April 20th - May 3rd, 2018
AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425
See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature Artist Says Patti Malone Portrait Will Allow The SlaveTurned-Singer To Inspire Generations... An oil portrait of Patti Malone will grace the original stone fireplace of Scout Music House as a... Page 5
Herbs & More: There’s Something About Mary, Mollie, And Abbie By Ali Elizabeth Turner A few days ago, Gwen Williams, who with her husband Roy owns Herbs & More in Athens called me with a pleasantly urgent request for the April 20th Athens Now front cover slot. I asked her, “What’s up?” “Mary Sulcer is back, and I want to do an article about Mary, Mollie, and Abbie,” she replied.
PlayAction Sports Catching Up On Spring Sports (If You Can Call It Spring)... Just in case you forgot, spring sports around here actually get their start in February and, as can be expected, weather conditions end up.... Page 11
It had been a while since I had seen Mary, who, with her husband Bud, were the ones who previously owned Herbs & More, and it was a happy reunion. Now that she had gotten a few years of retirement under her belt, she felt the need to “get back after it,” and working part-time back in her old stomping grounds was just what the doctor ordered. Mary’s story is especially
What Makes Ronnie Roll Athens Still Rocks... Keep Athens-Mayor Ronnie rolled in, fresh from an inspiring weekend where he was honored at the Unsung Heroes Banquet, and he expressed his appreciation for... Page 8
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Mary Sulcer
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Continued on pages 16-17
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April 20 - May 3, 2018
Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Washington D.C. Whirlwind
Copy Editor
Yvonne Dempsey
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Web Design Teddy Wolcott
Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Rosemary Dewar Holly Hollman Wanda Campbell Roy Williams Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Tim Lambert
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 The Millennial Mind . . . . 14 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Cover Story . . . . . . . . 16 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . 22
April 20 - May 3, 2018
I am just back from a trip to our nation’s capital that can only be described as a singularly memorable explosion of disparate experiences. I went along as a companion for a young woman who adopted us as an adult; she was travelling to Maryland for a job interview. I also had the privilege of functioning as an unofficial courier of sorts, bearing a copy of a recent unanimously passed resolution in the Alabama State House and delivering it to U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks. It was a symbolic gesture, to be sure, but to be able to show that Alabama is intent upon honoring our very own Judge James Horton by calling for the creation of a commemorative postal stamp in our Bicentennial year gave my heart great pleasure.
and my friend had been to the Holocaust Museum in Houston. This portion of the trip was unexpectedly difficult, because unlike the other museums, there is no place in the National Holocaust Museum to decompress while trying to wrap one’s head and heart around man’s ability to perpetrate evil. Yad Vashem has the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations, where over 2,000 trees are planted in memory of those who did all they could to protect Jews from Nazis. Dachau has wide open spaces and a chapel, Houston is smaller and not quite so daunting.
What can I say about D.C.? That it is maddening and marvelous, heartbreaking and hope-inspiring, and while I am forever grateful to have had the chance to go again after 30 years, I was truly glad to be back in Alabama the Beautiful. We arrived during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, and the beauty of those trees is difficult to describe. In 1912, Japan gave us 3,000 of them, and their tender pink presence encircling the Capitol area offset the frustration of trying to find a parking place.
All of it was hard, but for me standing in one of the Auschwitz train cars used to transport humans to the killing center was where I lost it. There is still the singular smell, even after 75 years, and one can see on the walls, the claw marks of those desperately trying to escape. How glad I am that General Eisenhower had the prescience to record all that happened in the camps before he made the respective camps’ townspeople face it down and clean it up. To Holocaust deniers, I would say, “See if you can get through the exhibit of the bales of victims’ hair used to stuff mattresses and couches and still say that.”
We knew that we wanted to get the tough stuff out of the way first, meaning visiting the National Holocaust Museum. We had been together to Yad Vashem in Israel, I had been to Dachau in Germany,
We spent part of a day going to the Library of Congress, and saw one of three remaining copies of the Guttenberg Bible, which are rotated every three months to be viewed so as to protect them from the
light. We stood looking at the bench where our Supreme Court shapes our nation, for better or worse, and marveled at all that was hammered out and executed by men with vision in the form of the Constitution. Conversely, we ached over how far it seems that we have strayed from its tenets and intent. We soaked in the beauty of artificial-appearing live orchids in the National Botanic Museum, and walked by the place where Clara Barton took care of wounded soldiers. It would take months to see it all, and years to take in its import. Courtesy of Rex Davis, we were treated to a tour of the Capitol itself conducted by none other than Martha Brooks, wife of Mo Brooks. That was mind-numbing in terms of its story as well as its grandeur. It is obvious that Miss Martha loves our nation’s history and the chance to educate others. She took us into the House Chambers where Mo was voting on a bill, and we sat up in the balcony. Below us, by about 50 feet, were famous politicians, including Nancy Pelosi. She took us in the room where
the President signs his oath of office, a private chapel, and out on to the Speaker’s balcony, which overhangs the area where inaugurations occur while the Washington Monument looms in the distance. We also got to ride in the underground tram that transports congress members to the chambers so they can vote. So, what is the point of this Point past functioning at worst as an egocentric verbal selfie, or at best a hopefully interesting travelogue? It is a story of being slapped in the face by the command to pray for our leaders, to repent for our corrupting of the Constitution, and to bear bold witness that there really is, as Ronald Reagan said, “the shining city upon the hill.” The question is, will we turn out the lights?
Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com
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All Things Soldier
G’Bye To Gunny And The General by Ali Elizabeth Turner We have lost two icons this week, Marine Staff Sergeant and honorary Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, and U.S. Army Major General Michael D. Healy. Ermey served in Vietnam and Okinawa, and became famous for galvanizing the stereotype of the insultpitching drill sergeant in movies, while General Healy was the oldest member of the U.S. Special Forces community when he retired in 1981. Ermey was the man who made one line so famous that it gets quoted in completely unrelated movie and TV shows. He appeared in Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, Mail Call, and various commercials. After slinging out verbal assaults that would melt any snowflake, he screams out, “What is your major malfunc-
tion…” and truly all that ever came out of Gunny’s mouth in that movie is not printable by anyone’s standards. He actually practiced for that role by having tennis balls hurled at his head in rapid fire, so that he could verbally filet his recruits without flinching. He was not supposed to get the role in Jacket, but came up with about 150 pages of insults that so impressed Stanley Kubrick, the film’s director, that Stanley took the role Staff Sergeant R. Lee from some other guy "Gunny" Ermey and gave it to Ermey. He is the only man age 74. to be promoted by the Marines after having re- While Gunny did a bangtired, as he received the up job of seeming like the “Gunnery Sgt.” distinc- consummate jerk in the tion in 2002 due to his movies, those who knew support of not just Ma- him well described him rines, but all troops. He as being a family man died from complications who was actually quite from pneumonia at the gentle. When I was in
Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)
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Iraq, the Armed Forces Network featured him on Mail Call, and we loved him. He also did programs for the History Channel, and hearing that gravelly barking voice after I got home from the Great Sandbox was an odd source of comfort. I guess he could never completely cover the kindness. It showed
age of “soldiers as lesser life forms and baby killers.” When I finally did see it, I was glad that my former concepts finally had been creamed by my experience in Iraq, and I could actually enjoy the Iron Mike character because I knew then from experience that “hard men keep us safe and free.” It is said that Healy was “the first one into Vietnam and the last
Army Major General Michael D. Healy up in his eyes, and that Kansas boy made me smile in spite of himself. By contrast, 91-yearold “Iron Mike,” which was the nickname for Major General Healey, was so tough that he was the inspiration for John Wayne’s character, Col. Iron Mike Kirby in The Green Berets, which came out about the same time I got involved in protesting the Vietnam War. On purpose, I did not see that film for a very long time, as it would have upended my im-
one out.”
In addition, Maj. Gen. Healy served in the Korean War, and eventually became the commanding officer of of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg. He changed how our Special Forces did business, was married for 67 years, raised sons, had grandchildren and great grandchildren, and kept us safe. To the Maj. General and the Gunnery Sgt., I say, “Thank you, God bless you, and rest in peace.”
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Special Feature
Artist Says Patti Malone Portrait Will Allow The Slave-Turned-Singer To Inspire Generations by Holly Hollman An oil portrait of Patti Malone will grace the original stone fireplace of Scout Music House as a tribute to the woman who went from a young slave to international singer. Athens Art League announced Monday, April 16, that artist Ann Moeller Steverson of Madison received the commission to paint Malone’s portrait. Athens Arts League received a $4,500 grant from Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area to commission the portrait. “As a female artist myself, I am aware on a personal level of how often women are overlooked or forgotten by history,” Steverson said. “In Alabama, I think it is even more important to make sure the vital contributions of minority women are highlighted as they have done so much to enrich our history.” Steverson said she wants Malone’s portrait to be a “continual inspiration and to uplift people.” “As an artist I am always interested in capturing the spirit of the person and also a universally uplifting part of us all,” she said. Steverson will paint Malone’s portrait on copper, popular among Renaissance artists. Steverson is the inventor of Venus Copper Panels, a product she created after trial and error. Steverson said painting on copper panels brings unique beauty to art. There is no sinking in of paint and color, which allows light to travel through the paint and reflect back from the surface, creating a luminous quality to the work. Unlike white surfaces, the beautiful tone of the copper enhances the painting and adds warmth and unity to each work. Athens Arts League plans to unveil the portrait in November with a public reception. “The rainy weather has delayed our outside renovation efforts, but our goal remains
April 20 - May 3, 2018
to open Scout Music House in November,” said Scout Music House Committee Chair Holly Hollman. The City of Athens is leasing the 1938-era building to Athens Arts League with the challenge of raising funds to renovate and re-purpose the structure into a music venue with musicrelated hands-on programs for students and cultural events for the community. The project also includes honoring Limestone County’s musical heritage by hosting exhibits that honor those like Malone who had a significant impact in music. According to local historian Charlotte Fulton, Malone was born between 1855 and 1859 as a slave at The Cedars Plantation in Athens. After the Civil War, Malone attended Trinity School, which opened to educate former slaves. Malone did not graduate but instead, when on to Fisk University in Nash-
ville to further her music education. In 1877, Malone joined the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the middle of a two-year tour, replacing another singer who became ill. Her first performance was in Hamburg, Germany, in 1878. She continued singing spirituals with them until her death in 1897. That included a six-anda-half year, around-the-world
tour with the reorganized group known as Loudin’s Fisk Jubilee Singers. “Patti sang before the crown heads of Europe,” Hollman said. “She was born a slave, essentially a woman without a voice, and she became a woman whose voice everyone wanted to hear.” Following Malone’s death, the chorus director characterized her as strong, determined and dependable. He said although
she had been in frail health, she was always onstage, performing to the best of her ability. Another writer said her strength was not as a solo singer, but she stood out in the chorus. Malone received many accolades from newspapers of the cities in which she appeared, yet eulogies appearing in papers around the world after her death described her as modest, demure and unassuming. Here are some of the qualities noted in those eulogies: · Genuine worth. · True womanliness. · Lady-like deportment in public and in private. · Sweet disposition, intelligence, and plain, unassuming gentleness. · Reflection of good rearing and good sense.
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· Rich mezzo soprano voice full of the most tender pathos and sympathy. · High morals and sterling character. Throughout her singing career, Malone maintained close contact with her Athens roots, often returning for Trinity’s graduation exercises, during which she sang some of the jubilee songs. In 1884 she brought property in Athens and built a home she called The Oaks. Her mother, Mahala, and her sister, Emma, lived there, and Malone returned there as often as her schedule allowed. At the Oaks, Malone entertained the elite of city’s African-American community. At her death, Malone’s body was returned to Athens and buried in the Hine-Hobbs Cemetery. “I have talked to several youth who have an interest in the music industry from performing to songwriting to producing,” Hollman said. “Stories like Patti’s live on to give these students the encouragement to work hard in pursuit of their dreams.” About Ann Moeller Steverson Home: Madison, Ala. Education: Undergraduate arts study at the University of Montevallo; Bachelor of arts with a fine arts concentration, Univer-
sity of Alabama at Huntsville; Education master of arts, Alabama A&M University Work Experience: Inventor and owner of Venus Copper Panels, co-owner of Protégé Atelier, and adjunct professor at Athens State University Honors: Featured artist spotlight in Professional Artist Magazine, June/July 2017 issue; Select 50 International Competition, Portrait Society of America, 2018; and various exhibits and competitions throughout the country. About Athens Arts League Athens Arts League is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support artists, provide art education, and bring cultural events to Athens and Limestone County, Ala. www. athensartsleague.com About Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area (MSNHA), hosted by the University of North Alabama with offices in Florence, was officially designated by Congress in 2009. The MSNHA spans the six counties of North Alabama's Tennessee River water basin and was developed to help preserve the history of this region by focusing on three main themes: music, Native American heritage, and the Tennessee River.
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Calendar of Events Finding Your Purpose Conference for Women Apr 28
Houston Memorial Library Book Sale Apr 28
9AM-12PM (weather permitting). 101 North Houston Street, Athens, AL. This is a nonprofit, non-limit donation only sale. For more information, please contact Deb Kolarcik at 610-304-9390.
Featuring Jennifer Frith at New Oakland Baptist Church. 20959 Old Elkmont Road, Athens, AL 35614. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. All Ladies invited. Any questions contact Tina Murphy @ 256-216-6947 or Deborah Hargrove at 256-497-6100.
Spring Plant Sale And Silent Auction Apr 21
KALB 2018 Earth Day and Outdoor EXPO Apr 28
Friendship Church (16479 Lucas Ferry Road in Athens) Plenty of parking, events indoors and outdoors, live animals, food, crafts, and fun for all ages!
8am - 2pm. Revival, 305 W. Washington St. Athens. Annual Spring Plant Sale hosted by the Limestone Country Master Gardeners. Plants for sale, vendors, door prizes and more. Items included in the silent auction: - Master Gardener class scholarship, Mary Kay microdermabrasion plus set, Walmart gift card, handmade pottery bowl w/succulents, rain barrel, quilted wall hanging, quilt, BBQ gift box (great Father's Day gift), 4 to 5 pieces of yard art, signed print, outdoor furniture covers and more.
Marbut Bend Guided Trail Walk Apr 28
The Athens Bicentennial Cemetery Stroll will be rescheduled due to the high chance of rain this Sunday. We're Looking For a Few Good Yards for the Month of May!
If you know of a gardener whose yard is exceptional (no professional maintained yards, please) and would like to have them recognized, the Limestone County Master Gardeners would like to know, check out the website link http://mg.aces.edu/ limestone/were-looking-for-a-few-good-yards/ and/or provide the information and a picture to tlt_brown@charter.net.
Portraits of the Beginning & Mooresville Historic Saturday Walks Apr 21st
At the Brick Church (Lauderdale Street) starting at 10:00AM with a brief 20-30 minute lecture followed by a 1-hour local guides sharing tales of history and lore. Free, space limited, registration required. For more information and reserve your spot: MooresvilleAL.com
Cars and Bikes on the Square Apr 28
Marbut Bend Guided Trail Walk with Damien Simbeck of Tennessee Valley Authority Natural Resource Management at the trail (AL-99 on the left past the Elk River Bridge headed to Lester) from 7:30AM-9:00AM. Call Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful at 256-233-8000 for information on this walk.
Alabama Rock & Walk for Babies with the TEARS Foundation Apr 28
Benefiting families grieving the loss of an infant in Alabama at Swan Creek Park (100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens) at 10:00AM. Information and Registration at FirstGiving.com
Chick-Fil-A Athens 10K, 5K & 1-Mile Race May 5
Start at 7:00AM in downtown Athens, AL and wind through historic Athens on USATF Certified courses to benefit East Limestone High School Band - Save the Tubas. Registration and Information at CFARaceNorthAlabama.com
Athens-Limestone County Public Library (603 South Jefferson Street in Athens) starting at 8:00AM. Participation is free, but space is limited. Sellers are responsible for tables, money to make change, as well as cleaning up their space afterwards. To register, call 256-232-1233 or email Kreisz@alcpl.org.
Downtown Athens, AL Stroll among the antique automobiles, peruse the boutique lined sidewalks, get a booth at the local eateries, or just treat yourself to some ice cream. Starting at 8:00AM and Registration will be $20.00 per vehicle.
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Community Yard Sale May 5
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Amvets and Vietnam Veterans of America present a
Swamp John's Fundraiser Meal May 19th 11AM - 2PM. 17915 W Elm St Athens, AL 35611
April 20 - May 3, 2018
April 20 - May 3, 2018
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
Athens Still Rocks by Ali Elizabeth Turner guilt.
Mayor Ronnie rolled in, fresh from an inspiring weekend where he was honored at the Unsung Heroes Banquet, and he expressed his appreciation for this organization who looks for and celebrates unusual expressions of courage in the lives of our young people. He also was sad over the sudden passing of Martha Jo Leonard, who had served everywhere from Rotary to Poke Sallet, and who had recently been chosen as Athena for Grease Festival. “Losing her is a blow,” he said. Athens Rocks is still rocking, meaning the city-wide scavenger hunt of hand painted rocks carefully hidden and then re-hidden by their finders is still going strong. One of the most touching stories about “how the rocks rock” was that of a little sixyear-old girl who found a rock painted with the autism puzzle pieces. The girl was not autistic herself, but had just been diagnosed with epilepsy, and the rock helped her to know that people care about those who are struggling with neurological diseases. The
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It is time once again for several Relay for Life events, and the recent Bass Tournament raised $11,000 in spite of the cold and rainy weather. The mayor was looking forward to serving once again at the Applebee’s Celebrity Waiters’ Night, where all tips given to servers are donated to Relay. This year the servers were Mayor Ronnie, City Councilman Frank Travis, East Limestone High School band leader “Miss Sam” Janzen, Athens High School football Coach Cody Gross, Athens Fire
woman who made the rock was named Betty Rae Bingham Crisp, and she shared on Facebook that as far as she was concerned, the little girl could keep it forever. April is Autism Awareness month, and the Special Olympics competition is Friday, April 20. It is also Child Abuse Prevention Month. “There are so many things for
people to be a part of,” said the mayor. “Bubbles of Love Day” is a national movement where for ten minutes on April 25, people will blow bubbles as a way to honor all children who should be allowed to love and be loved by both parents without fear or
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Department Firefighter Jordan Pugh, and Athens Police Department Officer Michael Stainbrook. Later on, we found out that they raised $5,000, and once again Miss Sam won. The other guys held their own, though, and everybody had a lot of fun. We talked about the fact that we are coming to the end of our series from the book Enjoy The Ride, and it has been a book chockful of nuggets. We’ll be finishing it up next edition, but for this Ronnie, the thing that spoke to us the most was something with which we both struggle, described as “the tyranny of the urgent.” Author Steve Gilliand puts it this way: “Never let the urgent get in the way of the important.” Figuring out what is truly urgent and what is important is a lifelong endeavor, and we knew it was time to pray about that and so much more. Then, it was time once again for Ronnie to roll.
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Slinkard On Success
Learn From Kids – Dream BIG! by D. A. Slinkard
D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store What is one thing you would do if you knew with 100% certainty you could not fail? For some it may be starting a new business, for others it may be switching careers, and for others it might be performing mission work in a foreign land. If you want to know what you are truly passionate about, ask yourself the question above, and your answer is where your heart is. Too often people go to work and have no meaning to their life. Let me ask you this – why is it you that go to work? We have too many people going to jobs they hate only to live a life they know is nothing but a lie. If you look at the world around us, you see many people who are hurting, who are living broken lives, who are lacking purpose in their life. Why is that? It is pretty simple
April 20 - May 3, 2018
if you think about it. When a child says they want to be an astronaut, we tell them they can be anything they want to be; but when an adult says they want to be an astronaut, we start to think they are off their rocker. At what point in time do we give up on our dreams? At what point in time do we concede to the fact we are not going to make it? It seems the more we think about this topic, we see people on two ends of the spectrum. We have those people who hang on to their dreams too long, and then, we have the other group of people who give up too early on having their dreams happen. From my perspective, more and more people are quicker to give up prematurely than they are to hang on too long. What kind of passion do they truly have?
What is the mindset of the adult versus the kid? How do we carry the same mentality from our youth into our adult years? This is the million dollar question. We need to take a look at our life through the eyes of our younger selves and take the same mentality of not hearing no for the answer. I can remember being a child and wanting an expensive item. My parents did what a lot of parents don’t do today, my parents told me no. I see too many parents who just give in without thinking about the repercussions of continually giving in to their children. I, being the child who did not understand the cost analysis, merely suggested to my mom that she could just write a check for the item. To me this was the simple answer in that she could just write a check for the
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item, and I would be satisfied. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize you couldn’t just write a check for anything and everything you wanted in life. Now, I did have the mentality of a child and I was persistent. I wanted that gaming unit and I wanted it bad. I started saving my money, working hard to save up enough money so I could buy the item myself. Eventually, I ended up getting what I wanted, but I had to work for it every penny of the way. My mentality was that I was not taking no for an answer. Sure, it would have been nice for my mom to have caved in and bought the item for me, but she didn’t. I never lost focus on what I wanted, and in the end, I was able to make the purchase of the item I wanted. Now, think about your life today and how many times have you
taken the wrong mental approach to getting something you wanted? How many times have you been told no and just rolled over instead of going after what you wanted with the right amount of persistence? We all have one opportunity when it comes to life, and the question is: What are you going to do with the time you have? Are you going to keep doing the same old thing you have been doing, just wasting your days through life? Or are you going to take a look at your life through the eyes of your younger self who was quicker to take on a challenge? Sure, you can play it safe, but over the next 25 years you will be disappointed not in what you did but in what you did not accomplish. Why wait on making your life happen?
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City of Athens Relay for Life Celebrity Waiters' Night at Applebee's raised a total of $5,130.25! The top Celebrity Waiter was East Limestone Band Director Jennifer "Miss Sam" Janzen with $1,554 earned in tips. The other waiters were Mayor Ronnie Marks, Councilman Frank Travis, Athens Football Coach Cody Gross, Firefighter Jordan Pugh, and Officer Michael Stainbrook.
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April 20 - May 3, 2018
PlayAction Sports
Catching Up On Spring Sports (If You Can Call It Spring) by Tim Lambert
Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net!
email: playactionsports@hotmail.com Just in case you forgot, spring sports around here actually get their start in February and, as can be expected, weather conditions end up forcing earlyseason cancellations and fast and furious late-season makeup games. Local highlights so far: Ardmore The Tigers have a baseball split with Madison Academy, plus wins against St. John Paul II, Mars Hill, Madison County, Athens Bible School, West Limestone and Lee. Mae Jemison, Athens, Tanner, Madison County were victims of the softball team. Both soccer teams have outscored West Limestone; the Lady Tigers got by Russellville and ABS. Athens Bible School On the baseball diamond, the Trojans have knocked off Elkmont, Brindlee Mountain, Clements, Fairview, Phil Campbell, Lindsay Lane, Mars Hill, Paint Rock and Decatur Heritage. The softball team beat Randolph, Mae Jemison, Lee, R.A. Hubbard, Whitesburg Christian and Tanner. The Lady Trojans have tennis victories over St. Bernard, Athens, Lindsay Lane, Sylvania, and Plainview.
mont, Florence, Lee and West Limestone. Clements The Colts have baseball wins over Tanner, Rogers, Covenant Christian, Lindsay Lane, East Lawrence, Clements, and a split with West Morgan. The Lady Colts’ soccer team also held off ABS. East Limestone The Lady Indians were at the #7 in the latest 4A-5A soccer polls; the East boys were 11th. On the field, both teams have topped Ardmore, Danville, West Limestone, Hartselle, and West Morgan; the girls defeated Russellville, Albertville. East Limestone also swept both divisions of the Limestone County tournament. The baseball team has beaten Athens, ABS, Lexington, West Limestone, Batesville, Lawrence County, and split with Brooks and Russellville. The Lady Indians have softball wins over Decatur Heritage, West Limestone, and West Morgan.
Elkmont The Lady Red Devils are ranked 15th in this week’s 1A3A soccer poll. Both soccer teams got rival wins against Ardmore and Clements. The softball team has defeated Tanner, Whitesburg Christian, Clements, and West Morgan. Baseball split with East Lawrence and West Morgan. James Clemens The Lady Jets soccer team started the season ranked at #6 in Class 7A and moved up a spot in the latest poll. Both teams beat Buckhorn; the James Clemens boys have wins over Grissom, Sparkman, and Cullman, while the girls have turned back Decatur, Sparkman, Huntsville, and Bob Jones. The Jets baseball team has sent Madison Academy, Jemison, Ramsay, Key West, Sparkman, Arab, Etowah, Florence, Decatur, Ardmore, Hartselle, and Buckhorn packing, along with a split with Hoover. Softball victories have come against Grissom,
Cullman, Powell, Southaven (MS), and Hazel Green. Both track teams won their own invitational meet, as well as the Huntsville Metro Championships. Tennis teams dominated Buckhorn and Gadsden City. Lindsay Lane The Lions baseball team beat St. Bernard, Asbury, and Paint Rock. Tanner On the soccer field, the Rattlers have defeated Clements, Elkmont, ABS, Whitesburg Christian, West Limestone, and New Hope. They were #10 in the latest coaches’ 1A-3A poll; the Tanner girls come in at #17 and have beaten West Limestone and New Hope. West Limestone
Athens High The Golden Eagle soccer team held the 15th position in the 6A coaches’ poll earlier this week. So far this season they have posted wins over Madison Academy, West Creek, Westminster, Florence, while the Athens girls beat Hartselle, Mars Hill, Florence, and Hazel Green. On the baseball field, victories have come against Westminster, Ardmore, Muscle Shoals, Marion, Lawrence County, Smith County, Elk-
April 20 - May 3, 2018
East Limestone's Zach Pyles delivers against Russellville (Photo credit: Dean Baucom)
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Wildcat soccer teams boast victories over Clements; the boys have also defeated Mars Hill and New Hope, while the Lady Wildcats have claimed wins against Tanner, ABS, and Russellville. The baseball team has come out on top of East Limestone, Lexington, West Morgan, Lawrence County, Brewer, Priceville, and Lauderdale County. Odds and Ends:
Recent changes have also come at various head football coaching positions: Ardmore hired coach P.J. Wright, Clements’ Cody McCain was hired at Hanceville, and West Limestone’s Jordan Cantrell made the move to Elmore County. The Wildcats named Shelby Davis to replace Cantrell. Tanner is also in search of their second head coach in as many years.
Honors were bestowed on local athletes for fall and winter sports – James Clemens' Garrett Hicks, Tanner's C.J. Yarbrough and Lindsay Lane's Tommy Murr made the boys' all-state basketball team. Murr was also a finalist for this year’s Mr. Basketball. Athens High's Alexis Woods and East Limestone Jirah Rogers were tapped for the girls' all-state team. Athens High’s Perry Kirby was picked as a member of the North All-Star team.
James Clemens’ Zuri Falkner signed a track and field scholarship with Southern Mississippi.
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Clean and Green
A Call To Action! by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful We know that most people truly do care about their local environment. We know for certain that Mayor Ronnie Marks cares about the litter situation in Athens! Our mayor is passionate about this problem and joins KALB in encouraging participation in reversing the problem. On May 12, KALB, TVA, and WOW! Internet+tv+phone will host the 2018 TRASH ATTACK to remove litter from our roadsides, waterways, and public lands. This is an opportunity for residents and the business community within Athens and Limestone County to turn their concern into action. Groups may pick up trash anywhere within Limestone County, including the Elk River (since we had to cancel our River Cleanup). It seems the litter situation has grown recently, and we are trying to determine the source of some of this litter. We have invited the community to call our LITTER HOTLINE 256-233-8000 to report observed litter incidents. That would include someone tossing litter out of a vehicle, loose items blowing out of the backs of pickup trucks, or debris flying from commercial trucks. We can’t be everywhere, so your
eyes become our eyes. KALB works with the Athens Police Department and the Sheriff’s office. All reports are kept confidential from the offender, so don’t be afraid to call. Reporting is very helpful; however, we also need to clean up what’s out there. TRASH ATTACK is meant to accomplish that. Let’s all stop complaining about the litter and let’s work together to do something about it. Clean your neighborhood or a road that you think is an eye sore. Clean the roadway in front of your business. Get your waders on and clean a waterway, such as those that run through Athens or around the Elk River. There is more than enough trash to keep everyone busy! Seriously, litter in our community hurts everyone. Trashy roadsides and public lands reflect poorly on all who live and work here. It says something about all of us, even if we are not litterbugs. It speaks loudly to scouts looking for a place to locate their company. That may be unfair, but it is reality. Litter is also harmful to wildlife. I love a quote by Matthew
Event Schedule 8:00 am
Check in at Big Spring Memorial Park (Duck Pond) Receive supplies and instructions, group photo Enjoy coffee and donuts
8:30 am
Disburse to cleanup locations
Noon
Return to Park and check in Enjoy lunch and door prizes Page 12
Scully: “Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind’s capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but in a sense because they don’t; because they all stand unequal and powerless before us.” I believe very strongly that with stewardship of the earth comes great responsibility. We are not the owners of this planet. We are the caretakers. Since humans are the only creature on this planet
• If you can’t find a group to work with you, come anyway! We’ll match you up with a group or other individuals. THROW DOWN A CHALLENGE!
that litters, animals that are choked, sickened, or killed by our litter is our responsibility and our fault. HOW YOU CAN HELP: • We challenge everyone to get a group together and register for the event. Registration is not required, but is helpful for us to prepare properly. • We challenge every business and industry within Limestone County to put together a team to clean roadsides near their business. That will not only help the community, but will reflect positively on your business.
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• Challenge others! Extend a challenge to other businesses. KALB has already challenged every city councilman and every county commissioner to get a team together to clean an area within their district. Keep their feet to the fire! Ask your city councilman or county commissioner if they have their team together. HOW TO REGISTER:
supplies. You can register by visiting our website at www. KALBCares.com and clicking the TRASH ATTACK link on the home page. You may also call the KALB office at 256-233-8000. You can also sign up online at www.signupgenius.com. Click the search icon and enter our email address KALBCares@gmail.com to find the Trash Attack signup link. Be sure to let us know how many will be participating with you. We talk about litter in this town a lot! Let’s see how many tons of trash we as a community working together can remove! We’ll see you there!
We’d like to know you’re coming so we can be prepared with enough food and Become a Fan
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com April 20 - May 3, 2018
Cooking with Anna
Avocado And White Bean Salad by Anna Hamilton
I love avocados! I can eat them on everything. Sliced, diced, spread on toast… nothing beats the creamy deliciousness of an avocado. Avocados aren’t just for guacamole anymore…oh, no. Whether you are sprinkling a few dices on top of tomato soup or mashing one into your family’s favorite ranch dressing, don’t
be afraid to sneak them in to your family’s favorite recipes. A new favorite of mine is this wonderful salad. It will keep and hold up beautifully on a buffet or in your lunch box. I hope this salad becomes a favorite of yours just like it has mine. Enjoy!
Avocado And White Bean Salad What You Need: 1 14oz can white beans, drained and rinsed 1 avocado, chopped 1 pint halved
grape
tomatoes,
¼ to ½ sweet onion chopped 2 Tbsp olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice 2 cloves chopped
garlic,
finely
1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir in garlic and salt and pepper. In another bowl stir together beans, avocado, tomatoes, and onion. Pour dressing over bean mixture. This salad is best if refrigerated for a few hours or overnight before serving. April 20 - May 3, 2018
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The Millennial Mind
Banning All Things Never Works by Rosemary Dewar The concept of being able to curb a community’s immorality by restricting access to things such as alcohol items is a fruitless endeavor. When someone is determined to do harm to themselves or others, most often the inanimate object is not the problem. During Prohibition, the United States was awakening to a heightened moral experience. After the dividing of spirituality and rationality, industriousness was high, but existential meaning was low. The atmosphere surrounding today’s gun-rights debate is no different. There is currently an ideological splintering so sharp that it cannot be compared to the
comparable experiences during the beginning of the 20th century. The human condition remains, and the exacerbation of its flaws is simply more evident than it once was. Forced regulation that does not serve the individual is immoral. Tolerably risky substances or tools that are utilized by a free society cannot become the focus of our communal ire. Comparable to parents who shelter their children to the point of either enfeebling dependency or negligent rebellion, mounting restrictions can bind a society so tightly it snaps. The laws that were meant to keep a community together
end up being the instruments that cause it to shatter. Although early 20th century America was experiencing economic prosperity and spiritual revival, it did so without rational application. Progressivism’s ideologies aimed toward curtailing immorality and corruption, while simultaneously implementing disastrous financial practices ultimately bankrupted the country economically and ethically. Prohibition introduced the belief that alcohol was a leading factor in the promotion of wickedness. Progressives hijacked women’s groups and religious leaders in order to guilt the society into mak-
ing governmental bans on a single product (sound familiar?). “Wicked liquor!” they proclaimed. As the Great Depression swept the United States, the desperation to find moral and economic freedom was intense.
“Peaceful slavery” is the supposed promise of collectivism. After observing the revolutions in France, Russia, and China, that false “peace” always devolves into merciless carnage.
Once the imminent threat of Communism and National Socialism was apparent, the United States eventually found its footing by returning to its founding values. Knowing that those values were in direct opposition to the servitude of collectivism, the United States couldn’t fight for something they didn’t revere. Those values united society.
The Judeo-Christian perspective commands the individual to “prepare their hands for war” in order to defend what one has dedicated one’s life to caring for and building. What one cultivates for one’s self without violating another individual and/or endangering the community, one has a right to.
Progressivism has not changed all that much. Third-wave feminism and religious universalism still attempt to restrict the human right to experience cause and effect. The ability to say “no” becomes limited only to those who are authorized to say it. Defending one’s self is restricted to the use of rape-whistles, hand-to-hand combat, and open-ended consent. It is unfortunate to see that the same founding values are struggling to unite America again. Although there doesn’t seem to be common ground, society is vigorously asking itself the same things as it did a hundred years ago: What does it mean to be good, and how do I find it? The principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness functioning in tandem with the standards of freedom, God, and plurality in unity are timeless. Thomas Jefferson stated, “I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”
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The United Kingdom has lost sight of the values upon which the United States bases some of its standards of law. After a school massacre in 1996, Britain banned civilians and most of law enforcement from the use of firearms. This month a 90-minute stabbing incident occurred. Now they are banning knives. During the doorto-door confiscation, law enforcement seized screwdrivers, scissors, and pliers. It’s not long before you are going to see pitchforks and trowels being taken as well. With this type of thinking, mankind will – one day – have to abolish himself. Until society learns how to cater to the individual, it will not do well by the individual. Those looking at socialism are not looking far back enough for a standard of virtue. As much as we hope that these truths are self-evident, it is apparent that they need to be reintroduced in to the culture we desire to see.
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Health and Fitness
Top 10 reasons why older adults should exercise by Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. functional movement
From the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Physical activities that require the body to go through the full range of movement helps keep the body flexible and mobile. Circulation is also increased.
It’s becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that it’s just as important for older adults to stay active as it is for their younger counterparts. Exercise helps maintain mobility and stamina, reduces the incidence of disease, and leads to an overall better quality of life. ACE, America’s Authority on Fitness, shares the following reasons why older adults need to get plenty of safe and appropriate exercise.
10. To improve cardiovascular strength Cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system reducing the risk of heart disease. Appropriate physical training has shown improvements in most aspects of cardiovascular functioning.
1. To increase bone density and prevent Osteoporosis As we live longer lives, Osteoporosis is affecting an ever-larger number of elderly – becoming one of the major health problems associated with old age. It affects some 20 million women and 5 million men and leads to more than 250,000 hip fractures each year. Exercise delays the onset of Osteoporosis by increasing bone strength. 2. To improve self-efficiency and maintain independence One of the top concerns of the elderly is losing control, becoming dependent or a burden to someone. Exercise helps older adults maintain a greater capacity to undertake the activities of daily living. 3. To increase metabolism Strength training increases muscle mass, which elevates metabolism. This
April 20 - May 3, 2018
may also lead to a reduction in overall body fat percentage. 4. To maintain balance and improve reflexes to decrease falls As adults age there is a natural decline in balance and coordination. This can be postponed and even prevented with proper strength and balance training. 5. To create a sense of community or feeling of belonging Exercise groups enhance social interactions for many older adults who may not otherwise leave their homes. New friendships are also stimulated during group exercise gatherings. 6. To improve pulmonary function
Pulmonary function declines with age due to the degeneration of the vertebral disks, which alters the shape of the thoracic cavity. Physical activity, which decreases the amount of vertebral degeneration and increases the strength of the thoracic cavity, may lead to improved pulmonary function.
blood glucose levels. 9. To improve flexibility, joint range of motion and
Janet Hunt (ACE Certified Instructor and Silver Sneaker Flex Instructor) offers classes on MWF at 8:30 a.m. at Athens’ Senior Center on Pryor St. For more information, contact Janet by telephone (256-614-3530) or email jhunt1@pclnet.net.
7. To boost mood Exercise reduces the incidence of depression and improves self-esteem while providing a feeling of accomplishment. 8. To help prevent and regulate diabetes Aerobic exercise has shown to be an important means of preventing and treating non insulin-dependent diabetes by helping regulate
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Cover Story
Herbs & More: There’s Something About Mary, Mollie, And Abbie by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
interesting, because you don’t often see someone parlay a debilitating health crisis into a thriving business; but that is what she and Bud built, and then sold to Roy and Gwen. In 1999, Mary was struggling with fibromyalgia to the extent that she was hardly able to function. She did not realize at the time that many factors come into play with this most difficult, painful, and mysterious auto-immune disease, and she was desperate for answers. A woman by the name of Flo Ellis originally started Herbs & More, and together they began to get to the bottom of Mary’s dilemma. Mary found that supplements and HGH were the winning combination for turning her health around, as well as changing what she ate and how she managed stress. She also knew that her journey of recovery was causing her to head toward another career, and while Mary had many years of experience in business, helping people regain their health became her passion. Bud was right there with her, and that is when they met Roy and Gwen. The Sulcers began to use Roy’s specialized line of supplements, and their health continued to improve. In 2000, Bud and Mary
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purchased Herbs & More from Flo, ran it until 2010, and then decided they wanted to retire. So they did, sort of. For several years, Bud still worked part time at the store, and today comes in every once in a while to help out. Then, the time came when Mary knew she needed to get back in the saddle. “I’m back home,” she told me with a smile as we sat at the antique oak table and brightlypainted press-back chairs that are a part of Herbs & More’s homey scene. “What has changed?” I asked her. My question was in reference to what she was observing both with customers as well as when she was out and about in life. “People are paying way more at-
tention to their health,” she said. When she and Bud got started, people had the idea that you could eat what you wanted, live in an unhealthy manner, and pop some pills or even natural supplements to fix what was ailing you. Now more people are aware that the approach has to be holistic in order to work long term. “It pays off to teach,” Mary said, and added, “People have come back and thanked us for what we taught them. We feel blessed by the knowledge we gained at Herbs & More, and paying it forward keeps us young.” Another change for Mary is using the Whole Body Vibration system that is available at Herbs & More. “I just
You may even find Emily Williams and Maddie Cooper 'working' to stock the shelves of Herbs & More started, but I can tell it gives me more energy,” she said. Mary went on to tell me how much fun she is having working with Mollie Clem (Gwen’s mother) and Abbie Cooper, who has managed the store since February of 2017. Mary is working Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and is hoping that many of her former customers will come in to see her as well as find out what’s new at Herbs & More.
Mollie Clem with grandchildren David Williams and Emily Williams www.athensnowal.com
Next up in our time together was Mollie Clem, who is going to be 80
years old in October. Molly works full-time, and is truly a “product of the product.” The first life-style change she made was to quit drinking sodas, and then she altered the way she ate. Change didn’t come all at once, but Mollie began working more diligently on building her health when Gwen and Roy bought the store. The supplement that helped her the most at first was MSM +C. MSM, known in science as Methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring dietary sulfur that is somewhat frag-
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Mollie can often be found reading the Bible which, along with various healthrelated publications, are always on the oak table. I have also watched her sit with customers and listen to their stories. Herbs & More wants to let people know that they are welcome to come and sit for a while. “It’s like a town square and country store all in one,” Mollie said. A couple of days later I had the pleasure of interviewing Abbie Cooper whose story is the complete opposite of those of Abbie Cooper with her daughter Maddie Mary and Mollie. Abbie is a wonderile and gets destroyed after the death of her husful young woman who, easily with our modern band. “I love people, and as is the case with most food production sys- I love helping them,” she of us, has gone through tems. Its purpose largely said. She also said with some rough spots in her is to help maintain the gratitude, “Changing my life. Today, she is a sinelasticity and integrity lifestyle saved my life.” gle mom who owns a of connective tissues. When the store is quiet, home and is the manager It also helps produce healthy hair, nails, skin, and tendons. Vitamin C fights disease as well helps with forming connective tissue, metabolizing amino acids, and synthesizing hormones. With a twinkle in her eye, she popped up from the table and showed me how she could do a squat. “A customer came in the other day,” Mollie said, “and I showed him this,” referring to her agile down-and-up movement. He was understandably amazed, and she proceeded to tell him how she played softball until she was 65, and basketball into her 60s. These days she does a lot of walking, both at the store and at home.
of Herbs & More. She also does the foot detox baths for Herbs & More customers. She and her daughter Maddie attend Refuge Church, and Abbie has much to say about the “other part of her journey,” which was her health. “I came here to help Herbs & More put in their POS (point of sale credit/ debit card system),” Abbie said. “I was probably drinking 40 oz. of soda per day. Her “drug of choice” as far as soda was concerned was a hyper-caffeinated cola product whose first name was “Diet” and last name was “Max.” She was also a fast food/junk food junkie, as well as a Type-1 juvenile onset, insulin-dependent diabetic. “I could bake and eat a whole tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls or orange rolls in one sitting,” Abbie said. She told me with a laugh that Gwen approached her
about working for them, but “threatened her life” if she didn’t start taking care of herself, beginning with the soda. “Gwen and Roy believed in me before I believed in myself,” she said. Like Mary and Mollie, she benefitted greatly from the MSM+C, as well as two more products – Moving Experience and Feminine Factors. I asked Abbie what strengths she brings to make Herbs & More what it is. “I keep things simple and organized, and I don’t sugarcoat things with customers. I am also driven. There is a purpose, I am living it, and I am paying it forward,” she said. If being strengthened to make healthy changes is what you are looking for, then you need to get down to Herbs & More because Mary, Mollie, and Abbie are ready to help.
“Age has nothing to do with how old your body is,” she said firmly while she grinned. Mollie continued on and told me that working full-time kept her sanity
April 20 - May 3, 2018
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Learning As A Lifestyle
Summer Camps 2018 by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun.” Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys In 1958, the Jamies recorded a summer time favorite – “It’s summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime.” I sing that song in my head every summer at least 100 times. It is a snappy tune, and you can remember the words because – “It’s summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime.” March has been a whirlwind, and summer is just around the corner. Before we know what is happening, kids will be out of school and saying, “I’m bored.” No one is going to be
bored at the Center for Lifelong Learning this summer. We are offering more than 20 camp options for children this year. There are sports camps: Tee-Time Golf Camp and Soccer Camp. There are arts camps: Art Explorers, Smart Photography, Words Alive: Adventures in Writing and Illustrating Short Stories, and Hands Up! American Sign Language Camp. There will be science camps: Dr. Seuss STEM Camp, CSI for Kids. There are camps just for FUN: Great Brick Adventure, Stop Motion Animation, and Hip Hop Camp. These are just a few of the camps this summer. Camps start the day after Memorial Day and
go into August, starting with a camp for older kids (ages 10-17), the Super Sitter Camp May 29-June 1, from 9 a.m.noon, featuring a panel
of experts and several field trips. A certificate of completion is included with this camp. Our popular Let’s Have a Food Fite Cooking Camp is Jun 4-7, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Food Fite on the Athens State campus. You will need to sign up early for this camp as it fills fast. Also offered June 4-7 are Words Alive: Adventures in Writing and Illustrating Short Stories and Dr. Seuss STEM Camp. These camps are at the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street in Athens. There are several new camps this summer. Children’s Theater Workshop is a two-week camp July 23-August 2 (8 days), from 9 a.m.-noon at Athens State’s McCandless Hall, and Hey Diddle, Diddle, The Cat and The Fiddle Strings
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Camp is August 6-10, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 Second Avenue NW, in Decatur. Also new this summer are How Sweet It Is! Baking Camp, July 9-12, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Food Fite and Slime Academy, July 16-19, from 9 a.m. – noon in Waters Hall, on the Athens State Campus. Our summer camps start in just six weeks. We have camps for future engineers, artists, writers, and chefs. You can register early for your favorite camps on our website – www.athens. edu/CLL - or call us at 256-233-8260. You can also stop by and pick up a catalog. We are located at 121 South Marion Street in Athens. Summertime is going to great fun at the Center for Lifelong Learning.
April 20 - May 3, 2018
A m d w e m w fi s a E n t e r r b t fl e s m r i b
The View From The Bridge
Jump…Life Is Too Short! by Jackie Warner Jackie Warner
Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
As a society, we have made “Life” in itself so demanding and when we add to it the stresses, woes, and requirements of our workplace, what an equation we find ourselves trying to solve! Work, Life, Balance: How do we do it? Employers across the nation have recognized that in order for employees to be successful carrying out the tasks and responsibilities required by their job, there has to be some “give” or flexibility. I applaud the employers who not only speak of this in their mission statements but really see the value taking action steps for the betterment of their em-
April 20 - May 3, 2018
ployees. Knowing that if you need to take off for an hour here or there to manage family situations, or even work from home for the day and still have your job, gives one peace of mind and a sense of relief. But then, there are the situations where individuals may not have an employer or a position where this is feasible. What happens then, and how does one make it work for self, family, and home life? Unfortunately, we have all heard and most likely know someone who has experienced a panic attack, stroke, mental breakdown, or even a heart attack all because of the stresses of trying
to deal too much with work, family, and personal obligations, having no visible end in sight. Without a doubt, I truly believe that we were put on this earth to serve, because if not for HIM, we would not go. Service requires truly being available, intentional, and focused on the task. If you are not mentally and physically available then your service is for what? Daily, we get up and begin with broken spirits, mental exhaustion, health issues, relationship problems…yes, the list goes on and on. Imagine boarding
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a train and after being on the train for a while, the speed picks up and then gradually starts to increase more and then even more. There seems to be no way to slow it down, and you see it is headed for a derailment! Do you jump or continue towards derailment? Jump! Taking a leap of faith for your health and sanity; derailing is not an option. 1. Put yourself on the schedule: Build a 2-minute gap time into your day. Take a deep breath, relax and breathe 2. Establish boundaries
3. Remember “No” and “Maybe” as answers to requests and not always “Yes” 4. Take time off. Use your vacation and personal days each year 5. Get up and don’t eat lunch at your desk Get out of the building for a change. Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/
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Horse Whispering
Trauma by Deb Kitchenmaster My fascination and enthusiasm for life continues to grow – no matter what’s happening. I may not feel comfortable but, hey, that’s a great opportunity to grow in my relationship with the Holy Spirit (The Comforter)! Isn’t it interesting that Father God promised Jesus if He would finish the work on the cross by becoming our sin that we might become His righteousness on the earth, the Comforter would be sent to live inside? His name is Holy Spirit. He knew so well that there would be times in our lives that we would be uncomfortable; therefore, He knew we would need a Helper that would bring comfort to our souls. My journey of understanding trauma began with a vision I had in 2003. I saw a fan blade spinning counterclockwise. I asked, “What is this?” I understood that this was the energetic field of ‘trauma’ and it was INSIDE me. Inquiring how to rest in this discovery without judging what I saw, or me for seeing, I sensed to look inside, not run to someone, ask for prayer, or jump into drama; so I did. You can only imagine what was waiting for me. A song! Couldn’t sing it to you if I had to today, but in the moment, it was there and I sang it. I watched as this song slowed the spin of the fan blade until it halted in one place and then began to spin clockwise.
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Trauma is described as an injury (such as a wound) to living tissues caused by an extrinsic agent. The cortex (social/emotional control center), hippocampus (short-term memory cause-and-effect cortisol) and amygdala (fight, flight, or freeze)
functions of the brain are alerted. If you can’t fight or run away from a particularly painful or horrifying situation, some part of your awareness withdraws, anesthetizing strong sensations, and distorting time, perception and memory. Many of us are familiar with fight or flight. Less is known about what scientists call the ‘immobility’ or ‘freeze’ response. Having lived in Minnesota, I understand freeze and frozen! We had an out-
side stainless steel water bowl for our dogs. I brought it inside to thaw. Going about my morning, I heard the sound of glass shattering. I was certain a bird had hit the south window and shattered the bay window. It was the sound of frozen thawing.
PERFECT, UNFAILING LOVE thaws Antarctica inside us caused by trauma and horses are excellent conduits for healing the wound of trauma. Some identifiable traits of trauma are: startle response, shame, selfhatred, panic attacks, overwhelming emotion, chronic pain, headaches, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors, little or no memories, depression, irritability, loss of interest, numbness, in-
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somnia, decreased concentration, hopelessness, nightmares, and flashbacks. Horses can experience trauma. A nocturnal critter entered a stall one night. The horse was beside herself. She refused to go back into ‘that’ stall.
trauma and wanted her to release it. She left the grounds free from this trauma. Have you heard the saying, ‘be angry and sin not’? “Anger” and “Forgiveness” are not opposing forces; they are completely equal partners in the true healing of your soul. Real forgiveness is a process that creates true separations from torment and tormentors; and true separations require the boundary-restoring energy of anger, or they won’t mean a thing. Forgiveness naturally follows the honorable restoration of your sense of self. You no longer have abandoned your “house” (body), you return. “Knock” “Knock”, you open the door; you’re home. Horses demonstrate emotional, energetic, and spiritual characteristics while we are with them. When we open our minds and our hearts to these sensitive, powerful beings, something indescribable shifts inside, and true destiny is transformed.
Horses with a history of trauma easily draw out the unresolved emotions and repressed memories of humans who have been abused. Engaged in a sesCome on back home, sion, I noticed the horse’s left hip off balance. Upon Your “NEIGH”bor asking the handler questions about her left hip, she told me about being Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster in a car accident as a child and her left hip was broCorral Connections ken. She physically was www.corralconnections.com healed, but she carried the 256-426-7947 trauma in her body from Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner that accident. The horse was totally aware of the dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com
April 20 - May 3, 2018
Mental Health Minute
L Is For Laughter Therapy by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” - E. E. Cummings
As early as the 13th century, physicians used humor in medicine to alleviate pain. Often, stories were told using dark comedy or “gallows” humor to distract patients from their physical pain. But by the 20th century, researchers began to study the science behind laughter’s visible healing benefits. Norman Cousins, a political journalist and editor of the New York Evening Post discovered that watching funny movies helped decrease his pain and helped him eventually recover from a life-threatening illness. In 1979, Cousins’ book, Anatomy of an Illness, described his experience and laid the groundwork for laughter therapy and its power to heal.
and even lower depression levels. Need to lighten anger’s heavy load? Nothing diffuses anger and frustration faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on. Laughter may even help you to live longer through strengthening your resilience. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who didn’t laugh as much. Socially, laughter can strengthen relationships, attract others to us and us to others, enhance teamwork, and help diffuse conflict. Laughter makes you feel good, and that good feeling stays with you even after the laughter subsides. So, what exactly is laughter therapy? Laughter or humor therapy is the use of humor to promote overall health and wellness
by using the natural physiological process of laughter to help relieve physical or emotional stresses or discomfort. Mental health therapists can receive training to learn specific techniques to use laughter as a healing tool. But you can learn how to practice laughter therapy on your own. Here are some ways to start:
practice smiling. Then notice the effect it has on you and on others.
1. Spend time with fun/ playful people. Have you noticed that some people are just naturally funny? These people laugh easily, both at themselves and at life’s silliness. Even if you don’t consider yourself lighthearted, you can still seek out people who like to laugh and to make others laugh.
4. Play with a pet. Your pet just naturally loves to play and have fun. And dog owners laugh more frequently!
2. Smile. Smiling is the beginning of laughter, and like laughter, is contagious. When you look at someone or see something pleasing,
3. Create a laughter file. Either electronically or hard copy, collect items that make you laugh. I keep a file folder of funny stories, photos, comics, and letters that I know will cheer me up and make me laugh over and over again.
5. Watch a funny movie, TV show, or YouTube video. I’ll bet you have a movie that you watch over and over again, and you laugh just as hard every time. Or you can subscribe to your favorite comedian on YouTube, to receive the latest episodes. 6. Count your blessings. Make a list. Simply consid-
ering the good things in your life will distance you from those negative thoughts that create a barrier to laughter. When you are sad, you have further to travel to get to humor. The ability to laugh, play, and have fun with others will not only make life more enjoyable, but also help you to be more creative and connect with others. Laughter raises you up to a place where your perspective becomes more relaxed, positive, and joyful. Have a good laugh! …… Lisa Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.
Today, we know that laughter therapy can provide physical, mental, and social benefits. Physically, laughter increases your oxygen intake, relaxes muscles throughout the body, stimulates your heart and lungs, and even boosts your immunity. Research also shows that laughter produces melatonin, which helps you sleep. A good hearty laugh releases endorphins in your body, the natural feel-good chemicals, which can promote an overall sense of wellbeing and relieve pain. Mentally, laughter can reduce stress and anxiety, improve overall attitude, promote relaxation,
April 20 - May 3, 2018
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The Alternative Approach
Heat Up F+or Health by Roy Williams
Most of you know that we are constantly exposed to toxins. Over time they can accumulate and cause several problems ranging from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to even more serious illnesses associated with heavy metal poisoning.
rheumatism, and muscle spasms. Almost all disease has been linked with inflammation and some experts say that if Americans would reduce inflammation just 20% it would improve their quality of life and could add years to their lifespan.
The fact is, our exposure to chemicals and heavy metals often exceeds our body’s abilities to excrete them. The sources are everywhere. Mercury, which is horrible for proper brain function, can come from fish, dental fillings, vaccinations, and other sources. Polyphenols can come from plastics, food packaging, and pesticides, which can fit the same receptors as estrogen, causing problems for men and women, such as increased risk of breast, uterine, and cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
5) Weight Loss: The inability to lose weight can be linked to toxins in the body. Some studies show that the body will even create fat to store chemical toxins when they exceed the body’s ability to excrete them. Those wishing to lose weight should also note that the cardiovascular effect from a single Sauna session burns as many as 600 calories.
Detoxification Can Help Maintaining good health throughout your lifespan can be accomplished through proper nutrition, sufficient exercise, and detoxification. This article is written to help you learn about one of the most effective methods for removing both chemical and heavy metal toxins from your body. The medical profession and health practitioners world-
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wide recognize the Infrared Sauna as one of the most effective ways to easily detoxify many toxins and even help people lose weight. All you do is sit in the Sauna for a few minutes a couple of times a week and over time you will notice the benefits.
have been damaged by chronic exposure to environmental toxins, the body’s ability to eliminate toxins becomes impaired. The Sauna assists the body in eliminating the toxins and promotes the restoration of those organs back to proper function.
Not only does the Thermal Life Infrared Sauna help remove heavy metal toxins and fat stored toxins, it can also help remove metal trapped in connective tissue and the brain. It also increases the eliminative, detoxifying, and cleansing capacity of the skin by stimulating the sweat glands. When the liver, kidneys and lungs
Benefits Include 1) Enhanced Immune System Function: Each session causes a brief, beneficial increase in body temperature, which improves immune health by boosting production of infection-fighting white blood cells or leukocytes. 2) Improved Cardiovascular Health: Medical research shows that regular use of an infrared sauna may be as effective for cardiovascular conditioning as exercise. As the body heats up, it cools itself by sending blood from the internal organs to the extremities and the skin, increasing heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate
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(burns more body fat). It is used by astronauts to maintain cardiovascular conditioning during long space flights. Dr. Jonathan Wright shows that it is even beneficial for men with erectile disfunction. 3) Stress Relief: We live in a stressful world. Constant stress puts a strain on the body’s central nervous system and can contribute to chronic disease. The Infrared Sauna helps to reduce physical stress by boosting circulation and triggering the production of endorphins, the “feel good hormones.” The sauna is a peaceful and relaxing environment that has also been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. 4) Pain Relief: The Sauna dilates blood vessels, increasing circulation and reducing inflammation, which can cause high blood pressure and pain. Infrared heat has also been used extensively in the treatment of arthritis,
6) Anti-aging and Skin: Perspiration cleanses the skin, creating beautiful and improved tone, texture, and color. Many doctors and health professionals have used infrared for achieving better health, removing heavy metals and chemical toxins, brain fog, fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression, detoxification prior to and after chemotherapy, beautiful skin, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue. You don’t have to go out and purchase an Infrared Sauna to receive the benefits. Herbs & More in Athens has one of the highest ranked saunas available and anyone wishing to experience the benefits can use it as often as they like for only $30.00 a month. If you like, you may also, for no extra money, use the Whole Body Vibration, which also has huge health benefits. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams
April 20 - May 3, 2018
www.JuicePlus.com
Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC April 20 - May 3, 2018
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April 20 - May 3, 2018