Prime FREE FOR YOU
Celebrating Life
July 2016
How to find that long-lost friend
Me a n d Jodie (July 1 952)
CaraVita Village Professionally Managed by Grace Management, Inc.
THE RIGHT PACE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE Affordable, independent living in a comfortable, friendly community! Each year we recognize our senior citizens at CaraVita Village and within the community. Join us as we celebrate National Senior Citizens Day, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come tour, meet with vendors and enjoy light refreshments. This event is FREE and open to the public. 4000 Fieldcrest Drive • (334) 284-0370 • Montgomery, AL 36111 July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
www.caravitavillage.com
Alabama Doctor Helps Visually Impaired To See Advanced Technology Allows Many To See Better or Drive
Grandchildren as viewed by a person with Macular Degeneration
For many patients with macular degeneration and other visionrelated conditions, the loss of central visual detail also signals the end to one of the last bastions of independence driving. Alabama optometrist, Dr. George Eischens is using miniaturized telescopes which are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration and other eye conditions. “Some of my patients consider me their last chance or people who have vision loss” said Dr. Eischens, one of only a few doctors in the world who specializes in fitting bioptic telescopes to help those
Same scene of Grandchildren as viewed through telescope glasses.
who have lost vision due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases. Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will give you back your independence. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50. Bioptic telescopes treat both dry and wet forms of macular degeneration as well as other vision limiting conditions. While there is currently no cure, promising research is
being done on many fronts. “My job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning” says Dr. Eischens “Even if it’s driving”.
For more information and to schedule an appointment today, call:
George Eischens, OD
(844) 825-2020
www.LowVisionAlabama.com
member
www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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Together makes us better. And you, too.
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
The new UAB Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South brings two names you trust together.
Together makes us happier, stronger, better. That’s why Baptist South has opened a brand new clinic that brings the best names in healthcare together. Nurses and staff from Baptist South will join specially trained doctors from UAB to offer advanced care in many specialties. It’s a partnership that’s going to make everyone better, including you. Call today and make an appointment at the new UAB clinic. Let’s get you better, together.
See a UAB doctor in one of these specialties UROLOGY GASTROENTEROLOGY ENDOCRINOLOGY RHEUMATOLOGY
MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH
More specialties to come
Knowledge that will change your world
334.613.7070 UABmedicine-Baptist.com 2119 East South Blvd, east of the Emergency entrance at Baptist South
www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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Prime “B
EDITOR’S NOTE
MONTGOMERY
July 2016 Volume 7, Issue 4
PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Bev Beckham, Claire Yezbak Fadden, Willie G. Moseley CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Catherine Kleinmann, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Willie G. Moselsy, Wikimedia Commons, 123rf.com SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland, • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Prime Montgomery 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035
Prime Montgomery is a publication of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2016 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals. Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters. We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.
ut where are brother and me?” my granddaughter asked, without taking her eyes off the photo. It was a perspective I hadn’t considered. Busy trying to pique our young grandchildren’s interest about a recent sailboat purchase and the pending family fun the vessel might represent, it never occurred to me they’d feel left out seeing pictures of beloved family members laughing and enjoying a boat outing — absent any sign of them. “You were both taking a nap,” I answered truthfully. But the little ones’ omission from this family event sudSandra Polizos denly seemed as sad to me as it must have felt to her. In three-and-a-half short years these babies have become a central thread in our family’s fabric, a dynamic force of nature that has changed us all. Fun without the grandkids? Impossible! And besides, who wants to? I never spent a great deal of time dwelling on the thought of becoming a grandparent — although I looked forward to the experience, whenever it might happen. Having seen many of my friends mystically changed by their new status, I had no idea what to expect. Family members waxed on about the glorious grandparent/grandchild relationship, saying it was even better than parenthood. What they tried to relate was impossible for me to understand. The transformation occurred so slowly it was imperceptible. Initially I was overjoyed just to meet this first member of our family’s new generation in early 2013, marveling at her little fingers and toes, opining on whom she resembled, consumed with details of her feeding schedule. I smiled to see how well our son and daughter-in-law adjusted to this new life as we tried to help them recover from the chaotic first-baby storm that had just blown in. Somewhere between her first giggle, those long, intense gazes as she drank from her bottle, and the “old country” lullabies we often sang to help her drift off to sleep, it happened. I don’t know if it was a matter of weeks or months, but suddenly I found myself talking incessantly about the baby to everyone I knew. No matter how hard I tried, I could barely get through a conversation without some mention of her. Bob and I both marveled at her every action, as we tirelessly watched and re-watched videos of her playing, walking, talking, eating and laughing. Babysitting this sweetheart quickly became a weekly highlight. It is still the highlight of every week – even today, some three years later. Our grandchildren (we have two now, with a third on the way) are precious to us. During each visit we engage in silly games, go on nature hunts around the back yard, and sneak in as many hugs, kisses, and cuddles as an afternoon can hold. We are utterly devoted to nurturing their happy hearts and helping them create strong social and emotional connections that will serve them for years to come. And while the time we spend together may seem to be all about them, the remarkable irony is what these children bring to us. We read, sing, and share stories, but they share their hearts and allow us the thrill of witnessing the world through a child’s guileless perspective. We’re honored for that rare privilege and sublime pleasure. Now, have I told you about my grandchildren…? If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery!
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July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
July 2016 Table of Contents Asian peanut slaw
Editor’s Note 4 Quick Reads 8
Weight & sleep, smoking & obesity, MS research, female veterans & insomnia, more...
Yard ‘n Garden 11 A child’s garden
A Gracious Plenty 12 July 16, 1945 -- 10 seconds after detonation
Protein punch!
The Day Everything Changed 14 Anniversary of the first A-bomb blast
Money Wi$e 17
Reverse Mortgages Part 3: Best Use
A Good Night’s Sleep 18
Problems, solutions, tips to help
Pillow Talk 21 Picking the perfect pillow Tinseltown Talks 22
Actor, author, lion tamer?
In Every Life 24 Chronic disease
Social Security 25 Program diversity
Locate Old Friends 26
Old & new methods to track them down
Medicare 29
Electronics can only go so far...
Prescription drug coverage
Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles 30 Answers on page 28
History Mystery 31
Who ARE these people?
Calendar 32 Advertiser Appreciation 33 Off the Beaten Path 34 Legacy on the water
YMCA Camp Grandview, 1950-59. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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Quick Reads Migraines & Vitamin Deficiencies? A high percentage of children, teens and young adults with migraines appear to have mild deficiencies in vitamin D, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the body that is used to produce energy for cell growth and maintenance. Previous studies have indicated certain vitamins and vitamin deficiencies may be important in the migraine process. Studies using vitamins to prevent migraines, however, have had conflicting success. Patients with chronic migraines were more likely to have coenzyme Q10 and riboflavin deficiencies than those with episodic migraines. These deficiencies may be involved in patients who experience migraines, but that is unclear based on existing studies. — Source: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Take More Pictures You might think photo-taking would detract from the enjoyment of everyday activities, but research suggests people who take photos of their experiences usually enjoy the events more than people who don’t. The study noted that a critical factor affecting enjoyment is the extent to which people are engaged with the experience. Photo-taking naturally draws people more into the experience. According to researchers, photo-taking can increase enjoyment in many circumstances, but this effect requires active participation. Cameras recording an experience without the individual deciding what to capture are unlikely to have the same effect. — Source: American Psychological Association Female Veterans & Insomnia A new study sheds light on the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among female veterans. More than 47% of female veterans reported symptoms of insomnia that resulted in functional impairment. Of this sample group, less than 1% had a diagnosis of a sleep disorder based on medical records, meaning primary care clinicians can use this knowledge to identify women that fit the criteria and provide referral, assessment and intervention of insomnia symptoms. The goal is to decrease the risk for the psychological, physical, and psycho-social consequences associated with insomnia. — Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine 8
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
Smoking, Obesity, & Rheumatoid Arthritis Achieving remission in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly lower in patients who smoke and are obese, according to a new study. These findings suggest that encouraging patients to stop smoking and to achieve a healthy body weight could significantly improve their chance of becoming symptom-free after adequate treatment. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disabling disease that affects the joints, connective tissues, muscles, tendons, and fibrous tissue, causing pain and deformity. RA is more common in women and in developed countries. — Source: University in Montreal, Canada; European League Against Rheumatism Diabetes & Heart Disease: Deadly Combination New research has found that patients with type 2 diabetes admitted into the hospital for congestive heart failure face a one-in-four chance of dying within 18 months. Patients with type 2 diabetes have two-to-three times the heart disease risk of the general population. This is partly because obesity and other illnesses such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol contribute to both diseases, but there are concerns that some of the medications that help control blood sugar may also damage the heart. Even insulin, a hormone that healthy people make naturally but some patients with type 2 diabetes often need as a medication, can contribute to heart disease. Because of the diabetes-heart disease link, all new diabetes drugs are now required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to undergo formal testing for their impact on heart and stroke outcomes.
Weight, Diet, and Sleep Quality Overweight adults spend more of their sleep in REM stage than healthy weight adults, says a study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. REM sleep - when dreams typically occur - is characterized by faster heart rate and breathing and is less restorative sleep than non-REM stages. The study found that increased protein intake predicted less stage 2 sleep, or restorative sleep, the period when heart rate and breathing are relatively normal and body temperature lowers slightly. — Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
— Source: University of Connecticut MS Research A clinical trial published in The Lancet, a top medical journal, shows an intensive procedure that completely wipes out the immune system and then regenerates a new one using blood stem cells can eliminate all signs of damaging brain inflammation in people with early, aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS), facilitating lasting recovery. However, researchers note the therapy can have serious side effects and risks, and would only be appropriate for a small proportion of people with early, aggressive MS. People with MS who have had significant disability for a long time would likely not benefit. MS affects approximately 2.3 million people around the world, causing symptoms that range from blurred vision to extreme fatigue to partial or complete paralysis. — Source: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital/University of Ottawa www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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Bou Cou &
Leotards • Tights Shoes • Dance Bags (sizes toddler to adult) Praisewear costumes Stage Make-up
• LARGEST inventory in the River Region • FREE alterations on purchased items • COMPETITIVE prices • CUSTOM fitting The Courtyard • 2101 Eastern Blvd. • 334-239-0655 • www.boucou.net
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The perfect end to another great Mr. Gus’ lunch or dinner — homemade Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Cake, or Strawberry Cake.* (*Sorry. No photo of Strawberry Cake. It was already eaten!)
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July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
YARD ‘N GARDEN
T
Memories of a Childhood Garden By Catherine Kleinmann
he birds singing outside the window sounded like they were calling me out to play even though the light was still dim. I hurriedly threw off my pink cotton nightgown, pulled on the flowered t-shirt and shorts that had magically appeared at the end of the bed and ran to the kitchen. “Good morning sleepyhead”, my Grandma said as she wrapped me in her arms for a most comforting moment before taking my hand in hers. “Honey, before we start breakfast for Pop, let’s go out and water the roses while we wait for the milkman.” My eyes lit up as she grabbed her blue can from the counter and turned the glass knob. The cement stoop was damp and slippery on my bare feet where the green velvet moss covered one corner. The bottom step held a cracked beige ceramic milk pitcher that had the daintiest, trailing yellow flowers falling from it. To the left were some large bushes next to the house where Grandma was scattering her damp coffee grounds. The smell of the coffee grounds blended well with the dewy grass and the musky green smell of the trees that looked like big umbrellas. It was just heavenly.
Capital City Master Gardener Association Free Lunch & Learn July 6, Noon - 1:00 pm “Tree Identification” Armory Learning Arts Center Bring a Sack Lunch - Drinks Provided Call (334) 270-4133 for info Next Month Aug. 3: “Art in the Garden”
We walked down the small graveled path to the clump of bushes with all different color roses, to empty the remaining grounds. I pulled a prickly stem to my nose to savor the sweet smell of the petals. In the middle of the thorny bushes was the aged cement bird bath with two squirrels running across as if they were playing chase. Everything was waking up outside as the sun was rising. After bending down to pull a stray weed on the path, Grandma turned to me with a finger to her mouth to let me know to be quiet, pointing with her other hand to her humming bird feeder over by the big bushes with the fluffy blue pom-pom flowers (hydrangeas). The little frenzied buzzing, flittering bird was feasting on the sweet tastes of sugar water. After his fill, he darted away, bringing my eye to the most intriguing tree. It was raining long skinny limbs in the middle of a clover patch where the dark green picnic table stood to one side. My day dreaming was interrupted by the sounds of the milkman’s truck engine and my grandma pulling me by the hand. Before heading back inside to help with breakfast I took a wistful look around the little magical garden that made me tingle all over in happiness. Unbeknownst to my Grandma, my sadness of the loss of my Daddy had just drifted away. Everything in the garden was alive, dancing and singing,
playing and blooming. Complete contentment enveloped me as nature nurtured my young soul. Grandma had not realized she’d created an outdoor sanctuary that engaged my senses, a sensory garden that would hold my heart and smiles time and again through memory. Studies have shown the benefits and value of interacting with plants and nature for all ages are productive for healthier lifestyles. A place, large or small, that offers you a spot to relax and take time to enjoy nature in the manner that poets write about can be easily achieved. Perhaps you have room only for a container garden and a comfy place to sit, with a small water feature, if not a full landscape. What seeds can we sow in our communities to create gardens in schools that stimulate creativity and teamwork — or gardens in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or nursing homes to instill hope? Gardens bring opportunities to engage in a less sterile environment, one where the cycle of life is artfully displayed. There are endless possibilities to reap the benefits of Heaven on Earth in a garden. Cathy Kleinmann, an Intern in the 2016 Master Gardener Class, lives in Pike Road. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.
crash test results Life, • inBestits class. Service • Loaner Vehicle Liberty, •• Roadside Real-Time Destination Assistance & the Pursuit of Perfection.
Angelo Mellos • 334-270-0605
AngeloMellos@Reinhardttoyota.cmdlr.com Reinhardt Lexus • 911 E. Blvd. • Montgomery
www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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A Protein Punch! A GRACIOUS PLENTY
Courtesy: Family Features. Source: Georgia Peanut Commission
I
f you're looking for a fresh way to pack more nutritious protein into this summer's family cookouts, consider cooking with a plant-based protein such as peanuts or peanut butter. You may think of peanuts as a tasty and convenient snack food — and that they are —especially in a trail mix to refuel
after some fun in the sun, but peanuts and peanut butter are actually part of the protein food group. In fact, peanuts and peanut butter have more protein than any other nut and are rich in healthy oils, fiber, many important vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients. The latest Dietary Guidelines for Ameri-
ASIAN PEANUT SLAW 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges 1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts 1 bag (16 ounces) three-color deli slaw mix chow mein noodles 12
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
cans suggest eating at least two servings of peanuts a week as part of a healthy diet. Getting your weekly servings is easy when you explore the variety of ways you can cook with peanuts and peanut butter. The unique flavor of peanuts and peanut butter adds depth and fulfillment, in addition to quality nutrients.
Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges. Add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper, and whisk until well-blended. Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix, and toss until thoroughly coated. Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving.
BEEF KABOBS WITH PEANUT SAUCE 2 teaspoons curry powder 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, plus 2 teaspoons 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided 1 pound beef fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 small onion, grated 1 cup coconut milk 8 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter 8 skewers assorted vegetables (optional) In bowl, mix curry powder, sesame oil, lime juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Add in beef cubes and toss to evenly coat.
Cover and leave in fridge to marinate at least 30 minutes, or as long as overnight. Soak skewers in water. Heat broiler or grill to medium-high heat. Before cooking beef, mix remaining chili powder, remaining soy sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, onion, coconut milk and peanut butter in saucepan. Stir sauce frequently over medium heat until simmering. Cover and remove from heat, but keep warm. Thread beef cubes on skewers. Add your favorite vegetables to skewers prior to cooking, if desired. Broil or grill kabobs. Set broiler pan so surface of beef is 3-4 inches from heat. Broil 7-9 minutes on high heat, turning once, for medium rare to rare. If grilling, heat grill to medium-high heat and grill about 7-10 minutes. Serve with warm peanut dipping sauce.
PEACH PEANUT SALSA 1 pound ripe firm peaches, pitted and cut into 1/2inch pieces 2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 3 ounces lightly salted dry roasted peanuts 1/3 cup chopped white onion 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1/4 teaspoon salt In bowl, combine peaches, tomatoes, peanuts, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro and salt. Mix well and let stand at least 30 minutes before serving.
www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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FEATURE
The Day Everything Changed: The First A-Bomb
B
By Willie G. Moseley
aby Boomers got their demographic designation from the proliferation of births over several years following the end of World War II. Most historians would likely agree the “boom” that occurred in the middle of the New Mexico desert 71 years ago, on July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time, not only shortened that war, but changed history forever. The then-top-secret location known as Trinity was the site of the world’s first atomic bomb test. More than one atomic device had been developed at Los Alamos, an isolated, top-secret, government-supervised community approximately 200 miles north of Trinity. Scientists from the U.S. and Great Britain labored in clandestine laboratories in a collective effort to create a destructive device that would unleash a new type of devastating power. The lo-
cation chosen for the desert detonation of the first device was near a rugged, barren area known for centuries as the Jornada Del Muerto, or “route of the dead man.” Shortly after the successful test at Trinity, two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, quickly ending the war. When America’s A-bomb program became public, many citizens were fascinated, and perhaps terrified, by the power of such devices. Yet for all of its ominous history and isolation, the Trinity site has, in recent times, evolved into a unique destination for history buffs, accessible only two days a year. During WWII, what would become Ground Zero for the test was part of the U.S. Army’s massive Alamagordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, renamed White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) after the war. The WSMR is now
Like some alien creature, the Trinity A-bomb blast rises more than 600 feet less than two-tenths of a second after detonation. (photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons) 14
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
The obelisk at Ground Zero (above left), made from local lava rocks, and the complete “Jumbo” (above right), designed - but not used - to house the A-bomb during detonation. (courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
responsible for the Trinity open house events on the first Saturdays of April and October. Due to extreme temperatures in the harsh desert environment, public events are not held on the mid-July anniversary. “Annual tours first began in 1960 and were held in October,” said Camilla Montoya, a spokesperson for the WSMR. “Attendance was usually in the hundreds. The only time a special event was held on the exact day in July was for the 50th anniversary.” Due to its isolation, trips to the site on open house dates should be planned in advance. Since Trinity is located on a restricted military base, civilian automobiles are subject to inspection, and must remain on the designated route to the site. Photography is not allowed except at
the Trinity site itself. Military gates allowing access to the Ground Zero site are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the site itself closing promptly at 3:30. “Because of the remoteness of the site,” Montoya noted, “it was determined that this was ample time for visitors to view the site and not too long of a working day for the WSMR personnel who support the event. We close the site promptly at 3:30 to allow those visitors who come through the gate at 2 p.m. enough time to see everything.” Motorists inside the WSMR will notice yellow warning signs on the restricted route which depict unusual silhouettes of horned animals. They’re not images of antelopes
Visitors tour the Schmidt-McDonald house, part of the semi-annual public event. (photo by Willie G. Moseley) www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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Oryx warning signs caution drivers on the White Sands Missile Range. (photo by Willie G. Moseley)
or deer, however, but the African Oryx, imported a half century ago. “In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s,” said Montoya, “WSMR partnered with (the) New Mexico (Department of) Game and Fish to incorporate big game hunting on the range. As part of this effort about 100 African Oryx were brought here to see if they would adapt to the environment.” According to Montoya, the Oryx not only adapted, but thrived, having no natural predator as they do in the Kalahari Desert. Three thousand now roam the range, their numbers kept in check by scheduled hunts. Among the historical remnants of Trinity is the Schmidt-McDonald house, 16 July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
about two miles south of Ground Zero. It was in this building the A-bomb was assembled prior to its installation atop a 100-ft. tower at Ground Zero. During open houses, buses ferry visitors between the two sites, with portable restrooms, food items and souvenirs available during the events. A 12-foot-tall obelisk holding two commemorative plaques stands at Ground Zero, made of lava rocks found in an ancient lava flow elsewhere on the WSMR. Signs at the site note the relatively minimal amount of residual radiation, comparing it to that found at other locations and occurrences. The ferocious temperature of the 1945 nuclear detonation fused sand in the blast area into a greenish, glass-like substance known as Trinitite. Taking a piece of Trinitite as a souvenir is illegal. A giant cylinder also sits at the site. Christened “Jumbo” and weighing 214 tons, it was created to house the the atomic bomb, but ultimately wasn’t used. The monstrous container was blown apart in 1946 using conventional explosives. According to Montoya, the open house on April 2 this year attracted almost 4,000 people, including two artists from Italy working on a mixed media project about Trinity. As for the possibility of increasing the number of public events each year,
Montoya is pragmatic. “The remoteness of the site, test mission and limited personnel have been the main reasons this has never actually happened,” she said. “The missile range is 2.2 million acres. The main post is located 110 miles south—as the crow flies—of Trinity. It is almost a threehour drive one way to the site.” According to Montoya, most White Sands organizations already struggle with limited support staff and budgets; working extra days outside of regular work schedules is costly and at times a safety concern. “WSMR is an active test range for weapons systems,” she said. “Most days the area of Trinity Site is blocked due to the mission. We are guaranteed the two days per year without test interruption. This allows us to advertise and plan well in advance.” The obelisk at Ground Zero stands as a silent stone sentinel, marking the spot where a major event in human history occurred. Visiting this historically important location, available to the public only two days each year, is a unique experience. Author/columnist/lecturer Willie G. Moseley is the Senior Writer for Vintage Guitar Magazine, News Editor Emeritus for The Tallassee Tribune, and is the author of twelve books. He may be reached at willie@vintageguitar.com.
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MONEYWI $ E
Reverse Mortgages: Part #3 — Best Use
F
or some, the wise use of a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), or FHA-insured reverse mortgage, can provide financial flexibility. In my opinion, an HECM should only be used: 1. when the borrowers are confident the home being mortgaged is the last one they will own; 2. they are not motivated to leave it as a legacy to their heirs.
Alan Wallace
If those conditions are met, an HECM may permit the borrower to do any or all of the following: 1. eliminate or avoid principal and interest payments on a traditional mortgage; 2. postpone Social Security retirement benefits to age 70, potentially providing a higher lifetime payout; 3. save income taxes by minimizing taxable retirement plan withdrawals; 4. reduce exposure to sequence-of-return risk by minimizing withdrawals from retirement or other investment accounts when the market is down significantly; or 5. create (a) a stream of fixed monthly payments to supplement other sources of cash or (b) an increasing pool of funds that can be tapped if and when it becomes appropriate. Consider two scenarios based on a home value of $300,000, a “line of credit” type of loan (available only with a variable rate HECM), an initial interest rate of 3.75% per year (which we will assume does not change over the HECM term), a maximum available loan of $150,000, and closing costs, excluding initial FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), of $3,000. In both cases we’ll assume that no more than 60% of the maximum available loan is borrowed in year one, which means that the initial MIP will be $1,500 (0.5% x the $300,000 home value), bringing total closing costs to $4,500. The borrowers will owe a 1.25% annual MIP on their outstanding loan balance in addition to the 3.75% interest. In scenario 1, the borrowers take 60% of the maximum available loan at closing, or $90,000. At closing the borrowers will get $85,500 ($90,000 - $4,500 closing costs). Each year, both the loan balance and the maximum available loan
increase by 5%. A year after closing, the borrowers take the remaining available loan, $63,000, taking their net cash received to $148,500. Thereafter they have no additional funds available under the HECM unless they repay part of the existing balance at some point. They will not have to make HECM payments as long as either spouse lives in the home, keeps it insured and maintained, and pays the property taxes. Unless the home appreciates more than 5%/year, the increasing mortgage balance will annually consume an increasing slice of the borrowers’ home equity. In scenario 2, the borrowers use the HECM to cover total closing costs, but otherwise do not draw on the maximum available loan in year one. Their loan balance and the maximum available loan then increase 5%/year. If the borrowers did not draw on the available loan for 15 years, the maximum available loan would grow to $311,839 and the existing loan balance would reach $9,355, providing access to $302,484 more in loan principal. If the second couple waited until year 15 before applying for an HECM and the value of their home had appreciated 2%/year, it would be worth $403,761. A new HECM of half that value would provide access to $201,880, almost $110,000 less than the couple could borrow if they had set up the HECM 15 years earlier and the maximum available loan increased 5%/year. What do these scenarios reveal? That setting up an HECM early on and using it as little as possible during the first several years could provide access to more borrowing power down the road if the home appreciates at a lower rate than the one at which the maximum available loan increases. In such a case, a growing HECM line of credit might serve as a flexible “insurance policy” against a variety of financial challenges. 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. 4413113-03-16 www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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FEATURE
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep G
etting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert, yet many older people don’t sleep well. If you’re always sleepy, or you wake up everyday feeling tired, it may be time to take action. There are two kinds of sleep—REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. We dream mostly during REM sleep and have the deepest sleep during non-REM sleep. As people get older, they spend less time in deep sleep, which may be why older people are often light sleepers. Sleep And Aging Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as young adults—7 to 9 hours each night. But seniors tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than when they were younger. Older people may nap more during the day, which can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep at night. Sleep Problems There are many reasons older people may not get enough sleep at night. Feeling sick or being in pain can make it hard to sleep, daytime napping can disrupt nighttime sleep, and some medicines can keep you awake. If don’t get a good night’s sleep, the
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next day you may: n Be irritable n Have memory problems or be forgetful n Feel depressed n Have more falls or accidents n Feel very sleepy during the day Insomnia Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It can last for days, months, or even years. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may: n Take a long time to fall asleep n Wake up many times in the night n Wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep n Wake up tired n Feel very sleepy during the day There are many causes of insomnia. Some you can control, others you can’t. If you are excited about a new activity or worrying over your bills, you may have trouble sleeping. Insomnia may also be a sign of other problems or a medication or illness side effect. Sometimes, being unable to sleep becomes a habit. If you
worry about not sleeping before getting into bed, it may make insomnia worse. Some older adults who have trouble sleeping use over-the-counter sleep aids. Using prescription medicines for a short time might help, but it’s no cure for insomnia. Developing good sleep habits at bedtime may help you get a good night’s sleep. Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is another serious sleep disorder. A person with sleep apnea has short pauses in breathing while sleeping, which can happen many times during the night. If untreated, it can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, or memory loss. You can have sleep apnea and not know it, but your snoring and gasping for air can keep other people awake. Feeling sleepy during the day and being told you snore loudly at night could be signs you have sleep apnea. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor who knows about this sleep problem. You may need to learn to sleep in a position that keeps your airways open. Sometimes a medical device called Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), a dental device, or surgery can help. Movement Disorders Restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are common in older adults. These movement disorders can rob you of needed sleep. People with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, feel like there is tingling, crawling, or pins and needles in one or both legs. It’s worse at night. Moving the legs brings some short term relief. RLS tends to run in families. See your doctor for more information about medicines to treat RLS. Periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. Some people have hundreds of these movements each night, which may result in loss of sleep and feeling tired and sleepy the next day. Medication, warm baths, exercise, and learning ways to relax can help. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, also known as REM sleep behavior disorder, is another condition that may make it harder to get a good night's sleep. REM sleep is the most active stage of sleep when dreaming often occurs. During normal REM sleep, your muscles cannot move, so your body stays
Sleep Information Resources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2510 North Frontage Road Darien, IL 60561 1-630-737-9700 www.aasmnet.org American Sleep Apnea Association 6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Suite 203 Washington, DC 20012 1-202-293-3650 www.sleepapnea.org Better Sleep Council 501 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1917 1-703-683-8371 www.bettersleep.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute P.O. Box 30105 Bethesda, MD 20824-0105 1-301-592-8573 1-240-629-3255 (TTY) www.nhlbi.nih.gov National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke P.O. Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 1-800-352-9424 (toll-free) 1-301-468-5981 (TTY) www.ninds.nih.gov National Sleep Foundation 1010 North Glebe Road Suite 310 Arlington, VA 22201 1-703-243-1697 www.sleepfoundation.org Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 1530 Greenview Drive, SW Suite 210 Rochester, MN 55902 1-507-287-6465 www.rls.org National Institute on Aging Information Center P.O. Box 8057 Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057 1-800-222-2225 (toll-free) 1-800-222-4225 (TTY/toll-free) www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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still. But if you have REM sleep behavior disorder, your muscles can move, and your sleep is disrupted. Alzheimer’s Disease And Sleep—A Special Problem Alzheimer’s disease often changes a person’s sleeping habits. Some people with Alzheimer’s disease sleep too much; others don’t sleep enough. Some wake up many times during the night; others wander or yell at night. The person with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only one who loses sleep. Caregivers may have sleepless nights, leaving them tired for the challenges they face. If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps to take for his or her safety and which might help you sleep better at night. Try the following: n Make sure the floor is clear of objects. n Lock up any medicines. n Attach grab bars in the bathroom. n Place a gate across the stairs. Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Being older doesn’t mean you have to feel tired all the time. There are many things you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ideas: n Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Try to avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening, as it may keep you awake at night. n Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people watch television, read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath. n Keep your bedroom dark, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible. n Have a comfortable mattress, a pillow you like, and enough blankets for the season. n Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime. n Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day. n Be careful about when and how much you eat. Large meals close to bedtime may keep you awake, but a light snack in the evening can help you get a good night’s sleep. n Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and hot chocolate) can keep you awake. n Drink fewer beverages in the evening. Waking up to go to the bathroom and turning on a bright light break up your sleep. n Remember that alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep. n Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed. Safe Sleeping Try to set up a safe and restful place to sleep. Make sure you have smoke alarms on each floor of your house or apartment. Lock the outside doors before going to bed. Other ideas for a safe night’s sleep are: n Keep a telephone with emergency phone numbers by 20
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your bed. n Have a good lamp within reach that turns on easily. n Put a glass of water next to the bed in case you wake up thirsty. n Use night lights in the bathroom and hall. n Don’t smoke, especially in bed. n Remove area rugs so you won’t trip if you get out of bed in the middle of the night. n Don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on; it may burn. Sweet Dreams There are some tricks to help you fall asleep. You don’t really have to count sheep—but you could try counting slowly to 100. Some people find that playing mental games makes them sleepy. For example, tell yourself it’s 5 minutes before you have to get up, and you’re just trying to get a few extra winks. Other people find that relaxing their body puts them to sleep. You might start by telling yourself that your toes feel light as feathers and then work your way up the rest of the body saying the same words. You may drift off to sleep before getting to the top of your head. If you feel tired and unable to do your activities for more than 2 or 3 weeks, you may have a sleep problem. Talk to your doctor about changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep. Courtesy: National Institute of Health. Visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov, a senior-friendly website from the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. This website has health and wellness information for older adults. To sign up for regular email alerts about new publications and other information from the NIA, go to www.nia. nih.gov/health.
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Picking the Perfect Pillow
FEATURE
I
“showed a significant advantage ’d spent the better part of the night fluffing, bending and over the roll pillow and the stanpunching my pillow. No matter which way I turned it, it dard pillow” in relation to neck wouldn’t contour to my head. The next morning, I woke or cervical pain, according to up with a stiff neck. Convinced I was sleeping on the wrong a study by the Johns Hopkins pillow, I set out to find a better one. After a bit of research, Sleep Disorders Center. I learned all pillows aren’t created equal. Even the way you Pillow Types sleep can lead to restless nights. If you’ve lost sleep because “Typical bed pillows you nestled your head on an unsuitable cushion, consider range from 4-6 inches these tips before you start your quest for the perfect pillow. in height,” said Risinger. Sleeping Styles “This measurement refers Pillows are constructed differently to accommodate differto the crown, which is the ent sleep positions, according to Rachael Risinger, a spokescenter of the pillow.” Before man for Bed, Bath & Beyond. “One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pillow is the position in you buy it, try it out. If it feels too high and fluffy, it which you sleep,” she said. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center agree, suggesting that it’s important to can cause neck pain from sleeping at an awkward know your sleeping style. angle. If it feels too low and flat, If you sleep on your stomach, a softer pillow works since it allows your neck and spine to release into a flatter angle. Back it may not support your neck correctly. sleepers are more comfortable using a medium to firm pillow What’s it Going to Cost? to provide needed support. If you sleep on your side, the best Less-expensive pillows from the discount store might seem choice for you is a firmer pillow. like a great value in the short term, but they tend to flatten Pillow Filling & Density What’s inside the pillow is important too. “Knowing the dif- quickly and need to be replaced more often. An old pillow ference among some common pillow fills can assist in making can cause improper neck alignment according to sleep expert Michael Breus, Ph.D. a better choice,” Risinger said. “It can throw off a person's entire spine, resulting in back, Natural fill pillows are made of feathers or down or a comneck and leg pain, headaches and sleep deprivation,” he said. bination to create its core. They are long lasting so you avoid Natural pillows cost more than most synthetics, but they also having to replace your pillow more frequently. A syntheticmore durable. Water-based and memory-foam pillows can be filled pillow is an economical alternative to down. They are expensive, but if they provide you with your best night’s sleep composed of man-made materials, and since they are easily or alleviate neck and back pain, they are worth the extra cost. laundered, they are often the choice of allergy-sufferers. You Brues, who authored "The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan: Lose will need to replace them more frequently, cautions Risinger. Weight Through Better Sleep" recommends changing your Many people choose memory-foam pillows because they good quality pillows at least every one to two years. “Change easily contour to the shape of your head and neck. They are less expensive ones more often than that,” he added. If you especially comfortable to sleepers who prefer a firm pillow. have allergies or asthma, the National Sleep Foundation “These pillows feel dense,” said Risinger, “but they soften to suggests purchasing a conform to your head. hypoallergenic cover They can help adjust Kids and Pillows designed to protect from sleep positions to alAlthough parents and grandparents like the idea of decorative possible allergic triggers leviate aches, pains and pillows, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against such as dust mites. snoring.” using them as well as blankets and bumpers during the first year of Water-based pillows baby’s life. Though they’re often sold with crib bedding sets, pillows Freelance writer Claire Yezoffer the flexibility of are not recommended for children under 2 because kids that small bak Fadden, a side sleeper, increasing or decreasing can easily suffocate while using one. To learn more, download a pdf of is happy with her new firmthe pillow height simply the AAP’s “A Parents’ Guide to Safe Sleep,” at healthychildcare.org and support pillow. Follow her by releasing or adding search “pillows.” on Twitter @claireflaire. water. These pillows www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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TINSELTOWN TALK
Actor, Author and Lion Tamer Carleton Carpenter By Nick Thomas
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(Top) Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter reunite in 2012. (Used by permission, Matthew Rettenmund; boyculture.com). (Bottom) Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter performing “I Wanna be Loved by You” from Three Little Words.
hat were the chances that a 6’ 3” spaghetti-thin, 18-year-old blonde actor from Bennington, Vt., could break into Broadway on his first job interview in the 1940s? For Carleton Carpenter, arriving in New York City in the winter of 1944, they were clearly quite good. “Within 24 hours I had my first Broadway role in a play called ‘Bright Boy,’" said Carpenter, who turns 90 this month and lives in Warwick, NY. “The character was written as a tall, lanky blonde who wanted to be an actor. Talk about perfect casting!” Although towering over most other actors, Carpenter’s fresh, youthful appearance appealed to casting directors. And while theater was always his great love – he appeared in ten Broadway productions – he also had roles in some 50 television and film productions. Largely a supporting actor in movies, Carpenter left his mark on two musicals released in 1950. In Three Little Words he appears in a memorable musical number with Debbie Reynolds – “I Wanna be Loved by You” – never speaking or singing a word. It was an odd coupling, with Reynolds over a foot shorter than Carpenter. “I guess they just liked the look of the two of us together,” he said. The same year, Reynolds and Carpenter appeared in Two Weeks with Love, although Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban were the leads. Nevertheless, the vertically mismatched couple again stole the show with their musical highlight "Aba Daba Honeymoon," a catchy novelty song. “We were rehearsing and I spotted the song in a pile of old sheet music on the piano,” recalled Carpenter. “I played it for Debbie and we liked it. When I saw Jack Cummings, the producer, walking towards the rehearsal hall, I told Deb-
“The studio brought in a young lion and he was like a pussy cat. I crawled into bed with him, we wrestled, and I did every scene with him. I had padding under my uniform and around my arms, but occasionally he would nip my rump.” 22
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bie to sing the lyrics very fast. He agreed it would be a good number for the two of us.” Carpenter’s first leading role was in MGM’s Fearless Fagan in 1952. “It was loosely based on a true story about a guy who was drafted into the army and tried to take his pet lion named Fagan with him,” explained Carpenter. “I had a lion for a costar, but it was my first star billing – you just go with it!” While publicity posters promoted the film with headlines such as “Janet Leigh, Carleton Carpenter, Keenan Wynn and introducing Fearless Fagan (himself),” Carpenter says the real Fagan made only one brief appearance at the beginning of the film. “He had a double!” laughed Carpenter. “Fagan and I worked on the MGM lot for a month getting used to each other, but he was old. By the time we started filming, his trainer was worried he might hurt someone. The studio brought in a young lion and he was like a pussy cat. I crawled into bed with him, we wrestled, and I did every scene with him. I had padding under my uniform and around my arms,
MGM publicity photo of Carpenter with young lion.
but occasionally he would nip my rump.” Janet Leigh, however, wasn’t impressed with her fourlegged co-star. “Poor Janet was just terrified,” said Carpenter. “But she was well protected. Off camera, the crew were watching with loaded guns just in case!” Aside from acting, Carpenter is a songwriter and author. His mystery novels have been reissued in paperback, and signed copies are available for $10 directly from the author (write PO Box 844, Warwick, NY 10990). Janet Leigh and Carleton Carpenter in “Fearless Fagan.”
• •
Walt Disney
graduates from high school
1st Class Mail
•
rises to 3 cents an ounce
Chris’ sells their first hotdog
99 years
& counting
In the year 1917...
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 600 magazines and newspapers.
138 Dexter Ave. • Montgomery • 334-265-6850 www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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IN EVERY LIFE
Prevent Chronic Disease
5 Behaviors to Lower Risk and Severity of Chronic Disease 1) don’t smoke 2) exercise regularly 3) avoid alcohol consumption/drink in moderation 4) maintain healthy weight 5) get adequate sleep 24
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
CDC survey results Number of Health Behaviors 6.3% All 5 23.3% 4 35.4% 3 24.3% 2 8.4% 1 1.4% 0
ing again at your New Year’s resolutions, or think about a summer resolution to add at least one of these to your activities. Perhaps you could add one a month, and build up to all five by the end of the year. The cost is time and determination, but may reap benefits of increased quality of life, and decreased out-of-pocket costs for healthcare across the rest of your life. Perhaps eventually the south will be known as the healthiest region!
Percent of Respondents
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hronic diseases are those that last 6 months or longer, and because management and treatment is ongoing, are associated with high healthcare costs over Arlene Morris a lifetime. Actually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2010 people with at least one chronic condition incurred 83% of healthcare costs in the U. S. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes are currently experienced by increasing numbers of U. S. citizens. In 2010, 48% of all deaths were attributed to heart disease or cancer. Findings suggest that 50% of all adults in the U. S. experienced one chronic condition, while 25% had two or more, with the risk rising with age. The associated healthcare costs increase exponentially with more conditions. Additionally, obesity and arthritis can interfere with activities of daily living, while diabetes can lead to kidney failure, blindness, or lower limb amputation, resulting in changes in quality of life. Recently, a team of researchers reviewed findings from CDC’s 2013 telephone survey of respondents across the United States, specifically looking at information related to healthy behaviors. The 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) results were obtained from nearly 400,000 adults over age 21 to determine each respondent’s practice of five specific behaviors that have been shown to lower the risk or severity of these chronic diseases.
The 6.3% who reported that they participated in all five behaviors were more likely to be female, older adults, of Asian background, or college graduates. Those who lived in the Pacific or Rocky Mountain areas were more likely than those in the southern U. S. to engage in all five behaviors. While these findings are based on a sample and not indicative of behaviors of those who did not respond, the analysis does provide a look at what contributes to the so-called “stroke belt” or the “diabetes belt” across southern states. The five behaviors do not have a monetary cost, but do involve personal awareness and daily choices. However, engaging in more of these may reduce risk of chronic conditions. At this half-year point, consider look-
Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at amorris@ aum.edu.
Resources: n
n
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Disease Overview. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/ overview/ Whiteman, H. (2016). Few Americans engage in health behaviors that prevent chronic disease. Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/310588.php
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SOCIAL SECURITY
Diversity of Programs: Retirement
F
rom women and children, to the elderly and disabled, Social Security has you covered. Because we value and appreciate the differences that make up our nation, our programs are as Kylle’ McKinney diverse as those we serve. We’re with you throughout every stage of your life, and we’re always working to provide services that meet your changing needs. Our programs serve as vital financial protection for millions of people. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. These credits count toward retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. A program everyone should be familiar with is Social Security’s retirement program. Whether you’re a young adult
paying Social Security taxes for the first time or a retiree receiving benefits, this is a program that will affect you during and after your working years. You can learn more about your earnings and potential benefits by visiting www.ssa.gov/retire. Social Security administers the largest disability program in the nation. A severe illness or injury robs a person of the ability to work and earn a living. Thankfully, Social Security disability benefits can provide a critical source of financial support during a time of need. For more on disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. When a family loses a wage earner, it can be both emotionally and financially devastating. However, Social Security can help secure a family’s financial future if a loved one dies with survivor benefits. The best thing you can do for your family is prepare as much as possible: get started at www. socialsecurity.gov/survivors.
Social Security’s programs are neutral regarding gender, age, race, and orientation — individuals with identical earnings histories and needs are treated the same in terms of benefits. We’re proud the diverse public we serve reflects the programs we offer. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov today to see how we can serve you and secure your today and tomorrow. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by e-mail at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.
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How to Find an Old Friend FEATURE
By Bev Beckham
(Editor’s note: Bev Beckham set out to track down her high school buddy, and came up with a practical guide for anyone looking for a friend, relative or just someone you're curious about from your past.)
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here do you begin to look for someone you haven’t seen in 10, 20, maybe 50 years? Where do you start when all you have is a name and a face in a high school yearbook and no mutual friends? I sat next to a boy freshman year. It was 1960. He shared his candy with me. He drew comic strips that made me laugh. We were good friends. And then we graduated and 50 years went by. A few months ago, someone told me he had died. I didn’t want to believe it, so I decided to see for myself. Three days into my search for him, I was still at square one. I couldn’t find an obituary. I couldn’t find a news story. I called our high school and they knew nothing. I Googled, but everything was a dead end. I called every phone number I found that might have a connection to him. All had been disconnected. Then, bingo, one wasn’t. It was a South Carolina number, listed as belonging to a nephew, but a woman answered. It was one of Jack’s sisters. And she said he was alive and well. I had been close to giving up. I’d been in a maze. But a maze has a way out and I found it. Jack’s had a good life. He’s happy. It’s simple enough to find someone, anyone, though it can be time consuming and very, very frustrating. But if you don’t give up and you just keep digging, it’s possible to discover what happened to the sweet boy or girl who was your friend a lifetime ago.
Track-Them-Down Tips Start with a yearbook, notebook, or letter with the return address or old e-mail. You want anything that has specifics about the person you’re looking for. Then Google the person using this information. Something as small as including a middle initial or hometown or line of work can save you hours. You might hit pay dirt with your first try. But if Googling gets you nowhere... 26
July 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com
Go on Facebook. Tell your friends. Tell your story. I told mine. I wrote everything I knew about Jack; that he had been in the Air Force, that he had lived in Hawaii, that he was an artist. I posted his high school picture. I also asked my friends to share the post. Many did and because of this someone I don’t know did some research and found Jack’s mother’s obituary. This obituary listed her name, her deceased husband’s name, and the names of Jack’s six siblings, their husbands and wives and where they all lived. Google every name and address you find. Go to whitepages.com. This led me easily to multiple phone numbers and addresses. But because the obituary was eight years old, every phone number I called was out of service. Try www.advancedbackgroundchecks.com. It’s an amazing site ,although again, I was dead-ended; all the phone numbers listed here were either disconnected or assigned to people unrelated to Jack. But I found more addresses. Hang on to the addresses. I had multiples for each person in Jack’s family. They were my failsafe. I knew that if I found nothing online, I would write real letters to all these addresses and hope for a reply. Spread the net wider. Go back and Google the siblings again and this time write down any information you discover about their children. Then Google these names. Double-check information sent by well-meaning people. A fellow classmate insisted Jack was dead and sent what he was certain was Jack’s obituary. It was dated 1-16-01. There was Jack’s name all right. And there was some Jack’s face. But it was John Paul, not John Joseph. And it wasn’t the right face. Pick up the phone again and call the siblings’ children. Call every number you run across. Leave messages if you get a machine, because eventually you will find someone at the end of the line who will call you back and say, “You have the wrong number.” (This happened right before I got the correct number) Or, who will say, and it will be music to your ears. “Yes, I’m his sister and he’s alive and well and happy.” Note: I know you’re wondering about my big reunion with Jack. Turns out he is ultra-private and very spiritual. He has few ties with anyone from the past. I have not talked to him, but I did message him that I was glad he has had a good life. And you know what? That was enough for me. Seeing his picture his sister shared with me, seeing the serenity in his face, was worth all the digging and sleuthing. 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/
www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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MEDICARE
Prescription Drug Savings “Recent changes in the law make it easier than ever to qualify for the ‘extra help’ program.” By Bob Moos
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f you’ve ever gone a day without your medications, or cut your pills in half to make them last a little longer, there may be relief for you. People on a tight budget can get help paying for the premiums, deductible and co-payments in their Medicare drug plan. About 10 million people – about one in three people with Medicare drug coverage – now enjoy the break. But another 2 million may qualify for the help yet don’t realize it. They’re missing out on hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars in savings each year. Recent changes in the law make it easier than ever to qualify for the “extra help” program. Even if you applied and didn’t qualify before, you may be eligible now. The amount of additional assistance you’d receive depends on your income and resources. If you qualify for full help, you’ll pay no more than $2.95 for a generic drug and $7.40 for a brand-name drug. If you qualify for partial help, you’ll pay no more than 15 percent of the cost of your drugs. The program is estimated to save someone $4,000 a year on average. If you’re having difficulty affording your prescriptions, it’s worth checking out. To get the subsidy, your resources can’t be more than $13,640 if you’re single or $27,250 if you’re a married couple living together. Bank accounts, stocks and bonds count as resources, but homes, cars and personal belongings do not. Also, your annual income can’t be more than $17,820 if you’re single or $24,030 if you’re a married couple living together.
If you support family members who live with you, however, your income can be higher. In addition, the government won’t count any money you receive from friends or family for household expenses like food, rent, mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes. If this sounds like you, give yourself a break and apply. Or if you have parents or other loved ones whom you think might benefit, reach out to them. Helping them save money on their prescriptions is one of the best things you could do for them. There are three ways to sign up for extra help: n Visit the Social Security website, socialsecurity. gov/extrahelp. The online application offers stepby-step instructions and lets you work at your own pace. n Call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800772-1213, to apply over the phone or request an application. Ask for Form SSA-1020, fill it out and return it by mail. n Go to your local Social Security office and request help. Completing the form isn’t difficult, but you’ll need your Social Security number and information about bank balances, pensions and investments. Social Security will review your application and send you a letter within a few weeks letting you know if you qualify. When you sign up for extra help, Social Security can also assist you in applying for state-run programs that pay for some of your other Medicare costs. Those are called Medicare Savings Programs, and depending on your resources and income, can help cover the out-of-pocket costs for other parts of Medicare. Bob Moos is Southwest regional public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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PRIME DIVERSIONS ACROSS 1 Cavern effect 5 Cornfield call 8 “Frozen” studio 14 Amorphous mass 15 “Say again?” 16 Mercedes-Benz sedan line 17 Disapproving cries from bleacher “birds” 18 Prefix with meter 19 “I do” setting 20 *Ornamental flower with clustered blooms 23 Wall St. index 24 Steeped brew 25 Badlands bovine 29 “Green Eggs and Ham” guy 31 Marshmallow-filled snack 33 “I do” 36 *Blab about one’s romantic life 39 Brainchild 41 “Dancing With the Stars” move 42 Law school newbie 43 *Luxury car until the 1930s 46 Like deadpan humor 47 Bringing up the rear 48 Tail movement
50 “Speak up!” 51 Had a meal 54 Comment from Fido 57 *Former PBS science show with a fruit in its title logo 61 African desert 64 Beat it 65 Body support for the end of 57-Across, in a Swiss folk tale suggested by the ends of the answers to starred clues 66 Online form entry 67 __-fi 68 Ireland, in poetry 69 Sonnet features 70 1930s N.L. home run king Mel 71 __ avis DOWN 1 Flows back 2 Kids’ party performer 3 Twaddle 4 Think constantly about something 5 Food on the trail 6 Review of books? 7 Unbroken 8 Tenth: Pref.
9 Crane who fled the Headless Horseman 10 Hit very hard 11 Snooze 12 Peoria-to-Cincinnati dir. 13 French designer’s initials 21 Shipbuilding wood 22 Hedy of Hollywood 26 Use up cash 27 Persian Gulf ship 28 Nice __: prude 30 Teeny parasites 32 At the minimum setting 33 “Goodness me!” 34 Twin Cities suburb 35 Like a run-down motel 37 Go after, as a mosquito 38 Elton John’s title 40 Linked while walking, as friends 44 Circle of friends 45 H2O, to a toddler 49 Burrowing rodent 52 Sculpted figure 53 Put into law 55 “The Marriage of Figaro,” e.g. 56 Knack 58 Rolls of money 59 Agitated state 60 Funny Dame 61 Big __, California 62 Hearth remains 63 “Yo!” © 2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle Answers on page 28. 30
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HISTORY’S MYSTERIES
Do You Know These People?
A
nother trio of photos from the Alabama Department of Archives and History gives you another opportunity to help solve a mystery. The identities of the people in these photographs are unknown. If you know any of them, contact Archives & History, or Prime magazine.
Archives & History — Meredith McDonough, 334-353-5442, meredith.mcdonough@archives.alabama.gov Prime Magazine — Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com
Above: 1960-69. Boys in Newtown, a neighborhood in Montgomery, AL. Photo taken but not used for a photo spread for The Southern Courier. (Jim Peppler, photographer) Top Right: July, 1965. Employees of the Forest Hills Gulf service station, 3396 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, eating steaks as part of a Gulf Lite lighter fluid promotion. The station was owned by Herman Vinson and Lee Gore, Jr. . Right: 1950-59. Girls around the sign for the Y.W.C.A.’s Camp Grandview, Millbrook, AL. (Horace Perry, photographer) www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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July in the River Region Art Capital City Artists Reduced Price Art Sale. July1-31, Original oils, pen & inks. Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave. M- F during business hours (late Thurs.). Portion of sales benefits Montgomery Arts Council. For info call 334-322-1615 or visit Capital City Artists Facebook page. Gardening Lunch & Learn “Tree Identification.” July 6. Noon- 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. Aug. 3, “Art in the Garden.” 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. Genealogy Workshops Genealogy 101: July 9, 9 am-Noon. Hands-on, step-by-step for beginners. African-American Genealogy: Aug. 13, 9 am-Noon. Basic & Beyond. AL Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Registration $30/per workshop, $20 for Friends of the Archives. Space limited. Advance registration required. For info/register, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or contact Sarah McQueen at 334-242-4364 or sarah.mcqueen@archives. alabama.gov. EastChase Farmer’s Market Saturdays, 7 am-noon. Locally grown produce, gift items, entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations. For information call 334-279-6046. Ballet Stars on the Riverfront. Alabama Dance Theatre. July 31, Aug. 1, 7:30 pm, downtown Riverfront Amphitheater. Free. For info call 334-241-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. Singer/Songwriters Joe Thomas, Jr. Guitar Pull, July 19, 7-9 pm. Cloverdale Playhouse, Old Cloverdale. Songwriters perform/discuss their music. $10 (includes complimentary beverages). For info call 334-262-1530 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/. 32
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(334) 281-8400 www.primemontgomery.com | July 2016
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
S
Grandpa’s Boat By Niko Corley
he started life as a dual-console runabout. He bought her new in ‘87, trading in a small Boston Whaler fishing skiff for a larger Whaler fish-and-ski. Reagan was in the White House, and retirement was fresh on my grandfather’s mind. He planned to enjoy the new boat and the golden years ahead with his wife, children and growing third-generation. Though in certain areas his frugality knew no equal, sporting gear was not among them. If he bought a rifle, it was a Weatherby; shotguns were Brownings; rods and reels, they were all Shimanos. Hence, his purchase of only Boston Whalers – the “unsinkable legend” – followed this same pattern. One advertisement from Whaler’s early days depicted the company’s owner sitting cross-legged in the stern while a diver sawed the boat in two from below. The fully buoyant and separated halves were then motored or paddled off, respectively. It is said the lines of the classic Whaler hulls have a “smirk” when viewed from the bow, a confident sneer at being able to handle just about anything. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of owning the best; perhaps it was the peace of mind his family was safe on the water that pushed my grandfather toward Whalers. Maybe it was a little of both. For years she served us well as a fishing platform and water carriage. When he’d invite me along to fish for the afternoon, I always hoped it would be in “the big boat” – the 17-foot Whaler – instead of the two-man pond-hopper he kept under the carport. My preference for the Whaler likely rested in the fact that he always turned the helm over to me once we made deep water. Feet propped on the front seat, he’d issue orders for throttle and trim settings, bearings and hazards to me, his little pilot, whose smile reached from starboard to port. On the Whaler, I was always on the open sea, navigating the wind and waves, course set for some far away Bahamian locale. I knew the same landlocked waters slipping steadily under the hull would eventually make their way through the dam, or through the lock, then meander downhill for a few hundred miles toward Mobile Bay. After that, it was due south for the Gulf of Mexico, then the Caribbean. As a boy I dreamed of riding those waters, and he’d proudly assure she’d make the trip; she was a Whaler, after all, he’d say with a sly smile. After his death she became mine, and our adventures rose to new heights. At my own helm now, we began chasing new fish in new places, in both the fresh and the salt. Despite the fact the old man had mostly kept her inland, she was built for the New England coast, and hence was just as comfortable on the 34
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inshore and nearshore waters of the Emerald Coast. She is solidly built and seaworthy, qualities my grandfather knew and admired, and traits which give me not only pride but also comfort given my own growing family now rides aboard. She rides a following sea with grace and takes on a head sea surprisingly well given her size. Up against the lean post, with one hand on the wheel and the other on the throttle, even when large waves make for slow going, I know she will deliver us home. In 2012, disaster struck when her aging fuel tank sprang a leak. It needed replacing, but removal would necessitate extricating the entire interior. I pondered each of my expensive choices – even starting over – but remembered the old man’s wishes she never be sold. The only proper thing was a makeover into the ideal fishing vessel I had always felt laid at her core. Out came the consoles, the seats and the interior. In their place went a new center console, a custom leaning post with rodholders, a new tank and fuel system, new rigging, new gauges and a full wiring overhaul. With a large fish hooked, an angler can run up and down the full length of either gunwale during the fight. Her stern deck is open and uncluttered, aiding the trolling of multiple lines. It took months of late nights, but when she hit the water for the first time as a reborn vessel, there was a bit more grin to the “smirk”. I christened her Skilitsa II, “little dog” in my grandfather’s native Greek. The first Skilitsa, an 80-footer, belonged to my great-grandfather, a Greek merchant mariner in the early 20th century. Carrying on that name seemed a fitting homage. While she started life as a dual-console runabout, Skilitsa II has become much more. After three decades, she’s a conversation piece, an heirloom and a piece of family history. With young ones of my own eager for the water, I both smile in anticipation of the next 30 years aboard and smirk at the fond memories made, long ago, between a little boy and his grandfather.
Niko Corley is a USCG-licensed charter boat captain and spends his free time on the water or in the woods. To contact him email niko.corley@gmail.com
Niko Corley
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