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August 4th - August 17th, 2017

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425

See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature KALB Sponsors First Annual Quacky Duck Decorating Contest... Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful invites businesses and organizations to participate in their first Quacky Duck Decorating contest... Page 5

Clean And Green Sharing Our Gratitude... August 1 was an important day for Leigh and me. It was a day set aside to say... Page 12

Learning As A Lifestyle Wow, what a week!... The Center for Lifelong Learning was really hopping July 17-20... Page 18

Lang Chiropractic: Your Curve Correction Center By Ali Elizabeth Turner Dr. David Lang was born and raised in North Alabama, and graduated from Logan Chiropractic University in 2008. Immediately after graduation he started practicing in Decatur, and since then has been a sole proprietor, as well as a partner in several chiropractic practices. Earlier this past winter when the opportunity to open a beautiful new clinic in the Publix Shopping Center presented itself, he said yes. Lang Chiropractic officially opened on April 10, and had their Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Continued on pages 16-17

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The Lang Chiro crew: (from left) Becky Mitchell, Front Desk Receptionist, Dr. David A. Lang, D.C., and Kristie Townsend, CA, Chiropractic Therapy Tech. Not shown: Heather Lang, Office Manager

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August 4 - August 17, 2017

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Burn The Ships

Copy Editor

no one had to face.

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Paul Foreman Teresa Todd Rosemary Dewar Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Jerry Barksdale Joel Allen Shelley Underhill Dr. Caroline Leaf

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4

There is a bit of history that has long been used to illustrate being totally committed to either a cause or a crew, and it centers around the tale of the explorer Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca. You might know him by some version of the name Hernando Cortez. When he and the ships he commanded landed in Mexico in 1519, Cortez had all of the ships destroyed except one. Ostensibly, that ship would have been saved only for the one in command if he decided to return to Spain, and the scenario had the potential for being one of the biggest games of “Lifeboat” ever played. The uncertainty of their fate would have loomed before the crew, and cause certain unrest. Who would have been worthy to go back and face the sting of failure before the king of Spain, and who would have been chosen to stay and hopefully survive? Thankfully that is something

It is thought that the confusion over whether or not Cortez actually commanded the ships to be burned, as opposed to being dismantled, interestingly comes from the Spanish language itself, as well as the legibility of his handwriting as he recorded the incident in his letters. The word for “burn” is quemando, and the word for “break” or “dismantle” is quebrando. It is easy to see how the legend took on a life of its own with respect to how one interpreted Cortez’s cursive. Well, now that history has been corrected, we can get back to what has been a powerful phrase used in sermons, songs, motivational speeches and pep talks. Burn the ships! Can you feel the angst surrounding destroying your very source of safety, or in current vernacular, your Plan B? Can you feel the virtual heat as the flames consumed their security? Conversely, can you imagine the sense of adventure that was available

in those challenging circumstances? There was a time in our lives, only a few years after we moved to Alabama from Mexico, when we were potentially facing homelessness. We had to burn some things in preparation for the possibility of living in the 15-passenger van we had purchased to haul around the kids from the Arbol de Vida orphanage where we worked in Ciudad Juarez. One of the things that had to go was my grandmother’s antique tea table, and as I watched it go up in flames, I had to remind myself, as a person of faith, that at some point everything is going to burn up. Not at all one of my most pleasant memories, but I have to ask myself, “What would have happened if in that moment the tea table had been more important than trusting my Maker with my whole life?” That hot, testing fire came to a quick end, and thankfully we did not have to call our van (which we nicknamed “Chester”) our home. I was reminded the other day

of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song Burn The Ships. I put it on, cranked it up, and danced around my living room in worship. While I danced, I thought about some places in my life where I had felt “stuck,” and I realized that in subtle ways I hadn’t been willing to burn the ship in order to get the results I desired and needed. I also became aware of the fact that I was wasting a great deal of precious energy by being in a place of indecision, and blaming my exhaustion on the arduousness of the task rather than the fact that I was at best stalled out, and at worst sabotaging my own efforts. So, dear readers, I leave you with the chorus of Mr. Chapman’s ballad Burn The Ships. "Burn the ships, we're here to stay There's no way we could go back Now that we've come this far by faith Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return Our life is here, so let the ships burn"

Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6

My life is here in Athens, Alabama, and if the cost of the blessing of being here was Mimi’s tea wagon, it was a bargain, and I made out like a bandit.

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 15

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

Cover Story . . . . . . 16 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

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All Things Soldier

Tweeting, Terrorism, And Treason by Ali Elizabeth Turner The technical definition of “treason,” according to the United States Constitution is as follows: “Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.” On Wednesday, August 02, 2017, Terrence Joseph McNeil, an Ohio resident who admits to being a supporter of ISIS, pled guilty for urging the beheading of American soldiers on several social media sites. He posted names, addresses and pictures of close to 100 members of our military.

He will be spending 20 years in prison for confessing to “the solicitation to commit a crime of violence” and five counts of “making threatening interstate communications.” While he had no prior criminal record, he had been removed from Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr due to the violent content of his posts. He also published the name and address of the Navy SEAL who allegedly fired the kill shot that took out Osama bin Laden. Another post said the following, and displayed the pictures of several members of our armed forces: “O Brothers in America, know that the jihad against the crusaders is not limited to the lands

of the Khilafah, (Caliphate) it is a world-wide jihad and their war is not just a war against the Islamic State, it is a war against Islam…Know that it is wajib (translated to “necessary”) for you to kill these kuffar! (unbelievers) and now we have made it easy for you

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

August 21st

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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by giving you addresses, all you need to do is take the final step, so what are you waiting for? Kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their streets thinking that they are safe…” It never ceases to amaze me how jihadists are always trying to get everybody else to do the killing! On Wednesday, August 02, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Avida A. Sierleja said, “This defendant was dedicated to attacking members of the military here in the United States. This kind of fanaticism is dangerous and will be aggressively prosecuted.” But is this actual “aggressive prosecution?” While I am glad that Mr. McNeil was found guilty, on a certain level I don’t think putting a radicalized Islamic ISISsupporting man in general population is going to make our soldiers any safer. Islam is growing at an alarming rate in our prisons, especially

amongst African-American inmates. So now this guy has all the time in the world to make disciples who could “answer the call” years before McNeil himself is eligible for parole. I would not be at all surprised if the reason he pled out in the first place rather than stand trial was to make sure he put himself in a position where he literally had a “captive audience” that could be flipped and recruited to help usher in the Caliphate. It would not be the first time. At the very least I hope he gets put in solitary so he can’t vent his venom at chow time or over gin rummy.

In 1953, the Rosenbergs were executed for espionage because they sold secrets to the Soviets. I think it’s a safe bet that if social media had existed back then and McNeil had “tumbld” and “tweeted” his treason, he would have met the same fate, and probably not many soldiers would have wept. “Trolls” that commit terrorism – who saw that coming?

August 4 - August 17, 2017

Special Feature

KALB Sponsors First Annual Quacky Duck Decorating Contest by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful invites businesses and organizations to participate in their first Quacky Duck Decorating contest. Make it whimsical. Make it beautiful. Make it unique. Most of all, make it FUN! KALB will provide a wooden duck to any business or organization within Limestone County wishing to participate. Ducks will be available by August 1st. “Ducks can be decorated to reflect the business or organization or any theme that makes them happy,” said Lynne Hart, KALB Executive Coordinator. “The ducks

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can be painted or have embellishments added as long as the footprint of the finished duck is no larger than 18” x 18”. There is no entry fee to participate. Ducks will be displayed at businesses from September 1st (or earlier if they are ready) through the first week of October. The community will be asked to vote for their favorite duck. $1 equals one vote and voting jars will be located by each duck. Ducks will then be displayed at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention where additional votes will be collected. The decorators of the winning duck will be rewarded with a beautiful

ribbon to proudly display. All decorated ducks will also be entered into a silent auction. Adding trinkets, coupons, or gift certificates to ducks will benefit the silent auction; however, this is not a requirement for participation. All proceeds from voting and the silent auction will benefit Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful. For more invormation, contact KALB at KALBCares@gmail.com, 256233-8000, or visit their website at www.KALBCares.com and click the Events tab. Online registration is available.

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Calendar of Events

already know – great books at great prices. Please remember that 100% of the money collected will go directly to repairing and renovating the Houston Memorial Library and Museum. Call Deb on her cell with questions at 610.304.9390.

Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

Play Outside Day Aug 5th

Families everywhere are encouraged to get outside the first Saturday of every month and play in public parks, enjoy trails, hit the waterways, explore greenspaces and just play! Limestone County offers over 20 trails to explore including walking, cycling, horseback riding and kayaking – perfect for all ages. For more information: 256-232-5411

Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday

Truckin' Good Times Aug 11th

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10am - 2pm to answer gardening questions.

Athens Sportsplex, US31 & Elm Street, Athens. 5:00PM10:00PM. Bring the family and enjoy a variety of flavors and treats with a showcase of dishes from food trucks.

SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday

3rd Annual Athens-Limestone Homebuilders Association Clay Shoot Aug 12th

11:30am – 12:15pm. This class will meet every Thursday at East Limestone Senior Center at 25820 Nick Davis Rd. SilverSneaker™ Stability is a group exercise class designed specifically to keep participants “safe on their feet”. This class will include standing and walking exercises that will be beneficial in decreasing the risk of falling. Chairs are encouraged for warm-up and cool-down only. Donations for the class are accepted. For additional information, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@gmail.com.

Limestone Hunting Preserve, 28755 Coggins Road, Ardmore, AL. Square off against teams from all over the area. Great prizes and great competition. Registration starts at 7:15am with shooting at 8am. Lunch served at 11:30. Contact Keith Griffin 256-777-3633.

Ardmore Quarterback Club Car Show Aug 12th

John Barnes Park, 30510 Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. 10:00AM-3:00PM. Fee to Register. Spectators: $5.00 per person, $15.00 per family, Children 12 and under are free. Rain or Shine. Proceeds benefit Ardmore High School Athletic Programs.

Monument Dedication Ceremony Aug 5th

Limestone County Courthouse, 520 South Jefferson Street, Athens. 11-11:30am. The Vietnam Veterans Monument will be re-dedicated with corrections and additions including local heroes lost in Beirut, Iraq and Afghanistan. Guest Speakers: Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough, City of Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, and Local Author Jerry Barksdale.

Houston Memorial Library Book Sale Aug 5th

Too hot outside? Come on in and browse our bargains at Houston Memorial Library and Museum’s next book sale. We are located at 101 North Houston Street in Athens. 9am-noon. 10 paperbacks or one hardback are only $1. Grab a real deal for yourself and get 12 hardbacks for $10. We will have every genre available with new books being added all morning long. Escape the rest of the summer heat with a good adventure. Our sales are busy, busy, busy with many repeat customers. Come find out what they Page 6

Back 2 School Expo 2017 Aug 19th

9am - 2pm. 17915 W. Elm St. Free admission. Door prizes, face painting, free parking. Small business owners will be set up under one roof for your shopping needs! This will be a great opportunity to buy unique gifts and shop in the cool indoors! Indoor shopping in the Cool!! Share with Friends!!! #shoplocal

Professional Ethics workshop Sept 22nd

ALC-Family Resource Center will be hosting a Professional Ethics workshop (4 CEU) with Dr. Mike McLemore on September 22nd. The cost to attend is $20 pre-registration; $25 at door. Location: Revival Bldg, 303 W Washington St, Athens, AL. 7:30am - 12:30pm. Refreshments and door prize drawings. Contact Tina Cook at 256230-0880 or email: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com for more details.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Herd Your Goat by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie and I have both been enjoying and discussing the wisdom and vulnerability of Steve Gilliland as he talks about some of the hard lessons he has had to learn in his book, Hide Your Goat: Strategies To Stay Positive When Negativity Surrounds You. This chapter is called “Herd Your Goat,” and its subtitle is “The Strength To Accept Where You Have Been.” One of Steve’s strengths is that he is very open about the relationships he destroyed, and what he has done with his “second chance.” In this chapter, Steve particularly focuses on social media, and how it ends up being a reflection of a person without them even knowing it. Here is a quote that struck the mayor and me as we sipped fresh coffee: “I have always believed that if you can change the way you think, you will

change your world forever. Looking at someone’s Facebook page will easily determine how that person thinks. ‘Uncommon people,’ [those that are the exception] listen to, learn from, and edify other people... ‘Typical people’ talk

about themselves. They will post information intended to inflate their egos and make themselves... appear to be something they are really not. ‘Sad

and miserable people’ talk about other people. They will post negative things about other people… [and] solicit responses to situations that should be handled privately.”

they are, and, even sadder, have never taken the time to herd their goats from the past and break the cycle of negative behavior that has been passed on to them from their families.”

I like to describe the rants of “sad people” as “Face-

We both agreed that in no way did we want to be

book fights,” and if Facebook had been around before Steve G. had embraced his current life as a “goat herder,” he would have been leading the charge and mixing it up with the best of ‘em. Because of the hard work Steve has done to “hide his goat so it can’t get gotten,” he has come to the following firm but compassionate conclusion: “These [sad] folks have never had the courage to discover and admit who

“sad people,” and Mayor Ronnie went on to tell me about how some of the positive fruit of the Mayor’s Youth Commission has been made manifest after a few years of “husbandry.” “You never know if what you say is going to actually get through,” he said. He added, “A couple of kids from one of the very first groups came to tell me that they had remembered something I had said regarding actions having consequences. It actually helped them to

make the right decision and stay out of trouble.” The hope is that these and the rest of our kids will also choose to stay out of Facebook fights and use the manners their parents and teachers hopefully have taught them. We as adults must show them that being “goat herders” is a most noble profession, especially on Facebook!

As far as things that are happening in our city, there is much to celebrate. The tennis courts at Big Spring and Swann Creek have been repaired, and they look gorgeous. The poly-fields at the Sportsplex are being built, and the first walk-through at the new high school was last week. The new surgery center is coming along, and all kinds of highway repair and renovation is happening in the city.

The former high school teacher who also happens to be our mayor is always excited for a new school year, and Mayor Ronnie had a strong admonition for kids who are now behind the wheel: “Slow down, and turn off your phone while you are driving!” I am sure they’ll hear it again once the Youth Commission starts back up.

We groaned for a moment with regard to the current mud-slinging in the US Senate race, and decided to pray for the outcome, that it would be in keeping with the Kingdom. Then it was time once again for Ronnie to roll.

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Slinkard On Success

Put Your Priorities In Order by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store What’s the difference between successful people and unsuccessful people? What separates the one from the other? What makes one group stand out from the other group? How can a person down on their luck turn their life around? I have written before that success means different things to different people. In my studies, I’ve found the one thing people struggle with in finding their personal version of success is they do not know their priorities and what matters most to them. In the last article, I wrote about seizing the day and this made me think about what struggles a person might have that would prevent them from being able to achieve their goals. Many of us know what needs to be done; we know what actions need to be taken, yet we still fail to properly prioritize our life in order to achieve high levels of success. Life is about balance. Life is about properly nurturing our bodies, our minds, our familial relationships and even our work relationships. Sounds easy enough, but too often we do great at one thing and fail miserably at another. There are some people who do great with their home life and struggle with their work life or vice versa. How

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do we set our priorities and maximize our efforts to achieve success on all levels? Going back to the word priorities, what do we need to do in order to obtain life balance?

Growing up in a Christian family and being a firm believer in God, I believe the first priority in our life should be God. You may be nodding your head in agreement right now as you read this, but let me ask you a question that was even tough for me. Do you really make God priority number one? Many times I fail here but guess what, the first step is to admit the problem. The next priority on your list should be your family, and if you’re married, it should definitely be your spouse. I hear people all the time who say their kids are their main priority. These are

married people saying this, and I think maybe this could be one of the problems with their marriage. My wife and I have two beautiful girls (not allowed to date until they are 35 years old), and even though we may

fight because I said or did something dumb, regardless though, for our marriage to work, I must put her as priority number two. There have been times she hasn’t been number two and that’s shame on me. Maybe you’ve been doing the same thing to your spouse and if so, what are you going to do differently about it?

Parents, realize the importance of priority number three and build up our future leaders. Priority number four now becomes our work. I’m guilty of putting this ahead of priority number

three, number two and even at times number one. Hard to admit it, but very liberating even though I put myself out there. It is okay to admit we have faults even though we live in a world of Facebook in which if everyone’s lives were as great as their status updates, there would be no need for anti-depressants! Yet, life isn’t

grand; it isn’t as easy as the selfie picture would lead to believe. What we don’t see are the 99 deleted pictures in our efforts to make life look perfect. Life will never be perfect. There will be struggles, triumphs, and even tears along the way. We have one shot at life – to make the most of it. Even though we will make mistakes, we must first learn to minimize our errors. How we do that is to take the time daily to write out our priorities in order of what is important to us. Mine are God, Mindy, my girls, work. Yours will look different because we are different. When you make your list, don’t just write down words, but include what specifically you will do that day for that priority so you can come closer to perfection. This is how we seize the day, this is how we get our lives back on track and this is how we know at the end of the day, we have done all we could possibly do for ourselves and our loved ones.

The priority number three spot then goes to your children and the importance of instilling discipline and respect into their daily lives. Discipline and respect are two words that are missing from many vocabularies of our youth.

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Tourism

August Happenings in Athens by Teresa Todd, TMP President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Aug 3 -- Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo Street Dance at John Barnes Park (Hamlett Street in Ardmore, TN) from 6:30PM-9:00 PM - More info on the VisitAthensAl.com website Aug 3, 4 & 5 -- Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival opens at 309 East Forrest Street from 6:309:30 PM. More info on the VisitAthensAl.com website Aug 4 -- Singing on the Square at Limestone County Courthouse, Marion Street, Athens, AL. Join the AthensLimestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for the final free concert in the Summer Concert Series starting at 6:30 PM with Athens State Community Band. This year, Band Director Roy Adams has a treat for our guests! The beautiful music of movie themes of John Williams from Harry Potter - Jurassic Park - Indiana Jones - ET: Extra Terrestrial - Superman - Star Wars - Saving Private Ryan and even more.... The concert will be 6:30 - 7:30 PM on the Courthouse Steps. If we have inclement weather, it will be held in the Vietnam Veterans Building located at 17915 W Elm St, Athens, AL. Be sure to bring your lawn chair. Aug 4 & 5 -- Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Association at 20147 Elkton Road in Athens with gates open at 7:00 AM until. Fish fry on Friday at 5:00 PM.

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Concessions and vendors too. Admission is $5.00; children 10 & under free. Info: 256-431-6226 or 256-206-5926 Aug 4 & 5 -- Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo at John Barnes Park with gates opening at 6:00 PM and rodeo action starting at 8:00 PM. Info - VisitAthensAl.com website Aug 5 -- Coffee Call from 8:00 AM-9:30 AM at the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives 256-7717578 Aug 5 -- Athens Saturday Market from 8:00 AMNoon with local producers, growers & entertainment. Aug 5 -- 1st Annual Miss Black and Gold Pageant at Cedar Hill Elementary School with proceeds benefitting Montana Worley and her battle against cancer. More info on the VisitAthensAl.com website Aug 8 -- Hunting Information with Q&A at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) from 5:00-6:00 PM with Alabama State Game Warden Sergeant Fulks. Learn about new laws impacting your hunting season, game counts, and changes in dates for certain seasons. Information: 256-232-5411 Aug 12 -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00 AM-Noon with local producers, growers and entertainment. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 11 -- Truckin' Good

Times at the Athens Sportsplex (US31 & Elm Street in Athens) from 5:00 PM-10:00 PM. Bring the family and enjoy a variety of flavors and treats with a showcase of dishes from food trucks. Aug 12 -- 3rd Annual Athens-Limestone Homebuilders Association Clay Shoot at the Limestone Hunting Preserve (28755 Coggins Road in Ardmore, AL). Registration starts at 7:15 A.M. with shooting at 8 A.M. Lunch will be served at 11:30. Contact Keith Griffin 256-777-3633. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 12 -- Ardmore Quarterback Club Car Show at John Barnes Park (30510 Ardmore Ridge Road in Ardmore, TN) from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Fee to Register. Spectators: $5.00 per person, $15.00 per family, Children 12 and under are free. Rain or Shine. Proceeds benefit Ardmore High School Athletic Programs. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 12 -- Legacy of Life: 30 Years Celebration for the Women's Resource Center of Athens at the Limestone County Event Center with guest speaker Pam Tebow, mother of renowned athlete Tim Tebow. Music with The Hogan Family, silent auction, and dinner. Doors open at 5:00 PM; dinner served at 5:30 PM. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 17 -- Southern Splendor at Yesterday's Senior Lunch Matinee Show at 15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens featuring the A

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Capella talents of men's group Southern Splendor. All seating is reserved $12.00 each, groups are seated together, doors open 10:30 AM, event starts at 11 AM with seating. E-mail reservations are required info@yesterdaysevents.com.

wanted, details. VisitAthensAL.com

Aug 18 -- Sporting Clay Tournament with the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at the Limestone Hunting Preserve (28755 Coggins Road in Ardmore, AL). Four-man teams will enjoy the thrill of clay shooting, Duck Flurry, lunch and awards. Teams are $550.00 each. VisitAthensAL.com

Aug 26 -- 7th Annual Elkmont Band Booster Car Show at Elkmont High School from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Registration is $20.00 Admission: $5.00 for 11 & up; Free for 10 & under. For more info: Mike Ikard 256-431-0542; Mark McChristian 256-2062498; or Farrah Simpson 256-777-6019. VisitAthensAL.com

Aug 19 -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00 AM-Noon with local producers, growers and entertainment. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 19 -- 9/11 Heroes Run Pancake Breakfast at the Alabama Veterans Museum (100 West Pryor Street in Athens) from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM benefitting the 9/11 Heroes Run. Enjoy a stack of pancakes, sausage, and juice for $5.00. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 22-26 -- Limestone County Summer Fair (Limestone County Sheriff's Arena on AL-99 past the Elm Street intersection in Athens). Free parking. Gate Admission: $5.00 per person; 3 and under free admission. Armbands are $25.00 each; individual ride tickets available. Vendors and area organizations

Aug 26 -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00 AM-Noon with local producers, growers and entertainment. VisitAthensAL. com

Aug 26 -- Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival in downtown Ardmore, AL from 2:00 PM-8:00 PM. Vendors, kids activities, food and entertainment. VisitAthensAL.com Aug 31 -- Light the Courthouse Gold! Join the Eli's Block Party Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Limestone County Commission as they light up the courthouse in gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month from 6:30 PM-9:00 PM. VisitAthensAL.com Athens-Limestone County Tourism will assist in promoting your events, festivals or reunions via Facebook, Twitter and our website. For more information on how we can be of assistance call 256-232-5411 or www.VisitAthensAL. com

August 4 - August 17, 2017

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Clean and Green

Sharing Our Gratitude by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful August 1 was an important day for Leigh and me. It was a day set aside to say “Thank you” to all of the wonderful businesses, government entities, and individuals that support KALB in ways large and small. On Tuesday, August 1, we held our 2017 Appreciation Breakfast. It gave me great pleasure to stand in front of our many guests and tell them just exactly how I feel about them. They are precious. Mayor Marks, Mark Yarbrough, Danny Crawford, Wayne Harper, Frank Travis, and Chris Seibert represented the City of Athens, Limestone County Commission, and the Alabama House of Representatives. We are so grateful for the financial and moral support that we receive from each of them. THANK YOU! Several guests were there representing local businesses that have sponsored events, made donations, or provided in-kind materials or services. We were happy to see Lowe’s, Staples, Century 21, Athens Now, Clem Tire, HealthSource Athens, The SK Salon, and the News Courier represented. Several individuals invited were unable to attend for various reason and were truly missed. Our river cleanups, tree seedling giveaways, Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, Clean and Green Fiddlers, and all of our fundraisers

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would have been impossible without the support provided by so many wonderful local businesses. THANK YOU! KALB reaches out to other organizations and churches as well. We appreciate First Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use the Revival Building for our breakfast. We were able to say “Thank you” to Pastor Tony Johnson from Friendship Church for the use of the entire Friendship facility for our Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO. Melanie Newton - Main Street Athens, Betty Ruth – RSVP (and a Beautification Board Member), Deb Kohlhase – Habitat

for Humanity, and Denise Taylor – Huntsville Green Team were also present to be loved on by KALB staff and board members. We truly enjoy being in a place where organizations work together to make this community great. The good of the community comes before any personal glory. THANK YOU! Last, but not least, Leigh and I thank the wonderful men and women who have taken on the role of board member. We agree that our organization is blessed with the best board members. They are dedicated, hard-working, and so much fun!

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THANK YOU just doesn’t express what is in our hearts. Every single person who volunteers with KALB, participates in fundraisers, or supports KALB financially is an important member of our family. Every business that sponsors events, provides in-kind products or services, or publicizes our activities has a value to this organization that we

fully recognized. We were happy to love on everyone who joined us for breakfast. To those who could not, we sure wish we could have told you in person just how much you mean to us. THANK YOU just is not big enough…

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com

Become a Fan

August 4 - August 17, 2017

Cooking with Shelley

Homemade Salsa (Bumper Crop) by Shelley Underhill

My hope is that you too had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year. You say, “What is a bumper crop?” I was told that it means more than you expected to get, and that’s exactly what my garden grew. So what do you do when you have a

lot of tomatoes? ... Right! ...You make salsa! This is a very easy recipe and it will keep them coming back for more! Send your questions and answers to: Shelleysdesk@gmail. com

HOMEMADE SALSA (Bumper Crop) What you will need:

6 to 8 tomatoes 1 med. onion 4 green onions 1 tsp. Tony Chachere’s 1 Tbsp. Complete Seasoning 1& 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

What you will do:

Chop onions very fine and chop tomatoes in small chunks. Mix well. Add seasoning and mix. Serve room temperature or cold. Enjoy....

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The Millennial Mind

Captain Kirk Phaser-Whips Salon.Com by Rosemary Dewar On Sunday, William Shatner took to Twitter to express his disappointment in and distaste for the toxic level of leftist-identity politics. He started by stating, “SJWs (Social Justice Warriors) stand for inequality, where they are superior to any one else, hence my use of Misandry and Snowflake.” A deluge of leftist criticism flooded his Twitter feed with an ugly mutation of the principle of justice that should not need a modifier. Detractors called Mr. Shatner a sexist, as well as a misogynist. Liberal publications decided to jump on the bandwagon and condemn William Shatner’s statements. Recently, Salon.com decided to denounce William Shatner’s regular confrontational interactions

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with his own SJW fans. Shatner’s unapologetic and commanding style has seemed to trigger hysteria from the most fragile of life forms. Salon.com’s Matthew Rozsa asks in vitriolic fashion, “Does William Shatner’s attack on ‘SJWs’ erase his ‘Star Trek’ legacy?” The answer to such a ridiculous question is a simple “No.” The article is tagged with many progressive buzzwords, including but not limited to “alt right.” This is rather asinine since the topic is not addressed anywhere in the publication. Salon’s Mr. Rozsa selected several of Shatner’s Tweets that definitively outline the incoherence of those who hold fast to progressive values.

After I read the publication and found it to be quite inflammatory, I reached out to Mr. Shatner by saying, “Reminder that Salon is garbage. Once again, I adore my captain.”

verse reactions so acute that the Starship Enterprise’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. McCoy, (also known as Bones) would have no hope of saving their delicate readership.

Mr. Shatner responded, “Who knew Salon would go the way of New Media Yellow Journalism? I guess readership was down?”

I replied to Mr. Shatner, “The whole right-wing knew it, Bill. Salon is a sitting duck in a vortex of cultural decay.”

To categorize Salon.com as sensational and crude would only begin to expose how debased their platform has truly become. Their cultivation of moral relativism has ranged from sympathy for pedophiles to kowtowing to Islamic extremism.

Lastly, he stated, “Sad. They (Salon.com) used to have amazing writers.”

Salon has experienced declining numbers of readers since May of 2015, without any signs of recovery. Their blind adherence to leftist philosophy is causing ad-

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William Shatner’s sentiments are shared by conservatives, and reviled by progressives. When Salon.com tagged the publication under “misogyny,” one has to ask, “Did they ever even watch Star Trek?” Captain James Tiberius Kirk’s manly charm and commanding allure are

enduring qualities of his character. Current progressive standards would consider these traits “toxic masculinity.” Most Star Trek fans of the original series would not consider altering Captain Kirk’s character any way. It would clearly ruin the cavalier spirit the show epitomizes. Mr. Shatner’s observations are perfectly innocent, yet insightful. In the sphere of truly diverse ideas, his awareness is welcome. “The prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other.” – Captain Kirk Note: the Twitter exchange between veteran actor William Shatner and the author can be viewed at @rlynnd1.

August 4 - August 17, 2017

Health and Fitness

What Is Milk? by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Traditional milk producers want us to drink more cow’s milk because sales and consumption are down due to all the plant-based competition who also call their products “milk.” Because consumers might think “milk” is milk with the same nutritional value, I am sharing the following table from IDEA Fitness Journal, May 2017. Milk Nutrients per 8 ounces Cow’s milk 80 – 150 calories 0 - 5 g saturated fat 8g protein 30% calcium 20% vitamin D Soymilk 100 calories 0.5 g saturated fat 7g protein 29% calcium 25% vitamin D

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Almond milk 35 calories 0g saturated fat 1g protein 20% calcium 25% vitamin D Hemp milk 100 calories 0.5g saturated fat 4g protein 10% calcium (30% if fortified) 25% vitamin D Oat milk 130 – 150 calories 0g saturated fat 4g protein 0% calcium (30% if fortified) 0% vitamin D Coconut milk 80 calories 5g saturated fat 1g protein

10+% calcium 30% vitamin D Rice milk 120 calories 0g saturated fat 1g protein 1% calcium (30% if fortified) 25% vitamin D One thing to consider if you are drinking or using “milk” for its calcium is that calcium-fortified foods are a good option for those who do not like or cannot tolerate dairy products. But calciumfortified products are more like supplements than natural sources of calcium. The calcium in fortified foods varies in its bioavailability (how well the body is able to absorb and use it), depending on the form of calcium used and how it is affected by other substances in the food or “milk.” Most studies have found that the calcium

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in fortified orange juice is as well utilized as that in cow’s milk. But few other calcium-fortified foods have been tested in terms of their bioavailability, and none have been tested for their effects on bone health. So as I have said in the past,

do your homework and read nutrition labels. Do not rely solely on the claims on the front of a product. For more information regarding nutrition labels and healthy lifestyles, talk to a registered dietician or a certified health coach.

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Cover Story

Lang Chiropractic: Your Curve Correction Center by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

July 27. “We have a phenomenal team, and we couldn’t have done this without them as well as our families,” Dr. Lang said at the ribbon cutting. His wife Heather is the office manager and does the accounting, Kristie Townsend is the Chiropractic Tech, and Becky Mitchell is the front desk receptionist. After Dr. Lang got out of school, he became familiar with a technique that was considerably more successful in correcting unwanted curves than what was being offered with standard chiropractic care, and it was not being taught in chiropractic school. “I learned that the restoration of normal curves was in fact possible,” he said, and no other practitioner in our area offers it. As a post-doctorate

student, David trained for two years under Dr. Mark Barry, D.C., who was in Birmingham, AL, and is now with the Clear Institute. Dr. Lang found that his “special chiropractic passion” was to fix the back problem known as scoliosis, the condition of the spine that looks like an S-curve rather than straight with a few appropriate curves. In addition to the sideways curve, new imaging technology has helped uncover the fact that with scoliosis, it is common to have the spine also be twisted. Dr. Lang told me that interestingly, “Scoliosis begins in the brain, and causes the spine to twist at its weakest point. It is also tied to hormonal changes, which is why scoliosis is more common in females, and often starts at the onset of puberty.” Curve correction can take care of both

conditions. The idea of “the normal restoration of curves” through this new technique caused my ears to perk up, as I managed to completely reverse the curve of my neck when I was three years old from falling off a log bridge and breaking my collar bone. My own curve reversal is so great that it looks like my neck is sitting at the top of my spine facing backwards, and while I am not in pain, it causes my shoulder

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muscles to be continually pulled up and tight. Due to my age, it is entirely possible that there has been too much “settling” of the injury, but Dr. Lang is going to take a state-of-the-art, multifaceted look at it, and give me a realistic idea of what can be done. He showed me sample x-ray pictures of before and after treatment, and I was highly impressed as well as encouraged. Of course, if this technology and treatment

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supported by their thighs and 20% on their necks. Some protocols call for longer single actions, and some with more repetitions, depending on the need. Each patient’s therapeutic routine is custom designed and monitored in-house. Dr. Lang has trained additionally with the Pettibon Institute as well as the Clear Scoliosis Institute. Pettibon produces the wall-mounted traction devices described above and shown in the photo, and Clear Scoliosis Institute specializes in treating scolio-

option had existed when I was three, there would be no question that the problem could have been completely alleviated. Speaking of children, one of the things that is causing Dr. Lang great concern is the number of kids whose necks look like mine from continually looking at the screen of their cell phones or tablets. Because they are not outside playing and moving their whole body (including their spine/ neck) around, but rather are holding it in place

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sis. That protocol uses a phased approach which Clear calls, “mix, fix, and set.” Briefly described, the first phase is designed to get the body ready to be treated, and includes warm-up exercises, some massage, as well as other therapies to help the spine and the rest of the body to relax. “Fix” refers to the actual adjustment, which utilizes precision instruments, and “Set” is the system of therapies designed to keep the “fix” in place. “Set” also includes neuro-exercises which help teach the brain to tell the spine and the rest of the body how to keep in place the new, desired and more natural position.

Dr. Lang also understands the role of nutrition, vitamin D therapy, and essential oils in building your total health, and he and his staff are waiting and willing to help you or your child get “straightened out.” Call today for an appointment!

Lang Chiropractic

22099 Hwy 72 E Suite G, Athens, AL 35613 256-444-1600 Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-12, and 2-6 Closed for lunch daily between 12 and 2 www.langchiropractic center.com

at a downward angle sometimes for hours at a time, they are causing themselves harm in more ways than one. “We can correct it,” Dr. Lang told me, and added, “but this is something we haven’t seen before.” As illustrated by the photo, one of the most powerful correction tools is the wall-mounted cervical traction unit, which is utilized under careful supervision at the clinic. The patient places their neck in the unit and does repetitive traction exercises, with around 80% of their weight being

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Wow, What A Week! by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 The Center for Lifelong Learning was really hopping July 17-20. Gross Science was learning how the body works. CSI for Kids was investigating fingerprints and blood splatter. Art Explorers for 8-12 year olds was doing art in nature and the Art Explorers for 5-7 year olds had fun with art.

a tower for Yertle, having a Butter Battle, playing with Oobleck, and much more! Great camp for kids who love to create and build! Watch for more STEM and Art camps next year. Our Fall Catalog will be out in just a couple of days. We will be hosting Yoga during lunch, new Blacksmith classes, and

fee is $5 per session. Remember to bring your mat and enjoy the respite in the middle of the day. Blacksmith classes are back with new projects. Travis Fleming and Al Stephens will focus on Plant Hangers at the September 30th class. October 14, the focus

Summer camps this year have been so much fun and the kids had a grand time Hip Hopping, playing soccer at Soccer Camp and golfing at Canebrake. This has been our busiest camp season so far. July 24-27 was the last week for camps. We were at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur for Art Explorers and Dr. Seuss’ STEM Camp. Both camps were for 8-12 year olds.

ginning Sign Language is offered from 6-7 p.m. and Intermediate Sign Language is offered from 7:15-8:15 p.m. Classes begin September 26 and

Art Explorers camp focused on each child's creativity through the use of imagination and art mediums. Campers discovered different themes and various techniques to express themselves artistically. Each day was a brand new art adventure.

Dance. It is a great time to learn to waltz, foxtrot, and quick step. If you need a catalog for fall, call our office at 256233-8260 or go online and request a catalog at www.athens.edu/cll.

Dr Seuss’ STEM Camp one brick, two brick, red brick, blue brick! It was fun with Dr. Seuss STEM. We had different STEM challenges based off Dr. Seuss' classic books -- building

Yoga will start first in the fall beginning Tuesday, September 5. Yoga is Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Mezzanine of the Center for Lifelong Learning. The

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last six weeks. The fee is $99/person and there are family discounts. Learning is an adventure. Learning is a lifestyle.

will be on a modified coat rack. November 4, the class will work on an advanced project – adjustable colonial candlestick, just in time for Christmas presents. Classes are held at Travis Fleming’s blacksmith shop, 208 Commercial Dr, Athens. The fee is $89 for beginner classes, $99 for advanced classes. Also returning this fall is our very popular Sign Language classes. Be-

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August 4 - August 17, 2017

Jerry’s Journal

Long Road To Taos: Part II by Jerry Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com My good friend (and sometimes red-head) Pat and I spent the night with my grandson, Joshua at his adobe house outside Santa Fe. There was no air conditioner and none was needed. Open windows let in cool air from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along with the lonesome call of coyotes. Joshua, age 19, had worked at the upscale Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi for only one day and immediately asked four days off to visit with us. I appreciated his desire to be with us, but it brought on grandfatherly advice. “The secret of job security,” I said, “is arriving early, sober and clean; leave late, don’t complain and always be available. Others won’t do that. Pretty soon you’ll be on top.” Of course, that’s old fogey thinking. Nowadays, it’s popular to whine, become a victim and sue someone – anyone.

de Chimayo, a Catholic sanctuary built in 1810. It’s claimed that the soil beneath the floor has healing power. Scores of crutches hanging on the wall attest to its miraculous power. Who am I to say otherwise? When I was a kid many older folks drank Hadacol, an over the counter potion high in alcohol content, that worked miracles on some folks. Many women swore by it. It was rumored that an old fellow at Piney Chapel with a wooden leg drank it daily. It was so potent he had to carry a hatchet to keep the sprouting limbs trimmed off his leg. Not only that, when I was 11 years old, Uncle James Burch purchased all 16 warts on my hands for a penny each. They disappeared within days. Was it a miracle? For me it was. In Taos, I took a room at Kachina Inn, next door to the Indian Pueblo,

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 and read the Taos News while waiting for Pat and Joshua to arrive. Citizens were in an uproar, as usual. They opposed Walmart, the Dollar Store, burning porch lights at night (it pollutes darkness) and the expansion of their tiny air strip. Tempers flared at a public meeting and one official was properly dog cussed. One lady was fearful, that “the military could possibly use it.” Gasp! According to a recent survey residents described Taos citizens as “a little crazy,” “wacky and weird,” and “unable to show up to anything on time – preferably two hours late.” Here’s my definition: Imagine a powerful magnet located in the center of America strong enough to attract every nut and loose screw from both the East and West Coast. That’s Taos. I love it! But I don’t want them running our country. Later, I

Next morning, I departed Santa Fe, leaving Pat and Joshua to shop and, drove the high road through the mountains to Taos. The ancient village of Chimayo, settled by Spanish colonists around 1680, clings to the brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I stopped at Ortega’s weaving shop and looked at several hand-woven, wool rugs, but resisted the temptation to purchase yet another one. Later, I visited Santuario

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sauntered into the Broadsky Book Shop on Paseo del Pueblo Street North and mentioned that I was from Athens, Alabama. “What street?” asked the long-haired clerk. It was Chipper Thompson, son of the well-known Athens artist, Bob Thompson. Chipper and my son, Mark were childhood playmates when we lived on Aston Street. Chipper married Huntsville artist, Langford Monroe and they moved to Taos several years ago. Unfortunately, her career was cut short by death. Chipper is a well-known Taos singer and musician and recently published The Substance of Things Hoped for, his first novel (www.chipperthompson.com). Being a high brow reader, I purchased a used copy of Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence who is buried north of Taos. Lawrence was hounded out of England in 1922

and the book banned. Nowadays its probably required reading in the third grade. The sky was turquoise blue and the air cool and thin when Pat, Joshua and I joined Shannon and her best friend, Jamie for lunch on the deck of the Bavarian Restaurant high in the Taos Ski Valley. Jamie is Northern Cheyenne, born and reared on the Lame Deer Reservation in Montana. Her Indian name is “One Who Kills In The Morning.” I know a woman like that – my ex. Contrary to her name, Jamie is sweet, kind and beautiful. The name was given her by her people for standing up to the U.S. Government. She and her German-born husband operate the excellent restaurant. Shannon loves Jamie and considers her the sister she never had. “Jamie and I are blood sisters,” Shannon announced over a platter of bratwurst and fried potatoes. Several months earlier, while enjoying wine, Shannon proposed that they become blood sisters; went to the kitchen, returned with a butcher knife; slit open their palms and mixed their blood. Jamie had never heard of such, but went along with it. “Why are you doing this?” she asked. “It’s how they do it in the movies,” Shannon replied. Jamie just shook her head and laughed. TO BE CONTINUED…

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Dog Barker

Service Dogs: Clearing The Confusion by Joel Allen There is a lot of confusion about service dogs, especially when it comes to entering restaurants. Years ago people were comfortable with “seeing eye dogs” being in restaurants, but now there are many kinds of “service dogs.” According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, “Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets.” (www.ada.gov) Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. Now, there are many reasons for confusion or the desire for casting out someone with a service dog from a restaurant. One is cleanliness. We Americans do not want a dirty animal near our food or the area where we make our dinner. I get that. I don’t want dog hair in my food either. But, if the service animal in ques-

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tion is really a service animal, it will be well groomed. This is because none of us with service dogs want to be frowned upon and shunned when all we want to do is sit and eat our meal in peace. Another reason or desire to ask someone with a service animal to leave is allergies. Not everyone can be around

animals without having an allergic reaction. For example, there may be a situation when a service animal is on a commercial flight where there is a passenger who is highly allergic. The airline cannot necessarily remove the service animal because the ADA Law protects the rights of the disabled person. But reasonable accommodations can be made for both parties by placing the person with allergies and the service animal as far from one another as possible. It needs to be understood that under the law, the animal cannot be removed just because someone claims to be afraid of it. We need to address the attitude and training of the “service animal.” Unfortunately, there are people who are fraudulently attempt-

ing to pass off their pets as “service animals.” If they are acting out in public by barking, lunging at people, begging for food, not listening to their handler at all, or just plain everywhere like a 2-year-old kid, they can be removed. However, if there is a physical need that the animal is providing its own-

for those who need to keep their medicine close and can call their service animal to them the instant they need the medicines. Some service animals are trained for specific needs such as pushing open and holding doors for the wheelchair bound. They are even taught to retrieve items for the disabled. Ever seen a dog taught to turn on lights? I have and it is amazing because it improves the quality of life for the person in need. There are service animals for those with mental disorders; they help to calm, bring back to reality, or alert someone that they need to pay attention to themselves and take their medicines. We even have service animals for those who suffer from sensory

you with businesses to understand we are not trying to bring in a pet, but we are trying to enhance our quality of life by using a service animal for our specific need. As stated before, service animals are not pets. They are working animals. They have a specific job to do. Parents, please watch your children in public when there is a service animal around. I see so many parents who just allow their kids to approach someone with a service animal. I get that seeing a service animal in Walmart or any other public place is cool, but let your kids know why they are there. Lastly, I would like to remind everyone there is no certification for a service dog. I wish there was, but there is not. The ADA Law is clear on this and again I ask that you not believe me but read for yourself at www.ada.gov. A quick note to my readers, I have turned off my cell phone due to the number of telemarketers that have called it. I can be reached via Facebook or my home number listed below. May everyone have a great month.

er, the business has to assist the disabled person with that need. The need for service animals is growing, and they are used for many conditions. We have them for diabetes, where they can alert an hour out before someone’s sugar goes too high or too low. They carry medicines

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overload and may try to run out. The animals are trained to stop or deter this behavior, and possibly prevent the disabled person from getting hurt by running out into traffic. Like I said, there are many needs. We are meeting those needs one disability at a time. Those of us with service animals need those of

“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 4 - August 17, 2017

Mental Health Minute

Learning To (Re) Connect by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” Brene Brown In my last article, we discussed a disturbing trend of separation that I had been observing with my clients in my private practice. Since there has not yet been an app created that can replace human connection, I would

like to share with you my thoughts on ways to connect not only with yourself, but to those around you. I am a list maker, so I’ve organized my suggestions in an easy-toread (possibly printable, hint, hint) format: 1. Smile and make eye contact! Smiling at someone is one of the simplest and quickest ways to connect, whether it be with a stranger or a loved one. You never know when a smile will come at just the right time to have

the positive effect that person may need. When you make eye contact, you are choosing to be completely present, which encourages a level of trust and safety. 2. Spend time in nature, or at least away from the phone, TV, and video games. Go for a walk, sit at the park, tune into your senses, or just BE outside. Make the time to connect to your breath, feel your heart beating, or the breeze blowing on your face. This is the

perfect opportunity to observe and describe the smells, sights, and sounds around you. You might even want to take a friend with you to enjoy the moment of feeling alive. 3. Practice acceptance. Do you spend time judging yourself and/or others? Do you judge your judging?!? Over time, it will weigh you down. So, instead of trying to ignore that berating, negative voice by pretending to think happy thoughts, let’s try

to focus on acceptance and eventually understanding. Acceptance is not approval. It is the willingness to hear and be heard without judgment.

4. Appreciate and celebrate. When we appreciate ourselves, we begin to celebrate those things we do well, or that we at least did better than yesterday! When we appreciate others by recognizing their talents and improvements, growth and change can occur. Making a sincere compliment about yourself or someone else leads to connection and positivity.

5. Be present! Are you a multi-tasker? Then please stop. Try to focus on one person or one job at a time. Give your full attention. When was the last time you really listened to someone by spending time relating through body language, facial expressions, and your overall quality of presence? Spend some time away from your phone, game, TV, and other mindless distractions. People + (FULL) Attention = Connection Until next time…..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.

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Medical Update

Gut-Brain Connection by Dr. Caroline Leaf

We all have to eat to live, as redundant as that statement may sound. Yet the act of eating is not just a biological function of survival. The consumption of food, as normal as it is, is in fact a highly emotional and metacognitive event. Indeed, this should come as no surprise to us: throughout human history, gathering around a table and eating food has been a way for us to celebrate or commemorate notable seasons, individuals and events. Meals are a focal point for social gatherings, and sharing food is a powerful medium of communication both inbetween cultures and among different peoples. I certainly believe that the joy of preparing a meal and sharing it with people is incredibly powerful, and incredibly therapeutic. As my daughter likes to say, one seasoning every cook should use is the pleasure of a hearty gathering, which should be sprinkled generously on every plate. Who needs a handful of digestive supplements when you have good, real food and good, real company? Yet, like all things, meals can have either positive or negative emotional “seasonings,” both of which affect the way our body digests food. Our gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is very sensitive to our emotions, since it is connected to the brain’s hypothalamus, which controls both the feelings of satiety and hunger, and deals with our emotional state of mind. The mind and the gut are acutely interconnected, and thus happiness, joy, and pleasure, as well as anger, anxiety, sadness, and bitterness,

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for example, trigger a physical reaction in you digestive system. The large and small intestines are densely lined with neurons, neuropeptides and receptors (the “doorways” into cells), which are all rapidly exchanging information laden with emotional content. Indeed, we have all experienced this gurgling emotional activity in our guts, colloquially known as a being “sick to your stomach,” a “gut-feeling” or having “butterflies in your stomach.” Unless we are aware of what

satiety and hunger. Do not ignore the information these peptides provide. Just as eating when you are angry or trying to bury another unpleasant emotion will affect the way that the nutrients in your food are assimilated, eating when you are not hungry will upset your digestive system. Overeating will make the food you eat or drink less beneficial, since the emotions generated by toxic thinking interfere with the proper workings of your body. Eating when you are in a distressed emotional

erally adds a flood of chemical, emotional “seasonings” to your food: your digestive system, like your palate, will not know how to interpret such a conflicting range of signals. When we react incorrectly to the events and circumstances of life, we actually move into toxic stress, or stages two and three of stress. Toxic stress keeps your “fight or flight” response activated, which inhibits gastrointestinal secretion and reduces blood flow to the gut, thereby decreasing metabolism and affecting your

ent absorption and enzymatic output, upset the regenerative capacity of gastrointestinal mucosa and mucosal blood flow, irritate intestinal microflora, cause your esophagus to go into spasms, give you indigestion and heartburn by increasing the acid in your stomach, make you feel nauseous, cause existing digestive issues such as stomach ulcers to worsen, and agitate your colon in a way that gives you diarrhea, constipation and/or extreme bloating. To say that you should not eat food when you are stressed, unhappy, angry or any other negative emotion is most certainly an understatement. A HEALTHY GUT IS A HAPPY MIND

our digestive system is telling us, we may fall into the trap of overeating. The pancreas releases at least 20 different emotionally-laden peptides, which regulate the assimilation and storage of nutrients, and carry information about

state, or not hungry, is essentially like adding every spice and herb in your cupboard to your meal. All these seasonings will destroy the balance of flavors among the meal’s components. Emotionallydriven food consumption lit-

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body’s ability to digest food. In fact, toxic thinking and emotions, which lead to toxic stress, can affect the movement and contractions of the GI tract, cause inflammation, make you more susceptible to infection, decrease nutri-

Yet thinking good thoughts cannot excuse an unhealthy diet. The digestive system itself is a rich source of neurotransmitters, which carry signals inside the brain and body. In fact, 95% of the serotonin and half the dopamine in the body are produced in the gut. Considering these neurotransmitters are famous for their moodcalming and reward effects respectively, we should be paying a lot more attention to what we are putting in our gut—what you eat affects the way these neurotransmitters function. Indeed, beneficial symbiotic gut bacteria produce benzodiazepine-like substances, which are naturally occurring anti-anxiety neurochemicals. A healthy gut promotes a calm, satisfied and happy mind. For more on the history and research of the gut-brain connection, get the book, “Think and Eat Yourself Smart,” or the “63-days to Think and Eat Yourself Smart” online program.

August 4 - August 17, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

Having NO Plan Is Planning To FAIL! by Paul Foreman Do you have a plan to go on vacation? You probably have a destination all planned out, or at the very least you have a date picked for when you plan to leave and get back home.

a “defensible position?”

Do you have a plan to survive a tornado? Do you know where the nearest shelter is? Do you have a plan thought out if you were attacked while walking to your car after work? How about a plan of action if you suddenly awoke during the night and discovered a stranger had broken into your home?

We have all heard of the witness to an emergency or crime who just “froze,” unable to do anything and precious moments were wasted while someone was in pain or even bleeding to death. About ten years ago my wife and I, along with my brother and his wife, were vacationing in North Carolina. While out searching for waterfalls and hiking trails, we came across a very seriously injured motorcyclist. My family was frozen in place without a clue as to what to do. I had a plan! I do not mean to sound like I am bragging, but as a deputy sheriff on vacation, my

Have you planned for what you would do after you shot the bad guy? Would you call 911 first, or after you got your gun and confronted the midnight thief? Would you go searching through the house to find the bad guy, or would you retreat to what I like to call,

I have asked a lot of questions here, and as usual, asking questions always seems to open up a can of worms with a dozen “new” questions.

brain automatically knew what to do and my body followed. The experience was not a “shock” to my system. Years of experience and training guided me to get help on the way, access the injuries, and render First Aid with the priority of stopping the bleeding. Meanwhile, my brother was standing there, looking totally helpless with a cell phone in his hand. I yelled down to him from where I was applying pressure to a heavily bleeding arm wound, “Tell them we are seven miles west of Franklin on Wayah Bald Rd, just past Wayah Creek Cottages.” My brother yelled back, “I have no cell phone signal!” He had never planned on how to get a better signal on his phone! I told him, “Drive back up the road,

get out of the valley, and try again.” The rescue ambulance finally arrived, and the victim was rushed to the hospital in Franklin and then airlifted to Charlotte NC Trauma Center. Do you have a plan on what to do if someone is kicking in your back door at 3:00 a.m.? What your plan might be depends on how many family members are in danger. If there are multiple family members in danger, you may want to get everyone alerted and aware of what is happening. If it is just you and your wife, the wisest thing to plan on doing is to have her call 911, while you arm yourself, and both of you retreat to a safe and defensible position. I have heard and read about so many incidents where the victim got their gun and then went searching

through the house only to discover an armed burglar, and a deadly shooting was the result. You may think the “bad guy” deserved what he got, but the resulting nightmare of prosecuting attorneys, courts and the expense of paying for a defense attorney to stay out of jail could end up being a nightmare that goes on for years. Can’t you just hear the prosecutor in court asking, “Why did you go looking for the young teenager? Were you looking forward to KILLING him?”

After the shooting you need a plan too. You have already dialed 911 and the cops are on the way. Are you prepared for all their questions? Do you know why you shot the intruder? Were you in great fear for your life or that of a loved one? Or, were you so mad at this intruder, you shot him because he deserved it?

Part of a good self-defense plan is having insurance coverage such as that offered by the National Rifle Association and others groups that will pay for your legal defense if you ever need it. Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County Florida, now living in Athens. Paul is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For self-defense firearms training, Paul can be reached at his web site, www.Paulforeman.com, or e-mail at Captureman@ PaulForeman.com To join the NRA and protect your 2nd Amendment Rights, go to Paul’s web site and click on the NRA Eagle.

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