July 2011 Prime Montgomery by Bob Corley

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Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond!

Montgomery

Features 9

REBELLIOUS RELATIONS Track down your Revolutionary War ancestors and learn what part they may have played in the founding of our nation. By Col. Larry Cornwell, USAF (Ret.)

PICTURES FROM OUR PAST

One woman’s efforts allow fans of Montgomery history to view and share photos and memories on-line. By Jennifer Kornegay

THE FACE ON THE RADIO

FLAGS OF A NEW NATION

The American colonies and the fledgling nation often hoisted banners reflecting mixed loyalties and a strong sense of individuality.

GEORGIA, BY THE SEA

The coastal islands of Georgia offer visitors history, art, beaches, charm, and great crab cakes. By Andrea Gross

Detailed reproduction of a Revolutionary War artillery officer’s uniform and sword.

July 2011

Forty years in radio has brought “Dr. Sam” Faulk full circle. He and former long-time DJ Larry Stevens reflect on the changing landscape of local radio. By Lenore Reese Vickrey

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Lifestyles 11 A GRACIOUS PLENTY Multiple wedding cakes are a hit, including one topped with Seven-Minute Frosting. By Patsy Smith 16 HEALTHY GRILLING TIPS

Adding veggies to the grill and marinating meat may reduce cancer risks. 30 YARD ‘N GARDEN Make a yard or garden path from a variety of purchased or found materials. By Ethel Dozier Boykin

Entertainment

26 OFF THE BEATEN PATH Hot tips for finding hot weather cats. By Niko Corley

27 AROUND MONTGOMERY Find these faces and you could win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Plus: FOUND Apri. By Jake Roberts

34 PRIME DIVERSIONS Romantic comedy; Farrelly brother’s film; good sci-fi flick. By Mark Glass

Financial 34

8 INVESTMENT SECURITY Affinity fraud exploits qualities we hold dear; faith, love and trust. By Joseph Borg 21 MONEYWISE Can you prove you were of sound mind and free from improper influences when you made your will? If not, it could mean trouble for your heirs. By Alan Wallace

Medical

15 SOCIAL SECURITY Learn about Survivor Benefits to which you may be entitled. By Kylle’ McKinney

On the Cover

Prime July 2011

12 LONG-TERM CARE For 70% of individuals 65 and older, long-term care isn’t a question of IF, but WHEN. And how much.

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Times Gone By Faces of Radio Revolutionary Genealogy INSIDE

14 IN EVERY LIFE When an elder leaves their home, it’s traumatic. Here’s how to ease the transition and help maintain their sense of self. By Arlene Morris 4

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nGeorgia by the Sea nLong-Term Care nCreate

a Garden Path & Outs of Wills nDVD Reviews and more!

nIns

Empire Theater. Photo by Bob Corley. Story pg 18.

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

MONTGOMERY

July 2011 - Volume 2, Issue 4 PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Larry Cornwell, Andrea Gross, Jennifer Kornegay, Lenore Vickrey CONTRIBUTORS Joe Borg, Ethel Boykin, Mazie Bryant, Tina Calligas, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Mirabai Holland, Kylle’ McKinney, Arlene Morris, Jake Roberts, Patsy Smith, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Mazie Bryant, Bob Corley, Robert Fouts INTERN Mazie Bryant SALES Bob Corley, 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Stephanie Crompton 334-462-1240 stephaniecrompton7@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 2011 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 Old photographs fascinate me. How many times have I set out to clean a filled-to-the-brim drawer, only to find myself - several hours later - plopped on the floor, immersed in piles of pictures I’ve found? And while I delight in the shots of family and friends, I’m spellbound when they reveal a Montgomery location that’s been torn down, or has long gone unvisited. Some months ago, I discovered a site on Facebook - Times Gone By - that gives me all the pleasure of seeing old Montgomery photos with none of the storage hassle. The “page” hosts a multitude of pictures and information about our capital city in various stages of its almost 200-year history. In addition to charming photos of Montgomery, its outlying areas, and its current or one-time residents, what makes the site even more compelling are the comments of the page’s “fans” (a Facebook term for people who’ve indicated they like the page). These remarks and the resulting dialogue between fans are fun to read, as they often reveal a personal memory or story about the photo’s subjects or the locations depicted. Who, besides me, likes to visit the Times Gone By Facebook page? Thousands, according to the number of fans that like the page. A note on the site provides even more detail: fans are 60% female and the majority are 55 or older. In addition to a large Montgomery viewership, fans visit the page from across the U.S as well as the U.K., Spain, Canada, the Ukraine, Phillipines, Greece, Brazil and Ireland. Want to find out more about this free, on-line, local photo repository? Be sure to read Jennifer Kornegay’s story “Pictures from Our Past” (page 18) about Times Gone By and learn why originator Carolyn Wright continues to pour her lifeblood into this labor of love. If you’re a Boomer and grew up in Montgomery in the 70s and 80s, “Dr. Sam” Faulk and Larry Stevens are likely familiar names. Both well-known area media personalities, they’ve witnessed the sea change that’s taken place in local radio, as independent stations have almost all been gobbled up by large media corporations. Be sure to read Lenore Vickrey’s profile of Faulk and Stevens in “The Face on the Radio” (page 22). It’s an engaging view of how local radio has changed over the last 40-plus years. And what’s a July magazine without some connection to Independence Day? With as little information as a name, local genealogist Col. Larry Cornwell, USAF (Ret.) shows how you can trace your lineage from the Revolutionary War period in “Rebellious Relations” (page 9). We’ve hit summer’s midpoint, and with it, the stifling heat. Take a break! Rehydrate yourself with a cool drink and enjoy the July issue of Prime!

Sandra Polizos Editor

If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery! www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

NEWS YOU CAN USE Yoga Improves Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy For women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy, yoga offers unique benefits beyond fighting fatigue, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. While simple stretching exercises improved fatigue, patients who participated in yoga that incorporated yogic breathing, postures, meditation and relaxation techniques into their treatment plan experienced improved physical functioning, better general health and lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. They also were better able to find meaning in their cancer experience. Ingredient in Red Wine May Prevent Some Blinding Diseases Resveratrol - found in red wine, grapes,

blueberries, peanuts and other plants stops out-of-control blood vessel growth in the eye, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The discovery has implications for preserving vision in blinding eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50. The formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, also plays a key role in certain cancers and in atherosclerosis. Conducting experiments in mouse retinas, the researchers found that resveratrol can inhibit angiogenesis. (American Journal of Pathology) Tai Chi May Help Improve Quality Of Life In Chronic Heart Failure Patients Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese meditative exercise, may improve quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in

chronic heart failure patients, according to research led by a team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. A study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that while Tai Chi offered no significant physical differences in patients who performed a 6-minute walk, those who engaged in the “mind/body” exercise exhibited significant improvements in standardized tests that track the mood of patients with chronic heart failure. According to researchers, Tai Chi is safe and has a good rate of adherence and may provide value in improving daily exercise, quality of life, self-efficacy and mood in frail, de-conditioned patients with systolic heart failure. The Chinese exercise – which consists of flowing circular movements, balance and weight shifting, breathing techniques and focused internal awareness – has already been suggested to be helpful for a variety of medical issues, including

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hypertension, balance and musculoskeletal disease, including fibromyalgia.

disability, was once considered a problem of the old but it is now commonly diagnosed in those as young as their mid-twenties and early thirties. According to the Arthritis Foundation, those considered obese are more likely to develop advanced, end-stage disease than those who maintain a healthy weight. Each pound of excess body fat adds the equiva-

Belly Fat Can Double the Risk of Death One of the largest studies of its kind has found that people with coronary artery disease who have even a modest beer belly or muffin top are at higher risk for death than people whose fat collects elsewhere. The effect was observed even in patients with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers found that those with coronary artery disease and central obesity, measured by waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, have up to twice the risk of dying. That is equivalent to the risk of smoking a pack of cigarettes per day or having very high cholesterol, particularly for men. The researchers say physicians should counsel coronary artery disease patients who have normal BMIs to lose weight if they have a large waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio. The findings of this Mayo Clinic analysis are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Osteoarthritis is More Common as Obesity Rises Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease and the most common cause of

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Sleep Problems Associated with Incontinence, ED. Two recent studies examined the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED). OSA occurs during sleep when the upper airway temporarily collapses causing breathing to stop. The study included men with an average age of 47.3 who are considered obese. One study found sleep problems precede certain urologic conditions, such as urinary incontinence and the need to get up during the night to urinate. The other study found men with ED twice as likely to have OSA than those without ED. Health screening found 63% of the men had OSA, 5.6% had a history of diabetes, and 29% had a history of smoking. American Urological Association (Research done by Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC.)

lent of 4 pounds of stress to the knees. Studies show women (at higher risk than men) can cut their risk of knee osteoarthritis in half with even small reductions in body weight. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says obesity prevention, physical activity and self-management education are most promising for limiting osteoarthritis damage.

FINANCIAL

Fleecing the Flock

ore money has been stolen in the name of God than in any other financial crime. It’s called Affinity

Fraud. Affinity fraud is an investment scam that preys upon members of identifiable groups, which include churches, the elderly, ethnic groups, and professional groups. Affinity fraud exploits the faith, love, trust, and friendships that exist in groups of people who have something in common. The con artists who perform affinity fraud commonly are a part of the group they are trying to scam. They will work hard to attain leadership positions or often get respected leaders to join them in the effort to sway more people to the fraudulent investment. Affinity fraud is often associated with “Ponzi” or pyramid schemes. This is where new investor money is used to make payments to earlier investors to give a false illusion that the investment is successful. The con artists want you, the investor, to believe your investment is safe so that they can run off with the money. Avoid becoming a victim of Affinity Fraud: n Beware of investment opportunities which promise great returns to church members quickly and in this lifetime.

n Beware of investment opportunities that are based on or challenge a member’s faith or obligation to give to God. n Check out everything before you invest. Never make an investment Joseph P. Borg decision that is based solely on the recommendation of a member of an organization, or religious or ethnic group to which you belong. n Do not fall for investments that promise spectacular profits or “guaranteed” returns. If an investment seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Generally, the greater the potential return the investment offers, the greater the risk is of losing money on the investment. n Be skeptical of any investment that is not fully documented in writing. Avoid an investment if you are told they “do not have the time to reduce to writing” the particulars about the investment. Be suspicious if you are told to keep the investment opportunity to yourself. n Don’t be pressured or rushed into buying an investment before you have a chance to think about and investigate the

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“opportunity.” Watch out for investments that are pitched as “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities. Questions to ask before you invest: n Are the seller and the investment licensed and registered in your state? To find out, call the ASC at 1-800-222-1253. (Note: According to law, bonds issued to raise funds for any nonprofit organization must be filed with the ASC. This is a measure that provides a review of a bond request for appropriate disclosure.) n Has the seller given you written information that fully explains the investment? Make sure to have a prospectus or offering circular before you buy. n Are claims made about the investment realistic? n Does the investment meet your personal investment goals? Contact ASC for inquiries regarding securities broker-dealers, agents, investment advisors, and investment advisor representatives, financial planners, the registration status of securities, to report suspected fraud, or obtain consumer information. Upon request ASC provides free videos of actual church scams. Contact the Education and Public Affairs Office, 334-353-4858 or visit the ASC website at www.asc.alabama.gov.

Bob Corley 334-202-0114 primemontgomery@ gmail.com

FEATURE

Rebellious Relations By Col. Larry Cornwell, USAF (Ret.)

unique way to celebrate America’s 235th birthday is to find hobbies in the nation. It can become a life-long passion for those out if your ancestors played a part in the founding of our with some time on their hands. nation. Many of us have some vague, general knowledge Another warning! Don't subscribe to paid subscription about our ancestors, even where sites until you've checked them they came from, but have no idea out with a librarian, friend, or staff how to find out more, other than member at Archives and History. hiring a genealogist. Some sites offer a lot and furnish If you own a computer with little. There is certainly enough Internet access, investigating your information on free sites to keep a ancestral lines can be as simple researcher busy. Some sites, such as entering an ancestor's name as ancestry.com (www.ancestry. in the block where you normally com), are well known, reliable, and type in a web address. If you don't offer a free introductory period. have a computer, visit the nearest In addition, members of many library and ask to use one of heritage organizations are willing their computers. to help prospective members trace Montgomery is home to the their family history. oldest state archives in the naThere are four Daughters of tion, the Alabama Department the American Revolution (DAR) of Archives and History (www. chapters in Montgomery, each with archives.state.al.us/). Located someone who can help trace family across from the south wing of histories back to the time of the the Capitol, the building houses Revolution. The capital city is also a treasure trove of documents home to a 200-member chapter of and county and family histories. the Sons of the American RevoluStaff members are helpful, and tion (SAR), appropriately named results can be surprising. Often, the General Richard Montgomery your simple research can lead to Detailed replica of Gen. Richard Montgomery’s uniform. Chapter after the city's namesake. distant cousins who have already Montgomery was the first general researched one or more of your many ancestral lines, and who are officer to lose his life in a battle in the Revolutionary War. The quite willing and happy to share their findings. General John Archer Elmore Chapter of the SAR serves Autauga There are many free genealogy websites, as well as some that and Elmore counties. charge a subscription fee to access their millions, even billions, of The DAR and SAR members are often able to do additional documents. These genealogy websites often appear on the screen research and find supporting documentation needed to complete when you conduct your on-line search. the application process. Documentation linking one generation Warning! The genealogy bug is spreading, and you could catch to the one previous includes birth certificates, death certificates, it! Researching ancestry is one of the largest and fastest-growing obituaries, Bible records, census records (some are free at ances-

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try.com), wills, published family histories, and other records of the day. Anyone interested in joining the DAR or SAR can contact one of the local chapters, provide documentation back to their earliest known ancestor in this country, and fill out the application form found on-line. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has a publicaccess website where you can research hundreds of thousands of DAR applications by simply entering each of your ancestors' names in its search engine (www.dar.org/ library/online_research.cfm). By doing this you can determine if any current members share your own ancestral lines. Another valuable website is www.genealogy.com, as well as www.footnote.com which has more than four million Revolutionary War records. Once you prove an ancestral line, invite family members to join. The stories of the war time service of their ancestors, discovered in your genealogy searches, provide a tangible sense of American identity and patriotism, and a link to the very founding of our country. Editor’s NOTE: Col. Cornwell is a top recruiter for the SAR and the national society nominee to become the next National

Montgomery’s 2010 Veterans Day Parade is led by Col. Cornwell and the Color Guard of the Gen. Richard Montgomery Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Wearing a replica uniform identical to that worn by Gen. Montgomery during the Revolution, Cornwell is accompanied by his wife Leanne, also in period clothing. Grandson William Miller, far left, participates as the drummer boy. (photo by Patricia Miller). Genealogist General. He is also in demand as a speaker for clubs, organizations and heritage societies, often addressing his audience in an historically correct replica uniform of an American Revolutionary War officer. Contact Col. Cornwell at lacornwell@aol.com.

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A GRACIOUS PLENTY

Frosting Fit for a Bride Photos by Margaret Ann McGregor

ary Virginia Norris was a happy, beautiful June bride. Because her mother Mary Jane is a long-time friend, I was there to witness her “blush” at Montgomery’s First Methodist Church, Patsy Smith and afterwards to dance at the Montgomery Country Club. The celebration was blissful. Other friends, Jenny Loughridge and Beth Edwards (a.k.a. my fabulously talented “Flower Ladies”) decorated for the event, and I was able to poke a few of my own blue hydrangeas into the cake

table arrangement on the evening before the wedding. That opportunity also gave me a sneak peek at the breathtaking backdrop for the bride’s very good idea: Mary Virginia opted not to have a singular wedding cake. Rather, the table would be filled with several of her favorite cakes... caramel, red velvet, cheesecakes with assorted toppings, and devil’s food cake with (my-oh-my!) Seven-Minute Frosting. I hadn’t tasted, or let alone made, a Seven-Minute Frosting in years. After the first taste, I wondered why I had not. The table was beautiful, and this frosting/cake combination was divine! Mary Virginia had requested that her grandmother, Norris, make these special confections, and her grandmother obliged. After all, she’d made them for other impor-

tant occasions in her granddaughter’s life. The devil’s food cake with Seven-Minute Frosting had always been Mary Virginia’s cake of choice for her birthday celebrations. Leaving the reception, I was so very grateful for the invitation to attend such a personal, uplifting, very holy event. And, I was determined to bake a cake. One that had new memory attached. A devil’s food cake iced with a Seven-Minute Frosting. Patsy Smith, a Montgomery native, is the author of two cookbooks, A Cookbook for My Southern Daughter and A Southern Daughter Entertains. They may be purchased at Capitol Book and News, Rosemont Gardens, Southern Homes and Gardens, Jo’s Hallmark, Richardson’s Pharmacy, and other fine book and gift stores, or through her website at southerndaughtercookbooks.com.

OSTING

SEVEN-MINUTE FR

s 163; fat e yields 15 ser vings): calorie Per ser ving (icing only; if cak 41g; sugars 40g; protein .9g chol 0g; sodium 16g; carbs

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e eggs Egg whites from 4 larg 3 c. sugar 10 tsp. cold water syrup 3 tsp. clear Karo corn 2 tsp. vanilla iler* the egg whites, Stir together in double bo rup. Cook, stirring, on a sugar, water, and corn sy gar dissolves and mixlow medium heat until su ture boils. oking, beat with handWhile mixture is still co h for 7 minutes, or until held electric mixer on hig move boiler from heat. frosting forms peaks. Re ating briefly until thick. Add vanilla. Continue be ad on cooled cake. Cover until ready to spre in a double boiler

ok this *Note: It is important to co ily! This recipe ing. It scorches eas to keep it from scorch . a two-layer 8” cake nty of frosting for makes ple

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FEATURE

Plan NOW for Long-Term

Care

ong-term care (LTC) your home without considerencompasses a range of able effort. The home health “About 70 percent of people over age 65 medical, personal and agency caring for you must be will need some type of long-term social services designed to Medicare-certified. Contact the care during their lifetime.” meet the needs of people with Ala. Dept. of Senior Services, disabilities, chronic illnesses, or 334-242-5743 (Montgomery), National Institutes of Health injury that limits their ability to toll-free, 1-877-425-2243, or function independently. It may visit the website, www.alabambe delivered at home, in a nursing home, adult day care or other aageline.gov/home.cfm. facility, and involves both skilled and unskilled care. The Alabama Medicaid Agency administers a program of Skilled care is provided by trained medical personnel such services offering eligible patients a range of care choices and as nurses and therapists. Unskilled care is provided by a home opportunities to receive services at home or in the community. health aide or home attendant and assists a person with ActiviAmong these are home health services, hospice care, and private ties of Daily Living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, eating, using duty nursing along with care in nursing and other LTC facilities. the bathroom, laundry, cooking, etc. Unskilled care can be proClients must meet financial, medical and program requirevided by friends, family, community and church volunteers, or by ments. Among other qualifying factors: home care recipients must paid caregivers at home or in a facility. be unable to leave home under normal circumstances; have an Long-term care can be expensive. In their booklet, “A Shopillness, injury or disability that prevents them from going outside per’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance”, The National Assothe home for treatment. ciation of Insurance Commissioners estimates the annual cost of If you pay for LTC yourself you’ll have the most flexibility. LTC in three common setting: No government agency or insurance company can dictate where n nursing home, semi-private room, $65,700 ($180/day); you receive care or what type of care you get. And if you don't n assisted living facility, 1-bedroom unit, $32,568 ($2,714/ need LTC during your lifetime, you’ll still have your money. Since month); you’re using your own money, there’s no concern about whether n home health care health aide, three times a week, $16,000 you medically qualify for LTC insurance. (often based on an hourly rate). LTC insurance can help pay for both skilled and unskilled There are many ways to pay for LTC, including government care. Policies are purchased through an agent or as part of a programs, paying from your own assets, and buying LTC insurgroup policy through an employer or association. ance. The insurer will compensate you for specific long-term care The Department of Veterans Affairs provides LTC for costs during the insured time period. If you have an immediate service-related disabilities or for certain eligible veterans. The VA need for LTC and are not currently insured, you will likely be owns and operates nursing homes and provides some at-home unable to buy it. care including nursing, home health aide, homemaker services, Monthly premiums depend on age, health status when you buy and community resithe policy, and how dential care. much coverage you “...40 percent of people currently receiving long-term Eligible veterans want. Health screenmay also receive ings may be required. care services are ages 18 to 64.” respite care, adult Buying LTC insurance U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services day care services, and at a younger age, geriatric care manwhen your health is agement services.Visit the Ala. Dept. of Veterans Affairs website, better and premiums lower, may be a good choice. www.va.state.al.us/ or call 334-242-5077 (Montgomery). Or conThe Federal LTC Insurance Program offers Federal, tact the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs toll-free, 1-877-222-8387, U.S. Postal Service employees, current and retired members of the Uniformed Services, and other qualifying individuals the or visit their website, www.va.gov/. chance to buy insurance at a group rate. See details at the Office Medicare will pay for care in Medicare-certified skilled of Personnel Management (OPM) website, www.opm.gov/insure/ nursing facilities or through Medicare-certified home health or ltc/. hospice agencies. You must meet certain conditions to qualify. In Predicting the cost of health care and your own financial status general, Medicare doesn’t cover assistance with ADLs. Among in ten, 15 or 20 years, is tricky. There are a bewildering number the conditions needed to qualify you for services: medical of insurance options, and current health problems may preclude certification of the need for skilled care; your inability to leave 12 July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

you from getting LTC insurance.You also need to consider the Medicare: www.medicare.gov/default.aspx. Take a quiz to expense of insurance premiums and your ability to continue to determine how much LTC cost, what assistance you qualify for, pay them as you age and possibly retire. Among LTC insurance and what options are available to pay for it. options, two of the most common are: Alabama Department of Insurance: www.aldoi.gov/ Limited Pay — Payment is made either as a lump sum, for a About.aspx. Click on the Consumers button on the left hand predetermined number of years, or up to a certain age. This lets side of the home page, then select Long-term Care Information. you pay over a shorter period, such as while you’re still working. You can also call 1-800-243-5463. However, since it’s paid over a shorter period, premiums can be National Association of Insurance Commissioners: significantly higher. www.naic.org/index.htm. This site lists items you should be sure Inflation Rider — A way of keeping pace with rising health are included in a long-term care insurance policy, along with gencare costs and eral tips regarding future price long-term care “Today, approximately 10 million Americans need long-term insurance. increases. Most are based on the services and support. As America ages, that number is rising Consumer Price steadily. By 2020, it is expected that 15 million Americans Index and added will need some type of long-term care.” to your premium Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Administration on Aging each year until you start drawing benefits.You pay the annually increasing premium, not the insurance company. The Other resources: policy payout adjusts each year as you increase your premiums, Easy-to-understand answers to LTC questions hopefully at a rate that keeps up with inflation. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/longtermcare/toc.html. The biggest issue regarding LTC is predicting if you’ll need it, Free "Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance" how much you’ll need, and how much it will cost at some vague https://external-apps.naic.org/insprod/Consumer_info.jsp. point in the future. The answers to these questions have an Alabama Medicaid impact on every funding option available, whether you pay from medicaid.alabama.gov personal assets, with government assistance, or through LTC Alabama Dept. of Senior Services insurance. www.alabamaageline.gov/home.cfm Odds are not in our favor when it comes to the potential for Alabama Medicare needing long-term care. Regardless of your financial and health www.alabamamedicare.net or call 1-800-385-8144. status, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to investigate This story was prepared with material from the National Institutes the predicted costs and financing options. Then, make a plan. As of Health and Aging, Medicare, Medicaid, National Assn. of Insurance the saying goes, no one plans to fail, they just fail to plan. Many Commissioners, Ala. Dept. of Senior Services, U.S. and Ala. Depts. of on-line resources can help you sort through the need for, and Veterans Affairs, and the Ala. Dept. of Insurance. cost of, long-term care.

TAKE A SHOT THIS SUMMER! Send a photo of your summer fun and it could appear in PRIME. Include a copy of PRIME in the photo and you’ll be eligible for drawings for theatre tickets, restaurant gift certificates and more! E-mail: jakebroberts1@gmail.com by AUGUST 15, 2011. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

IN EVERY LIFE

“Anticipating, discussing, and planning for the changes can help ease the transition.”

When an Elder Must Leave Their Home

ithin the U.S., most people can expect to experience one or more chronic conditions during the later years of life, most commonly, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, respiratory conditions, sensory alterations, or cognitive decline. Individuals can often enjoy many years with effective treatments and management of symptoms of these chronic conditions. Arlene Morris However, there may be episodes of increased disease intensity or unexpected occurrences such as falls that prompt individuals and their families to consider relocating to obtain assistance in meeting basic needs. One framework for determining if an individual needs assistance in five activities of daily living (ADL) includes: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring out of bed and chair, and maintaining continence with bladder and bowel function. Other activities that are considered instrumental for independence in daily living (IADL) are using the telephone, transportation/traveling, shopping, preparing meals, maintaining the living environment, taking medications, and managing money. Families or friends can provide support in meeting ADL or IADL areas, but assistance needed during a recovery or rehabilitation phase may exceed the ability or availability of family or friends. In other situations, decisions are made to relocate to simplify the living environment and have available assistance in anticipation of potential needs that may occur later in life, for safety concerns, or to provide socialization rather than isolation following death of a spouse or when a person relocates to a different geographic area. When a person or family decides assistance is needed, some role changes occur whether family or non-family caregivers provide in-home assistance or an individual or couple relocates to a 14

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

living environment in which assistance is provided (assisted living, rehabilitative care, long-term care, skilled nursing care). When roles and responsibilities change, the person may experience a sense of loss especially if the person’s self-concept involved those roles. Anticipating, discussing, and planning for the changes can help ease the transition. Some suggestions include: Discuss and plan for ways to help retain the role in the family (e. g. a parent can be consulted regarding family decisions, included in family celebrations, visit special places). Retain activities that bring joy (e. g. potted plants or a common garden area can provide pleasure for an avid gardener). Similar adaptations can be made to continue enjoyment of music, photography, and scrapbooking. A book lover may even want to narrate a personal biography or novel. Pictures and video-recordings can provide opportunities for reminiscence and also give caregivers insight into the personality and special traits of the person. If an individual becomes less independent, some decisions are necessarily made by family or significant others. Role reversal (child parenting the parent) may be minimized by discussing what the individual would have wanted done if she/ he were able to make the decision, and continuing to treat the person with dignity and respect. Visit living facilities at various times of the day to assess the person’s adaptation and needs, and observe interactions with caregivers. Facility administration or ombudsmen can be contacted if concerns are identified or persist. Transitions can provide opportunity to evaluate what it most important to persons and their families, and to plan creative ways to continue to have meaningful interactions in various living situations. Arlene H. Morris, RN, Ed.D. is a Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor in the Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, where she enjoys teaching content regarding gerontology and professional nursing issues. E-mail her at amorris@aum.edu.

FINANCIAL

Do You Qualify for Survivor Benefits?

he loss of a loved one can be painful. The death of a wage-earner upon whom a family depends also can be financially devastating. If you’re like most young or middleaged workers, you probably think of Social Security only as a retirement program. But some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward providing survivors insurance for workers and their families. Kylle’ D. McKinney Think of it as a life insurance policy you never knew you had, paid for by the same taxes that cover you for retirement or disability. When you die, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors benefits.These include widows, widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children, and even dependent parents. In many cases there also is a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 that can be made to a surviving spouse or minor children who meet certain requirements. You may not think it will happen to you, but the stunning truth is that one in eight of today’s 20-year-olds will die before reaching their full retirement age of 67. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. More than 6.4 million survivors receive benefits.The average survivors benefit is $1,129 a

month. If you are a survivor, you should apply for survivors benefit right away.You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office. Call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).To help prepare you, here is the information we will need: n proof of death — either from a funeral home or a death certificate; n your SS number and that of the deceased worker; your birth certificate; n your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower; n your divorce papers, if you are applying as a divorced widow or widower; n dependent children’s Social Security numbers, if available, and birth certificates; n deceased worker’s W-2 forms or Federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year; n the name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account. To learn more about survivors benefits, read the online publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html.Visit the Survivors page at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914 Ext. 26265, or kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.

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www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

FEATURE

Four Tips for Healthy Outdoor Grilling

ot weather sets picnic fever and the nation's barbeque grills - ablaze, especially around the Fourth of July. If you’re cooking over coals, or even a gas grill this summer, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) says to pay attention to what you grill and how you grill it, to keep backyard barbeques from raising your potential cancer risk. "Big portions of red and processed meat are a well-known concern with respect to colorectal cancer,” says AICR spokesperson Alice Bender, MS, RD. “And although the evidence on the link between grilling itself and cancer risk is less strong, it only makes sense to take some easy cancer-protective precautions." Bender says that cancer-causing compounds - heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - form when any kind of meat, poultry or fish is cooked at high temperatures, especially when the result is well-done or charred. These substances can theo16

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

retically damage DNA in ways that make cancer more likely. "The good news is that there are four simple strategies you can use to make allowances, manage risks, and grill more safely." 1. Get the Red (Meat) Out, Add Other Colors Focus first on grilling colorful vegetables and fruits, and cut back on the amount of red and processed meat on your cookout menu. Plant foods contain a variety of naturally occurring compounds called phytochemicals, many of which provide their own anti-cancer protection. Vegetables like asparagus, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant and corn on the cob are favorites, because grilling brings out flavors that even the pickiest eaters enjoy. Cut into chunks for kabobs, cook in a grill basket, or toss with a small amount of olive oil and grill whole. Cut fruit before putting it on the grill: apples, peaches and pears can be halved and bananas split lengthwise. Use fruit

that is about a day or two away from being completely ripe so it retains its texture. If you brush fruit or the grill with a bit of oil, it won't stick, and remember to watch closely so it doesn't get overdone. Serve as is, with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of plain frozen yogurt. 2. Marinate the Meat for Health and Flavor If you choose to grill meat, mix it up: try chicken or fish instead of sticking with burgers and hot dogs. Whatever meat you choose, start by mixing up a marinade with some of your favorite herbs along with vinegar or lemon juice. Keep the meat marinating in the fridge while you prepare the sides. Marinating meat has been shown to reduce the formation of HCAs. Precisely why marinades are protective is still under investigation; some evidence points to the acids (vinegar and citrus) or the antioxidant content. Even just 30 minutes in the marinade can help.

3. Partially Pre-cook You can do this in the microwave, oven or stove to help reduce the amount of time the meat sits on the grill exposed to high heat. To ensure safe food handling, just be sure to put the partially cooked meat on the preheated grill immediately to complete cooking. 4. Go Slow and Low To reduce the amount of HCAs and PAHs that end up in, and on, the meat, slow down the cooking time with a low flame and keep burning and charring to a minimum. More tips: cut off any visible fat (to reduce flare-ups), cook food in the center of the grill and move coals to the side (to prevent fat and juices from dripping on them) and cut off any charred portions of the meat. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), www.aicr.org, is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $95 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country.

HEALTH

Marci’s Medicare Answer - July 2011 Dear Marci, Original Medicare won’t pay for a health care service I received. What can I do? — Xiang Dear Xiang, If Original Medicare will not pay for care you received, you will find this out when you receive your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). If you think the care you received is medically necessary, you should not take no for an answer. 1. Find out if it is possible that there was a billing mistake. Sometimes providers accidentally use the wrong service codes when filling out Medicare paperwork, and this can result in Medicare denials. A denial can sometimes be easily resolved by asking your doctor to double-check that your claim was submitted with the correct codes. If the wrong code was used, ask your doctor to resubmit the claim with the correct code. 2. If the provider believes that the claim

was correctly coded or is unwilling to refile the claim, your next step is to appeal. The MSN will have instructions for how to appeal. Follow these instructions and then mail the signed original to Medicare at the address on the MSN. Make sure you request your appeal within 120 days of receiving the MSN. If possible, get a letter from your health care provider saying that you needed the service and why. Send this with your MSN. Keep photocopies and records of all communication with Medicare, whether written or oral, concerning your denial. Send your appeal certified mail or delivery confirmation. Note:You cannot appeal to Medicare to cover services or items that are never covered, such as hearing aids. Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, www.medicarerights.org, 800-333-4114. For more information visit www.medicareinteractive.org.

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FEATURE

Pictures Our W

hat is it about our yesterdays that captivates us? Why is what’s behind us every bit as intriguing as what lies ahead? Whether it’s due to the lessons we hope to learn from a second look, or the simple joy of remembering and, in a way, reliving, meaningful moments, Carolyn Wright knows all too well how interested Montgomerians 18

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

from Past

By Jennifer Kornegay are in their hometown’s rich past. She’s the creator and administrator of a Facebook page that’s become a local sensation in recent months: Times Gone By. Wright started the page to satisfy her own curiosity and admits she never expected it to become so popular. “I started it about a year ago,” she said. “I was chatting with a friend, and he was

searching the internet for some photos of Montgomery in the 1970s. I had some, so I decided to make a Facebook page and upload what I had to share with others. I had no idea where it would lead and never expected what has happened.” At press time, the page had over 3,500 fans, many of whom are pretty active on the site, checking it and commenting

“I had no idea where it would lead and never expected what has happened.”

Carolyn Wright, Times Gone By

South Perry St., 1905

often. Comments like, “Oh how I miss the old Montgomery!” and “Thanks so much for this site!” are common. People post their own recollections of the city and their personal “times gone by.” Wright continually uploads new photos, some she finds herself and others e-mailed from fans. “In the beginning fans were just uploading

their photo straight to the page by posting on the wall, which was fine, but now I ask them to e-mail photos directly to me. That way I can organize the photos into the right album.” There are more than 100 albums of photos, including Eating & Drinking Establishments, Hometown Stars, Haunts and Haints, Old Cloverdale, Cottage Hill, Flight History, TV & Radio, Mysteries & Legends, Fun Times, Politics, and Court Square. Wright has taken great time and care to create these albums. Since there is no search function on Facebook pages, this makes it easier for site users to find what they’re looking for. The former Montgomery police department dispatcher, now dispatcher for the Department of Conservation, outlined why she believes Times Gone By has struck a chord with capital city citizens. “I’m no historian,” she said. “I’m sure there are those out there who know much more than me about the area’s history. I’m just on my own journey to explore my city. The fans are just along for the ride, and it is inspiring them to take their own journeys too, to look back at their own heritage. It’s just fun to walk down memory lane sometimes.” In her quest for more and more photos, Wright noticed that many of the old photos of Montgomery already out there focused on two important segments of the city’s past: the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. These carry great historical significance,

but Wright was every bit as interested (if not more) in finding the pictures of the old hamburger joint where you hung out as a teenager. “I knew there were other types of historical photos,” she said. “Those showing the everyday people and places and events of the area. I just didn’t know where to find them at first.” She does now (she’s become an expert researcher and Googler), and so do her fans. They find them together. Wright has uploaded more than 1,000 photos she hunted down herself. Fans have e-mailed her another 500 to upload. The page has become a virtual gathering spot and a network of information. People often post a request, looking for a photo of something in particular. If Wright can’t find it or doesn’t have it, other fans may and are prompted to share it. Wright is currently running the page by herself, although she does enlist the help of her photographer friend Kenny Shackleford when she wants to post a presentday photo of an old spot. Her work on the page has taught her how and where to locate the old photos, but she still has to decide which ones to include. “I look for the photos that have interesting tidbits or more unknown events or stories behind them,” she said. She then researches them to find out more. Times Gone By is not just a giant digital photo album; it’s also a storybook, with everything from minor trivia to www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

Top Left: Cloverdale Grocery.Top Right: Court Square, 1930s. Bottom: Riviera Restaurant, Mobile Highway, opened 1955, closed 1979. extensive narratives accompanying many photos. And the stories keep growing as fans add more information to them. One of her favorite photos was uploaded by a fan, a shot of the front entrance of the old Klein & Son’s building downtown. One of the first “unknown” stories she discovered is the interesting tale of the Turk’s Head.You can find the photo, along with its multi-layered history, in the Haunts and Haints album. But probably her favorite landmark to explore thus far has been The Montgomery Theatre. “My research about it and all the wonderful and famous actors who performed there has been one of the best stories I've discovered. I only wish that this building could be restored and used for something other than a restaurant,” she said. “My other love is the Kress building and I'm anxiously awaiting to see how this restoration develops. There are just so 20

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

many untold stories out there,” she said. “Usually when I’m looking for one thing, I end up finding something else. Doors just keep opening.” While she’s giving others access to these stories, she’s learning too, and loving every minute of it. “I’ve discovered so much about my city,” she said. And she believes Times Gone By is not just for fun; she sees real value in the conversations the page facilitates. “I love this city, and it is at a crossroads,” she said. “The recent interest in and revitalization of the downtown area has been wonderful, but we need to do even more to preserve our history. So many people that live here don’t know anything about our heritage. The photos and stories I find get people talking about history. If Times Gone By can get more people interested in it, then more people will be interested in preserving it.”

Wright never anticipated the page becoming what it has, and she has no clear plans for its future, but she will continue doing what she’s doing and has some hopes. “It would be nice at some point to convert it all to a website that had more functionality,” she said. “But whatever happens, it will always be free and open. I don’t want anyone to profit from it. That’s not what it is for.” Special thanks to Robert Fouts of Fouts Commercial Photography for use of the black & white images in this article. His historic photographs can be found at www.historicmontgomery.com. Fouts also provided images for two Prime articles in 2010, including old photographs of Eastbrook and Normandale.

MONEYWISE

Of Sound Mind...

or a will to be valid in Alabama, it must meet certain conditions. In addition, there are some non-obligatory matters that your will should address. Here is a brief summary of a few items to check Alan Wallace for: n you must be at least 18 years to make a will. (If you’re reading Prime, you probably qualify.) n the will must be in writing. (No oral or video wills in Alabama, although some states allow them.) n the will must be signed by the maker. n the signing of the will must be witnessed by two people in the manner set forth by law. These items are all pretty straightforward, but the next two can present a problem if you are not careful. The testator (will maker) must be of sound mind and free from improper influences by other people. Since these two issues can be difficult to prove once the testator (will maker) is no longer around, the safe approach is to address them clearly at the time the will is made. Failure to do so can be an expensive hassle. My Dad passed away in 2005 at the age

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“... I do not encourage reliance on will-making software or fill-in-the-blank documents you get off the internet.” of 89. I knew that he had a will, but had not reviewed it until after he died. It had been prepared by a small town south Alabama lawyer (nothing against small town lawyers, by the way) in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, his will was not “self-proving.” That is, it was not notarized and did not include language stating that he was of sound mind and under no improper influence by others when he signed the will. Furthermore, the witnesses did not attest that he appeared to be of sound mind and under no undue influence. As a result, to prove his will before it could be probated, the court informed me that one of two things must occur. Either the two witnesses who signed his will 20 years earlier would have to be located and appear in Montgomery Probate Court to testify to his state of mind, etc. when he made the will. Or, they could be deposed by a duly appointed person in their home county… if they could be located…and if they remembered anything about my Dad! My experience is one reason why I do not encourage reliance on will-making software or fill-in-the-blank documents you get off the internet. I also recommend against turning to your neighbor or friend who is an attorney but who has done little if anything with wills since law school 25 years ago. Most attorneys specialize to some extent in particular areas. Choose someone to help you with appropriate experience and expertise. Even a simple will can be a problem if it is not drafted properly. In addition to the attorney who will help put your wishes on paper, you need

to decide who you want to manage your estate from the time you die until your property is disbursed to the people you designate. This person is traditionally known as your executor (for a male designee), your executrix (for a female designee), or more recently as your personal representative. Regardless of their title, the selection of this person is an important decision. While many people simply designate their spouse, that may not be the best choice, especially since he/she may already be dealing with considerable grief and trying to recover from a period as your caregiver. The person you designate should be honest, responsible, diligent, calm, thorough, and astute when it comes to both business and human relations. In addition, you should nominate at least one and preferably two possible successors in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve when the time comes. Always ask your designees beforehand if they would currently be willing to serve, with the understanding that their circumstances could prevent them from doing so when the time comes. If your will appropriately addresses these issues, you have made a good start in taking care of your heirs. And remember, for specific legal advice about your situation, I recommend that you consult with an attorney. Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior Financial Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, 334-270-5960, alan.wallace@ronblue.com.

VE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS SA

• IMPORTANT DEADLINES •

SA • Friday, August 12 - Last day to register to vote VE C • Thursday, August 18 - Last day to apply for an absentee ballot • Monday, August 22 - Deadline for hand-delivering absentee ballot • Monday, August 22 - Postmark deadline for mailed absentee ballot (ballot must be received at the Election Center by noon Tuesday, August 23) • Tuesday, August 23 - Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., all polling places. For information about registering to vote and absentee voting visit www.montgomeryelectioncenter.org or call the Montgomery Election Center, 334-832-1281. UT

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

FEATURE

The Face on the Radio by Lenore Reese Vickrey photos by Bob Corley

“Dr. Sam” Faulk in the early days (inset) and today.

hen you turn on the radio these days, depending on the time of day, more than likely the announcer you’re hearing isn’t anywhere near the station you’re listening to. He or she could be in Birmingham, or Charlotte, or Los Angeles. Or he could be sitting at home or on vacation. But he’s likely not in the studio, and fewer and fewer announcers are. The radio days of 2011 are nothing like the heyday of the 1980s and 90s in central Alabama, when WLWI dominated airwaves with its 100,000 watts of power, broadcasting country music and featuring on-air personalities like “Dr. Sam” Faulk, Don Day and Rhubarb Jones. “The number of personalities has decreased because of automation across the board,” said Faulk, 57, who calls himself a “corporate casualty” of changes in the business. Many live personalities from yesteryear like himself have been replaced by either syndicated shows produced elsewhere, or by “voice-tracking.” The latter is a process by which a disc jockey pre-records snippets of his or her on-air banter, which is then combined with music, jingles and 22

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

commercials to produce what sounds like a live program. For Faulk, who hit the airwaves in 1972, it’s been tough to watch his industry evolve over the past 40 years. Born in Dothan, he grew up in Elba listening to Bill J. Moody on WBAM-AM 740. Ironically, he’s come full circle, and now works at the locally owned and operated WBAM-FM Bama Country as an account executive/announcer. With Kenny Rogers at the CMA Awards, 1989. Faulk joined the staff of WLWI in late 1977, and was growing rapidly and starting sister stations there when it went on the air in January in Pensacola and Chattanooga. 1978. He was operations manager for sta“We were built on music and personaltion manager Don Markwell for five years, ity,” said Faulk, who was nominated three in addition to hosting a popular morning times for Country Music Association show. Broadcast Personality of the Year. In 1989 “We literally had the power to dictate he won that prestigious national honor. because of the size of our listening audiKenny Rogers made the presentation as ence,” he remembered. “We could control part of that year’s CMA Awards. who had a hit or not.” During that time ratings were high and The station dominated the airwaves, ad sales were lucrative. But Faulk and

other industry observmarket. Other factors coners say things seemed to tributed to the current state change in 1998 after the of radio, including advances station was sold to an in technology that let staAtlanta-based national tions operate without live corporation. Once the persons in the studio, the stations were no longer in advent of instantly delivered local hands, Faulk said, the syndicated programming, appreciation for longtime and the growth of satellite employees waned. and internet radio. “Dedicated employees Some stations still have used to have weight,” he live announcers, primarsaid. “When a lot of reily in the mornings or on cord companies and radio “talk” or sports talk radio. stations started being But no local station is fully bought up by large corpostaffed with live on-air talThe “doctor” crooning on stage with Hank Williams, Jr. rations, dedicated employent around the clock. Local ees turned into numbers.” newsrooms, with very few favor to a friend and as a ministry, he also Faulk worked at WLWI through 1993, exceptions, have become another casualty. does voice tracking in the afternoons on then shifted to WMMK in Destin, return“Every [police] siren was an ad for our The River, a contemporary Christian music ing to Mix 103 in 1998. He came back to station,” said Stevens. “All you had to do station at 101.5. WLWI in 2006 where he stayed until June was tune in to find out what was going on. Stevens says the changes in radio really 2010 when his live morning show was “Most stations today don’t have a [total] began when the Federal Communications replaced with the syndicated “The Rick staff of six or seven people, and I had that Commission changed its regulations and and Bubba Show.” for just my morning show on WHHY,” he allowed companies to own more than one Another longtime radio personality, said. “I have great respect for those who FM and one AM station in the same radio Grundy,Va., native are working in the business, and Larry Stevens, was some do a better job than others. at WHHY-AM and But I don’t see anything compelFM for almost 25 ling people to local radio. It seems years, including time to be an issue of dollars more than as program direcanything else.” tor. He left there Back in the day, if Stevens had an in 1994 to help put idea, “I just did it. Now, anything has MIX 103 on the air. to go through six vice presidents “I left there in and four regional program direcSeptember 1996 tors.” when the company In 1974, for example, he started was in the process the first very successful Zoo Weekof being sold, and end with McDonald’s and brought in they began to let Eddie Money to put on a concert. top level executives “We had that kind of clout,” he go with no explanasaid. “Now you can’t do that anytion,” Stevens said. more because of the way corpora“They demoted tions are set up.” me and cut my Now, after the better part of a salary. That’s when year away from the local market, I took my goodies “Dr. Sam” is back on the air with and left. It was the a live, 6-9 weeknight program. The best thing that ever good old days of radio may never happened because it return, but Faulk is happy where he forced me to think is, where he says listener relationabout other things I ships are valued, and stations have wanted to do in my local contests, take requests and give life.” away tickets. Now 63 and a “All decisions are made here,” he grandfather of five, says. “We like to say we’re local folks Stevens runs a suc- Larry Stevens’ wall holds a souvenir from his radio days, a platinum album cel- helping local businesses.” ebrating an artist’s sale of one million CDs and cassettes. cessful Montgomery ad agency. As a www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

July Community Events Theatre July 1-3. Millbrook Community Players. Red White and Tuna. July 21-24 South Pacific. 334-782-7317. www.millbrooktheatre.com. $ July 28-31. Wetumpka Depot Players. All Shook Up. 334-868-1440. www. wetumpkadepot.com. $ Music July 2, 7 p.m. Mtgy. Beth Nielson Chapman Benefit Concert, Capri Theatre. 334-262-4858. www.capritheatre. org. $ July 8, 7-9 p.m. Mtgy. Chestnut Street Opry. 2201 Chestnut Street. Play, listen, sing, dance. Free. 334-313-0843, 334531-0054.www.chestnutstreetopry.com. July 9 & 23, 9 a.m.-noon. Mtgy. Jam Sessions. Old Alabama Town. Bring your instrument. Free. 334-240-4500. www. oldalabamatown.org. July 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mtgy. Capital City Shape Notes Concert. Old Alabama Town. Free. 1-888-240-1850. www.oldalabamatown.org July 22, 6-10 p.m. Millbrook. Summerfest. Pines Golf Course. Music, concessions, fireworks. 334-285-6428. www.

cityofmillbrook.org History July 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mtgy. Independence Day. Old Alabama Town. 334-2404500. www.oldalabamatown.org. $ July 13-16. Mtgy. International Reunion Convention, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Tours, history reenactment, concert, golf tourney. Embassy Suites. 334-272-2814. July 20. Prattville. Prattville Founder’s Day Celebration. Autauga County Heritage Museum. 334-361-0961. www. autuagaheritage.com. July 21, noon-1 p.m. Mtgy. “Alabama Stories: Food and Memory” by Scott Peacock. Dept. of Archives/History. Free. 334-353-4726. www.archives.alabama. gov. July 1-31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mtgy. IndiVisible. Rosa Parks Museum. 334-241-8701. montgomery.troy.edu/rosaparks/museum. Arts & Crafts July 1 & 4-6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mtgy. Music Makers: A Celebration of the “Year of Alabama Music” Exhibit. RSA Tower. 334-242-4076 ext. 250. www.arts.

alabama.gov. July 1-27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mtgy. Stories that Cover Us: Quilts by Pat Batiste. Rosa Parks Museum. 334-241-8701. montgomery.troy.edu/rosaparks/museum. Fundraisers July 29, 6:30 p.m. Wetumpka. Wags & Whiskers “Bone-A-Fit” Silent Auction. Elmore Co. Humane Society. Country Club. Food, prizes, auction.BYOB. 334567-3377. www.elmorehumane.com. $ Other July 9, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mtgy. State Farmers Market Day, State Farmers Market 1655 Federal Dr. 334-242-5350. July 13, 10 a.m. Mtgy. Junior League of Montgomery workshop for non-profits (501(c)3). 3570 Carter Hill Road. Info, application for funds. 334-399-6159, 334-558-7232. July 14, 4 p.m., Mtgy. Area Hearing Loss Support Group, 1st United Methodist Church. Speaker, refreshments. Free. Hearinginfo@earthlink.net. July 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mtgy. Animal Enrichment. Zoo. 334-240-4900. www. montgomeryzoo.com. $

De•fin'•ing Re•tire'•ment 1. Care•free (adj.) - untroubled, relaxed 2. In•de•pen•dent (adj.) - self-determining 3. Com•for•ta•ble (adj.) - a state of physical ease

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July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

FEATURE

Flags of a New Nation

ritish Red Ensign or Meteor Flag (top left) Formally known as the “Taunton Flag of 1774,” this flag was the first to represent colonial defiance of British rule. The original version did not have the lettering on the bottom. That was added when the flag was raised in protest on a Liberty Pole in the town of Taunton, Massachusetts. The original flag, without the words of protest, was considered the national colors by a majority of early America’s inhabitants.

rand Union Flag (top right) This flag was first flown by General Washington in his military campaigns, and referred to by some as the “Flag of Compromise,” combining the British Union Jack with stripes representing the colonies. It was sanctioned by the Continental Congress in 1775, the product of a committee comprised of Benjamin Franklin (Pa.), Benjamin Harrison (Va.), and Thomas Lynch (SC). The compromise was between those who desired independence and those loyal to Great Britain. It was flown July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was ratified and signed, and on September 9, 1776, when Congress gave the fledgling nation a new name, the United States of America.

ersonal Regimental Flag (bottom left) This flag was designed by George Washington and carried with him throughout the Revolutionary War. Since Congress had not authorized a specific flag for the Commander-In-Chief,

Washington decided to make one to his own liking and design. He flew it where ever he was headquartered. The flag was found in Washington’s personal affects, passed down through generations of the Washington family, and was eventually donated to the Valley Forge Historical Society. It’s best known for being flown at the Continental Army encampment during the harsh winter months at Valley Forge.

tar Spangled Banner In 1814 two flags were available for flying at Fort McHenry. The large “Garrison Flag” measured 30-by-42 feet. A smaller version, known as the “Storm Flag,” was 17-by-25 feet, designed to fly when high winds and foul weather precluded flying the larger banner. Each of the 15 stripes of the larger flag measured two feet high, with each star roughly two feet in diameter. It was the larger “Garrison Flag” that was unfurled over the fort when the British attacked it on September 12, 1814, and which Frances Scott Key saw through the morning mist following the night bombardment of the fort, inspiring the poem that became our National Anthem. (Editor’s Note: This material was edited with permission from a presentation by William Stone, former President and current member of the Gen. John Archer Elmore Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and also a dual member of the Gen. Richard Montgomery Chapter of the SAR.) www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Hot Tips for Hot Weather Cats

ummer is here again and with it the Dam tailraces usually always hold catfish for several reasons: oppressive heat of the season. While n they obstruct catfish and other fishes’ movement upriver, the temperature is hot, so too can be concentrating large numbers of catfish and the species they the cat fishing, as long as you know where forage upon in a relatively small area; to look. n the oxygen content of the water is usually higher than elseOutside river bends are a cat hotspot where in the body of water making life easier for fish not that can hold fish year-round. As water only during the summer but year-round; flowing downstream follows the easiest n tailraces have current breaks, like the areas between water path, when it encounters a hard bottom it outlets on a dam, where catfish can suspend waiting for a Niko & Bella changes course, forming bends in the wameal; tercourse. As the current works away at the hard bottom in the n baitfish sucked through hydroelectric turbines get injured or bend, it creates holes in the bottom and eddy currents where chopped up providing an easy meal for larger fish. catfish can lie in wait for a meal to drift past without expending Locate seams in the current where faster moving water much energy. Too, as the current works away at the underwater meets slack water, especially if you mark structure on the botbank it creates underwater ledges and undercuts the bank above tom with your fish finder – that’s where cats will be hiding. Use the water’s surface, bringing down trees and other debris that your fish finder to help you as you drift fish baits through these sink to bottom of the hole and create a tangled mess of prime areas. Take extra care when operating a boat near dams and catfish habitat. always wears a life jacket. Use your fish finder to locate Bridge pilings, like dam tailthe deepest part of the bend with races, are man-made structures the most cover on the bottom; tailor made for catfish. better if there’s a drop off. Don’t Around these pilings are often worry about marking fish, just exposed lengths of rebar, large look for a combination of depth chunks of concrete, boulders and and cover and either anchor up rip rap that have great fish attractand cast out tight lines or drift fish ing capabilities of their own but through the bend. that also serve as snags for driftHoles can exist near many wood and debris headed down types of good catfish cover both river. The combination of various natural and man-made. Holes are types of cover attract baitfish attractive to catfish because they and create reduced current areas provide a resting and feeding place. where catfish can ambush prey Holes are often the result of curwithout having to fight the flow. rent in a watercourse transitioning Drift fishing past bridge pilings can from a harder bottom to a softer be effective, but so can jigging baits bottom and eating away at the area around all sides of pilings. Be sure where the two bottom types meet. to use heavier weights than when A good example is the area in tight lining in order to better cona watercourse where a gravel or trol your bait placement. Oftenhard clay bottom meets a mud times a big cat will be holding in bottom. the nastiest area of a snag. Using a fish finder you can Fishing will likely be hottest locate these transition areas by when the temperatures are coolSally Corley proves Niko’s warm weather catfish theory. understanding hydrodynamics. Holes est, in the mornings and evenings. can be difficult to find because there are not often indicators on A variety of bait choices is also a plus, so bring along as wide a the surface that a hole exists below. At the end of large river selection as possible. bends and the mouths of large tributaries are good places to look for holes. In rocky rivers, holes often exist behind large Niko Corley spend his free time hunting, fishing and enjoying rocks or boulders. As with outside river bends, the more cover other outdoor activities. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitat the bottom of the hole the better its catfish-holding potential. ters@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @cootfootoutfitters. Cast out tight lines or drift fish these areas. 26

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

AROUND MONTGOMERY

July’s Mystery Spot

ind this location and you could win a great meal! Two faces, downtown, near falling water and a towering building. E-mail a photo of you and them. You’ll be entered in a drawing for a $20 Gift Certificate from Mr. G’s Ristorante. The lucky winner will also get their photo in a future issue of Prime Montgomery. Deadline is July 15. Send to jakebroberts1@ gmail.com. That’s a one, not an ‘el’.

Foun

ery!

gom Mont

Canadian visitor Dr. Forrest Caldwell found April’s Around Montgomery, a large anvil perched atop the Steiner & Lobman building across from the Renaissance hotel.Those Canadians have a keen eye for detail.Thanks Forrest!

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

FEATURE

GEORGIA by t h e s e a By Andrea Gross; photos by Irv Green

Ed.‘s Note: Next month, Prime Montgomery takes you on a trip to the historic river (and almost-coastal) city of Savannah, Georgia.

eorge H.W. Bush honeymooned there, JFK Jr. was married there, and the Carnegies and Rockefellers bought land there. Then a few years ago, when they could have met anywhere in the world, the leaders of eight major countries chose to meet in the same place — on the small islands off the coast of Georgia. Why? What’s so special about these tiny dots of land — and can mere mortals afford to walk in the footsteps of the wealthy? That’s what my husband and I decided to find out. We find reasonably-priced motels on nearby I-95, but we opt to stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a grand Victorian lodge built by Rockefeller,Vanderbilt, Morgan, Pulitzer and fifty or so of their closest buddies. They surrounded the clubhouse with individual family cottages (most of which were more mansion than cottage) and used them to escape the cold weather and heavy social season of their northern homes. During the winter Jekyll was the gathering place for men who owned onesixth of the world’s wealth. Eventually the above-mentioned tycoons sold or donated much of their land to various government entities. What they kept, they ran well, restricting commercial development and protecting wild spaces. In short, the rich who developed the islands in the nineteenth century saved them from over-development in the twentieth. Today the 240-acre compound on Jekyll is a National Historic Landmark District. Land on Georgia’s barrier isles is measured in three ways: upland acreage (you can walk on it), total acreage (includes the marsh: you’ll sink), and beach miles (what really matters). Therefore, we hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a quick tour of the historic buildings and then do what we 28

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

assume the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts did — we head for the beach. I love Jekyll Island with its combination of history and recreation, but I’m positively besotted by Little St. Simons. The privatelyowned island, which is accessible only by ferry, consists of a lodge, six cottages, 10,000 acres of natural beauty and seven miles of deserted beaches. Built as a family retreat in 1917 and now restricted to no more than 32 overnight guests and a smattering of day visitors, the atmosphere is downhome casual. We arrive in time for a gourmet lunch, after which we’re given a choice of activities: nature tour, kayaking, beaching, biking, birding or relaxing. We choose the nature tour and spend the afternoon walking down paths lined with oaks and palmettos. Our knowledgeable guide, armed with binoculars, points out numerous birds (there are more than 280 species on the island), snakes, scat and even an eight-foot alligator. And so it goes, one glorious day after another, until finally, both refreshed and recharged, we make our way to the comparatively big St. Simons Island. After visiting the must-sees — the historic Fort Frederica, Christ Church and the old lighthouse — we settle into a routine of beaching, walking, biking, eating and browsing. I learn to appreciate Brunswick stew, a hearty mix of richly seasoned meats and vegetables, but my favorite local fare is crab cakes, especially those at Barbara Jean’s Restaurant, which are made without fillers of any kind. There are plenty of classy shops, but if I’m going to buy something, I want it to be

something unique to the Georgia coast. I decide on a piece of jewelry designed by GoGo Ferguson, great-granddaughter of Thomas Carnegie (brother of Andrew, the famed steel magnate). GoGo makes jewelry cast from animal bones found near her home on nearby Cumberland Island, which was settled by her family. Since Cumberland is now a National Seashore, where wild horses outnumber visitors, she has her main shop on the more accessible St. Simons. I look at a necklace made from seven rattlesnake jawbones ($10,495), a bracelet made from seven alligator toe bones ($2,375) and a raccoon pecker pin ($935) before settling on some more affordable — though still pricey — mussel shell earrings ($50).

The saleswoman hands me my earrings along with a card filled with GoGo gossip. I learn that her clients have included the likes of Hillary, Goldy and Jackie. In a flash I know the answer to my question: what makes the Georgia Coast so special? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place of extraordinary beauty, temperate climate and grand hotels. For the first-name-only folks it offers the promise of privacy. For the rest of us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance to bask in their reflected light. For more information visit www.comecoastawhile.com Great Places to Stay: Historic hotel: Jekyll Island Club Hotel: www.jekyllclub.com Oceanfront resort: King and Prince; www.kingandprince.com Boutique hotel: Ocean Lodge: www.oceanlodgessi.com Nature sanctuary: Little St. Simons: www.LittleSSI.com www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

YARD ‘N GARDEN

“Pathways add interest to your yard and reduce the amount of grass area.”

Happy Trails (and Pathways) to You!

Ethel Dozier Boykin

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

OUT & ABOUT Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town draw musicians and fans from around the River Region.

Performers at one of the June Jam Sessions included (clockwise from top left): Glenn Ivey and Greg Melvin, James Shannon, Patty Hackett, Joe Stimson, and Frank Sullivan.

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

MOVING FREE ® WITH MIRABAI

Talking off the pounds

as it Einstein who said, “I talk to myself in order to have an intelligent conversation?” Maybe it was Buddha. Anyhow, I’m in a conversation with myself right now. I’m trying to knock off a few winter pounds (if you Mirabai Holland think being a fitness pro makes you immune, think again) and I find talking to myself is not so crazy. We all need a support system. Mine happens to be me. So every night before I go to bed, I have a little chat with myself. I plan my meals for the next day and approx“For motivation, I imate calories, and the type of exertalk to myself about cise I am going to do. I like to switch a piece of clothing it up so I’m not doing the same thing every day, which sometimes requires I’m determined to a little more planning. MCA_Ad_7.10_Prime_Layout 1 7/23/10 12:52 PM Page 1 get into.” I get my workout clothes and

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MCA member Kay Gill getting a workout on the Sci-Fit Arm bike.

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other stuff ready the night before so I have no excuse and I tell myself what a good idea that was. Although I teach classes and work with clients, my body has gotten used to that. So when I want to lose weight, I need to do more. For motivation, I talk to myself about a piece of clothing I’m determined to get into. I put myself on a realistic, achievable timeline. So, if I’m trying to lose five pounds I give myself about 5-6 weeks. Now this sounds like I’m really in charge, doesn’t it? But I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. For instance, this morning my husband brought home a bag of bagels for breakfast. As soon as I saw them, calorie numbers started to flash in my brain. So instead of denying myself all together, I told myself I could have a serving that would equal the calories, if not the nutrition, of the oatmeal I was about to prepare. And I must say I savored every bite. As I ate my half a bagel watching my husband eat a bagel and half, I told myself that I made the right choice. I had my taste, and I was thankful for it, and I wanted those pounds off more than I wanted the rest of that bagel. So if you are looking for some support, why not try talking to your best friend, you!

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

GAMES Crossword Clues ACROSS 1 Sassy talk 4 Computer screen symbol 8 Fundamental 13 Grain storage tower 14 Back of the neck 15 Amphitheater 16 Related 17 Ladder rung 18 Less-desirable chicken pieces 19 Extremely conservative 22 Reuben sandwich bread 23 Truly 24 Depart 26 Robin’s home 29 Grab 32 Webster and Wyle 36 Ms. Mulgrew 38 Stack 39 Gaelic tongue 40 Lawful 41 Elliptical 42 AMA or NBA 43 Take __ stride; cope with a problem calmly 44 General tendency 45 Colorful bird

47 Variety; sort 49 Nonconformist 51 Meal 56 Hot tub 58 Too valuable to be measured 61 __ up; in a row 63 Ripped 64 Small piece of charred wood 65 Dad’s brother 66 Employs 67 Very bad 68 Spins around 69 Keats or Yeats 70 Comfy room DOWN 1 Compare 2 Homer classic 3 __ de Le—n 4 Not outdoors 5 __-nine-tails; knotted whip 6 Remove a lid 7 India’s neighbor 8 Spreading tree 9 Exist 10 Tight-lipped 11 Like a leaky fountain pen 12 In any __; regardless

13 Garment for Indira Gandhi 20 Bills that bear Alexander Hamilton’s face 21 Change a clock 25 Steam or fog 27 Short play 28 Not spoken, but understood 30 Family group 31 __ sway; ruled 32 __ as a pin 33 Approximately 34 Guarantee 35 Thus 37 Itty-bitty 40 Fine tablecloth fabric 44 Become filled to overflowing 46 Tolerates 48 Clergyman 50 Subside; ease 52 Walked back and forth 53 Over 54 Murdered 55 Spill the beans 56 Insulting remark 57 Evergreen tree 59 Average 60 Elm or oak 62 Building wing ©2011 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Crossword answers on page 31. Sudoku answers on page 15. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

PRIME DIVERSIONS

Recent dvd releases

Just Go With It, Hall Pass and The Adjustment Bureau

Just Go With It (PG-13) Here’s another lame sentimental romantic comedy from Adam Sandler. As usual, there are small parts for some SNL alums, and a treacly romance (this time opposite a miscast Jennifer Aniston), the inevitable crotchslamming sight gags, and fewer laughs per minute than the running time should contain. It’s not awful. There are a handful of amusing moments, but most of them are in the trailers. It’s just one more mediocre juggling act between the lovable doofus types Sandler used to play, and the more nuanced leading man he hopes to become. Jim Carrey may be his transition role model, but he’s running well behind the man who morphed from Ace Ventura into Truman. The more we see of Aniston seeming ill-suited for her big screen roles, the harder to recall why she became such a cultural icon on the small one. (6/7/11)

Hall Pass (R) Whenever the Farrelly brothers release a new comedy, it’s reasonable to expect some guilty pleasures of the gross-out variety. Their best was There’s Something About Mary, but its lesser successors have still shown energy and dabs of wit with the lowbrow yuks (or yucchhs!, as may vary with each viewer’s tastes). No exception here. Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis are typical suburban hubbies, married respectively to Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate. Both are typical guys - checking out passing babes, fantasizing about the romps they could enjoy if they were free to play.Their beleaguered, but loving wives surprise the lads with the insistence that they accept a “hall pass,” defined as a one-week holiday from marriage. No strings; no recriminations. The theory is let the boys find out how large the gap is between the flesh festival of their fantasies and the reality of how they’d actually fare on the open market as 45-year-old bachelors. The details of how their adventures unfold are best left to showtime. The characters are somewhat sugar-coated, since the idea is mostly to place likable players in the unlikely position of put-up-or-shut-up, 34

July 2011 | www.primemontgomery.com

to prove a point they need to learn, while amusing the viewers. In some parallel universe, this idea might Mark Glass actually take root as a marriage evaluation or preservation tool. There’s an underlying logic to the idea, so long as one doesn’t consider all the emotional and physical land mines in the field for both spouses. The hall pass concept may not redefine the institution of matrimony in this world, but if it triggers shock and outrage among the bluenoses in our ranks, I think the Farrellys will enjoy claiming “mission accomplished.” (6/14/11)

Adjustment Bureau, The (PG-13) Matt Damon scores again as an action hero, this time mixing some of his Jason Bourne espionage credentials with Inception’s sci-fi tools for a political and quasi-religious variation on The Matrix. Sound confusing? It actually turns out as a more coherent adventure than Inception, and comparable to it on the excitement scale. Damon’s near-certain win in his race for a New York Senate seat is derailed by a last-minute scandal. Just before his concession speech he meets a woman (Emily Blunt) who seems to be his dream girl. But he loses her number. He heads for Wall Street, where he makes some big bucks while hoping to regain his wounded good-guy reputation. He finds that little in his life - or anyone’s - occurs by chance. There’s some godlike entity, with minions among us who look like Feds, but have special abilities. Their job is to keep humans on track with his master plan, though no one knows exactly what is, or why any event or relationship fits. Damon is told that Blunt is off-limits, even though they keep running into each other every few years, finding undeniable chemistry. Their course is a romantic drama, wrapped in a semi-theological sci-fi premise, including some very cool travels through space and time. Director George Nolfi wisely subordinates all the fanciful elements to the rest of the story, maintaining a surprisingly realistic tone to the proceedings. (6/21/11)

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

T H E

A L A BA M A

S TAT E

Nurturing a New Generation of Alabama Roots Musicians

C O U N C I L

O N

T H E

A RT S

Listen to podcast interviews with Alabama musicians at www.alabamaartsradio.com

Photos by Frank Couch, The Birmingham News, Mark Gooch and Andy Meadows â&#x20AC;˘ www.arts.alabama.gov

E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 6 7

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2011

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