Prime Magazine June 2016

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Celebrating Life

June 2016

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MONTGOMERY

June 2016 Vol. 7, Issue 3

PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Andrea Gross, Lisa M. Petsche, Stanley Popovich, Sara Schwartz, Alan Wallace CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Ruth Padgett, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Irv Green, 123rf Stock Photos SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Prime 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035

Prime Montgomery is a publication of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2016 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals.

Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters. We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

hen we were children, he used to bet me he wouldn’t live past 30. It was a scary thought, but it was his style to be melodramatic.

“Oh, stop,” I’d say, wanting to change the subject. “You’ll live to be older than any of us.”

Two years my junior, Angelo was a cousin, and more importantly, the son of my father’s best friend. With such close familial ties we were destined to spend countless hours together, despite the distance between Montgomery and Atlanta. It was fortunate for us both that we got along so well.

At six-and-a-half feet and 300 pounds Sandra Polizos (in lean days), Angelo cast an imposing figure. As a boy, because of his size, people tried to push him towards sports.

But his appearance belied a gentle nature. He was neither agile nor aggressive, more a sweet-tempered brontosaurus than a conquering T-Rex. I looked forward to visits with Angelo each summer when our family traveled to Atlanta to see relatives. As young teens we’d take the bus from my grandmother’s house on Virginia Avenue and head uptown to eat lunch, shop, or see a movie at the Fox, Loew’s Grand, or the Rialto. Making our way through the city, we’d share stories about the rich characters in our families (both our dads were immigrants), the angst and drama of our young lives, and our joint aspirations to know more about the world. I never understood how my always-strict parents permitted me to explore downtown Atlanta with a younger cousin — especially when I couldn’t do the same thing in Montgomery. Somehow, being with Angelo made it okay. They knew he would be my protector, and I knew they were right.

Kind and generous to a fault, Angelo was also a raconteur — one of the best story tellers I’ve ever known. Stretching a story to its very limits, he reveled in his ability to entertain. Any topic and anyone were fair game. Never mind the story bore little resemblance to the truth. The more details the better. When he knew you were in the palm of his hand, when you were certain you couldn’t laugh any more, he’d deliver a mischievous zinger to leave you rolling on the floor. Angelo’s wry sense of humor bespoke his intellect and also his creativity.

That he was a business major in college seemed wildly incongruous to me as his true love was art. He’d frequent every museum, art supply store and gallery in the city — and I was more than happy to tag along. His size and demeanor always attracted attention. Captivated by people from all walks of life, they, in turn, were drawn to him.

To be sure, Angelo had his foibles. Like an insatiable appetite for anything he relished or enjoyed. I always thought it masked a deep, sad hole in him that couldn’t be filled. And, at times I wondered if he occasionally confused truth with the fabrications in his stories, because reality was never as much fun.

Our paths in life took us in different directions. We spoke on the phone occasionally and saw each other even less. Regardless of the years in between, we always picked up exactly where we’d left off.

Last week Angelo passed away, suddenly, at 61. I miss him already, knowing he was one of those colorful, vivid characters in life that rarely come along.

I’m profoundly grateful I never collected on Angelo’s “not-past-30” bet. The additional decades afforded many funny, touching, and creative times. But as long as 30 extra years may seem, it wasn’t nearly long enough.

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June 2016 Crab & Avocado Salad

Table of Contents Editor’s Note 4 Quick Reads 6

Whole vs skim milk, work & longevity, RLS

Yard ‘n Garden 9 Dogs & potatoes

A Gracious Plenty 10

400 years of sea history

Low-carb summer treats

Ships, Sand & Sea 12 North Carolina’s coast

In Every Life 14

Elder abuse awareness

Money Wi$e 15

Reverse Mortgages Part 2: Problems

Tinseltown Talks 16

Betty Lynn: Mayberry’s “Thelma Lou”

Missing persons? 18

DNA testing can fill-in gaps in your family tree

Fearful? 21

Managing anxieties

Grandchildren 22

9 things you shouldn’t say

Social Security 25

“My Social Security” for dad

History Mystery 26

Who ARE these people?

Finding lost relatives

Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles 28 Answers on page 31

Medicare 29

“MediGap” insurance

Road Trip 30

Tips to simplify traveling with a senior

Advertiser Appreciation 32 Calendar 33 Off the Beaten Path 34 Montgomery Dairy Month promotion, June 20, 1955

Dry Ground

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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Quick Reads Working Longer May Lead to a Longer Life Working past age 65 could lead to longer life, while retiring early may be a risk factor for dying earlier, a new study from Oregon State University indicates.

The researchers found that healthy adults who retired one year past age 65 had an 11% lower risk of death from all causes, even when taking into account demographic, lifestyle and health issues.

Adults who described themselves as unhealthy were also likely to live longer if they kept working, the findings showed.

Whole vs Skim Milk: Surprising Findings A new study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation indicates that full-fat dairy, like whole milk, may be healthier than low-fat dairy, such as skim milk.

Researchers analyzed the blood of 3,333 adults taken over 15 years and discovered that people who had higher levels of three different byproducts of full-fat dairy had an average 46 percent lower risk of developing diabetes.

In addition some low-fat products are actually loaded with sugar -- which means they have more calories than the full-fat versions. Another study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, found that, over a 12-year study, subjects who consumed high-fat dairy products were less likely to suffer from obesity than those who don’t have that variety of dairy products in their diet.

Sweet and Salty Consumption of fructose, a fruit-derived sugar present in many sweetened beverages and processed foods, has been associated with worldwide epidemic levels of diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and hypertension.

New research presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego further supports this link, finding that high levels of fructose similar to amounts consumed within the American diet may predispose individuals to fast-onset, salt-sensitive hypertension.

Overall, these findings raise concern about the amount of fructose and salt found in the American diet.

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Tanning May Block Vitamin D Synthesis As skin tans, it darkens to protect itself against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but the increasing pigment blocks vitamin D synthesis, limiting the skin’s ability to produce more vitamin D. A new study from the University of Pernambuco Medical School, Brazil, finds even people exposed to high levels of sunlight may be deficient in serum vitamin D. The research showed that, in a large sample of individuals living in a tropical region with very high rates of sun exposure and extremely high UV irradiation, most people had serum vitamin D below normal. Overall, 72% of participants had vitamin D deficiency.

Acupuncture Dramatically Reduces Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors Acupuncture may be a viable treatment for women experiencing hot flashes as a result of estrogen-targeting therapies to treat breast cancer, according to a new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hot flashes are particularly severe and frequent in breast cancer survivors, but current FDA-approved remedies for these unpleasant episodes, such as hormone replacement therapies, are off–limits to breast cancer survivors because they include estrogen.

The results of the study are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Allergy Meds and Restless Leg Symptoms Allergy season can be the worst time of year for people suffering with restless leg syndrome because popular over-thecounter medications can make symptoms worse.

“Patients with restless leg syndrome already have difficulty sleeping as their symptoms tend to worsen at night or with rest,” said William Ondo, M.D., a Houston Methodist neurologist. “But sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can intensify the symptoms.”

Restless leg syndrome is considered a neurological and sleep disorder where patients feel uncomfortable sensations and strong urges to move their legs, which can sometimes be painful and disrupt sleep.

“We don’t yet understand why sedating antihistamines worsen restless leg syndrome,” said Ondo, “but we do know that non-sedating antihistamines do not affect the symptoms as much because they do not enter the brain as easily.”

Ondo adds that some people who think they are allergic to Benadryl or other sedating antihistamines because it makes them feel hyper, may have undiagnosed restless leg syndrome and recommends they consult a neurologist.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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YARD ‘N GARDEN

Potatoes & Pups

By Ruth Padgett

R

etiring in Montgomery, AL, and purchasing our first house in 15 years presented a number of interesting adventures. Perhaps the most amusing adventure was my attempt to stabilize the soil where the neighborhood water drain exited through the end of our back yard, under the fence, and into a large cement drain. Rain was an unwelcome event since it heralded the development of deep mud and standing water at the back fence, resulting from our sloped yard and our neighbor’s water flow. The water level would often climb a foot to a foot-and-a-half as it flowed to the far end of the fence and finally into the cement drain.

With the substantial slope of our yard and the frequent flooding, grass, shrubs, and flowers would not grow. Perhaps cattails and other swamp shrubs would have done well. I’d have taken anything that would interrupt the constant soil wash-off that left a barren, muddy section of yard.

Being a full-time working mom and Air Force apartment dweller during my entire marriage, I had little experience or knowledge of gardening. But I am a problem solver. I can Google with the best of them, and I like coming up with solutions, trying them out, and improving on them. I had two basic issues: rain with water accumulation and depletion of soil with water runoff.

With that realization, I was off to problem solving.

I knew I wasn’t going to change the rainfall in Montgomery. I also couldn’t change the landscaping slope to make the yard level because we were the water escape for our neighborhood. We considered a French drain to tackle the water accumulation, but hadn’t yet made a commitment to the expense.

Was it possible to find plants thirsty enough to gobble up the water and have sufficient root power to stabilize my soil too? Wandering through the aisles of Home Depot, I discovered shelves of sweet potato plants in little black plastic trays. Hmm. So charming with their pretty leaves, I also knew they had good roots and would spread as vines. Could I stabilize the soil by planting a whole tray of these thirsty little plants?

Within minutes I was at the register with my precious cargo. By afternoon, they were all planted, scattered around the area where the water flowed under the fence. Was I on the way to valiantly rescuing my yard?

Fast forward: the plan worked! The plants settled in and began their avid growth spurts. Within weeks I had a robust area of sweet potato plants and vines holding my soil in place. How’s that for Yankee ingenuity?

Some of you who are more plant savvy may have gotten ahead of me at this point. You’ve likely figured out what happened next, but I had no idea those wonderful vines were intent on providing me a little drama and a lot of humor.

One day our clever little Montgomery Humane Society adoptees, Miss Trixie Doodle and her fairly new sister Dixie Mae, discovered a treasure and enthusiastically brought it to me. It was a fairly well-chewed orange orb. As I was a little uncertain as to what this lovely gift was, I tossed it neatly away and didn’t give it another thought.

The next day, they presented me with more. This went on for two weeks. My suspicions grew as those pups exuberantly spent more and more time among the vines. Sweet potatoes! My clever plan to stabilize the soil resulted in a hardy growth of young sweet potatoes — and lots of muddy paws.

To save myself from hours and hours of washing paws I harvested my first batch of home grown sweet potatoes. But now, the soil that I had so carefully stabilized became a muddy pond once again, leaking under the fence on its way to the cement drain. And what’s more, our clever pups had discovered the beauty of mud baths and well-rewarded digging. Yankee ingenuity? Foiled by the pups and the potatoes!

Epilogue:The French drain was installed, garden fabric was wrapped around the fencing, and rocks and pebbles now help to reinforce the area. I’ve attended two gardening series at Auburn University Montgomery and am currently enrolled in the Master Gardening Class. Our pups? They, curiously, enjoy sweet potato dog food.

Ruth Padgett, an Intern in the 2016 Master Gardener Class, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.

Garden Help Line Have questions about home gardening?

Call the Alabama Master Gardeners free help line Monday-Thursday, 9 am-1 pm, March through August; 1-877-252-GROW (4769)

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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Low-Carb Summer Eats

A GRACIOUS PLENTY

W

hether hitting the road for a vacation, enjoying the great outdoors and warm weather or simply spending time with family and friends, your summer schedule is likely anything but slow. An on-the-go summer lifestyle requires energy, and portable meals. In-season ingredients are keys to a healthy eating strategy that can power you through the season.

You can start by identifying foods that will keep you satisfied and energetic – and foods that are low in carbohydrates are a perfect fit. These recipes show how deliciously simple it can be to enjoy low-carb eating with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as blackberries, cucumber and avocado, in flavorful salads and refreshing beverages – perfect for a break on a busy summer day!

CRAB AND AVOCADO SALAD Prep time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 16 ounces canned crab 2 medium (7 1/2-8 inches) stalks celery, diced salt freshly ground black pepper 1 avocado, skinned, seeded and cubed 3 cups chopped watercress

In large bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin and paprika.

Add crab meat and diced celery. Mix well; add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Gently stir in avocado cubes.

Divide watercress on four plates; top with salad.

ALMOND-PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 1/2 cup (8 ounces) plain yogurt 2 1/2 ounces fresh pineapple 20 whole blanched and slivered almonds 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk In blender, combine yogurt, pineapple, almonds and almond milk and puree until smooth and creamy.

Note: Other low-carb fruits or nuts can be substituted for pineapple and/or almonds.

Courtesy: Family Features. Source: atkins.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

BLACKBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE MEDALLIONS Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 1 large egg 1 ounce soft goat cheese 1/4 cup halved pecans 1/4 medium sliced (1/8-inch thick) red onions 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon xylitol

12 ounces blackberries, divided 1 1/3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar salt black pepper 9 cups baby spinach 30 cherry tomatoes

Heat oven to 350 F. In small, shallow bowl, whisk egg. Cut goat cheese into 12 1/2-inch rounds or roll into 12 equal balls and flatten. Dip each round into egg mixture and then roll in pecans, pressing them into cheese, if necessary.

Place rounds onto sheet pan and bake 10 minutes, or sauté in pan over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from oven or pan and allow to cool slightly.

In sauté pan over medium heat, cook onion in oil with ground cinnamon and granular sugar substitute, about 3 minutes. Add

6 ounces of blackberries and smash each with a fork. Cook 3-4 minutes then add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and black pepper.

Cook another 2 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool.

Dressing can be used warm or cooled further. Add lemon juice or water if thinner consistency is desired.

Combine spinach, tomatoes and remaining blackberries. Toss with half of the dressing then place goat cheese medallions on top. Serve with remaining dressing on the side.

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www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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Sea, Sand & Ships FEATURE

12 Days on the North Carolina Coast

In the 16th century vessels like Elizabeth II sailed the Atlantic to lay claim to the New World.

A

Story by Andrea Gross | Photos by Irv Green

few days before my husband and I leave for a beach vacation on the North Carolina coast, I happen across a news article:

“Researchers are calling an iron-hulled Civil War era steamer found near Caswell Beach one of the best-preserved blockade runners they’ve ever seen…."

— Adam Wagner, Star News, March 7, 2016

It’s been decades since one of these ships was discovered, so this is a very big deal. And while we wouldn’t be able to see the wreck—it’s still buried under 18-20 feet of ocean—as we read more we realized how important the sea was to the growth of America.

The United States was settled by seafaring people during the sixteenth century, blockaded and bombarded from the sea during the nineteenth and many of its cities became major ports during the twentieth. We have a lot to explore between beach outings.

We time-travel back more than 400 years by go12

June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

ing to the Outer Banks near the North CarolinaVirginia state line. Here, not far from the Bodie Island Lighthouse, is Roanoke Island Festival Park, featuring a full-size replica of a British merchant vessel. In 1585 seven of these vessels sailed to the New World in order to claim territory for England. The waters were so hazardous that the area is often called “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

“A big part of navigating is going the direction the wind wants you to go,” says a sailor, authentically outfitted in sixteenth-century garb.

A man standing next to me grins. “Seems that the history of America was written by the wind,” he says. Point well taken.

Near the ship is a small Algonquian town, replete with longhouse and dugout canoe, that shows what the mariners found when they followed the wind across the ocean. A few steps further and we see a representative English village, where a blacksmith and woodworker explain how the first settlers lived.

Life on coastal Carolina had improved con-

siderably by the eighteenth century, as evidenced in Beaufort, 175 miles south. Today costumed docents give tours of nine historic buildings and discuss daily life during the Colonial period. Of course, living on water’s edge is both a blessing and a curse. Beautiful? Absolutely. Dangerous? Definitely.

Having learned during the War of 1812 that their young country was vulnerable to attacks by sea, the United States government rushed to build forts along the Eastern seaboard. But for North Carolina, the enemy came not from across the Atlantic but from across the Potomac. When the Civil War broke out, the Confederates quickly occupied Fort Macon, which is surrounded on three sides by water. They held the fort for nearly a year, until April 1862 when they were forced to surrender.

We fast-forward through a century and a-half during the two-hour drive to Wilmington, the largest city along the coast. While Wilmington has a 230-block historic district filled with buildings that are both imposing and funky, it also has a vibrant downtown filled with thoroughly modern attractions. There’s top-notch theater (much of it produced in a 150-year-old building), cutting-edge restaurants and an eclectic assortment of shops that among other things offer bookshelves laden with two miles of books and cupcakes infused with cherry compote.

After ensconcing ourselves in the historic French House B&B, we take a Walk & Talk Tour that covers topics ranging from the town’s early days and the importance of the city’s waterfront location, to the role of North Carolina during World War II. Now parked in the river near downtown Wilmington, The USS North Carolina was one of the fastest and most highly decorated battleships in the American fleet. It takes us nearly a half day to see the exhibits, explore the decks, and listen to the recorded stories of the men who lived in the cramped quarters, worked in the engine room and fired the giant guns.

We’re still in a sober frame of mind as we head toward Southport, a charming community not too far from the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. During the 1500s when the British were settling Carolina’s northern shore, the Spanish were exploring the future state’s southern coast. Today the area is equally well known as the filming location for the Nicholas Sparks’ movie Safe Haven. How times have changed!

Finally we get to Caswell Beach. Off to the left is Old Baldy, the oldest existing lighthouse in North Carolina.

Right behind us is the Oak Island lighthouse, the newest and most southern lighthouse in the state. And in front of us, in the Atlantic Ocean, is the spot where the historic blockade runner was discovered.

We’ve traveled nearly 400 miles, learned about more than 400 years, and slathered ourselves with more than four tubes of sunscreen. It’s been a varied, stimulating and yet relaxing trip. By our standards, that means it’s been a perfect vacation.

For an expanded version of this article, as well as information on how film lovers can “follow the stars” along the NC Coast, go to www.traveltizers.com.

Fort Macon is one of several forts built along the Eastern Seaboard to protect the country from attacks by sea.

A costumed interpreter explains what life was like aboard early merchant vessels.

The North Carolina coast encourages folks to enjoy the sun as well as the historic sites. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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IN EVERY LIFE

Elder Abuse Awareness A

“…victims may be afraid the abuse will increase or that they will be forced to leave their home.”

buse, neglect, or exploitation of older persons can happen to anyone across all cultures and demographics, in their own home, in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other institutional settings.

The Administration on Aging estimates only about 1/5 of the crimes are discovered. In 1998, Arlene Morris the national Elder Abuse Incidence Study by the National Center on Elder Abuse at the American Public Human Services Association reported that authorities were aware of as few as 1 in 14 such cases.

Mistreatment may remain under-reported because victims: 1) may be unaware what they are experiencing is abuse or neglect 2) may be afraid the abuser will get in trouble 3) may feel embarrassed, be afraid the abuse will increase, or they will be forced to leave their home In other cases those who are mistreated may be unable to report due to mental or physical impairment, isolation, or they may not be believed when they do report it.

Mistreatment of older persons is a public health and human rights issue. Increasing the awareness of what constitutes abuse, neglect or exploitation is expected to improve understanding that such actions are crimes. Categories of abuse and mistreatment include: 1) neglect 2) physical abuse 3) sexual abuse 4) financial abuse and exploitation 5) emotional or psychological abuse and neglect (including verbal abuse and threats) 6) abandonment 7) self-neglect Resources Crimes: http://www.aoa.acl.gov/AoA_Programs/Elder_ Rights/EA_Prevention

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Current data indicate financial exploitation is the most commonly reported type, and efforts to reduce these incidents include increasing awareness of people of all ages and strengthening laws.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, for the past 10 years designated on or about June 15, was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The National Center on Elder Abuse provides information and links to statutes of various states. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the U. S. Administration on Aging (AoA), also provide resources related to the protection of the rights of older persons.

Locally, the Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) and the Montgomery County Elder Justice Task Force (formed by District Attorney Daryl Bailey and headed by Seth Gowan) are hosting an event June 17th in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Prevention Day. The Elder Justice and Caregiver Conference will be held at the Alabama Public Library Service. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. with the conference running from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Speakers will include a representative from the Alabama Securities Commission; Dr. Walter Geary, Director of the Division of Health Care Facilities of the Alabama Department of Public Health; Daphne Simpkins, a professor and caregiver speaking about Alzheimer’s disease; and a discussion regarding potential caregiver liability.

The conference is for both family and professionals caregivers. Nurses, social workers, assisted living administrators, and nursing home administrators may be able to receive CEUs. Pre-conference registration is required as lunch will be provided. Individuals can pre-register by contacting CAAC at 334-240-4666.

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

NCEA: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ INPEA: http://www.inpea.net/

MONEYWI $ E

Reverse Mortgages: Part #2 — Problems

W

hile Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), or FHAinsured reverse mortgages, may be a helpful tool, their unwise use has caused serious difficulty for more than one family.

HECMs have been around for years, and the rules associated with them have changed frequently, makAlan Wallace ing it difficult even to find out what the current rules are. Anyone considering an HECM should carefully investigate the rules and evaluate possible adverse outcomes before using one. Required HECM counseling by a HUD-approved advisor helps address this issue.

One past problem occurred when a couple desired to use a reverse mortgage and one spouse was under age 62. Some younger spouses transferred their home ownership to the older spouse, who then applied individually for the HECM. If the older spouse died first or vacated the house for health reasons (e.g., moved into a nursing home) for 12 consecutive months, the HECM became due and payable and the younger non-borrowing spouse faced eviction. While the rules now frequently allow the younger spouse to remain in the home when the older spouse dies, couples where one spouse is under 62 should clearly understand their impact before using an HECM. A second problem can arise from the requirement that the borrower pay the annual property tax and insure and maintain the home. Many people who have habitually paid property taxes and homeowners insurance as part of their mortgage payment feel it is “unfair” that they have to pay these costs when a mortgage payment no longer is required. Sometimes people have become financially unable to make those payments. In such cases, the HECM falls due and the borrowers can lose the home. To reduce this risk, lenders now must evaluate borrowers’ ability to cover such expenses before approving an HECM. A third problem results when the borrower withdraws enough of the maximum available loan (more than 60% of the limit) in year one, triggering the 2.5% initial FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (five times the rate charged when no more than 60% of the maximum is borrowed in year one). Since fixed rate HECMs only allow a single withdrawal at closing, borrowers who use them are more likely to incur high initial MIP charges than

those who use variable-rate HECMs. While variable rate HECMs provide more flexibility, heavy up-front borrowing with them can have results similar to a big initial loan with a fixed-rate HECM. Fourth, if the borrowers are not fairly certain the home they are in is the final one they plan to own, then using an HECM is likely inappropriate since the closing costs incurred and monthly MIP accrual will eat into the home equity, leaving less value when a change of home is desired. In such a case, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may be a better vehicle to temporarily access part of one’s home equity.

Fifth, a borrower’s taking the maximum available loan under an HECM increases the likelihood that there will be little if any home equity remaining when the mortgage comes due—say, at the borrowers’ death or permanent absence from the home. For this reason, an HECM is usually a bad idea unless the borrower has no interest in leaving the home intact to his heirs. In such a case, any desire to provide a legacy must be addressed in some other way. In particular, a home which has been in the family for generations, and to which one’s heirs may have a strong attachment, should probably not serve as HECM collateral.

Many advisors feel that the problems associated with HECMs are not the fault of the instrument itself, but of its misuse. In any event, the best protection against problems is knowledge of the facts, understanding what could go wrong, and making a well-informed decision.

Next month we’ll consider the prudent use of HECMs. Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU, is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www.ronblue.com/location-al. He can be reached at 334-270-5960, or by e-mail at alan.wallace@ronblue.com.

The information provided is intended to be general and educational in nature. Individuals should seek professional counsel based on their specific circumstances before making a decision regarding the use of an HECM. These analyses have been produced using data provided by third parties and public sources. While the information is believed to be reliable, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. 441314003-16

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

15

Keeping Mayberry Alive

TINSELTOWN TALKS

By Nick Thomas

Lynn (R) with Bette Davie in “June Bride,” 1948. Courtesy Warner Bros.

“I’d been coming here for the Mayberry Days festival for ages, so it seemed like the perfect place to settle,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind since I moved here. It didn’t take long for me to feel like a local rather than a visitor.”

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

I

t’s just after noon on the third Friday of the month, and 89-year-old Betty Lynn is preparing to take her seat behind a small brown table in the main room of the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, NC. Visitors are already beginning to flood into the 2,500-square-foot building to meet the actress best known to 60s TV fans as Barney Fife’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou, from “The Andy Griffith Show” set in the fictional town of Mayberry.

“Over 500 people come through,” says Betty of a typical day when she sits throughout the afternoon at the museum greeting fans. They come from all over the world to meet a former cast member of the popular show and to see the large collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, assembled by Griffith’s life-long friend Emmett Forrest (see www. andygriffithmuseum.com).

In 2007, after being robbed twice in her Los Angeles home, Lynn left Hollywood for the quiet, secure life in Mount Airy, which was also Andy Griffith’s hometown.

“I’d been coming here for the Mayberry Days festival for ages, so it seemed like the perfect place to settle,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind since I moved here. It didn’t take long for me to feel like a local rather than a visitor.”

“The Andy Griffith Show” ran for 8 seasons, throughout most of the 1960s. It won six Emmys, including five for Don Knotts.

“Andy was fun and a bit of a tease off camera, while Don was sweet but very quiet and nothing like his Barney Fife character,” Betty

recalled. “But that just illustrates what a good actor he was.”

Lynn also appeared in 20 films and more than 40 other TV shows, including many westerns.

“I enjoyed westerns, but filming in the hot Californian summers wearing long dresses and petticoats was rough,” she said. “During one show, I think it was ‘Texas John Slaughter’ for Disneyland, we sat down to lunch and these huge bugs swarmed all around us. We were told to just ignore them and Lynn at Andy Griffith Museum, 2013. Courtesy Hobart Jones, Surry Arts Council. eat around them.”

Throughout her career, Lynn worked with some Hollywood greats.

“My first film, ‘Sitting Pretty,’ and then later ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ were with Clifton Webb, a sweet man with a good sense of humor,” she recalled.

“I also did two films with Bette Davis who got everyone to call me Boo, after one of my characters, so it wouldn’t be confusing when they called ‘Betty on the set!’

She also worked, at With Don Knotts on “The Andy Griffith Show.”

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one time or another, with almost all the cast of “Gilligan’s Island.”

“Alan Hale Jr. was on an episode of ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ and played a mountain man looking for a wife,” explained Lynn.

“Recently, I saw the episode again, where he picked me way up in the air twice.

I laughed because I looked like a rag doll.”

As she does on each of her monthly visits to the museum, Betty braces for a long afternoon as enthusiastic fans are already forming the meet-and-greet line.

“It’s a little tiring by the end of the day, but it’s the least I can do since people may stand for hours to take a picture, get an autograph and a hug,” she says. “There’s a lot of love coming my way.”

138 Dexter Ave. • Montgomery • 334-265-6850 www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

17

FEATURE

Your Tree Holds the Key: DNA & Genealogy

By Alan Wallace

There are three different types of genetic tests that can provide genealogical insight, each of which has its own use.

A

long with its uses in medicine and forensics, DNA tests can be useful in solving genealogical puzzles.

You might be interested in DNA testing if documentary evidence is lacking or inconclusive, leaving you facing a “brick wall” about the identity of a particular ancestor. If DNA testing shows that you share a common ancestor with someone who has better data, you may be able to resolve your genealogical enigma.

To choose a DNA test and provider, it is important to understand some basics of DNA. Otherwise, you can pay for information that may not help you. Broadly speaking there are three different types of genetic tests that can provide genealogical insight, each of which has its own use.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is tested to identify or confirm that two females share a matrilineal ancestor. Since mutations of mtDNA occur infrequently, the mtDNA of a woman living today will typically be identical or almost identical to that of her mother, her mother’s mother, and so on for many generations. By extension, the mtDNA of all women living today who are directly descended through maternal lines from a common ancestor within the past several hundred years will have relatively few variations.

Y DNA is tested to identify or confirm that two or more males share a patrilineal ancestor. Like mitochondrial DNA, mutations of Y DNA occur infrequently. The Y DNA of a living male will closely resemble that of his father and his father’s paternal ancestors. Therefore, the Y DNA

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

of men living today who are directly descended through paternal lines from a common ancestor within the past several hundred years will show relatively few variations.

Autosomal DNA tests examine segments of genetic material that are not gender specific.

They can identify family connections originating within 5 generations of the subject providing the test sample. DNA matches from autosomal tests will not provide clues as to whether the common ancestor was male or female or how many generations ago the common ancestor lived.

To take things a step farther with Y DNA testing, it can use either of two approaches. The first looks at segments of Y DNA for short tandem repeats (STRs). Tests of this type usually examine 30-120 STR markers.

The presence of more matches suggests a closer relationship or nearer common ancestor.

The other type looks at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This approach usually provides higher resolution than STR testing.

If you want a better grasp of the subject before having DNA testing done, you can spend some time at www.ISOGG.org (International Society of Genetic Genealogy). This is a reliable and objective information source.

Among the terms you should be familiar with are MRCA (most recent common ancestor), haplogroups (people who share a common ancestor), subclades (subsets of haplogroups), haplotypes (group of genes inherited from a common ancestor), chromosomes, alleles, biogeography, etc.

Presently there are three primary providers of genealogical DNA testing: n Ancestry DNA, www.dna.ancestry.com n Family Tree DNA, www.familytreedna.com n 23andme, www.23andme.com In choosing a provider, here are some items that you may want to consider:

1. What tests does the provider offer?

2. How many people are in the provider’s database against whom your data will be compared?

3. What matching information will the provider supply?

4. What is the cost of the test(s) in which you are interested?

According to ISOGG.com, AncestryDNA presently offers only autosomal testing. 23andme seems more focused on health and science research than on genealogical applications. Family Tree DNA offers autosomal, mitochondrial and an array of Y DNA tests. It also is reported to have the largest customer database against which the results of new tests can be readily matched. In addition, they host most of the DNA surname projects, helping connect people who share a last name and similar DNA. In the interest of full disclosure, I had my first Y DNA test performed by Family Tree DNA several years ago and have upgraded to more rigorous tests more than once since then to obtain greater specificity. My motivation has been an effort to solve the conundrum of my male ancestry prior to 1813. The testing process itself is simple and painless.

The test provider sends a kit. The subject collects and returns a sample of genetic material (often a cotton swab rubbed on the inside of the cheek). Testing takes several weeks. Family Tree DNA sends an email when new results post on their site, which also provides access to information about matches to others in their database. Each time a new customer’s DNA matches that of an existing subject, the existing subject gets an email alert.

To extend one’s search for matches, a subject who has received test results from any provider

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

19

can manually enter his/her specific results in the database of other providers, sometimes at a modest cost, at www.ysearch. org (for Y DNA) and at www.gedmatch.com.

If you are a female needing a Y DNA test, get a sample from your father, a brother, uncle, nephew or male first cousin who is connected through a continuous male line to the male ancestor(s) in whom you are interested. If you are male needing mtDNA results, get a female relative directly descended through a continuous line of females to the female ancestor(s) you are researching. Y DNA and mtDNA tests cannot cross genders at any point in the ancestral line.

Finally, keep in mind that genealogical DNA testing is fairly new. Right now the databases contain no more than a few million results at most. However, the number of results will no doubt continue increasing, lifting the odds of getting useful matches. In addition, getting test results into the system while a willing relative is alive to provide the DNA sample could avoid the frustration of having no direct male descendant to test for Y DNA or direct female descendant to test for mitochondrial DNA. 20

June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

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FEATURE

When Fears Overwhelm You

E

By Stanley Popovich

verybody deals with anxiety, depression, and fear, however some people have a difficult time managing it. If that’s the case with you or someone close to you, here’s a brief list of techniques to help manage persistent fears and every day anxieties.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one-at-a-time will make the stress more manageable and increase your chances of success.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this occurs, you should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get your mind off of the problem. You could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity to give you a fresh perspective on things.

Visualize a red stop sign in your mind when encountering a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and think of something else. You can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

Another very helpful technique is to create a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook and carry it around with you in your pocket or purse. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This helps to manage your negative thinking.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day provides us with different opportunities to learn new things, including learning how to deal with problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be 99 percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is one percent to make a world of difference.

Take advantage of the help available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Talking to a professional now helps you in both the long and short run, because you become better equipped to deal with future problems. Remember: it never hurts to ask for help.

One of the ways to manage your fears is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example: you’re afraid that if you don’t get that job promotion you’ll be stuck in your current job forever. This depresses you

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. but your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have the option of going elsewhere if you’re unhappy in your present position.

Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of the problem. Engaging in another thought or activity will take your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

These techniques are some basic ways to manage your fears, however your best bet is to get some help from a professional.

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods,” available on amazon.com. His articles have also appeared in The Huffington Post and entrepreneur.com, among other media. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

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9 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Grandkids

FEATURE

By Sara Schwartz

D

espite our best intentions, many of the pat responses and pieces of advice adults have been giving children through the generations are either dismissive, patronizing, or just plain critical. "It's a natural reaction to make comments that you always made to your children and that your parents made to you — they get embedded in the family culture," says Susan Newman, Ph.D., a social psychologist, parenting expert, and best-selling author. "In the last 20 to 30 years, we've learned a lot about the fallout from negative comments on child development.”

Here, we examine the most damaging comments nearly all of us heard growing up.

Great job! (to every little thing) Sounds innocuous, right? How could praise be a bad thing? According to child psychologists, unwavering praise isn't meaningful. "Empty praise just becomes white noise to children," says Dr. Newman. Kids will learn to tune you out.

What to say: Instead of nonspecific praise, let children know that you notice and appreciate their efforts. "If you look at a drawing a child did, ask how they did it," she suggests. "Say, 'What made you use all those greens or blues?' or 'How did you get that tree to look so real?' This encourages children to think about the process of learning and how they can improve." They'll understand that they did a good job, which is more meaningful than saying it, she says.

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Stop crying/You're not a baby anymore If you see your grandkids regularly, you might lose patience if they have frequent teary outbursts, but crying is a healthy release that shouldn't be stifled. "Just like sweating is good when we're exercising, crying is good when we feel bad," says Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D., a parenting and family expert and a practicing clinical psychologist in Fairfield County, Connecticut. "There's a lot to be learned from it.”

What to say: Instead of demanding an end to the tears, ask them, "What are you hurt about?" or "What are you afraid of?" she suggests. Often, explaining the source of the tears will be enough to stop a crying jag. Insider tip: "If you see tears in a little girl, it's usually anger. But when you see tears in little boys, it usually sadness. Girls are typically more concerned about people-pleasing so they don't know what to do with their anger."

He pulls your hair because he likes you If little Chloe comes up to you and tells you that a boy in school pulls her hair, don't dismiss the act as a sign of affection. In that scenario, "the grandparent is accepting abuse as natural — it tells a child that it's okay to act out, which of course it isn't," says Dr. Newman.

What to say: You can explain that her classmate may indeed like her and not know how to show it appropriately, she says. "You can say, 'There are many better ways for your friend to be telling you that he likes you. He might share something in his lunch or ask you to play a game,'" she suggests.

You're such a klutz/You're so sensitive Any label or name you give to children will infiltrate their subconscious and affect their opinion of themselves. You may think being klutzy is an endearing attribute, but you could inadvertently create a self-fulfilling prophesy, says Dr. Greenberg. And with a comment like "Stop being so sensitive," you are invalidating the child's feelings. "Maybe the kid is reacting to something that was really negative, so being sensitive is the appropriate response," she says.

What to do: If you see little Sophia knock over a glass of juice or trip over her own feet, try to hold your tongue and be understanding.

"There should be room for kids to make errors," she says.

Reacting negatively to blunders creates a lot of anxiety and nervous kids. "It's an anxiety builder and will damage your relationship."

Nicknames like "Thunder thighs" or "Chubby cheeks" Similarly, derogatory nicknames — even when said with affection — create a negative self-image for children. "Just because you think it's adorable and funny, your grandchild probably does not," says Dr. Newman. "It shows a lack of respect for the child's feelings, and can put a wedge between you and your grandchild."

What to do: Look to your grandchildren's response to the www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

23

off your back. "Kids will be kids," says Dr. Greenberg. "There's no need to make an issue of everything — they are just playing!" Dr. Newman adds, "Your role is to be supportive and loving — you want your grandkids to turn to you if they ever need you."

nicknames you bestow on them. If they don't like it, you'll know, and then it's up to you to figure out a new term of endearment that doesn't bother them.

Because I said so It's only natural to get frustrated when faced with a chorus of questions like, "Why do we have to eat these carrots?" and "Why do we have to wear pants?”

But leaning on the old refrain, "Because I said so," isn't just lazy — it also sends the message that your grandchild doesn't deserve a real answer. "It leaves a kid feeling devalued and can lead to a lot of negative feelings," says Dr. Greenberg.

Plus, rather than keeping your grandkids in line, your response may lead to misbehavior. "Kids will feel dismissed, so they will dismiss what you said."

What to say: "Kids just need a simple explanation," she says. If it's a mature subject, like divorce, sex, or fighting, do your best to give an age-appropriate answer. And if a brief response is still beyond your comfort level, you can always refer your grandkids to their parents for a full explanation.

Your eyes will get stuck like that Other variations include, "If you chew on your hair, you'll choke" and "If you don't stop, the police will take you to jail." Whatever the subject matter, experts say scary threats have no place in a grandparent's repertoire. "Some children will laugh it off and say, 'Grandma or grandpa you're being ridiculous,'" says Dr. Newman. "Other children will internalize what you said and worry about it.

There's enough for children to worry about without adding unnecessary fears."

What to do: Try to let their annoying behavior roll June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com 24

You're so pretty/handsome This is a tough trap to resist, because, truly, when were more gorgeous human beings ever created?... said every grandparent ever. Despite how much you believe in your statement, praising a child's looks all the time sends the wrong value message. "You're saying that their outward appearance is more important than who they are inside," says Dr. Newman.

What to say: You can still tell your grandkids that they look fantastic, but instead, fold your compliment into a question.

Example: If your granddaughter gets dressed up for a party, ask her "Did you pick out that dress by yourself?" or "How did you decide to do your hair like that? It was a good choice!" Dr. Newman suggests. "Get them thinking about more than just how good-looking they are."

If you can't say anything nice, don't

say anything at all We certainly aren't advocating that kids get a free pass on rudeness, but encouraging them to swallow their opinions can be a slippery slope. "Sometimes you have to say things that aren't necessarily nice but aren't mean either," says Dr. Greenberg. "Typically, this phrase is directed at females, that they should be quiet and be passive," setting them up for the backseat, rather than the driver's seat, of their lives.

What to say: If you hear them say something unkind, use it as a springboard to teach empathy, she recommends. "Ask them, 'How do you think that person felt when you said that?' and then, 'How might you say it differently?'"

Teaching kids to be tactful and assertive will have the double-bonus effect of making them feel empowered, too, she says.

Courtesy: grandparents.com. Grandparents.com is a lifestyle site that celebrates the grandparent community by providing trusted information about family & relationships, health & well-being, travel & retirement, and more. Follow the site on Twitter (@ grandparentscom) and on Facebook (facebook.com/grandparentscom).

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SOCIAL SECURITY

Spotlighting Men’s Health T

his year, we observe National Men’s Health Week from June 13 to 19. It so happens that Father’s Day falls on the last day of Men’s Health Week, a perfect time for focusing on health education and awareness, disease prevention, and family.

Social Security encourages you to support fathers and friends everywhere in their efforts to stay healthy. The right balance of diet, exercise, regular visits to doctors and health care providers, and overall healthy living can go a long way to help everyone remain a part of your daily life Kylle’ McKinney for years to come.

Part of staying healthy and happy is reducing the amount of stress in your life. That’s where opening a my Social Security online account can help. Our online services make doing business with us fast and easy. At my Social Security, you can: n Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year; n Get an estimate of your future benefits, if you are still working; n Get a letter with proof of your benefits, if you currently receive them; and n Manage your benefits: n Change your address; n Start or change your direct deposit; n Request a replacement Medicare card; and n Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season In some states, you can even request a replacement Social Secu-

rity card online using my Social Security. This service is currently available in the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin, It’s an easy, convenient, and secure way to request a replacement card online. We continue to add more states, so we encourage you to check www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to see where the service is available.

Tell dad to check out the healthy amount of features we have to offer at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

In addition to using my Social Security, there are a number of other things you can do online with Social Security. For example, you can use the Retirement Estimator to plug in different numbers, retirement dates, and scenarios to help you decide the best time for you to retire. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

And when that time comes, you can apply for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/about.htm. It can take as little as 15 minutes from start to finish. In most cases, once you submit your electronic application, that’s it, you’re done—no papers to sign or documents to submit.

Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits by reading our publication on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

When you’re ready to retire, the best place to apply is from the comfort of your home computer, with some of your favorite music playing in the background. Now that’s a great start to a healthy retirement!

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

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HISTORY’S MYSTERIES

1950-59. Boys of Greek descent at Jasmine Hill Gardens, Wetumpka. They wear Evzone uniforms, an ancient military style now worn by soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. (Horace Perry, photographer)

Do You Know These People?

H

elp Prime magazine and the Alabama Department of Archives and History solve this mystery.

The identities of the people in these three photos are unknown, but we hope you can help correct that.

During the last 18 months Prime and Archives have been successful in identifying dozen of previously un26

June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

known individuals.

If you were part of the sleuthing team that assisted, thank you. If you know anyone in this new set of photos contact Meredith McDonough, 334-353-5442, meredith. mcdonough@archives.alabama.gov, or e-mail Prime magazine at primemontgomery@gmail.com.

Above: June 20, 1955. A local Dairy Month promotion by the American Dairy Association.

(John E. Scott, photographer) Right: August, 1966. Group of children on a wooden bench in the yard beside a house on Clayton Alley, Montgomery, AL. (Jim Peppler, photographer)

Prime FREE FOR YOU

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The 50+ demographic is a dominant force in the economy, making up 45% of the U.S. population and controlling 70% of disposable income. Reach them in the pages of Prime, the River Region’s premiere & preferred lifestyle publication for this valuable demographic. To advertise contact: Bob Corley • 334-202-0115 • primemontgomery@gmail.com, or Wendy McFarland • 334-652-9080 • mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com

Prime FREE FOR YOU

Celebrating Life

June 2016

DNA and Your Family Tree Don’t say THIS to your grandchildren

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

27

PRIME DIVERSIONS Across 1 *Onetime owner of Waldenbooks 6 TiVo predecessor 9 With 74-Across, what each of the answers to starred clues is 14 Ancient Asia Minor region 15 Mobile setting: Abbr.

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43 *Craftsman company 47 First name in shipping

50 Chalk holder 54 Price number 55 "Well, lah-di-__!"

56 ESPN Deportes language 58 Many a Persian 59 Stringed instrument 61 Big headache 62 "Who Gets the Last Laugh?" network 63 Running things 65 Excessively 66 Common flight path 67 Tom Jones' last Top 10 hit 69 Birth-related 71 Let up 72 Up to, in store signs 73 Romantic text 74 With 9-Across, what the answers to starred clues form 75 It may have a patch 76 Discharge, as from the RAF Down 1 They catch busses at stadiums 2 NASA launch 3 Provide critical comments on 4 Fjord relative

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30 *Bergdorf competitor 33 Slip 37 "Way to go!"

39 "Captain Phillips" setting 41 Orchard unit 42 Take apart 44 Fats Waller contemporary 45 Border river, to Mexicans 46 *Costco rival 47 Counsels 48 Shower covering 49 "Fingers crossed" 51 Campus aides, for short 52 Trendy 53 Golf Galaxy buy 57 Ex-Soviet leader Brezhnev 60 Sore sort, maybe 64 Get one's feet wet 68 Tinkering letters 70 Pub pint 2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.Š

Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle Answers on page 31.

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June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

MEDICARE

Understanding ‘Medigap’ Insurance

By Bob Moos

I

f you’re about to turn 65, you may be shopping soon for a health plan that covers the costs that traditional Medicare doesn’t.

As welcome as Medicare’s health care coverage is, it does have its gaps. The traditional fee-for-service program generally pays 80 percent of the medical bills.

Which means the remaining 20 percent becomes the responsibility of beneficiaries.

To protect themselves, many people buy supplemental coverage from private insurers. The “Medigap” insurance, as it’s called, helps fill the gaps that deductibles, copayments and coinsurance leave. It makes out-of-pocket costs more manageable.

Not everyone should consider 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 one in four Medicare beneficiaries does purchase a Medigap policy.

The best time to buy one is within six months of turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare’s Part B medical insurance.

During that period, 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.

To help you understand what you’re buying, the government standardized Medigap benefits years ago and labeled each kind of plan with a letter, from A to N. Today, there are 10 kinds of plans. All insurers selling a particular kind of plan must offer the same package of benefits.

Visit www.medicare.gov and click on “Supplements and Other Insurance” to find out more about each of the 10 available kinds of plans.

All 10 standardized 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 that, different Medigap plans cover additional out-of-pocket expenses, such as the hospital deductible, the outpatient deductible, the coinsurance for skilled nursing care, and the cost of medical emergencies while traveling outside the country.

You’ll pay the insurer a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition

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to the monthly premium you’ll pay Medicare for Part B. Although insurers must offer the same benefits within each kind of plan, their premiums can vary widely. So shop around.

It’s also wise to find out how often an insurer has raised premiums. It’s not just the initial price, but what happens year to year. An insurance broker will have that information.

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. Also, new Medigap policyholders need to buy separate drug coverage under Medicare’s Part D if they want it.

Still, the combination of traditional Medicare coverage and a Medigap plan makes good sense for beneficiaries who prefer a broad choice of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers but still want to limit their out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’re interested in supplemental insurance, here are four steps to follow: First, decide which benefits you want and which standardized Medigap plan best meets your needs. Visit www. medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 and request a free copy of the Medicare publication “Choosing a Medigap Policy.”

Next, find out which insurers sell Medigap policies in your area. Visit www. medicare.gov for a comparison of supplemental plans. Or call Alabama’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-243-5463 or Alabama’s State Insurance Department at 1-800-433-3966.

Then, do some research on the insurers that interest you. Besides comparing premiums, check the companies’ customer service. The State Insurance Department will have a record of consumer complaints against particular insurers.

Finally, pick the policy that best fits your needs. Contact the insurance company directly, or work with an insurance broker or agent. Once your application has been accepted, you can keep your insurance as long as you pay the premiums.

Bob Moos is the Southwest public affairs officer, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016 29

FEATURE

Simplify Elder Road Trips

By Lisa M. Petsche

I

f you are planning to take an older relative on a road trip of several hours or more, thorough preparation is the key to success, especially if the person has special healthcare needs. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable stay.

Planning Set realistic expectations. Consider your loved one’s needs and limitations. n Make plans and start necessary preparations well in advance. Make lists. n Include your loved one in the preparations to the best of his or her ability. n Research the accessibility of accommodations and attractions you wish to visit. If you’re planning to stay at a motel or hotel, make reservations, especially if you’ll need specific features such as a room with handicapped facilities or a ground-floor room. n Learn the location of the nearest hospital in any areas you plan to visit. n Avoid destinations where a hospital is far away. n Arrange for your loved one to visit the doctor pre-trip. Share your travel plans and any health-related concerns, such as motion sickness or circulation problems. n If your loved one has trouble walking long distances, rent a wheelchair or ensure that the places you plan to visit have some available. n Have your car checked and serviced before departure. n If you are going to an unfamiliar area, obtain a road map and study it.

If you belong to an automobile club, take advantage of its route-planning service. n Plan to do as much driving as possible during off-peak traffic times. Or choose the scenic route if time and your loved one’s sitting tolerance permit. n

Packing Include the following items when drawing up a packing list: n Loose-fitting, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a cardigan for air-conditioned environments and cool evenings 30

June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Sufficient prescription and over-thecounter medications to cover the time you plan to be away, plus a few extra days’ worth in case your return is delayed n Sunscreen, insect repellent, antihistamine and motion sickness tablets n A list of all health conditions and medications, in case of a medical emergency n Any necessary medical equipment and supplies, such as a walking aid, food supplements, incontinence pads or diabetic supplies n A cushion or two for comfortable positioning in the car n An extra pair of eyeglasses and spare hearing aid batteries n Sunglasses and umbrellas (the latter primarily for instant shade) n A pillow and a nightlight n Snacks and a cooler containing sandwiches and beverages n Favorite music or books on tape for the car ride n Emergency roadside and first aid kits n Cell phone (Don’t forget to charge it and bring a recharging unit along) n Disabled parking permit n

Driving Top up the gas tank at frequent intervals. n Stop approximately once per hour for stretch breaks or short walks. n Choose stops that have clean, well-lit restrooms. n Wear seat belts and, if your loved one is in the front seat, ensure that the headrest is centered at the back of his/her head. n Encourage your loved one to shift his/her weight often and to do neck and shoulder stretches and foot flexes. n

Lodging When checking in, ask for a room close to the lobby or elevator. A groundfloor room is ideal in case of an emergency in which elevators become inoperable. n If your loved one has a back problem, request a room with a recently replaced mattress. n

Recreation Space out activities and allow ample time for each. n Schedule outings for the time of day when your loved one’s energy level is highest. Stick to regular meal, medication and sleep times. n Have a flexible itinerary. Take things one day – and one activity – at a time. n Ensure plenty of time for rest and relaxation! n

Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal and professional experience with elder care.

Montgomery Area Council on Aging needs Volunteers • Respite Care: companionship for hospice patients • Medical Outreach Ministries (M.O.M.): office help • Habitat for Humanity: office help • Old Alabama Town: guides, reception desk • Baptist Hospital East & South: reception desks • John Knox Manor: activities with residents Contact Allison Shehane (Mtgy. Co.) 334-782-7254; ashehane@macoa.org Shirley Stewart (Autauga, Elmore Co.s), 334-595-0841; sastewart@macoa.org

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www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

31

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32

June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

June in the River Region Gardening Lunch & Learn “Daylilies.” June 1. “Tree Identification” July 6. 1 p.m. Free. Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave, Montgomery. Bring sack lunch.

Drinks provided. Capital City Master Gardener Assn. For info contact Mtgy.

Co. Extension Office (334) 270-4133.

Introduction to Sailing June 4, 10 am-4 pm. Dixie Sailing Club, Lake Martin. FREE. For directions visit www.dixiesailingclub.com. Activities include sailing basics, parts of a sailboat, sailing a Sunfish (life vests provided), capsize and righting demonstration. Go sailing on a club member’s boat. Lunch provided (hotdogs, chips, sodas, water). Space limited to first 60 who respond. ContactKeith Bennett, (334) 324-9383, or e-mail cat221@msn.com.

EastChase Farmer’s Market Saturdays, 7 am-noon. Locally grown produce, gift items, entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations. For information call 334-279-6046.

Way Off Broadway Theatre “The Curious Savage.” Prattville. Weekends through June 5.

For information contact Cultural Arts and Special Events Office, (334) 595-0854.

Wetumpka Depot Players Summer Acting Camp. June 6-10. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (through 7 p.m. June 10). For students entering 2nd though 8th grade. Space limited. F​ or information e-mail kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com. $150.

Capitol Sounds Concert Band “Summer Spectacular” June 9, 7 pm. St. James UMC, Montgomery. Free. Donations accepted. Music includes “La Fiesta Mexicana,” a tribute to Big Band artist Hary James, John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” and more. For info visit www.capitolsounds.org.

Cloverdale Playhouse “Strip Talk on the Boulevard” June 16-19, 23-26. Witty, brazen comedy. Recommended for ages 14 and above. For info call 334-262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Red Door Theatre “A Tribute to Sam Cooke.” One night only, June 16, 7:30 p.m.

Union Springs, AL. Sam Cooke, the “King of Soul,” was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Alonzo Russell, musical performer and Cooke portrayer, performs many of Cooke’s most memorable songs including “You Send Me,” “Cupid,” and “Bring It on Home to Me.” 140 tickets available. $15/each. All seats general admission. Contact Tourism Council (334) 738-8687 or email conecuhpeople@knology.net.

Elder Justice/Caregiver Conference June 17, 8:30 am-3 pm. AL Public Library Service, Montecello Dr. Speakers from AL Securities Comm., AL Dept. of Public Health, others. For family/professional caregivers. Nurses, social workers, assisted living/nursing home admininstrators may be eligible for CEUs. Pre-conference registration required as lunch will be provided. Pre-register by contacting Central AL Aging Consortium, (334) 240-4666.

Ballet Classes Tutus & Tiaras. Alabama Dance Theatre. June 20-24, 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Ages 3-8. Classes include pre-ballet, creative movement, crafts, and story time. Performance June 24th for parents and friends. Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery. For registration/ more information call (334) 241-2590 or visit the website, www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Tuition $175.

Singer/Songwriters Joe Thomas, Jr. Guitar Pull, June 21, 7-9 pm.

Cloverdale Playhouse, Old Cloverdale. Songwriters perform/discuss their music. $10 (includes complimentary beverages). For info call 334-2621530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Jasmine Hill Gardens/Museum Fri, Sat, Sunday. Wetumpka. 20+ acres of yearround floral beauty and classical sculpture. Tours available for groups of 20 or more. For information call 334-263-5713 or visit www.jasminehill. org/.

Tai Chi Society Open House July 9, 9 am-Noon, 3666A, Debby Dr., Montgomery. For information call 334-832-1907, or visit www.taoist.org for a complete list of classes.

Volunteer: AL Dept of Archives & History All ages, with hours to match your schedule. Lead tours, greet visitors, work in the Museum Stores, work with staff in archive collections. Contact Kathy Logan, 334-353-4745, kathy. logan@archives.alabama.gov.Visit www.museum.alabama.gov/ getinvolved.

Volunteer: Mtgy Area Council on Aging MACOA fills volunteer needs for several area agencies.

— Respite Care: companionship for hospice patients — Medical Outreach Ministries (M.O.M.): office help — Habitat for Humanity: office help — Old Alabama Town: guides, reception desk — Baptist Hospital East & South: reception desks — John Knox Manor: activities with residents Contact Allison Shehane (Mtgy. Co.) 334-782-7254, e-mail ashehane@macoa.org, or Shirley Stewart (Autauga, Elmore Co.s), 334-595-0841, e-mail sastewart@macoa.org.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2016

33

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

T

Dry Ground

he flat extended endlessly in all directions save the north, where the tree line was faintly visible through the south Florida haze. The wind was mostly calm, with an intermittent breeze out of the northwest; perfect to stalk and pitch flies to tailing reds. He idled the skiff out of the channel, the water beneath slowly changing from deep emerald to crystal clear as he crossed onto the shallow water of the flat.

Up on the platform now, he scanned the horizon - the closest water first, then working his way out - looking for feeding fish.

He saw nothing and climbed down.

He flipped through the Dahlberg divers, Seaducers, Clousers and other flies and settled on a chartreuse-and-white Lefty’s Deceiver. Despite a dozen or so bluefish the day before, the tippet was in good shape. He drove the sand spike firmly into the bottom, tied it off to the bow cleat and stepped off into the calf-deep water. It was cool, not cold, but being fresh out of the channel on a rising tide it was not as warm as the suncooked water even 20 feet further up the flat. As the tide came in the channel would spill shrimp, crabs and mullet onto the flat, and following this bounty would be the redfish and trout he’d come for. Bonefish were not an impossibility, though jacks or sharks were more likely.

With the skiff shrinking behind in the wake of his two bare feet and the sun to his back, he surveyed the expanse of water.

Not far ahead, on the inside of a sharp bend in the channel, was a small island, barely a knoll really, no bigger than a kitchen table, but it would afford him a better vantage point.

A small school of glass minnows swam past and darted out of sight when it caught his shadow. A good sign, he thought, stripping line off the reel in anticipation. He keyed in on a shadow some 15 yards behind the baitfish. It was long and lean, with a flash of silver. Trout? Tarpon? he wondered, beginning his back cast. There was no way to know.

The line zipped through the guides effortlessly and he presented the fly two yards ahead of the cruising fish. He twitched it twice, let it sink, and the fish struck. He quickly gathered the slack and drove the hook home, the fish responding with a blitzing run across the flat before it turned 90 degrees for the channel. It was peeling line steadily now, perhaps 100 yards and still going. He wondered whether the 7-weight would be enough to stop the fish and tightened the drag. If it was a tarpon, even a small one, he’d need every foot of backing in reserve.

When the fish slowed he was able to gain line, a little at first and then it came more easily. The fish would make a run, then he would gain that and more line back with each subsequent run. This they repeated until he could see the silver flash of scales even in the deep water of the channel but still couldn’t identify it. He’d been working his way toward the little knoll the duration of the fight, which the rising tide had now shrunken to a few square feet. He stepped back with his left foot once more, a sharp pain shot up his leg and he jumped, immediately thinking he’d stepped on a ray.

To his relief it was instead a small oyster bed but had still deeply cut his heel, turning the water around his feet a rosy hue. First he’d deal with the fish, he thought, then his heel.

As he worked the reel’s handle, fly line gradually gave way to fly leader and he could finally make out the fish. Though not a tarpon, it was the biggest lady fish he’d ever seen. He unhooked and revived the fish, which swam away unscathed.

34 June 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Moving with the tide, the lady fish drifted off following the same path the cloud of pink water had taken along the edge of the flat and out over the deep water of the channel.

Sitting on the knoll now he examined his heel. The bleeding was steady and he needed bandages, which he always carried in the boat. He stood, picked up his rod and eased off the sand into the water. Had the afternoon sun been anywhere but over his right shoulder he would never have noticed the hulking shadow that had risen from the channel to his chum line. He was a third of the way back to the boat when he first saw it, out of the corner of his left eye, slowly following the scent but unsure of the source. He froze. Looking down through the thigh-deep water, the walking had aggravated his heel. I’ll never make it to the boat, he thought, so he turned and broke for the knoll.

The splashing allowed the shark to focus its attention, and it now came at him with great speed, brown dorsal rising as the water shallowed. Ten feet out it stopped suddenly, unable to go any further, and retreated to deeper water, broad fin slicing back and forth through the water impatiently, trying to pick up sound or scent. Ten more feet, he said, and gave out a heavy sigh. Ten more feet.

The tide water had left the knoll with no more than a dinner plate’s worth of dry ground at its peak. There he perched like a shorebird, heel up to slow the bleeding, watching the shark circle in an ever-larger pattern. An hour to two went by and he lost sight of the fish. By now, the sun had sunk low and the tide had peaked, perhaps turned. He examined the dried blood on his heel. A football field away, the skiff bobbed in the light chop. His mouth dry as dust, he thought of the beer iced in the cooler.

He looked around for the shark but did not see it. He stood and tested the heel. No leaking. It’s now or never, he thought, grabbing the rod and taking a deep breath; you can’t sleep out here. He eased off the knoll toward the boat, the water still deeper than he would have liked. He moved as quickly yet quietly as he could, looking around constantly. When he again saw the brown dorsal, his stomach dropped.

He broke into a sprint but knew without even looking that the shark was closing the distance between them faster than he was closing the distance between himself and the boat. Legs aching, heel gushing blood and with deliverance in reach, he leapt with all his remaining strength headfirst into the boat, seconds before the shark slammed the starboard side.

When he regained his wits, he saw he was unharmed. He peered over the gunwale but the shark had vanished. Now in the safety of the skiff, his thirst returned. His hands shook terribly as he tried opening the cold beer.

It was the best thing he’d ever tasted, and when it was gone, he quickly chased it with another, then another. When the shakes finally left him, he pulled the start rope, took hold of the tiller and pointed the bow north.

Niko Corley is a USCG-licensed charter boat captain and spends his free time on the water or in the woods. To contact him e-mail niko. corley@gmail.com.

Niko Corley

TM

Wesley Gardens Retirement Community 1555 Taylor Road

“...where life is celebrated... and the touch of God’s love is ever-present and ageless.”

• Montgomery, AL

334-272-7917 www.methodisthomes.org

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