession in preparation for selling to the riverboat landing. Distraught at leaving his home, the youth seized a revolver from a it. The person overseeing the member of the military escort task was none other than John and shot himself in the head. Coffee, Jackson’s relative and Epilogue adjutant during the Creek War. F. L. Claiborne, commander of In 1817 the land went on the Mississippi militia during the sale at the federal land office in Creek War, died in 1815, two Milledgeville, Georgia. That same years after his victory at Holy year, Congress created the AlaGround. He was 42. He had bama Territory from the eastern been unable to collect reimpart of the Mississippi Terribursement from the government tory. The next year the Alabama for expenses he incurred to supTerritorial Legislature subdiply his troops, because he could vided Monroe and Montgomery not document his expenditures. Counties to create several more Claiborne’s reputation had also counties. This process of adding been tarnished due to the failcounties and refining boundarures of Daniel Beasley whom he ies continued for decades, with Jackson’s Native American allies, betrayed by their former comhad put in command at Ft. Mims. Houston County, formed in mander, were forced to leave their ancestral lands in a series of One can only speculate how 1903, being the last. mass migrations collectively referred to as “The Trail of Tears.” history would differ had a more In its first federal census capable leader been in Beasley’s place. Might the defenders have (1820) Alabama tallied a population of 127,901. A mere 1.3% of gained a victory, thinning the hostile forces, eliminating some of the national total, it nonetheless represented a huge increase their more strident leaders and deflating their fervor? Without from 1810 when most of the state was in Creek hands and the massacre, would Tennessee and Georgia have entered the only small scattered settlements existed. By 1830 the total was fight against the Creeks? Without an expanded Creek War, 309,527, more than double that of the first census. Most of would Jackson have emerged as a national figure? Regardless these residents lived on former Creek land, having purchased of such reflections, there is no doubt the events of 1813-1814 tracts from the federal government at low prices. affected both Alabama and the nation in profound and pervasive After the war, Creeks living in Alabama were under increasways. ing economic and social pressure from settlers and the govwww.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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Historic sites in Alabama involved in the Creek War of 1813-14 Creek War Trail #1 Creek War Trail #3 the first stop on the Federal Road after it Casual day-trip from Montgomery two-day trip from crossed the river heading west, played an Pintlala – Sam Moniac’s Store. South Montgomery active role during removal of the Creeks of Montgomery, west of U.S. Highway 31. Claiborne/Perdue Hill – Monroe Co., to Oklahoma. March 26, 1812. east of the Alabama River Tallassee – Revolutionary veteran on U.S. Hwy. 84. Fall of 1813. Tallapoosa River, Thomas Meredith of South Gen. F. L. Claiborne estabintersection of Carolina was murdered by lished a fort as his base of Alabama Hwys Red Sticks. operations against the Red 14 and 229. White Hall – Holy Sticks. The famous canoe October 1811. Ground. Lowndes Co., north fight took place near here. During a Creek of White Hall. December 23, Ft. Mims – Baldwin Co. , council meeting 1813. Major Red Stick town east of the Alabama River, 7 in Tuckabachee attacked and destroyed by miles west of Tensaw off AL near presentGen. F. L. Claiborne’s forces Hwy 59. Summer of 1813. day Tallassee, Teassisted by Choctaw allies. Red Stick massacre of fort cumseh pleads Wetumpka – Ft. Jackinhabitants propelled the for Creeks to son. Elmore Co., south of area into war. Burial site of join his alliance Lemuel Montgomery’s grave Wetumpka, junction of the overlooks Horseshoe Bend against U.S. Red Stick leader William Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers. Weatherford is a few miles encroachment, battlefield where he died. In 1814 it was the site of the a key factor in Reconstructed pre-Creek War north. treaty signing officially ending the war. the Red Stick uprising. Ft.Toulouse (later Ft. Jackson) St. Stephens – Washington Creek War Trail #2 Horseshoe Bend National where the treaty was signed. Co., west of the Tombigbee Long day-trip from Montgomery River, NW of U.S. Hwy. 43 Military Park – Tallapoosa Ft. Mitchell – Russell Co., west of the near county road 34. Regional commerCo. north of Dadeville, on the Tallapoosa Chattahoochee River near Alabama Hwy cial center in the early 1800s. Ft. Mims’ River, east of Alabama Hwy 49. March 27, 165 south of Phenix City. A national park survivors sought refuge here following 1814. Site of the climactic battle sealing and military cemetery. Served as a base the massacre. Alabama’s early territorial the fate of the Red Sticks, bringing an end of operations against the Red Sticks, as capital. to major hostilities.
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
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GARNER PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARDS Prime Montgomery magazine and www.primemontgomery.com received nine prestigious national awards, including two first place awards, at the annual meeting of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) held in Reno, Nevada in late September. Publications were judged in various categories by an independent panel of experts from the renowned University of Missouri School of Journalism, generally considered one of the top journalism schools in the world. “It’s an honor for the staff and writers of Prime Montgomery to be recognized by the North American Mature Publishers Association,” said Prime Montgomery publisher Bob Corley. “It confirms our commitment to readers and advertisers alike to provide well-written, informative, entertaining material in both our print and digital versions.” FIRST PLACE — WEBSITE GENERAL EXCELLENCE (www.primemontgomery.com) Judges comments: “This website has an inviting design and is easy to navigate. And it is packed with a strong variety of topics. It’s a place you could return to over and over and find something of interest each time.” FIRST PLACE — PROFILE FEATURE (“Life Holds On”, a profile of Beth Nielsen Chapman) Judges comment: “This profile of a successful singer/song writer leaves the reader thinking he knows the subject. Features There’s lots of well-reported detail and plenty of n Hom e Bac k Hom e & Dow personality. It’s a satisfying read.”
Prime
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SECOND PLACE — BRIEFS/SHORTS (Off The Beaten Path) Judges comments “A nice, recurring feature that shows a slice of life in the community. Good voice and connection with community in this piece.”
lead school graduate and Styx 1971 Robert E. Lee high his music career in the guitarist Tommy Shaw started ng electric guitar to lilting Capital City. From screami influences range mandolin, Shaw’s musical to hard rock. from blues to bluegrass By Willie G. Moseley
15 MONE YWISE : IDENT ITY THEFT PART #1 Take steps to safeguard your identity. By Alan Wallace
Lifestyles
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9 A GRACI OUS PLENT Y An appetizer trio just right for the holidays. By Carron Morrow
d Ver sati le & Malg,igne the lowly Seen as a shortcut to gift-givin array of amazing gift certificate offers an way to gift options, and a great support local businesses. By Alex Nicholson
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Foll ow You r Fee t
Or maybe you’d So you think you can dance? your pleasure? just like to learn. What’s don’t have to Square, round, Cajun? You floor venture far to find a dance that fits your style. By Brenda Robertson Dennis
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The Tru th Abo ut s Hol iday TV Spe cial
TV, when the Big Three Before cable and satellite game in town, we Networks were the only that rolled across marveled at the specials er. But were Decemb each our TV screens and innocent simple as shows these as we once thought? By Tom Ensey
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as non Chr istm A Mt. Ver room Martha Stewart and make Move over with an eye for a Colonial-era Martha toward holiday entertaining. By Andrea Gross
December/January 20
SECOND PLACE — TABLE OF CONTENTS Judges comments: “Prime Montgomery has an easyto-navigate table of contents and strong photographs to anchor the page. Contrast is used for emphasis, making it easy to know how to move through the contents and through the magazine.”
Financial
11 SOCIAL SECUR ITY: HOME LESS Programs for those without a permanent place to live. By Kylle’ McKinney
17 YARD ‘N GARDE N Use nature to help decorat e for the holidays, but watch out for the critters! By Ethel Dozier Boykin
Entertainment
21 OFF THE BEATE N PATH The venerable BB or pellet gun is an ageless gift to teach responsible shooting and gun safety. By Niko Corley 24 NO TIME FOR HOLID AY EXERC ISE? Tips to help you exercise during your busy holiday schedule .
31 AROUN D MONTG OMERY This monument honors Alabama’s veterans. By Jake Roberts
32 PRIME DIVER SIONS A double dose of recent DVD releases for holiday viewing: Friends with Benefits, Cowboys and Aliens, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Dolphin Tale. By Mark Glass
Health/Medical
6 NEWS YOU CAN USE
Cleaning your teeth might stroke risk, while depressi lower increase it. Plus, caffeine, on can and when to stop driving.steroids, 10 IN EVERY LIFE Take advantage of going home for the holidays by surveyin needs of your aging relativesg the .A few home modifications can greatly improve their lives. By Arlene Morris
23 MEDIC ARE Tips for managing COPD, reimbursement for that and walker you bought.
26 TOP 10 WARN ING SIGNS FOR ALZHE IMER’S Everyone forgets from time to time, but when does routine forgetful signal something more serious? ness
Prime Montgomery and www.primemontgomery.com offer compelling and informative editorial on health issues, lifestyle, finances, grand parenting, retirement, travel, entertainment and other topics of interest to active boomer and beyond
readers. Owned and published by Polizos/Corley Group, LLC, Prime Montgomery magazine is available at more than 250 locations in the River Region, including all Publix supermarkets as well as restaurants, pharmacies, gift shops, fitness centers, hospitals and medical offices and more. Paper and digital subscriptions are available. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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Jane Austen to Downton Abbey feature
England’s Storied Countryside
Story by Andrea Gross; photos by Irv Green they’re all picture-postcard perfect. It’s the fourth day of my English countryside tour, and I’m We stop in several of the villages, especially those with finally becoming fluent in English Expressions. For example, I now know that the plug in my hotel room must be “earthed,” literary connections. In Winchester we see the boarding the reflector in the middle of the road is a “cat’s eye,” and house where Jane Austen died and the cemetery where she that when the coach pulls off the motorway, I’ll have time to was buried. In Grasmere we visit Wordsworth’s home and “nip to the loo” or—my personal favorite— “go for a tea and gravesite; in Haworth, the Brontës’ parsonage; and in Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. a wee.” But if these towns are small and unassuming, the castles and I’m also becoming more familiar with English Extremes— the grand castles and manor houses of the aristocracy and manor houses that surround them are large and overwhelming. Many of them fell on hard times after World War I as the small villages of the common folks. Their lifestyles are, as their aristocratic our guide from Insight Vacations would say, as different owners, whose as “chalk and cheese.” We spend eleven days weaving along two-lane roads families had owned the propbordered by fields of barley in the south and pastures erty for hunof Blackface sheep in the north. While modern homes dreds of years, surround some of the mid-size cities, the small towns realized they are filled with buildings that often date back hundreds were land-rich of years. Some are made of hand-hewn brick, others but cash poor. of stacked stone. Some, especially in the Cotswolds, In order to are tawny gold while those in the north are industrial gray. But all have narrow streets, roofs rippled with maintain and pay age and bright-hued flowers that taxes on scramble up the walls. In short, their his-
Highclere Castle, “Downton Abbey” in the popular PBS television series. 18
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
“Downton Abbey” on PBS Series 1 was repeated in November. Series 2 will be repeated in December on the following schedule: n Dec. 16, 6-10 p.m. n Dec. 23, 6-10 p.m. n Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Downton Abbey Series 3 premieres Sunday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. For additional information, including interviews with the stars, go to the Masterpiece website, www.pbs.org/ wgph/masterpiece.
Typical home in the Cotswolds.
Would, for example, the fictional Mary Crawley have been an appropriate match for the men who lived in the grand estates we’d been visiting? I pose this question to some of the docents. They invariably look startled at a question that they deem unusual if not somewhat cheeky. Then they grin and tee-hee into their handkerchiefs. “Well,” says the docent at Blenheim Palace, which was the home of Churchill’s grandparents, “I do believe Sir Winston would have found Lady Mary Crawley to be quite suitable, at least until she had that fling with the Turkish
toric homes, they opened them to tourists. This was undoubtedly sad for the aristocrats but wonderfully fortunate for the rest of us. Our tour of the castles and manor houses amounts to a crash course in English history. We stop at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and I finally learn to keep straight the fate of Henry VIII’s six wives. “It’s easy,” says our guide. “Just remember the rhyme: Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived.” (Poor Anne was Wife #2, beheaded in 1536 after only three years as queen.) Leaping forward four centuries, we visit Chartwell, the adult home of Sir Winston Churchill, who purchased the estate in 1922 and lived there until his death in 1965. In between we visit six other grand estates, glimpsing life as it was hundreds of years ago and, to a lesser extent, as it is today for England’s gentry. Finally, after being immersed in such an aristocratic atmosphere and re-reading the passionate The small market town of Stratford was home to William Shakespeare. prose of Austen and the Brontës, our thoughts turn to Downton Abbey, the hit diplomat. After that she may have had to settle for someone television show that traces the antics a bit lower on the aristocratic ladder.” We conclude that the of a fictional upper-crust family (the series, at least as far as social mores are concerned, gets an Crawleys) and their servants from 1912 “A” for accuracy. through World War I. The storyline In order to see how closely the Downton Abbey film sights continues into the early 1920s during reflect the homes we’ve seen, we turn to Robina Brown of the third season. The Driver-Guides Association, who drives us to Highclere How accurately, we wonder, Castle (possible, although difficult, to reach by public transdoes the series reflect the portation) and Bampton Village (impossible to visit without a society of Edwardian England. car). www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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Highclere, which is used for both the exterior and many of the interior shots of Downton Abbey, is a properly proud edifice, with turreted towers, ornate ceilings and more than 1,000 acres of mostly-manicured lawn. As we walk through the house we recognize several of the rooms—most notably the library, salon, dining room, grand hall, and, especially, one of the bedrooms that was the site of a pivotal plot turn. But for me the real treat is visiting Bampton, a small town that has existed in relative obscurity since the Iron Age but that now is familiar to millions of people across the world. Robin Shuckburgh, Chairman of the Bampton Community Archive and owner of the Coach House B&B, points out the buildings that were used to depict the fictional Downton Village. Here, in one of the oldest and best-preserved villages in England, fact and fiction merge. It’s the perfect end to our countryside tour of, as the Brits would say, the land “across the pond.”
Resources n n n n
(Top right) The church in Bampton Village, site of dramatic moments in the TV series Downton Abbey. (Above) Chartwell was the home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death in 1965. (Right) Jane Austen spent the last weeks of her life in this boarding house in Winchester. (Below) Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
The British Tourist Bureau – www.visitbritain.com Insight Vacations – www.insightvacations.com The Driver-Guides Association – www.dgatours.com Robin Shuckburgh – http://shuckburgh.co.uk/thecoachhousebampton
feature
Mind the Gap
Covering What Medicare Doesn’t By Bob Moos, Southwest Public Affairs Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
E
very day, another 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and qualify for Medicare. As welcome as the health care coverage is, many soon discover it comes with gaps. What the government pays in benefits doesn’t always cover what the doctors and hospitals charge. People with traditional Medicare must pay deductibles and often 20 percent of the cost of their doctor visits and tests. Those out-of-pocket expenses can add up. To protect themselves, many beneficiaries buy supplemental coverage from private insurers. The “Medigap” insurance, as it’s called, helps fill the gaps that deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance leave. It makes out-of-pocket costs more manageable. Not everyone should consider buying a Medigap policy.You don’t need to supplement your Medicare coverage if you’re on Medicaid or signed up for a private Medicare Advantage plan or enrolled in a group health plan through an employer or former employer. But about 20 percent of beneficiaries
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do add a Medigap plan to their traditional Medicare coverage. The best time to purchase a supplemental policy is within six months of turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare’s Part B medical insurance. During that time, insurers can’t refuse to sell you a policy, or charge you more than other people, because of a health problem. If you try to buy after those six months, there’s no guarantee an insurer will cover you. There are 10 kinds of Medigap plans, so you can choose which gaps you’d like to fill. Each plan is labeled with a letter, from A to N. All insurers selling a particular kind must offer the same package of benefits.You can visit www.medicare.gov to learn the details of each. All 10 supplemental health plans cover these basic benefits: the coinsurance for extended hospital stays, the coinsurance for doctor visits and outpatient services, the coinsurance for hospice care, and the cost of the first three pints of any blood you might need. Beyond those fundamental benefits, different Medigap plans pay for other out of-pocket expenses, like the coinsurance for skilled nursing care, the hospital deductible, the outpatient deductible, and the cost of medical emergencies while traveling outside the country. Each Medigap plan charges a premium on top of Medicare’s Part B premium. And, although insurers must offer the same benefits within a certain kind of plan, there can be big differences in their
premiums. So it’s smart to shop around for the best price. One note of caution: Medigap insurance doesn’t plug all the holes. It’s not a way to pay for long-term custodial care, dental care, eyeglasses or hearing aids. And new Medigap policyholders need to buy separate drug coverage under Medicare’s Part D if they want it. Still, for many people, adding a Medigap plan to traditional Medicare coverage can make out-of-pocket health care expenses more predictable and easier to budget. If you’re interested in supplemental insurance, here are four steps to follow: n Decide which benefits you want and what kind of Medigap plan meets your needs.Visit www.medicare.gov for an overview of benefits, or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and request a free copy of the Medicare publication, “Choosing a Medigap Policy.” n Do some research on the insurers that interest you. Compare premiums, since they will differ company by company. But also check the companies’ customer service. The State Department of Insurance will have a record of consumer complaints against particular insurers. n Buy the policy that best fits your needs from an agent you trust. Read your policy as soon as you receive it. If you’re not satisfied, you have 30 days to return it and get a full refund. Otherwise, you can keep your insurance as long as you pay your premiums. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013 21
A Name For the Season
crafter’s corner
T
he holidays are a special time for my family. Some of my earliest memories are decorating for Christmas and spending time together away from work and school. I’m always reminded of how blessed I am. This season, there’s added excitement. In February, my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child, which will be my parents’ first grandchild. As you Callie Corley can imagine, the last few months have been filled with endless gift ideas for the baby and “oh, isn’t that the cutest thing?” Seeing the future parents’ and grandparents’ excitement only adds to my own. When I started looking for a holiday craft idea, my mind naturally went to baby gifts. My brother and sister-in-law aren’t finding out the sex of Baby Corley, so I picked the name of a child of a friend of the family for this craft. Materials needed: wooden/crafting letters, paint and paint brush, hot glue and glue gun. The length of the child’s name will dictate how big your name letters can be. I used a larger letter (the first letter of their last name) as my mount, but you can find plywood or shaped mounts at any craft store. If you use a large letter as I did, find one with a pre-drilled
hole for hanging. It cuts out a step for you. Cate is one of the cutest little girls I’ve ever met, so I chose sweet pink for the letters. Be sure to paint the letters inside and out, back and front. I left the larger “R” white. After the letters dry for a few hours, play with their placement and spacing on the larger letter until you find something you like. Once I’d made up my mind, I passed my glue gun over the back of the small pink letters once or twice, then stuck the small letters onto the larger one. Let the hot glue bond with the letters on a flat surface for a few hours before hanging. There are numerous design options and color schemes to pick from. Plus, this craft is simple enough to do with your own grandchildren if they’re old enough. Happy Holidays, and happy crafting! 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.
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December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
Moneywise
Year-End Tax Tip$
D
o you own any financial assets (stocks, bonds, mutual funds or ETFs) outside of your retirement accounts? Did you buy any of them more than a year ago? Are any of them worth a good bit more today than when you acquired them? If so, you have what is called an unrealized long-term capital gain on the asset and you’ll owe capital gain tax on the increase when Alan Wallace you sell. Conventional wisdom says that it is a good idea to put off paying taxes as long as possible, and that is generally true. There can, however, be exceptions. It may make sense to trigger taxes sooner than necessary if the applicable tax rate is lower now than it will be in future years. In this case, you may actually be better off intentionally triggering the tax now instead of waiting. The applicable federal income tax rate on long-term capital gains for many people in 2012 is 15%. Unless Congress and the president agree to a change, which seems unlikely, the applicable rate will increase to 20% in 2013. While a 5% increase does not sound like much, in dollar terms it means an increase of 1/3 in federal tax on a long-term gain next year that you could have taken in 2012.
“It may make sense to trigger taxes sooner than necessary...” Here is an example (not reflecting any state income tax). Suppose you bought an investment for $10,000 in 2009 and that asset is now worth $15,000. You have a $5,000 unrealized gain. If you sell the asset before the end of this year and owe tax at a 15% rate, you will pay $750. If you wait until 2013 to sell it at a 20% tax rate, you will owe $1,000. If you believe that selling an asset to trigger the tax now instead of later may be appropriate for you, here are three items to check: n Make sure that the asset was purchased at least 12 months and a day before you sell it. Otherwise the 2012 gain will be characterized as short-term instead of long-term, and the tax rate will be higher than for a long-term gain. n Make sure that the 15% rate will apply to you this year. People with taxable income below certain levels are subject to lower federal tax rates. Your rate depends on your filing status and other income. Before taking action, verify your expected 2012 tax rate. n Is it likely that you will need to sell the asset within the next couple of years? If not, you may be better off not selling now. It is one thing to pay a lower tax a year or so earlier, and altogether different to pay tax today that you could have postponed for several years. Another tax item to think about, if you have a large income, is that a new 3.8% federal tax will apply on certain categories of income starting next year. If you will be subject to that tax, realizing a gain in 2012 will benefit you even further. Finally, if you own dividend-paying stocks, either directly or through a mutual fund or ETF, review your withholding or estimated tax payments early in 2013. Today the federal tax rate on qualified dividends is 15%, but the rate will increase for many people next year. Failure to factor this change into your federal withholding or quarterly estimates next year could trigger an underpayment penalty when you file your 2013 return. 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 | December 2012/January 2013
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feature
The 8 Habits of Cyber Savvy People Dr. Pano Yannakogeorgos, CEO, Cyrtone Consulting Mr. Billy Barth,Vice President, Cyrtone Consulting
N
et profits of the burgeoning cybercrime industry surpass that of the drug trade. Cybercriminals prey on people unaware of the threat or who think they will never fall victim to cybercrime. Below are tips to help you practice good cyber hygiene in your personal and professional lives, and avoid stepping into the traps laid by digital hi-way robbers. 1. Your Brain is the Weakest Link No, you have not been approved for an auto loan, your new Nigerian pen-pal is not going to send you money, and the IRS contacts you via snail mail or a knock on the door. And that good friend who took a spontaneous trip to London and got mugged? They’re lounging by the pool in no need of money. These scams are obvious, but what if a real friend sends you a link, or attaches a file and says you HAVE to click on it NOW! Or you’re at home, the phone rings, and it’s “Sam” from your Internet service provider. They’ve noticed suspicious activity on your Internet connection. “Would you mind,” says Sam in a concerned tone, “going to your computer and seeing what processes are running?” Sam guides you through the steps needed to check the running processes. Reading them off to him he interrupts. “That’s what the FBI told us was wrong!” he says, alarmed. “I’m sorry to tell you, but your computer is responsible for millions of dollars of theft, and you 24
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
might be liable for damages!” But don’t worry, Sam has the solution. He guides you to a website your Internet provider set up to protect its customers and disinfect their machines. Following his advice, you go to the website. Sam thanks you and hangs up. Congratulations! You’ve just fallen victim to the latest devious social engineering tactics. Whether you opened the attachment from a trusted friend, or clicked Sam’s link, your computer is now part of the vast cybercriminal underground. The complicated scenario outlined above is the cutting edge of the hacker world, as cybercriminals turn to exploiting human trust to gain an advantage. More often than not, you’ll get an email from a friend asking you to click a link or open a PDF. Once you do, your computer becomes a drone in a botnet (several computers controlled from a single source) that can be used to steal your bank account and other nefarious activities. The lesson here is: Critical thinking is key. If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. 2. Update your software, secure your WiFi Security and software updates are essential to keeping the bad guys out. Using old, outdated browsers or operating systems can lead to a breach, giving an attacker an “in.” Vulnerabilities in old software may allow an attacker to execute malicious code, cause a denial of service attack, or disclose your sensitive corporate
data or privileged client communications. With outdated software, those expensive security solutions you implemented on your personal or corporate computing environments can and will be bypassed. So, put this magazine down now and go update: your Adobe Reader, Java, and Windows. This will make significant improvements to your personal or organizations’ cybersecurity, and increase an attackers cost of targeting you. 3. Know Thyself It’s an Ancient Greek aphorism inscribed over the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and timeless advice when considering the identify theft epidemic. Just because you’re cyber smart does not mean those you trust with your personal information are. Recent high-profile intrusions on credit card processing companies have put sensitive data at risk. Even the company everyone else relies on to add an extra layer of security in their systems, RSA, has been breached. Run regular credit checks to be sure you’re not being scammed, and shred documents before throwing them away. Dumpster diving remains a lucrative pastime in the criminal underworld. 4. For sensitive services, use your own computer/network Don’t bank online from the computer in the hotel lobby. That Wi-Fi hotspot in the coffee shop? It’s not for day-trading stock options. Check your personal email from your secure wireless network at home (behind a virtual private network or VPN), or, more realistically, from a wired connection or 4G service. And once you’ve checked your email/banking/etc, log out of the account! 5. Your mobile device is like a computer; treat it like one. Use common sense when downloading applications from the app store. Angry Birds 4 (sneak peak) is not going to leave your bank account too happy, since it’s most likely malware (MALicious softWARE) that gives hackers access to your
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computer, and by extensions, your online banking sessions. Go one step beyond locking your phone and encrypt your data at rest by enabling this feature in your system settings. If you lose the phone, the data will be useless without the passphrase. If your data is very sensitive, use a strong passphrase, not a touch-screen pattern, to unlock your device. Pair that stolen phone locator app, and you’ll feel better when you notice your phone has slipped out of that hole in your pocket. These two steps will prevent your personal information, photos, videos, social media and email access from being compromised if your phone is lost. It only takes a few minutes. 6. Don’t Link Your Accounts Signing into your favorite blog or website via your Gmail or Facebook account is easy for you, but also easy for hackers. Do you use your Yahoo! email account to send your password reset to your Facebook page, which in turn you use to log into your Yelp account? See where this is going? If a hacker gains access to your one email account, other passwords can be reset to take over your digital life. Just ask Wired Magazine author Mat Honan. In one hour hackers deleted his Gmail account, hijacked his twitter account, and remotely erased all his data from his iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, all due to one compromised email account. 7. Passwords and two-step authentication Longer passwords are more secure than short ones. “thegoodtheb@d&theugly” is a strong password. Use book titles, famous quotes or foreign phrases. Once you have a strong password, don’t use it for all your services. Two-step authentication is a new layer of security companies are implementing (Gmail, Facebook, Dropbox). It’s a process where, when you enter your password to log into a site, you will be sent a text message with a second set of numbers to enter (hence two-step). By using this service, even if your password is compromised, hackers still need the second code that is sent to your phone (which you should have with you) before they can enter your account. 8. Backup Your Data…Now There is no excuse to not backup your data (desktop, phone, laptop). Online options like CrashPlan, or Dropbox, or software versions such as Windows Backup, offer easily set up solutions. Best of all, they’re free. Recovering from a cyber breach is a long, stressful and potentially costly process. The basic actions outlined here will not prevent an attack, but will help minimize the risks and damage by adding another layer of protection, making an attack more difficult to execute. Cyrtone Consulting, www.cyrtone.com, 334-245-4202 www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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Discounted Previews Nov. 23–Dec. 1
social security
Medicare Age is Still 65
Nov. 23–Dec. 23
I
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, Adapted by ASF’s Producing Artistic Director Geoffrey Sherman
A Magical New Twist on the Holiday Favorite! The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. A great family outing to brighten your holiday.
AlAbAmA ShAkeSpeAre FeStivAl 1-800-841-4273
www.ASF.net
/alabamashakes
/alabamashakes
Coming Soon!
Starting January 25 26
December 2012/January 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com
f you’re in your sixties, you probably know the age to receive full Social Security benefits has changed. But it’s important to remember the age to begin receiving Medicare has not — it is still 65. Even if you have decided to wait until after you’re age 65 to apply for retirement benefits, most people should start getting Medicare coverage at age 65. Kylle’ McKinney If you would like to begin your Medicare coverage when you first become eligible, we suggest you apply within three months of reaching age 65. You can do it online in as little as 10 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly. At the website you’ll find more than just the online Medicare application.You’ll also find information about Medicare, and have the opportunity to watch short videos about applying for Medicare online. One is a family reunion for the cast of The Patty Duke Show. In another, Patty Duke, and George Takei of Star Trek fame, go boldly where you should be going — online. Why go online to apply for Medicare? Because it’s fast, easy, and secure.You don’t need an appointment and you can avoid waiting in traffic or in line. As long as you have ten minutes to spare, you have time to complete and submit your online Medicare application. People who started receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits before age 65 do not need to apply; they will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. There is no additional charge for Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) since you already paid for it by working and paying Medicare tax. However, there is a monthly premium for medical insurance (Part B). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you should consider whether you want to apply for the medical insurance. To learn more about Medicare and some options for choosing coverage, read the online publication, Medicare, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or visit www. Medicare.gov. To learn more about applying for Medicare Only using the online application, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ medicareonly. 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.
lifestyle
“Giving back to your community may slow the aging process....”
Volunteering for Your Health By Jessica Vann
W
e know serving our community strengthens it. What may not be apparent is that volunteering provides a variety of health benefits to the volunteer. The Corporation for National and Community Service found that adults 60 and older receive significant health benefits from donating their time to a worthwhile cause. Compared to those who don’t do volunteer work, volunteers predominantly have: n a healthier Body Mass Index (BMI) n a lower risk of heart disease n lower mortality rates Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health followed volunteers for four to eight months and found the following improvements among their subjects: n increased strength n higher activity levels n a larger social network "Giving back to your community may slow the aging process in ways that lead to a higher quality of life in older adults," reported Dr. Linda Fried, leader of the study and director of the Center of Aging and Health at Johns Hopkins. Serving your community does more than improve your physical health. Adults who volunteer have lower rates of depression and greater functional ability than non-volunteers. In a survey published by United Health Care & Volunteer Match, more volunteers reported a sense of well-being and optimism than those who did not donate their time to a worthwhile cause. There are many reasons behind the physical, mental,
and emotional benefits of serving your community. Adults face new struggles as they age: their roles are changing from worker and money-earner to retiree with extra time and less social interaction.Volunteering gets you out of the house and around people. It gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Resources AARP: www.aarp.org/states/al/ MACOA: www.macoa.org/index.cfm SCORE: http://alabamacapitol.score.org/ Volunteer & Information Center: www.volunteer-info.org/ "When people volunteer," says Anne Hails, Associate State Director of Outreach for AARP, "they have a sense of fulfillment and aren't as stressed. Staying active and knowing they are needed has a positive impact on a person's life." All in all, volunteers have a better sense of purpose in life. And don’t worry if you feel you lack the skills or energy needed to volunteer. "It's a great way to meet new people and make friends,” says Hails. “Most places will provide you with proper training." The volunteers she works with range from younger than 50 to those
in their 90's, and they are always surprised by how much they can physically and mentally accomplish. Any time is a good time to volunteer, with holidays offering a unique opportunity to find out if volunteering is for you. Numerous projects and events are hosted throughout the holiday season. Join one and see if you like it. If so, continue volunteering, either with that organization or another. Take pride in the work you do, knowing it benefits not only your community, but your health as well. 8 Steps To Successful Volunteering 1. Consider your interests, and find a cause you're passionate about. Do you love animals or working with children? Are you skilled in public speaking, accounting, or other professional areas? 2. Get in touch with local organizations such as AARP, MACOA, SCORE and the Volunteer & Information Center (VIC). 3. Make it fun by inviting a friend! 4. Keep a positive attitude and be flexible.Your ideal volunteering opportunity may not be available right away. 5. Start off small and build when it comes to the hours you work. 6. Know the organization's expectations and treat your position like a real job. 7. Remember, even the smallest tasks have a big impact. 8. Don't stop volunteering once the holidays are over. Set aside time each week to volunteer, even for an hour or two. Those who volunteer 100 hours annually notice the most positive health results.
www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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in every life
*
cut out and save for a healthier year
Health Checklist: 2013 D
uring the holidays we often rely on lists to coordinate our thoughts. Planning for your family’s health in 2013 can benefit from such a list. Consider the following topics, but don’t tackle them all at once. Instead, select one or two to complete each month as the year progresses.
1. Begin/update Personal Health Arlene Morris Record for self/family to facilitate communication among healthcare providers, family, and caregivers. ____ past personal health history ____ lifestyle practices including tobacco and alcohol use ____ healthcare providers (date last visited, tests done, medications prescribed, results of all) ____ prescribed/OTC meds, date/name of prescriber, time/amount of dose, benefits/side effects 2. Track preventative care screenings and results, some of which may be 80-100% reimbursable by Medicare or other insurance companies as part of an Annual Wellness Visit. ____ Blood pressure ____ Cardiac function ,which may include an electrocardiogram [ECG] or stress test ____ Complete blood count to identify infection, anemia, etc. ____ Blood glucose (sugar) level ____ Lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels ____ Urinalysis to assess for asymptomatic bacteria ____ Hepatitis C ____ Cancer screenings: skin, colorectal, prostate, breast, cervical ____ Vision exam with intraocular pressure evaluation for glaucoma and assessment for other potential eye disorder development (cataract, macular degeneration, tear duct alterations, etc.) ____ Dental and oral mucosa evaluation ____ Other screenings as appropriate based on individual risk (hearing loss; sickle cell disease; thyroid changes; assessment of carotid arteries; HIV; chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection; hepatitis B; bone density loss; respiratory compromise; depression; post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); folic acid or vitamin D levels, etc.) 3. Vaccinations to increase immunity: ____ Influenza—annually in fall ____Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) every 10 28
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years or upon injury ____ Pneumococcal—every five to seven years ____ Shingles—approved for those over age 50, reimbursed for those over age 60 ____ Hepatitis B—reimbursed for those with Diabetes Mellitus 4. Engage in “What if……” discussions with family to express preferences, consider risk/benefits options should an abrupt change be needed. Topics should include: ____ Advanced Directives (Here’s a helpful reference to start the discussion; http://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/__ data/assets/pdf_file/0016/54250/HardChoices.pdf) ____ Identify foreseeable changes in your lifestyle in order to ensure continued social interaction as well as opportunities to express your creativity ____ Consider how you’ll manage and pay for needs related to chronic illness or functional limitations ____ Consider how you’ll cope with future stresses/losses by reviewing previous similar situations to determine how well or poorly you coped ____ Prepare for assuming your spouse’s duties in the family ____ Identify your preference for caregivers if assistance is needed with transportation, finances, personal self-care, nutrition, etc. ____ Identify possibilities and preferences for living arrangements or relocation areas 5. Maintain the highest possible level of activity/ rest/sleep. This may include participation in activities to maintain muscle mass and strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Group activities such as walking, swimming, dancing, weight resistance, yoga, or tai chi can also contribute to social interaction. 6. Find ways to contribute to church/community/ family/friends to promote a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Plan for potential safety needs such as: ____ Decrease fall risks by installing grab bars and ramps, and enlarging doorways for walkers and wheelchairs ____ Compile an emergency/disaster preparation kit to include a one-week supply of medications rotated each week to ensure freshness (www.ready.gov) It is my sincere hope you and your family have a happy and healthy New Year! Arlene H. Morris is a Professor of Nursing at Auburn Montgomery’s School of Nursing. She can be reached at amorris@aum.edu.
off the beaten path
“The Tweeter Flight” A
s the flock passed overhead hundreds, thousands, maybe tens-ofthousands - I knew it was time to call it a morning. With a limit on most of our straps, the shooting, which began at “legal Niko Corley light,” had been fast and furious. There was plenty of good work for the dogs in this beaver pond off the river; navigating around stumps and laydowns, through buck brush and knee deep water to retrieve our ducks. Not one of us, dogs included, wanted to stop. Hunter-dog teams that are well-attuned to one another take years of hunting to culminate into such a unit. My Lab, Bella, hears the whistling of incoming birds' wings usually long before I do, and signals their approach with a head cock and silent step to attention. Likewise, if I see or hear birds before she does, the click of my shotgun's safety is a dead giveaway there will hopefully soon be a dead bird on the water for her to retrieve. Despite our desire to stretch the morning's hunt just a little longer, I knew it would be a waste to spend another hour in this wood duck hole waiting for birds to show up or for those which had evaded our battery earlier in the morning to return. How do you know when its time to leave a wood duck hole? The question is hotly debated and occurs over equally hot coffee shared with fellow hunters on a stump or bank log, usually during a break in the action between flights. In Alabama, the wood duck is the water fowler's bread-and-butter-bird. The increase in the woodie limit a few years back - from two to three per day - had many duck hunters, myself included, 50 percent more likely to get up early and get on the water. Why else would we leave a perfectly warm and comfortable bed, don bulky, uncomfortable clothing, and traverse freezing water with frenzied canines and equally crazed and well-armed men as companions, all of whom have death in their eyes? Paraphrasing water fowler-extraordi-
naire Phil "Duck Commander" Robertson - "What a man will do for a duck.” Over the years I have developed a system that, while unscientific in its methodology, has enjoyed a high degree of accuracy in its ability to determine the precise moment at which a wood duck hunter should call "time." Wood ducks are the first to leave the roost in the morning, this we know. For those duck holes that are strictly woodie-holes, the best barometer for gauging your hunting party's departure time is what has come to be known within my inner duck hunting circle as "the tweeter flight." "Tweeters" are those birds you see flying early in the morning and late in the evening in not large but HUGE flocks. In the city, they can sit side-by-side on power lines without a break in the feathers for miles. The only place I've seen larger flocks of any kind of bird is hunting the Mississippi delta, where thousands of ducks and geese fill the air on their migration south. It has been my experience that not long after the last wood duck you'll get a shot at zips by unscathed, the tweeters leave their own roost from somewhere far in the distance and fly out to feed, loaf around and do bird things for the day. Coincidentally, "the tweeter flight" is also the period during which your
vehicle's windshield is most vulnerable to aerial soiling. Most of the time, "the tweeter flight" is a pretty accurate tool for determining the right time to pack it back to the truck. It's not perfect, and you should always take weather and other conditions into account. Don't think this a ruse to convince you to leave prime hunting real estate on public land behind the tweeters in an effort to allow myself time to sneak in behind and lay a hurtin' down. That’s not the case. I've tested my theory on numerous occasions, staying long after "the tweeter flight" when I had nothing in particular to do or when the coffee or conversations were unusually good. Two parting observations to ponder: 1) Good discussion and strong hot coffee can be stirring in the early morning on a duck swamp, but the latter can be dangerous for those wearing waders. 2) Field research proves toilet paper in one's blind bag can command a premium, akin to bottled water in the desert. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Niko Corley spends his free time hunting, fishing, boating, and generally enjoying outdoor activities. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitters@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@ cootfootoutfitters.
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yard ‘n garden
cold weather color
W
ith leaves turning and falling, it’s time to plant pansies. They love cool weather, and finally it’s come to town, so head to your local garden center and go pansy hunting. There are so many Ethel Dozier Boykin varieties, pansies can be hard to choose. There’s Bingo, with large flowers and blotches of a different color in the center (called face pansies), Crystal Bowl, a smaller, solid flower with a wonderful blooming record, Accord, a large flower with 5" blooms, and many more. When purchasing look for small, rich green plants. Buds are okay, but if they’re in full bloom they may have been stressed in the pot. Turn the pot over and see if the roots are bound. If they are, leave that plant and find another. The tiny flowers of the Violas are great to mix with larger flowers for a texture difference. These will bloom in less sun than other pansies, so if your spot is shady half the day they may work best. They come in "Lemon Chiffon," "Heaven Blue," and "Sorbert Mix" just to name a few. The preferred spot for planting is full sun, but if your flower beds don’t have it, use pots. Soil needs to be organic and rich with excellent drainage. We don’t like to have wet feet in winter, and neither do pansies. If in a wet spot they’ll get root rot and fail to thrive. Pansies need to be fed every other week, and I advise gardeners to use plant-specific food. Using pansy food will give you the best plants on the block. When planting, sprinkle some time-release fertilizer on the soil. After the flower blooms and fades, then comes the part you don’t like — dead-heading. But dead-heading is a must if you want to have the most blooms, and that’s one reason we plant pansies. Once the flower fades, go into the plant and pinch the stem into the foliage so you don’t have stems sticking out like antennae. If you delay dead-heading the petals fall off and the seed head starts to form. This is where all the plants energy will go. If you end up with English pea looking pods on your plants you were not dead-heading. Plants bloom to reproduce, not to make us happy, so you have to pinch back those spent flowers to get more to come. If you do all of these things you’ll have the best pansies you have ever grown. So when do you dead-head? When you’re mad! Get your frustrations out and pinch off those heads! Good plants to mix with pansies are ornamental kale, cab30
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bage, parsley and mustard, along with ivy around the edges of the pots. This creates a nice trailing look. Speaking of trailing, a new pansy this year is a trailing type. I saw it in a magazine last month but have not found them in our area. If you’ve seen them, send me an e-mail and let me know where. We are truly blessed to have something as colorful as the pansy to bloom in winter. Enjoy. Ethel Dozier Boykin, a Montgomery native, owns Art in the Garden, a landscape design and consulting company in the Capital City. Contact her at 334-395-5949, or by email at etheldozierboykin@ yahoo.com.
prime diversions
Recent dvd releases The Dark Knight Rises, Hope Springs, and Total Recall
The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13) Christian Bale’s gravel-voiced take on The Batman returns in another brooding adventure with high-octane action and low morale playing ping-pong with our mood and adrenaline levels. The story opens eight years after the Caped Crusader had to kill the fiend that used to be good-guy Harvey Dent. Our hero vanished; his Bruce Wayne persona became a recluse; Gotham thrived in crime-free tranquility based on the twin lies of who was good and who was evil. That ruse was needed to pass a Draconian lock-up law that kept the lid on the baddies. But now comes some hyperthyroid, partly masked gorilla named Bane (or Bain, though no avowed relation to Mr. Romney’s past) - a hard-core supervillain reviving an old plot to destroy Gotham. The film adds Ann Hathaway as a skilled burglar of dubious motivations, but unquestionable hotness; plus Joseph Gordon-Levitt as young cop who may bode well for the future of the city, and the sequels that most surely will follow. Everything about this is dark - the colors, the lighting, the underground locations for much of the action, and the tone of gloom and impending doom pervading almost every scene. The Batman rises in at least three different ways during this 2 ½ hour epic that comes pretty close to matching the sky-high expectations of the franchise’s ardent fans. If you’re not one, do some remedial reading and/or viewing before jumping in at this stage. If you are, go for the biggest screen in reach to max out on the CG effects and other pyrotechnics, keeping you up to speed for the next chapter in this resilient saga.
Hope Springs (PG-13) In this job I’m often disappointed, but rarely so annoyed by the gaps between potential and the reality of the finished product. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star as empty-nesters, coasting on the fumes of their long marriage in middle-class Middle America. She’s too shy and inhibited to express her loneliness; he’s too clueless to even notice, much less care, how robotic their roles have become. Streep finally musters the combined desperation and courage to coerce her hubby to fly with her to a small town in Maine for a week of intensive counseling with a self-help author (Steve Carell). The idea is about as timely as it could be for a generation of Boomers approaching that stage of life. The stars would seem to be ideally suited to depict the nascent angst of a generation, offering warmth, wit and insights into their own situations. But
when the film starts, that hope begins to fizzle. The problem is the script, the whole script, and nothing but the script. Writer Vanessa Taylor creates mere caricatures of the demographics Streep Mark Glass and Jones should represent. She’s far too wimpy, and he’s far too grumpy for the dramedy with heart and substance such actors could deliver. Films like Shirley Valentine, About Schmidt, or Something’s Gotta Give, to name a few, have far more successfully mixed laughs with learning in romantic matters among the graying. The course we slog through with these cardboard cutouts becomes more excruciating for the viewer than for the characters. Carell is wasted; Jean Smart and Elizabeth Shue have such brief, inconsequential parts that one wonders if better scenes with them missed the final cut, adding yet another level of failure to the package. Total Recall (PG-13) In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone starred in a high-octane sci-fi flick based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. The premise was that life experiences are stored in our brains. It doesn’t matter if an event actually occurred, so long as your brain has it filed as a memory. So in a dystopian future, a virtual reality business named Rekall hooks one up to vacations, fantasies or other scenarios of choice, giving one the net benefit of having lived it, without leaving its chair and electrodes. Surf Tahiti or save the world with your superpowers - it’s all at the mall. Twenty-two years later, Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale fill those roles for this remake, which most will consider an instant upgrade on the Thespian scale. The plot is essentially faithful to its ancestry. But the real stars are the legions of techies who contributed to art design, action-sequence storyboarding and all the other elements of computer-generate effects, fully availing themselves of how far the tools for making us pump gallons of adrenaline have advanced in those two decades. Most of the film is a series of fanciful chases, as Farrell’s character starts discovering the truth about his past from a Rekall mishap, finding himself on the run from the authorities, while discovering dormant skills on the fly. He’s like a Jason Bourne in Tomorrowland. Bryan Cranston’s turn as the society’s Evil Leader is another bonus, varying notably from his previous body of work. Mainly, enjoy the visuals and the pace while you’re watching.You can think about the premise when your pulse rate returns to normal. Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Assn. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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R iv er R eg io n Holiday Activities Old Alabama Town Celebration December 1-31 The house museums at Old Alabama Town will be decorated for the holidays for visitors to tour. Self-guided tours Mon–Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Guided tours by reservation for 10 or more. For info 334-240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.
Christmas Light Festival, Mtgy Zoo December 1-31 Thousands of lights illuminate the pathways for a leisurely stroll through the Montgomery Zoo during the city’s Holiday Lights Festival.Visitors can ride the train through the forested wonderland and see animals come alive in lighted displays. Check for times and dates ahead of time. 5:30–9:30 p.m., 334240-4900, www.montgomeryzoo.com.
Gov’s Mansion Candlelight Open House December 3, 10, 17 For three Mondays in December, Governor and Mrs. Robert Bentley will open the Governor’s Mansion for candlelight tours from 5-7 p.m. The 1907 Colonial Revival mansion located at 1142 South Perry Street in Montgomery will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. Guests should pick up their free tickets at the Governor’s Mansion Gift shop across the street on Finley Ave. Call 1-800-ALABAMA, or visit www.alabama.travel. Christmas on the Coosa, Wetumpka December 8 Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda. Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. For information call 334-567-1313 or 334-567-4811, or visit www.wetumpkachamber.com.
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GAMES Crossword Clues Across 1 Some rentals, in ads 5 "Gimme just __" 9 Chew the scenery 14 Aquatic bird 15 Rowlands of "Gloria" 16 Deteriorate 17 Sign some new sluggers? 19 Word with time and space 20 __ nous 21 Like some nests 23 Wartime submachine guns 24 Henna and such? 29 Giant legend 31 Nagpur native 32 Granola grain 35 1805 Vienna premiere 39 Lambs: Lat. 40 Stand-up gig for Richard? 43 Old wrap 44 Original Speed Stick maker 45 Children's author Asquith 46 Composer/violinist who taught Menuhin 48 U.S. Army E-5 50 Instrument in need of cleaning? 54 Sci-fi character whose first name, Nyota, was first revealed
in film in 2009 58 Did a little courting 59 Like some denim jackets 60 Flop with fins 64 Augustine, for one? 66 Best Actress nominee for "Ordinary People" 67 Miss Megley's charge, in a Salinger story 68 Lavish affection 69 1830s revolution site 70 Grand jetĂŠ, e.g. 71 Go bananas Down 1 More than twinges 2 Salient feature 3 High-calorie cake 4 Jellied fuel 5 Past word 6 Hemmed but didn't haw 7 Ones not with you 8 __ diem 9 He voiced Disney's Mad Hatter 10 Drop-line link 11 Mil. training site 12 Ink spots, briefly? 13 Center 18 Bedevil 22 "M*A*S*H" procedures 25 Queso relleno cheese 26 Peak in an Eastwood film
27 Chin Ho co-worker, in a TV cop show 28 Miffed states 30 Vibrating effect 32 Made a choice 33 Product suffix created in San Francisco in 1958 34 Blake title feline 36 "A Chorus Line" song 37 Starter: Abbr. 38 Axe 41 Hops drier 42 Swallow up 47 Economic series 49 Bs in the key of G, e.g. 51 Sing "The Lonely Goatherd," say 52 Entrepreneur inspired by Hershey 53 Fluid buildup 55 U.S.S.R. part 56 Gaucho's rope 57 One concerned with the spot market? 60 911 respondent 61 Female rabbit 62 Chi-Town team 63 Historical span 65 __ rally (c)2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Crossword answers on page 23. Sudoku answer on page 30. www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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The
Conductor’s Season Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
Make a holiday memory with someone you love at the MSO’s
Holiday Pops
Monday, December 17 • 7:30pm Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Tickets, 481-5101 • montgomery symphony.org Ask about BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE tickets!
Give the Gift of Hearing. Order on-line in time for Christmas. zzzzzzzzzzzzz
100% digital ready-to-wear HEARING PROTECTION plus superior HEARING ENHANCEMENT zzzzzzzzzzzzz
All Ears Hearing Centers 6912 Winton Blount Blvd. Montgomery • 334-281-8400 www.soundgearonline.com 34
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www.primemontgomery.com | December 2012/January 2013
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The Montgomery Ballet Presents Choreography by Darren McIntyre
december 14-16 • at the davis theatre for tickets: call 1-800-514-3849 or visit etix.com For Additional information: www.montgomeryballet.org