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August 5th - August 18th, 2016

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

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

Special Feature One Love Hearing Concepts: Adding Space, Services, And Locations... Zeke Creasy of One Love Hearing Concepts came back to his Limestone County roots to start a new career, and Athens Now introduced... Page 5

The Millennial Mind To The Left, To The Left... Recent weeks have exposed an apex of social discontentment the left has cultivated for decades. Cultural despair has been... Page 9

Kelly’s Studio Of Dance: Preparing Dancers For Life By Ali Elizabeth Turner When Kelly Nave, owner of Kelly’s Studio of Dance talks about “her girls,” her eyes, voice and heart spill over. She Continued on page 15

BBG BBQ And Soul Food: Enter As A Guest, Leave As Family!

Cooking With Tammy

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Stevie's Salsa... A friend’s husband made this recently for a family dinner, and more than once he has been told that it is some of the best salsa ever... Page 13

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As I sat waiting for my chance to conduct my interview with Cornelius and Kisha Mitchell, owners of BBG BBQ and Soul Food, I knew immediately from something Cornelius said to a customer Continued on pages 17

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Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Tammy Wilkinson Teresa Todd Rosemary Dewar Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 The Millennial Mind . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Tammy . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

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The Saga of “Good Sam The Neighbor” Anthony Lindner moved here from Tennessee about six years ago to be nearer to his family. He had retired from a successful insurance business which he had built from the ground up, and this was actually his third professional career. Anthony was born in post WWII Germany in 1947. His father was murdered in Heidelberg when Anthony was three, and his mom eventually married an American. They moved to America, and during Vietnam, Anthony enlisted. It was on his induction day that he was naturalized as an American citizen. He flew Huey helicopters in Vietnam, and asked specifically to be a medevac pilot. This was one of the most dangerous jobs possible; Anthony was permanently bitten by the “flying bug,” and spent 20 years flying “birds” as well as fixed wing crafts. Upon retiring from the service as a CW 4 (Chief Warrant Officer), he flew for Eastern Airlines for three years, until the company went under. Beginning as a rookie insurance agent in his early 40s, he worked hard, and retired at the age of 57. It is ten years later, retirement has been good, and of the ways Anthony spends his time these days is to volunteer at the Alabama Veterans’ Museum. It was on his way to his volunteer shift that our story begins. “I live in a subdivision off of Newby Road,” he told me, “and we put our garbage out on Tuesday night. It was Wednesday morning, I had one more thing to put in the garbage can

so, he asked Sam if he would accept some veggies from his garden. Sam agreed, and when someone else, (who had also heard what Sam had done), found out that he was willing to accept veggies, she brought tomatoes from her garden.

before I went to the Vets’ Museum, and I put my wallet and cell phone on the trunk of my car. I drove out of the subdivision, turned onto Hwy 72, and didn’t even know I had left them. I got to the museum, realized what I had done, told Yvonne Dempsey in a panic mode what had happened, and turned around to backtrack my route.” What he didn’t know is that his “Good Samaritan” neighbor, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw what happened, followed Anthony’s path in his own automobile, looked for the phone and wallet as cars were whizzing by at 60 mph on 72, and miraculously found them both. “Sam” didn’t know where Anthony had gone, and kept an eye out for him to return. Now here is a bit of background on Sam. He lives in the next part of the subdivision over from Anthony, one that is newer and only has a couple of houses in it. He and Anthony had never met. Sam is married, a

father, happens to be African American, and when he saw Anthony pull in, he waved to him with the found items in his hand, came over, returned the stuff, and introduced himself. Anthony wanted to reward him, Sam wouldn’t hear of it. “You deserve something,” Anthony said to Sam. “No, I would do that for anyone,” said Sam. “I was taken aback,” Anthony said. “Not everyone would have stopped, searched, and risked their own life to help someone,” he added. Anthony wanted to have me interview them both, but Sam didn’t want the spotlight. “There’s got to be something I can do,” Anthony thought, and

My fond hope for Sam is that he has to deal with the discomfort of having more veggies than he knows what to do with, and now that he and Anthony are friends who play Trivia together, that their story will spread. Being a Good Samaritan never goes out of style, and Sam, you are one classy dude. Thank you from all of us.

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 K9 Handler And The Secretary Of State

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Eric Bonner is a former military K9 handler, one of the most dangerous jobs there is in a combat zone. In Vietnam, the “walkers” trained their dogs so well that they would go on alert when they heard the sound of the wind vibrating a trip wire. It is estimated that the dogs of ‘Nam saved more than 10,000 lives. In Iraq, the dogs sniffed out bombs, bodies, insurgents, and more. They pulled Entry Checkpoint (ECP) duty with their handlers in 130 degree heat, and had to wear special boots in order to keep their paws from getting burned while standing on the nearly melting pavement. My favorite dog in Iraq was named Python, which was fitting, because if he liked you, he would

want to get as close to you as possible, and seeing as he was really big, it could feel like a “big squeeze.” Apparently the woman who is running for President does not share my belief about the “coolness” of these dogs, the ones who put themselves in harm’s way for us. And, now that Eric is no longer in the military, he has the freedom to speak more freely about a would-be CNC. He made a Facebook post about why he is not going to vote for her, and made it clear that it was not about politics, it was about good manners and gratitude. His post is shown below, and has been sanitized in some spots, for reasons

that will be apparent. It is also being shown exactly as he posted it. “I'm not Voting for Clinton. It has nothing to do with her views. It really doesn't even matter about all the laws she broke.

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

August 15th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

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

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It's because She actually talked to me once. Almost a sentence. But first, some background. Being a K9 handler in the Military I got to do a few details involving Distinguished Visitors. Mostly Generals, DOD Officials, and Secretaries of Defense. I was lucky enough to pull two awesome details. George W Bush, and Obama. GW looked at me, said "Man, who'd you p--off" high fived me, and continued on. I was climbing down from a catwalk I stood on for 4 hours with nothing but Dust and a radio to keep me company. The radio died early on. It was pretty sweet. Obama, as he was walking out to his plane in Turkey, said "What the hell kind of dog is that?!" In reference to Suli. One of my Last details was for Hillary when she was Secretary of State. She was in Turkey for whatever reason. I helped with sweeps of

her DV Quarters and staff vehicles. Her words to me? "Get that F-ing dog away from me." Then she turns to her Security Detail and berates them up and down about why that animal was in her quarters. For the next 20 minutes while I sit there waiting to be released she lays into her detail, slamming the door in their faces when she's done. The Detail lead walks over apologizes and releases me. I apologize to him for getting him in trouble. His words "Happens every day, Brother" Hillary doesn't care about anyone but Hillary.” There is something that I learned about soldiers when I was in Iraq. They have a sense of who in leadership has their back, whether it is a politician, and officer, or the contractor that is cleaning out the outhouses. They know who will serve them so that they can serve others, and as far as security is concerned, K9 handlers and their canine fellow soldiers will stand resolute at their post in the face of such verbal abuse, entitlement, and ingratitude. If I were a dog, I think the chances are good that I would have bared my fangs and emitted a growl. But, God made me a woman, and this woman is not voting for the other one because she treated one of our finest like he was a dog.

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Special Feature

One Love Hearing Concepts: Adding Space, Services, And Locations by Ali Elizabeth Turner Zeke Creasy of One Love Hearing Concepts came back to his Limestone County roots to start a new career, and Athens Now introduced him to our community back in the fall of 2015. He had been a highly successful chef in Arizona, and now that he had a family, he wanted to have time for them as well as serve our community in a different way. He graduated from East Limestone High School, and was a tough point guard all throughout middle school, as well as while he was a member of the ELHS basketball team. He went on to graduate from Auburn in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and additionally in Business Management. He also graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, and built up a highly successful catering business. All of those skills were successfully parlayed into a business that now has grown to six locations, and the Athens clinic is about to go from 1200 square feet to 2400 square feet in order to better serve their clients. The remodeling process is slated to begin today. How does a highly trained

“We would not be here if it weren’t for them,” and part of his love for his clients will be shown in the plans for the remodeled Athens facility. “We are going to have refreshments available in the waiting area,” and while he hasn’t “finalized the menu,” he knows it will include popcorn and spring water. There will be separate testing rooms, service rooms, and his office manager will have her own private office.

chef become a highly trained hearing specialist? Well, Zeke had a family friend who was like an uncle, and who had one hearing aid store. Zeke came to work for him, mostly to see if it was a good fit. He told his “Uncle” that he “would work for free for a week,” and he was hooked. Just like falling in love with his wife Angel and her kids, Zeke fell in love with helping people to hear, and on his first day helped five people with their hearing. Early on, Zeke had the experience of watching a man who had not been able to hear for decades hear the sound of his wife’s voice, and tears were streaming down the guy’s cheeks as he got in touch with what he had missed out on. Zeke told me that “hearing is a really emotional issue for people,” and to get certified as a hearing specialist involves what he described as “brutal testing.” To Zeke, it has been completely worth it, and he knows he has found his calling. I asked him what was different about One Love, and why I should come to him if I were in need of help with improving my hearing. “We are one

big family,” he said, and went on to add, “A lot of people say that, but here it is true. My clients are not just clients. When we lose one, it’s like a family member has passed on.” He also said that “The biggest issue is trust. I am not going to sell one of my clients something they don’t need or want. Not everybody needs hi-tech.” I found out that there are hearing apps for Smartphones, and those are going to be much more attractive to young people whose hearing is has been damaged by loud music, videos, and industry. One of the things Zeke is very

proud of is the company with which he is associated. He loves the Starkey Company, which is his equipment supplier, and is proud that they are American made. The Starkey Company is out of Eden Prairie, MN, and has the same passion to help people hear as does One Love, irrespective of their income level. Both Starkey and One Love offer premium technology, and they also refurbish hearing aids so that people can get them for as little as $40 a month. They are also able to offer 0% in-house financing. This is a real blessing for people on a fixed income. In addition, if you donate an old battery, they get recycled, and the jars of batteries in Zeke’s office are an interesting conversation piece. In a word, One Love will do all they can to help you hear because they love their patients. It’s as simple as that. Over the months since our last article, One Love has been able to serve far more clients, and Zeke wanted me to be sure to express his obvious appreciation for their word of mouth advertising which has been a key part of One Love’s growth.

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One Love now has 15 employees, and 5 apprentice technicians, who will take their final test in September. The 6 locations are in Athens, Hartselle, Madison, Hazel Green, Scottsboro, and Guntersville. If you or a loved one are in need of tender loving care for your hearing, you need to call Zeke Creasy for a free consultation. He is board certified as a hearing specialist, the owner of his company, a native Athenian, a husband and a dad, and he has a big heart. He is waiting to show you that he means it when he says, “You deserve to hear,” and he wants to give you what he calls “a better hearing journey.”

Athens location: 809 Hwy 72 W, Ste G, Athens, AL 35611 Phone: 256-233-3844 Scottsboro phone: 256-912-0376 Hazel Green phone: 256-828-5551 Email: onelovehearing@ yahoo.com Facebook: One Love Hearing Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-5

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Calendar of Events 23rd Annual Police Reserve Rodeo Aug 5th & 6th

John Barnes Park, 26425 Hamlett Street, Ardmore, TN. It's rodeo time in Ardmore! The show gets underway at 8:00PM each night. Advanced tickets are now on sale at Ardmore Police Dept or from any Ardmore Police Officer or Reserve Officer. They will also be available at the following locations: Adams Western Wear, First National Bank (Ardmore), Peoples State Bank (Ardmore), CB & S Bank (Ardmore) and offices of Town of Ardmore & City of Ardmore!! Advance prices are 13 & up $12.00, Kids 6-12 are $8 and 5 and under are free.

2nd Annual Athens-Limestone Homebuilders Assn. Clay Shoot Aug 6th

Limestone County Hunting Preserve, 28755 Coggins Road, Ardmore, AL. Come support the A-L Homebuilders Assn. and shoot Clays. $550.00 per 4-man team. For more information: Keith Griffin, 256-777-3633 or Bobby Nixon, 256-777-2538.

Athens Saturday Markets Aug 6th & 13th

Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street, Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon for local growers, producers and artisans. Activities for the kids. Live music. AthensSaturdayMarket.com

4th Annual Higher Learning Back To School Fashion Show Aug 7th

Limestone County Courthouse, Downtown Athens, AL. Come check out the latest in school fashion and urban street wear at 4:30PM hosted by WEUP and LaShayB and Radar Men. Gwapp Boyz and comedy show with Jarret Collier. Advanced tickets are $7.00; At the door $10.00.

Fall Master Gardener Classes Aug 11th

LAST CHANCE: Fall Master Gardener classes begin Thursday, August 11. We have a few seats still available. Get the gardening information you need before spring 2017!!! Application is available at: http://mg.aces.edu/limestone/. Please complete application and mail to Limestone County Cooperative Extension System at 1109 Market St W #A, Athens, AL 35611 or visit our table at the Athens Limestone Public Library on Tuesdays from 10a.m. - 2p.m. For more information call Limestone County Master Gardener Association President: Janet Hunt at 256-6143530.

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Fridays After Five Athens Aug 12th

Downtown Athens, AL. Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, arts, antiques, music and more as the doors stay open later.

Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) 3rd Annual General Joe's Car Show Aug 13th

Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Join Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge from 9:00AM-1:00PM. Bring your street rod, muscle car, classic or custom car, trucks and bikes. Music by The Wayfairing Strangers. Registration: $20. Book your room, cabin, or RV Spot, www.alapark.com/3rdannual-general-joes-car-show

Hot Rods & Harleys Show Aug 13th

Redstone Harley-Davidson, 15100 AL-20, Madison, AL. Peoples choice voting for Top Bike/Top Car! We will have vendors, food, prizes, a band, giveaways & much much more! Every hour on the hour we will be drawing for giveaways! At 5PM we will be drawing for the Grand Prize a $1,000 shopping spree to Redstone HD, must be present to win. More info to come. Reserve your spot by contacting Moe Meredith at mmeredith@redstonehd.com

Swamp John’s Fish Fry Dinner Aug 17th

18615 N. Jefferson St., Athens, AL 35614. The VFW post 4765 will be hosting a FISH FRY from 4-7pm. Food will be Provided by Swamp John’s Catering. Dishes are $11.00 and includes: Fish; Shrimp; Chicken and sides. Stop by the post after 2:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday or call 256-233-1067 for tickets. Proceeds will support the Veterans Of Foreign Wars; The VFW Auxiliary and their programs.

Learn To Read Spirit Night Fundraiser Aug 18th

Chick-fil-A, Hwy 72, Athens, AL. 5-8pm. Come out and have dinner. Let them know you are supporting Learn to Read when you order & 10% of the proceeds goes to Learn to Read.

The Purple Party Aug 19th

Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Join Joe Wheeler State Park for The Purple Party with DJ CC Entertainment playing your favorite Prince hits and more! Wear your Purple and come join the fun. Stay at the lodge for $109.50 includes Tax and Fees, Standard Room, Two Tickets, and Two Drink Tickets. Show only: $15.00 per person; $25.00 per couple. 256-247-5466.

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The Millennial Mind

To The Left, To The Left by Rosemary Dewar

Recent weeks have exposed an apex of social discontentment the left has cultivated for decades. Cultural despair has been unjustifiably magnified to represent evidence of disparity. There has not been a subculture, created by the left, which has gone untouched. Proponents of leftist politics have become the very victims of its regressive philosophy. It is impossible for those who live by this ideology to receive the support they have been promised. Living under the influence of leftist-style politics is depressing. Circumstances never resolve, either because of someone else, or something else. Disparity is expressed as unavoidable and incurable, like a chronic auto-immune disease. It eventually eats itself, attacking every moral fiber from the inside-out. Sounds like a reality TV show or a primetime teenage drama sitcom. Racism, sexism, and capitalism, oh my! The left looks to cultivate a particular set of skills aimed to fuse cultural intolerance with conservatism. They sell the perception that conservatives do not care to help those who are facing sincere hardship. That alluring song and dance is only a seduction. By contrast, believing the proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a

August 5 - August 18, 2016

lifetime,” only strengthens the conservative narrative. The left just wants to keep handing out fish in order to keep them dependent on the system they claim we all need. Simply insert a service the left promises to give its supporters: healthcare, education,

to his side, and proceeded to wrench the feathers off the chicken while it squirmed and screeched in absolute agony. Stalin laid the bare bird on the floor, took a handful of grain from his pocket, set the feed at his feet, and the chicken hobbled to be-

tween Stalin’s legs and began to eat the gain. Stalin responded, “The people have need of many things that we are now giving them… Did you see how that chicken followed me for food, even though I had caused it such torture? People are like that chick-

en. If you inflict inordinate pain on them, they will follow you for food the rest of their lives.” To expect any other result from a system that feeds on a fabricated disparity, one must be prepared for that system to feed on its followers. Despair is different for everyone. Leftists exploit the individuality of that experience to isolate its enthusiasts. They are put in box in order to manage them, and pit them against another sub-group. Each “box label” varies from origin to proclivity. The responsibility of inequality is projected on an opposing group, and the left’s answer is to democratically take from one in order to reward the other. This progression is fundamentally immoral. Our own government's history holds illustrations of collectivist procedures: segregation, government assisted living, immigration incentives, environmental regulation, universal healthcare, etc. Each government action was narrated and executed by leftists. From President Woodrow Wilson to President Lyndon B. Johnson, the same destructive policies have been carried over to our current administration.

working-wage, housing, living assistance, affirmative action, etc. How does the left plan to hand over that fish? Only by democratically stealing from those who have learned to fish for themselves. This is grim indeed. One of the greatest examples of despair is Joseph Stalin’s Russia in the 1930’s. Stalin was systematically slaughtering his people. He was asked by an American journalist how long he expected his travesty to last. Stalin stopped and demanded one of his cooks to bring him a live chicken. He clutched the chicken tight

As long as the left devises ways to function as both the disease and the treatment (the problem and the solution), their philosophy will permanently fail its followers.

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Tourism

August 2016 Tourism Events by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

Aug 5th - 6th -- Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days. Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Grounds, Elkton Road, Athens, AL. Come celebrate farm life and the mechanization that feeds America. A 20mile tractor ride thru the countryside on Friday departing at 10 am. Full concessions including pinto beans and corn bread. Tickets: $5 per person. Children 10 years old and under are admitted free. Parking is free. Aug 5th & 6th --- 23rd Annual Police Reserve Rodeo. John Barnes Park 26425 Hamlett Street, Ardmore, TN. It's rodeo time in Ardmore! The show gets underway at 8:00PM each night. Advanced tickets are now on sale at Ardmore Police Dept. or from any Ardmore Police Officer or Reserve Officer. Advance prices for age 13 & up $12.00, Kids 6-12 are $8, and 5 and under are free. Aug 5th -- 2nd Annual Friday Night Singing. Mt. Carmel Church of Christ, 7805 U.S. Highway 72W, Athens, AL. Join the congregation for this annual singing event at 7:00PM. Finger foods will be served afterwards. www.MtCarmelChurchofChrist.org Aug 6th -- Coffee Call. Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, 100 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. All veterans and their families are

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invited to the museum for breakfast and a time of fellowship with fellow veterans at 8:00AM. Contact 256-771-7578. Aug 6th -- Athens Saturday Markets. Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to 12:00PM for local growers, producers and artisans. Activities for the kids. Live music. AthensSaturdayMarket.com Aug 6th -- Cruise In. Downtown Athens, AL. Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, truck or unique vehicle and park on the square to share your love of automobiles with other enthusiast from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. Shop the boutiques and store and enjoy a meal downtown at one of the restaurants. Aug 6th -- 2nd Annual Athens-Limestone Homebuilders Assn. Clay Shoot. Limestone County Hunting Preserve, 28755 Coggins Road Ardmore, AL. Come support the AL Homebuilders Assn. and shoot Clays. $550.00 per 4-man team. For more information: Keith Griffin 256-777-3633 or Bobby Nixon 256-777-2538. Aug 6th -- El Opry Present Live. El Opry 24861 Airport Road Athens, AL. All ages are invited to rock the night away with Thrones of Eden, Echoes of Creation, Tomorrowz End, Ash of Eden and Waves. Tickets are $5.00 Doors open 6:00PM, Show at 7:00PM.

Aug 7th -- 4th Annual Higher Learning Back To School Fashion Show. Limestone County Courthouse Downtown Athens, AL. Come check out the latest in school fashion and urban street wear at 4:30PM hosted by WEUP and LaShayB and Radar Men. Gwapp Boyz and comedy show with Jarret Collier. Advanced tickets are $7.00; At the door $10.00. Aug 8th -- Limestone County Master Gardeners Monthly Meeting. Limestone County Extension Office, 1109 West Market Street Athens, AL. Join the Master Gardeners from 12:301:00PM for social time followed by guest speaker Susan Webb on "How to Speak Hosta." For more information: Janet Hunt 256-614-3530. Aug 12th -- Fridays After Five Athens. Downtown Athens, AL. Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, arts, antiques, music and more as the doors stay open later. Aug 13th -- Ardmore Car Show. John Barnes Park, Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. Join the Ardmore Quarterback Club for one of the Southeast largest and most anticipated car shows of the year from 10:00AM3:00PM. Funds from the car show go to the help the athletic needs of area schools and teams. Grand Prize Car: 1959 Thunderbird. Cash and prizes. Live music. Spectator Admission: $5.00; Family Admission: $15.00; Children 12 and under

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admitted free. http:// khanitech.com/ardmorecarshow/ Aug 13th -- Athens Saturday Markets - Tomato Sandwich Day. Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon for local growers, producers and artisans and a special southern treat: Tomato Sandwiches. Activities for the kids. Live music with Copeland Road. AthensSaturdayMarket. com Aug 13th -- Safari at the SportsPlex. Athens SportsPlex, U.S. Highway 31 Athens, AL. Calling all disc golfers for this PDGA B tier event. $500.00 added to the Pro division. Best Score Doubles. Participants and their partner must be PDGA rated for the division entered. Non-PDGA members will pay an additional $10.00 entry fee. w w w. p d g a . c o m / t o u r / event/28556 Aug 14th -- Yoga at the Gulf. Newby Gulf Station, 125 East Street Athens, AL. Don't run out of gas. Come to the Gulf. This is a public yoga event hosted by Delisa Simpson. Yoga from 6:00PM-7:00PM and all are welcomed. Donations are encouraged. Aug 15th -- Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner. Vietnam Veterans Chapter 511 Post, 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL. Join the VVA Chapter 511 for an all-you-can-eat

Spaghetti meal including salad, garlic bread, dessert, and beverage for $7.00. Chose lunch from 11:00AM-1:00PM, or dinner from 5:00PM7:00PM, or both! Aug 19th - Chamber Sporting Clays Tournament. Limestone County Hunting Preserve, 28755 Coggins Road Ardmore, AL. Come support the Greater Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a morning of Clay shooting, 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon. $550.00 per 4-man team. For more information: call 256-232-2600 Aug 19th -- Singing on the Square. Athens State University Athens, AL. Join the AthensLimestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for the final concert of the 2016 concert series. Bring your lawn chairs for this free concert starting at 6:30PM with fan favorite Athens State Community Band. For more information: www. visitathensal.com Aug 20th -- Athens Saturday Markets. Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon for local growers, producers and artisans. Activities for the kids. Live music. AthensSaturdayMarket.com Aug 20th -- Pancake and Sausage Breakfast for 9/11 Heroes Run. Alabama Veterans Museum, 100 West Pryor

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Street Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans Museum from 8:00AM10:00AM for a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast to support the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run. $5.00 for all you can eat. For more information: 256771-7578 Aug 20th -- 2016 North Alabama Beekeepers’ Symposium. Calhoun Community College, 6250 U.S. Highway 31, Decatur, AL. The North Alabama Beekeepers Symposium sponsored by the Limestone County Beekeepers Association will be held at Calhoun Community College in Tanner AL (near Decatur, AL). www.lcbees.com/ Aug 25th -- Senior Lunch Matinee Show. Yesterday’s Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Road Athens, AL. Join Yesterday’s for a complete lunch including drink and dessert for $11.00, and entertainment featuring the award-winning Southern Splendor Chorus with their Barbershop sound. Doors open 10:30AM, event begins 11:00AM and show time 12:00PM with a show length 60-75 minutes. Groups of all size welcome. Bus parking available. Cancellation fee may apply. Pre-reservation required, send reservation email to: I n f o @ Ye s t e r d a y s E v ents.com. Aug 27th -- Athens Saturday Markets.

August 5 - August 18, 2016

Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion, 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon for local growers, producers and artisans. Activities for the kids. Live music -- Hew Tyler will be playing an acoustic show at the Pavillion from 9am-Noon. AthensSaturdayMarket. com Aug 27th -- Elkmont Band Booster 6th Annual Car Show. Elkmont High School, 25630 Evans Avenue, Elkmont, AL. Elkmont Band Booster's annual car show is a fundraiser for the Elkmont High School Band from 10:00AM-2:00PM. $20.00 registration fee for cars - includes entry for 2 people. Admission is $5.00; Ages 10 and under free. Concessions, vendors, prizes and more. Aug 27th -- Light up the Night Charity 5K. Athens Bible School, 507 Hoffman Street Athens, AL. Come join the Athens Bible School at 7:00PM for the 3rd annual Light Up the Night Charity 5K and Fun Run, presented by Bankston Motor Homes. Runners will weave through the historic district of Athens, AL following luminarias to mark the course and wearing anything that glows. Information and registration, visit www.athensbibleschool.org/giving/lightupthenight5k.cfm

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Clean and Green

Grateful Appreciation by Lynne Hart

APPRECIATION: (noun) gratitude, thankful recognition KALB recently hosted an Appreciation Breakfast for our volunteer Commission and Board members, faithful friends, and financial supporters. Our purpose was to make sure each person present recognizes the value we place on their partnership, and understands exactly what the return is on their time, in-kind, financial, and other support. Success is not always measured in dollars. We measure our success on what is accomplished with the dollars we are given. That success can only happen with community volunteer support. When KALB measures our success using THAT yardstick, we are rich indeed! Leigh Patterson, KALB office manager, and I talk frequently about how much we appreciate and love our volunteers. The KALB Commission consists of volunteer board members who oversee the organization. These men and women are the foundation that keeps KALB on solid ground. Volunteer board members also make things happen through our Athens-Limestone Beautification Board and the Athens-Limestone Recycling Board. Even with these wonderful board members, there is so much more KALB accomplishes with community volunteer help. Here are some numbers from our last fiscal year that make us proud: 965 = Number of Volunteers 5,002 = Total Volunteer Hours $100,000+ = Value of Volunteers in Dollars (using nationally-accepted value determined by Independent

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Sector) 18,000 lbs. = Trash Removed from Roadsides and River 3,217 lbs. = Recycled Materials Sorted from Trash So, what do KALB volunteers do? EVERYTHING! Our fiscal year begins in October and we hit the ground running! It takes close to 100 volunteers to provide Clean and Green Event services to the Old Time Fiddlers Convention. You will find KALB volunteers handing out litter bags at the gates, picking up of environmental stewardship. We also provide presentations for all age groups from preschool to adult in a variety of setting. Sixty volunteers arrived early one April morning ready and willing to help clean up the Elk River. This yearâ€™s cleanup was another huge success, thanks to the men, women, and children who cared enough to make a difference where they could. Our Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO took place on April 30th. We could not have pulled it off without a large number of volunteers, some of whom were willing to stay from set up to tear down. They must truly believe in what the event hopes to accomplish, which is helping our community members of every age understand

litter, providing opportunities for guests and vendors, and providing final cleanup the Sunday after the event. Each year, in a cooperative

effort with Limestone County 4H, KALB staff and volunteers visit every 5th and 6th grade classroom in Limestone County and Athens City schools. This allows KALB to reach nearly 1,500 students in 68 classrooms with a message

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how their personal actions affect the local environment through exhibits, games, and hands-on activities. There are so many more projects and activities within the KALB organization that offer volunteer opportunities, including our seedling giveaway, roadside cleanups, Adopt-A-Spot, Clean Campus program, our fundraisers, and more. KALB volunteers come from all walks of life, come in all shapes and sizes, and range from youth to seniors. There is a place for everyone in the KALB organization. Come and discover how you can get involved. We promise you will be appreciated. When you work with wonderful people, work does not feel like work at all.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com August 5 - August 18, 2016

Cooking with Tammy

Stevie’s Salsa by Tammy Wilkinson, owner of Arabella's Cakes and Catering

Stevie’s Salsa A friend’s husband made this recently for a family dinner, and more than once he has been told that it is some of the best salsa ever. The secret is to make it from fresh ingredients, and in this case, almost all of them came from his own garden. You can make it spicy or mild, depending on your taste, and remember, it’s best if you can let it blend in the fridge overnight. It is even better with whole grain chips, because there are more “layers” of flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 large tomatoes, chopped 1 onion, chopped ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced, (optional), and for this time around, he chose not to include garlic 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, or more to taste 1 tomatillo, diced (optional) 1 pepper of your choice—you can use poblano for a smokey flavor, chipotle, jalapeño, or, if you like it hot, habañero Combine all ingredients and store well-covered in a glass or ceramic bowl, preferably overnight.

August 5 - August 18, 2016

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Health and Fitness

Shoes Matter by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Many factors contribute to falls among older adults, from medical problems like arthritis, osteoporosis, poor eyesight, Parkinson's disease, and drowsiness caused by medications, to environmental conditions like poor lighting, slippery floors and unexpected obstacles. Falls can also be the result of weak muscles, but the biggest contributing factor to falls are shoes. Never wear shoes with slippery or worn outer soles. Avoid shoes with smooth leather or plastic

soles, which can be slippery on carpets, wood and tile floors, and wet surfaces. Some fitness or athletic shoes made with synthetic soles, which may be ideal for exercising in a gym, can be extremely slippery on a damp or wet surface. Avoid heels. Avoid wearing shoes and slippers that are loose or ill-fitting. Never wear slipon shoes or flip-flops. I recommend always purchasing shoes that tie or fasten with buckles or Velcro. Shoes can stretch after they are worn even a short

amount of time allowing your foot to slide or slip in the shoe. Laced shoes or shoes that fasten can be adjusted to accommodate orthotics, braces and swelling of the feet. When walking on carpets, avoid wearing shoes with heavy rubber lugs (lug soles are a type of outer sole found on heavy-duty and utility shoes such as hiking boots or work boots) that can catch on carpets, especially if you are one of those people who barely pick up his/ her feet when walking. The rubber tips on the toes of running shoes can also cause a stumble on a carpeted surface.

walking shoe. Shoe size often changes with age as feet swell and spread. The shoes you are purchasing off the shelf may not be the correct size any more. Although shoes with a lot of cushioning can make

you feel as if you are walking on air, they can also make an older person unstable and are best avoided. For more information about safe shoes, talk to a physician that specializes in foot care.

For an all-around shoe, consider walking shoes, which provide good traction and support but do not have heavy soles or rubber over the toes. I recommend you visit shoe stores like Fleet Feet and ask them to fit you in a good

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August 5 - August 18, 2016

Cover Story

Kelly’s Studio Of Dance: Preparing Dancers For Life by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

clearly loves her students, and is dedicated to drawing forth the best in them, as dancers, as involved members of the community, and as young women of faith. In a word, she wants to prepare her students to “dance well with life.” Kelly is 34, a wife and mother, and has been continually involved in the world of dance for the past 30 years. She began her training and career as a multi-platinum and gold medal winning dancer at the ripe old age of 4. Kelly has had the opportunity to dance nationally and internationally in competitions and foreign student exchange programs, is a partner in a studio in Huntsville, and owns Kelly’s Studio of Dance, located at 809 US Highway 72 W Ste H, in Athens, right next door to One Love Hearing Concepts. The day we met for coffee, Kelly had just come off of two intensives, which are like day camps where you work very hard. One was for students of hip hop, the other, classical ballet. She had hired two master teachers from outside the area for each intensive. The “hip-hopster” is named Hannah Wintrode, who has been part of “Monsters of Hip-Hop,” and is currently

August 5 - August 18, 2016

dancing on the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis concert tour. Judy Rice headed up the ballet intensive. Judy is a graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada, and has danced with the Joffrey Ballet. Judy has a specific proven system of teaching that she has developed over the years, and travels extensively in order to help dancers improve dramatically in a short period of time. I asked Kelly what she thought were some of the best results from having the two experts work with her girls. “Hannah shot a short video, which was a thrill for them.” She also said that there were girls in both categories whose confidence just soared. “Their body placement improved so much,” Kelly said. I learned

that “body placement” refers to the way you carry yourself and move in order express a particular dance style or genre, such as when people are imitating robots as part of their performance. Kelly was like a proud mama as she told of the girls giving

100%, being focused, and heeding the advice of the Kelly Nave, owner experts. The work of the masters as well as the pupils definitely paid off. some of my dancers will volSpeaking of “positioning,” unteer at ‘Just For Me.’” Kelly makes sure her students Something I appreciate about “place” themselves in the com- Kelly is that she is interested munity for various volunteer in far more than training dancendeavors. This year they are ers; she wants to bless the planning on being involved community by strengthening in a back to school drive, and her students spiritually. This have adopted Athens Elemen- summer KSD has had a bible tary as their “target” for donat- study for girls who are a part ing school supplies. They of the school, as well as their will also sponsor kids for friends, whether or not the Christmas who are students friends are dancers. It is called at Julian Newman Elemen- “Godly Girls,” and has been tary, and will ride in the an- one of the best parts of the nual Athens Christmas pa- summer. rade. They have danced in Kelly’s Studio of Dance has Grease Festival in the past, classes for children as young and hope to again this year. as 2 years old on up to 18. Kelly’s Studio of Dance Registration is now open for always has their recital in fall classes, which will be June, and this summer, in starting on August 11th. If addition to their own perfor- you are looking for a place mances, they helped facili- for your daughter, son, or tate Francita Mieux’s “Just grandchild to learn to dance For Me” Dance School stu- well, live well, and grow into dents’ performance as part a whole young person, then of the program. “Just For Me” Kelly’s is for you. is for students with various disabilities, and gives kids who would never get a chance to learn the art and discipline of dance an opportunity to do so. 809 US Hwy 72 W, Ste H, “I really want to promote what Athens, AL 35611 Miss Fran does,” said Kelly, Phone: 256-233-2888 and added, “I hope this year

Kelly’s Studio of Dance

Web: ksd-athens.com Facebook: Kelly’s Studio of Dance

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August 5 - August 18, 2016

Cover Story

BBG BBQ And Soul Food: Enter As A Guest, Leave As Family! by Ali Elizabeth Turner had owned a food truck, and had also cooked at a gas station, but they really wanted to minister in this area, and saw this as the perfect venue. I asked him, “Why should I come to you, when there are already legendary BBQ places in the area?” He said, “The secret recipes, and the other thing is my mother’s special dress-

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just what the subtitle of the article was going to be: “Enter As A Guest, Leave As Family!” I watched that phenomena happen more than once as customers came in and out. The place was hopping, and at the time BBG had only been open 3 weeks. Cornelius and Kisha are a blended family with a passion to minister to people, and BBG is their umbrella organization. It stands for Blessed By Grace, and includes a fellowship in Huntsville, a day care center, and more. Their hearts are big, as is their culinary expertise when it comes to authentic southern cooking. Cornelius has been cooking since he was 12. He learned from his grandfather, who was the head cook for Big Bob Gibson for many years. Cornelius inherited the recipes, (including the one for the tangy, white “secret sauce”), tweaked them a touch to make them his own, and it is not at all uncommon for BBG’s to sell out on a daily basis. He also is the one who taught Kisha how to cook! Word is getting out, people are zipping up I-65 to Thach Road on their lunch hour, and the catering business is a going concern as well. A woman named Cynthia came in for the first time, having met Kisha online. She wanted to try everything, so they made her a sampler. She and her husband stayed a long time, and she and Kisha talked

August 5 - August 18, 2016

Kisha and Cornelius Mitchell, owners

Cornelius bringing the Word

as though “they went way back.” She even offered to send Kisha her family recipe for egg custard pie to add to the dessert line up. Then Wesley came in to get supper. He was on his way home from work, and it was his third time in 3 weeks that he had made a “pit stop” at BBG’s. As soon as Wesley left, a couple came in wanting to know about the slabs of ribs. “My,” said the man. “This is real soul food.” He ordered a slab for a family event that was going to be held that weekend.

ing, which they were out of the day I was there. I hear it is the perfect side to their chicken, which was provided a tasty end to a long day delivering papers. So, what’s on the menu? For appetizers, they have wings and a stuffed baked Cornelius and Limestone County District 1 Crew Foreman, Chris Davis potato. There are several types of sandwiches, dark please.” and white meat chicken, Someone who works at a ribs, neck bones, and varilocal high-end eating estab- I asked Cornelius and Kious plate specials, which lishment, (and who wanted sha why they chose Elkchange daily. Then there are to remain anonymous), mont, and as only people the sides; you get to pick said, “All my co-workers of faith can understand, two per plate. In season, have been talking about this they replied, “God opened there are turnip and collard place. I’ll take a sampler, the door.” Previously they

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greens. There are baked beans, potato salad, vinegar slaw, mac-n-cheese, pinto beans and green beans. The portions are ample, and I left full and happy, looking forward for a chance to return soon. For dessert, there is pecan pie, peach pie, apple pie, as well as blackberry pie, which is Cornelius’ personal favorite. The desserts routinely sell out as well. I asked them what were some of their future plans, and as far as the menu is concerned, soon they will be adding beef ribs as well as veggie meals. They have had to hire three people in order to keep up with the demand, and this weekend is the soft opening of their new outlet in the Elkmont Red Caboose. I know it is somewhat trendy these days for restaurant owners to talk about putting “love in the food,” but I personally think it is indeed a real thing that just makes anything you eat made for you by someone else taste especially good. So, if you are interested in tasting food that is “blessed by grace,” then get yourself on over to 23925 Thach Road. You will enter as a guest, and leave as family.

BBG BBQ and Soul Food

23925 Thach Road, Elkmont, AL 35620 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am to 7 pm Phone: 256-348-4964, or 256-348-8107 Facebook: BBG BBQ and Soul Food Restaurant Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Cook Book Club by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 For the past two years, the Cook Book Club has met each Monday for lunch. Since that time, we have tested over 150 recipes. The recipes were everything from family favorites to experiments with new flavors and unusual ingredients, and some of the recipes were trial and error. A few were trials of things found on the Internet. Regardless, this was the most fun I have had in several years. I thought Cook Book Club would be an easy project. It was not. You would think eating good food would be a simple thing. The problem comes from trying to pick the best recipe which contains the newest flavors, and using exotic ingredients. After all, we don’t want the same cookbook that everyone else has published. One of our most exotic and versatile finds turns out to be a Mexican turnip called Jicama (pronounced hee-kum-muh). Jicama looks like a dirty potato, and its skin is yellow and papery. The inside is creamy white with a crisp texture like

a raw potato or pear. The flavor is sweet and starchy, kind of like apples or raw green beans, and it is usually eaten raw. It can be cut into thin wedges and dipped in salsa, or added to salads, fresh fruit combinations, soups, and other cooked dishes. It was a tasty addition to our offerings. One of the best recipes I tasted at Cook Book Club was Shrimp with Vanilla Chili Sauce. It was a unique blend of sweet and spicy that made for great flavor. I would never think to add vanilla bean to chili sauce, because I am a little old fashioned and use a traditional mix of carrots, onions, and garlic to season my recipes. According to the cooking shows, this mix of chopped vegetables is called mirepoix (pronounced meer-pwah). The Cook Book Club also experimented with other combinations. We tasted a pork recipe flavored with marjoram, a leafy, aromatic spice. In addition, we tasted a chocolate cake using zucchini. It was deliciously rich and moist. We used egg roll wrappers to make appetizers as well

as main dishes, and we used wonton wrappers to do the same. My favorite was pastrami and cheese with spicy mustard in egg roll wrappers, followed by the Pierogie (potato)

wontons. There are so many wonderful recipes in the finished product, and we are relieved as well as excited to head to the printers

next week. If you would like a copy, you can get one at the Fiddlers’ Convention in October. Look for us in the Arts and Crafts tents. We will be selling cookbooks and tickets to the Song Writers’ Showcase. The Showcase will highlight Phillip White, Brice Long, and Clint Daniels. All of these fellows are country music songwriters and have written for several country stars. You can find out more about the songwriters on our website – www.athens.edu/cll. Our fall catalog will be out on August 8th. If you don’t get one in the mail, stop by the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street to pick up one. We are all about growing professionally, learning in your leisure time, and traveling to learn. Come join us!

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August 5 - August 18, 2016

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Can Line Dancing Build Community? by Ali Elizabeth Turner

If you were at Jimmy Gill Park on Saturday, July 30th, you would know that the answer is a resounding yes! That is, as long as there are other things going on behind the scenes for the purpose of bringing the community together in strength. The Mayor, Raven Warner, who is on the Mayor’s Youth Commission, and who is just finishing up her summer working at the new City Hall, and I sat in his office while it was raining “cats and bats” outside. We talked about the summer, everything from the windows getting broken at Trinity, to the Youth Commission donating money from the Dekko Foundation for window repair, to Youth Commission plans for next year, as well as celebrating the success of the NAACP Limestone Youth Council Community Unity/ Leadership Day event. Both Ronnie and Raven had participated, and their smiles as well as enthusiasm spoke volumes. “Four to five years ago we didn’t have anything like the Youth groups, let alone an all day event,” Ronnie said. “Training up leaders was something that was pretty much done in churches, which is good, and now we have several community organizations stepping up to do the job, too. We have ours, the Chamber of Commerce has one, and there are others.” He waxed philosophical for a

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moment. “We change America right here,” he said, as he pointed to the table where the three of us were sitting. “We go to church, talk a good game about being Christian, and we go back the next week and we keep talking about it, but it is in the community that it happens. The worst thing we can do is stop talking, and not do anything.”

thing you don’t usually see.” She was elsewhere on the site and didn’t get a chance to partici-

pate, but felt that it was the best part of the day. There were other good things as well. Raven

The picture may be blurry, but the message is clear: in Athens, sometimes we build community and unity through line dancing.

Raven listened politely, and like most teens these days, multi-tasked by listening to him while looking for a video on her phone that captured what happened in Jimmy Gill Park. It is from that video that the still shot shown here as an illustration was taken. It showed police men in uniform, black folks, white folks, and kids all line dancing together during the festivities. As my father used to say, “They were cutting a rug.” Raven said, “The whole community was together, some-

NAACP Youth Leadership Council members from L-R: Tyesha Shoulders, Ollie Parham, Rylan Pendelton, Aliyah Williams, Pat Irving, and Jalen Houston www.athensnowal.com

worked a booth where school supplies were being donated and dropped off. There was a booth where people could register to vote. There was a place where you could get your photo ID taken, and one of Raven’s favorite things that happened was that an elderly woman in a wheelchair got her ID card. Raven

also made a new friend named Jordan, who had just moved here. Raven plays sax, and it looks like Jordan is going to join her this fall as part of the Athens High School Band.

The police were there for the day, as were firemen and other first responders. There were presentations on health and nutrition, representatives from Athens and Limestone Schools were present, and more. They had to call it early due to the rain, but no one’s spirits were dampened. I had Raven imagine for a bit what she would do if she were Mayor and had every resource at her disposal. She talked about bringing in more things for kids to do so they didn’t have to go to Madison. “It would cost a lot of money, I know,” she said shyly. She added that she would like to see all community music related events for kids. She then headed back up to her post in the front office of City Hall.

Mayor Ronnie came back into his office, and finished up our time by saying, “We gotta keep doing things like this. It’s just too important.” As we always do, we prayed for our town, and then it was time for Ronnie, and me, to roll on out into the much needed downpour that was deluging the marvelous city of Athens, Alabama.

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Dog Barker

These Top Dogs Protect Your Herd Or Flock courtesy Brandpoint Content When you raise animals, from poultry to cattle, hard work and dedication come with the territory. So how do you reward one of the toughest and most valuable members of your ranch or country home when he's of the four-legged variety? Give him more work to do. For thousands of years, certain dog breeds have been raised for the purpose of being livestock guardians to poultry, sheep, goats and cattle. They are typically large dogs, such as the Great Pyrenees, Komondor or Anatolian Shepherd. Despite their massive size, these breeds have nurturing dispositions. "From the time they are puppies, livestock guardians are trained to bond with the livestock they are going to protect and,

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from that point on, they will eat, sleep and travel with the herd or flock in order to protect them," says Seth Estep, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of the animal division at Tractor Supply Company, a rural lifestyle retailer. "Because these dogs are raised differently than standard house dogs, owners need different tools and resources to raise them right," Estep says. Tractor Supply and its animal experts urge people to consider the following factors before introducing a guardian dog into the family: 1. Space to work and roam. Guardian dogs are known for their size and tireless work ethic. As a result, they need room to roam and plenty to keep them busy. To employ a

happy, effective guardian dog, at least an acre of ample space is key. 2. What do you want to protect? There are many breeds of guardian dogs, each with specific traits that are advantageous to the livestock they're protecting. For instance, the Great Pyrenees is an agile dog that has been used for hundreds of years as a defender of fast-moving herd animals like sheep and goats. By contrast, the Akbash, an intelligent breed that is powerful against predators, has a calm temperament perfect for getting along with chickens and ducks. The watchful and alert Anatolian Shepherd is another breed for protecting flocks. It can be cautious with strangers, but will be loving with friends and family. Similarly, the Bernese Moun-

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tain Dog, an all-purpose farm dog bred for driving and guarding cattle in rough terrain, is easygoing, confident and gentle - even with children and other animals. 3. What type of fencing do you have or are you willing to install? Guardian dogs won't often back down from a fight, even one they're likely to lose; thus, when protecting livestock with a guardian dog, fencing is the perfect partner for keeping your animals safe. Fencing creates an obstacle course for climbing cougars and burrowing coyotes. Exclusionary devices such as field fencing and gates can be purchased in-store and online at Tractor Supply Company. However, visiting a local store will give you an up-close look at your containment options, from wire and

wood to electric fencing. 4. Isolated feeding. Usually these dogs consider themselves to be one of the herd and, as a result, might attempt to eat the same food as the stock. Break this habit early by feeding your guardian dog in an established location that will allow them to eat undisturbed. 5. Training time. While livestock guardian breeds rely largely on instinct, training is always necessary; the initial period of socialization alone should last several months at least. Once properly trained, livestock guardian dogs play an enormous role on the farm; however, it can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months for guardian dogs to reach maturity and, in that time, their success will rely on patience, correction and instruction.

August 5 - August 18, 2016

Jerry’s Journal

It Never Rains In Hell by Jerry Barksdale

There are many reasons why I don’t want to go to hell. Not being able to see my loving mother, family, and friends are major ones, not to mention bumping into a couple of judges and a bunch of lawyers who disrupted my bio-rhythm for 43 years. Of course, I would get to see some old girlfriends, perhaps my ex- motherin-law, and meet big shot Washington politicians who, no doubt, will compose the largest delegation there. Moreover, it never rains in hell, and that’s a deal breaker for me. I love rain. I hope there are seasons in Heaven, just like on earth, and plenty of rain and little houses with tin roofs. For me, Heaven on earth is snuggling in a warm bed on a cold winter night with plenty of Mama’s quilts spread over me, and listening to the roar of rain on a tin roof. In 1947, we lived on Bean Road in an old farm house with a tin roof. I remember waking early on a Saturday morning in a cold room and hearing rain pecking on the window and dancing on the tin roof. Hallelujah! No school and no picking cotton. I snuggled deep under the quilts and was soon asleep. That same year I found several pieces of tin and constructed a secret hide-out. A cotton sack stuffed with hay was my only furnishing. When it rained, I crawled into my hide-out and listened to rain on tin. Sometimes when it rained, I climbed

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in the barn loft and snuggled in the hay where I was soon warm and asleep once again. Rain and tin go together like cornbread and milk. Sadly, times changed. People grew ashamed of living in tin roof houses and wanted asphalt shingles like their neighbors. In 1976, Carol and I remodeled an old two-story farm house at Leggtown. Tin was out and metal roofs hadn’t yet made the scene. Our bedroom was in a single story wing with asphalt shingles, and I couldn’t hear the wind howl through the ancient cedar trees outside, much less rain. A window air conditioner was located in the wall near our bed. I wired a sheet of tin on top of the outside portion of the unit, and when it rained, I heard that wonderful music—raindrops on tin. According to psychologists, the sound of rain triggers a primitive part of our brain. When our Stone Age ancestors were supper for saber tooth tigers and wooly mammoths, they hid in caves. When it rained, predators weren’t hunting, which meant that our ancient ancestors could relax and sleep. I don’t have a tin roof where I currently reside, but I once devised an alternative that rain lovers may want to copy. I placed upturned tin buckets under the eaves of my roof. When it rained, I opened the bedroom window and listened to the patter of drops on tin. I realized that some subdivisions have restrictions regarding what can be

placed in the yard. A friend once lived at Canebrake and was told it violated restrictions to place a small plastic bunny in her yard on Easter. But fertile minds can always find a solution. I suggest purchasing several tin buckets, paint them to resemble low growing shrubs, and turn them upside down near your window. If that doesn’t work, complain loudly, hire a lawyer, and sue someone— anyone. I’ll admit that in January, 1968, I was praying it would stop raining. My young brother-in-law, Jack O’Conner and I were paddling a boat up a creek in Jackson County near twilight, when we were caught in a torrential downpour. We had no tent and no camping equipment. We turned the boat upside down and spent a cold and wet night sleeping on soggy ground. Afterwards, I was sick in bed for three days.

nity. Nowadays, preachers no longer scare folks; they might not return and help pay off the fat mortgage on the new building addition. Recently a preacher told me, “I don’t ever mention that four-letter word, hell.” Folks don’t want to hear about hell. Some don’t believe in it. Young folks figure by the time they die, an air conditioner app will be available on I-Phones. I think the best way to get rid of hell is to call in the ACLU and ask the U.S. Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional on the grounds that it discriminates against sinners. And, why not? The Supreme Court makes up law as they go, anyway. If I were a preacher, I’d speak plainly to folks. To men, I’d

say, “If you want to spend eternity with your motherin-law, in a place where it never rains, with no water to brew coffee and beer; where there are no rivers, no fish, and no bass boats, no Iron Bowl, no deer hunting, and you’ll never hear rain on a tin roof, then keep purchasing big pickups and deer rifles while neglecting your wife, and refusing to budget for her hairdos, pedicures, and new tattoos. One day she’ll throw a fit so bad you’ll wish you were in hell.” P Preaching to women would be simple: “There ain’t no shoe stores in hell. Period!” There would be pushing and shoving at the altar call.

When I was a child, preachers scared the devil out of me talking about dying and burning in hell for eter-

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Medical Update

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a technique gaining ground as an adjunct or alternative treatment to various medical problems. The technique was developed in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabatt-Zin, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His studies of yoga and meditation, and relationships with various teachers in those respective fields led him to integrate those teachings with science and medicine. According to the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at U Mass, the programs “central focus” is intensively training “mindfulness meditation,” and ways to incorporate the practice into everyday living, especially as challenges arise. Over the last 35 years, MBSR has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, sleep issues, eating disturbances and disorders, cancer, and heart disease (to name a few). MBSR programs typically last 8 weeks, and the changes can last for years after the initial program. There are special training programs

available for healthcare practitioners to attend so that they can integrate MBSR into their practices. The training classes are not intended to create “clones” or “cookie cutter” replicas; instead they teach the basic underlying principles of the practice that you can customize to fit your needs and those of your clients. The principles are as follows: •Experience is a challenge not a chore: turns “observing life mindfully” into an adventure and not just another “healthy fad.” sist of daily 1-2 hour sessions for 8 weeks, and a day long “retreat” between weeks 6 and 7. It also requires daily homework. Instruction is in 3 areas: mindfulness meditation, body scanning, and simple yoga. Kabatt-Zin says it is “moment to moment, nonjudgmental awareness.” •Stressing need for your own achievements and motives, in addition to daily practice, regardless of whether you want to or not •Immediate

lifestyle

change with serious commitment, especially in the area of time •“Making each moment count” and being aware of things in real time •Education vs therapy mindset which allows for larger classes and provides a social and emotional support. •Allows for wide range of people with various diagnoses to be in the same class without being separated by diagnosis. It focuses on the commonality rather than

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differences between people. However, it can be done in specialized groups when necessary as well. Though the training was originally developed through Kabatt-Zin’s study of Buddhism, the principles are universal and can be adapted to any religious belief system. It is compatible with other therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy. Treatment programs con-

The program doesn’t cure the disease, but it does help deal with the repercussions of disease, increasing quality of life in participants. Outcomes of this therapy have been studied in multiple populations with randomized clinical trials showing its effectiveness, especially in such disease process as anxiety and depression. For more information on this technique, visit http://www.umassmed. edu/cfm/stress-reduction/.

August 5 - August 18, 2016

Foreman’s Forum

Do You See What You Are Looking At? by Paul Foreman As a firearms instructor, I require my students to look to each side after firing two or three shots. In a training scenario, this solves two important problems. The first problem is tunnel vision. My goal is to break the shooter's tunnel vision from being focused only on the threat. The second problem is “seeing” what they are looking at. By looking to each side, it causes the shooter to check around for other bad guys. They are also looking for innocent citizens who might be about to walk into the line of fire. The shooter must also watch for law enforcement who might be arriving at the scene. Seeing, instead of just looking, has a lot to do with selfdefense. “Seeing” what you are looking at may save your

life in a threatening situation. When I was a training officer for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, I was constantly instructing my rookies to “watch the hands” when confronting a suspect. I told them, “It’s the hands that will kill you.” With rookie Law Enforcement Officers, it is a whole new lifestyle of constantly being aware and really seeing what they are looking at around them.

suspects are shooting from the pickup truck which just drove past us.” Does the new deputy know where we are? Does he know the name of the street or highway we are on? Did he see how many suspects were in the truck before they started shooting at us? What color and make was the truck? This is all very important information which must be transmitted to the dispatcher, if she is going to be able to send help.

There was certain training drill I would do with a new deputy. When they were driving the patrol car, I would instruct them to stop on a side road about halfway down the block. Then I would tell him, “You need to get on the radio and call for help. We are being shot at and our car is disabled. The

This training scenario was a wakeup call for the new deputies. When I confronted them with such a dangerous scenario, as I described in my fictional situation, they suddenly realized the importance of “seeing what they were looking at.” When they turned down the side street, did they see the street sign

and know the name of the street they were on? This training scenario was for the new deputy so he or she would always remember to “see” the street sign, not just “look” at it when they drove past. I often used a similar training drill when looking for a suspect hiding from us in a building that had been burglarized. We would use a vacant building or an old abandoned house. The rookie was required to search each room or office. I had “planted” a mannequin in one of the closets. The rookie would go room to room, yelling “clear.” He knew it was a training drill so he didn’t expect to discover “someone” hiding in a closet. I wouldn’t expect most civilians to go to the extremes I mentioned above. But as

concealed carry citizens, or “sheep dogs,” we take on more responsibility than the average citizen, or the sheep.

I hope you never experience a self-defense situation. Before, during, and after a shooting, a person is going to have a very narrow focus on the threat which they just encountered. When doing shooting drills, you need to practice seeing more than just the target. As you lower your gun after shooting, stop and look for additional threats. As a self-defense firearms instructor, I train using shooting drills with the students. When they lower their gun to re-assess the threat, I will hold out a hand and they must tell me how many fingers I am holding up. I might even set an item down, such as my hat or ear muffs, eight or ten yards to one side. I will ask them to tell me what they saw. After training, I want my students to feel confident and be a responsible gun owner.

As a firearms instructor, I stand right at the student’s shoulder. I am constantly watching their aim, grip, and trigger finger. I must make sure the student is following all the gun safety rules. When I teach firearms classes, I have a huge responsibility.

I cannot afford to just look at my students, I must see them! Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County, Florida. He is also an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For firearms training Paul can be reached through E-Mail at Captureman@PaulForeman.com or his web site, www.Paulforeman.com

August 5 - August 18, 2016

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