Athens Now

August 2nd - August 15th, 2019

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See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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The Chronicles Of Charles The Goliath In You...

Goliath. Do you know him? I didn’t say do you know of him.

Do you know him?

The answer to this question is for...

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Paige Connors, NY Life Insurance Agent: Helping You Get To Your Best

By Ali Elizabeth Turner For having barely thirty years of life under her belt, New York Life Insurance Agent Paige Connors has managed to pack more into her CV than most folks do in decades.

Paige is a Harvard grad, she has been an EMT, has worked for her dad’s non-profit off and on since she was 14, has been on staff in a mental hospital and a women’s prison, and has had her own jewelry line. “I have seen people on their worst day, and now I get to teach them how to get to their best day,” she

Clean And Green Get Your Running Shoes Ready – It’s Duck & Run Time!...

It doesn’t matter how you get to the finish line, we’ll be cheering for you!...

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Cooking With Anna Peanut, Peanut Butter and Jelly...

“You’re the peanut butter to my jelly.

You’re the cream to my coffee. You’re the bacon to my eggs. You are the flip to my flop.”...

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Continued on pages 16-17

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August 2 - August 15, 2019

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

The Dutch Girl

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Cayce Lee Jerry Barksdale Roy Williams Nick Thomas Wanda Campbell Holly Hollman Joel Allen Charles Joseph Rosemary Dewar

Audrey Hepburn is one of those actresses about whom it has always been easy to say, “They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” She made her film debut in 1953, the year I was born, and won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in Roman Holiday opposite Gregory Peck. She was the epitome of gamine grace, and rarely have I seen someone better able to communicate without saying a word.

Audrey was genuinely feminine, and not in a contrived manner. She was soft-spoken,

demure, graceful, and gracious. Her beauty within and without was rare, and the sound of her voice was like water. Her eyes were pools of softness and mischief, and she had a captivating sense of humor. She is considered by the American Film Institute to be the third greatest actress in film history, behind Katherine Hepburn and Bette Davis.

When it came to fashion, Audrey is still considered a timeless icon, and while stunning in everything from ribbed turtlenecks to custom designed gowns by legendary designer Edith Head, one of the things that made her so jaw-droppingly exquisite was her mod-

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Chronicles Of Charles . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9

Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . 14 Health & Fitness . . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . 19

Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

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All of the above about Audrey Hepburn is relatively well known by fans of classic films, but I would like to commend to you a story of rare betrayal and remarkable re-invention that is the crown jewel of her life. It’s called Dutch Girl, and tells a story of courage under fire that is not roared, it is whispered. Audrey Hepburn was born of Dutch nobility, and for openers, she had “daddy hunger” that seems to have never been satisfied.

Her mother and father started out as fans of Hitler and Mussolini, and considered themselves to be ardent Fascists.

Her father left his family, her mother went to meet Hitler in Germany in 1935 and waxed nearly worshipful in his presence. Because her mother knew that England was going to be attacked by Hitler in the Blitz, they returned to Holland because that seemed like a safe move. It was there in Holland, however, that once Hitler invaded the Netherlands, Audrey’s mother began to see his true colors and eventually turned away from being a sycophant.

For her part, Audrey became involved in the Dutch Resistance. This lithe ballerina used to put messages for downed pilots and other resistance members in her ballerina-style flats and go for walks to deliver them. One day she came out of the woods only to find that Nazi soldiers were approaching. She kept her wits about her, popped down, picked meadow flowers, flashed that

Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Dog Barker . . . . . . . . 20

esty. Let’s just say that Audrey would have never claimed a “wardrobe malfunction” at the Super Bowl, because nothing she wore could have ever gone that wrong.

intoxicating grin, handed them to her enemies, and walked away. The pilot was never discovered.

Audrey was also an accomplished dancer, and here’s where it gets really good. The Nazis, of course, were all about control, over all aspects of life, and that included the arts.

You could not perform without their approval, so Audrey would perform for nobility in a mansion in the interior of Holland, and the money raised went to the underground. They would put curtains in all of the windows so Audrey’s performance remained hidden. Talk about a charity gala… In an audition film/screen test when she was asked about it, with sweet impishness she giggled and said, “Oh, they didn’t know about it.”

In the spring of 1944, Audrey nearly starved to death because the Nazis were trying to starve the Dutch. She survived by eating tulip bulbs, but was never again strong enough to pursue the rigors of dance full time. Instead, she built an epic acting career, and spent the last part of it working with UNESCO while rescuing starving kids. To watch her interact with them was achingly tender. Cancer took her in 1993, and I have no doubt she faced that the way she faced everything, with a highly tempered, resilient grace. Read the book—you’ll find uncommon triumph over trauma.

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

The Veteran Wage Differential

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

A study that has been published recently by the University of Akron in Ohio shows something most interesting: veterans make on average $5 more per hour than those who have never served. In terms of wage amount, veterans earn $26 dollars an hour and non-vets make $21. The ten-year study lasted from 2005 until 2015, and was conducted by Dr. Francesco Renna and Dr. Amanda Weinstein. Dr. Weinstein herself served; she

graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served in the USAF. Dr. Weinstein said she has wanted to research this subject since she was in graduate school.

“The men and women that I had the opportunity to serve with in the military are highly skilled, dedicated, and hard working,” Weinstein said. “They have a lot to offer the workforce and the data shows that. Many people are surprised when I show them that veterans tend

to have higher wages than non-veterans," she said.

There were three sets of factors that seemed to suggest the reasons for the five dollar differential. Some of them drew from hard skills, some from soft. The hard skills were from years of familiarity with things like health care, flight, government, and engineering, many of which begin if a soldier enlists right after high school. By the time a soldier has ten years in,

comparatively there has been much more time to be in the “real world” of formal education, on the job training in high skill work, and is years ahead of the competition. One set of soft skills has to do with the stabilizing effect of marriage, having children, and just being older.

The third set of factors covered in the study attributed the higher wages to skills veterans gain in the military itself.

They pick them up simply from “being there,”

whether it is in combat or during peacetime.

There is a “life-changing something” that I have discussed endlessly that comes from being a part of a mission that had meaning, gave purpose, was bigger than one’s self, and that forced one to get good at conflict resolution. Today’s military works much harder at setting up its members for success both while they are serving and once they are out in the civilian world. One hundred years ago, no officer would have been caught dead teaching people skills to enlistees or junior officers, but it has become a positive move, and has proven to have a number of ramifications.

In a companion study conducted by the Graduate Center at the City University of New York, veterans that served in the post 9/11 era reflected the same findings. “The data indicate that between 2005 and 2015 employment, income, and educational attainment rates were consistently higher, and poverty rates consistently lower, than general nationwide rates.” This does not seem to match the perception that OIF and OEF vets are headed to a life under the bridge, and while there are those who struggle, the point is that they have been given the skills to succeed against the struggle, and that is good news for us all.

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The Chronicles Of Charles

The Goliath In You

by Charles Joseph

Goliath. Do you know him? I didn’t say do you know of him. Do you know him? The answer to this question is for you, the reader, to decide.

Goliath was a giant compared to his opponents in the Bible. He was almost undefeatable. Almost.

How big are your problems? Are they like Goliath? Laughing at you and taunting you relentlessly? We all have problems. Some larger than others. We all have a past. Some harder than others. But is our past really a reliable indicator of our future, and more importantly, our present?

How much of your own problems do you create for yourself? Did that rude person really have to come home with you and taunt you to take it out on your spouse, kids, dog? What about that person that hurt you? Are you still waking up angry about it years later? Have you set goals that are wildly out of reach? Perhaps you haven’t even set goals because in your mind they are unattainable.

Sure, stress, heart-ache, frustration, and sometimes even powerlessness are all a part of the journey of life. But it only took one stone from David’s slingshot to take Goliath’s life.

One. Stone. In the same way it only takes one decision, one thought, one idea, one inspirational moment to destroy those daunting challenges.

Where do challenges come from you ask? The mind. Yes. The mind.

There is a Goliath in us all. But there is also a David. So you may wake up in the morning and decide that you are already tired, stressed out, and frustrated. So how is it possible that things can get any better? You have already made up

your mind!

Let’s take a look through that lens for a moment.

The dog chewed up your nice work shoes. You panic. You were right.

Today is going to be stressful. Then you walk to the kitchen and the automatic coffee maker didn’t turn on. But, oh no, you don’t have time to make any coffee right now while you decide how to make your outfit presentable for the presentation that you have to give today. You arrive at work just in time for your boss to tell you that he needs you to increase your production starting today. There is a new system in place, and he needs you to implement it in a very short period of time. Why even

So yes, in reality, this would make it to be a stressful day. You were right. But sometimes being right isn’t the best approach. If you listen to your inner critic you will go the whole day without any joy and every little thing that goes wrong will be an absolute irritant.

Let’s look at it through a different lens. Fortunately, giving a presentation may come easier to you than preparing for it.

You were able to get coffee once you got to the office. You had another pair of nice shoes to wear to work. You can’t

do anything about the dog’s affinity for the finer shoes in life. And then there is the new system implementation. You do what you can with what you’ve got. You get home and instead of being angry about the day, you laugh a little, warm up some food, take a bath and call it a day.

What is the difference here? In the first scenario you took reallife problems and made them into the image of Goliath. All day you may have thought about why your day has to be so hard and that no one understands what you are going through.

In the latter scenario you accept what is, maintain a sense of humor, and plow through the day not being distracted by the emotions taunting you. You took that smooth stone in your hand and you slayed the enemy one thought at a time. You didn’t let a negative perception of reality destroy your well-being.

Stay the course, oh reader. Know that there is power in you. Accept the difficulties in stride. But always remember that each little thought is like a stone.

You can either slay your inner negativity with it or you can simply set your stones in a basket while the enemy works within you to destroy the balance and peace that you can otherwise have in any situation.

But are those goals unattainable? Or have you backed off of them time and again because of their Goliath-like stature? The Goliaths that people create in their minds are often a matter of ideas that they have built up in their minds about the problem.

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smile? Except for the one you forced across your face when he told you that.

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Calendar of Events Second Sundays On The Square

Justus Storm Band at Art After Hours August 9

Businesses will be open from 12pm-4pm on these Sunday afternoons for local residents and out-of-towners alike to come enjoy what downtown Athens has to offer during the weekends. For more information contact Merritt Malone at 256-777-7519 or merritt5485@gmail.com

High Cotton Arts. 103 West Washington Street in Athens.

7:00PM-9:00PM. Enjoy the music, light refreshments and art activities for the children. Bring your furry friend for the Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Best Dressed Pet contest.

Houston Memorial Library and Museum SUMMER HOURS

Ardmore Car Show August 10

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue, 9am-6pm • Wed and Thurs 9am-2pm • Fri - Closed • First Saturdays - 9am-12pm.

Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library.

We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.

Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo August 2 & 3

John Barnes Park, Hamlett Street in Ardmore, TN. Gates opening at 6:00PM and rodeo action starting at 8:00PM. Advanced Tickets on sale at Adams Western Wear (28100 AL-251 in Ardmore, AL); FNB Bank (26327 Main Street in Ardmore, TN); and Ardmore City Hall (25844 Main Street in Ardmore, TN) -- Adults $12.00; Children $8.00; Ages Under 5 Free. Gate Prices: Adults $15.00; Children $12. For information: ardmorepdfdrodeo@gmail.com

Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days August 2 & 3

20147 Elkton Road in Athens. 7:00AM until ?. All makes, models and years of tractor and farm equipment will be on display and demonstrated. Friday features a 20 mile tractor ride starting at 10:00AM. Kids will enjoy activities including a Pedal Pull Competition. Get revved up with the Parade of Power then enjoy the Fast Crank Competitions, Slow Races, Chain in the box and more. Fish Fry on Friday at 5:00PM. Concessions and vendors too. Admission is $5.00; Children 10 & Under Free. Call for more information: 256-431-6226 or 256-206-5926.

John Barnes Park. 30523 Ardmore Ridge Road in Ardmore, TN. 10:00AM-3:00PM. Pre-entry fee: $20.00 by Aug 3; After and Day of Show: $25.00. Proceeds benefit the Ardmore High School Athletic Program. Spectator: $5.00 per person; Family: $15.00. 12 and under free. For more information or registration: www.ardmorecarshow.com

Southern Splendor Chorus August 15

Yesterdays Senior Lunch Matinee at Yesterday's Event Center.

15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens. Featuring your favorite oldies. $12.00 per person -- includes meal and and show.

Individuals and groups welcome. Bus parking available. No show and cancellation fees may apply. For more information or to RSVP required -- email info@yesterdaysevents.com.

70's Dance Party August 16

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4403 McLean Drive in Rogersville.

8:00PM-11:00PM with McTazz Band playing your favorite disco. Dance party tickets: $15.00 per person or $25.00 per couple. Room Packages: Standard Room and 2 Dance Party Tickets, $115.00; 2-Night (Fri & Sat) Standard Room, 2 Dance Party Tickets and access to Rockin' the River on Saturday, $199.00. Reservations and tickets: 256-247-5461

Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. 100 West Pryor Street in Athens. 8:00AM-10:00AM with pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee for $5.

Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshop August 4

1818 Farms. 24889 Lauderdale Street in Mooresville.

4:30PM-6:30PM with tour of the heirloom flowers and herbs.

Learn about planting, growing, and seed saving as well as best methods for cutting flowers while gathering arrangements.

Then participants will gather under the pavilion and provided a selection of flowers and herbs for a floral arrangement take and make workshop. Fee: $75.00 includes glass container and cuttings. Register at 1818Farms.com Page 6

9/11 Heroes Run Pancake Breakfast August 17

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Spaghetti Meal at the Vietnam Veterans of America Building 3rd Monday Monthly

17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cost is $8. Eat in or carry-out. Profits fund scholarships for local students. Please call ahead for group carry-outs or more info 256-431-3213.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Stonehaven, Singer Songwriters, And Spy Pilot

by Ali Elizabeth Turner “Are you packed, Mr. Mayor?” I asked. “Almost,” he said, referring to the fact that he was going to be leaving out of Nashville at 6 a.m. the next day for the historic Athens team trip to Stonehaven, Scotland. For those of you who are not aware, several citizens of Athens have responded to the invitation of our sister city, Stonehaven, to travel on their own dime and build relationships with a warm-hearted town in a cool climate, whose leaders came here this past spring.

That same Scottish town, by way of Skype, also helped us celebrate our bicentennial last fall, and even baked a cake for the occasion!

Mayor Ronnie had been tracking the weather in Scotland, which on Monday was a whopping 63 degrees F, and due to get cooler, especially at night. “I am going to be packing the rest of the layers,” he said and added,

“Problem is, where am I going to put everything when I don’t need it anymore?” I could have been a brat and said, “First world problems, sir,” but I didn’t.

Mayor Ronnie proceeded to tell me about how successful the Singer Songwriter Evening held at the new Athens High School on the evening of July 25. The four North Alabama musicians who were part of the evening were Jim Parker, Rock Killough, Michael Anthony Curtis, and our own Matt Prater. Jim is the creator of the Jim Parker Songwriter’s Series and will have his next session on August 9.

Michael is from Florence, and has produced songs for Grammy-winning artists such as Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Sawyer Brown, and Lee Ann Womack. Rock is from Guntersville, and has written for the Oak Ridge Boys, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Travis and Brenda Lee. Matt Prater is nearly a local household name, and the rest of the songwriters had much to say about his music, and his involvement in local musical endeavors such as Scout House. And, one of the things that the mayor enjoyed the most was that each of the performers had to courage to mention God and were grateful. “There were so many people who worked behind the scenes to make this happen, so many volunteers,” said Mayor Ronnie, and is looking forward to the next one.

resolution, and life lessons that are the result of his journey are both tender and hard hitting. In his research, he became friends with Nikita Khrushchev’s son, Sergei.

Both sons adored their dads, and Sergei was able to fill in some of the blanks regarding what happened with Gary Sr. -- things he had learned from his father. Sergei also wrote the forward to the book, and they became friends. That is something that could not have happened “back in the day.”

However, for both of us, the power of the story doesn’t come from the Powers men.

It comes from the fact that Athenian Keith Dunnavant

“just knew” on the fateful day that he learned about Gary Jr.’s quest to clear Gary Sr.’s name, that he was born to do this story, and would see it through, no matter what. “If it hadn’t been for Keith, the mysteries never would have been solved and then put into a great story.

It was his passion and the quality of his research that changed everything,” said the mayor. We talked for a minute about what would have happened if Keith had not said yes. Then we prayed, and Ronnie started rollin’, first through the day, then to the plane, and I hope he and the team are truly enjoying Scotland!

We then moved on to the book that has captured us both: Spy Pilot, which is the story of Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 spy plane pilot that was shot down over Russia in 1960. He spent nearly two years in a Soviet prison and died later in a freak helicopter accident. His son, Gary Jr., spent years trying to find out “the rest of the story” and to clear his name. The resulting friendships, help, truth,

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August 2 - August 15, 2019

Slinkard On Success

How’s Your Vision?

by D. A. Slinkard

For those of you who are accustomed to walking into the Staples location in Athens, Alabama, and seeing my face, well I am here to tell you not to be surprised when you no longer see me in there. I have written many times and have given examples of things in which I believe people, and most importantly Christians, should be more willing to stand up for when it comes to what the Bible says. I recently put my money where my mouth is and decided, based off my personal, moral, and religious convictions, that working for Staples was no longer a good fit neither for me nor my family.

Recently, my previous boss came into the store and told me that after I left the company, it would be the test of how good a manager I was depending upon how well the store performed without me. He went on to say if the store continued well, then I built it to last; but if the store suffered in performance, then obviously the issue was with me and just “muscling” through on a daily basis. When any team loses a leader, there are going to be consequences, and as I spoke with a pastor friend, he immediately brought up Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish...”

Even though I have moved on from Staples, the truth of the matter

August 2 - August 15, 2019

is the employees need to maintain the vision of excellence. If the vision goes away, then the excellence will go after and there will be a dip in performance. Now we need to translate this over to your life. Last article, I wrote about goals and writing them down twice daily; but let me ask you what your vision looks like for your life? Are you thriving or are you barely surviving?

The Bible tells us that the people with no vision, they will perish. If you are getting bad results in your life, maybe it is time you are honest with yourself about the vision for your life.

Many times I think about the vision I have for my life, and I think about who I am and who I want to be. This is why I believe it to be utterly important that we write our goals down twice daily.

The more we see our goals, the more we become focused on achieving those goals. When we know what we want to achieve, we are more apt to take the necessary steps to obtain our desired results.

people went to work so they could survive.

There was the concern of where the next meal would come from.

Now, we go to work so we can buy bigger and better toys. Many of us do not even think about where our next meal will come from.

The struggle is no longer real. The struggles my grandparents faced are not the same struggles I face, and the struggles of my kids are not the same I had as a kid. Our world is evolving but the one thing that does not change is God's Word; yet we have changed the value system of what God's Word means to us. I can remember being a kid and businesses were shut down on Sunday as everyone was at church.

What has happened? Our vision has changed.

People talk about our country going to hell in a

handbasket, and I believe it is because we no longer fear God. The vision of what God expects from us is not the same vision we expect for our lives.

Too many people go to work to be able to enjoy the few short years after retirement when they should be thinking about how they can live for God. Sadly, this is not a popular message because

of what our culture has taught us. The world has changed our views on the expectations of God and this has changed our vision. We need to redefine our definition of success and refocus our vision. If we revisit our goals and refocus on our vision, we can make a change in our lives. The choice is ours to make.

The problem is in our clarity. We lack a true vision or understanding of what we need to do to accomplish our goals in life. We plan for the best case scenario when we actually should plan for the struggles in life. Our way of life has changed drastically and this has clouded our vision.

Two hundred years ago

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Tourism

Hellooooo August – Broncos, Tractors, and Music Galore

by Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Summer is still here, but the kids are headed back to school. If you need ideas to add to your curriculum for the classroom or homeschooling, we have ideas to add the local history and heritage of Athens-Limestone to your learning. Stop by the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center at 100 North Beaty Street in Athens, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. any Monday through Friday (except holidays), and we’ll be glad to help you brainstorm options based on local trails and information.

It’s time for class….

It’s time for car lines, school buses, and kids at the curbside as our local schools get back into action this month. With Limestone County Schools going back August 5, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy going back on August 7, Athens Bible School going back August 8, and City of Athens schools going back August 13.

As you travel through Athens-Limestone in August,

plan extra travel time and keep a wary eye out for kids of all ages out and about for school.

Restaurant news….

Sabor Latino Taqueria has opened its doors at a second location. Enjoy fresh flavors and specials at Suite M, 100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens (near Hometown).

Whitt’s Barbecue in Ardmore has a new location at 29901 Jones Avenue in Ardmore, AL. Early-bird tickets don’t want to miss…

you

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be October 3-5 this year and they are offering early purchase options for the festival at: tvotfc.org Athens Storytelling Festival has opened online ticket sales for this year’s festival happening October 22-26.

Head to their website: AthensStorytellingFestival.com A big thank you…

Athens-Limestone County Tourism and Learn-to-Read Council had fun hosting Storytime at the Visitors Center

Kids gather around for Storytime at the Visitors Center with coloring sheets, snacks, and a tale from Doug Swaim of the Athens Lions Club. in July and have had such warm words of appreciation and thanks from our attendees and readers. We had great kids come with their families, and many of our guest readers took time out of their busy schedules to come read to the kids, including our officials and citizens from the City of Athens, Limestone County Commission, Athens Fire and Rescue, Athens Police Department, Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Athens Lions Club, Athens News Courier, and 1818 Farms. Thanks to everyone for making this possible.

Piney Chapel Farm Heritage Days features a tractor ride up the Rails to Trails and more.

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A few events for your calendar…

We’re going to give you the highlights and you get the rest of the details at our website, VisitAthensAL.com, under EVENTS or EVENT CALENDAR. Family-fun…

Dust off your cowboy boots; it’s time for the Ardmore Police and Fire Rodeo on August 2 and 3 or you can enjoy the tractors and farmlife demos at Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days in Athens those same days. The Annual Ride to Remember with Eli’s Block Party for Childhood Cancer Foundation will line up at Athens Town Center at 2:00 p.m. on U.S. Highway 72 and ride to Florence in memory of Eli “The Eliminator” Williams on August 3. The cars will roll onto the Courthouse Square for Cruise In on August 3 around 6:00 p.m. for a friendly gathering of all makes and models and a chance to meet new friends.

Fridays After Five sets up downtown on August 9 with shopping, dining, kids zone, and more. Athens Saturday Market will be packed with activities and goodies to peruse and enjoy on August

10. Or head to Ardmore on the 10th for the Ardmore Quarterback Car Show at John Barnes Park. Grab some pancakes during the 9/11 Heroes Run Pancake Breakfast on August 17.

Elkmont Car Show rolls in at Elkmont High School on August 24 or you can head to Ardmore Avenue for the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival. If you’re looking for live music on the weekends, be sure to check our website for updated listings.

A Few Date Night Ideas…

First Fridays on the Porch at the Warten House B&B August 2 starting at 6:00 p.m. encourages you to bring your favorite beverage and snack to share, mingle and enjoy the music. Enjoy the Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshop on August 4 or 18. August 10 brings the author of The Groundkisser to High Cotton Art for a reading and book signing. There’s a 70’s Dance Party at Joe Wheeler State Park on the 16th followed

by Rockin the River and General Joe’s Car Show on the 17th and the lodge is offering special packages for these events to make it a “getaway weekend”.

August 2 - August 15, 2019

Special Feature

Duo On ‘Alabama Musicians To Know’ List To Perform In Athens For Alabama Music Series

by Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist The musical duo Della Ray found its name from a tragic story based in Tuscaloosa lore.

The pair, Adam Morrow and Natalie Jensen, will bring their passion for powerful stories and songs to Athens on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at Athens State University’s McCandless Hall. This is the second of five concerts Athens Arts League is hosting for its Alabama Music Series.

Morrow said the duo are in the Shoals but originally lived in Tuscaloosa, where the pair enjoyed Sokol Park and its trail system. One of the trails bares the name Della Raye, reportedly named for a girl falsely deemed insane and wrongfully placed in an institution.

“Well, to be honest, we’re not totally sure what to expect, and I’m excited about that,” Morrow said.

“We’ve spent the majority of the last couple years in the studio and playing in other people’s bands. I am really looking forward to getting these songs out into the world. The band really started because Natalie and I needed a name for the songs we were writing at home that didn’t fit in any other projects at the time.”

He said the basis for much of this show is “our voices blending together.” Joining the duo for the Athens concert will be Hayden Crawford on bass and Kevin Leigh Robinson on drums.

“I’m more interested in

what the four of us can make happen together than recreating what we’ve been doing in the studio, which is usually the temptation in this situation,” Morrow said and promised, “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and current and former members of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation are helping sponsor the entire Alabama Music Series. In addition, Morell Engineering is helping sponsor the Della Ray concert for several Birdie Thornton Center clients and their families to attend at no cost.

Two college and one high school students will obtain hands-on experience at the

Morrow said it is “vitally important” for students interested in the arts to see a life in the music world is possible, especially in Alabama.

“Growing up in Tuscaloosa, being a professional musician seemed about as likely as me landing on the moon,” Morrow said. “The opportunity to learn from mentors who have been there and start down that road is very cool.”

Morrow said luck plays a part in succeeding in the music industry but that is “dwarfed by hard work and attitude and experience.”

“A chance to get that lesson early on is awesome, to see how things are really done instead of having to learn as you go via your own missteps and observations,” Morrow said. “We look forward to working with these students.”

Athens Arts League Board President Jennifer Hilton Sampieri said the board is committed to incorporating student opportunities with the Alabama Music Series and other events to ensure those interested in music careers have an avenue to learn.

“We want to be a resource for these students and develop an interest in them for the visual and musical arts,” she said.

Morrow said North Alabama’s musical heritage is world famous and worth embracing as a regional identity.

“For a long time, I thought that’d make for a powerful song, but when we started this duo project, it just fit (as our name),” Morrow said.

“Obviously the Muscle Shoals documentary from a few years ago was a game changer, as was the incredible success of folks like the Athens-based Alabama Shakes,” he said.

“All of that has helped the whole scene so much, especially when groups like the Shakes are so generous with their platform.

If (music) is something your community is proud of and there are opportunities to be involved, that seems like how things are established to bloom for years to come. I hope young folks feel like there is reason to stay and pour themselves into the area and make it their own.”

Della Ray dropped the “e” and began its musical journey. Morrow is known for his work with artists like Grammy-winner John Paul White and Belle Adair. The ever-evolving duo spins out its own brand of dreamy, haunting indie rock. In 2018, Della Ray was among an Alabama media outlet’s “25 Essential Alabama Musicians to Know.”

Morrow said concertgoers in Athens could expect a show that is not necessarily a strict playlist.

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concert in various aspects such as stage setup, sound check and photography.

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Clean and Green

Get Your Running Shoes Ready – It’s Duck & Run Time!

by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful It doesn’t matter how you get to the finish line, we’ll be cheering for you!

The Duck & Run 5K will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 a.m.

Early registration fee is $20. Late and race day registration will be $25.

Registration forms are available at the KALB office or you can register online at www.RaceRoster.com.

and served as the Athens Utilities Building. Cash prizes and trophies in several age categories will be awarded along with gift cards from Fleet Feet, another very generous supporter of this 5K. The Duck & Run 5K registration fee is one of the lowest around, and we continue to support local cross-country teams, who would like to use this as

Although KALB has many community projects and programs, education is our biggest focus. We love to be invited into classrooms from pre-school through 6th grade to share information on the dangers of littering, importance of recycling, and the need to care for our natural world.

This 5K is perfect for seasoned runners as well as beginners. The course is mildly challenging, and will take runners through the tree-lined streets and past antebellum homes in the Athens Historic Districts, as well as around the Courthouse Square. Start and finish points will be at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens.

The first 300 runners will receive a goody bag that will include a Duck & Run t-shirt and an aluminum water bottle compliments of American Leakless Company, our Diamond Duck Sponsor.

Lots of great refreshments and an awards presentation will take place in and around the historic Athens Visitors Center, which was built in 1906

us meet our annual budget.

Aubrey Franklin (#89) and brother Taylor (#90) joined other members of the Hazelgreen Cross Country Team running the Duck & Run 5K last year giving them needed practice and experience. KALB offers cross country teams a special registration price.

a practice race, by offering a special registration fee. Please call us if you would like to talk about registering cross-country team members.

Registration Supports Educational Programs The Duck & Run 5K has been an annual fundraiser for Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB) since 2004. Because of our amazing sponsors, every penny of the cost to register for this event supports the projects and programs of KALB.

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Casey Jennings (L) and Tammy Spadafore (R) enjoyed their run through beautiful downtown Athens during the 2018 Duck & Run 5K

Speakers are also available for club meetings, business gatherings, and other student and adult groups. We are always happy to share information about current recycling practices, volunteer opportunities, and more.

This fundraiser and the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby rubber duck race taking place October 5 are extremely important to our non-profit organization. These are our two largest fundraisers which go a long way in helping

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The first 25 registrants will find a form in their race packets to adopt a free duck for the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby.

Our rubber duck race has amazing prizes this year including the $1,000 American Leakless Co. Grand Prize, an 8-pack of Park Hopper passes to Walt Disney World ($1,336 value), a 4-pack of Park Hopper Passes, $250 gift card to Osborne’s Jewelers, a gift basket and certificate from The SK Salon, a family pack of tickets to the Birmingham Zoo, and several cash prizes with many more prizes to come!

So even if you are not one of the first 25 registrants for the 5K, you will have the opportunity to adopt

a duck for $5 each, or a Quack Pack of ducks for $25, which includes 6 ducks (1 free) and a coupon for 25% off your entire order from Papa Murphy’s Pizza – no max and no expiration date!

Not A Runner?

We Need Volunteers!

Not everyone desires or is able to run. If that’s you, please consider becoming a volunteer. If you can’t volunteer for this event, we’d love to talk with you about other ways you can be involved with KALB. Just give us a call anytime and we will be happy to discuss the many ways you can support KALB.

Together, we can make a difference.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com August 2 - August 15, 2019

Cooking with Anna

Peanut, Peanut Butter and Jelly

by Anna Hamilton

“You’re the peanut butter to my jelly. You’re the cream to my coffee. You’re the bacon to my eggs. You are the flip to my flop.” Everyone needs someone in their lives that truly is the peanut butter to their jelly. We all need cheerleaders in our lives that stand by our sides, hold our hands, and help push us towards our goals.

My sweet husband is my peanut butter. He holds my hand and walks with me when I’m feeling alone on this road to better health. He stands beside me in my decision to totally change my lifestyle. He pushes me to not give up on my goals and continues to praise my victories and carry me through my failures. I’m one lucky girl.

Who is your peanut butter, your bacon, your cream? It could be a spouse, a co-worker, a family member, or a best friend. Look for someone to help you succeed. It is important to have someone in your corner.

Since my change in life-style and since trying to become a healthier person, I have built a community of support.

Many of you have emailed or reached out to me, telling me about your journey. It is so refreshing to hear from you all, and I’ve so enjoyed getting to read about your stories. If you would like to reach out to me about your journey, I would love to hear from you. My email address is annapella2003@gmail.com.

Having a community of support calls for a dish that is perfect for a summer picnic get-together. The recipe this week would be the perfect addition to any party and it is a great and healthy dish. Cobb Egg Salad is delicious, cool, and refreshing. Even your friends that don’t like eggs will fall in love with this dish. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Recipe #15 Cobb Egg Salad What You Need:

3 Tbsp. mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. Greek yogurt 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 8 hard-boiled eggs, cut into pieces; save some for garnish 8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled; save some for garnish 1 avocado, thinly sliced ½ cup crumbled blue cheese; save some for garnish ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; save some for garnish 2 Tbsp. chives, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, yogurt, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, gently mix together eggs, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Gradually fold in mayonnaise dressing, using only enough until ingredients are lightly coated, then season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chives and saved eggs, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes. Chill until ready to serve.

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The Millennial Mind

We Don’t Deserve It

by Rosemary Dewar

Last week, the topic of Christian privilege was trending on social media platforms. The attempt to conflate the Christian affiliation with racially white and regionally western expression overwhelmed the narrative. The narrow observation of the material benefits gained by holding to Christian values was interpreted as social wealth being taken from the less fortunate that do not affiliate with Christianity. Criticisms were void of the hardships Christians face globally on a fiercely violent scale. There are benefits to following the moral precepts of JudeoChristianity, but they are not taken from anyone. The benefits are contingent on adhering to Judeo-Christian precepts. That includes not violating the intrinsic worth of your neighbor.

Consistently, studies and surveys for the past two years reveal that Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world: Pew Research, US Commission on International Religious Freedom, United Kingdom’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Office, and the Church in Need Religious Freedom Report all corroborate.

This past May, UK Foreign Affairs Secretary Jeremy Hunt stated, “In some regions, the level and nature of the persecution is arguably coming close to meeting the international definition of genocide, according to that adopted by the United Nations.”

This week, a report in National Review stated that China is now teaching antiChristian propaganda to children under the age of eigh-

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teen. This too compounds the ban that does not allow anyone under the age of eighteen to enter a church.

Granted, in the United States, the current state of Christian religion is not that grave.

Christian expression is culturally harassed, and it is constitutionally targeted at best. That still should not be taken lightly. The question of whether Christians who happen to offer goods and services ought to be forced to produce products that violate their expression will be addressed in Masterpiece Cakeshop v.

Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Furthermore, can the federal government serve and fund the religious community the same way it can serve those without a religious affiliation? The Supreme Court ruled in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer this week that religious communities can file for and receive funding from local governments without exclusion. Similarly, in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, Little Sisters of the Poor, the government cannot interfere with how places of worship conduct ethical internal business.

bors well, keeping your family together, aiming to better yourself, giving to others, and keeping healthy. Those things are not synonymous with an ethnicity or regional “civilization.” The only thing that is exclusionary is not doing those things that fundamentally benefit the individual.

The privilege that practicing Christians experience are the benefits they gain knowing they are underserving of

something they cannot produce in their own capacity.

Moreover, they are undeserving of the rancor they receive from a society that does not sympathize with their hardships.

to cause others illegal harm need to be addressed as a Christian-themed menus?

No. Individuals violate their neighbors’ freedoms without having any religious association.

Does the Christian community at-large deserve the resistance it is receiving in United States culture, and globally by other regimes? No. Do individuals who affiliate with Christians, yet violate Christian values

Ideas are not the sole problem ailing the culture; it is individuals choosing to act on bad ideas when they have knowledge that they shouldn’t.

T l t b v f W a i a D c c f u a c l i i m c p

N m t c s c a f y o t o w a c t l a k w

The reality of persecution is not a bitter exaggeration of that of the Christian community; it’s a prescribed expectation. Christians do not expect to be ignored when it occurs. Most Christians don’t expect the government to exact policy in order to expand Christianity. Most Christians do expect the government to act on their behalf when individuals or communities violate their freedom to express themselves.

T

Of course, there are social benefits to treating your neigh-

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August 2 - August 15, 2019

Health and Fitness

Don’t Cut The Carbs

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

There is a very popular opinion right now that carbohydrates are bad, and should be very limited if not cut from your daily diet.

While this may achieve a quick weight loss, it is NOT sustainable or a truly healthy choice.

Don’t believe the “no carb hype”! Our bodies crave and need carbs to function properly. The ultimate goal is to lead a healthy life, not just crash diet. When you lose weight, you want it to STAY gone! If this is to be achieved, you must make a lifestyle change not just a temporary diet change.

efits of keeping complex carbs in your diet.

Not only does the body break down more slowly and make use of the complex carbs, but one of the top benefits research has shown is that these carbs promote the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which makes you feel good. When serotonin is produced it helps prevent feelings of depression, anxiety and anger.

Those who deprive their bodies of carbs tend to

have more struggle with these emotions.

Another major benefit comes from the fiber found in these complex carbs. Research has shown that increased fiber intake actually helps you lose weight over time. The soluble fiber found in carb rich foods also has been found to lower the bad “LDL” cholesterol while providing good “HDL” cholesterol. This all basically adds up to some major heart benefits.

It is important to choose the complex carbs over the simple ones on a daily basis. Enjoy some simple ones from time to time, but focus on a sweet potato with a touch of sea salt and olive oil, or some brown rice or quinoa cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor, and steel cut oats in the mornings.

Fueling your body with these complex carbs throughout each day will give you the mental clarity and energy to

function at your best, especially if you are doing physical activity and/or working out.

By eating complex carbs paired with lean proteins, greens, and some healthy fats, your body will be a lot healthier and sustain activity longer.

For more information regarding a personalized general or sports nutrition plan contact me at Prime Performance 423-805-0870.

Now what this does mean is that you have to make the right carb choices. Yes, there is such a thing as the right carbs. Complex carbs are what you want to go for daily. They will give your body the right type of fuel without causing the undesirable effects of simple carbs, such as weight gain. By eating a balance of complex carbs, such as sweet potatoes and whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa, you will keep your body fueled without retaining fat.

There are many ben-

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Cover Story

Paige Connors, NY Life Insurance Agent: Helping You Get To Your Best

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

told me.

We’ll talk about how Paige delivers on her ambitious promise in detail, but first, some interesting details about her fascinating life. Her father is Tom Connors, the founder of American Training, a non-profit that was founded 40 years ago with the intent of helping adults get their GEDs; doing continuing education; providing residences for the developmentally disabled, at risk youth; and more. From their website, www. americantraininginc. org, they describe themselves as follows: “American Training has become a quiet leader in its efforts to introduce people from all walks of life to the

rewarding potential that lies within. We provide education, training, support, nursing, residential and transportation services in a manner that insists on respect and dignity, and follows our exclusive WOW! Magic. (Wow Magic is the concept that Customer Service and personal development should be fun; ‘supersized,’ if you will.)

Each program encourages every guest, student, and resident to live more meaningful lives by showing them how much their Life Matters and how to get there.”

Paige’s passion, work ethic, creativity, and curiosity all stem from the way she was raised, and her involvement in American Training. Recently she was given a 15-Year Service Award with the organization,

and still helps her dad out from time to time.

However, she was never expecting to become a life insurance agent, and arrived at her new career serendipitously.

Paige’s fiancé Nick, whom she met at Harvard, moved to Florida and does IT for AT&T. Paige went with him, but jobs in her field were not at all plentiful and paid poorly. Because she has always loved to teach, finding out that being an outstanding life insurance agent involved educating prospective clients was especially attractive. She could equip her clients with the knowledge to understand the options and reasons for choosing certain products,

Paige (L) and her business partner Charlene Perry at the Botanical Gardens’ Firefly Hike teaching people about how life insurance can be used for retirement and college savings, while giving out candy (ring pops!) which would then help them reach their financial goals; and this made New York Life an excellent choice all the way around. Nick was then given the option to settle in the Southeast, and after researching things like the crime rate and how we are growing, they chose the Huntsville area in which to settle.

Paige and her father at an American Training, Inc. event at the Gatsby Mansion wearing a dress she hand-made!

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I met Paige at a Limestone Leaders Business Network International meeting, and was impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, and sense of humor.

When we got together for our interview, she chose to educate me as to the history of her company, its worth and assets, and a product called “cash value insurance,” which may be more familiar to some when it is referred to as “whole life.” New York Life will be 175 years old in 2020, and has been paying out dividends for 160 years. “That’s through several wars and the Great Depression,” Paige told me.

She also told me that their level of solvency

August 2 - August 15, 2019

is such that if everyone cashed in their claims on the same day, and the company paid out every one of them, there would still be 26 billion dollars left in the coffers!

Here are some of the products that New York Life offers, and a bit of what they say about themselves from their website, which is www.newyorklife.com: “We believe in the importance of human guidance and in trusted relationships built on being there when our customers need us most. Whether you are just getting started or are getting ready to make a decision, we’ve created tools and resources to help you move forward with confidence.

Being prepared looks different across all phases of life, and here are the services we offer: •LIFE INSURANCE, which includes term life, universal, whole life, and variable universal life policies.

Your New York Life agent will always

help you select what is best for you.

•RETIREMENT INCOME with policies designed for you whether you want income now or later •LONG TERM CARE Traditional & Combination Solutions •INVESTMENTS Annuities, Mutual Funds, ETFs, (Exchange Traded Funds) which are a low-cost option for seeking market-based returns, and 529 Plans, which are a programs which provide tax advantaged ways to save for education •PREMIER SERVICES, which includes estate planning, wealth management, and growing as well as protecting your small business and life’s work.

New York Life provides opportunities for prospective clients to compare products and learn the basics using tools such as Life Insurance 101, the Insurance Needs Calculator, and the Retirement Savings Calculator. Today, no U.S. life insurer has a higher finan-

cial strength rating than New York Life.

For our customers, that means promises kept, and peace of mind for the millions of families and businesses who rely on us.”

Paige further explained to me that simply stated, term life insurance is like “renting an apartment,” and cash value is “like buying a house.” She said, “Cash value or whole life is like paying yourself equity and becoming your own bank.”

You can upgrade or downgrade your policy, depending on your needs and how you have to adjust for when ‘life happens.’”

When she meets with you for a complimentary assessment, she’ll show you how to put a “bullet-proof vest” around your money and make it possible to pay for your children’s education, weddings, your retirement, and how to bless your family after you are gone. Because of her experience in the mental health field and heart of concern for people and their level of financial protection and security, she says, “I could not live with

Paige at American Training as a newsie announcing the destination of the year as the Gatsby Mansion

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Paige and her father at the local Order of Hibernians in Lawrence, MA when he won Irishman of the Year myself if all this is just a way to make a quick buck. It’s about truly being kinder, and I want to take care of people.

That has always been my passion, and it still is.”

I will say that as Paige explained what she called, “Ali’s Perfect Plan,” and showed me ways that I can make my financial future bright-

er, I was intrigued, encouraged, and interested in learning more.

I would invite you to give Paige Connors with New York Life a call today and let her show you without obligation that “life insurance” is all about living with passion and preparation, while taking care of yourself and your family.

Can be found on

@flyinganachronism

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Learning As A Lifestyle

The College Boards – ACT Test

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 If you are graduating from high school this year and thinking about going to college, you have probably checked into taking the ACT test. The test is one of the standard college admissions exams offered in the United States.

The ACT, originally an abbreviation of American College Testing, is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is currently administered

by ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test. It is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States, as well as more than 225 universities outside of the U.S. The main four ACT test sections are individually scored on a scale of 1–36, and a composite score (the rounded whole number average of the four sections) is provided.

The ACT was first introduced in November 1959

by University of Iowa professor Everett Franklin Lindquist as a competitor to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The ACT has seen a gradual increase in the number of test takers since its inception, and in

2012, the ACT surpassed the SAT for the first time in total test takers that year.

According to Prescotte Stokes III, at AL.COM, the average ACT score is 20.8 in the state of Alabama.

Bob Jones High School (Madison City) and Huntsville High School (Hunts-

ACT Test Date

Registration Deadline

September 14, 2019 October 26, 2019 December 14, 2019 February 8, 2020 April 4, 2020 June 13, 2020 July 18, 2020

August 16, 2019 September 20, 2019 November 8, 2019 January 10, 2020 February 28, 2020 May 8, 2020 June 19, 2020

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ville City) have an average score of 24. James Clemens High School (Madison City) has an average score of 23.

At Athens State’s Center for Lifelong Learning, we sponsor the ACT Strategies and Prep Course in conjunction with United Way. Let our instructors help you prepare for the ACT test. In the course, you will learn effective strategies that will help you understand the questions and choose the correct responses. Using practice tests, you will learn your strengths and weaknesses in each specific ACT subject area. Learn how to take advantage of the knowledge you have already gained and how to apply it to the ACT to achieve your highest possible test score.

The ACT Strategies and Prep Course – English and Reading is offered on Tuesdays, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., September 10 - October 22, 2019.

The ACT Strategies and Prep Course – Science is offered on Wednesdays, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., September 11 - October 23. The ACT Strategies and Prep Course – Math is offered on Thursdays, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., September 12 – October 24.

You can take one course, two courses, or all three courses. The fee for one course is $65. The fee to take two courses is $90.

The fee to take all three courses is $105. You can register online at www. athens.edu/CLL or call us at 256-233-8260.

August 2 - August 15, 2019

Jerry’s Journal

Reversing My Bucket List

by Jerry R. Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com Why do men make a “bucket list”? It’s mostly a male disorder.

Sky diving and running with the bulls in Spain top the list. Why does a man want to jump from an airplane and break his leg? Why does he want to try outrunning a bull? It can’t be done.

The idea was popularized in the 2006 movie, The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, one rich the other poor.

Both were terminal and in same hospital room.

They decided to make a bucket list of things to do before they kicked the bucket. Women snicker at such foolishness. You never hear about a woman who wants to wrestle an alligator or go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

No sir! Women aren’t that dumb. They dream of owning 100 pair of shoes with matching leather purses, sleeping late, Bloody Mary’s with breakfast in bed, weekly massages, hairdos, pedicures, shopping seven days a week, and driving an SUV with a butt warmer.

Very sensible things indeed.

The male disorder begins at about age 16. All he thinks about is dating a cheerleader, playing football, wearing Izod shirts and Nike shoes, driving fast, and playing in a rock band. It makes him feel manly. He finally snares a cheerleader, marries her, and they have three ugly

August 2 - August 15, 2019

kids with buck teeth and big ears. He maxes out his credit cards paying for braces. Unfortunately nothing can be done about the car-door ears.

The kids have an average of three car wrecks each, too many speeding tickets to count, at least one DUI each, and spend a couple of nights in jail.

A king’s ransom is paid for their college tuition, but they flunk out. The daughter gets a booger catcher through her nose, tattoos on her ankle, and marries a dude she met at rehab, who is unemployed. The boys live in the basement, won’t work and won’t leave home. Thank God they are all normal kids. Is it any wonder that a man wants to outrun a bull? Just for distraction, if nothing else. One morning the man looks in the mirror and his teeth aren’t his, he’s balding, has a double chin and a turkey neck, his prostate is enlarged, and he has ED. He takes action. He begins wearing $150.00 Ray-Ban sunglasses. No help. He’s still bald. He grows whiskers, shaves his head, buys running shoes at Walmart, and takes up jogging. Pretty soon his knees and hips are killing him from pounding the ground.

He has knee and hip replacement for which the insurance company refuses to pay.

Meanwhile, his once beautiful cheerleader has gotten fat. She takes action too. She goes on

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 the latest starvation diet, gets a $50,000 bondo body job, along with new bumper gadgets, dresses fashionably, and wears red high heels that match her red toenails. She frets over whether her new dress matches her underwear. Younger men begin paying attention to her. She buys a new SUV with a butt warmer. She purchases more shoes on QVC. Then she gets a tattoo of a feather on her ankle. Running with the bulls is the farthest thing from her mind.

Husband panics. He doesn’t feel manly anymore. He begins consuming mega doses of ginseng. He has more hair growing out his ears than on his chest, and it takes him 30 minutes to pee. Life is fleeting.

That’s when he decides to make his bucket list.

One would think he has grown wiser with age.

Nope! Dumber. He buys a $100,000 bass boat.

His little Ford pickup won’t pull it so he spends another $65,000 on one that is larger than a house trailer with 4-wheel drive. Now, life is really exciting. The bank calls every day demanding payment, he considers suicide. Too chicken. He vows to play every Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Alabama.

It gives him no satisfaction.

He needs to live closer to the edge. He considers making a pass at a checkout lady at Walmart, but thinks better of it.

Her boyfriend is a for-

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mer Green Beret and a bouncer at a strip club.

Maybe that’s living too close to the edge. Life is passing him by. It’s time for a real bucket list.

I’ve made my list. It’s not what I want to do in the future, it’s what I don’t ever want to repeat.

1. Never pee on an electric fence. Electricity isn’t racist, sexist, homophobic, liberal or conservative. It doesn’t care. It will burn your butt to a cinder. I won’t do that again.

2. Never challenge a yellow jacket family and say such things as “Come out an’ fight like a man.” You can’t outrun a bull and you sure can’t outrun yellow jackets. I won’t do that again.

3. Never mess with a married woman. Some are married to men who have never attended anger- management class, are jealous and unchristian-like and won’t turn the other cheek. I won’t do that again.

4. Never become delinquent with the IRS. They’ll slap you with a 10% penalty and charge you 12% interest. They will file a lien against your home and levy your bank account.

They are the most uncaring, insensitive bunch of non-Christian bureaucrats in our government. You can’t beat the IRS. I won’t do that again.

5. Never play Tarzan by swinging on a fuzzy

muscadine vine in the woods.

Muscadine vines aren’t fuzzy, poison ivy is. It will cause your hands, arms and face to swell with itchy blisters and send you to see a physician who practices euthanasia. I won’t do that again.

6. Don’t ever purchase a parachute by mail order and pack it yourself. No matter how carefully you read the written instructions you can make a mistake and the chute won’t open. Having a properly packed reserve chute packed by a certified rigger is essential and will prevent you from splattering on the ground. It’s good to have that when you are falling at 120 mph and your main chute won’t open. I won’t do that again.

Nowadays, I get my kicks from riding my zero-turn lawnmower. It makes me feel manly. I feel like Attila the Hun leading a marauding Army across the plains of Eastern Europe as I fly across my pasture slinging grass clippings, pine cones, and fire ants.

Now that’s living!

Afterwards, I lay back in my Lazy Boy knockoff and daydream about my favorite high school cheerleader from 50 years ago when I was single. Ah, yes! Then, I am rudely jerked from my daydream.

“Will you please get off your lazy ass and take out the garbage?”

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Dog Barker

Your Dog Lost Or Missing?

by Joel Allen

Years ago when I worked at the Huntsville Corn Maze, I used to take one of my Danes. This particular time I took Brock, who was a big behemoth brindle Great Dane. At the maze, I locked him in the office so I could walk the maze and check it over. While I had been doing this for not even ten minutes, I get a call.

Brock had been accidentally let out, and in that moment when he could not find me, he panicked, running away. Myself and a few other people who had seen the direction he went in headed to another field that he miraculously made it to by crossing Highway 72. It took at least thirty minutes of calling his name before he came back to me. Talk about heart-

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sick. I thought I lost had him. Once he came back I just loved him and took him with me around the maze. We didn’t chance locking him in the office again.

Let me add that I want to share with everyone a warning. There are whispers and rumors in our area of dog fighting and dog thefts. Don’t believe all that is told, but use some common sense.

What I have done to take preventive measures in the event someone tries to take one of my dogs is keep the “crazy” in me locked up behind glass that says, “In case of emergency break glass.”

That is one measure of precaution. Another is all my fences have locks and chains. Some thieves like to leave the

gate open as if your dog accidentally figured out how to open the gate and get out. I have known a few dogs with the ability to do so, but this also is a classic tactic of a dog thief or fighter. These people will take your dog and either use them for bait to train their fighting dogs or for other horrible things I won’t care to mention. A good measure of precaution I have learned is microchip your dog. I am still learning the ins and outs of this, but I am starting to incorporate this as a must. Some chips have the ability to not just identify your dogs but track them through GPS. Before doing any of the above, do your homework and know what is needed and wanted.

Let us say your dog is missing and the gate is wide open.

Common sense tells us to call our dog back and keep yelling as loud as possible just in case they are in earshot.

With each call of your voice, your heart gets heavier and heavier because your dog has not returned. Now, let us look at what to do in the event the dog does not return. If possible place fliers at places that get a lot of traffic. Most stores have a billboard to post community stuff on. If Facebook is an option for finding your dog, then I would post pictures and

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the location of where I lost my dog. Then, I would ask everyone to share my post. Let me throw a tidbit of common sense into the mix on this suggestion. Location means street, city, state (if needed), and very importantly, your county. I am surprised at how many people don’t do this, and I hope they realize we cannot help if we have no idea where to look. Another action I have been known to take is going to my neighbors, knocking on doors, and showing a picture of the missing dog. I have seen some success with this.

Keep in mind that if the city or county picks up your dogs, they are going to “Doggie Jail” in most cases, and everyone should remember to go up to the local shelter and see with your own eyes whether your canine family member is in the shelter on stray hold.

Never just telephone the shelter and ask if your dog is there because they are overwhelmed as it stands and cannot possibly remember every dog that comes in on stray hold status.

Always have your dog’s identification tags on their collars and ensure that they remain up to date. With all that is going on in our world, I hope these suggestions help.

Let me also place a “Public Service Announcement” out for all of those who read my articles. Recently the FDA put out a warning about dog foods that may be

linked to heart disease in our canines. Be warned; there are many on the list that I could not believe they are suspect with as much as we pay for them. Also keep in mind those that manufacture these brands. There are some manufacturers that make more than one of these dog foods listed.

Here is the list per FDA. gov: -Acana -Zignature -Taste of the Wild -4Health -Earthborn Holistic -Blue Buffalo -Nature’s Domain -Fromm -Merrick -California Natural -Natural Balance -Orijen -Nature’s Variety -NutriSource -Nutro -Rachael Ray Nutrish

Please be aware and investigate for yourselves the foods that are fed to our canine family members. And with saying all that folks, I hope y’all have a wonderful August.

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel Allen 256-651-2211

August 2 - August 15, 2019

Mental Health Minute

“If You’re Happy And You Know It”

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

n ; t “Happiness is a e butterfly, which h r when pursued, is d always just beyond e your grasp, but e t which, if you will sit f down quietly, may . alight upon you.” . - Nathaniel Hawthorne

In both my private practice and at Athens State, I often hear the phrase, “I just want to be happy.” The pressure in our society today to always feel happy can be particularly intense for those living with depression or anxiety. We don’t want to simply count our blessings and be satisfied. The definition of happiness has been extended to include finding deep meaning and fulfilling our purpose in life. At the core of “being” happy is the desire to thrive. After all, we know that happiness is a predictor of health and longevity. If you sstruggle with mood disorders or stress, it is easy to ignore the lgood and focus on lthe bad. Or not see the good at all. This can lead to a habit of cognitive distortions, which are thinking patterns that reinforce negative thoughts or behaviors. If we define happiness as the freedom to experience life the way you choose, then we can move toward recognizing the emotional discomfort that ac-

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companies our periods of unhappiness. For example, maybe you were never given any tools growing up to deal with negative emotions. So, you developed a social reward system based on being positive and present for others. Unfortunately, this strategy often suppresses your own needs.

One approach to cultivating happiness is to focus more on the future than the past. If you begin by thinking about how you want to feel in a couple of months from now, you can come up with some sort of goal you want to achieve.

Then, focus on how you will feel when you achieve that goal. The idea is that when you go to the happy emotions in your head, they will change your mind-

set in that present moment. And the more you live in that mindset, the more you will attract experiences that support it. Therefore, happiness is tied to being in the present moment.

The objective becomes less about the pursuit of happiness and more about the moments that are normal or even less desirable, which can then deepen the recognition of those positive emotions related to happiness: joy, gratitude, calmness, contentment, hope, inspiration, and love. Being able to name these emotions helps us to pause and reflect on the many uplifting moments of our day that usually go unappreciated.

Gratitude journaling has become popular in recent years as a way to

boost happiness. In my opinion, writing in a gratitude journal daily may not be the best plan because it can become stale and may even end up “desensitizing” you to the things for which you are grateful. It may be better to write down once a week, before bed, three positive events.

This needs to be done regularly to establish the habit, but over time you become better at noticing the good things that happen to you. Which is the point… you become happier over time and through incremental modifications. Lasting happiness is not produced through one huge life-changing event.

It is the small, regular mental and behavioral changes that end up being the most effective.

Can you guess what has been determined to be

the biggest factor that contributes to our happiness? A Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has been tracking issues of aging to learn more about what leads to health and happiness, has determined that close relationships by far have the most influence on our ability to be happy -- more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or power. Our relationships protect us the most from life’s challenges.

Let me conclude with some suggestions on how to increase the amount of happiness in your life. First, magnify a positive experience.

This can be as simple as eating an ice cream cone slowly, savoring the flavors, instead of gobbling it down. Second, avoid suppression. Stop trying to hide the negatives and accept that life brings with it the good and the bad. Third, take time daily to meditate or pray. This can create space between the negatives and your reactions to the negatives.

And finally, know your gifts. Do what you are good at and you feed your soul something it craves and needs.

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.

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The Alternative Approach

Gall Bladder Issues

by Roy Williams It seems that every time you turn around some one you know is having their gall bladder removed. Gall bladder removal is as common as removing the appendix was 50 years ago. Why are so many people suffering from this disorder, and what can we do to reduce our risk and avoid this surgery?

A gall bladder attack happens as a result of the disruption of the digestive process due to excess buildup of bile.

When a stone lodges in the bile duct you may become nauseated. It may be mild at first and may be worse after eating, but with time the symptoms will become worse.

When we eat, the food enters the small intestine. When this happens, cholecystokinin, a hormone, is released which triggers the gall bladder, telling it to secrete the bile that is stored.

Pain in the abdomen is another common symptom. Inflammation in the upper right portion of the abdomen is normally the cause.

The bile secreted by the gall bladder aids in digestion by helping to break up fats that you have consumed. It also helps drain waste products out of the liver and into the duodenum, a portion of the small intestine.

Several things can impact the function of your gall bladder including excess amounts bile salts, cholesterol or fat and bilirubin, for example, which can cause the formation of gall stones. These crystallized stones can harden and deposit into the lining of the gall bladder. These stones can become painful, cause blood in the urine, and even cause pancreatitis, which if not treated can cause death.

Gall bladder symptoms

Pain in the right shoulder, bouts of vomiting, feeling bloated, heart burn, diarrhea, a fever, loss of appetite, changes in urine, and chest pain are some other symptoms of a diseased gall bladder.

It is important to get an accurate diagnosis if you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Your doctor can do an x-ray to determine if you have stones or other disease of the gall bladder.

Often it is necessary to have your gall bladder removed.

What to do if your gall bladder is removed Many people complain about pain, acid reflux, indigestion, gas, bloating, or diarrhea after having their gall bladder removed. It is important to remember that your gall bladder is there for a reason.

It helps the liver dump toxins from your body, produces bile, helps break down food, neutralizes the acids that dissolve proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as they pass from the stomach to the small intestine.

Without your gall bladder, those very strong acids can pass into the small intestine causing a deterioration of the lining of the small and large intestine, which can leave you open to bacterial infection and even leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut can poison your blood steam and even cause death.

Have you ever been told that, “All disease begins in the digestive tract”? There is a huge amount of truth to that statement. So, maintaining a healthy digestive system is very important.

So, what should you do if you have already had your gall bladder removed. It is as simple as taking an all-natural supplement that simply

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does what your gall bladder was designed to do and that supplement is called Thurston Compound.

at the end of each meal has changed their lives. Thurston Compound can be taken with any medication.

Thurston Compound was designed by our lab and it contains a digestive proprietary blend of Betain Hcl, Papain, Myco-zyme and Ox Bile. All of these ingredients work together to support the normal digestive system you were born with.

If you still have your gall bladder, you should consider supporting it with magnesium chloride. Magnesium helps your body remove calcification in the body and may help prevent the formation of stones and bone spurs.

Thurston Compound is so effective that many people, including my brother, takes one at the end of each meal.

Robin was having terrible issues especially after eating salads. Many foods left him with heart burn and diarrhea, and heaven forbid he eat any fatty foods. Robin says, “From the first time I started taking Thurston Compound at the end of each meal I have had no more issues.”

Avoiding fried foods may help prevent gall bladder disease. Remember, gall bladder disease was very rare until we started eating so much fat, especially the hydrogenated oils used to deep fry food.

Over the years, I have talked with hundreds of clients who all swear that just one of these little tablets taken

To learn more, go by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen. Be sure to get the free CD called “MSM+C and Healing” while you are there.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

August 2 - August 15, 2019

www.JuicePlus.com

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC August 2 - August 15, 2019

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