Prime Magazine June 2015

Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

FREE FOR YOU

June 2015

18 ways to get rid of

stress

plus: Tips for finding airfare bargains

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June 2015

Table of Contents Editor’s Note

4

Quick Reads

6

A Gracious Plenty

8

Grilling (with) Dad on Fathers Day

Yard ‘n Garden 10 Daylilies

Our History 11

Do you know these people?

Social Security 12

Secure your retirement

MoneyWi$e 13

Save money on airfares

Strange Obelisks 14

Mystery on Woodley Road

Relationships 16

9 tips to make them better MoneyWi$e Columnist Alan Wallace offers time-tested tips to save you money on your next flight.. (Page 13)

De-Stress Your Life 20

18 tips to calm you down

Mile High 24

Breathless in Denver

Puzzles 27 Tinseltown Talks 28

Captain Kirk as a father

Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

FREE FOR YOU

June 2015

18 ways to get rid of

stress

plus: Tips for finding airfare bargains

Stress comes in many forms, and so do ways to fight it.

Among the 18 ways to combat stress presented here, you’ll surely find several to help you calm down from a stressful week.

(Pg 20. Image 123rf.)

Be Social, Be Healthy 30

Why other people matter

In Every Life 31

Water: the fluid of life

Medicare 33 Q&A

June DVD Releases 35 Your Pain Medicines 36

Are they right for you?

Calendar 37 Off the Beaten Path 38 Two is more than 12

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

3

Prime

MONTGOMERY

June 2015 Vol. 6, Issue 3

PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Jackie Dishner, Andrea Gross, Tim Lennox CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Terese Goodson, Kylle’ McKinney, Arlene Morris, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Corley, Irv Green, Tim Lennox 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 2015 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals.

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

EDITOR’S NOTE “What’s on your bucket list?” It was a simple question, but one I wasn’t prepared to answer, when a dear friend posed it to me a few months back.

“I don’t have a concrete list of important life goals I’d like to achieve, if that’s what you mean,” I said. “Of course I have some vague notions of things I’d like to do in the next few years, but nothing chiseled in stone.” I laughed, hoping to move the slightly uncomfortable conversation to a new topic. Not so easy. This lifelong friend is nothing if not persistent.

“So what are those things?” she pressed, sharing her own bucket list as a means to spur me on.

The gauntlet had been thrown down. I instinctively knew the creation of such a list wasn’t a bad idea (just as I knew I’d never hear the end of it if I didn’t present one). That said, I produced my list in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Big Bang Theory.

More than just a dream, I tried to make all the items realistic, “do-able.” Some elements of the list are not very ambitious. Regardless, they’re still goals I’d like to achieve. Once I’d completed the list, I was glad to have it on paper — a work-inprogress I feel I can add to and from which I can hopefully delete items once they’re accomplished. (I hope! I hope!) Except for my friend, I haven’t shared my bucket list with anyone, not even my family. But I know success rates in accomplishing goals relate to being held accountable. So here’s my list, for God and man to see: 1. Compile a cookbook of family recipes to pass down to our children.

2. Make exercise more of my daily routine and accept it as a part of daily life.

3.Visit the birthplace of my maternal grandfather, now a ghost town on the western coast of Turkey. I’d like to gather as much genealogical detail as possible and begin the difficult job of piecing the ancestry together.

4. Sell a painting at an art show.

5. Write a children’s book.

6. Take a cooking class on the Amalfi coast.

7. Learn French hand sewing.

8. Transcribe my journals from a backpacking trip across Europe in 1976, and couple them with the pictures I took. Self-published books are easy to produce these days, and I’d love to see the images from that once-in-a-lifetime trip combined with the thoughts I had as a 23-year-old girl.

9. Visit Greece with our entire family — husband, children, and grandchildren.

10. Make a list of places in the US and around the world I’d like to visit and do it.

11. Learn French — more than the “comment allez-vous?” I remember from college.

I confess I haven’t accomplished any of these dreams yet. I am painting, I’m trying to exercise more regularly (emphasis on “trying”), there’s an on-line conversational French program I’m perusing, I’ve started to compile my recipes, and I’ve begun outlining of my maternal ancestry (thankfully, a well-organized first cousin has completed the paternal side! But at this point everything is just a work in progress. Not a single, solitary check mark anywhere on the paper.

Do you have a bucket list? Would you share it with Prime readers? If so, please contact me at primeeditor@gmail.com or give me a call at 334-462-7285. We’d love to talk with you and share your dreams — and just as important — your roadmap for checking items off this very important list. I look forward to talking with you!

Sandra Polizos Editor 4

June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

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

Alabama Department of Archives & History presents

REMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR

A SYMPOSIUM ON WORLD WAR I June 22, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

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QUICK READS Alzheimer's Disease & Parkinson's Skin Test A small, early study suggests a skin test may someday be able to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Researchers at the Central Hospital at the University of San Luis Potosi in Mexico have found skin biopsies can show the high levels of abnormal proteins often associated with the two diseases. Skin and brain tissue are similar, and so researchers looked at skin as a way to identify and diagnose the disease earlier.

Compared to healthy people and those with non-Alzheimer's dementia, the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients had seven times higher levels of a protein called tau. The researchers also found that Parkinson's patients had eight times higher levels of a protein called alpha-synuclein, compared with healthy people. Currently, a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease cannot be developed for a living person, since the only definitive way to diagnose the disease comes from examining brain tissue from a biopsy. More research is needed to confirm these results.

Sleep Loss & Weight Gain Losing as little as 30 minutes of sleep per day on weekdays can have longterm consequences for body weight and metabolism, a new study finds. The results were presented in March 2015 at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society.

Because of social and work commitments, people often accumulate sleep debt during weekdays and make up for lost sleep over the weekend. But weekday sleep debt may lead to long-term metabolic disruption, which may promote the onset of, or exacerbate the progression of, type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study found that for every 30 minutes of weekday sleep debt at baseline, the risk of obesity and insulin resistance was significantly increased by 17% and 39%, respectively.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

A Season for Type 1 Diabetes?

Our immune systems vary with the seasons, according to a study led by the University of Cambridge, which help explain why certain conditions such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis are aggravated in winter while people tend to be healthier in the summer.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that the activity of almost 25% of our genes differs according to the time of year, with some more active in winter and others more active in summer. This seasonality also affects our immune cells and the composition of our blood and adipose tissue (fat).

Scientists have known for some time that various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric disorders display seasonal variation, as does vitamin D metabolism. However, this is the first time that researchers have shown that this may be due to seasonal changes in how our immune systems function.

Scientists have long known there are more diagnoses of Type 1 diabetes in winter. This study begins to reveal why – identifying a biological mechanism not previously known, which leaves the body seasonally more prone to the autoimmune attack seen in Type 1 diabetes.

— ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com/

Fitness for Two New research led by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that if one spouse improves his or her exercise regimen, the other spouse is significantly more likely to follow suit. Findings suggest a better approach to helping people boost their physical activity might be to counsel married couples together instead of individually.

The American Heart Association recommends adults exercise at moderate intensity for a minimum of 150 minutes per week or at vigorous intensity at least 75 minutes per week. They found when a wife met recommended levels of exercise at the first visit, her husband was 70% more likely to meet those levels at subsequent visits than those whose wives were less physically active. When a husband met recommended exercise levels, his wife was 40% more likely to meet the levels at follow-up visits.

Long-Term Depression & Stroke Risk Adults over 50 who have persistent symptoms of depression may have twice the risk of stroke as those who do not, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Researchers found stroke risk remains higher even after symptoms of depression go away, particularly for women. The study was published online in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The researchers suggest depression may influence stroke risk through physiological changes involving accumulation of vascular damage over the long term. Damage may also be incurred indirectly through depression’s effect on health behaviors, including increased risk of smoking and physical inactivity.

When a Stroke Strikes, Act F.A.S.T.!

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. It can happen to anyone at any age. A stroke is a brain attack that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. Brain cells begin to die.

People can significantly reduce their risk of stroke by controlling risk factors including tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes), diabetes, obesity and heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

It’s critically important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and to call 911 right away.

Recognizing stroke symptoms can be easy if you remember to think FAST: n Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? n Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? n Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.

Does the speech sound slurred or strange? n Time - If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

7

A GRACIOUS PLENTY

Father’s Day Grilling T his year, recognize dad with the gift he’s really looking forward to receiving - a feast fit for a steak-loving king, shared with family and friends.

Fire up the grill and serve up robust, savory cuts, such as T-bone or Rib Crown selections for your Father’s Day celebrations. The T-bone is a thick cut to give you more bone-in strip and butter-tender Filet Mignon for even the heartiest of appetites, while the Rib Crown is carved from the most prized part of the Ribeye and is known for exceptional marbling, flavor and tenderness.

For exceptional steaks every time, incorporate these tips: 1. Clean and heat your grill on high.

2. Blot dry any moisture using a clean paper towel, and then lightly oil the steak before you put it on the grill. This helps the searing process and prevents sticking.

3. Season your food before grilling.

4. Sear the outside of steaks when grilling. This really helps 8

June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

with the flavor and juiciness.

5. Use tongs or a spatula to turn your meat on the grill. Using a fork can damage and dry out the meat.

6. Cover your grill as much as possible during the grilling process. This helps to lock in the grilled flavor and will help prevent flare-ups.

7. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to douse any unexpected flare-ups.

8. Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after you turn over the food. This will give you an evenly cooked product.

9. Place your cooked product on a clean plate. Never place cooked product on the plate you used to transport the raw product to the grill without thoroughly washing it first.

10. Allow your steaks to “rest” for 5 minutes between cooking and eating. This will help retain moisture when you cut into them.

T-Bone Steaks & Dad’s Steak Rub (serves 4)

Dad’s Steak Rub (yields 1/2 cup) 4 Tbsp. coarse sea salt or kosher salt 1 Tbsp. coarse ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. coarse dehydrated onion flakes 1/2 Tbsp. coarse dehydrated garlic 1/2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper 1 tsp. whole dill seed 1 tsp. dried whole thyme 1 tsp. whole cumin (toasted and crushed coarse) 1 tsp. whole coriander (toasted and crushed coarse)

4 T-Bone Steaks 2 tablespoons cooking oil Dad’s Steak Rub (see recipe) Thaw steaks overnight in refrigerator or quick thaw by placing sealed steaks in sink with water 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Prepare rub recipe.

Heat grill on medium.

Blot dry steaks with clean paper towel, then brush each side with cooking oil.

Generously season both sides of steaks with rub. Grill steaks to desired doneness.

For medium rare steak, grill for about 8 minutes on first side and 6-7 minutes on second side.

Combine all and mix well. Store in air tight container or zip lock bag for up to 6 months.

Note: To prepare cumin and coriander, toast by placing in dry pan over medium heat, shaking pan about 2-3 minutes until seasonings start to brown. Crush using bottom of pan on cutting board or with mortar and pestle.

Prime Editor “Cooks” on Troy Public Radio Prime Editor Sandra Polizos recently recorded a trio of recipes for Troy Public Radio’s In Focus program, hosted by Carolyn Hutcheson weekdays at noon. One recipe aired in May, another will be broadcast in June, and the final recipe in July. All three represent Polizos’ Greek heritage.

June 17 — Loukoumathes Deep fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and finely chopped nuts.

July 15 — Peasant Moussaka A recipe handed down from her grandmother, who was born on the Greek island of Chios.

Troy Public Radio: WTSU 89.9 Montgomery/Troy; WRWA 88.7 Dothan; WTJB 91.7 Columbus, GA/Phenix City, AL

Rib Crown Steaks & Roasted Root Vegetables (serves 4) 4 Rib Crown Steaks 2 Tbsp. cooking oil 2 Tbsp. Dad's Steak Rub (see recipe) Roasted Root Vegetables (see recipe) Thaw steaks overnight in refrigerator or quick thaw by placing sealed steaks in sink with water for 15-30 minutes.

Prepare rub and vegetables.

Heat grill on high. Blot dry steaks with clean paper towel, then brush each side with cooking oil.

Generously season both sides of steaks with rub.Grill steaks to desired doneness.

For medium rare steak, grill for about 5 minutes on first side and 3-4 minutes on second side.

Serve each steak with vegetables.

Roasted Root Vegetables (serves 4) 2 pounds mixed root vegetables (carrots, red beets, yellow beets, turnips, celery root, baby purple potatoes, baby gold potatoes) 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Heat oven to 400∞F. Wash and peel root vegetables. Cut into even size wedges about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place on foil lined sheet pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until all vegetables are done, stirring once half way through cooking time.

Courtesy Family Features. For more steak recipes for your Father's Day celebration, visit www.omahasteaks.com. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

9

YARD ‘N GARDEN

Daylilies in Bloom

By Terese Goodson

L

ook carefully as you are driving down the highway. You will probably see orange “ditch” lilies waving their trumpet shapes in the breeze along the roadside. Well, guess what?

The daylily world has evolved to more than 79,000 registered varieties and it’s no longer just Grandma’s ditch lily. You can easily find a rainbow of colors, shapes, and sizes. And all are daylilies, part of the “hemerocallis” family. The American Hemerocallis Society’s website (http://www.daylilies.org) provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about daylilies.

There is also an online database listing every cultivar (daylily) that has been registered and it includes information about color, height, bloom time, reblooming qualities, and the person who hybridized the plant. Photos are available for most of the named varieties.

Daylilies come in a variety of colors, but you might not know pure white and true blue daylilies are NOT in existence as of now. You can be sure hybridizers are working diligently to be the first ones to see one of these colors blooming in their garden.

Daylilies can have unique patterns, shapes, and edges. Some are as small as two inches, while other flowers can be 11 inches.

Many flower forms are available in the daylily world: single blooms, doubles, spiders, and unusual forms.

Such variety is so unexpected!

Daylilies are often called the perfect perennial because they can survive with very little care in many different types of climates. They have few diseases and, given about six hours of sun a day, will provide years of fabulous blooms. To maximize color in your landscape, select daylilies that bloom early, midseason, and late. Look for plants that have heavy bud counts on numerous branches. Even though a daylily only blooms one day, hence the name, large bud counts make the daylily appear to be in bloom for days and weeks at a time.

Have you looked in your yard in the winter and worried that all your daylilies have died? Don’t panic! Daylilies can be dormant, with the leaves dying back completely and emerging in the spring, or they can be evergreen, with foliage remaining green all winter.

Before you purchase your daylilies, think about where you will plant them. Look for a sunny location and prepare your soil, adding compost or other materials so that it can drain sufficiently. Follow these American Hemerocallis Society suggestions for planting your daylilies: n Dig a hole larger than the root mass. n Make a mound in the center of the hole. n Set the plant in place with the roots spread on all sides of the mound.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents FREE LUNCH & LEARN “Roses for the Faint of Heart” June 3, 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. Armory Learning Arts Center 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery Bring a Sack Lunch - Drinks Provided For more information contact the Montgomery County Extension Office (334) 270-4133 n

n

New plants should be planted about as deep as they grew originally.The original depth can be determined easily by the band of white at the base of the foliage which indicates the part of the plant which was underground.

Do not set the crown (i.e., the point where foliage and roots join) more than 1 inch below the surface of the soil.

Work the soil around and between the roots as you cover the plant. n Firm the soil and water well. n Make sure that there are no air pockets; this can cause the plant to grow poorly. n When all the water has soaked in, finish filling in the soil, leaving a slight depression around the plant. n Space your daylilies about 18-24” apart on each side, allowing room for each plant to grow. n Mulching your plants improves the soil and helps to retain moisture.

Now that you are excited about planting daylilies around your yard, where can you purchase them? A great start would be to head to the Montgomery Area Daylily Society’s annual daylily sale at Eastdale Mall, June 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Hundreds of registered daylily plants will be available for purchase. Additional information will also be on hand through posters, displays, and simply by talking to the many daylily enthusiasts conducting the sale.Who knows, you might just get hooked once you see the many colorful blooms on display from members’ gardens! Check out the website, too: www.montgomeryareadayluilysociety.com Terese Goodson, a Master Gardener in the Capital City Master Gardener Association since 2012, lives in Montgomery and is President of the Montgomery Area Daylily Society. For information on becoming a master gardener, visit the website, www. capcitymga.org or e-mail capcitymga@gmail.com.

OUR HISTORY: RECOGNIZE US?

O

ur on-going photo series with the Alabama Department of Archive and History brings three additional photographs for your perusal. The goal is to identify the individuals in the photos, taken by Montgomery-area photographers John E. Scott, Jim Peppler and Horace Perry. If you have any information about the people in these photos contact Meredith McDonough, meredith. mcdonough@archives.alabama.gov, 334-353-5442, or e-mail us at primemontgomery@gmail.com.

Three children, seated at a classroom table, talking on telephones during a Southern Bell training class. On the wall behind them are coloring sheets featuring a telephone and the children's names and phone numbers. Photo taken in 1959 by Horace Perry.

Boyett’s Auto Service, 1146 S. Decatur St., Montgomery. Photo taken Mar. 27, 1963 by John E. Scott.

Norman Lumpkin, News Director of radio station WRMA in Montgomery, talking to a group of children. Lumpkin later worked with WSFA-TV, Montgomery. Photo taken between 1965-68

by Jim Peppler.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

11

SOCIAL SECURITY

Secure Your Retirement Plan A

chieving financial independence is key to enjoying a satisfying retirement.

Social Security has many tools to help you plan for your future.

Prepare for a secure, comfortable retirement Kylle’ McKinney by visiting www. socialsecurity. gov/myaccount. Once there, open a secure my Social Security account and assess your financial needs.You’ll get immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement, your earnings record, and an estimate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70.You can also ensure your earnings are correct, since your future benefits are based on your earnings record.

Choosing when to retire is an important decision. At our Retirement Estimator, which you can find at www.socialsecurity. gov/estimator, you can get an estimate of your future benefit amount.You can use “what if” scenarios to see how your benefit amounts will change with different retirement dates and future

earnings estimates.

Also, visit www.myra.gov to check out myRA, a new retirement savings option from the Department of the Treasury for the millions of Americans who face barriers to saving for retirement. myRA is a simple, secure, and affordable way to help you take control of your future.

Once you are ready to retire, apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire. Our online retirement application is the easiest and fastest way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. It can take you as little as 15 minutes to complete.There are no forms to sign, and usually no documentation is required. Additionally, you can apply online from the convenience of your home.

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

With all of these resources in place, you, too, can prepare to reap the joys of a financially secure retirement. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

MONEYWI$E

Save on Airfares N

o one likes paying more than necessary for a good or service, and knowing how to shop for airfares can save you enough to justify the effort.

Here are some time-tested tips and tricks to stretch your air travel dollars.

Time & Timing 1. Buying your ticket well ahead of Alan Wallace time often saves money. Research suggests the best fares have sold out by four weeks from departure. Start looking 6-15 weeks before you plan to travel. Shop earlier for international flights or travel to hot spots at popular times.

2. Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday or a holiday (not just before or after) often saves money. Avoid heavy travel days when seat demand is highest, including the heavy business travel days of Sunday and Friday.

3. Flexibility on the dates and time of day you travel can help you score cheaper seats.

4. If you are flexible about when and where you travel, look for cheap last-minute weekend fares. For instance, if you want to visit Boston some day, check for cheap fares close to an open weekend when you want to travel.

Comparison Shop 1. Online tools make shopping easier than ever. Use multiple comparative sites and check individual airline sites, especially those of low-cost airlines that may not book through Expedia, Orbitz, etc. Kayak and Google Flights are among those worth a try.

2. Check frequently over a period of weeks, up to four times a day. Some of the best fares are posted between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Central Time. With some sites you can leave the search page open and simply refresh after a few hours to get updated results.

3. Shop alternate nearby airports. For instance, consider LaGuardia as well as JFK, Birmingham and Atlanta as well as Montgomery.

The cost difference can justify flying out of or into a different airport.

4. More one-way fares are being priced attractively. Try mixing and matching one-way fares, perhaps using different airports.

5. See if adding a stop saves enough to justify the extra time and aggravation.

6. Some airlines and booking tools offer free online alerts to fare changes, promotions, etc. For instance, you can sign up with Southwest for Ding! which will alert you to short-duration offers.

7. Be sure that quoted fares include all taxes and fees.

Compare apples to apples.

8.You can hold many fares for 24 hours before paying. Once you book, check for a cheaper fare within that time window. If you find one, you may be able to cancel and rebook.

Other Ideas 1. Use miles from loyalty programs.

2. For an annual fee some loyalty program credit cards offer benefits like free checked bags and a free/cheap companion fare once a year. Choose wisely and watch for changing terms and conditions.

3. Check the flight restrictions in case you have to cancel or change. For higher dollar tickets far in advance, consider trip insurance if you have concerns about changes that would result in forfeiting the cost of your booking.

Finally, spend enough time to determine what the usual price range is for the air travel you want. This takes some time and it is important to be patient and not rush to premature conclusions. Once you feel you know what a good deal looks like, you are ready to lock in when you spot one. After that, don’t worry about what you might have left on the table.You will rarely be that person who gets the very best deal. Be satisfied that you got a good deal, even if someone else did better.You will enjoy life more if you consciously adopt an attitude of contentment instead of beating yourself up about missing an extra $30 savings on a $600 flight.

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 334-2705960, or by e-mail at alan.wallace@ronblue.com.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

13

Mysterious Markers FEATURE

of Woodley Road

By Tim Lennox

L

ook closely as you drive in the 2000 block of Woodley Road in Montgomery, and you'll notice stone markers sticking up in the front yards of several homes. Mike Martin and his wife have lived in one of those houses for thirty years. He's gotten used to mowing around the stone, thinking now and then of digging it up to make life easier. But what are they, and what do the numbers on them mean?

“I don't know what they mean at all,” says Martin, “...24 plus 46, whatever it is, I don't know what that means. I don't have a clue!”

Asked if he knew there were other markers in the neighborhood Martin said, “No I did not, till I talked to you.”

I thought they were mile markers when I first saw them and considered writing this story.

The idea to mark the distances along

Several concrete markers along a short stretch of Woodley Road, each with a slightly different number sequence, sent the author on a months’ long quest to discover their origin and purpose.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

roads started in the Roman the road right-of-way lines Era. I thought the stones along on the ground, “ Speake said.

Woodley Road might date to “Normally after the road is the building of the Montgomery constructed, concrete rightroad. But when I called Greg of-way markers are placed Spies, with the state Association on the right-of-way lines of Surveyors, his simple quesfor future reference and to tion killed my theory. identify location of the road “Are they a mile apart?” he right-of- way. “ asked.

According to Speake, these Well, no. In fact there are markers are usually (but not only five visible in front yards always) placed at beginning on the road, and the numbers and ends of highway curves don't seem to bear any relation and/or where a right-of-way to miles to or from…anything. I line changes direction, such as sent him the first photos I took corners. of one of the stones with the “In residential subdivisions,” numbers all but worn off. he said, “typically (but not He wrote back, explaining always) iron pins are placed that the markers indicate the flush with the ground at all lot start and finish of segments of corners by which right-of-way a road. lines can be re-established as “I think they are roadway needed.” markers and & the numbers And can Mr. Martin dig up stamped on them are roadway the one in his front yard? station numbers. The close-up “As permanent as they shows what looks like 00 and a look, unfortunately, many of station on a roadway is always these type monuments end designated as 100+00, meanup getting destroyed by heavy ing, in this example, 10,000 equipment,” Speake said. feet from the beginning of the State or County highway roadway segment.” workers will use the markSpies suggested I talk with ers the next time they pave Mike Martin eyes the deeply buried pillar of concrete in his front Montgomery County Engineer Woodley Road, and without yard, fronting Woodley Road.

George Speake, P.E., P.L.S, and the stone guide, Martin might he confirmed it. find the asphalt running across most valuable to surveyors when and “These are very old conhis front lawn rather than if it becomes necessary to establish crete right-of-way markers. They are along it.

Martin says he is willing to keep pulling out the weed-eater to cut the grass around the odd stone pillar he has o mpre h e nsive looked at for so long. He says he never edical & urgical even notices it anymore.

“I did ask somebody one time — I care for your eyes. don't remember who it was — what is this thing and can I get rid of it, • Diabetic Eye Care because it is a pain to mow around.

• Cataract & Glaucoma surgery And whoever it was, I am sure he was • Pediatric eye care (newborns to teens) • Ptosis surgery (drooping eyelids/brows) not an authority on anything, said, 'Oh • Treatment of eyelid lesions/repair of eyelids no, you can't move that' so it has never • Blepharoplasty (removal of excess fat, skin, muscle) been touched. So I don't know how • Botox® treatment (improve creases, frown lines, crow’s feet) deep it goes, maybe the pirates buried • Refractive surgery (reduce dependency on glasses/contacts) a treasure there and this is his marker.”

Sorry, Mike, the answer was less Roy T. Hager, M.D., F.A.C.S. | James D. Izer, M.D. exciting, but at least the decades old Charles N. Robbins, M.D. | Richard M. Murphy, O.D. mystery is now solved.

C M

4255 Carmichael Court N. Montgomery • 334-277-9111

S

EYE

F A C T S

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

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

Visit ITEC’s website at www.eyes-itec.com

Tim Lennox is on Alabama News Network's morning show on CBS 8 and ABC Montgomery from 5:00 till 7:00 a.m. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

15

FEATURE

Relationship Wisdoms To Pass Down

By Jackie Dishner, grandparents.com

After three marriages and another on the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about partnering. And since there’s nothing more comforting than finding that person who makes you laugh, shares your values and appreciates your flaws, here are nine things I’d tell my kids about nurturing the relationships they already have or attracting the ones they may be looking for now.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

1) Almost everything is a laughing matter The reason for most of the arguments you’ll ever have will be forgotten long before they are resolved. So find a reason to laugh through the difficult times. That includes medical emergencies and life-threatening illnesses. Being able to find the light-heartedness in almost every situation will save you from needless heartache. It’s also a lot more enriching to be able to look back on what made you laugh in life than what almost derailed you.

2) Making the bed is a sign of love I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “It’s the little things that count.” It’s so true.

So why not take turns making the bed for each other? Better yet, fold the laundry and put the clothes away.You know how great it feels when you come home to find your clothes all neatly folded and put away in the proper drawers, or your socks folded or rolled up just the way you like them. These little things that you do for each other show you care, and they make you feel good, too.

3) Share the chores Look for the guy (or be the guy) who cleans up

after himself and let him. It’s okay if you have to ask him to do it, or teach him how to do it first. Some people need to be trained a little more than others, but no hassling him if he doesn’t do it your way. It’s the help that matters, not the technique.

And don’t let yourself get annoyed when your partner asks you to do something in a pinch, such as picking up the laundry or grabbing a gallon of milk at the market. Sharing the chores means you get things done conveniently for both of you. It also means you respect each other’s time and space, stepping in and stepping back as needed.

4) Don’t be in a rush to get married Whether this is your first or second attempt at wedded bliss, don’t hurry that walk down the aisle. Enjoy each other’s company alone and with friends first. Explore interests that you share and those that you don’t, without trying to be what you’re not. Rather, accept the wonder of your differences.

Assess your values. Make sure you both communicate on adult terms and not on the emotionallycharged ones you may have used with a prior partner. If your gut tells you, “No match here,” be willing to listen and strong

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

17

enough to move on.

5) Fight fair The first rule of relationships should be: Listen.You can avoid most arguments by actively listening to your mate and letting him clarify the meaning, and vice versa. Each of you likely has a valid point of view.You don’t even have to agree.

You just want to be sure you heard correctly so that there are fewer misunderstandings. Listening is a sign of respect, which goes a long way toward preserving a relationship. That should be your ultimate goal.

6) Respect each other’s interests You have your friends. He has his. The same with your interests. They don’t always intersect. But partnering shouldn’t mean you have to give that up. Continuing to enjoy time alone, by yourself, and with your friends ensures you continue having interesting things to discuss when you return for time together. Give each other space to let that happen. And never push your partner into doing something you know he or she doesn’t enjoy.

7) Give up on the ideal Young couples have fun ways of creating fantasy. They see their lives together as going or looking a certain way. At some point, you’ll realize life doesn’t always work out the way you envisioned, that the ideal doesn’t really exist. Don’t let that scare you. Life is not meant to be static. That doesn’t mean you give up. It just means you can be flexible now. It’s going 18

June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

to be okay if plans you had in mind don’t actually come to fruition. This is your time to learn to relax, make new plans, and accept inevitable change.

8) Get rid of guilting and shaming Trying to guilt or shame your partner into getting what you want or doing what you want serves no one, least of all you.

This kind of manipulation can actually tear a relationship apart by building mistrust. Instead, be authentic. Get real. Just ask for what you want clearly and openly. Then accept the answer given to you. It may not always be what you desire. But it will be okay, regardless. And who knows? You may be happily surprised.

9) Love means letting go of the past You’re going to have arguments. Some of them will be huge.

He’ll yell.You’ll yell. There may be the slamming of a door. The kids will run and hide, or peek out the crack of a doorway to make sure all is going to be okay. It will if, afterward, you remember this one important thing: Let go of your anger. It’s okay to feel it. It’s not okay to hold onto it. That’s destructive, both to you and the relationship. Apologize for the disruption and then think like you’re a character in Frozen. Let it go.

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

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Our bodies did not evolve to spend hours in a chair or on a couch, yet today’s culture, more than ever, finds many of us at a desk for eight hours or more, sitting down all day, e-mailing our office mates rather than walking down the hall. Despite their image of active senior living, Boomers shouldn’t rest on their laurels—or their recliners. Follow a regular exercise program and be sure to engage in regular small amounts of activity throughout the day.

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De-Stress

FEATURE

Yourself S

tress is often seen as a negative effect on the body, but it is very essential to life. It is the “fight or flight� system that is naturally part of our survival system. Stress is bad when it overwhelmingly impacts our health equilibrium. Everyone deals with stress, in one way or another. It is associated with higher levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Accumulated unmanaged stress can lead to major physical and psychological illness, including depression, overeating, excessive sleep, and irritability. While it is impossible to avoid stress completely, it is possible to manage your stress. Here are a few ways:

1. Get a massage.

Massage has been shown to be effective in reducing mental and physical stress. In one study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, massage helped lessen stress and pain in patients who have chronic pain.

Another study in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing suggested that 15 minute massages helped reduce the psychological stress of their test subjects. Massage lowers the level of cortisol and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

2. Go for a walk.

Going for a walk can clear your mind and keep your body healthy. Walking helps increase your endorphins, giving you a euphoric feeling while reducing cortisol levels.

In addition to providing a boost of energy, walking also reduces fatigue. Simply being outside helps eliminate stress and increase memory and attention span.

3. Pets help reduce stress.

Pet therapy helps reduce anxiety and stress for many people. Research has shown that patients experienced a 37% reduction in anxiety if they spent time with animals before their medical procedures. Having an animal around distracts people from their worries.

Stress relief pets lower blood pressure and cortisol.

While dogs and cats are usually the choice of pet for stress relief, other animals can also help. The simple distraction of watching fish in an aquarium has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

4. Drink tea.

Green tea lowers your blood pressure and is full of antioxidants beneficial for your health. In one six week study, individuals drinking black tea had lower cortisol and stress levels than subjects drinking placebo drinks.

5. Get proper sleep.

Research in children has shown higher levels of cortisol after disruptive sleep.

After restful, high quality sleep and peaceful naps, cortisol levels decrease. Another study on healthy young men has shown that taking proper naps throughout the day also lowers cortisol levels.

6. Deep breathe.

By taking deep, slow breaths, blood pressure and heart rate slow down, counteracting the effects of stress. Deep breathing allows you to relax and clear your mind. Also used in meditation, this stress-re liever has been shown to reduce anxiety and help individuals suffering with depression.

7. Work out.

Hit the gym or go for a run. Exercise allows your body and mind to focus on something that is healthy for your well-being. While it distracts you from the cause of your stress, it also increases your endorphins and decreases your levels of cortisol.

Endorphins are the natural “feel good� hormones released when you exercise.

The more aerobic your workout, the more endorphins your body releases.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

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8. Use guided visualization.

This is a technique that many people use to relax, control their stress, and achieve goals. Research shows that subjects report less perceived and dyadic stress after using guided visualization.

Guided visualization allows people to imagine and consciously think about certain issues, helping them work through stressful problems.

9. Aromatherapy can be calming.

Certain plant oils have been found to relieve nervous tension or anxiety. The scents of some plants, such as lavender, can ease stress and relax us.

Scents can create a mood and some may even help us recall pleasant memories or thoughts associated with a smell.

Aromatherapy is often used with massage, meditation, and hot baths and can provide a calming experience for those who use it.

10. Turn your phone off.

Your smartphone provides access to the rest of the world, which can be a stress enabler. Constant contact with events occuring in your close online circle or in the world at large can create anxiety.

According to one study, access to work-related emails through smartphones causes higher stress in individuals.

By turning off your phone, you shut the external stress out, allowing you to focus on yourself and your immediate surroundings. Escaping technology can be a very relaxing experience, whether it’s for a weekend or during a longer vacation.

11. Enjoy a hot bath.

A hot bath can help relieve the tension in your muscles, lessen the pain on your body, and provide a comforting environment.

It also promotes blood circulation and calms the nervous system. Water can be infused with minerals

and other products such as Dead Sea salts or aromatic oils to produce a soothing feeling.

12. Meditate.

Meditation has been used for thousands of years to assist with relaxation. It is an inexpensive technique that can be used for releasing stress and allowing you to clear your mind.

Pairing it with breathing exercises can further lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Meditation can help you find tranquility and clarity in your thoughts.

13. Practice yoga.

Yoga is an excellent weight and stress management tool.

It helps with balance, flexibility, and strengthening your core.

Studies have shown that yoga is a promising method of reducing anxiety and stress.

While yoga should not completely replace pharmacological medication to help with anxiety and stress, some professionals recommend it to supplement pharmacological medicine.

Yoga originated in India and has been around for more than 5,000 years.

14. Laugh.

Going to a comedy show or watching a funny movie will help manage your stress. One study showed that there are lower levels of the salivary endocrinological stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) in people who watched a humorous movie. Along with less stress, these subjects also reported a feeling of being uplifted and fulfilled.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

One study has shown that postsurgical patients who listened to music had reduced stress levels compared to patients who had not.

Research also shows that people from different cultural backgrounds may prefer different types of music for pain and stress relief. While everyone’s preference is different, find music that is soothing for you.

15. Write down your thoughts.

Keeping a journal or diary of your thoughts and activities allows you to better express yourself. It may help you understand your feelings, organize your thoughts, and reflect on your choices.

Your journal is a place for you to release emotions that you wouldn’t otherwise let out. Another positive aspect of journaling is writing down your negative emotions, enabling you to move on with the positive ones.

16. Try a craft.

Finding a hobby and keeping your hands busy will distract your mind from stressors. Studies have shown that doing a craft enhances relaxation, especially for children and seniors. It is used quite often as a therapeutic healing method.

Crafting is helpful because it allows you to express yourself in an artistic way.

18. Avoid caffeine.

Try to avoid coffee, energy drinks, and other drinks that are heavy in caffeine.

Caffeine increases catecholamines and cortisol – stress hormones – while increasing dopamine for a fast “feel good” response that will wear off quickly and make you feel low. Try drinking green tea instead.

17. Listen to music.

Music can affect an individual’s moods or thoughts.

Prime Art Director Receives Award Prime Art Director Callie Corley, a member of the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), was honored recently by the League and presented with a JLB Women To Watch award.

Takeaway Point: Stress is needed for survival, but it is important to control your stress. If left unmanaged, it can build up and cause psychological and physical harm.

Stress relief is different for everyone; how one person manages their anxiety and stress may not necessarily work well for someone else. Explore different methods to find the solution that works best for you.

(L-R) Alison Scott, JLB President, Callie Corley, Allison Crotwell, Communications VP.

Courtesy: LabDoor.com www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

23

FEATURE

Above: Mountains are visible from most points in Denver, but the actual city is flat.

Below: Bison roam in large fields just a few miles from both the Denver airport and the downtown area.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

Breathless in Denver Story by Andrea Gross; Photos by Irv Green

I

was told Denver would take my breath informative and classy museum. (www. away. First there’s the surprise. Denver kirklandmuseum.org) is flat. Most visitors envision exiting the airport and finding themselves surModern Talk — Imagine listening rounded by snow-capped peaks. Nope. to two experts discuss such disparate Denver is the gateway to the Rockies; it’s topics as “Machiavelli & Fresh Meat not in the Rockies. You’ll have to drive Sausage” or “Minimalism & Giant Woma half hour or more before you’ll need bats.” This is what happens during the your hiking boots.

Museum of Contemporary Art’s series Then, there’s the altitude. The thirtitled “Re-Mixed Taste: Tag Team Lectures teenth step of the state capitol, the goldon Unrelated Topics.” Each guru has 20 domed centerpiece of downtown Denver, minutes to make his point, after which is exactly one mile above sea level. This is the audience jumps in to ask questions a height that leaves most folks giddy from in an attempt to force the seemingly the clear, mountain air, but a few become unrelated to relate. Bizarre? Occasionally. woozy from lack of oxygen. Hint: take a Fascinating? Always.(http://mcadenver.org/ deep breath, guzzle water and eat carbs, mixedtaste2014.php) which require less oxygen for digestion.

Finally, there’s the delight. Though you’ll Star Status — Denver is one of only The Museum of Contemporary Art undoubtedly want to see the mountain twelve U.S. metro areas that’s representoffers programs that are as quirky as ed by teams of all four major profesheights, there’s charm aplenty down in the flats — a topnotch art museum, zoo, they are interesting. sional sports leagues. It’s a rare week botanic garden, theater district… The when there’s not a game in play. But list goes on. unlike the other eleven cities, Denver boasts something But there are also some lesser-known attractions extra. They have rarefied mountain air that makes balls that you can’t find everyplace else. Here’s a rundown of soar further, pucks glide faster, and beer — for which the breathtaking experiences in the city proper: city is also famous — taste better.

Fitness Mecca — Denverites take the outdoors seriously, probably because with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s a seriously beautiful city. To act local, take a morning bike ride on some of the 850-miles of paved trails that criss-cross and encircle the city.

No bike? No problem. Denver’s B-cycle program is the first large-scale bike-sharing plan in the country. Eight dollars buys a day’s access to one of the city’s 800-plus red bikes, which are available at more than 80 stations throughout the city. (https://denver.bcycle.com and www. traillink.com) 20th Century Design Pop — The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is home to some of the best Arts & Crafts, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern and Pop art in the country. Among the more than 3,500 objects are chairs by Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh; hundreds of pieces of 20th-century ceramics, tableware, glassware and metal ware; and even an iconic Electrolux vacuum cleaner.

Much of the art is displayed in galleries that resemble a homey living room. The result is an exceptionally unusual,

Denver has three major league stadiums: Coors Field for baseball, Sports Authority Field at Mile High for football and Pepsi Center for basketball and hockey.

Wild at Heart — So, you want to see some bison, the celebrated symbol of the Wild West? The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is just minutes off the interstate that joins Denver International Airport www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

25

and the downtown area.

At more than 15,000 acres, the refuge is one of the largest urban open spaces in the country and home to more than 330 species of birds and animals. Here you can see not only bison and deer but also red-tailed hawk and bald eagle.

But the refuge has been used for more than animals.

During and after World War II the land was the site of one of the country’s largest chemical weapons manufacturing facilities. That story, as well as the one about the extensive cleanup that followed, is told in a somber, not-to-bemissed exhibit in the refuge’s visitor center. (www.fws.gov/ rockymountainarsenal) Pinnacle Climb — As the largest city for nearly 800 miles in every direction, Denver has major malls as well as trendy boutiques. But the most unique place to drop your dollars is at Recreational Equipment, Inc., better known as REI. At 94,000 square feet, Denver’s flagship store is 3½ times larger than the average REI, which means that in addition to a mind-boggling array of outdoorsy clothes and equipment, it is one of only a few stores that has a track on which you can test your mountain bike and a 47-foot-tall, free-standing monolith replete with hand-cracks, finger-cracks, backcracks and more. Here, for a price, you can practice scaling a sandstone boulder like those on Colorado’s Front Range — and you won’t even need the sunscreen.

Like so many things in Denver, it really is enough to take your breath away. (http://www.rei.com/stores/denver.html)

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

Folks can practice their climbing skills on a 47-foot-tall indoor boulder.

GAMES Across 1 Overseas county 6 Zurich highlight 9 Golden Gate element 14 Saved for later, in a way 15 Architectural prefix 16 Providers of added light 17 Emergency strategies 20 Mattered 21 NBA great 22 Bush led it for about a yr. in the '70s 23 Post-election governmental meeting, perhaps 32 March middle 33 They may lead to risky moves 34 Many a reference book 35 Like some tempers 36 "Reversal of Fortune" Oscar winner 37 Brimless hat 38 Home of Phillips University 40 Secretary of State after Colin, familiarly 41 Candy __ 42 Number?

45 Seinfeld specialty 46 Electrical particle 47 Takes an opposite position 56 Alters some game parameters 57 Great enthusiasm 58 Classified abbr.

59 Part of a meet 60 Disengages, as from a habit 61 High degree 62 Comes up short Down 1 Arise (from) 2 "__ Nagila" 3 Jobs news of 2010 4 Moves back 5 Former Georgian president Shevardnadze 6 Freeze beginning 7 Hero in Treece's "Vinland the Good" 8 Magic word 9 Mid-calf pants 10 That much or more 11 Grain layer 12 Omar's role in "The Mod

Squad" 13 No effort 18 Settles 19 Bare things 23 Suit material 24 Hersey's bell town 25 Front VIP 26 Leslie of "Fanny" 27 Danish capital 28 Enthralls 29 Whits 30 Arabian peninsula native 31 Mythical lion's home 39 Suddenly occurs to 41 1/100 of a Brazilian real 43 Hybrid cats 44 Low-cost stopover 47 Sticking place 48 Memorable napper 49 Radames' love 50 Flight feature 51 "We're in trouble!"

52 Call for 53 They usually have four strings 54 Birds seen by players of 53-Down 55 Body shop figs. (c)2015 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Answers on page 34. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

27

TINSELTOWN TALKS

Captain Kirk and Fatherhood H

er father commanded a spaceship in a popular 60's television series.

Two decades later, in 1988, Melanie Shatner was featured alongside her dad in an Oldsmobile TV commercial revealing her own desire to zoom around in something “space age.” But it wouldn’t be the last time father and daughter acted together.

The pair shared some on-screen time the following year when “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” was released. Directed by her father William Shatner, aka Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, Melanie can be seen wandering the Enterprise’s bridge throughout the film.

“I actually auditioned for another part, but was completely wrong for it,” recalled Melanie – now Melanie Shatner Gretsch after marrying actor Joel Gretsch in 1999. “My dad called and said I didn’t get the part but there was another small role for the captain’s yeoman if I wanted it, and I said of course.”

It launched her somewhat short adult acting career, which included two dozen movie and television roles over the next ten years.

“I didn’t fully enjoy acting,” she admitted. “I made a living acting for a while, but wanted to be successful in other ways.”

That success was soon seen on Ventura Boulevard, in Studio City, California, in the form of Dari Boutique (see www.shopdari.com) which Melanie opened 16 years ago. Stocked with cutting edge fashions, Dari quickly became a popular destination for trendy shoppers.

Melanie says her dad wasn’t too disappointed when she abandoned a career in entertainment for retail sales.

“He was probably relieved because acting can be a brutal profession. But really, anything I wanted to do was okay by him. He even helped by loaning me the money to get the store started.”

“She was always the kid wearing smart clothes,” recalls Bill Shatner, from his home in Studio City. “She just knew about style.

Her sisters and all the other kids used to ask her for fashion advice.”

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Above:The Captain in command of The Enterprise (below). (NBC TV, via Wikimedia) Top Left: Shatner and daughter Melanie on the set of Star Trek.

Bottom Left: Shatner at a conference in Europe. (photo courtesy U.S. Army Europe Images, Heidelberg, Germany, via Wikimedia Commons)

Although growing up with a busy, famous father had its drawbacks, Melanie gives her dad high marks as a parent.

“Ever since I was born he’s been on television and his office was a movie or television set. When we were younger, he’d take one sister at a time away on location for a whole week. We all have such great memories of getting to hang out with him and watching him work.”

Shatner and his first wife were divorced in 1969, but Melanie says she and her two older sisters – Lisabeth and Leslie – remained close with their father.

“We spent the weekdays with my mother and the weekends with him.

He would do whatever it took to get home to see us, even if it meant driving all night. I think that illustrates what a wonderful, committed father he was and is.”

“All divorces are traumatic,” added Shatner. “But the girls have turned out to be wonderful, smart women. Each is talented in some area – Melanie with Dari’s, Lisabeth is a lawyer, and Leslie works in advertising. We get together often as a family.”

The Shatner clan expanded in 2005 when Andy Clement married Melanie’s sister, Lisabeth. He says he was a little surprised when told who her father was.

“But the first time I had dinner with them all, he welcomed me into the family even though Liz and I hadn’t been dating

long,” recalled Andy, who founded Creative Character Engineering in Van Nuys (www.creativecharacter.com).

“It was incredible to see someone so attached to his kids.”

Clement, whose recent movie work includes special effects for “Interstellar,” says he is also amazed by his father-in-law’s inventive, restless mind.

“He really is a dynamo and his mind just never stops working. He always wants to get involved with a production to make it better. So many actors just turn it on when the cameras are rolling, but he’s always cranking.”

Like most in the business, Shatner has had his share of project clunkers over the years. But, says Melanie, “working is what keeps him young, excited, and creative. You’ve got to give him points for always trying something new.”

And if there’s a lesson Bill Shatner has learned in over 50 years as an actor, it’s one he willingly shares as a father.

“You can only pass on endurance,” he advises. “Everybody has to make their own mistakes and learn from them.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 550 magazines and newspapers.

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29

FEATURE

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Be Social, Be Healthy

oing out to lunch with a friend, seeing a movie with your spouse, and babysitting the grandkids aren't just fun activities you do every day. According to scientific research, they're also essential for your health. Here are six reasons why keeping your social life humming may do the same for your brain and well-being.

1. Add years to your life Turns out, being social really may be able to influence how long you live—and there's research to prove it. According to a study conducted at Brigham-Young University, loneliness and isolation can have a bigger impact on your life span than obesity—and we all know how bad obesity is for us. Another study from BYU and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill found that people who had fewer social connections had a 50% higher risk of dying within the seven year study follow-up period. And, research has shown that friendships, whether those friends are near or far, increase our chances for a long, healthy life more so than children or other relatives.

2. Reduce the risk of stroke While taking a trip to visit long-time distant friends or spending a night out with buddies may seem like a distraction from real healthy habits like going to the gym or getting a good night’s sleep, those activities are actually helpful to your heart.

Research has shown that spending time with friends lowers your blood pressure and reduces inflammation in your body, which in turn can decrease the probability of stroke or other brain damage. And according to research that appeared in the Harvard School of Public Health newsletter, being engaged in life and having a sense of enthusiasm, seems to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

3. Boost your immune system University of Chicago psychologist Jon Cacioppo, who studies social isolation as it affects the brain and our health, finds it disconcertingly associated with illness—both mental and physical.

And research has shown that being socially isolated can lower your immune system; a Carnegie Mellon University study found that being more social upped your resistance to colds and flu, while being isolated, was a major risk factor in getting sick.

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4. Encourage good habits Having relationships with people to whom we are important can lower stress and the tendency to depression. And, so long as our friends have healthy habits, it also decreases the tendency to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking.

When we know we matter, it’s somehow easier to make the right choices for our own well-being.

5. Lower or delay your risk of memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease Any social activity that engages your brain and keeps it active is good for you. But interacting with friends who are younger than you are may be especially therapeutic. Dr. Sharon Arkin, a psychiatrist at the University of Arizona, runs a clinical program in which Alzheimer’s patients engage in exercise sessions with college students. Her program helps to stabilize cognitive decline and improve patients’ moods. And, as if you needed another reason to babysit your grandkids, research has shown that women who spend one day a week caring for their grandchildren may have a lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s.

6. Relieve pain If you ever had your mother stroke your fevered brow or kiss a skinned knee when you were a child, and somehow felt better, you’re not alone and it wasn’t just your imagination.

Research shows that something as simple as holding hands with someone you care about can lower pain perception, as well as blood pressure. So whether you hold hands, give someone a hug, or get a massage, it can help reduce pain and help you feel better

Judith Horstman is author of The Scientific American Healthy Aging Brain: The Neuroscience of Making the Most of Your Mature Mind.

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

IN EVERY LIFE

Drink Up For D

Health

uring the summer we are more mindful of water. Swimming, boating, and other water sports come to mind, as well as water shortages, both nationally and globally.

Let’s also consider the effects of water shortages within our bodies. Last month’s column mentioned the need for water to replace fluid lost through increased exercise, and that with aging the sensation of thirst can diminish.Thirst is usually triggered from water deficiency as perceived by regulatory mechanisms in our body.

Our brains send messages to induce fluid intake in response to detection that our cells are shrinking.

Water comprises 75% of body weight in infants, yet decreases Arlene Morris to 55% in older adults. Water is essential to maintaining life and balance in all functions. All effects of hydration are not yet known, but studies continue to relate hydration to health, well-being and management of chronic conditions.

Researchers differentiate hydration status among populations, age, size, gender, and physical activity level, with urine concentration often used as a measure.

Our bodies use water from beverages, as well as food sources (especially fruits and vegetables). Flavored, sweetened, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages can change the stimulus from thirst to desire. Studies continue regarding the relationship of calories to energy requirement, stimulus for thirst, and effects on function and disease.

To emphasize the need to maintain adequate hydration here are some of the important functions of water to the human body: n Maintaining fluid and mineral balance which influences function across all body systems n Maintaining cognitive function—both as the brain cells are hydrated and as blood plasma volume is sufficient to get oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Studies are investigating the impact of water on concentration and short-term memory, as well as alertness, mood and headaches. n Maintaining sufficient blood pressure for blood circulation to all body cells n Maintaining vision through intraocular and other fluids of the eye n Preventing the potential for increased viscosity of blood, which can lead to sluggish circulation, increased work load on the heart to circulate the blood, increased heart rate, or clot formation n Regulating temperature through both stable core body temperature and heat loss through sweating n Removing waste products from muscles after activity n Maintaining kidney function through fluid intake. For some individuals with decreased kidney function, fluids, sodium (salt) and/or protein may be limited by healthcare providers. n Aiding digestion through absorption of nutrients and prevention of constipation It may be prudent to learn to drink water, rather than sweetened or caffeinated beverages when not thirsty.

Hydration status is individual, and the proportion of fluid from beverages with calories must be included in total daily intake. Discuss your personal needs and the best ways to promote and maintain your own health with your healthcare provider.

Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE, is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, and Immediate Past President of the AL State Nurses Association. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

The Lattice Inn Receives TripAdvisor® Award

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or the fifth consecutive year, The Lattice Inn has received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award, qualifying it for induction into TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame”. The awards honor hospitality excellence for establishments consistently achieving outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.

Jim Yeaman, owner/innkeeper at The Lattice Inn, said the award is a source of pride, particularly coming five years in a row.

“We’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review of their stay at The Lattice Inn on TripAdvisor,” said Yeaman. “There’s no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers.”

The Lattice Inn is a unique B&B nestled in the heart of Montgomery’s historic Garden District, housed in an updated 1903-era cottage.

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional hospitality businesses like The Lattice Inn for consistent excellence,” said Marc Charron, President of TripAdvisor for Business.

In addition to the recognition from Tripadvisor as Montgomery’s #1 Bed & Breakfast, The Lattice Inn has also been named the best bed & breakfast in Montgomery for the past three years in the annual Readers Choice survey conducted by the Montgomery Advertiser.

The Lattice Inn • 1414 S. Hull St, Montgomery, AL 36104 • 334-263-1414 • www.thelatticeinn.com

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HEALTH

Marci’s Medicare Answers June 2015 Dear Marci, I was recently contacted by a health insurance broker who asked for my Medicare number to see if I qualified for certain plans in my area. This sounded suspicious and I did not provide the information. What information are brokers and insurance plans allowed to collect from me?

— Ralph Dear Ralph, You were right to refuse the broker’s request for your Medicare number. Insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage and Part D plans must follow certain guidelines when promoting their products.The guidelines are meant to prevent plans from deceiving you – through marketing materials or through someone representing the plan — about what the plan offers and how much it costs.

Companies can market plans through direct mail, radio, television, and print advertising. Agents can even visit your home under certain circumstances, but only if you have invited them.

However, plans are prohibited from doing any of the following: n Call you if you did not ask them to do so. Cold calling is not allowed. n Send you unsolicited e-mails. n Visit you in your home or nursing home without an invitation. n Ask for your financial or personal information if they call you. n Provide gifts or prizes worth more than $15 to encourage you to enroll. n Disregard the National Do-Not-Call Registry and do not call again requests. n Market their plans at educational events or in health care settings (except in common areas). n Sell you life insurance or other non-health related products at the same appointment. n Compare their plan to another plan by name in advertising materials. n Include the term Medicare Endorsed or suggest that it is a preferred Medicare drug plan. n Imply that they are calling on behalf of Medicare.

Protect your Medicare number the same way you would protect a credit card number. Only give your Medicare number or your Social Security number to your doctors and health care providers. Be careful about giving it to others, especially people who offer you a service for free.

Remember — Medicare or the Social Security Administration will not call you asking you for your personal information; they already have this on file. If you are unsure whether or not to provide information to a plan or broker, you can call 1-800-Medicare to confirm. Similarly, you can call 1-800-Medicare or your providers to confirm any plan benefit details.

Dear Marci, My husband is planning on working past age 65, and he receives insurance through his job. In this situation, are we required to sign up for Medicare when we turn 65?

— Judy Dear Judy, This depends on what kind of insurance your husband has. People with employer insurance from a current job may consider delaying Medicare enrollment as long as the employer coverage pays first and Medicare pays second. This employer insurance can be from either your own employment or the employment of a spouse.

If your husband works for an organization with 20 or more employees, this is considered to be large group health coverage.

This large employer insurance will pay first and Medicare will pay second. If you have coverage from a large, current employer, you do not have to enroll in Medicare right when you turn 65. The employer coverage must pay for your care without regard to whether or not you have Medicare and you and your husband will have an eight month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll into Medicare as long as you have the employer coverage and within 8 months once you lose that insurance or retire. Before you decide to defer Part B, evaluate whether having additional coverage through Part B is worth the costs.

If your husband works for an organization with less than 20 employees, then this is considered to be small group health coverage. This small current employer insurance only pays after Medicare and can reduce or altogether deny benefits if you fail to enroll in Medicare. Because of this, if you have employer insurance from a small employer, you should enroll in Medicare as soon as you are eligible in order to maximize coverage and avoid significantly higher costs.

Know that these rules apply only when someone is actively working. Retiree insurance always pays after Medicare. If you have retiree insurance, you should sign up for Medicare as soon as you are eligible to do so in order to maximize coverage. If you do not, your retiree insurance can reduce or altogether deny benefits COBRA coverage also is secondary to Medicare; if you have COBRA when you become eligible for Medicare, you should sign up for Medicare as soon as you are eligible.

When making Medicare enrollment decisions, it is best to speak with your employer to find out how your coverage coordinates with Medicare.You also can speak with a Social Security representative at 800-772-1213. Be sure to write down the date, time, name of representative, and outcome of the call.

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

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E-mail primemontgomery@gmail.com with this page number to enter the drawing for a gift certificate from Mr. Gus’ Ristorante.

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June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

PRIME DIVERSIONS

Recent dvd releases Kingsman: The Secret Service, Focus and Serena

Kingsman: The Secret Service (R) Years of reviewing has taught me to expect little from big-budget movies that hit the theaters in January - March. They tend to be the dregs of the industry left over from the rush to get their good stuff into theaters before New Year’s Eve for awards eligibility. That makes exceptions like this even more of a treat.

Of all the spoofs of James Bond and other superspy films, this is not only the most recent, but probably the funniest and splashiest since Austin Powers plied these waters.

The eponymous organization is a top secret group of elegantly-tailored gents who could pass for members of the House of Lords while kicking ass like Jason Bourne. They transcend borders, but are more British in most respects than the Royal Family, led by Sir Michael Caine and Colin Firth. Such guardians require a megavillain, and get a superbly evil and campy one in Samuel L. Jackson, complete with his outrageous plan for a new world order. His way. He’s also backed by one of the genre’s most cleverly-crafted henchpersons (Sofia Boutella), who makes memorable predecessors like Oddjob and Jaws from the early 007 adventures seem like second-stringers.

The Kingsmen lose a couple of members while discovering Jackson’s plot, forcing a recruitment and training effort. That brings in our troubled young protagonist from the lower classes (Taron Egerton, who looks like he could be Matt Damon’s kid brother) to try for the roster. What follows covers all the bases of comedy, action and large-scale f/x with generous doses of social and political satire.

Matthew Vaughn deftly deploys his experience from action and comedy features as director and co-writer of this comic-book adaptation. The film runs just over two hours, which is long for such fare, but doesn’t seem excessive. Always a good sign. In fact, this one builds to a couple of truly first-rate action sequences — one particularly hilarious; the others primed for adrenaline production. This may not be a great movie, but it’s a wonderful and welcome escape, with some stunning, perhaps award-worthy, computer-generated elements.

Focus (PG-13) Will Smith stars as a master thief we’re supposed to root for in this caper dramedy. His skills as a con artist and pickpocket are exceptional; same for his organizational skills, as we learn he’s assembled a large crew to work every angle of a major event, swiping wallets, jewels and identities en masse, including a foxy newcomer (Margot Robbie). Overall, this one’s much more entertaining than his After Earth. But so are most trips to the dentist.

Films that get audiences to side with the crooks require a couple of factors — skill and charisma of the protagonists is the first essential. The second is that we need to feel as if their victims deserve to be had. All the Mark Glass beloved big cons and heists of film lore pitted likable underdogs against rich jerks or nasty crime bosses, usually manipulating their inherent greed and arrogance against them. So watching Smith as his minions prey on members of the general public undermines viewer allegiance. Anyone who’s been hit by petty criminals or identity thieves will have a hard time staying in Smith’s corner. Without that empathy connection, the film fails.

Smith’s first encounter with Robbie sets the table nicely.

The highlight for dramatic tension comes early — at the Super Bowl. The rest of the film is a muddled mess of moves, switches and misdirections that don’t work emotionally or logically. Bad script; defective concept. Creators Glenn Ficarra and John Requa should have binge-watched The Sting, either version of Ocean’s Eleven, and TV series like The Rogues, Hustle and Leverage to get their own focus in order before writing this one.

Serena (R) It’s the Great Depression. Bradley Cooper is a good guy with a struggling Appalachian lumber mill. He falls at first sight for a babe (Jennifer Lawrence), whose logging family had been thriving in Colorado until a tragic fire left her as the sole survivor. She’s smart, sexy, tough and knows the business.

That makes her a valued asset to hubby, a rival to his closest pals, and another factor in his battle with local politicos and competitors. The resulting period drama could have been far more compelling than it turned out, wasting a fine cast that includes Rhys Ifans and Toby Jones in key supporting roles. Someone apparently spent far more effort on re-creating the locale and period than the writing or pacing.

Something seems a bit too-good-to-be-true about Lawrence’s character, setting up a suspense element. The passion between the leads is surprisingly subdued, as if the Hayes Office that suppressed sexy bits in movies during that era were still monitoring the final edits here. They’d already shown better chemistry together in Silver Linings Playbook than director Susanne Bier decided to show in this pairing. I won’t tell you what happens, but they took too long to get there. If you have enough patience, you may find the plot and principals satisfying enough to keep you engaged. But prepare for more mood and texture than story progression.

Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015 35

FEATURE

Taking The Wrong Pain Meds?

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he use of opioid painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin is on the rise and this trend is taking its toll. Opioids account for 46 deaths each day in the United States -- more than any other drug. Is your pain medication the best option for you?

Depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, and the duration of your expected treatment, the answer may be “no.”

“Surprisingly, opioids are not very effective pain medications, and they can also have serious side effects,” says Dr. Donald Teater, M.D., medical advisor to the National Safety Council.

Acute pain includes dental pain, back pain, renal colic pain (kidney stones), sprains and fractures. What may be surprising to some is that studies show a combination of over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen is more effective at relieving acute pain than

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opioids.

Not only are opioids less effective in particular instances than NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), they also are associated with more serious side effects. Some lesserknown side effects of opioids include gastrointestinal bleeding (more frequently associated with NSAIDS), rapid development of addiction, changes to the brain and cognitive abilities, driving impairment, increased risk of disability and decreased sex hormones.

The elderly need to be particularly wary, as elderly adults taking opioids are at greater risk of having a cardiovascular event, have four times as many fractures than their counterparts not taking opioids, and have an 87 percent greater risk of dying.

If you’re prescribed an opioid pain medication, consider discussing alternatives with your doctor,

particularly if you’re treating acute pain.

Taking the minimum dose for as short a time period as possible can help reduce your risk.

“Since opioids are often abused illicitly, it is good practice to lock your medicine cabinet and dispose of any leftover medications properly when your course of treatment is over,” says Dr. Teater. “Drug take-back programs are the safest, most environmentally-friendly way to clean your medicine cabinet.”

The effects of your painkiller medication may be worse than the pain you’re actually treating. Take steps to treat pain as safely and effectively as possible.

For the latest information on painkiller efficacy and risks, visit www.nsc. org/rxpainkillers.

Courtesy: Statepoint Media.

Photo Source: © Khamula - Fotolia.com

June in the River Region June 3 Roses for the Faint of Heart. “Lunch and Learn” event. Noon-1 pm. Free. Armory Learning Arts Center.

Hosted by the Capital City Master Gardeners Association.

For information call 334-270-4133.

June 4 • Sun Safety Seminar. 1:00 pm. CaraVita Village, 4000 Fieldcrest Dr., Montgomery. Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while enjoying the summer. Guest speaker Ellen Burkhalter P.A., Montgomery Dermatology. For info call 334284-0370 or e-mail Lisa Dabbs, ldabbs@caravitavillage.com.

• Children’s Matinees. Thurs and Fri. June 4-July 31. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $1. Capri Theatre.

June 4, 5 -- The Nut Job (PG) June 11, 12 -- Penguins of Madagascar (PG) June 18, 19 -- Mr. Peabody & Sherman(PG) June 25, 26 -- The Croods(PG) For information call 334-262-4858 or visit www.capritheatre.org.

June (each Fri, Sat, Sun) Jasmine Hill Gardens/Outdoor Museum. 20+ acres of year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture. Tours available for groups of 20 or more. For information call 334-263-5713 or visit www. jasminehill.org/.

June (each Saturday) EastChase Farmer’s Market Through Oct. 10. Locally grown produce, gift items, entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations. For information call 334-279-6046.

June 6 • FREE docent-led tours, AL Dept of Archive & History. Saturdays, 1-2 p.m. No pre-registration required.

Travel through Alabama’s past, highlighting incredible artifacts, images, and documents. For information call 334-242-4364 or visit www.museum.alabama.gov/.

• Concert. American Idol Contestant Jessica Meuse. 7 p.m., Wetumpka Depot stage. Meuse placed 4th among thousands who auditioned for American Idol.

Tickets available by calling the box office, 334-868-1440 or visiting wetumpkadepot. com. “Meet and Greet” follows the concert.

June 7 FREE docent-led tours. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.1 p.m. For information call 334-240-4333 or visit www.mmfa.org.

June 13 & 27 Old Alabama Town Saturday Jam Session. 9 am-noon.

For information call 334-240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/calendar-of-events.

June 13 Riverfront Park 2nd Saturday, Noon-9 pm. Live entertainment, games, food vendors. For information call 334-625-2100 or visit www. funinmontgomery.com.

Joe Thomas, Jr. Guitar Pull 7-9 pm, Cloverdale Playhouse, Old Cloverdale. Singer/songwriters perform their music, discuss their songs. $10 (includes complimentary beverages). For information call 334-262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

June 16

June 18 Men’s Health Day event.

1:00 pm. CaraVita Village, 4000 Fieldcrest Dr., Montgomery. Guest speaker discusses preventable health problems for men plus blood sugar and blood pressure testing. For info call 334-2840370 or e-mail Lisa Dabbs, ldabbs@caravitavillage.com.

June 18-July 28 Dinner with Friends. Winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Cloverdale Playhouse. Thur-Sat 7:30 p.m. Sun 2 p.m.

For information call 334-262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/dinner-with-friends.

June-July Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Classes. Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery. Classical ballet, pointe, pas de deux,, composition, modern jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap.

Session 1: June 1-18 Session 2: June 29-July 16 “Tutus and Tiaras” Camp ages 3-8, June 22–26 Summer Seminar intermediate and advanced dancers, July 20-August 3.

For information call 334-241-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

July (each Wednesday) Grief Support/Bereavement Group. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hosted by Hospice of Montgomery, 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Services include iindividual/family counseling, grief/bereavement literature. For information call 334-2796677 or visit. www.hospiceofmontgomery.org.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Pair Beats a Dozen Every Time

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ntil my children were born, the only parenting I’d done involved dogs, chickens and a cat or two. The puppies in particular were quite the handful as all 12 required round-the-clock attention and were born at my wife’s and my busiest time of the work year. The dame of the litter – our Lab – only had four, how do I put this – “spigots” – that worked well enough for a pup to get a full belly, so each feeding was a well-orchestrated exercise. Put four pups on, let ‘em drink ‘til they roll off, put those in the pen and then repeat twice more. By the time the whole dozen had eaten the first shift were hungry again.

We meticulously weighed each pup daily so that the smallest four could eat first before all their bigger siblings.

We washed endless loads of the old towels and blankets used to line the puppies’ play area, trying to be the best parents we could to the furry herd roaming our kitchen floor. When the water bill came in the first month we had the pups I remember telling my wife that we could have watered all day, every day during July and still come out ahead of running a puppy laundromat. But that litter taught us newlyweds a thing or two about caring for lives other than our own, about divvying up the duties, and about managing and balancing work and home responsibilities.

One night after we’d each worked a full day, we’d gotten the pups fed earlier than usual and decided to go out for supper. We sat down on the sofa in the den – just to rest for a moment before changing and heading out – and somehow awoke bleary-eyed, two hours later, to a chorus of hungry puppies.

While they were a great deal of work, we really had a blast with those puppies. Watching the herd roam the lawn and explore the world, nurturing them to the point where they could go to their new homes. Multiply that by 12 and we had a lot of fun.

We’d been married barely two years when the pups were born and someone – I can’t exactly remember whom – told us, “As busy as y’all are, if y’all can survive 12 puppies, then kids will be a piece of cake.” Between all the laundry, medicine, feedings, etc., I figured they were probably right…until we had kids.

There are few things you’ll never forget. My list is pretty short, but close to the top is the birth of my two kids. I remember what I was wearing, what time of day it was, who was in the room and a passel of other mundane details. But I’ll also never forget that first night home with my daughter, who cried all night long, my wife’s tired face as she moved from 30-minute sleep session to 30-minute sleep session, and my exasperatingly telling her “this is nothing like puppies.” All she could manage was an “uhhuh.”

Nearly two-and-a-half years later and with my son turning one in August, I can say unequivocally that whoever it was that told us kids would be a walk in the park after puppies was wrong, wrong, wrong. We’ve changed a mountain of diapers, gone through gallons of baby lotion and logged countless miles between our house and our wonderful pediatrician’s office. While my son has on the whole been easier than my daughter, at least up to this point, who’s to know whether that’s a reflection of the parents or the child? Perhaps it’s a bit of both.

But all the dirty diapers, colicky all-nighters and fever and stomach viruses we’ve been through with our two children can’t compare to the joy we’ve experienced watching them grow into the adults I know they’ll one day become. I hope that time passes slowly, that we can soak up each moment with them and savor each of these never-again stages of their lives. In those terms, our pair beats a dozen pups anytime.

That being said, to the person who told us that kids would be easy after puppies, you know who you are – even if I can’t remember due to sleep deprivation. For what it’s worth, two is way more than 12.

Niko Corley, a licensed charter boat captain, spends as much of his free time as possible on the water or in the woods.

He can be contacted at niko.corley@ gmail.com.

Niko Corley 38

June 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com

The independence you want... ...with the peace of mind you need Wesley Gardens Retirement Community Elegant Assisted Living Community and Memory Care

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Surprisingly Affordable, Nonprofit Community 24/7 Nursing Supervision & Medication Assistance Wait Service for 3 Homestyle Meals Scheduled Transportation Weekly Housekeeping &Personal Laundry Service Full Calendar of Activities & Events Walking distance to The Shoppes at Eastchase

Call us today!

334-272-7917 1555 Taylor Road, Montgomery AL 36117 www.primemontgomery.com | June 2015

May was Better Hearing Month.

May is gone. This is June.

(If you’re not hearing any better, call All EARS Hearing Centers, where EVERY month is Better Hearing Month.)

From simple cleaning, to selecting and fitting state-of-the-art hearing instruments, to surgical hearing instrument implantation, All EARS Hearing Centers does it all.

Visit All EARS Hearing Centers this month, or any month.

• Be evaluated by a Board-certified ENT MD. • Determine the cause of your hearing loss.

• Develop a treatment plan to improve your hearing.

6912 Winton Blount Blvd.

Montgomery, AL 36117 334-281-8400

all

EARS

Hearing Centers www.allearscenters.com

300 Medical Ave., Suite 2 Andalusia, AL 36420 334-427-2476