june 2013 prime

E a t i n gL a ke M a r t i nWell-known & obscure

places to dine.

• Grandpa’s Garden • Top 10 Alabama Destinations • Sr. Travel Tips • Pear Dogs • • Financial Decisions • Selecting a Nursing Home • European River Cruise •

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

FREEJune 2013Prime

June 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com

TheFighter

Will O. (Trip) Walton, IIIWalton Law Firm, PC

2011-2012 Alabama Super LawyerPh: 334-321-3000

www.waltonlaw.net

“Walton Law Firm Top Five”$17,500,000.00 Insurance Fraud Verdict$8,000,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement$7,500,000.00 Spine Injury Settlement$6,750,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement$4,000,000.00 Wrongful Death Settlement

As an Alabama Golden Gloves HeavyWeight Boxing Champion, Trip’smotto has always been “We Don’tStart The Fight – We Finish It!”

Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury“The recoveries, verdicts, favorable outcomes, and testimonials described in this ad are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The evaluation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2013 33

TheFighter

Will O. (Trip) Walton, IIIWalton Law Firm, PC

2011-2012 Alabama Super LawyerPh: 334-321-3000

www.waltonlaw.net

“Walton Law Firm Top Five”$17,500,000.00 Insurance Fraud Verdict$8,000,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement$7,500,000.00 Spine Injury Settlement$6,750,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement$4,000,000.00 Wrongful Death Settlement

As an Alabama Golden Gloves HeavyWeight Boxing Champion, Trip’smotto has always been “We Don’tStart The Fight – We Finish It!”

Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury“The recoveries, verdicts, favorable outcomes, and testimonials described in this ad are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The evaluation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

Great FoodFor Any Occasion

Blue Jeans

Mon – Thurs 4:30-9:30 pmFri & Sat 4:30-10:00 pm

10044 Chantilly Parkway334-281-3911

www.charlesanthonysatthepub.com

Black Tie

or

Wine Tasting1st Wednesday5:30-7:00 pm

June 2013 | www.primemontgomery.com44

contentsPrime/June 2013

on the cover


places to dine.

• Grandpa’s Garden • Top 10 Alabama Destinations • Sr. Travel Tips • Pear Dogs • • Financial Decisions • Selecting a Nursing Home • European River Cruise •


FREEJune 2013Prime

Ninety years ago this year construction began on Mar-tin Dam. The resulting lake has become a recreational magnet for Central Alabama, particularly during the sum-mer. Along its shores, at hidden crossroads, and in nearby small towns, there are dining options to satisfy every appetite. Take the Lake Martin Great Circle Dining Tour.(page 18)

Editor’s Notes

Short Takes

A Gracious PlentyKitchen Basics

Yard ‘n GardenTeach Your Children

FEATURE - Top 10 Alabama attractions

All About Wine Sample the 7%

Along These Lines The Voice of “Mr. Ed”

Off The Beaten Path Dogs in Pears

Medicare Q&A Prostate screenings

Medicare Find a Nursing Home

FEATURE - Lake Martin Dining A buffet of options

In Every Life Healthy Traveling

Social Security The credit you deserve

Financial Fraud Who to call for help

Crafty Corner The big Frame-up

FEATURE - Smooth Sailing European River Cruise

Puzzles

Moving Free Exercise: Take it slow

Money Wi$e Facts first

Prime Diversions DVD reviews

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From rockets to wave pools tobotanical gardens, discover

Alabama attractions thissummer. (page 10)


Editor’s NotE

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

contentsPrime/June 2013 Prime

MoNtgoMEryJune 2013 Vol. 4, Issue 3

PUBLISHERBob Corley, [email protected]

EDITORSandra Polizos, [email protected]

ART DIRECTORCallie Corley, [email protected]

WRITERSAndrea Gross, Jake Roberts

CONTRIBUTORS

Jerry Belcher, Joe Borg, Tina Calligas,Callie Corley, Niko Corley, Mark Glass,

Kylle’ McKinney, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris,Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace, David White

PHOTOGRAPHERBob Corley, Callie Corley

SALESBob Corley • 334-202-0114,

[email protected] McFarland, • [email protected]

Prime Montgomery7956 Vaughn Road, #144

Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114www.primemontgomery.com

ISSN 2152-9035

Prime Montgomery is a publication of The Polizos/Cor-ley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2013 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contribut-ing 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 Montgom-ery 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.

It’s hard to grow up in the South and not look forward to the rich bounty of summer produce so plentiful in this region. Forget the meat, it’s the veg-etables we love. Whether they’re from a Farmers Market or a backyard garden or even a local “meat and three,” think-ing of that first bite of a sun-ripened Alabama tomato, a sweet ear of Silver Queen corn, or a tender, freshly-cut serving of Yard Long green beans is, well, exciting.

Alabamians’ attachments to unpro-cessed produce goes way beyond the taste; we like to claim it as a birthright. Rich or poor, raised in the country or in a city or town, lots of us grew up on a regular diet of fresh vegetables and hot buttered cornbread or yeast rolls, served around a dinner table full of nurturing, if not always appreciated, rela-tives. And, almost always, someone associated with the meal was a gardener.

In our family it was my Dad. As a little girl, I remember a small vegetable patch that was simple to tend. By my late teens the once easily-managed garden had grown to a six-foot wide area that outlined the entire perimeter of our back yard. From early spring to early fall, Dad tended it with backbreaking diligence. I could never understand why, after spending 10-12 hours at work, he’d come home and spend more hours (in what certainly seemed like more work) in his garden.

Sometimes he solicited our not-so-happily offered assistance in watering and harvesting the yards of squash, eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, green beans, green peppers, green onions, and just plain “greens.” And though I complained about watering the endless rows of plants, I quietly enjoyed measuring their growth and loved Dad’s enthusiasm at the size, taste, and beauty of his vegetables. Once, the newspaper came to our house and took his picture for growing a cucumber the size of a baseball bat. Thrilled at the city-wide recognition, he saved the article for years.

This spring, I planted five Better Boy tomatoes and envisioned the fresh, deli-cious dishes I’d serve to family and friends around my dinner table. Stuffed tomatoes. Tomato and cucumber salad. Fried green tomatoes. Tomato pie.

Digging the holes as I planted, I thought of Dad, his love of fresh tomatoes, and his green thumb. I also remembered the hours he spent helping me, as an adult, plant flowers, herbs and vegetables in gardens of my own. I will never be the gardener he was, but his efforts are yielding a lifetime harvest of happy memories.

Happy Father’s Day to all area dads, and Happy June.

Sandra PolizosEditor


shorttakEs

New Technique Shows Promise in Restoring Near Vision without Glasses

By middle age, most people have age-related declines in near vision (presbyopia) requir-ing bifocals or reading glasses. An emerging technique called hyperopic orthokeratology (OK) may provide a new alter-native for restoring near vision without the need for glasses, according to a study performed at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and appearing in Optometry and Vision Science.

For middle-aged patients with presbyopia, researchers have shown the feasibility of cor-recting one eye for near vision through OK, in which overnight contact lens wear shapes the cornea of one eye to allow in-focus near vision for reading. To preserve normal distance vision, the other eye is left untreated. Presbyopia is caused by age-related loss of flexibility in the cornea.

Orthokeratology is a clini-cal technique to correct vision using specially designed rigid contact lenses to manipulate the shape of the cornea. Re-searchers liken OK therapy to orthodontic treatment using braces to change the alignment of the teeth.

The improvement was ap-parent on the first day after overnight OK lens wear, and increased further during the initial treatment week. To retain the correction in near vision, patients had to continue wear-ing their OK lenses every night.

After a Stroke, Every Minute CountsFrom the moment a person starts to experience stroke symp-

toms, the clock starts ticking. Every minute that passes can make a difference in how well their brain, arms, legs, speech or thinking ability recover.

Now, new national guidelines for stroke treatment make it clear just how much minutes count. The American Stroke Association guidelines are published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

Here are some key numbers:n 90% – the proportion of stroke victims whose symp-

toms are caused by clots blocking blood vessels in the brain, making them potential candidates for clot-busting therapy if

they get to the hospital in time.n 9-1-1 – the number that people should call immediately after they or some-

one near them begins to experience symptoms of stroke.n 4.5 hours – the maximum number of hours that can pass between the start

of stroke symptoms and the start of clot-dissolving treatment (called tPA). n 2 million – The approximate number of brain cells (neurons) lost for each

minute delay in restoring blood flow after a stroke. Earlier treatment is better.n 60 – the number of minutes between the moment a typical stroke victim

reaches a hospital, and the moment they get treatment to break up a blood clot in their brain. This “door to needle time” includes the time it takes to use brain scanners to tell whether a clot or bleeding is causing the stroke.

n 4 – the number of letters in the word “FAST,” which is an easy way to re-member the sudden signs of a stroke:m Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?m Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?m Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred, are you unable to speak, or are you

hard to understand?Time to call 9-1-1: If you have any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go

away, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately.

“2 million...the number of brain cells lost for each minute delay in restoring blood flow after a stroke.”


shorttakEs

Green Tea Found to Reduce Some GI Cancers

Women who drink green tea may lower their risk of developing some digestive system cancers, espe-cially cancers of the stomach/esophagus and colorectum, according to a study led by researchers from Van-derbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and published online in American Jour-nal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers found that regular tea con-sumption, defined as tea consumption at least three times a week for more than six months, was associat-ed with a 17% reduced risk of all digestive cancers combined.

Those who consumed about two to three cups per day had a 21% reduced risk of digestive system cancers. The risk was reduced by 27% among women who had been drinking tea regu-larly for at least 20 years. For colorectal cancer, risk was reduced by 29% among the long-term tea drinkers. Tea contains polyphenols or natural chemicals that include catechins. Catechins have antioxidant properties and may inhibit cancer by reducing DNA damage and blocking tumor cell growth and invasion.

Sport Makes Middle-Aged People Smarter High-intensity interval training makes middle-aged people

not only healthier but smarter, showed a Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) study, in collaboration with the Montreal Geriatric University Institute.

The participants were all overweight and had one or more other cardiovascular risk factors. They followed a

four-month program of twice weekly interval training on stationary bicycles and twice weekly resistance training.

High-intensity interval training involves alternating between short periods of low and high intensity aero-bic exercise – for example, a series of 30 seconds of sprinting followed by 30 seconds of walking or jogging.

After the program was finished, researchers discovered that waist circumference and trunk fat mass had decreased.

They also found that the participant’s VO2max and insulin sensitivity had increased significantly, in tandem with their score on cognitive tests. Insulin sensitivity is the ability of sugar to enter body tissue. VO2max is the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and use oxygen

during exercise.

“Researchers found that regular tea consumption... was associated with a 17% reduced risk of all digestive cancers combined.”


a gracious PlENty

Bake/Roast — Cook food uncovered in an oven or similar

appliance.Beat — Make mixture smooth with rapid, regular motion using a wire whisk, spoon, hand beater, or mixer.

When using a spoon, lift the mixture up and over with each stroke.

Blend — Mix two or more ingre-dients thoroughly.

Boil — Heat a liquid until bubbles break on the surface or cook in boil-ing water.Braise — Slowly cook meat or poultry in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.Broil — Use direct heat to cook.Brown — Cook quickly until surface

of food is brown.Chop — Cut food into small pieces.Coat — Cover entire surface with a mixture such as

flour or bread crumbs.Core — Using a sharp knife, remove the core and seeds

of fruit.Cream — Stir one or more foods until they are soft.Crisp-tender — The “doneness” of vegetables when

they crisp in texture.Crush — Use a garlic press or a blunt object to smash

foods such as garlic until the fibers separate.Cube — Cut food into small, 1/2-inch cubes.Dash — Less than 1/8 teaspoon.Dice — Cut into small, square-shaped pieces.Drain — Put food and liquid into a strainer or colander,

or pour liquid out of a pot by keeping the lid slightly away from the edge of the pan and pouring away from you.

Flute — Pinch the edges of dough such as on pie crust.Fold — Mix by turning over and over.Fork-tender — The “doneness” of a food when a fork

can easily penetrate the food.Fry — Pan fry: Cook in frying pan over medium heat

with small amount of oil. Deep fry: Cook in hot oil deep enough for food to float.

Grate — Rub food on a grater or chop in blender or

food processor to produce fine, medium, or coarse particles.

Grease — Cover or lubricate with oil to keep food from sticking.

Knead — Work dough by folding and stretching with heel of hand.

Marinate — Allow food to soak in liquid to increase flavor and tenderness.

Mince — Cut or chop food into small pieces.Mix — Combine ingredients using a fork or spoon.Oil — Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil on a dish or

pan. Can substitute vegetable oil spray.Peel — Remove outer covering of foods by trimming

away with a knife or vegetable peeler.Preheat — Heat oven to desired temperature before

putting food in to bake.Poach — Cook food over low heat in a small amount

of hot, simmering liquid.Saute — Cook in a small amount of oil or water.Scald — Heat milk until bubbles appear. Bubbles should

not be “breaking” on the surface.Shred — Rub foods against a grater to divide into small

pieces.Sift — Remove lumps or lighten the dry ingredients by

putting them through a strainer or a sifter.Simmer — Cook at a temperature just below the boil-

ing point. Bubbles form slowly but do not reach the surface.

Slice — Cut food into thin pieces.Steam — Cook over boiling water.Stew — Cook food over low heat in a large amount of

simmering liquid.Stir-fry — Quickly frying vegetables to a crisp-tender

state while constantly stirring.Stock — Water in which

vegetables or meat has been cooked; should be stored in the refrigerator.

Thaw — Slowly change from a frozen state to a liquid state.

Toss — Mix foods lightly with a lifting motion, using forks or spoons.

Did you know a ‘dash’ as called for in a recipe is consid-ered less than 1/8 teaspoon?

Cooking Basics from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service is a great review for kitchen wizards and

a wonderful learning tool for new cooks. We thank ACES for their generosity in letting Prime offer

it to our readers. You can find more information on their website, www.aces.edu/.

BACK to Basics


yard ‘N gardEN

My grandfather passed away 47 years ago, but my loving memo-ries of him are something I will take to my grave. Recently I was in my garden, my mind wandering as it’s prone to do there. I

thought about my Grandfather, and a memory, long dormant in my subconscious, rose like a fog lifting from the surface of a pond on a cool, autumn morning. I remembered I used to help him tend his garden.

As a five-year-old in Ohio, I helped him plant seeds that would grow into beautiful pansies, violets and morning glories behind his home on Walnut Street. I would get down on my knees beside him as he tended his irises, and watched in astonishment as he cut down three rose bushes – only to watch them bloom, in all their glory, later that Spring and Summer.

He also had a number of peony and lilac bushes that bloomed into magnificent colored flowers. I watched ants crawl up the peonies and asked why they were always on the bulbs. Grandpa said they liked the ‘juice’ the flowers gave, and that was a good enough explanation for me. As far as I was concerned, my Grandpa knew everything there was to know about gardening.

Grandpa had not always been the gardener in the family. That job had been my grandmother’s and those were really her flowers. He took over the gardening when she died. By keeping her flowers growing, it was his way to keep some part of her still living and with him. He nurtured that garden for many years without me, his one-time assistant. I was preoccupied with teenage adventures, too busy to help.

When age finally caught up with my Grand-father, he reluctantly accepted the fact that the flowers would henceforth only grow in his memories, and somehow, I think he was content with that. His flowers, my grandmother, and soon he, himself, were all soon together again. Maybe that was how it was meant to be all along.

In my opinion, there is no better or loving gift we can give to our children or grandchildren than to introduce them to gardening. Some day, long after we are just a loving memory in their hearts, they will be thankful you included them in your gardening.

Jerry Belcher is a member of the Capital City Master Gardener Association. For more information about the association, visit their website, www.capcitymga.org/, or e-mail [email protected].

My Grandfather’s GardenBy Jerry Belcher


fEaturE

Summer is upon us, and to accompany the Top Ten list of free Alabama attractions published in our April issue (online at www.primemontgomery.com), here’s another Top 10 list of Alabama attractions. These are the most-visited sites with an admission fee, and together with the April list offer an incredible variety of entertaining places to visit this summer.

The list is courtesy of the Alabama Tourism Bureau, based on overall attendance figures, www.alabama.travel/.

Top 10(paid)labamattractionsA

Robert Trent Jones Golf TrailA collection of 468 holes and 11 sites, the RTJ

stretches from Muscle Shoals to Mobile and into every corner of the state.

205-942-0444, www.rtjgolf.com/trail/

Birmingham ZooThe zoos’ Predator Zone features two African

Lions, and visitors can watch zookeepers conduct daily training sessions.

205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com/

McWane Science Center – BirminghamAn exciting science center, McWane offers

hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater.205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org/


U.S. Space & Rocket Center – HuntsvilleThe Saturn V rocket, built in Alabama and on display at the Center, helped

send man to the moon. It was named one of the “Seven Wonders of America.”256-837-3400, www.spacecamp.com/museumHome

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – Mobile

In addition to the battleship, see a Blackbird spy plane, B-52 Stratofortress, WWII submarine, plus a wide assortment of other aircraft and weaponry from all military branches.

251-433-2703, www.ussalabama.com/

Huntsville Botanical GardenThe 112-acre garden offers walking paths, a

Seasonal Butterfly House, Festival of Flowers and much more.

256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org/

Point Mallard Park – DecaturA 750-acre park with hiking and biking trails, camping, golf

course and Aquatic Center with wave pool, water slides and kiddie pool, plus a year-round ice skating complex.

256-350-2028, www.pointmallardpark.com/

Montgomery ZooThe zoo’s 40 acres of habitat representing five continents

has naturalistic, barrier-free exhibits and more than 600 animals, plus dining at the Overlook Cafe, a gift shop, and a train ride around the park.

334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com/

EarlyWorks Museum Complex –Huntsville

Enjoy interactive history exhibits, including a talk-ing tree, 46-foot keel boat, talking clock and preschool learning center.

205-324-1911

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum – LeedsThe museum is home to one of the largest collections of

vintage motorcycles and vehicles in the world.205-699-7275, http://barbermuseum.org/


fEaturE

Recently, 17 vintners gathered in Sonoma County, California for a wine tast-ing dubbed “The 7 Percent Solution.”

Organizers explained that roughly 93 percent of Northern California vineyard acreage is planted to eight major grape varietals. The re-maining seven percent is composed of numer-ous lesser-known varietals. These “7 Percent Solutions” are finding favor with a small but growing number of winemakers.

The event enabled consumers to explore wines produced by California’s revolutionary vintners -- those willing to embrace the state’s vast and varied climate by avoiding popular grapes and bottling the obscure. Whether they’re producing unusual varietals or explor-ing unheralded regions, these winemakers are worth celebrating.

That certain regions of California might be better suited to, say, Albarino than Chardon-nay makes sense. Across the globe, commercial wine is produced from a whopping 1,368 dif-ferent grape varieties. It defies logic to assume that grapes native to central France will thrive in all the world’s new vineyards. This topic was explored at this year’s Drink Local Wine conference by Joseph Fiola, Ph.D., a University of Maryland professor who has spent more than 25 years researching and teaching about experimental viticulture.

During his lecture, Fiola spent a great deal of time praising the Old World for its commit-ment to growing varieties that are adapted to local growing conditions.

“Local varieties have been growing in those areas for hundreds, maybe thousands of years,” Fiola explained. “Year in year out, they get ripe. Year in year out, winemakers can control production. Those areas know how to grow the grapes; they know how to make good wine. And it’s the local grapes that are the best. [Winemakers] aren’t going to grow Cabernet Sauvignon all over Italy because people know the name!”

Fiola went on to compare southern Italy’s climate to southern Maryland’s, and acknowl-edged the temptation to focus on well-known varieties.

“Trying to convince a Maryland winery that has to worry about marketing to people who can barely pronounce Chardonnay to sell Nero

d’Avola, Negroamaro, Sagrantino?” he asked, naming three esoteric varieties from Italy. “That presents a challenge,” he conceded.

Europe has an advantage, of course. The con-tinent has been producing wine for thousands of years, so vintners there understand which grapes do best. In France, for example, wine-makers in Burgundy know to focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just as German vintners recognize that Riesling thrives in the country’s Mosel region, Spanish vintners recognize that Albarino thrives in Galicia.

Wine production in the United States is still in its infancy, but winemakers know American consumers enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Char-donnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, so that’s what most produce. Only the most courageous vintners would eschew these varieties.

One of these courageous vintners is Mat-thew Rorick of Forlorn Hope, who poured at the “7 Percent Solution” tasting in Sonoma. Since 2005, he has been producing “rare crea-tures from appellations unknown and varieties uncommon.”

His “rare creatures” are truly unusual. He produces delightful reds from Sangiovese and Barbera, two Italian grapes that few California winemakers take seriously. He produces a delicious Verdelho, a white wine that’s typically associated with Portugal. He produces the na-tion’s only 100-percent St. Laurent, a thought-provoking, highly aromatic red that’s almost impossible to find outside Austria and the Czech Republic. Each year, he crafts more than a dozen different wines -- and virtually all are produced in lots of fewer than 2,500 bottles.

The fact that 17 vintners like Rorick were able to fill a room at a wine tasting is testa-ment to the fact that an increasing number of winemakers are willing to take risks. And, perhaps more importantly, American consum-ers are growing more comfortable exploring the unknown.

David White is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and founder and editor of Terroirist.com. His columns are housed at Palate Press: The Online Wine Magazine. ‘Terroir’ is the influence a particular region has on the flavor of products such as wine, coffee and chocolate.

Embrace the ObscureBy David White


What do David Filby, Wilbur Post, and Scrooge McDuck have in common? They were all characters (“The Time Machine,”

“Mister Ed,” and “DuckTales,” respectively) played by actor Alan Young.

A resident of Studio City, California for more than 50 years, Angus, as he was once known, was born in Northern England. His Scottish father soon moved the family to Edinburgh, then later to Canada when Angus was six. Young suffered from pro-longed bouts of asthma as a child and was bedridden for months at a time. During those depressing weeks his spirits would be lifted by listening to Canada Radio, and he soon began writing comedy routines.

As a young man his writing and performing talents were recognized, and “The Angus Young Show” hit the Canadian radio waves. After changing his name to Alan he headed to Los Angeles, eventually ap-pearing in some twenty films and dozens of TV shows. Though little remembered today, “The Alan Young Show” was a half-hour variety series on CBS in 1950-53, and his first major success in the U.S.

“It won several Emmys including Best Variety Show in 1951,” Young said during an interview, “and I won for Best Actor.”

Without a doubt, however, fans of 1960s TV will remember Alan in “Mister Ed” – named after his talk-ing horse co-star. One of the most popular series of the time, it ran from 1958-1966.

“I still get phone calls from all over the world to talk about the show,” says Young.

Despite it’s popularity and winning a Golden Globe award, “Mr. Ed” never received an Emmy.

“I’m not sure why it never won, but it was certainly an unusual plot! Ed did win the Patsy Award that was given for the best animal actor,” Young said. “In fact, Ed won it so many times that the American Humane Association, who gave out the award, asked me if I would mind if he didn’t win one year. They were concerned people might think the award was ‘fixed’! So the next year, Lassie won and Ed was second.”

Even though “Mister Ed” is more than 50 years old, Young is still asked how the horse’s lips were made to move. Initially a mystery at the producers’ insistence, Young started the rumor that peanut butter was

placed under the horse’s lip, which he would try to lick off.

“Al Simon and Arthur Lubin, the producers, sug-gested we keep the method a secret because they thought kids would be disappointed if they found out the technical details of how it was done,” said Young. “So I made up the peanut butter story, and everyone

bought it. It was initially done by putting a piece of nylon thread in his mouth.

But Ed actually learned to move his lips on cue when the trainer

touched his hoof. In fact, he soon learned to do it when

I stopped talking during a scene! Ed was very smart.”

Despite its popularity, the show was cancelled half-way through the sixth season.

“It was a shock to all of us,” Young recalled. “The show had good

ratings, but CBS got a new program director who

wanted to get rid of shows like “Petticoat Junction,”

“The Beverly Hillbillies,” and “Mister Ed.” I guess he thought we

were becoming the hillbilly network! Al Simon walked on to the set while we

were reading scripts for the next day and said we were dropped then and there. It was awful, people were crying, but that was it. We never shot another episode.”

Since “Mister Ed,” Young has been in demand as a voice actor, working on “The Smurfs,” “Ren and Stimpy,” “The Chipmunks,” and “Scooby-Doo.” He’s probably best known in the cartoon universe for his role as Disney’s Scrooge McDuck.

Young retired from film work and now focuses on writing. His two books, “There’s No Business Like Show Business ....Was,” and “Mister Ed and Me... and More!” recount stories from his long career (visit http://mister-ed.tv. for more details).

“I love to write. I’ve had the pleasure of meet-ing and working with so many lovely people here in Hollywood. I’ve heard so many of them tell fascinat-ing stories, so I wanted to put it all together so fans could read about working in Hollywood in the ‘old days.’”

Nick Thomas teaches at AUM and writes for magazines and newspapers across the country, including the Wash-ington Post, LA Times and Chicago Tribune. He can be reached at his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com.

aloNg thEsE liNEs Remem

bering “Mister Ed”

By Nick Thomas


For information/registration • 334-409-0522 • www.montgomeryballet.org

The River Region’s Professional Ballet Company

MONTGOMERY

Darren McIntyre,Artistic Director

Summer CampFairytale Ballet Camp

June 10-28

Summer CampAges 7 and Older

M-F, 9:30-4:00Pointe, Pre-Pointe,

Men’s Class, Variations,Repertory, Modern, Jazz.

No audition. Limited space.Single or multiple weeks

available.

Fairytale CampAges 3 to 8

M-F, 9:00-NoonDaily snack.

Single or multiple weeksavailable.

Mr. Gus’ RistoranteMr. Gus’ Ristorante

6268 Atlanta HighwayMontgomery AL334-356-4662

Montgomery ’s F inestI ta l ian & Greek Cuis ine

Tuesday-Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm

4:30 - 9 pm

Saturday *6 am - 2 pm4:30 - 9 pm

* W h e r e M o n t g o m e r y m e e t s f o r S a t u r d a y b r e a k f a s t .


off thE BEatEN Path

I first noticed it last summer while mowing the lawn. The pear tree in our backyard seemed to be

dropping leaves – which happens every year – except it was unseason-ably early. Was it the heat, or maybe a gust of wind, since several branches lay scattered around the base of the tree as well? I daydreamed briefly of pear cobbler and strengthened my resolve to ensure the delicious green

fruit on the tree survived to maturity. I ran the hosepipe out to the tree, let it run for 10 minutes, stepped back to quench my own thirst and pondered the mystery. Bella and Coco panted patiently at my side.

Every day before work the next week I watered the tree for a few minutes to see if the growing clutter of leaves and branches piling up around its base would dimin-ish. To my disappointment, they didn’t. I was stumped, because the tree otherwise looked healthy. One morning not too long there-after, I was staring out the kitchen window into the backyard at the pear tree, scratching my head about this strange prob-lem when I saw Coco, sitting beneath the tree, seemingly pondering the same issue with equal intensity. Bella lay a few feet away, sunning.

I started to turn away but movement caught my eye. To my great surprise, Coco leaped straight up into the branches of the tree, snag a pear, a foot of branch and a cluster of leaves in her teeth. Her back feet must have cleared the ground by three feet. She snuck away, pear in mouth, trying to evade the suddenly interested Bella.

I chuckled as I watched her chomp down on that hard green pear and then turn back to the tree, get a running start and rocket up into its branches after another. Seeing her daughter’s achievement, Bella attempted

the same, but without the same success. She tried once more, then sulked away to sun herself. When Coco went to snag another, two pears fell and Bella pounced on one, happily carrying it back to her sunny patch to enjoy.

Sally and I laughed about our pair of pear eaters, though it wasn’t much of a shock given their usual antics. Besides being fine hunting dogs in their own right, they have also rid our section of the neighborhood of possums and are adept at wrangling up shad

on fishing trips.For the rest of the summer Coco

worked every side of that tree pulling down pears, with

Bella waiting in anticipation for the telltale thud in

the grass of green fruit hitting the ground.

When the pears finally ripened, nearly every fruit within seven feet of the

ground had already been harvested by Coco.

There weren’t more than a few I could reach without the aid of a step ladder. But despite Coco’s best efforts we still managed a few pear pies from her leftovers.After the leaves fell last fall,

Coco still eyed the tree every time she walked by. More than

once I caught her sitting beneath its bare branches gazing longingly upward. When the leaves reappeared this spring there was an extra spring in her step. The pears are now golf-ball sized, and at the tree’s base, fallen leaves and branches have ‘mysteriously’ begun reappearing.

Niko Corley spends his free time hunting, fishing, boating, enjoying the outdoors and rescuing pears from the jaws of his canines. He can be contact-ed at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @cootfootoutfitters.

Quite the Pear

Niko Corley


hEalth

Marci’s Medicare Answers June 2013Dear Marci,Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screenings? — RaoulDear Raoul,

Yes. Medicare covers a yearly prostate cancer screening for all male Medicare patients age 50 and older. This screening in-cludes a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Original Medicare, the traditional Medicare program offered directly through the federal government, covers 100 percent of its approved amount for the PSA test, even before you meet the Part B deductible. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover your health care services. You will not have to pay anything for the PSA test if you see doctors or other health care providers who accept Medicare and take assignment. Doctors who accept Medicare and take assignment cannot charge you more than the Medicare approved amount.

Original Medicare also covers 80 percent of the cost of the DRE after you meet your annual Part B deductible. Generally, you are responsible for paying a 20 percent coinsurance for the DRE. Call 800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to locate doctors who accept Medicare and take assignment.

Medicare private health plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, must cover the same preventive services that Original Medicare covers. However, they can do so with differ-ent costs and rules. Contact your plan to see what costs and rules apply.

Dear Marci, I recently received services at a nearby hospital and was told that my stay was considered to be an observation stay. What is an observation stay? — AdinaDear Adina,

An observation stay is an outpatient hospital stay in which you receive outpatient medical services to help the hospital doctor decide whether you need to be admitted as a hospital inpatient or whether you can be discharged. Observation stays may occur when patients go to the emergency room and have symptoms that require hospital physicians to monitor them. These stays typically last no more than 24 to 48 hours, but could last longer.

Services you receive during an observation stay are con-sidered to be outpatient services and are, therefore, covered under Medicare Part B (medical insurance). On the other hand, if you are a hospital inpatient, Medicare Part A (hospital insur-ance) covers most of your care.

In order to be considered a hospital inpatient, you must have been formally admitted into the hospital by an attending physician. If you have not been formally admitted as a hospital

inpatient, you are considered an outpatient, and the services you receive will generally be covered under Medicare Part B.

It is oftentimes difficult to know whether the hospital considers you to be an inpatient or outpatient. However, this distinction is important to know, since it determines the way Medicare covers your care. If you stay overnight in the hospital, it may be helpful for you to ask hospital staff whether you are considered an inpatient or outpatient. This will help you under-stand the costs for your hospital stay and any skilled nursing care you may need.

Dear Marci,Can I have both Medicare and VA coverage? — RichardDear Richard,

Yes, you can have both Medicare and VA (Veterans Affairs) coverage. If you have been honorably discharged or released from the military, naval or air service, you may be able to get health coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can also have Medicare, if you are eligible for Medi-care due to age, disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou-Gehrig’s disease (ALS).

Keep in mind that Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for care that you receive at a VA facility. In order for Medicare to cover your care, you must receive care at a Medicare-certified facility that works with your Medicare coverage. Additionally, in order for your VA cov-erage to cover your care, you must usually receive health care services at a VA facility.

You may consider enrolling in Medicare Part B (Medicare medical insurance), even if you have VA coverage. Having Medi-care Part B may guarantee you medical coverage outside the VA health system. Additionally, if you delay enrolling into Medi-care Part B when you are first eligible to do so, you may incur a premium penalty and experience gaps in coverage.

Some veterans use their VA drug coverage to get their medications, since VA drug coverage may offer more generous prescription drug coverage than Medicare Part D, the Medi-care prescription drug benefit. Since VA drug coverage is also considered creditable (as good or better than the Medicare prescription drug benefit), those who use VA drug coverage can get their medications from a VA facility and delay enrolling into Medicare Part D without penalty.

If you have questions about VA benefits and coverage, contact the VA Health Administration Center at 1-800-733-8387 or 1-877-222-VETS (877-222-8387).

Marci's Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for Medicare recipients. Visit www.medicarerights.org to subscribe to “Dear Marci’s” free educational newsletter.


Social Security Disability Law

Brenda L. VannAttorney at Law, P. C.

“Practicing Social Security Disability Law for seventeen years.”

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

The Strickland Building • 4252 Carmichael Rd. Suite 113 • Montgomery, AL 36106334-272-6425 • 888-272-6465 (Toll Free) • E-mail [email protected]

Call to schedulea FREE

Consultation.

Call to schedulea FREE

Consultation.

Most people think they’ll never need nursing home care. But some of us will, either because

we’re recovering from an injury or ill-ness or can’t fend for ourselves at home anymore. Families often must find a nurs-ing home for a loved one at a moment’s notice, after a crisis or emergency. If you acknowledge this possibility before it hap-pens, and get started sooner, you’ll spare yourself a lot of stress and have more time to consider all the options.

Medicare covers some skilled nursing and rehabilitative care if a physician orders it after a hospital stay. But Medicare, like most health insurance, generally doesn’t pay for long-term custodial care. Most people depend on 1) private long-term care insurance, 2) their own resources, or 3) Medicaid.

Even under the best circumstances, choosing a nursing home can be trying. There are always many emotions at work. But if you do your research and take it one step at a time, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

#1 Find nursing homes in your area

Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website – www.medicare.gov/nhcompare -- can search for homes by city, county, state or ZIP code. Also ask for recommen-dations from friends, family or neighbors who may have had a loved one in a nursing home. If you’re in the hospital, the dis-charge planner or social worker can help.

#2 Compare the nursing homes you’re considering

The Nursing Home Compare web-

site provides detailed information on recent health and safety inspec-tions, nursing homes’ staffing and such quality measures as whether residents are in pain or losing weight. The site uses a five-star rating system to help families understand the differenc-es in the quality of care between nursing homes. However, the website and rating system aren’t meant to be the final word on the subject.

Talk to friends or, better yet, your physi-cian. You may also want to call your state’s long-term care ombudsman to find out 1) how many complaints have been lodged against particular nursing homes, 2) what kinds of complaints they were, and 3) whether they’ve been resolved. Alabama’s long-term care ombudsman’s number is 334-242-5770

#3 Visit the nursing homes that seem promising

Visit the nursing homes that interest you, or if you can’t, ask a friend or family member to visit for you. Make an appoint-ment and think of the questions important to you. Can you have visitors at any time? Can you choose what time to get up, go to sleep or bathe? Can you bring your pet? What if you don’t like what’s on the day’s menu?

Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website contains a helpful checklist of

questions that cover everything from care and safety to activities and food. Print it from your computer and take it with you on your visit.

Don’t be afraid to talk money. Get a copy of the nursing home’s schedule of charges to find out which services are included in the basic fee and which cost extra. Talk to residents and their family members about whether they’re

satisfied with the care. Then, make a second visit, at a different hour of the day from your first call.

#4 Choose the nursing home that best fits your individual needs

Trust your senses. If a nursing home doesn’t look clean or smell right, you may want to scratch it off your list. Once you make a choice, run it by people who understand your personal and health care needs, such as your family and doctor. If you’re looking for a nursing home for someone else, include that person in the decision-making as much as possible.

For more tips on selecting a nursing home, visit Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website at www.medicare.gov/nhcompare or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. A free Medicare publication, a “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home,” can be downloaded from the website or requested by phone.

MEdicarE

Find a Nursing Home: Step-by-StepBy Bob Moos, Southwest Regional Public Affairs Officer

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services


fEaturE

Take 231 north out of Montgomery, 170 N. out of Wetumpka, a right on 63 into Eclectic. There, dare I say it, you’ll find an eclectic mix of cuisine.

Miss Willie’s Corner Café35 Kowaliga Rd.Eclectic, AL 36024Tue-Thu 11a-8pFri 11a-11pSat 11a-10pSun 11a-4p

Kas’s Corner12 Kowaliga RoadEclectic, AL 36024334-639-4701Mon-Thu 11a-8pFri, Sat 11a-10p

Cozumel Mexican Grill 62 Claud Rd.Eclectic, AL 36024334-541-2231Mon-Thu 11a-9pFri 11a-10:30pSat 11a-10p

Lake MartinEating

One of the largest hydroelec-tric projects of its time is a short drive from Mont-

gomery - the Thomas Wesley Martin Dam. Begun in 1923, the structure created a 40,000-acre lake that has done more than produce electricity from water. In the minds of many, that original purpose is overshadowed by the recreation and lake-area living opportunities that floated in on the rising water. Along with the people that made the area home, and the thousands of annual visitors, came the need for services; marinas, lawn care businesses, auto repair shops, health professionals and, of course, places to eat.

This list is by no means compre-hensive, and their inclusion is not an endorsement of the food served by these establishments (I can only dream of having time to sample them all). It is, however, representative of the variety of dining options in the area, from gourmet fare where pre-sentation and atmosphere are integral parts of the experience, to meat-and-threes, burger joints and pizzerias.

I am indebted to Bobbie Limbers and Margie Miller, two long-time lake residents. Without their knowledge of both the well-known and the ob-scure, it would have been impossible to track down these places in the allotted time.

[

Story by Jake Roberts. Photos by Bob Corley


1 Miss Willie’s Corner Cafe’2 Kas’s Corner3 Cozumel Mexican Grill 4 Cotton’s Bar-B-Cue5 Wahoo Grill6 Harbor Restaurant /Bar Anchor Bay7 Red Hill Cottage & Cafe’8 Chuck’s Pizza & Subs9 Niffer’s10 Uncle Nick’s Smokehouse11 Oskars Cafe’12 Poplar Dawgs13 Homeplate Cafe’14 Cross Road Cafe’15 Sho’Nuff BBQ16 Carlisle’s Drug Co.17 Cafe’ 12818 Jake’s on Broad19 JR’s Sports Bar & Grille20 Russell Medical Center Cafeteria21 Catherine’s Cafe’22 SpringHouse Restaurant23 Kowaliga Restaurant

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Lake Martin

Cartographic NoteLocations are approximate.

© 2013 Polizos/Corley Group, LLC


Take 63 north to Cotton’s BBQ.

Cotton’s Bar-B-Cue4485 Kowaliga Road (Hwy 63)334-541-2217Eclectic, AL 36024-4861Wed-Sat 10:30a-8pSun 10:30a-3p

Continue north on 63, take a right on Highway 229, and a mile or so down the road you’ll find Wahoo’s on the left.

Wahoo Grill2514 Red Hill Rd.Eclectic, AL 36024334-857-3474Thu-Sat 4-10p

[

Proceed along 229 with a left on Castaway Island Road, at the end of which you’ll find The Harbor Restaurant & Bar at Anchor Bay.

The Harbor Restaurant & Bar at Anchor Bay2001 Castaway Island Rd.Eclectic, AL 36024334-857-3635www.Harbordocksrestaurant.comThu 5-10pFri 5-midnightSat 11a-midnight

Retrace your route back to 229, take a left then an immedi-ate right. While it’s still 229, it also goes by the name Red Hill Road, which explains why a couple of miles along its length you’ll find none other than Red Hill Cottage & Cafe’.

Red Hill Cottage & Café4068 Red Hill Rd.

Tallassee, AL 36078334-857-2233

www.lakemartin.com/pages/Red-Hill-Cottage-and-CafeThur, Fri 11a-8p

Sat 7a-8p

Retrace your route down 229/Red Hill Road and take a right onto Highway 50. Several miles up Highway 50 take a left on Marina Road. Chuck’s awaits you at the end of the road.

Chuck’s Pizza & Subs237 Marina RoadDadeville, AL 36853256-825-6871Chucksmarina.comMon-Thu 11a-3pFri-Sat 11a-9pSun 11a-6p

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Retrace your route up Marina Road to Highway 50, take a left to Walnut Hill, and a left on Highway 49. A few miles up 49 is Niffer’s (left), Uncle Nick’s Smokehouse (right) and Oskar’s (left), in that order.

Niffer’s7500 Hwy 49 S.Dadeville, AL 36853256-825-5950www.Niffersplace.comMon-Wed 5-9pThur 11a-9:30pFri- Sat 11a-10pSun 11a-8:30p


Uncle Nick’s Smokehouse6993 Highway 49 SouthDadeville, AL256-307-1405 www.Nicksmokehouse.comMon-Thu 5-9pFri-Sat 11a-10pSun 11a-3p

Oskars Café6684 Highway 49 SouthDadeville, AL 36853256-825-4827www.oskarscafe.com/

Continue along Highway 49 and take a left on Highway 34. Drive a few miles and there’s Poplar Dawgs.

Poplar Dawgs 10277 County Road 34Dadeville, Al 36853256-825-9288Mon-Tue 11a-2pWed-Thu 11a-2p; 5-8pFri-Sat 11a-2p; 5-9p

Retrace your route to Highway 49 and take a left to Dadeville. Homeplate Cafe’ is downtown and relatively easy to locate.

Homeplate Café191 E. South St.Dadeville, AL 36853256-825-0583Lakemartindining.comSun-Fri 7a-2p

When driving into Dadewill from the south (on 49) take a left on W. Lafay-ette (Public Health Dept. is on the left). About two miles down this road take a left on Gibson Rd. Cross Road Cafe’ is about a mile on the left.

Cross Road Café868 Gibson Rd.Dadeville, AL 36256-307-1400Tue-Thu 11a-8pFri, Sat 11a-9p

Retrace your route to Dadeville and get on Highway 280 to Alexander City. Exit at the Historic District sign which will lead you into town. I won’t attempt turn-by-turn di-rections, but find Alex City Shopping Center Drive and you’ll find Sho’Nuff BBQ.

Sho’Nuff BBQ651 Dadeville Rd.Alexander City, AL256-234-7675www.shonuffbbq.com/

Carlisle Drug store, Cafe’ 128 and Jake’s are in downtown Alex City proper, within sight of each other separated by the rail-road tracks. JR’s Sports Bar & Grill is few blocks away.

Carlisle’s Drug Co.12 Main St.

Alexander City, AL256-234-4211Mon-Fri 8a-6p

Sat 8a-4p

Café 128128 Calhoun St.Alexander City, AL 35010-1932256-212-9463Tue-Thu 10a-6pFri 10a-8pSat 10a-2p

Jake’s on Broad16 Broad St.Alexander City, AL256-234-4300Tue-Fri 11a-1:30p; 5-9pSat 5-9p Sun 11a-1:30phttp://jakesonbroad.com/

JR’s Sports Bar & Grille145 Alabama St.Alexander City, AL256-329-2328www.jrssportsbarandgrill.com/Mon-Thur 10a-9pFri, Sat 10a-10p

Near where Highway 280 and Highway 63 cross is Russell Medical Center. Yes. Medical Center. As in hospital. The cafeteria

is said to be a nice place to eat. They have a ‘menu line’ to call and find out what’s for lunch.

Russell Medical Center Cafeteria3316 Highway 280Alexander City, AL 35010Mon-Fri 6:30-9:30a; 11a-1:30pSat,Sun 6:30-9a; 11a-1pMenu Line 256-329-7625

Take Highway 63 south from Alex City (it crosses 280 near the medical center). Several miles down 63 is Catherine’s Cafe’ on the right, visible from the highway, with Spring House a stone’s throw away.

Catherine’s Café at Russell Crossroads17 Russell Farms Rd.Alexander City, AL 35010256-215-7070 (877-615-4074)www.Catherinesatcross-roads.comMon-Sat 8a-6pSun. 8a-3p

SpringHouse Restaurant at Russell Crossroads12 Benson Mill RoadAlexander City, AL 35010

256 215-7080http://springhouseatcrossroads.com/Fri-Sat 11a-2pWed-Sat 5:30-9pSun 10a-2p

Head back south down 63, cross the Kowaliga Bridge and take a right to Kowa-liga Restaurant.

Kowaliga Restaurant295 Kowaliga Marina Rd.Eclectic, AL 36024256-215-7035http://kowaligarestaurant.com/Wed, Thur, Sun 11a-10pFri, Sat 11a-11p

Congratulation! You’ve just completed a Great Circle Tour of decidedly different dining options around Lake Martin. Let us know if your favorite spot isn’t on the list so we can include it in a future article.

[

[


Travel increases during the summer, whether it’s to distant destinations or off

to visit family and friends. The joy of travel can rapidly deteriorate if health problems occur. Care-ful pre-trip planning can help to prevent problems or facilitate speedy resolution if problems oc-cur. The following questions may be helpful as you make plans for your travel:

1. Are specific immunizations recommended for your destination? If so, what timing is required prior to de-parture? Travelers recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control are at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

2. If you will be visiting small children, do you need to consider a TDap or Shingles vaccination?

3. What supplies or medications do you use to sup-port your health? Make a list of the quantity of various supplies you will need and how you will obtain these at your destination. n If a prescription is required, your healthcare provid-

er’s prescription may not be honored across state or country borders. How much will you need to take with you? Can you obtain this amount pre-departure or will you need to consider shipping refills?

n Check regulations of airline, train and other trans-portation venues about healthcare supplies or medications. Original containers may be required, or there may be a limit on quantity. Do your supplies or medications require temperature control and if so, how can you arrange for this?

4. What is the climate of the travel destination at the time of year you will be visiting? n What will you need to be most comfortable at your

destination? Decrease in temperature control from aging or health issues can increase sensitivity to heat or cold. Do you need to check ahead about heating

or cooling where you will be staying? Can you plan for rest breaks with tourist guides?

n Are you especially sensitive to sun or temperature due to your medications? Will a hat, personal fan or heater, layering clothing be helpful?

5. Do you have special dietary needs or preferences you can take with you or obtain at your destination? n Are there cautions about food borne illnesses at

your destination? Consider the risks for hepatitis, salmonella, etc.

n What foods at your destination are consistent with the diet best for your health and that do not inter-fere with your medications? How is food prepared? For example, a problem could occur if you need foods low in sodium (salt) and none are available. Can you take foods/snacks consistent with your diet?

n Will you be able to plan times for eating at the intervals best suited to your needs?

6. Do you wish to take over-the-counter medications for pain, potential allergies, intestinal upset, insect repel-lant, sunscreen, etc? Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if there are potential interactions, undesired side effects, or a recommended interval for taking these around other medications or meals.

7. If traveling across time zones, how can you plan your itinerary to minimize jet lag, fatigue, insomnia, blood sugar fluctuations?

Be sure to carry a small personal health record that includes recent surgeries, health conditions, a list of medications with dose and time of day, and emergency contacts. Inform your travel companions of any poten-tial needs or warning signals.

Anticipate and plan for the unexpected, and you’ll enjoy your travels even more!

Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE is Professor of Nursing, Au-burn Montgomery School of Nursing. Reach her at [email protected].

Tips for Healthy Traveling

iN EvEry lifE

Arlene Morris


Sometimes people don’t give themselves enough credit. But if you work and pay Social Security taxes, you’re earning credit for yourself every payday --

credit that will pay off later in life when it comes time for retirement, or in the event that you become disabled and are unable to work. This credit can also help your family if you die early and need to provide for those who depend on you.

You qualify for Social Security benefits by earning So-cial Security credits when you work in a job or are self-employed and pay Social Security payroll taxes. In 2013, you receive one credit for each $1,160 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year. Most people need 10 years of work (40 credits) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

The number of credits needed for disability benefits depends on how old you are when you become disabled. For example, if you become disabled before age 24, you generally need 1 1/2 years of work (six credits) in the three years before you became disabled. At age 31 or older, you generally need at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled.

In most cases, about 10 years of work is needed for a worker’s family to qualify for survivors benefits. Survivors of very young workers may be eligible if the deceased worker was employed for 1 1/2 years during the three years before his or her death.

You can find a detailed chart that shows exactly how many credits you would need in the online publication, “How You Earn Credits”, available at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html. You also may want to read “Understanding the Benefits” for more information about Social Security and how it works.

You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10024.html.Next time you feel like someone else is taking credit for your hard work, just

remember that YOUR hard work is earning YOU credit in ways you probably don’t even think about — Social Security credit.

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at [email protected]

New Mobile Site for Smartphone Users

The Social Security Administration has a new mobile optimized website, specifically aimed at smartphone users across the country. People visiting the agency’s website, www.socialsecurity.gov, via smartphone (Android, Black-berry, iPhone, and Windows devices) will be redirected to the agency’s new mobile-friendly site. Once there, visitors can access a mobile version of Social Security’s Frequently Asked Questions, an interactive Social Security number (SSN) decision tree to help people identify documents needed for a new/replacement SSN card, and mobile publications which they can listen to in both English and Spanish right on their phone.

“We are committed to meeting the changing needs of the American people and the launch of our new mobile site helps reinforce our online presence and adaptability to advances in technol-ogy,” said Carolyn Colvin, Acting Social Security Commissioner. “I encourage all smartphone users looking for Social Security information to take advantage of our new mobile site.”

In addition, visitors to the new mobile site can learn how to create a personal My Social Security account to get an online Social Security Statement, learn more about Social Security’s award-winning online services, and connect with Social Security on Facebook, Twit-ter, YouTube, and Pinterest. For people unable to complete their Social Security business online or over the telephone, the agency also unveiled a new mobile field office locator. The new mobile of-fice locator has the capability to provide turn-by-turn directions to the nearest Social Security office based on informa-tion entered by the person.

“With significant budget cuts of nearly a billion dollars each year over the last few years, we must continue to leverage technology and find more innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of the American public without compromising service,” said Colvin.

Each year, more than 35 million Social Security web page views come via smartphones.

For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

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

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

Roy T. Hager, M.D., F.A.C.S. | Jeffrey M. Healey, M.D.James D. Izer, M.D. | Richard M. Murphy, O.D.

• check for minimum 99% UV-A & UV-B protection• wrap around sunglasses also protect eyes from the side• some contact lenses have UV protection (ITEC has them!) but it’s still a good idea to wear sunglasses

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

Cl

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‘

n

Sa

veC

li

p

‘n

S

av

e

E Y EF A C T S

protectyour eyes

fromsummer sun!

Sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts andmacular degeneration. The right sunglasses can reduce this risk.

Give Yourself Some Credit

Kylle’ McKinney


The Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) is a state government agency with a mission to protect Alabama

investors from securities fraud and pre-serve legitimate capital markets in Ala-bama. The ASC is an unwavering advocate for Alabama’s “main street” investors.

The ASC doesn’t operate from tax payer funds. Instead, in Fiscal Year 2012 it delivered $12,689,077 to the state General Fund from revenues generated by the collection of licensing fees, settle-ments, and administrative, civil and criminal actions.

ASC has a staff of about 50 employees, including six attorneys, 12 special agents and 13 securities analysts. It’s able to act quickly and decisively to protect citizens from securities fraud and deceptive mar-keting practices.

Registration Division: Ensures proper licensing and registration of com-panies and individuals who offer securities and the products offered; financial planners or investment advisors providing fee-based financial planning from any location to Alabamians; and money transmitters con-ducting business in Alabama. In FY12 this division processed 143,493 registrations and exemptions.

Auditing and Examination Divi-sion: Responsible for conducting on-site routine and for-cause examinations. Every three years, auditors examine all state-regulated investment advisers domiciled in Alabama, and audit broker-dealers, their branch offices, and sale of checks agents on a for-cause basis. In FY12, this division conducted 51 audits, 13 being for-cause examinations driven by investigations, cus-tomer complaints or licensing issues.

Enforcement Division: Special agents/investigators have over 300 years of combined law enforcement experience to investigate suspicious, deceptive, unsuitable and/or illegal investment practices. Dur-ing FY12, the division’s efforts resulted in $3,131,715 in victim restitution; 19 arrests;

24 convictions; and secured 125 years of prison time for con artists. Additionally, a large financial company settlement was completed last November returning over $14 million to 5,837 Alabama investors. The ASC has been recognized by national media as having one of the highest en-forcement success rates in the nation.

Education and Public Affairs Division: Promotes safe and wise inves-tor education programs as the first line of defense for Alabamians to protect them-selves from financial exploitation. During FY12, the division provided 71 financial education, investor education, and fraud prevention outreach programs to 5,512 citizens in Alabama, including junior high school through college students, public and private school teachers, working adults and retired seniors. The division helped ac-quire over $30,000 in grant funds from the Investor Protection Trust in Washington, D.C. to support education events, provide teachers free “Basics of Saving and Invest-ing” curriculum, produce brochures for adults from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and more.

For more information about ASC statistics, program descriptions, enforce-ment actions, education programs, special area for military and more, visit www.asc.alabama.gov. Call the ASC at 1-800-222-1253 with inquiries concerning securities broker-dealers, agents, investment advis-ers, investment adviser representatives, financial planners, registration status of securities or debt management programs, to report suspected fraud or to obtain consumer information. The ASC provides free investor education and fraud preven-tion materials in print, on our website and through educational presentations upon request. Always check with the ASC BE-FORE investing your hard earned money!

(This article was funded by a generous grant from the Investor Protection Trust (www.inves-torprotection.org)

fiNaNcial

Fraud Busters

Joseph Borg, Exec. Dir, ASC.


craftEr’s corNEr

You’ve heard the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, I believe a well displayed picture

is worth a thousand more. As an amateur photographer, I’m

always looking for ways to showcase my artwork.

But if you’re anything like me, a blank wall is one of two things: invigorating or

terrifying. It’s either a blank canvas wait-ing for my inspiration, or a roadblock to my creativity.

Hanging pictures can be difficult – picking the sizes, the spacing, the order, the placement.

Here are a few diagrams I found on-line to help you get started. The best way to approach it is to play around

with the pictures to determine what best fits the space you need to fill.

Callie Corley began crafting when she was old enough to hold a pencil, squeeze a glue bottle, and use a pair of scissors. Send pictures and a description of this project, or any of your craft projects, to [email protected].

Picture Perfect

2 – 12x12s 4 – 8x10s

1 – 20x20 4 – 8x10s

Staircase1 – 16x20 2 – 11x14s2 – 8x10s

1 – 16x20 1 – 8x10 2 – 5x7s

1 – 16x20 4 – 8x10s

Staircase1 – 16x202 – 8x8s

6 – 11x14s


fEaturE

The scenes drift by — castles perched on hills, towns with multi-colored buildings, fields with checkerboard patterns. Then, as if a shade has been drawn, all I see

is dark, gray stone. The Viking Njord, a new vessel larger and more environmentally friendly than most riverboats, has entered a lock. A few minutes later, it exits, having been gently raised more than 20 feet. Thus we cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, stair-stepping up and down along three rivers (the Rhine, Main and Danube), two canals (the Amsterdam and the Main-Danube Canal) and 69 locks. It takes 13 leisurely days to traverse 1,200 miles, visit five countries and time-travel through ten centuries of Euro-pean history.

Our first stop is Kinderdijk, where we’re greeted by 19 windmills, all starkly outlined against a somber sky. The scene is so perfect in its simplicity, so stereotypically Dutch, that it could be the cover of a tourist brochure for the Netherlands. The mills, built in the mid-1700s and still in working condition, are reminiscent of ones used in the Middle Ages, when the Dutch realized in addition to grind-ing corn, wind-powered mills also could help drain wetlands and reclaim land from the sea.

Feudal reality again melds with fairytale fantasy as we enter Germany.

Because rivers were once the main means of transporta-tion, towns and cities were built on their shores, and we’re never very far from land. I step out on the veranda of my stateroom, and as we sail eastward along the Rhine, I see one castle after another. Each is special in its own way — a

tower here, a drawbridge there, ivy-covered walls everywhere — but they are all also star-tlingly similar. They were homes for feudal lords as well as fortresses that defended their fiefdoms which, I figure, makes them a medieval version of a governor’s mansion surrounded by armed guards.

Many days we wander through small villages filled with cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses and narrow buildings in rainbow colors. Other times we explore big cities where the buildings are more stately and the ambience more harried. But wher-ever we are, we overdose on chocolate, pretzels and beer

before returning to the ship for a white-tablecloth dinner. The days, as well as our stomachs, are full.

It’s in Nuremberg that we bridge the centuries, moving

Cruising through Five Countries

Ten Centuries&Story by Andrea GrossPhotos by Irv Green

Shipboard entertainment features Austrian food and music.

www.primemontgomery.com | June 2013

from the Middle Ages, when the city was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, to the 1930s and ‘40s, when it was the unofficial capital of the Nazis’ Third Reich.

“Hitler dreamed of an empire that would be as large as the ancient Roman one,” says our guide, as we pass the parade grounds where Hitler staged party rallies.

I notice that the nearby building, the massive Kon-gresshalle, bears a startling resemblance to the Roman Colisseum.

We’re still munching on Lebkuchen, the traditional gingerbread cookies that we bought in Nuremberg, when the ship enters the lock that takes us to a watershed 1,332 feet above sea level, the highest point on any Eu-ropean waterway. From here our trip is literally downhill, but each stop gives us another high.

We sail through Austria’s wine country before spending a day in Vienna, where we attend a classical concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Aboard the ship, we learn how to make strudel and listen to rollicking music as we’re served a buffet of Austrian specialties.

After a brief stop in Slovakia, we find it altogether fitting that our river cruise ends in Budapest, a city divided physically as well as metaphorically by the Danube. “Buda,” on the west side of the Danube, is the old part of the city, replete with a castle, fortress and several museums. Eight bridges join it to “Pest,” the more modern area that, although it is still home to sites of historic and cultural significance, is characterized by expan-sive boulevards, fine restaurants and good shopping.

That night during our last dinner aboard the ship we sit with friends and reflect on our trip. In less than two weeks we’ve traveled from the

hip atmosphere of Amsterdam to the more restrained elegance of Budapest, walked through the winding alleys of ancient towns as well as the wide aisles of upscale department stores and learned about events both tragic and heroic.

“It’s been a crash course in European culture and his-tory as well as a relaxing vacation,” says one fellow.

Just then the pianist begins playing the familiar Gersh-win tune, “Who could ask for anything more?” and we all start laughing. It’s as if the pianist has read our thoughts.

www.vikingrivercruises. com

The Danube, above, divides Budapest into two distinctive neighborhoods: the old town of Buda and the more modern area of Pest. The Cologne Cathedral, below, dates back to the 1200s and is a masterful example of Gothic architecture.


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An

swe

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age

30

.


It’s getting to be summer again and I’ve been getting e-mails for a month asking for advice on how to get on, and stay on, an exercise program. There are questions about commitment,

pushing one’s limits, pain, and quick results. I go a little crazy this time of year because I’m at odds with a very vocal segment of my industry about how to get started with an exercise program. They’re sincere, well-educated trainers but I don’t think they remember what it felt like to be de-conditioned. They expect beginners to do too much too soon. I’m beginning to think years of over-vigorous exercise dulls one’s sense of empathy.

I’ve seen it time and time again: determined beginners push-ing so hard and either getting hurt and quitting, or just quitting because they couldn’t take it any more. If this sounds like you, don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. We’ve heard “no pain, no gain” all our lives. We’ve watched contestants push themselves to the brink of disaster on TV, and we’re inundated with infomercial promises of big results in no time. It’s enough to make anyone think “I’ve got to beat myself senseless immediately so I can hurry up, get fit, have the body of my dreams and live happily ever-after.”

By the way, I’m not against vigorous exercise. On the contrary, I love vigorous exercise. But I wouldn’t have loved it nor would I have been safe doing it as a beginner. In my experience, that ap-proach only works for a few stoic types and sets the rest of us up to fail. So how DO you get started?

I suggest starting by standing up and doing about five minutes of gentle limbering movements. Do this a few days in a row. You may be surprised at how good this feels and what a wonderful state of mind these simple natural movements put you in. You may find yourself exercising longer than five minutes after a few days because you LIKE it.

You may want to go for a little walk, then a brisk walk, then a half hour brisk walk. Don’t rush it. It doesn’t matter if it takes a couple of weeks, a couple of months, or a year.

Once you’re enjoying a half-hour brisk walk most days of the week, add some light weight training for your major muscle groups a couple of times a week. Increase the weight, number of reps and number of exercise days only when it feels too easy. Build up slowly to weight training three days a week, with a day off in between sessions. Remember to keep it pleasant. If it’s too intense, it ceases to be fun and there’s a good chance you’ll quit.

This approach takes longer, but it works. It’s much more sus-tainable than those quick-fix pump-you-up methods.

Those intense immersion exercise programs remind me of the guy who beats his head against a brick wall. When asked why on earth he does that, he says: “because it feels so good when I stop”

Ease in and invest in your body. It will pay you back in quality of life.

Mirabai Holland M.F.A., a leading authority in the Health & Fitness industry and a public health activist, specializes in preventive and rehabilitative exercise. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work (www.mirabaiholland.com).

MoviNg frEE® with MiraBai

Ease Into ExerciseJuly 11–August 4

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by richard maltby, Jr.


These devices are made of celluloid toresemble tortoise shell. Celluloid, the firstartificial plastic, was invented by John Wesley Hyatt by combining nitrocellulose, camphor and alcohol under heat and pressure. One of the first uses for celluloid was denture plates. The Pocket Ear Trumpet has a telescoping brass

ear piece to make it easier to slip in and out of a pocket or purse. Elaborate decorative brass grill work covers the receiving end of the trumpet.

(Vintage hearing instrument courtesy of Rick Love, M.D., All Ears Hearing Centers.)

Circa Late 19th/Early 20th Centuries4” high, 2 3/4” diameter(small device is 3” x 2”)

Useful for slight/moderate hearing loss.

Pocket Ear Trumpets

Hear ing H is tory


MoNEywisE

“Dum-de-dum-dum. Dum-de-dum-dum-dum.”If that series of syllables rings a bell, you likely

grew up watching Sgt. Joe Friday and his partners on “Dragnet” solve crimes for the LAPD. And if you recall the series, you will surely remember Friday’s most common request when soliciting informa-tion from victims and witnesses: “Give us the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.”

Sound financial decision-making begins with “getting the facts.” A failure to base major financial decisions on reasonably complete and accurate in-formation pretty much guarantees you will experi-ence loss and suffer regret. Yet thousands of people do just that every day. So what facts should you get before making a major financial decision?

#1 Relationship factsWho needs to be involved in the decision? If you

are married, to what extent does your spouse need to be consulted? If other people will be affected, how should they be involved in the process? If you make the decision alone, what will the impact be on your relationships?

#2 Needs, wants and benefitsHow is the product or service going to help you?

Does it meet a need, or merely satisfy a want or preference? Generally speaking, it is prudent to address needs before spending on less necessary desires. If the item meets a need, is it the best way of doing so, or is there a more effective solution? Once you make the decision that a purchase makes sense, it is time to move to the following consider-ations.

#3 Total costEvaluate the total cost of the item, not just the

initial price. If you are looking at a vehicle, for example, along with the purchase price, you might take the following into account since they could impact total cost:n Financial stability of the manufacturern Reputation of the vendorn Product reliabilityn Warranteesn Cost of service, including ease of service accessn Fuel type & fuel economyn Cost of insurancen Value of used models at trade-in or resalen Cost and difficulty of alterations (trailer hitch,

bed-liner, other options)n Will you have to pay extra for shipping, deliv-

ery, document fees, etc.?n If you will borrow for the purchase, what ad-

ditional costs are involved?The same considerations apply to other deci-

sions. For instance, if you are buying a printer for

your home computer, what will toner cost? How long will the printer work before an expensive part must be replaced? Are parts and service available? Like me, you may have noticed that manufacturers price home printers low and then make it up on ink and toner later.

Can you negotiate a better price or the inclusion of added services or other benefits? If there is an added benefit offered, or a rebate, will it really help you, will you actually take advantage of it? How difficult (expensive) will it be to take ad-vantage of a warranty if some-thing goes wrong? The point is to think broadly and long-term.

#4 Alternatives, substitutes and data validation

Comparison shopping is a form of “getting the facts.” What is the best product model or service option for you? What trade-offs are involved if you take a less ideal version? What vendors offer the item and what pricing choices are available? Have you verified your data from objective sources such as Consumer Reports or other independent raters of products and services? If not, how should you verify the accuracy of your information? Can you save long-term by purchasing a pre-owned item? Are you better off spending more for a high-quality item that will last a long time or is a low-quality item a better value because you will not need long-term service?

Learning to get the facts before you part with your money is a fundamental step in making good financial choices. While this statement may seem self-evident, it is remarkable how often people do not apply the principle in daily life. Chances are that you can remember an occasion or two where you fell victim to not getting an important fact before making a purchase.

Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior Financial Advi-sor 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 [email protected].

Financial Decision Making

Alan Wallace


Stand Up Guys (R) It’s almost always a

treat to watch old pros play to their strength in familiar waters. This crime drama with gener-ous doses of humor and sentimentality serves up Christopher Walken, Al Pacino and Alan Arkin in one last walk on the wild side. Pacino is fresh out of jail after 28 years for a robbery that went bad; partner Walken kept in touch, and greets him at the gates. Arkin was their wheel man, now in a nursing home from end-stage emphysema, making one of the geezers a wheezer, too.

These guys were small timers, with little to show for their careers. Even worse, the Big Boss expects Walken to whack Pacino, because one of Al’s bullets killed the guy’s son in the battle that sent Al up the river. No credit for his long silence that kept the rest of them out of prison. The film covers a long day and night that may, or may not, be Al’s last. That’s time enough for some hookers, boozing, burglary and bloodshed, along with covering a subplot, or two. Walken and Pacino are the tough guys, with Arkin adding a different skill set to their criminal capabilities. They could have called the film Two and a Half Thugs. Whatever the premise, the trio sells the product nicely, and should please their legions of fans, as the actors and their characters live up to the title.

Safe Haven (R) It was a dark and stormy night. An attractive, disheveled

young brunette (Julianne Hough) is fleeing from a scene of violence. She runs into the home of an elderly woman, emerg-ing later with short blond hair, boarding a bus seconds ahead

of the pursuing cops. She debarks (debuses?) in a small North Carolina coastal village, gets a job as a waitress, rents an isolated cabin, and reluc-tantly starts falling for the handsome widower (Josh Duhamel) who runs the general store with his two

kids and uncle. We learn before the rest that she’s a “person of interest” in a Boston homicide, and probably not using her real name in her new home.

The quiet drama, based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, plods along as its inevitable romance blossoms, with some helpful advice from her other new friend - an attractive neigh-bor (Cobie Smulders), who seems nearly as secretive about her own backstory as our leading lady on the lam. We like

Hough’s character, and hope she’s not re-ally the perp of the pursuit, but don’t dis-cover the truth of why she landed there for longer than the plot requires. Expect more focus on finding love than solving crimes as the tale unfolds. The action eventually picks up for a rather farfetched climax, with a welcome little perk at the end. If you find the actors engaging and have the patience for director Lasse Hallstrom’s idea of pace, the rewards are there.

Identify Thief (R)This lame-brained comedy might actually be funnier than

this rating indicates, though wasting gifted actors like Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy calls for consequences. Iden-tity theft is a serious problem. That doesn’t preclude milking laughs from a hyperbolized example, but the script has to serve the cast and concept far better than this one does.

Bateman plays a corporate financial drone with a lovely family and nice little life in Denver. McCarthy not only runs up huge bills and a DUI under his name in Florida, but does so just when he’s starting a great new job that will vanish within a week if he can’t clear the record first. She can borrow his name because it’s Sandy, which is beaten to death as a recurring joke about his manli-ness. Yeah. Really. That’s how low the comic branches hang. Jason heads to the Sunshine State, desperately hoping she’ll ‘fess up’ to his boss and save his career. He discovers he’s been victimized by a woman who is part criminal and part kook. Her house is bulging at the seams with stuff she’s bought under a slew of false IDs. She’s also in hot water with a local crime boss who has two sets of thugs chasing her. That sets Me-lissa and Jason on a seemingly interminable road trip in the tradition of farces like Planes, Trains & Automobiles, in which unlikely, if not antagonistic, characters find themselves stuck with each other for a journey.

Despite his record of helming episodes of many worthy sitcoms, director Seth Gordon appears overmatched by the scale of a film production with multiple locations. The movie is too long and too silly to work. McCarthy’s character is so ill-defined that when the action shifts to the script’s inevitable warm fuzzy bits, nothing resonates. Big disappointment.

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

32

PriME divErsioNs

Stand Up Guys, Safe Haven & Identity TheftRecent dvd releases

Mark Glass


The Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature, in partner-ship with Eastdale Estates, hosts a series of seminars aimed at keeping seniors safe and healthy. All pro-grams are held at 10 a.m. at Eastdale Estates’ Activity Room, 5801 Eastdale Dr., Montgomery. For more information call Dr. John Bitter, 334-612-7624.

June 3 -- Montgomery County Sheriff ’s Dept“Are You OK?” A program conducted by the depart-ment that telephones seniors who live alone to deter-mine if they are alright, and to alert the appropriate person if they do not respond.

June 10 -- Central Alabama Aging ConsortiumAn introduction to activities planned for World Elder Abuse Day to be held June 15, and how Montgomeri-ans can get involved.

June 17 -- Adult Protective ServicesAn explanation of services offered by the agency to insure the wellbeing of seniors.

June 24 -- Attorney General’s OfficeAssistant AG Monica Sheeley discusses financial scams that have robbed seniors of their money, and how you can protect yourself from scam artists.

L o o k i n g O u t F o r S e n i o r s

(Above) Wilson Scott, Director of Montgomery Cardiac Associates (MCA) Fitness Center, and his wife Noel, host an Open House for members and friends of MCA. An award-winning barbecue master, Wilson cooked food for the event.(Right) Members of the Montgomery Ballet perform at the Montgomery Street Fair.(Bottom) Johnson International Wine representative provides samples for the 1st Wednesday Wine Tasting at Charles Anthony’s at the Pub.

PartiNg shots


To advertise contact:Bob Corley (334-202-0114) or Wendy McFarland (334-652-9080)[email protected]


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Baby Boomers & Seniors• control 70% of the disposable income• will be 45% of the population by 2015• read Prime Montgomery

• spend more per capita on groceries/over-the-counter products• commissioned 27% of the past year’s landscaping• account for 64% of the retail gardening market• account for 89% of all dollars spent on travel• account for 60% of all health care spending• purchase 74% of all prescription drugs• eat in restaurants an average of 3X/week• purchase 52% of all new cars

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