Prime Magazine Feb. 2016

Prime FREE FOR YOU

Celebrating Life

February 2016

Montgomery’s

Greg Thornton returns to the stage

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Prime Y

EDITOR’S NOTE

MAGAZINE

February 2016 Vol. 6, Issue 10

PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com

ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Andrea Atkins, Celestine Chua, Bob Corley, Andrea Gross CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Kylle’ McKinney, Arlene Morris, Cathy Robbins, Nick Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Corley, Irv Green SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland, • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Prime Montgomery 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035

Prime 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 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 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.

esterday I accompanied a dear friend to the hospital for a routine outpatient test. Nothing serious, thankfully, but her light anesthesia required a warm body in the waiting room, a driver to take her home, and someone intelligent enough to comprehend the doctor’s parting instructions (two outa three ain’t bad).

In the hour we spent waiting for her to be called back, we talked about what women always seem to discuss: relationships, our three-decade friendship, and the transitions we’d experienced within our families. The Sandra Polizos last one struck a chord.

We were young mothers in our 30s when we first met, after I resolved to introduce myself to the mom of the most well-mannered third grader in my son’s class. We clicked immediately, bound by children who were the same age, a similar world-view, and loving and dedicated husbands who endured long work days to secure a financial foundation for our fledgling families.

Devoted to our children, my friend and I spent countless hours together contemplating the challenges of young parenthood. “Do you have this week’s spelling words?” “When is Billy’s birthday party?” “I’ll pick up the kids this afternoon if you can get them tomorrow…” Life was consumed with doctor’s visits, bedtime stories, and organized sports, with time somehow miraculously carved out for jobs, meal preparation and laundry in between.

Our own parents, still full of vitality, remained an integral part of our lives.

Mature enough to appreciate their sacrifices, we laughed together about the idiosyncrasies of the nuclear families in which we were raised. We didn’t know it then, but our mettle would not be fully tested until the parents we once depended on would, to varying degrees, become dependent on us.

Sitting together in the waiting room my friend and I acknowledged how much our lives have changed. What seemed forever in coming is now long behind us.Those loving, capable grade schoolers have grown into loving, capable, adults. Our parents are no longer with us, and while the once-filled nests have occasionally felt achingly empty, the unanticipated joy of grandchildren now fills our hearts.

For most of us, family — and the security it represents — is central to our life journey. As children, our family is our world. We take it for granted as teenagers, reconnect to it as twenty-somethings, and finally begin to understand its value to our lives during our 30s, 40s and 50s. By the time we reach our 60s we’ve come full circle — longing for that ubiquitous, caring environment where we feel nestled, nurtured, and loved.

Along the way, if we’re lucky, we have the good fortune to gather a few individuals who join our journey and gain admission to our extended family.

They share our joys and help us bear our burdens.

I’m lucky to have a few of these self-selected family members. They are my lifelong friends, and like my family, they add immeasurable value to my life.

If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery!

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

February 2016 Table of Contents Editor’s Note 4 Quick Reads 6

Books vs. electronic toys

Yard ‘n Garden 8 My memory garden

Kitchen of the Future 9

A ‘fridge that plans your meals?

A Gracious Plenty 10

Eggplant lasagna & chicken parmesan

Back to the future 12

Greg Thornton returns to the stage

Money Wi$e 15

This could affect your retirement plans

Tinseltown Talks 16

Doris Day: An animals’ best friend

Bucket Lists 18

Readers share their dreams

Navajo Nation 22

Arizona’s native culture

Social Security 25 Covering all citizens

Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles 26 Answers on page 31

History Mystery 27

Do you know these people?

What’s in YOUR bathroom? 28

How to organize the medicine cabinet

In Every Life 30

“Blue” isn’t just a color

Prime FREE FOR YOU

Celebrating Life

Prime Diversions 32

Recent DVDs: Bridge of Spies, Spectre

February 2016

Calendar 33 Off the Beaten Path 34 Montgomery’s

Greg Thornton returns to the stage

On the cover: actor, director, playwright Greg Thornton.

Photo by Bob Corley.

The words we write

www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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QUICK READS Reducing Stress in Military Families During the holidays families of troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Uganda and other hot spots e-mailed photos of their holiday feasts to loved ones overseas, and asked them to respond with pictures of their own holiday celebrations. It was part of FOCUS - Families OverComing Under Stress - an eight-week family training program developed at the University of California Los Angeles.The goal is to ease the stress on military families grappling with challenges of multiple deployments and combat-related injuries, all of which can stir destructive and difficult-to-control emotions.

A study analyzing the program found it reduced by one-half the number of troops, spouses and children suffering from the most problematic psychological and emotional symptoms. And the improvements actually increased over time.

FOCUS is conducted by specially trained behavioral health professionals at military bases, teaching the entire family methods for overcoming misunderstandings, diminishing tensions, handling difficult emotions and banding together.

— Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, U. of California, Los Angeles Measuring Age Conventional measures of age usually define people as 'old' at one chronological age, often 65. In many countries it’s used as a cutoff for everything from pension age to health care systems. It’s a demographic measure which defines everyone over 65 as depending on the population between ages 20 and 65. A new study suggest there are better measures to determine ‘old-age.’

Research shows defining people as old at 65 no longer fits real-world data, as people live longer, healthier lives. For example, health care costs on average increase significantly for people in their last few years of life. Yet as people live longer, those last few years come later and later, and people may stay healthy well into their 60s and 70s. When projections of future health care costs use age 65 as the cutoff, they may massively overestimate future costs to a health care system.

Also, more people over 65 - the traditional retirement age - are still working.

In response to increased life expectancy many countries have begun increasing their public pension ages.

Researchers hope the study will lead to more appropriate policies regarding the concept of age.

— International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Chicago 6

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Health and Brewing Tea Next to water, tea is the mostconsumed beverage in the world.

According to a recent Journal of Food Science study, the healthful antioxidant properties of tea are affected by the temperature and length of time leaves are steeped, differing across types of tea. Researchers tested white, green and black tea, varying the time and temperature for each.

White tea produced more antioxidants with longer brewing times, but didn’t need an increase in temperature. Black tea had more antioxidants when brewed quickly in hot water. Green tea had the most antioxidant activity with prolonged cold steeping, approximately two hours. Overall, white and green tea produced more antioxidants than black tea.

Researchers hope their findings will be used to develop a standard method of preparing different types of tea to maximize the health benefits.

— Journal of Food Science, Institute of Food Technologists

How Safe Are E-cigarettes?

Lab results from e-cigarette tests show they damage cells in ways that could lead to cancer, including breaks in DNA strands. . The damage occurred even with nicotine-free versions of the product. Researchers noted their work was based on someone continuously smoking for hours, a higher amount than would normally be delivered. However, the study raises doubt about the safety of e-cigarettes over conventional tobacco cigarettes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate e-cigarettes like it does conventional tobacco products, but it has warned of possible health risks. So far, evidence is limited on what exactly e-cigarettes contain and whether those chemicals are safe, particularly in terms of cancer.

Lose Weight, Sleep Better A recent study concluded that weight loss due to dietary changes can improve sleepiness regardless of your weight.

Previous studies have linked obesity with persistent sleepiness, lack of energy during the day, and poor sleep quality, all of which can be successfully combatted with weight loss treatment. But until now, researchers have known little about the link between excessive weight, poor dietary habits, and sleep/ wake abnormalities. Poor sleep is also associated with chronic health problems including depression, obesity, and hypertension.

The study’s author suggests body weight is a less important factor than changes in weight for regulating sleepiness, and as individuals pursue positive dietary changes, they may start to feel more awake during the day and be motivated to live a healthier lifestyle. ­— Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Books Better Than Electronic Toys In a new study, electronic toys for infants producing lights, words and songs were associated with decreased quantity and quality of language compared to playing with books or traditional toys such as a wooden puzzle or shape-sorter. The study was published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, and noted its own important limitations, including the study’s small size. However, the study joins a larger body of research supporting the benefits of reading books with very young children.

The study found that while playing with electronic toys there were fewer adult words used, and less back-and-forth conversation, than when playing with traditional toys or books. Children also vocalized less while playing with electronic toys than with books. The largest, most consistent difference was between electronic toys and books, followed by electronic toys and traditional toys.

— JAMA Network Journals

— Veterans Affairs Research Communications www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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YARD ‘N GARDEN

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A Living Memory

hen I used to think of gardens and plants many different thoughts came to mind. Often I enjoyed the visual beauty of a lovely landscape at someone’s home and how it enhanced the surroundings to make the outdoor space something special.

Color and variety were always so pleasing to the eye and could be enjoyed every day just driving in the city or in my own neighborhood. Growing up, our neighbors had a beautiful backyard garden that attracted many visitors in the spring and summer. To my childish eyes I imagined it was like the Garden of Eden. It was so calm and beautiful that it seemed to hold a wonderful peace. I imagined heaven must be like this, so green and cool and perfect.

As I grew older I came to enjoy the wonders of another type of garden — one full of color but also with the bonus of fruits, berries and vegetables. Who knew how gorgeous the blossoms on a squash or okra were? What a great surprise. How amazing it was to me — like having the grocery in your backyard!

Now when I think of gardens, the very best memories are the ones I have of my Mother and her garden. It was not flashy or spectacular as some others, but definitely full of happiness.

I often remember her so peacefully puttering around and tending the plants. If you were close enough you could hear her humming a favorite hymn and you

By Cathy Robbins

LUNCH & LEARN: Capital City Master Gardener Association 1st Wednesday. Free || 12-1 p.m. || Bring a sack lunch. Drinks provided.

Armory LearningArts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery Feb. 3: Home Landscape Design — Mar. 2: Backyard Veggies For more information contact Montgomery County Extension Office (334) 270-4133, http://www.aces.edu/counties/Montgomery/, www.capcitymga.org

could just tell it was a favorite time of gift that continues to give. The plants day. are thriving and multiplying and now My Mother is gone now and there are I share them with siblings for their many memories I will always have: her gardens. I’m sure they will think of her great delight in her grandchildren, the with every season and be thankful for wonderful aromas of her kitchen, the the gift of a living memory. faithfulness she showed to her friends and family – examples she taught by Cathy Robbins, a Master Gardener in the the way she lived and so much more.

Capital City Master Gardener AssociaShe also left us living memories in her tion since 2014, lives in Montgomery. garden.

For more information on becoming a I have the garden of her last home master gardener, visit www.capcitymga. and all I have to do is walk out the door org or email capcitymga@gmail.com. and I can feel her around me by the sweet fragrance of the daffodils she planted. Soon I’ll enjoy the iris and daylilies that will begin to bud.

Now it is my turn to tend the plants • member • and sometimes as Vintage Fashion Guild I’m weeding I find vintage apparel nnnn myself humming a and hymn.

“Where accessories Mardi Gras Her garden is a meets Valentine’s Day.” Master Gardener Classes – Montgomery County nnnn Applications continue to be accepted for the Montgomery For all occasions: Master Gardener Winter Class. Applications available at: Holiday & Costume Parties Montgomery Co. Extension Office Balls • Weddings • Plays Eastmont Shopping Center 5340 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, 36109

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Hosted by Capital City AL Master Gardener Association.

For more info call 334-270-4133 or visit our website, www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

of vintage clothes in Central & East Alabama Inside Eastbrook Flea Market

425 Coliseum Blvd. • Montgomery, AL 36109 334-277-4027 www.facebook.com/kynardkornervintageboutique

FEATURE

Your Future Kitchen: 10 Cool Things

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hen the next generation of home cooks go to their kitchens, they'll be entering a world of interconnected smart appliances, 3-D printers, and touchscreen controls that will simplify food preparation, create customized meal solutions, and produce far less waste. Here is a list of some of the cool features the kitchen of the future will offer.

1. Appliances will be wired to actively monitor their contents and reorder when it senses supplies are running low. Products that are near their expiration dates will be moved closer to the front.

2. Each family member will be able to print the dinner they want using a countertop 3-D printer that takes into account likes and dislikes, food allergies and nutritional needs.

3. Induction cooktops using magnetic energy and compatible pans will heat up only the pan placed on it – allowing the rest of the surface to be safely used for other tasks.

4. At the touch of a button, counters, sinks and cooking surfaces will move up or down, appealing to people of different heights who share a kitchen as well as those with disabilities. Stoves may be moved up so children don't hurt themselves, while the sink may be lowered so children can easily wash their hands.

5. Integration facial recognition technology will allow the kitchen to automatically set itself to a combination of desired settings – from ambient lighting to background music – as soon as the user is home.

6. Virtual chefs will be projected directly into consumers' kitchens to guide their cooking.

7. Integrated systems will read data from fitness-monitoring devices and suggest meals appropriate to certain situations, such as muscle recovery after a strenuous workout.

8. Sinks will come equipped with a finger sensor that can read users' hydration levels, dispensing water when it's needed.

9. Video monitoring will help consumers see exactly what ingredients they have, and systems linked to ovens and stoves will create recipes that use the meal preparation ingredients that are expiring.

10. A fridge will use ultraviolet light to sterilize food within it, keeping it safe from spoilage. A blast chiller will instantly take leftovers out of the danger zone where bacteria thrive.

20 Heart Screenings on $

Love Your Heart Day at Baptist.

For one day only on February 13th, Baptist South is offering heart screenings for only $20 ($15 for Senior Advantage members).

We’ll test your cholesterol, blood pressure and resting EKG, and assess your risk for heart trouble. It’s all part of Baptist’s Love Your Heart Day, and includes a free light breakfast after your tests. So join us and show your heart just how much you love it.

Love Your Heart Day February 13th Call 273.4304 to register

BaptistLoveYourHeart.com

Courtesy, Institute of Food Technologists www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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Quick & Tasty Italian

A GRACIOUS PLENTY

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usy weeknights can make for hectic meals, but these simple recipes prove you don’t have to trim out flavor or precious moments spent with family when you’re cutting minutes off your dinner prep time.

The secret to making quick meals your family will love is quality ingredients. Tasty meals are easy when you incorporate the wholesome flavor of all-natural ingredients you feel good about serving your family.

Rely on these additional tips to help save time with your

weeknight dinner prep: n When you’re exploring new time-saving recipes, consider both prep time and total cook time. Many dishes can be assembled in minutes, leaving you time to help tackle chores and homework before sitting down to dinner. n Enlist backup when the prep time is a little longer. For example, an extra set of hands from a little helper can shave minutes off the assembly of this Eggplant Lasagna, while getting a youngster excited about digging into a veggie-centric dinner.

EGGPLANT LASAGNA Prep time: 50 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Servings: 8 No-Stick Cooking Spray 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 1/4-inch thick lengthwise slices 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 package (20 ounces) Italian-seasoned ground turkey 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; set aside.

Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush eggplant slices with oil; sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. In batches, place eggplant on grill pan. Cook each side 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. Remove and place on baking sheet lined with paper towels; pat to remove excess moisture.

Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over mediumhigh heat. Add turkey and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onion and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes more or 10

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

until onion is tender and turkey is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain. Add drained tomatoes, tomato paste and basil to skillet; stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes more.

Assemble lasagna by spreading 3/4 cup meat mixture over bottom of dish. Place 3 eggplant slices over meat mixture, top with 3/4 cup meat mixture, half of ricotta cheese mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of eggplant slices topped with meat mixture and remaining mozzarella cheese.

Spray underside of aluminum foil with cooking spray; cover dish tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Servings: 6 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds total) 3/4 pound spaghetti, uncooked 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 375 F. Pour tomato sauce and undrained tomatoes into 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to evenly coat both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover.

Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center (165 F). Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt.

Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted.

Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce.

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FEATURE

Back On Stage

By Bob Corley

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

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reg Thornton is moving ahead by going back. Havanother passion, music. ing relinquished his role as Artistic Director of “I formed a trio called Trinity with friends I’d known Montgomery’s Cloverdale Playhouse, he’s headin high school,” he recalls. “We were the house band for a ing back to the stage. This month, couple of clubs in New Jersey. I Thornton, 66, takes on the lead role would have loved to be a singerof Prospero in the Orlando Shakesongwriter.” speare Theatre’s production of The Thornton would finish a music Tempest. gig at 2 a.m., then drive to an act“Actors don’t stop,” he states flatly, ing gig the same day. After the trio relaxing on a sofa in his cramped, disbanded, acting took over, with soon-to-be-vacated office at the legitimate theatre dominating most Cloverdale Playhouse. “I do it of his career. because I love it. It feeds me in the “Television and movies favor best possible way I can imagine.” the young and attractive,” he says, A working actor for more than “while the theatre is less restrictive four decades, Thornton has perfor older, more mature actors. You formed on stage, in daytime soaps, can develop a career in the theand primetime dramas. Prior to his atre over time, particularly in the stint as the Playhouse’s first Artistic Shakespearean world. You can go Director, he was a resident actor at from Hamlet, to that Scottish guy, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and now - My Gosh! - I’ve been as well as theatres in San Diego, offered Prospero!”

Denver, Princeton and others. At But Thornton recognizes time is a time in life when many people a relentless pursuer, causing even contemplate retirement, he’s excited the most accomplished actor to to be stepping back on stage. glance over his shoulder.

As Rene’ Gallimard in “Madame Butterfly,” St. Louis “I’m not giving up. There’s no rea- Repertory Theatre, 1996.

“Sir Laurence Olivier had this son to. I feel sharp,” says Thornton. terror when he was in his early 60s “For some actors it’s a chance to be someone else,” he says, about never being able to remember his lines. And that’s leaning in, bringing hazel eyes and a chiseled countenance what it is. Terror. The fear as you get older that I’m just to bear on the too-frequently asked question of why he’s an gonna forget things.” actor. It’s a question he admits is difficult to answer.

His answer to the terror is to know the script inside and “The things that fascinate out. me are the different ele“Even if we run the show ments of a person’s charfor two months, that script acter, the things that go on is on my dressing table inside of people,” he says, every night. It’s like handrecalling one of the greatest cuffed to me,” he says. “I compliments anyone has spend a lot of time pacing ever given him following a back and forth before the performance. show, walking around, run“They said, ‘God, I hated ning lines in my head.” you but I understood you.’ ” For Thornton, returning While acting has been to the stage, particularly to a lifelong career, it wasn’t a role such as Prospero, is the first, or only, path he exciting, and terrifying. considered.

“It makes you nervous, so “I wanted to be a monk,” you work harder. Acting is says Thornton. “That’s kind what I do. If you stop doing of where I was headed early As Horace Giddens in “Little Foxes,” Alabama Shakespeare Festival, it for awhile, if you keep 1992. on.” turning down job offers, He grew up in New Jerthey’ll stop coming,” he sey, 20 miles from New York City. As a high school student says with an air of finality. “I just want to get back to what I at St. Benedict’s in Newark, he participated in theatre from know I do well.” his freshman year, forming friendships that would lead to How well he performs was apparent to Terry Teachout, www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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Thornton was the first Artistic Director of the Cloverdale Playhouse, guiding it successfully through its first five years.

theatre critic for the Wall Street Journal, in his review of “And I’d like to learn how to play jazz piano.”

Thornton’s role as Ralph Nickleby in the Singer, songwriter, actor, director, 2014 production of Nicholas Nickleby at playwright, artistic director, almost the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. monk. What’s next?

"The cast is consistently superior,” wrote “Freedom in our business is the ability Teachout, “starting with Mr. Thornton, to say ‘no’ to something,” he says. “I’m who plays Ralph as a hawk-faced, flintat the stage of my career where I can hearted monster of self-will…What is say, ‘No, I don’t really want that part,’ or most impressive about Mr. Thornton's ‘that’s not a director I really want to work performance, though, is that it isn't a with.’ ” caricature: You believe in its reality, which An added dilemma for mature actors, makes Ralph's decision to live without he notes, is the loss of a “network” built love even more horrifying.” over many years, an important factor in When questioned about his favorite getting jobs. role, Thornton chuckles.

“A lot of the directors I’ve worked “I hope I haven’t played it yet!” with, and the casting people I trust, are Thornton is also a director and playcoming to the end of their careers,” he wright, and plans to carve out more time says. “I look at the list and say, ‘Oh, no! to write while pursuing other aspects of It’s dwindling!’”

As Cyrano de Bergerac, ASF 1991, St. his craft.

But that won’t change the plans he has Louis Reperatory Theatre 1994.

“I enjoy recording books. It’s hard in mind following his stint as Prospero. work. You have to really do your home“I’ll come back to Montgomery and work to bring the book to life.” see my grandson,” he says, smiling. “That will be fabulous.

And the music muse continues to beckon.

Then...” Thornton pauses, weighing his next statement.

“I’d like to get back to playing some more music,” he says.

“Then, I’ll get in the car, and drive to New York.” Prime l

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

MONEYWI $ E

Fewer Social Security Options

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n April 7, 2000 the their choices, for the past Senior Citizens’ Free15 years it has been posdom to Work Act was sible for John and Mary signed into law. Among other to collect (a) a benefit things, the law created the “file based on his/her own and suspend” and “restricted apearnings history, (b) a plication” strategies which for 15 spousal benefit based on years provided married couples his/her spouse’s earnings an array of strategies to conhistory, (c) a combinasider for maximizing their Social tion of both under some Alan Wallace Security retirement income circumstances. The two benefits. strategies that are going away mainly let On November 2, 2015 the Bipartisan filers coordinate their choices to draw Budget Act of 2015 was signed into law, either their own or a spousal benefit taking away those same options. The while the other increased as a result of changes will reduce the benefits many waiting to collect it. couples receive by thousands of dollars If John postponed filing for his during their retirement years. benefits, Mary could only collect her Before we look at the changes, let’s own benefit, not a spousal benefit. For use a fictional couple to illustrate some Mary to collect a larger spousal benbasic Social Security concepts. Let me efit, John would first have to file and also comment that, like most things suspend. If Mary started collecting her associated with Social Security benefits, own benefit (not spousal), John could this gets complicated. file a restricted application and colJohn, age 66, is still working and has lect a spousal benefit based on Mary’s yet to draw Social Security. Mary, age earnings history while he continued to 65, is about to retire. Each has paid work and let his own benefit increase. enough into the sysThere are other combinations, but this tem to qualify for seems sufficient to illustrate the range of Social Security choices. retirement benFor those who were age 62 efits, although or older by John’s benefit December 31, is much larger 2015, the than Mary’s. Derestricted pending application on opportunity is still

available. For anyone younger, forget about it. A filer (John) may use a restricted application, where available, to file exclusively for spousal benefits if the spouse (Mary) is already receiving benefits based on his/her own earnings history. This allows the benefit from one’s own earnings history (John’s) to increase monthly until it reaches a maximum amount at age 70.

The file-and-suspend strategy will go away after 4/30/16. This strategy allows one spouse who has reached Social Security full retirement age (John) to file for benefits and immediately suspend receipt of those benefits, allowing them to increase monthly to age 70. By doing so, that individual’s spouse (Mary) can then file for spousal benefits, even though his/her spouse (John) is not actually receiving a monthly benefit. If you or your spouse will be at least 66 and the other will be at least 62 before the cutoff date, you would be wise to investigate whether the file-and-suspend strategy makes sense for you. Younger people are not eligible and the opportunity for those in the qualifying age group will vanish in a couple of months.

It may not be your best option, but you should still check to make sure.

For those who had planned on using either of these strategies and will no longer qualify, you have my sympathy because the change affects me as well.

The lesson is that many things in life are changeable, including laws, taxes, government benefits, etc. That is why you need to remain alert to meaningful changes in the financial environment and factor new information into your financial plan.

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.

www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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TINSELTOWN TALKS

Doris Day

Still an Animal’s BFF

By Nick Thomas

“I was never one to make waves when working on my films, but was appalled at the condition of the local animals used in this film and refused to continue until we made sure they were all wellfed, well-treated, and happy.” — Doris Day 16

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

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hugely popular singer and actress throughout the 50s and 60s, Doris Day first became interested in animal issues on the set of a 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film.

“One of my first profound experiences working with animals in my films was in Morocco on the set of The Man Who Knew Too Much,” recalled Ms. Day from her long-time Carmel, California home.

“I was never one to make waves when working on my films, but was appalled at the condition of the local animals used in this film and refused to continue until we made sure they were all well-fed, welltreated, and happy.”

It was a moment, she recalls, when she realized her fame could help improve animals’ lives.

“Someone once said that you can use your celebrity status either to get a good table at a restaurant or to do something meaningful to help improve the world. I believe we all – not just celebrities – have a responsibility to do the latter, however that may be.”

So in 1978, she founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF), initially a small grassroots organization.

“Since evolving into a grant-giving charity, we’ve been able to have a much greater impact on both a local and national level, supporting programs and other non-profit organizations that share our vision. It’s all there on our website, www.ddaf.org.”

The Foundation, however, isn’t restricted to helping pets and came to the aid of stranded baby sea lions along the California coast early last year.

“Marine rescue organizations were scrambling to rescue, house, feed, and

“I can’t even think about all of the sweet four-leggers I’ve lost over the years. But I always say, although they can never be replaced, the best way to honor their memory is to save another life from the shelter.”

rehabilitate them until they were strong enough to be released back into the ocean,” she recalled. “It was a dire situation, but DDAF was able to provide the necessary funding to these organizations and help save those precious babies.”

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Day, who turns 94 in April, still takes an active role in the Foundation.

“I make it a priority to stay on top of all DDAF activities.We have a very small, caring staff and Board of Directors so that donations go directly to help the animals instead of administrative expenses. My wonderful group keeps me apprised of all the grants we are considering, the donations we receive, and the ‘happy endings’ reports from our grantees.”

While her big screen presence declined after the 60s, Day had no regrets bidding farewell to Hollywood.

“I enjoyed my career and had a great time working in Hollywood,” she recalled. “But after decades of non-stop films, recordings and television, the time seemed right to start a new chapter: concentrating on my animal welfare work.”

But fans from her Hollywood days still keep in touch.

“I’ve been blessed with good health and keep busy with the Foundation and going through all the mail that comes in, especially around the holidays. I get such lovely letters from all over the world, including from young people whose parents and grandparents introduced them to my films and music. I’m floored when they tell me how much my work has meant to them — let alone that they even know who I am!”

Over the years, many animals have passed through the Day household and several still call it home.

“I currently have several cats and three dogs, fewer than I’m used to. I can’t even think about all of the sweet fourleggers I’ve lost over the years. But I always say, although they can never be replaced, the best way to honor their memory is to save another life from the shelter. My current crew is keeping me on my toes and I laugh at their antics — I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 600 magazines and newspapers. Follow @TinseltownTalks. www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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FEATURE “Every man dies – Not every man really lives.”

— William Ross

“The only people who fear death are those with regrets.”

— Author Unknown

Fulfilling Life’s Dreams

By Celestine Chua Editor’s Note: Several months ago we requested our readers’ bucket lists. Interspersed within this article are a few of the submissions we received.

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few days ago, I was surfing online when I came across someone’s bucket list. It quickly inspired me to create my own list and write an article about it at the same time.

What’s a Bucket List?

If you haven’t heard about the term “bucket list”, it is a list of all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill and life experiences you desire to experience before you die.

Why Create a Bucket List?

If you don’t live your days by personal goals and plans, chances are you spend most of your time caught up in a flurry of day-to-day activities.

Ever feel your days are passing you by without any tangible output to speak of? What did you accomplish in the past three months? What are your upcoming goals for the next three months? Look at the things you did and the things you’re planning to do next. Do they mean anything to you if you are to die today? Having a bucket list reminds you of activities that are really important so you can act on them.

Even if you frequently live by goals or to-do lists, they are probably framed within a certain social context Continued on page 20

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Willie G. Moseley Writer Finances may well figure into any post-retirement plans for yours truly, if I can afford to retire.

That being said, about all I aspire to do with a disproportionate amount of free time is travel in a casual manner. The sights and sites I would like to experience are, from what I can determine, confined to the lower 48 United States; i.e., I don’t have any burning desire for foreign travel.

“Casual” travel would mean going at your own pace, and for me, it would mean taking a former primary thoroughfare that has now been replaced by an interstate; i.e., rolling along Highway 31 instead of I-65 (I think the panel cartoon “Pluggers” nailed it a few months ago when it noted that “…a plugger eventually goes from ‘life in the fast lane’ to ‘the road less traveled’.” The Missus and I have already tried this a time or two, and it’s been enlightening.

As a history buff (particularly aviation and space), I’d figure stops about that genre into certain routing. Some sites have been visited before, but most haven’t. I’d try to contact and hang out with old friends in certain locales, of course.

A “grand tour” (by my standards) would probably start at Monticello, then cover the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum extension at Dulles Airport (the Missus and I saw a launch of the Discovery space shuttle on our honeymoon, and it’s now on display at Dulles. Maybe the U.S. Capitol and the Native American Museum on the Washington Mall (I’ve already been to most of the other sites there).

From D.C., the next preferred stop would be the Wright brothers memorial at Kitty Hawk, the Hunley in Charleston, then Savannah (on accounta the Missus wants to visit), then around the Florida peninsula, as much as possible on routes like A1A to Key West, then back up through the Everglades and up the west side to swim with manatees in Crystal River.

Condensed list: Monticello, Dulles Airport, Washington Mall, Kitty Hawk, Charleston, Savannah, Florida Peninsula.

Other sites that are more personal include the Johnson Space Center in Houston (the third remaining Saturn V; I’ve already perused the other two), the Trinity atomic bomb site in New Mexico, and maybe the airplane “boneyard” at David-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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n Are there any special moments instead of pandering our time in pointyou want to witness? less activities, we are directing it fully n What activities or skills do you toward what matters to us. want to learn or try out? n What are the most Create Your Bucket List 1. Find an affordable 15hp important things you can If you don’t have a bucket motor for my boat ever do? list, I highly recommend 2. Help others n What would you like you to create one. How 3. Fish 2-3 times per week to say/do together much will it cost?

4. Fish in a local bass tournawith other people?

Zero. How long will ment People you love? it take? Probably 30 5. Teach some new anglers to Family? Friends? minutes to an hour, or fish — for bass, crappie, or n What do you more if you get really want to achieve in caught up in the writcatfish these areas: Social, ing.What do you stand 6. Learn to get the best out of my Love, Family, Career, to gain?

Significant clarGo Pro camera/videos Finance, Health (your ity and focus on what 7. Win a bass tournament in my weight, fitness level), you want from your Jon boat Spiritual? life. It’s an invaluable 8. Win a fully equipped bass n What do you exchange. boat need to do to lead a life If you already have 9. Travel, especially to fish reof the greatest meaning? your list, take this opportunity to gional tournaments Come up with as many items as you review it. See if there are new items 10. TBD can. The items should be things you you want to add-on. If so, add them in. Check if all the items listed are still have not done yet. e.g. performance, career, health. A Don’t stop until you finish listing at relevant. If not, remove them. bucket list opens up the context. It’s a least 101 things! If you find yourself Now, take out your pen and paper or forum to declare anything and everyopen up a text document.

Start writing thing you’ve ever wanted to do, whethTina Calligas down what comes to mind as you read er it’s big, small or random.

Magazine Editor It’s just like planning ahead for all the these questions: n What if you were to die tomorhighlights you want for YOUR whole row?

What would you wish you could 1. Dance at all of my grandlife. do before you die? children’s weddings. (Since they Even though goal setting is n What would are still babies — and I hope there already my staple activity, I you do if you are more to come — it would still found many had unlimmean that I lived well into my new things ited time, 80s and 90s and was still healthy to do while money enough to dance.)

I was writand re2.

Finance all of my grandchildren’s ing my own sources? educations. list. It was an n What have 3.

Cruise around the world. incredibly inyou always 4.

Win the lottery. How else will I sightful exercise. wanted to do be able to afford to finance my What’s more, but have not done grandchildren’s educations and coming up with yet? cruise around the world? my list gave me n Any countries, places or locations 4.

Totally conquer my fear of a whole new layer of enthusiasm by you want to visit? heights.

I’ve come a long way knowing what’s in store ahead! n What are your biggest goals and with this one, but there are still The objective of creating this list isn’t dreams? times when my knees go to Jello. to instill some kind of a race against n What do you want to see in per5.

Take my children and grandchiltime or to create aversion toward death. son? dren to Disneyworld and UniThe whole point of creating your list n What achievements do you want versal Studios in Orlando and to is to maximize every moment of our to have?

Greece to visit my parents’ island existence and live our life to the fullest. n What experiences do you want to of Patmos.

It’s a reminder of all the things we want have/feel? to achieve in our time here, so that

Jon Ellen Retired

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

stuck, chances are you are mentally limiting/constraining yourself. Release those shackles – your bucket list is meant to be a list of everything you want to achieve, do, see, feel and

experience in your life. Prime l

Celestine Chua is the founder of Personal Excellence, an online site dedicated to helping individuals achieve

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their personal best. For Chua’s list of 101 Things to Do Before You Die visit http:// personalexcellence.co/blog/bucket-list/.

Johanna Cleary Retired University Professor 1. Travel to: n Egypt n Israel n Russia n Northern Italy n Southern France 2. Read a book a week 3. Volunteer as a museum docent (monthly) 4. Volunteer for an animal group 5. Volunteer for a student group 6. Establish a business n Property management n Tour group n Bookstore n Art gallery 7. Write a book www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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FEATURE

Arizona’s Navajo Nation Story by Andrea Gross; Photos by Irv Green

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he ruts are long and narrow, some measure nearly a foot in depth. As the driver swerves to avoid them, he plows across a shallow river, causing the van to list and my head to bang against the door of the fourwheel drive. I envision a muddy death.

My husband and I are on an aptly-named Detours expedition, one that aims to explore not only the scenic spots but also the cultural heritage of Arizona. Our particular tour focuses on the state’s native people, and we’ve definitely lucked out. Our guide is Donovan Hanley, a member of the Towering House Clan of the Navajo, who sports a waist length braid, a broad smile and a striking turquoise necklace. He’s about as authentic as you can get.

“Yá’át’ééh abíní [good morning], ” he says. “Welcome to Diné Bikéyah [The Navajo Nation].”

During the next four days, as we travel to some of the Navajos’ most sacred spots, he intersperses facts about his people’s beliefs and customs with personal stories about his grandfather (a medicine man), his father (a sheep herder), and his eight-year-old niece who still lives in the same town where he grew up.

As for his necklace, he tells us that the turquoise stones symbolize creation. Like the sky and water, they provide

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security and protection.

“The strand on the right is my mother,” he says. “The one on the left is my father. And the loop at the bottom, the strand that connects them, is the umbilical cord. By joining together, they have created me, the future generation.”

Donovan grew up near Monument Valley, a 30,000-acre tribal park near the Arizona/Utah border. The land is filled with stark rock formations that are familiar to most of us from countless movies that depict the American West. But to the Navajo, the sandstone rocks are more than a filmmaker’s prop; they reflect their way of life and represent some of their deepest convictions.

We tour the Valley in an open-air vehicle driven by a specially-licensed Navajo guide. In the distance I see The Mittens, a pair of massive buttes that look like the hands of a gloved giant.

“The giant is so big that he can safeguard us,” says the guide. He continues past spots where medicine men pray, where prospectors have discovered silver, and where a tall, solitary spire resembles the fireplace in the center of a traditional Navajo hogan (home).

Before leaving the Valley, we stop at a hogan to learn

Guide Donovan Hanley uses personal stories to give people insight into Navajo culture.

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Top left: A Navajo guide explains the meaning of turquoise and the symbolism of his necklace. Top right: Visitors enjoy horseback tours through Monument Valley. Bottom left: The Mittens, so called because they resemble the mitten-clad hands of a giant, are two of the most distinctive buttes in Monument Valley. Bottom right: Navajo craftspeople demonstrate traditional crafts in Monument Valley’s hogan.

about the techniques and beliefs surrounding crafts like spinning and weaving. A weaver explains that authentic blankets and baskets always have a “spirit line” that allows the artisan’s creativity to be used anew on subsequent projects.

Although Monument Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, it’s the red geological formations — the tall, skinny buttes and wide, flat mesas — that are the real attraction. For up-close views of the petroglyphs and cliff dwellings that show the human history of Navajoland, we head to Canyon De Chelly National Monument.

A light, gentle rain — a female rain, says our driver — bathes the cottonwood trees with a soft sparkle and bright-

ens the green that peeks out from the rocks. We see the farms that belong to the 50 or 60 families who live in the canyon today, study the dwellings left by the ancients, and listen to our driver tell stories about his childhood, when he was raised by his grandmother and slept on a sheepskin tossed on the floor of her hogan.

We’re admiring a Puebloan compound perched in a canyon alcove far above us when the sky is split by a flash of lightening.

“No problem,” says the driver. “The rain will come from the right. I will turn my van to the left.” He careens along the bumpy road, outrunning the rain — the heavy male rain — that pelts the ground off to the right. www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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Donovan laughs when we thank him for arranging another authentically Navajo experience.

“Power,” he says, “lies with those who can read the clouds.”

En route back to Phoenix, we stop at Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operating trading post in the country. At first glance, it’s a mix of groceries, dry goods and run-of-the-mill souvenirs. At second, it’s a repository of outstanding Indian art, from antique rugs to modern creations.

As the resident historian tells the story of a Yei rug, a small, woman with long gray hair walks in, carrying a large, paper-wrapped package. She is, says the proprietor, a master weaver, still practicing what threatens to become a lost art.

Two women vie to purchase the rug; the visitor from Sweden wins.

As for me, I settle for a simple souvenir that I find at a nearby convenience store. It’s a 9” doll outfitted with a necklace similar to Donavan’s. For $8.95 I have security, protection and wonderful memories.

For more about Arizona’s Native culture and other Arizona attractions, visit www.Traveltizers.com. For more about Detours guided tours, see www.detoursaz.com. Prime l

Top right: An elderly craftswoman enjoys displaying her own work along with that of other family members. Bottom right: Local craftspeople take turns selling jewelry and other crafts at a small market near Sedona.

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

SOCIAL SECURITY

honoring our shared history “…Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program.”

T

hroughout the month of February we celebrate Black History Month. Created in 1926, this event coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14.

African American communities have celebrated these birthdays together since the late 19th century.

Honoring our shared history and Kylle’ McKinney reflecting on the past is one way we unify as a nation. We remember that we are all Americans — we believe in freedom and democracy for all. Another shared belief is that we all deserve a comfortable retirement, free of economic hardship.

Social Security has retirement benefits and the tools to help you plan for your retirement and to apply for benefits online. We also provide disability benefits to individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from working.

If the disabled individual has dependent family members, they can also receive payments.

If you or anyone you know is disabled, they may qualify

for disability benefits. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement age. You can see if you meet our strict definition of disabled and also apply for disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. You can learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www. socialsecurity.gov/survivors.

Honoring each other begins with fair and equal treatment. Social Security guarantees that, if you pay into the system, you will have the same benefits as everyone else.

This Black History Month, we want to make sure our diverse nation is covered and that no one is left out of the benefits they deserve. Visit www.socialsecurity­­­.gov to learn more.

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

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PRIME DIVERSIONS Across 1 Audio problem 4 Finish paying a bill, perhaps 10 Controlled 14 Radio host Glass 15 Ethically indifferent 16 Adidas rival 17 *Motown Records founder 19 Baptismal basin 20 Spanish royalty 21 Oceanic reflux 23 Jessica of “Dark Angel” 24 *Cubs broadcaster known for singing along with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventhinning stretch 27 Mental grasp 29 McCain or McCaskill: Abbr.

30 Tummy muscles 32 Circular gasket 34 Time at the inn 38 Shad eggs 39 Biblical trio ... and a homophonic hint to the answers to starred clues 42 Have a mortgage, e.g.

43 Send to the canvas 45 Graceful swimmers 46 Pull down

47 Dorm monitors, briefly 50 Windpipe, e.g.

52 *”That’ll Be the Day” singer 56 Grand Forks locale: Abbr.

59 “It’s finally clear to me” 60 Accustom 61 Sushi option 62 *Longtime “60 Minutes” closer 66 Follow, or follower 67 Listen to, as a podcast 68 Bearded beast 69 Suburban street liners 70 Physical jerks 71 Blather Down 1 Heavenly scales 2 Spinning 3 *”The [52-Across] Story” Oscar nominee 4 Big name in chips 5 Texter’s “Unbelievable!”

6 Icky stuff 7 Rink legend Bobby 8 Sound system control 9 Spacecraft data-collection passes 10 Lounging robes 11 To have, in Le Havre

12 Lavin or Blair 13 Swabby’s chum 18 Gather 22 Abbr. in ancient dates 24 Mata __ 25 Words before and after “is still” in “As Time Goes By” 26 Time extension?

28 Garage service 30 Storied vessel 31 Flapper’s wrap 33 Google Apps component 35 *”Football Night in America” analyst 36 Knock the socks off 37 Still 40 Professor ‘iggins 41 Sydney is its cap.

44 Tough times 48 Writer Rand 49 Young pigs 51 Latin word on a cornerstone 52 Please, in Potsdam 53 Same as always 54 Jeans material 55 Come clean 57 Place for matches 58 Light a fire under 60 Charged atoms 63 Genes material 64 “I’m listening” 65 Grand Canyon viewing spot 2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.©

Answers on page 31.

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HISTORY MYSTERY: DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

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rime is starting our second year of History Mystery, once again teaming up with the Alabama Department of Archives and History to identify unknown individuals in Archive collections. Last year we were able to identify many of the people in historical photos taken

by three area photographers. Your assistance is critical in determining who these mystery people are. If you know anyone in these photos contact Meredith McDonough at 334-353-5442, or meredith.mcdonough@archives.alabama. gov, or e-mail Prime at primemontgomery@gmail.com.

February, 1960. Child models at a convention hosted by the Johnson’s Beauty and Barber Supply Company, held at the Whitley Hotel in Montgomery. (John E. Scott photographer)

February 21, 1967. Young women in the audience during a performance of the Otis Redding Show at the Montgomery City Auditorium.

(Jim Peppler photographer)

1959. Students talking in the gym during a dance at Capitol Heights Junior High School in Montgomery. (Horace Perry photographer) www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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FEATURE

The Best Way to Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

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By Andrea Atkins

ity the poor medicine cabinet. Its shelves are often stocked with useless items — the lip balm you bought 15 winters ago but never bothered to get rid of, the expired medications you’re hanging onto because…why were you hanging onto them? And that smelly lotion your niece gave you for Christmas. You just don’t have the heart to throw it out.

“Medicine cabinets are like attics or basements,” says organization expert Vickie Dellaquila, a Certified Professional Organizer and author of Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash. “Stuff goes in there and you don’t think about it again.

You wind up with seven tweezers and Band-Aids so old that they don’t stick to anything anymore.”

Fact: A well-organized medicine cabinet can save you time and make your house a lot safer place to be, especially if you have grandchildren visiting frequently. How to organize it?

Home and lifestyle expert Laura Dellutri, author of Speed Cleaning 101: Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half!, offers these tips to guide us to creating a well organized medicine cabinet. Here’s what you need to know: Start from Scratch 1) Take everything out of your medicine chest, and sort it into piles. In one, place all prescription medicines, in another, all over-the-counter pain relievers, medicines, creams, and ointments. Group all first-aid products together, and then any other items you have into another pile.

2) Examine all prescription medicine to see if it is expired.

If it is (or if it is more than one year old), get rid of it. Do not throw it in the garbage, where you might invite people looking for narcotics to go scrounging. Do not flush it down the toilet, which may pollute the water supply. Instead, Dellaquila says, check with city hall to see if there is a “take back drugs” day on the community calendar. If not, call the police department, which may allow you to turn in drugs there. Your local pharmacy or hospital may take back expired drugs.

Or, mix your medications with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put the result in the garbage. Most narcotics users won’t go through such substances to find drugs.

3) Examine your over-the-counter products to see what’s expired. If the item has no date on it, make an honest assessment.

If it looks so old that it can’t be any good anymore, it probably isn’t. Open your box of adhesive bandages — do they look fresh and usable? If not, toss and replace them on your

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

next shopping trip.

A Shelf-by-Shelf Guide to Organizing the Items You Keep Once you have isolated what you want to save, organize your cabinet like this: Top shelf: Here, store your first-aid supplies (Band-Aids, gauze, cotton pads), as well as items that are hazardous and not used that frequently — rubbing alcohol, peroxide, antibiotic creams.

Dellaquila suggests that all grandparents add to this shelf Syrup of Ipecac, an important product to have on hand in case a visiting grandchild ingests something poisonous and you need to induce them to vomit.

Second shelf down: Think everyday stuff, says Dellutri. Eye wash, mouthwash, antacids, cold medicines — all over-thecounter products. If you can fit it on this shelf, night creams, moisturizers, make-up remover, and nail polish remover should live here as well.

Third shelf down: Use this for your medications. If you have several different medications, Dellutri suggests that you arrange them from left to right, starting with the most current prescription so that you are keeping track of which ones need re-filling and which ones are in danger of expiring. Periodically, pull the pill bottle, check it, and get rid of it if it’s out of date. That way you’ll be keeping up on a regular basis.

Bottom shelf: Here, keep handy the things you use every day: toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush (if you can fit it).

Group like things together, says Dellaquila. For example, keep tweezers, nail clippers, emery boards, and hand lotion together in a little bin. In another, store cold medications, and use another for antacids or other stomach relief.

If you choose to keep your make-up in the cabinet, store it in an acrylic organizer that lets you stand lipsticks up and keep mascara and liners where you can easily see them.

If yours is a small medicine chest and you have overflow, Dellaquila suggests an over-the-door shoe rack, which can be used to store items that don’t fit in your medicine cabinet.

Once your medicine cabinet is organized, be careful about filling it too full. “Less is more,” says Dellaquila. “Think before you bring things in to fill it up again.”

Courtesy: grandparents.com

Trendy Grandmother Names “Since my name is Dee, I chose GranDee as my ‘Grand’ma name. My husband is just Grandpa, but he loves it!”- GranDee Ama A-May Ami, Aimee Ammy Babe Babo Bacca Bamba Bama, Bamma Bella Birdie BonBon CeCe, CiCi Coco Dally Dandy Fancy Fammy Fo-Ma, Faux Ma Foxy GaGa GandyMom Gangy, GanGee G-Dawg GG Gidget Ginja G-Mom Geeda, Geda GeezerGirl Gita GeeMa Glamama Glamma Glammy G.M. Gogi Go-Go Grammar Grandiose

Grandy, Grandi, GranDee Granan Granette Granita Grani, Granni, Granee Granmanny Graylor Grea, Greah Gummy Hamma Kitty LaLa Lally Layla Leelo, Lilo Lela Lola Mami, Mammi MamaMia Manni Mayna MayMay Maysi M’dear Meemer MeMom Memot Mia Miami Minny, Mini Modie Momette MoMar Mombo MomMom Mom mooMooma Momsy Mona

Monee mumica Mummers MuMu Muna Nano Nanima Naunee Necie Neema Nema Noma NotherMother Nimo OtherMother Onie Pama Pebbles Pippa Pippy Poma, Pomma Salsa Soosa Sugar Sugie, Shugie Tama, Tamma Tammy Tamsy TeeMa Uma, Umma Vanna Womba Wela YaYo Yama

Courtesy: grandparents.com www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

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IN EVERY LIFE

“SAD” More Than Winter Blues

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labama has experienced an unusual amount of cloudy days in the past several weeks. I was asked how this related to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). More Arlene Morris pronounced than what some people call “winter blues,” SAD was first discussed in the 1980s and is now classified as a type of recurring depression. SAD is more prevalent in areas at a greater distance from the equator. People may notice a decline in mood, energy, and concentration, with an increase in fatigue, sleep and craving for high carbohydrate foods beginning in late fall and resolving in spring.

Other symptoms for SAD may include irritability, anxiety, decreased concentration, and loss of interest or withdrawal from usual activities. A few experience the changes in late spring through fall (Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder or S-SAD). Other symptoms for S-SAD may include decreased appetite, restlessness, and weight loss. Researchers have proposed causes such as change in available sunlight affecting the body’s regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Actually, all people adjust to seasonal changes in circadian rhythms, Vitamin D absorption, and amount of production of hormones such as melatonin.

Consider your own response when daylight savings time begins or ends. All of us can be aware and proactive to maintain health promotion behaviors such as dietary intake (appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats within your calorie range), adequate hydration with water, stretching and exercise, exposure to morning sunlight, stress reduction and use of effective coping methods. Regular health examinations can determine change in levels of blood pressure, blood glucose, hormones, cardiac and renal function that could be factors other than SAD that influence

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February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

energy and mood.

The terms proneness or susceptibility are used when people score higher on self-rating tools for seasonal depression, as these tools do not constitute an accurate diagnosis. Any identified changes or symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider and considered in context of other changes or health conditions. Thyroid, cardiac, blood glucose, and many other conditions can influence mood and affect energy levels.

Individuals and families should never dismiss feelings, but rather consult a healthcare provider to assess for possible causes and determine a diagnosis in order to begin therapy specifically tailored

to the individual’s situation and needs.

Bright light therapy alone or in conjunction with counseling and antidepressant medications has been shown to be effective, but must be used with supervision of a healthcare provider to reduce risk for eye damage. Prompt treatment can help and prevent further decline in depressive symptoms. Any consideration of harming self or others must be immediately evaluated and treated.

Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE, is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, and a past president of the Ala. State Nurses Association. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.

Harbor Pointe Lake Martin’s BEST Marina!

• Crest Pontoons, Four Winns plus other brands of quality boats • Boat Sales & Service • Wet & Dry Storage • Ship Store

397 Marina Point Rd. Dadeville, AL 36853 • 256-825-0600

For additional information visit www.harborpointe.net

Prime Publisher Performs at Old Alabama Town

Bob Corley joins Karren Pell and a host of regulars at Old Alabama Town’s monthly musical revue, Thursday, Feb. 4, 7:30 pm. Held in the Old Church at Old Alabama Town, the Revue is an evening of acoustic music in a casual setting suitable for the entire family. The event is free. Donations are graciously accepted. For information call 334-240-4500.

Bou Cou & costumes (sizes toddler to adult) Booties • Leg Warmers Leotards • Tights Shoes • Dance Bags Praisewear • Stage Make-up

• LARGEST inventory in the River Region • FREE alterations on purchased items • COMPETITIVE prices • CUSTOM fitting

“Bloch Warm-up Booties... light, soft and very warm.”

Ballet News

The Courtyard • 2101 Eastern Blvd. • 334-239-0655 • www.boucou.net www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

31

PRIME DIVERSIONS

Recent dvd releases Bridge of Spies and Spectre

Spectre (PG-13) For those keeping score at home, this is the 24th James Bond movie, and Daniel Craig’s fourth turn in the role.

Charles Dickens would likely describe this entry in the fabled franchise as the best of times and worst of times. Many action sequences, locations, gadgets and lines of dialogue live up to expectations. But much of the rest is hugely disappointing. The plot meanders among too many settings and subplots. Lea Seydoux is so bland as the “Bond Girl” du jour, it’s hard to believe she was among the first choices for the role. There just isn’t enough payoff to justify 148 minutes of running time, even for fans who’ve continued to be shaken or stirred since Sean Connery’s 1962 debut as Agent 007 in Dr. No. Perhaps the film’s title telegraphs the problems to come.

SPECTRE appeared early and repeatedly in the series as an acronym for a global cabal of megavillains. So how did this nemesis get demoted to lower-case letters for its revival?

Monica Belluci and Christoph Waitz are under-utilized, compared to the unique sets of skills each could bring to any table.

The film hits the ground running with a spectacular action sequence in Mexico City during Day of the Dead festivities. That should rank among the best of those precredits displays. Alas, it just makes much of the rest seem less satisfying. The easy conquests of swooning hotties in the first couple of decades has been yielding to more contemporary (i.e. - less sexist) relations between Bond and the babes he meets. This one turns the sociological clock back in a couple of awkwardly anachronistic misfit moments.

Much of the pre-release ink has been about record-setting production costs. Unfortunately, there’s more money than merit in the film they’ve crafted this time around.

Contracts are in place for Craig’s fifth appearance in the 25th Bond opus. They’re likely massive documents. Let’s hope they put at least as much effort into the screenplay.

Bridge of Spies (PG-13) Whenever Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks collaborate, expectations run high in the wake of Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal. This fact-based Cold War thriller meets or exceeds them. Hanks plays a 32

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

civil lawyer, reluctantly recruited to defend accused Russian spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) at the height of nuclear Mark Glass tensions and mutual paranoia - a/k/a the late 1950s. Hanks’ character is vilified for merely doing what his professional oath requires - even within the system by those trained to know better.

He develops a grudging respect for his client’s principles, despite his unfortunate career choices.

When one of our spy pilots, Francis Gary Powers, is shot down while filming Russia from above, Abel becomes a useful commodity as trade bait for our guy. Due to all sorts of geopolitical complexities among the US, USSR and East Germany, Hanks even more reluctantly becomes our negotiator for the swap, requiring a risky series of visits behind the newly-erected Berlin Wall that seem far beyond his, or anyone’s, pay grade in such volatile times.

Those who recall the news accounts of that episode, or studied it afterwards, will find a masterfully written and directed perspective on those events and its principals. We’re not only shown facts surrounding this major international story, but the full array of emotional and political ripples it caused at all levels of society, here and abroad. Even knowing the prisoner exchange occurred does little to diminish the dramatic tension regarding Hanks and certain other elements within this version of whatever the full truth may have been.

Hanks is Oscarworthy (again). So is Rylance, a relative unknown to American moviegoers, who may be this year’s Christoph Waltz among Supporting Actors, with a wry, understated, yet eloquent performance reminiscent of Waltz’ contributions to Inglourious Basterds. The screenplay by the Coen brothers and Matt Charman should also get some nods, finely balancing historical context with character development, suspense and just the right amount of comic relief.

Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

February in the River Region Live Music Old Alabama Town Revue, Old Church, Old Alabama Town, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Karren Pell and a host of singer/ songwriters, including Guest Artist Bob Corley. Free. Donations accepted. For information call 334-240-4500. (Show will be recorded.)

— 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.

Joe Thomas, Jr. Guitar Pull, Feb. 16, 7-9 pm. Cloverdale Playhouse, Old Cloverdale. Songwriters Joni Carr, Elisha Tatum, and Rutland Walker perform/discuss their music. $10 (includes beverages). For information call 334-2621530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Dance Alabama Dance Theatre, “Peter Pan and more…,” Mar. 5, 2:30 & 7:30 pm, Mar. 6, 2:30 pm. All performances at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. Tickets on sale Feb. 1. $15-$30.

Purchase online, www.alabamadancetheatre.com. For info call 334-241-2590.

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly luncheon. Feb. 25, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Arrowhead CC. Guest speaker. Jill Bryd, MMFA. Reserve space by noon Feb. 22. Call Jan Burdette 334-593-9266, or e-mail jan8410@bellsouth.net. www.newcomersmontgomery.com. $18.

Volunteer Opportunity Alabama Dept. of Archives & History All ages. Hours to match your schedule. Lead tours, greet visitors, work in the Museum Stores. Contact Kathy Logan, 334-353-4745, kathy.logan@archives.alabama.gov.

Volunteer Opportunity Mtgy Area Council on Aging: — Respite Care: companionship for hospice patients — Medical Outreach Ministries (M.O.M.): office help — Habitat for Humanity: office help

2014-15

Health & Wellness “How to live fall-free,” anti-fall seminar. Wed., Feb. 17, 1 pm, CaraVita Village, 4000 Fieldcrest Dr., Montgomery.

Guest Speaker, refreshments. RSVP to Tonya or Liz, 334284-0370.

Macular Degeneration Workshop. Mar. 9, 1-2:30 pm.

Mtgy. Museum of Fine Arts. Free. For low vision seniors, care givers, and vision care providers. A project of the Macular Vision Research Foundation, supported by the Alabama Vision Coalition, the Eye Sight Foundation of Alabama, and the International Retinal Research Foundation.

RSVP to Lynn at (866) 462-2852 or lynn@mvrf.org. Nationally recognized speakers discuss latest research, treatment, strategies for living well with low vision.

Season Classical Season Concert IV • Monday, February 15 • 7:30pm Concert V • Monday, April 25 • 7:30pm

Fellowship Series

Kris Kendrick

Violin, February 7 • 2:30pm Violin, May 12 • 7:30pm

montgomerysymphony.org / 240-4004 www.primemontgomery.com | February 2016

33

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

O

The words we write...

n a Tuscaloosa fall Saturday otherwise longforgotten, I was at home watching the Tide play on the road when the sound of my front porch mailbox lid falling shut caught my attention. As a college student at the time I didn’t get much from the postal service outside of bills, class registration information and the occasional magazine, but there, sitting alone in the mailbox, was a hand-addressed envelope with my name on it.

The script was unmistakeable. The carefully crafted letters, written with slow deliberation, were, without question, my grandfather’s. I opened the envelope. It seemed everyone he’d ever met was granted a nickname or two, and one of mine was “Rooster,” sometimes “Baby Rooster” if he was in a chiding mood. It was evident at the time he penned the letter that indeed the latter was the case. “Hello, Baby Rooster,” it began.

He went on to write how much he’d enjoyed the fishing trip we’d been on together when I had last been home, but also how he’d had great difficulty deciphering my most recent written correspondence with him, to the point neither he nor my grandmother could make out the words. This was the impetus for the chiding and demotion to Baby Rooster.

In his mind, while I had already completed more education than he, I had somehow never learned to write legibly.

He closed the letter with a humble request: “Please take a calligraphy class while you are at school.”

I remember laughing out loud at those words, as if such a dinosaur of a subject could be worked into a modern curriculum. Regrettably, I tossed that letter. Years went by and after his death, while cleaning out his house, a draft of that letter - written on the back of a bank statement - was found in a drawer. The handwriting, so distinctly his, resurrected a voice I knew I’d never again hear in this life. The care he’d taken in authoring what I’d considered a casual communication - working through at least one rough draft before penning the final - revealed the impetus for his request regarding my penmanship: take pride in what you do, for it may outlast you.

That was a turning point in how I viewed correspondence.

There is certainly a time and place for e-mail; it’s quick, easy and well-suited for the busy lives we live. But longhand has its place as well, for memorializing in that most personal of ways the written communication between people. The spoken word is ephemeral, but the written word lives on, preserving the author’s voice long after he or she is no longer able. There is comfort in that.

Our handwriting says a great deal about us, both the manner and substance. My grandfather’s - so ornate, so painstakingly executed - used style to compensate for immigrant 34

February 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

diction which sometimes missed the mark. On the other end of the spectrum, written communication with my paternal grandmother mirrored conversations with her over the phone - short but kind, always practical and always direct.

While I was off at school, she would periodically drop a card in the mail with a hand-written note of encouragement, always accompanied by a little gas money and the closing words “I love you, Granny.” Like the sound of her voice and the smell of her kitchen, there is something so definitively “her” that lives on in those few written words, nothing more than ink on a Hallmark card to anyone but me.

I have found good penmanship requires practice, and having a good pen with which to write makes all the difference. I abhor using public pens - largely for hygiene reasons - so several years ago began carrying my own pen. Like any quality instrument for those who know the difference, a good pen is a joy to use and invites opportunities to issue longhand script, even if just a note in the margin of a Bible or a few words to brighten the day of a family member, friend or coworker who’s hit a rough patch on life’s road. “Things will get better,” you’ll write, the words forever recorded should he or she need reassurance in the future.

So much in modern life is one-time-use, disposable. Our correspondence shouldn’t be. Shut off the computer and turn off the phone. Get some nice paper, buy a good pen, and jot down a few words of encouragement to someone special.

But, before doing so, for goodness sake, please, take a calligraphy class.

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

February

Celebrates the Heart with Valentine’s Day & National Heart Month

At Wesley Gardens, we Celebrate the Heart every day of every month.

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• Montgomery, AL

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Listen to your HEAR T this Valentines,

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