Prime Magazine March 2016 by Bob Corley

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Celebrating Life

March 2016

Forgetting: A normal part of aging?

Spring Break Fun for Young & Old (page 22)

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Prime I

EDITOR’S NOTE

March 2016 Vol. 6, Issue 11

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

ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Andrea Atkins, Niko Corley, Lisa M. Petsche CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Sheila Galloway Robertson, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland, • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Prime 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035 Prime is a publication of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2016 by The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s), not necessarily those of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Prime is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals. Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters. We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.

n our family, March 25 was a holiday. Unlike Labor Day or Thanksgiving, we never got out of school to observe the day, we never read about it in our Weekly Readers, we never studied it in history class. Regardless, my brother, sister and I, like my cousins and closest friends, spent several months each year in preparation for Greek Independence Day. As far as Greek holidays go, March 25 packs a powerful punch. It honors the beginning of the Greek Revolution in 1821 as well as the church observance of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the Christ child. In Sandra Polizos, Editor Greece, March 25 is a national holiday. In New York City, it’s marked by parades down Fifth Avenue. In Montgomery, Alabama, we celebrated each year with the Greek School Independence Day program. In the early 1960s the Greek community in Montgomery was about 60 families strong. Along with Sunday School, most of us children between the ages of 5-17 attended an afternoon language school three times a week. Though usually taught by the parish priest, not every man of the cloth was up to the task of instructing children who’d rather be out playing than reading the Greek equivalent of Dick, Jane and Sally, enduring tests that required correct spelling AND accent marks, and conjugating verbs whose endings never stayed the same. Each January, our teacher — be it the priest or an erstwhile member of the community like Mrs. Heropoulos (just pronouncing her last name was a semester’s treatise for some) — developed the program for the Independence Day celebration. The evening almost always included a dinner prepared by community members, several of whom represented the finest eateries in town. In those pre-chain restaurant days many of Montgomery’s most well-known eating establishments — The Elite, the Riviera, the Seven Seas, The Sheridan Cafe, and The Embers, just to name a few — were Greek-owned. After two months of rehearsals we were finally prepared. The younger children performed flowery poems onstage, paying homage to the birthplace of democracy, while the older ones participated in an overly dramatic (didn’t the Greeks invent the genre?) re-enactment of heroism displayed during the independence struggle. Key to the evening was the fact that we performed the program in our parents’ native tongue. Never mind that most of us kids had never been to Greece, or that none of us had much of an inkling about the 140 year-old-event we glorified each March 25. It didn’t matter. We played to an appreciative audience of immigrant parents and grandparents who were thrilled with the Greek we’d mastered (or not) and touched by re-conjured memories of the homeland they’d left so many years ago. The program concluded each year with a recitation of the Greek national anthem, to be followed, like clockwork, by The Star Spangled Banner. The anthems were always the finale, and always in the exact same order. Our parents’ love and respect for their heritage never superseded their proud allegiance to the place they now called home. It was not a formal part of our Greek School instruction, but it was the lesson we all learned best. Happy March 25! If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery!

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

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

Texting vs. face-to-face:Who wins?

Yard ‘n Garden 8 Sharing Shamrocks

A Gracious Plenty 10 Grilled lamb

Be Positive! 12

Your attitude IS your life

In Every Life 14

Mosquitoes: Dengue to Zika

Money Wi$e 15

Social Security Taxes: Beware

Tinseltown Talks 16

Audrey Dalton on board the “Titanic”

Forget something? 18 Maybe it’s normal

Alabama’s Nature 22

Hidden gem close to home

Social Security 25

Your benefits statement

Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles 26 Answers on page 31

History Mystery 27

Do you know these Cub Scouts?

Prime Diversions 28

DVDs: A man, a game, a man/woman

Medicare 30

Prescription drugs

This Month’s Advertisers 32 Calendar 33 Off the Beaten Path 34 Saint Tom and the Turkey

www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

Quick Reads Exercise and Brain Aging Poor physical fitness in middle age may be linked to a smaller brain size 20 years later, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. “We found a direct correlation in our study between poor fitness and brain volume decades later, which indicates accelerated brain aging,” said study author Nicole Spartano, PhD, with Boston University School of Medicine in Boston. The study is observational, meaning it doesn’t prove poor physical fitness causes a loss of brain volume, it just shows the association. It also indicates fitness in middle age may be important for the millions of people who already have evidence of heart disease.

Technology vs In-person Communication Research by groups in the US and Canada suggest text messaging and social media can have emotional and psychological benefits, but often fail to match those of in-person social interactions. As our society increasingly relies on digital forms of social interaction, there may be costs as well as benefits to the quality of our relationships and our emotional health. “Digitally-mediated social interactions can have a positive impact on sense of belonging, bonding, self-esteem, and mood among adolescents and young adults,” said one researcher. “However, the benefits of text messaging and social media often fail to match those of inperson social interactions.” The research focused on young adults, adolescents, and children, with more research needed to determine how well these findings generalize to other age groups. 6

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Sleep Less, Eat/Drink More? A recent cross-sectional study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham explored a new pathway between short sleep - less than seven hours - and obesity. The researchers found “short sleep is associated with more time spent in secondary eating and, in particular, secondary drinking.” Although more research is needed, this suggests a link between short sleep and increased caloric intake in the form of beverages and distracted eating, potentially increasing obesity risk.

Aging Proteins Revealed At about 80 years of age, approximately half the body's proteins are damaged by oxidation, which occurs because of random chemical degradations associated with converting food to energy in the presence of oxygen. Certain proteins known to be associated with aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer are also at a high risk for destabilization caused by oxidation. A new study by Stony Brook University researchers has identified some ways aging affects these proteins, offering scientists a better understanding of how oxidation causes damage to proteins in aging cells. The team will continue to search for additional proteins that may be important to aging and age-related diseases, helping to target future treatments.

Cherry Supplements & Workout Recovery Sufferers of achy and fatigued muscles may have a new and unique dietary supplement option to help them recover more quickly. In a recently published clinical study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers from Texas A&M University® shed light on the benefits of Montmorency Tart Cherry Powder supplementation for exercise recovery. A short-term dose helped to accelerate recovery from muscle soreness, slow strength decline during recovery, and lessen markers of muscle catabolism in resistance trained individuals. Life Purpose & Lower Mortality Researchers at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, New York report people who have a higher sense of purpose in life are at lower risk of death and cardiovascular disease. While the mechanisms behind the association remain unclear, the findings suggest that approaches to strengthening a sense of purpose might lead to improved health outcomes. The analysis included data on more than 136,000 participants from ten studies - mainly from the United States or Japan. The US studies evaluated a sense of purpose or meaning in life, or “usefulness to others.” The Japanese studies assessed the concept of ikigai, translated as “a life worth living.” The study participants, average age 67 years, were followed up for an average of seven years. The pooled data analysis can be found in Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine. www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

YARD ‘N GARDEN

Sharing Shamrocks

By Sheila Galloway Robertson

arch 17 is in the air, and my shamrocks are “restoring” their hardy growth, getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day. Oxalis, commonly called a shamrock plant, grows a green and purple leaf, both of which produce lovely pink and white blooms. Did you know that this special plant “sleeps” at night? Around dusk the leaves begin to close. When morning arrives, it opens up to start the new day. Late winter is a prime time to repot or plant the oxalis rhizomes, which are the small roots. If repotting, begin by filling clay pots with good soil, and place the tubers under the soil, keeping the soil moist. If potting the shamrocks for display indoors, be sure to place the pots in front of a sunny window. Shamrocks also make lovely additions to the garden as ground covers. When planting shamrocks in the soil, place the oxalis rhizomes horizontally or you can angle them diagonally. Whether planted in pots or planted in the soil, the rhizomes will need normal fertilizing. Apply the fertilizer around the rhizomes, not directly on them. The shamrocks will show their new growth in a few weeks, especially with God’s beautiful sunshine shining on the plant. When the leaves become “droopy,” they should be pinched off or cut off from the lower stem. The “deadheading” serves to make the shamrocks grow more beautifully. I hope this plan for your shamrock plants will help them grow all year and delight you and many other gardeners. FREE GARDEN HELP LINE Can’t find the answer to a home gardening question? Call our Free Help Line for the general public. 1-877-252-GROW (4769) Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm | March-August The help line is operated by Master Gardener Volunteers who use research-based information to best answer your gardening questions.

My special interest with shamrocks begins with my family background. I am first generation Scotch/Irish. My mother and father were born in Glasgow, Scotland, so the identity is strong. Besides my love for shamrocks, I have a fondness for Scottish heather which grows profusely there. Extending the connection to the next generation, our daughter Susan Heather Robertson Sturdivant was born on St. Patrick’s Day! This is considered a “modern” Irish blessing. I always loved this Ancient Irish Blessing, one that reminds me of the beauties of growing shamrocks—the work, the sunshine, the rain, the friendship of sharing, and how happy they make me. May there always be work for your hands to do May your purse always hold a coin or two May the sun always shine on your window pane May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain May the hand of a friend always be near you May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. (author unknown) Shamrocks grow profusely, making it possible for me to share the plant with neighbors, friends, and family. Once you get started, you’ll be sharing, too. And everyone knows, the best way to enjoy a blessing is to pass it on! So, enjoy the blessings of growing and sharing shamrocks, and may your hearts feel the joy and love of shamrocks forever. Sheila G. Robertson, a Master Gardener in the Capital City Master Gardener Association since 2008, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.

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A GRACIOUS PLENTY

Getting a Leg Up this Spring S

pring celebrations wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the same without one classic centerpiece: leg of lamb. Whether roasted or grilled, a leg of lamb is a tried and true addition to the Easter or Passover table. As elegant as it is, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also quite simple to prepare. For a new take on tradition, swap conventional mint jelly with a vibrant salsa verde or mint-pistachio pesto for a fresh, but familiar, flavor that complements the rich taste of American lamb. Follow these guidelines for preparing the perfect roast.

Boneless Leg of Lamb: n For generous portions, figure on one half pound of lamb per serving. n Use a good meat thermometer to determine doneness. Medium Rare: 145 F; Medium: 160 F. n Remove the roast from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 10 degrees less than your desired temperature; it will reach desired doneness while it rests, allowing the meatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s juices to settle. n Carve the roast across the grain so the meat will be tender.

Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb with Potatoes, Leeks and Mint Salsa Verde Serves: 6-8

Mint Salsa Verde 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled 2 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves 3 anchovy fillets 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided 3-3 1/2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, butterflied 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3 large leeks 2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Position rack in lower third of oven (so roast will be in the middle) and heat to 325 F. With food processor running, add garlic cloves. When finely minced, stop motor, remove top and scrape down bowl. Add parsley, mint, anchovies, capers, salt and pepper. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped. Pour in 2 tablespoons olive oil and pulse to combine. Transfer about two-thirds of paste to small bowl and cover with remaining olive oil. Cover tightly and refrigerate until serving time, or up to 2 days. Lay lamb flat on cutting board with fat side up. Trim fat to no more than 1/8 inch. Turn meat over and trim away any large chunks of fat from interior, but leave the rest intact. Be careful not to trim away connective tissue that holds meat together. Season lamb on both sides with 2 teaspoons salt. Spread salsa verde paste over interior of meat to edges, rubbing into crevices. Reserve remaining salsa verde. Roll lamb up lengthwise into cylinder. Use kitchen twine to tie cylinder at 1 1/2-inch intervals. Tie another piece of twine lengthwise to secure ends. Allow lamb to sit at room temperature 1-2 10

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

hours before roasting. (If you plan to wait more than 2 hours before roasting, loosely cover and refrigerate roast, but bring to room temperature before cooking.) Pat outside of roast dry using paper towels before roasting. Trim dark green tops from leeks. Halve leeks lengthwise and rinse well. Pat dry and cut into 2-inch pieces. Put leeks and halved potatoes in large roasting pan. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, season with remaining salt and toss to coat. Spread vegetables around roasting pan in even layer. Place lamb roast on top, seam-side down and transfer to oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meat reaches 135 F for medium-rare, about 1-1 1/2 hours. Transfer lamb to cutting board and allow meat to rest for 20-30 minutes, loosely covered with foil. (The internal temperature will increase to 145 F.) Bring reserved salsa verde to room temperature. Toss vegetables in roasting pan to coat in pan drippings. If they are tender and browned, set aside in a warm spot while meat rests. If not, return to oven to finish cooking. Trim away kitchen twine and cut roast into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices over vegetables. Stir salsa verde to incorporate oil, spoon it over meat and serve.

Grilled Butterflied Lamb Leg with Mint-Pistachio Pesto Serves: 6-8

3 pounds boneless leg of lamb, butterflied salt and pepper (to taste) Mint-Pistachio Pesto 1 cup shelled pistachios 1 cup fresh mint (leaves only) 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to taste) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste) freshly ground black pepper (to taste) pinch red chili pepper flakes Heat oven to 350 F. Lay lamb leg open on a cutting board. Trim off visible fat. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper; allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to grilling. Toast pistachios by placing in single layer in shallow dish or pan and baking 8 to 10 minutes. In food processor, add pistachios, mint, parsley, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and chili flakes; blend until somewhat chunky.

Heat grill to medium-high. Grill lamb leg to medium-rare (remove from heat when thermometer reads between 130 F and 135 F), or to desired doneness. Rest meat, lightly covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving. Slice meat across grain into thin slices. Serve lamb with pesto, grilled vegetables and salad. Courtesy: Family Features. Source: American Lamb Board.

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FEATURE

Accentuate wPositive By Lisa M. Petsche

Did you know... that changing your mental attitude can also go a long way towards improving your life?

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

here is no shortage of information in the media about how to improve your well-being through positive lifestyle changes, such as eating more nutritiously, exercising and not smoking. Did you know, though, that changing your mental attitude can also go a long way towards improving your life? Even if you don’t consider yourself a naysayer, make it a point over the next few days to scrutinize everything you think and say. You might be surprised. For instance, how much of your self-talk and communication with others contains the words “can’t,” “don’t,” “shouldn’t,” “couldn’t” and “never?” Do you often start sentences with “If only,” “I can’t believe” or “I hate it when”? And do you tend to use phrases such as, “it’s impossible,” “I have no choice,” “that’s terrible” and “why me?” Unfortunately, it’s much easier to be pessimistic and critical of yourself, others and the world in general than to be optimistic and enthusiastic. It doesn’t help that the mass media thrives on disaster, failure and discord. All this publicity not only perpetuates the negativity but also creates more. And it’s true that misery loves company: when we complain aloud, other people usually join in, reinforcing the gloom. Negative thinking takes many insidious forms: doubt; worry; catastrophizing (magnifying the importance of upsetting events); focusing on our own shortcomings or those of others; seeing only the flaws in proposed plans; dwelling on what we perceive to be lacking in

our lives; approaching life from the perspective of entitlement (believing that we are owed certain things); denial; inflexibility; hopelessness; and regarding the world as an uncaring, even hostile place. By-products of such thinking include self-absorption; depression; defensiveness; self-criticism; destructive criticism of others; sarcasm; distrust; blame; jealousy; bitterness; self-pity; avoidance; indecision; chronic complaining; low self-esteem; resistance to change; helplessness and passivity. Negativity is harmful to your physi//

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cal and mental health, generating stress that can lead to illness. Also harmful to your spiritual well-being, it’s a significant drain on your life energy. Here’s how to re-focus and accentuate the positive instead. How to Counteract Negative Tendencies: n Limit your exposure to the news. n Use positive self-talk. Emphasize phrases such as “I can,” “I will” and “I choose.” n Be generous with praise and encouragement and cautious with criticism giving only the constructive type. n Cultivate a healthy sense of humor. Read the comics, watch a TV sitcom now and then or rent funny movies. Don’t take yourself or others too seriously. n Accept realities you can’t change and focus on those you can influence. n Trust that there’s a valuable lesson in every type of adversity. And remember that no matter what happens, you always have a choice about how to respond.

n Stay connected to people who care. Minimize contact with those who are negative or self-centered. n Find an outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings, such as talking with a friend or keeping a journal. n Pick your battles; don’t make a major issue out of every concern. n Don’t dwell on past mistakes, hurts or other unpleasant events. n Look for the good in people and situations. Demonstrate empathy, give others the benefit of the doubt and practice forgiveness. n Do something you enjoy each day: read, listen to music or take up a hobby. n Identify sources of stress in your life, then eliminate as many as possible and learn to manage the rest. n Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. n Seek help from your primary physician or a counselor if you continually feel sad, angry or overwhelmed. n Let go of the need for perfection, and be flexible about plans and expectations. Take things one day at a time. n Be receptive to learning new ways of doing things and try new activities. n Do nice things for others. n Set aside some quiet time each day; it nurtures your spirituality and helps to keep you grounded. Finally, focus on the good things in your life, such as supportive relationships, and seek beauty and tranquility – through appreciation of art and nature, for example. Count your blessings and learn to live in the moment, enjoying life’s simpler pleasures. l Prime

Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

IN EVERY LIFE

Combating Mosquito-borne Illnesses

n Feb. 1, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus to be a public health emergency. First identified in humans in 1952 as a mosquitospread virus, Zika has Arlene Morris occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America and in US travelers returning from a Zika area. Spread occurs when a mosquito bites an individual who has the virus, then bites another person. The virus can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms of the disease occur a few days following exposure to the bite of the infected mosquito, and may include a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis (reddened eyes), muscle or joint pain, fatigue and/or headache lasting for a few days to a week. These symptoms are similar to other viruses such as dengue, West Nile, chikungunya or yellow fever. More tracking of disease-spread and the symptoms of those diagnosed may be reveal a link to some neurological or immunity complications, such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome. A high risk may exist for transmission to an infant during pregnancy, and researchers are looking for a link to microcephaly (head smaller than normal due to decreased brain development) or other infant malformations. Women of childbearing age are advised to be informed of areas of known Zika virus and potential risks when they consider travel. Additionally, those who are young, older, or sick may respond more severely to the infection. Although recommendations have been made to develop vaccinations and treatments for the Zika virus, as of this writing there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine. Awareness of possible infection and early identification are suggested. Diagnosis occurs from testing blood samples. Methods to protect against mosquito 14

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

“Women of childbearing age are advised to be informed of areas of known Zika virus and potential risks when they consider travel.”

bites are the best prevention. Our area of Central Alabama is known for mosquitos breeding, with its many areas of standing water. As the weather warms and spring rains occur, vigilance is important to decrease areas of mosquito breeding: n empty or cover items that can hold water such as flower pots, pails or buckets; n hose birdbaths or puddles to remove insects from breeding in still water; n spray or treat areas with

insecticides recommended by the WHO to reduce the number of mosquitoes Additionally, exposure to mosquito bites can be reduced by wearing light colored clothing with long sleeves and legs to serve as a barrier. Mosquito repellants that can be sprayed on clothing or exposed skin further reduce risk. Keeping doors, windows, and screens closed can reduce entry into vehicles or homes. Be alert to early symptoms and especially be mindful of those at higher risk. Current treatment recommendations include rest, drinking plenty of water, and managing fever and pain. Updates and travel information can be obtained from the WHO website, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/ statements/2016/1st-emergency-committee-zika/en/.

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

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Social Security Income Tax Trap

espite tax software ads on TV, understanding income taxes for planning purposes can be difficult. Sometimes the income tax results can be peculiar if not downright perverse. To illustrate the point and alert the unwary, consider the federal income tax treatment of Social Security benefits. (Fortunately, Social Security benefits are not subject to Alabama income tax.) Alan Wallace First, the federal tax table is progressive—the applicable tax rate gets higher as one’s income rises. Here are the first three brackets for taxable ordinary income in 2016. (Be aware that the ranges change annually and that higher income is taxed at even higher rates.) Tax Rate 10% 15% 25%

Single First $9,275 $9,276-37,650 $37,651-91,150

Joint First $18,550 $18,551- 75,300 $75,301-151,900

In addition, long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at 0% for filers in a 15% or lower ordinary income bracket, and at 15% for all other filers not in the maximum 39.6% ordinary income bracket. Second, the amount of Social Security benefits that are taxed

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depends on what the IRS calls “provisional income” (PI). PI is essentially one’s adjusted gross income (AGI) without Social Security benefits, plus tax-exempt interest from municipal bonds, plus half of Social Security benefits received. Here’s how much of a filer’s Social Security benefits are taxable based on PI. Taxable Portion Single Joint 0% Up to $25,000 Up to $32,000 50% $25,000-34,000 $32,000-44,000 85% More than $34,000 More than $44,000 Now consider what happens as a result of the interplay among the usual tax rates and Social Security tax-inclusion rules. Suppose that you are married filing jointly and report $26,000 in Social Security benefits plus $20,000 of other income, perhaps from a pension. Your PI is $33,000 and just $500 of your SS benefits is taxable. Your AGI is $20,500 and thanks to personal exemptions and a standard deduction, you owe no federal tax. What happens if you also withdraw $25,000 from an IRA and sell an asset that triggers a $25,000 long-term capital gain? Well, your actual income goes up by $50,000, but your AGI jumps by $71,600 because 85% of your Social Security is now taxable. That also means that you are no longer in a 15% or lower tax bracket and the long-term capital gain is now taxable. Your federal tax climbs from zero to $6,033. Here are three planning points to keep in mind. 1. Anticipate your probable cash needs for several years in advance so that you do not have to generate cash from taxable sources in years when the tax consequences are higher than necessary. 2. If appropriate, spread your taxable income across multiple years while staying below higher tax thresholds. Don’t assume this will help; make sure before you act. 3. If you will be above a tax threshold in a particular year anyway, consider taking more than you need for that year’s expenses if it will allow you to stay below tax thresholds for multiple years thereafter. For instance, in the example above, taking the IRA withdrawal in one year and the capital gain in the next would have triggered $7,123 in taxes, $1,090 more than taking both in the same year. By spreading the extra income across two years, the Social Security inclusion rate increases in both years triggering more tax. As illustrated in this article, withdrawals from non-Roth retirement accounts and the sale of assets that trigger long-term capital gains are prime examples of ways you can control the timing of taxable income recognition. Social Security income tax management certainly illustrates the expression, “Timing is everything,” and serves as yet another example of why it pays to plan! Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU, is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www.ronblue.com/ location-al. He can be reached at 334-270-5960, or by e-mail at alan. wallace@ronblue.com. www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

TINSELTOWN TALKS

Audrey Dalton Survived a Titanic Sinking and a ‘Serpent’ By Nick Thomas

Above: Early publicity photo. Below: 2007 Williamsburg Fest. (Courtesy Mitch Weisberg, photographer)

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

our decades before James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” made waves at the Academy Awards with 11 wins, Audrey Dalton signed on for Hollywood’s 1953 recreation of the famous 1912 maritime disaster. “Our version only received one Oscar for writing,” said Ms. Dalton, who turned 82 in January, from her home in Saddleback Valley, Calif. “But the special effects were pretty good for 60 years ago.” The cast included Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb, who delighted ’40s and ’50s movie audiences with his acerbic, snobbish characters, most notably in three Mr. Belvedere films. “He was a little bit like that and mostly kept to himself,” recalled Dalton. “But he was very funny with a sharp wit. Barbara Stanwyck was a dream – the ultimate pro, always prepared and ready to help.” Dalton recalls the cast welcoming some special guests during shooting. “A man and a woman who were Titanic survivors visited the set,” said Dalton, whose film character also escapes on a lifeboat. “They were children when the ship sank, but had memories of the event. I don’t recall hearing them tell us any specific stories of the sinking other than the general horror of it.” Irish-born Dalton was 17 when her family moved to London where she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was soon noticed by a film executive. “Paramount brought me over to the U.S. on a 7-year contract beginning with ‘The Girls of Pleasure Island,’” she explained. Set on a South Pacific Island towards the end of World War II, the 1953 comedy was actually released while the Korean War was still in progress. “To promote the film, we were sent to Seoul where it premiered for the troops,” said Dalton. “It’s dated now, but the men enjoyed it. We were driven around in army trucks and dressed up in beautiful Edith Head gowns doing skits for the troops.” Dalton appeared in just 16 films, including a small role in 1958’s “Separate Tables” with David Niven,

“It can be a difficult business. I did a few very good films and some mediocre ones. I enjoyed every day on the set.” -Audrey Dalton

Burt Lancaster, Rita Hayworth, Rod Taylor, and Deborah Kerr. “We rehearsed for 3 weeks and shot it in sequence which was very unusual,” she said. “Niven was a wonderful, funny man, a great raconteur. It was great to just sit quietly in a chair and listen to his wicked sense of humor.” Since retiring from acting, Dalton has been a popular guest at film festivals and is scheduled to appear at this year’s Williamsburg Film Festival, Va., held March 9-12. “The sci-fi fans always ask about ‘The Monster that Challenged the World,’” laughed Dalton, about the 1957 B-monster movie classic. “That monster was enormous!” she added, referring to the 12-foot pneumatically controlled creature she eluded, which was curiously called a (L-R) Clifton Webb, Barbara Stanwyck, Dalton in “Titantic.” reptile in the original trailer, but was actually a giant mollusk

in the film. Dalton’s movie career lasted until 1965 during which time she also raised a family. “I had four children in 6 years between 1953-1959. What’s interesting is that many web sites today have given me a fifth child,” she chuckled. “He even has a birth date and a name – Adrian. Needless to say my children have made great fun of it and ask why I never told them about their lost brother!” As for her actual children, none were drawn to acting. “Just as well,” she said, “it can be a difficult business. I did a few very good films and some mediocre ones. I enjoyed every day on the set.” l Prime Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 600 magazines and newspapers.

“Growing Through Grief” Support Group Meets Thursdays at Noon at ComfortCare Through April 28 • Lunch provided

Are you compassionate with a heart to serve? Become a ComfortCare Compassionate Volunteer. www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

Forgetfulness: FEATURE

How Much is Normal? By Andrea Atkins

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

o you forget where you put your keys? Are you confounded when you see your neighbor’s youngest son and can’t remember his name? And where are your reading glasses? How much forgetfulness is normal—and when should you be concerned? Becoming more forgetful is a natural part of aging, experts agree. “Our brains age just like the rest of our bodies,” says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Longevity Center and co-author with Gigi Vorgan of Two Weeks to A Younger Brain. “One of the manifestations of brain age is forgetfulness. It’s a common experience. We joke about it all the time. The concern behind all the humor is that these changes may be the first sign of something more serious. How do you differentiate the normal from dementia?” Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that question, says Richard C. Senelick, M.D., a neurologist and medical director of Health South in San Antonio, Texas. Unlike various types of cancer for which there are screening tests and then courses of treatment, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease cannot be screened, and even if they are discovered, there is no treatment that can reverse their course. Senelick says most of us will experience memory loss as a natural course of getting older. “One of the first things to go is the speed of information processing. Your ability to quickly read, understand, and process information slows, as does your ability to handle more than one task at a time. And of course, you will find yourself grasping for words every now and then. But more worrisome is a major change in your ability to function in the world." Small agrees. “If you forget where you placed your keys, that’s normal,” he says. “If you forget how to use your keys, that’s a problem. You may once in a while forget where you parked your car, but if that happens to you once a week, that’s more like dementia.” Normal Forgetting Is a Function of Distraction “One reason we forget is that we haven’t given the information meaning. If something’s meaningful, it’s memorable,” Small says. “Pay attention to what you are doing.” In addition to age-related brain changes, graying Americans are often full of information that distracts them from what they wish to remember. “We focus on what’s important for our goal and we leave all the other stuff aside,” Small says. You may remember that the meal

www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

Slowing down may help ease forgetfulness. “What I recommend is to check your calendar at the same time and in the same place each day. Before you leave your house, think through what’s involved in what you are going to do,” Dr. Smalls says.

you had was great, even if you can’t remember the name of the restaurant. “As our businesses grow or our lives become more complex, we don’t pay attention because some information is not necessary to accomplish our goals.” But if you are truly worried about how serious your forgetfulness is, Senelick says a test developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis to differentiate between normal aging and cognitive decline is a helpful tool. It consists of eight yes-or-no questions that assess whether there has been a marked change over time in the person’s behavior as seen through a series of scenarios. If you answer yes to two of them, then it may be the first signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Called the AD8 Interview, the test can be given to you, your spouse, or your children to assess your cognitive status. Most Common Memory Complaints Even if memory problems are a common sign of aging, forgetting important things can be annoying and embarrassing. With Dr. Small’s help, we’ve summed up the four most common memory complaints, and some tips for deal-

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

ing with them. Remembering names and faces: You recognize the face but can’t recall the name. “Our memories live in neighborhoods,” Small explains, “and when we try to remember something, it helps if we can associate it with something that will get us into the right neighborhood.” Tip: As soon as you meet someone, try to associate his or her name with something familiar. If, for example, you’re introduced to Mr. White and he has grey hair, you can think, “White has white hair.” Tip-of-the-tongue problems: You can’t think of the name of the movie you saw last night—until you’re driving home from the dinner party where you made a fool of yourself groping for it. It’s again about making an association for yourself that allows you to pull it out of the right file in which you’ve stored it in your brain. Tip: Small recommends writing down (on paper or on your Smart phone) the name of the movie and as many words as you can associate with it. That simple exercise will

allow you to access those words the next time and make it easier to remember the movie title (or book name or painting or whatever it is that’s on the “tip of your tongue.”)

releases hormones that create a hospitable environment for the growth of brain cells. Reduce stress: Stress also releases hormones like cortisol, which can inhibit brain cells. If you are stressed, you Memory places: Forgetting where you put things can be may also be taxing your memory because you are focusing solved simply by always putting them in the same place on those things that worry you instead of the things that every time you put them down. you need to do. Tip: If you can’t put your keys or your wallet down in its Eat well: Filling your body with lots of sugar and empty usual home, then say to yourself as you’re putting it down, carbohydrates could leave you with a serious case of brain “I am putting my keys on the nightstand.” And, says Small, fog because you’re not fueling your brain’s needs. Add if you can’t do either of those things at the moment you’re Omega fatty acids (like those that come from fish and olive about to put them down, then don’t put them down! oil) and you’ll be giving it the building blocks it needs to create new cells. Meat (especially liver), seafood, eggs, milk Prospective memory: If you forget to bring things to and cheese are foods rich in Vitamin B-12 and can help the appointments, or walk out of the house without what you brain by encouraging methylation, a process that brains need for an important meeting, then the fix is to slow down. need to be healthy, and which, in some studies, is shown to Tip: “It’s about creating memory habits,” Small says. be lacking in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. “What I recommend is to check your calendar at the same A new study from Rush University Medical Center and time and in the same place each day. Before you leave your published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, says that house, think through what’s involved in what you are older adults who rigorously follow a specific diet going to do. Do you have your insurance card? Do appeared to be 7.5 years younger cognitively than you have the folder you need to prepare your taxes? those who did not. The study followed 960 adults Do you need to bring anything else with you?” who had no dementia and who were an average age of 81 at the start of the study. Participants ate the Some Other Tricks for Keeping Your Mediterranean Diet and the DASH diet, which Memory Sharp have both been shown to improve cardiovasIf you want to have a strong brain as you cular health. It includes eating three servings age, take care of your heart. Put another way: a day of whole grains, green leafy vegetables, The same things that ensure heart health and one other vegetable each day, along with ensure brain health, Small says. To keep your a glass of wine. Snacks include nuts, beans, brain flexible and young, try to do the followand berries, and poultry and fish at least twice ing: a week. Key to success on this diet is to limit Exercise: Exercise gets your heart pumpunhealthy foods, especially butter and sweets as ing which means more oxygen reaches your brain, well as whole-fat cheese, fried or fast food. which means that your brain gets healthier. Exercise also Check your medications: Pain medications, tranquilizers like Xanax, and blood pressure medicines can all affect how your brain works, Senelick says. If you’ve been on a ™ medication and are feeling confused or like your memory is not working, check Assisted Living & Memory Care Community the Internet to see if memory loss might be a side effect, and then ask your doctor to prescribe something else. “For most medicines, you have another choice,” Senelick says. l Prime

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Courtesy: grandparents.com. Grandparents.com is a lifestyle site that celebrates the grandparent community by providing trusted information about family & relationships, health & well-being, travel & retirement, and more. Follow the site on Twitter (@grandparentscom) and on Facebook (facebook.com/grandparentscom). www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

FEATURE

Hidden Gem in the River Region By Niko Corley

A rustic, welcoming entrance greets visitors the Alabama Nature Center. (courtesy Alabama Wildlife Federation)

hen the Alabama Wildlife Federation Board made a conscious decision in the mid-1990s to prioritize connecting the next generation with the outdoors, none of the individuals involved could have anticipated what was to come. From the acquiring of the Lanark Estate – the 350-acre paradise the AWF now calls home — to the construction of the Alabama Nature Center in 2002, the organization’s impact on conservation efforts has expanded significantly in outdoors education and natural resource stewardship. But it’s the AWF’s latest endeavor — the grand opening of Ireland NaturePlex in October 2015 – that take’s the organization’s mission to a whole new level. "The new NaturePlex facility has enabled the AWF to greatly increase the number of youth, school groups and adults that can experience the conservation education message,” Warren Marshall, whose company Marshall Design Build managed the design and construction of the NaturePlex, said. “This is a world-class outdoor education center, right here in the River Region!" The second phase of the Alabama Nature Center at 22

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

Lanark Estate, the Ireland NaturePlex does a fantastic job bringing the outdoors indoors. Named for the late Bill Ireland – an AWF Board member, president and generous contributor — the NaturePlex is a testament to his conservation legacy. It is a 23,000 square foot facility that serves as the indoor welcome and conservation education hub for the Alabama Nature Center, a planned use outdoor education facility which is a joint project of the AWF and benefactors Isabel and Wiley Hill. The entire Alabama Nature Center including the NaturePlex – both located just off I-65 and Cobbs Ford Road in Prattville – are open to the public and further the AWF’s mission. Before the completion of the NaturePlex, the popular but strictly outdoor offerings of the Alabama Nature Center served more than 20,000 attendees annually. Through the addition of this new interactive indoor learning facility however, the AWF expects to increase that number by at least 50 percent because visits will no longer be so fair-weather dependent. “As a result [of these additions], we have expanded our activity options for youth, school-based, and gen-

eral public programs,” AWF Executive Director Tim Gothard said, “while giving us the ability to meet our customer needs whether hot or cold, rain or shine." Between the Nature Center and NaturePlex building, there’s a little something for everyone, from toddlers to seniors. The NaturePlex structure houses classrooms for school groups and meeting areas available for rent, a gift shop, a large theater showing daily nature flicks and Discovery Hall, where patrons can view live displays of frogs, fish, turtles and snakes as well as pelts and skulls from various indigenous animals. On the floors and walls are interactive exhibits about the many natural wonders that make up Alabama, from the Delta in the South to the Appalachian foothills in the North and every region in between. Even for those who think

they know a great deal about Alabama’s natural history and geography there are certainly things that can be learned with even a short stroll through Discovery Hall. When school children visit, AWF staff put on an “animal encounter” within Discovery Hall with live snake and turtle demonstrations, which staff says the kids always love. For these same groups, campfire story time is always a highlight, where children gather around an “indoor campfire” (no fire involved) inside a tent and are read a nature-themed story. A truly unique way the NaturePlex allows interaction with Alabama wildlife is the bee hive display, where through a glass case one can see directly into the busy life of a hive as bees move around within and fly in and out a special passage to the woods and open areas of the property to gather pollen for making honey.

Left: Visitors explore Discovery Hall. (Shipman Schaum photographer) Right: Observers watch bees making honey inside a human-sized hive. (Courtesy Alabama Wildlife Federation) www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

The EBSCO Theater, a 120-seat state-of-the-art media room in the NaturePlex, runs daily nature and conservation focused programs during the week starting at the top of every hour. Films on owls, other birds, snakes and other amphibians as well as crafts like basket weaving are featured. Field trips for public, private and home school groups are a primary focus of both the Alabama Nature Center and the NaturePlex and pre-designed or customized programs can be developed by the AWF staff to meet the needs of a specific group with classroom and luncheon space also available. Senior group outings can also be arranged. But the fun isn’t limited to the indoors. The Alabama Nature Center itself is made up of more than five miles of walking trails. Each of the three individual trails – Turkey Ridge, Still Creek Run and Hilltop Pass – have manmade features that enhance the outdoor experience, from boardwalk to bridges that allow spectacular views of the landscape and the wild creatures that call the Alabama Nature Center and Lanark Estate home.

A young visitors is intrigued by the insect collection. (Shipman Schaum photographer)

Off of each main trail are a variety of loops allowing hikers to choose the length and character of their journey through the hills, swamps and bottoms of the property. Each trail is easily accessible for young children, their parents and grandparents, encouraging a great outdoor experience and exercise for the whole family with picture perfect spots for a picnic lunch also available. Those interested in regularly getting a nature walk done early in the morning may purchase 24

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

A Nature Center staff member leads a group on a stroll through the woods. (Shipman Schaum photographer)

an annual pass allowing trail access as early as 6 a.m. “For seniors who want to include exercise in their outing, our extensive system of trails and boardwalks can be an integral part of their experience — whether self-guided or led by one of our staff members,” Gothard said, adding that programs can be tailored “to meet both the age and mobility desires and limitations of our guests.” New for 2016 will be a *Spring Break Camp March 21-25 for children ages 6-12. Campers will learn about water, plants, wildlife and geology through fishing, hiking, outdoor games, crafts and swimming. A summer day camp beginning this year is also planned for children as young as 5 and as old as 15. The Alabama Nature Center and NaturePlex are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as for special Thursday night programs. Admission is $5 per person with no charge for children under age 3. Admission allows access to the NaturePlex’s Discovery Hall, the EBSCO theater, the gift shop and any regular public programming taking place as well as the Alabama Nature Center’s five miles of trails. Season passes and other specials are available. “The Alabama Nature Center and the new NaturePlex facility is something I am tremendously proud of and support because I know it will have a dramatic positive impact on bringing along the next generation of wildlife conservationists in this state — and at the same time, we will be helping students improve academic performance and enhance their communication and social skills,” Dr. David R. Thrasher of Montgomery, an AWF supporter and conservation champion for three decades, said. With opportunities for wildlife-themed adventure in a fun filled atmosphere and outdoor possibilities like hiking, catch and release fishing, bird watching and photography, the Alabama Nature Center and NaturePlex have something for the child in all of us. l Prime For more information and directions, visit www.alabamawildlife.org. *Cost of the Mar. 21-25 Spring Break Camp is $125/week. Hours for the day camp are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., with before and after care available for an additional fee. Call 334-285-4550 for details.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Paperwork for Tax Filing

ow that it’s March, your annual tax filing deadline is fast approaching. If you receive Social Security benefits, one of the documents you need to file your Kylle’ McKinney federal income tax return is your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S). Your Social Security benefits may be taxable. This includes monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. About one-third of people receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. This usually happens if you have other substantial income — such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return — in addition to your Social Security benefits. You will never have to pay taxes on more than 85 percent of your Social Security benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.

To find out if you must pay taxes on your benefits, you will need your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA1099/1042S). You should automatically receive it in the mail each January. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return. The benefit statement is not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as SSI payments are not taxable. Whether you file your taxes early or wait until the deadline, Social Security makes it easy to obtain a replacement benefit statement if you didn’t receive one or misplaced it. You can get an instant replacement easily by using your secure online my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one in minutes. Follow the link below to the my Social Security page, and select “Sign In or Create an Account.” Once you are logged in, select the “Replacement Documents” tab to obtain

your replacement 1099 or 1042S benefit statement. You can also use your personal my Social Security account to keep track of your earnings each year, manage your benefits, and more. You can also obtain a replacement benefit statement by calling us at 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by contacting your local Social Security Office. If you live outside of the United States, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. But by going online you can print your replacement benefit statement immediately and not have to wait to receive it in the mail. With a my Social Security account, gathering your Social Security information for tax season has never been easier. Open your own personal my Social Security account today at www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by e-mail at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.

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PRIME DIVERSIONS Across 1 Command from a bailiff 5 Circle calculation 9 They smell 14 Like Mini Coopers 15 Pond croaker 16 Swine squeals 17 Gave the once-over 18 Particularly welcome casino visitor 20 Alpine song 22 Ear-splitting 23 Court case that generates a media frenzy, say 30 Handsome god 32 Get really angry 33 Granada gold 34 Irritate 37 "CSI" facilities 38 Tee sizes, for short 39 "Nice job!" ... and, in another sense, a hint about the first words of 18-, 23-, 52- and 60-Across 42 Geese formation 43 Leafy veggie baked for chips 45 Bitten by bees 46 Angled pipe fitting 47 Handsome god 50 __ Raiders: consumer advocates

52 Abe Lincoln nickname 55 Principal role 56 Diet food phrase 60 Irritate to the breaking point 66 Shredded 67 Construction beam fastener 68 Former South Korean leader Syngman __ 69 Golf club used for chipping 70 Blissful settings 71 Jedi guru 72 Small change Down 1 Do as directed 2 Toy with a spool 3 Deleted, with "out" 4 Louisiana music style 5 Olympics fig. 6 French monarch 7 One below birdie 8 Specialized, committeewise 9 Bit of pasta 10 Frying liquid 11 NBC show since 1975, briefly 12 Barely manage, with "out" 13 Ukr. or Lith., once

19 Feels remorse over 21 Bochco legal series 24 Forearm bone 25 Some DVD players 26 Sinuous swimmer 27 Less cowardly 28 Insurgent group 29 '50s four-wheeled flop 30 16th-century Spanish fleet 31 Hoi __: the masses 33 Heroic Schindler 35 Giants Hall of Famer Mel 36 Brewers Hall of Famer Robin 40 Pest in a swarm 41 Utah city near the Golden Spike 44 Photo blowup: Abbr. 48 Sea spots? 49 Blueprint detail, for short 51 Sexy 53 Cable Guy of comedy 54 The Gem State 57 Warning from a driver? 58 Elvis __ Presley 59 No-frills shelter 60 Hip-hop Dr. 61 Free (of) 62 "__ changed my mind" 63 Caracas' country, to the IOC 64 Athens : omega :: London : __ 65 Assenting vote ÂŠ 2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle Answers on page 31. 26

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

HISTORY MYSTERY: DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

Above: March 13, 1953. Cub Scout Troop at the Open House at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, corner of N. Perry and E. Jefferson Streets, celebrating the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary in Montgomery. (John E. Scott, photographer)

ou can help the Alabama Department of Archives and History and Prime magazine identify unknown people in photos from three Montgomery-area photographers who

worked in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Our successful first year in 2015 prompted us to renew the History Mystery series this year. Your assistance is critical in determining who these mystery people are. If

you know anyone in these photos contact Meredith McDonough at 334-353-5442, or meredith.mcdonough@archives. alabama.gov, or e-mail Prime magazine at primemontgomery@gmail.com.

Right: Circa 1965-1968. Young woman seated at a table at the Laicos Club, Montgomery. (Jim Peppler, photographer) Below: 1951. Two young women in a field of crimson clover, likely Autauga Co., Alabama, taken for the Autauga Reseeding Crimson Clover Association. (Horace Perry, photographer)

www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

PRIME DIVERSIONS

Recent dvd releases Trumbo - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 The Danish Girl

intentioned followers to draw; the false sense of self-preservation from persecut- Mark Glass ing the targeted group(s), all in service of keeping the masses from noticing who’s really thriving at their expense.

Trumbo (R) Dalton Trumbo was one of Hollywood’s leading screenwriters throughout the 1940s. But shortly after WWII, the country morphed into its Cold War mentality, with Communism denounced as the new existential threat before we’d barely had time to catch our breath from defeating the Nazis. Fear led to demagoguery, with some claiming that Commies among us were now the greatest threat to our way of life. That led to the era of McCarthyism, demonizing all who had ever sympathized with or belonged to any form of socialist entity, or been friends with some who had. One result was the blacklisting of scores of Hollywood writers and others in a frenzied paranoid purge that spread to every private and public sector. Bryan Cranston continues his surge as a dramatic actor in the title role. A number of key figures are presented quite compellingly, adding specifics about the players and their tactics that many who recall or studied the era may not have known. Helen Mirren’s portrayal of influential gossip columnist Hedda Hopper is almost as bone-chillingly malicious as Angela Lansbury’s fanatic mother in The Manchurian Candidate. Period film and TV footage are deftly incorporated, adding gravitas and context to the production. All the usual cinematic elements would add up to a fine historical account. But the real punch of this one lies in its lamentable degree of current relevance. So much of today’s facile demonizing of “others” within our ranks seems appallingly similar to that era’s manufactured fervor against all who even seemed to brush up against socialist ideas. The sources are the same – the ownership class driving the agenda to hold or increase its power; making everyone fear those who can be identified as different – politics, race, religion –whatever lines they can convince well28

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

It’s yet another reminder of the need to ask who’s jerking our chains, and why might they be doing it, before jumping on those bandwagons. In virtually every TV or movie Western that involved lynch mobs, the “necktie party” frenzy was fueled by the real bad guys who manipulated decent citizens into self-righteous rage just to hide their own guilt. When will we ever learn?

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (PG-13) If you’re obsessed with this fantasy series, you might have enough patience to find this fourth and final installment worthwhile. It does finish the saga with reasonable outcomes, but the path for our heroes is longer and duller than all we shared with them in the first three films, adding up to a major disappointment. Jennifer Lawrence returns as the inspirational Joan of Arc figure, Katniss (a/k/a The Mockingjay), leading the dystopian districts of Panem in their revolt against The Capital and its Machiavellian president (Donald Sutherland). It’s a metaphor for all colonial conflicts, as well as economic oppression of rich against poor from ancient times to the present. Today’s presidential debates and political commentary come to mind far too easily while watching “escapist” action fare like this. The film runs well over two hours, and was sorely in need of a firm hand to trim the moping and brooding, and ramp up the action. One of the uprising’s biggest victories occurs briefly in the background. Whatever they saved on the CG budget couldn’t have been enough to brush past that moment only to include more handwringing and silent reflections than anyone needed. Good plot; good characters; poor directing. Tedious end to an otherwise compelling series. Katniss and her fans deserved

a better send-off.

The Danish Girl (R) For those who think gender identity issues are something new, here’s a fact-based drama about Danish Eigar Wegener, whose seemingly happy marriage and success were not enough to keep a lid on his inner persona, Lili. As portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, following last year’s stellar turn as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, Wegener’s lifelong conflict eventually boiled over, despite staunch condemnation of his tendencies by the social norms of Europe in the 1920s. Alicia Vikander co-stars as the most loving, supportive, understanding wife in the history of our species, submerging her own artistic and personal wants and needs to the baffling forces driving the man she loved. A decade ago, this film would have been far more shocking than it seems now. Reality has emerged from the shadows, making Wegener’s ordeal more anachronistic, and less relevant to our times. He risked his marriage, career, prison, and some rather horrifying treatment options from that generation of physicians. If born 80 years later, the medical profession would have understood his condition far more clearly; he might have even learned as a child that those feelings he feared and loathed were less aberrant than he assumed. His options for adulthood would have allowed a less traumatic course for all concerned, whatever choices he’d have made. The acting is superb, though the story drags (no pun intended) far longer than the subject warrants, since we know so much more about the issue. Even though acceptance and assimilation lag far behind that initial acknowledgment, the prolonged course for these characters turns to overkill, undermining the potency of their circumstances and actions. Sets and locations are first-rate, and Vikander’s performance will likely earn as many award nominations as Redmayne’s more obviously arduous role.

(Ed.’s Note: This month’s reviews are Mark’s final film critiques for Prime. We appreciate his diligent support since our very first issue was published seven years ago. An officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, we’ll miss Mark’s entertaining and illuminating remarks about recently released movies and the industry that produces them.)

April 8 - May 8 The path to true love never runs smooth—especially when you’re in a magical forest haunted by fairies and mischievous spirits. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies,

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www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

MEDICARE

Medicare & Prescription Drugs

By Bob Moos

ou only have to look at the latest receipt from your pharmacist to know that prescription drug costs are rising. Nationwide, spending on medications grew 13 percent in 2014, far outstripping the 5 percent overall increase for health care spending. Prescription drug costs haven’t gone up that fast since 2001. Sometimes, the increase was due to a breakthrough medicine whose cure comes at a high price. Other times, it was the result of an overnight tripling of the cost of a generic drug that has been around for years. Millions of Americans depend on prescription medications to manage chronic illnesses or treat acute conditions. But surveys suggest that as many as 25 percent of us don’t fill a prescription because we can’t afford it. As people stop filling their scripts, they not only jeopardize their health, they also run the risk of costing themselves and the health care system even more when they fall sick from conditions that could have been prevented. Naturally, rising drug costs have prompted consumers to ask questions. What medications in particular are driving up prices? Are brand-name or generic drug costs growing faster? And, most important, what can be done to make needed medications affordable? The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs, has a vested interest in encouraging this public discussion. It spent $140 billion on drugs for seniors, the poor, children and people with disabilities in 2014. The agency recently created an online database – at www. cms.gov – that allows anyone to dive into Medicare’s prescription drug data and examine some of the clearest examples of the increased costs. After you arrive at www.cms.gov, type “Medicare drug spending dashboard” in the search field. The new database lists 80 medications that were chosen because they triggered the highest overall spending or the greatest per-patient expenditures or the largest percentage price increases. For each drug listed, you’ll see the total amount that Medicare and its beneficiaries spent on it in 2014, recent trends in its price and the number of older Americans who depend on it. Here are a few of the findings: n The hepatitis C drug Sovaldi accounted for the highest expenditure at

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

$3.1 billion. Used by about 33,000 Medicare beneficiaries, it had a $1,000-per-pill price when it entered the market in 2014. n Remodulin, which treats high blood pressure in the lungs, had the largest per-user spending at $133,845. A total of 1,235 beneficiaries used the drug, whose cost amounted to $165.3 million. n The pain reliever Vimovo had the biggest increase in its per-unit cost between 2013 and 2014, rising 543 percent after one company purchased rights to the drug from another. By putting such data in the hands of consumers, providers and researchers, Medicare hopes the public will gain a better understanding of what’s going on with prescription drug costs. A similar database for Medicaid’s drug spending will be unveiled later this year. The Medicare database comes on the heels of a recent forum in Washington that brought together consumer advocates, pharmaceutical company executives, insurance industry representatives and government officials to discuss how we can continue to encourage drug discoveries and still ensure that those new medicines are accessible. Developing ground-breaking drugs requires significant investment, and there’s no disputing that this nation needs to support that important work. Without such innovation, we won‘t have the drugs that will better manage diabetes and heart disease and maybe even cure cancer. But, as CMS’ leaders have said, we shouldn’t accept the notion that we as a society must choose between innovation and affordability. We deserve both. Shedding new light on drug spending may help offer some clues in our search for an effective strategy that makes sure as many people as possible can benefit from today’s, and tomorrow’s, wonder drugs. Southwest

Bob Moos is the public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Red Cross Blood Donations Needed

Mar. 7, 12-7 pm, Mtgy Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing Mar. 9, 9 am-2 pm, St. James HS, 6010 Vaughn Road Mar. 14, 12-7 pm, Mtgy Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing For info visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

Bou Cou & costumes (sizes toddler to adult) Booties • Leg Warmers Leotards • Tights Shoes • Dance Bags Praisewear Stage Make-up • LARGEST inventory in the River Region • FREE alterations on purchased items • COMPETITIVE prices • CUSTOM fitting The Courtyard • 2101 Eastern Blvd. • 334-239-0655 • www.boucou.net www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

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All EARS Hearing Centers

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(334) 281-8400

Wesley Gardens

Page 35

(334) 272-7917

CaraVita Village

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(334) 284-0370

Baptist Hospital

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(334) 273-4444

Bryan’s Floor Store

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(334) 288-5880

Mr. Gus’ Ristorante

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(334) 356-4662

ComfortCare Hospice

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(334) 514-0244

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Page 29

(800) 841-4273

Montgomery Symphony

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(334) 240-4004

MCA Fitness Center

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(334) 280-1409

Bou Cou Boutique

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(334) 239-0655

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(334) 832-1907

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March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

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March in Montgomery Gardening: Gardening Lunch & Learn. Mar. 2 (Backyard Veggies), Apr. 6 (Growing Tomatoes). Noon-1 pm. Free. Armory Learning Arts Center. Bring sack lunch. Drinks provided. Capital City Master Gardener Association. For info contact Mtgy Co. Extension Office 334-270-4133.

Montgomery Area Council on Aging 22nd Annual Culinary Caper. Mar. 13, 11 am. Silent auction, reception, lunch by chefs of area restaurants. Benefits Meals on Wheels. For info/tickets contact Chacolby BurnsJohnson, 334-263-0532 or cjohnson@macoa.org.

Easter Seals 12th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil. Apr. Workshops: Macular Degeneration Workshop. Mar. 9, 2, noon-5 pm, Rock Bottom American Pub, 2430 E. 1-2:30 pm. Free. Mtgy Museum of Fine Arts. RSVP to Blvd. Mtgy. $25 Early Bug Tickets. $35 after Mar. 5. Lynn, 866-462-2852 or lynn@mvrf.org. Information on researc, treatment, living strategies. Meetings/Events: Newcomers Club. River Region women luncheon. Thurs. Mar. 24, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Divorce Workshop, “What Women Need To Know.” Arrowhead CC. Guest speaker Andi Martin, AL 2nd Saturday (Mar. 12), 9 am-noon. Mtgy CC, 3800 Shakespeare Fest. $18. Reserve by noon, Mar. 21. Call Narrow Lane Rd., Mtgy. $20/person. Limited seating. Jan Burdette, 334-593-9266, e-mail jan8410@bellsouth. RSVP requested three days prior. Walk-ins welcome. net, visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com. To RSVP or for info. contact Sommer Morris, 334-6121086, or e-mail sommer.morris@morganstanley.com. 11th Annual Fountain City Arts Festival, Prattville. Apr. 2, 9 am-5 pm. Free. Pratt Park. For info, Brittany Fundraisers: Hospice of Mtgy 6th Annual Hitting’ for Glenn, 334-595-0854; brittany.glenn@prattvilleal.gov. Hospice Tennis Tournament. Mar. 10, 8:30 am-12:30 pm. Mtgy CC. Teams & individuals. Breakfast, lunch, Spring Fling Block Party, Apr. 2, 10 am-2 pm, Caragifts, prizes. Reservations needed. Register at www. Vita Village, 4000 Fieldcrest Dr., Mtgy. Tours, prizes, hospiceofmontgomery.org or Mtgy CC 334-263-3213. music, vendors, refreshments. RSVP by Mar. 31 to Jodi or Liz, 334-284-0370.

2014-15

Season Classical Season Concert V • Monday, April 25 • 7:30pm featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian”

Jubilee Pops • Friday, May 27 • 7:00pm Patriotic salute to Memorial Day

Fellowship Series Kris Kendrick

Violin, Thursday, May 12 • 7:30pm www.montgomerysymphony.org 334-240-4004 montgomerysymphony.org / 240-4004

featuring Nadir Khashimov, violin

and Barno Nishanova, piano www.primemontgomery.com | March 2016

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Saint Tom & the Turkey

om had never been much of a regular in the church pew, especially in the spring. While he attended Christmas Eve and Easter services, the latter - given the time of the year - he regretfully marked off the calendar as just another day he wouldn’t be chasing turkeys. It wasn’t that Tom wasn’t spiritual. Six weeks each spring he was certainly devout, as the fields and pine stands became his daily sanctuary and the songbirds his morning’s choir. Tom’s religion was turkeys, and he worshipped at the altar of the woods. So incredibly steadfast was his commitment it earned him the nickname “Saint Tom.” When his mother called one Wednesday afternoon late in the season, Tom almost didn’t answer, expecting the usual request to attend evening church. Perhaps it was divine intervention, but he answered. “You remember your cousin Paul?” she asked. “Your Great Aunt Mabel’s son?” “The weird guy that picked up and moved to Kenya?” he responded uninterested. “He’s called a missionary son, and he’s doing the Lord’s work. I wish you’d think about a mission trip sometime, one of the ones the church does each year. Anyway, Paul’s in town and he really likes turkey hunting and they don’t have turkeys in Africa so I’d like you take him while he’s here.” He was speechless. He preferred going alone, especially late in the year. “If you don’t want to take him, I understand,” she said, “but since he’s staying with us and due in town in a few hours perhaps you’d come to church with all of us tonight?” He took a deep breath. “Saturday morning, four o’clock sharp,” he quipped. “If he’s not ready I’m not waiting.” Saturday morning rolled around and Paul was on the front steps when Tom arrived. He hopped in the cab, dressed in a flannel shirt and a pair of overalls Tom recognized as his own father’s. “Leave your camo in Kenya?” Tom asked, scratching his head. He didn’t see a shotgun either. They drove to Tom’s hunting lease, an hour trip without a word between them. Paul slammed the door as he got out and not a hundred yards away a gobbler sounded off. Tom exhaled slowly. It would indeed be a long morning. “Would you mind if we prayed before heading out?” Paul asked. “Be my guest,” Tom said, put out by the delay. “We’ll need all the help we can get.” Paul thanked God for the cool morning and the star-filled night and asked for a safe and productive hunt. The two headed down a logging road, toward a bottom Tom had roosted several mature gobblers in earlier in the week. As they walked, the faintest hints of pink and crimson colored the eastern sky. Periodically, Tom would signal Paul to stop and he’d use the owl call trying to locate a bird. As they neared a clearing and a small stream in the bottom where he wanted to set up, Tom put down his shotgun and hit his owl call once more. Across the stream, a gobbler still on the roost thundered in reply. “Gooood mornin’,” Tom whispered, pulse quickening. 34

March 2016 | www.primemontgomery.com

“Can we get to him?” Paul asked. “No. He’ll hear us. He’ll have to come to us, and I doubt he crosses that stream.” “Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful morning,” Paul whispered,”for the opportunities and challenges you have laid out before us.” Tom was about to respond but the sound of a turkey descending through the canopy to the forest floor cut him off. He popped a mouth call into place and let out a series of quick yelps. The gobbler thundered back. “Lord, thank you for Tom, for the wisdom and skill you’ve given him,” Paul whispered again. Tom ignored his cousin and attempted a couple of soft purrs with his call, but the material split, letting out a loud, goose-like “honk.” With that, Tom figured the hunt was over, but the bird, having covered significant ground since touching down from his treetop repose, fired back with a gobble so deep and close it stood the hair up on both their necks. “Do you see him?” Tom mouthed, surprised. “Lord, thank you for the excitement of the hunt thus far,” Paul said, “but please bring this turkey into range and ...” “Tsssst. STOP that!” Tom muttered under his breath. He reached for his gun as the turkey closed the distance between them at breakneck speed, but the gun wasn’t there; it was propped up behind Paul, who had never stopped praying the whole time. “Paul…?” Tom said in an exaggerated whispered. “Shoot!” Over breakfast, the two sipped coffee and recounted their hunt. “That was some shot,” Tom said to Paul admiringly. “Up to that point I wasn’t sure you even knew what a turkey was. I’m not much for company in the turkey woods, but you’re welcome anytime.” “That bird in the back of your truck is the first real turkey I’ve ever seen!” Paul responded. They leaned back in their chairs and studied each other’s faces. “But mom said you were a big turkey hunter,” Tom said. “And she told me,” Paul shot back with a wry smile, “you hated hunting alone.” They might’ve sat there all day trying to figure the whole thing out had their waitress not arrived with their order. “In any event, it was a good morning,” said Tom. “But I can’t see how that bird didn’t bust when my mouth call split in two.” “Just one of God’s mysteries,” Paul offered. “Mind if I bless the food?” As Paul asked grace over the meal, Tom reflected on the morning’s events. Had Paul really prayed up that turkey? Could he? There was no other plausible explanation. He smiled, and for the first time in a long time, truly gave thanks. Niko Corley, a USCG-licensed charter boat captain, spends his free time on the water or in the woods. E-mail niko.corley@gmail.com.

Niko Corley

Wesley Gardens Retirement Community 1555 Taylor Road

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

• Montgomery, AL

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