August 15 - September 4, 2014
AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399
See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature Balance Fit Lab: The Boutique Approach To Fitness... Debbie Kulmer is well known in our local fitness community, having been part of the team of trainers that opened up the... Page 7
From the Vets’ Museum
Mr. Callander Goes To France!... According to Alabamapossible. org, the poverty rate in Limestone County is nearly 13%. The census bureau lists Limestone County as... Page 10
J&G Variety: Gearing Up For Hunting Season And The Holidays By Ali Elizabeth Turner J & G Variety, on Hwy 72 in West Limestone County, is owned by Danny and LaDonna Vaughn, and has been taking care of floral and hardware needs in our community for Continued on pages 15
OnMark Physical Therapy On County Line Road: Freedom Of Movement, Freedom From Pain
Clean and Green
By Ali Elizabeth Turner
Run It... Walk It... Jog It: 11th Annual Duck & Run 5K and Fun Run... Looking for a run that is mildly challenging in which you can choose your own pace?... Page 12
August 15 - September 4, 2014
Becky Morris describes herself as “an Army brat.” She was born in Enterprise, AL and lived all over. As a child, she had to have Continued on page 17
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August 15 - September 4, 2014
Publisher’s Point
Robin Williams And The Art Of Reframing
Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Sales
Deborah Huff
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Web Design Teddy Wolcott
Delivery
Hunter Williams
Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Joel Allen Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Jim Doyle Jerry Barksdale
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22
As someone who laughed ‘til I was wheezing at Robin Williams’ antics, as someone who as a teenager considered suicide, as someone who is trained by the US Army in suicide prevention and intervention, and as someone who has intervened in the threatened-and-thankfully-prevented suicides of some, I was saddened to hear that on Monday “Mork” had hanged himself. Honestly, I was not all that surprised though. I do not claim to have an inside view of the life and times of Robin Williams. He was pretty public about his long-standing struggles with substances. However, when I was in theological school, I had a friend who knew Robin in high school in California, and I do know that Robin was a huge challenge for his father during the more-than-messed-up ‘60s and ‘70s.
Statistically, when I was studying pastoral counseling at the graduate level, I learned that a full 66% of ALL Americans contemplate suicide at least once. Also, while women are 4 times more often the ones who threaten it, men are 4 times more often to follow through with it; guns and hanging being the methods of choice. Regarding depression, amongst mental health professionals it is referred to as the “common cold of mental health.” Thankfully, most often it does not end like this. To say that Robin Williams was a brilliant, tortured comedic artist is an understatement. He was also as good at playing the part of the funny guy as he was a serious character. On a very few occa-
sions, he was the bad guy. Certain recurring themes wafted through his performances: huge issues with authority, becoming your best self, father hunger, suicide, but my personal favorite was his ability to reframe. Reframing is essentially recasting a situation into a different light, and it is absolutely necessary in beating depression as well as suicide. An easy explanation would be something like the following: The pessimist rich kid gets a room full of toys on Christmas Day, and after playing with them briefly, starts complaining that he is bored and wants something more. The optimist poor kid gets led on Christmas Day to a stall full of horse manure and says, “With all this poop,
there’s GOT to be a pony in here somewhere!”
Robin “re-framed” in Hook and rallied the Lost Boys. Robin “re-framed” in Aladdin and drew forth a prince. Robin “re-framed” in Jumanji and taped over his lonely past. And lastly, he most notably “reframed” in Mrs. Doubtfire and became the father he had both longed to have and to be. I only wish he could have re-framed one more time and ultimately defeated his demons. Au revoir, Robin, we shall indeed miss you.
Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com
I remember seeing the opening scene in a 1997 film he made with Billy Crystal entitled “Father’s Day.” In it, he has a pistol in his mouth, and before he pulls the trigger gets a call that interrupts his intention to end his life. Although to some he may have made it funny on some level, by that time I had already been involved in interventions, and way back somewhere in my emotions I had the feeling that the scene he was playing was probably way too close to reality. It made me squirm, and now I know why.
Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 24
August 15 - September 4, 2014
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All Things Soldier
Is The Navy Nixing The Gideons? by Ali Elizabeth Turner
It seems that there is no more skillful use of evasive language than when the military is under pressure from the government to become ever increasingly politically correct and secular. For the purposes of this article, we are going to discuss a gobbledygook memo that was recently circulated by the Navy in regard to the “official policy” when it comes to placing or keeping Gideon Bibles in the vacation lodges that are part of the DOD’s R and R system utilized by members of the Navy.
“The present-day route is to eliminate all religious product from Navy Lodge visitor rooms,” go through an e-mail to a Navy chaplain from The Navy Trade Company Command (NEXCOM). “For all those Navy Lodges with religious materials at the moment in guest rooms, the Navy Lodge Basic Su-
Weinstein of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and he has been after the Navy to nix the Gideons for 7 years. Mikey was thankfully prevented from accomplishing his goal of removing scripture from the white message boards posted outside the rooms of Air Force cadets. Here are some of his comments:
pervisor will speak to the Installation Chaplain’s workplace who will give steering on the removal treatment disposition of these products.” “Give steering,” don’t you love it? No one would have paid all that much attention to such an egregious suppression of religious liberty, as it appears that the lodges have some degree of autonomy
as to what degree they will comply. However, housekeeping staff have told various news outlets that they were instructed to take the Bibles placed by the Gideons out of each room so they could be disposed of. An official NEXCOM spokesperson added to the confusion by stating the following: “Lodge professionals are coordinating with foun-
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Therefore, if you refer to what the Gideons have done for over 100 years as placing “spiritual substance,” in hotel or military lodge rooms, you remove yourself from being responsible for prohibiting the presence of the all-time best seller, better known as the Holy Bible.
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dation chaplains about the disposition of all spiritual substance,” she said. “Spiritual substance?” Is that like a “controlled substance?” That is distancing language if I have ever heard it, and I’ll explain what I mean by it. When you are trying to remove yourself from any link to a thing or concept that is not acceptable, either in your view or someone else’s, the first and best way to accomplish your goal through the use of language. An excellent example is using the term “products of conception” when talking about an unborn child. If you distance yourself from the fact that this is a baby, you can justify killing it.
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“FFRF is delighted to study that NEXCOM has taken critically its constitutional obligation to continue to be neutral toward religion as a consultant of our federal government,” FFRF Sam Grover instructed me. “By getting rid of Bibles from Navy-operate [sic] lodges, the Navy has taken a stage to be certain that it is not sending the impermissible message that Christians are favored more than friends with other spiritual beliefs or more than individuals guests with no faith.”
Mikey, the Bibles are in a DRAWER!! You don’t have to open the drawer, you don’t have to take the “spiritual substance” out of the drawer, you don’t have to open up the “spiritual substance,” you have a choice here. I guess you would not have been very happy with FDR, who insisted that every soldier who fought in WWII be given a Bible courtesy of the US government. Well, Mikey, we no likey, and this ain’t over, pal. Athenians, contact your legislators and join in the fight to keep the Gideons doing good for our servicemen and women.
August 15 - September 4, 2014
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Calendar of Events Zombie Fun Run Aug 16th
Athens Greenway Trail. Swan Creek Park, Athens High School U.S. 31N, Athens, AL. The Zombie are coming to help win the battle against cancer in this Limestone County Relay for Life event. Runners will have to outrun and dodge zombies to avoid being infected. Non-timed, It’s “Survivor or Infected” at the finish line. Waves begin at 8:00AM and continue throughout the day. Registration is $20.00 and includes a Zombie Survival Shirt. Spectator Seating is available for $5.00. For more information, ina4relay@gmail.com.
Redfest V Aug 16th
Redfest Venue. 29464 Hope Lane, Toney, AL. Get ready for a day of musical talent to keep you tapping, clapping and having fun. Featured lineup includes: Section 8, Doubleshot, Free Range, Leah Seawright with Mark Herndon Alabama, Todd Stovall with a special group on muscian friends doing a George Strait tribute along with some “real” country hits. Don’t be surprised if a few special performances take place. Family-friendly. Food vendors. Bring your lawn or camp chair. All proceeds go to “The Caring for Caden Fund”. Gates open at 5:30PM. Admission is $10.00 per person; $15.00 per couple.
Alabama Audacious Women: Petticoats, Politics, and Prisons Aug 19th
Dance, Dance, Dance Aug 22nd
Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL. Join instructor Dewain Cooper for the basics of dance. Fee is $15.00 and includes light refreshments. Pre-registration required. To register please visit the Lifelong Learning Center Page or call 256-233-8260.
Dock Ingalls Harborn, 802B Wilson Street NW, Decatur, AL Page 6
Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Aug 23rd
John Barnes Park, 30510 Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. Join the Ardmore AL/TN Chamber of Commerce for a day of music, fun and vendors. Join the conversation at Facebook. Visit the Chamber Crape Myrtle page. For more information, Wendi Brake 256-278-5524.
2014 General Joe’s Car Show Aug 23rd
Joe Wheeler State Park 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL Come enjoy the classic, custom, street rod and muscle cars as the roll in at Joe Wheeler State Park. Register your ride today with the registration form.
Temple Grandin Aug 28th
Sandridge Student Center Ballroom, 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL. The Center for Lifelong Learning will host two performances by the Seasoned Players Program from 11:30AM1:30PM. The play, My Name is Julia, written by Kathryn Tucker Windham is a one woman show about Julia Tutwiler looking back on her life starring Carole Armistead. Sunbonnets to Suffrage: A five person reading about women who shapes our state’s early beginnings will also be presented. Fee is $15.00 and include lunch. For more information or to register athens.edu/cll/personalinterest.php?category=PI or 256-233-8620.
Summer Lunch Cruise Pickwick Belle Aug 23rd
Departing from the dock at 12:00PM, return 2:00PM. Come and enjoy a summer day on the Tennessee River aboard an authentic paddle wheel river boat with live entertainment featuring Danny Churchwell. Menu: To be announced Cost: Adults 12-55 years $29.99 + tax & gratuity per person; Children 3-11 - $21.99 + tax & gratuity per child. Reservations Required. Pickwick Belle reserves the right to cancel a cruise if minimum number of passengers is not met - please call for reservations. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-936-2355
Livingston Concert Lecture Series of Athens State. Carter Gymnasium, Athens State University Pryor Street, Athens, AL Temple Grandin, advocate of Autism awareness, will be the speaker with a question and answer portion to follow starting at 7:00PM. Free and open to the public, seating is limited and reservations required by emailing grandin@athens.edu. For more information, please visit www.athens.edu/grandin
2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament Sept 6th
Friends to Elect Eric Smith Sheriff sponsor a 2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament, at Southern Gayles Golf Course. Tee Time is 10:00 am. Cost is $65.00 per person. Registration form can be got at the golf course or can contact Donnie Smith 256-497-7002 or Eric Smith 256-777-1998.
Joy’s House Mega Sale Fundraiser Aug 30th
Corner of U.S. Highway 31 and Roy Long Road, Athens, AL. Come snag a deal from the variety of clothes and household items and support Joy’s House Women Shelter from 7:00AM-12:00PM. This sale will go on Rain or Shine.
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August 15 - September 4, 2014
Special Feature
Balance Fit Lab: The Boutique Approach To Fitness by Ali Elizabeth Turner
Debbie Kulmer is well known in our local fitness community, having been part of the team of trainers that opened up the Athens Limestone Hospital Wellness Center where she taught spinning and group fitness. Prior to opening up the Wellness Center, she worked at the Athens Athletics Club as their Aerobics Director as well as Manager, and as an Instructor at Moran’s Sports and Fitness. She also rented space and taught classes as a contractor at Steve McGlockin’s Lions’ Den, teaching, (among other things,) the use of kettlebells, which I’ll talk about in a bit. Debbie will be the first to tell you that she got into the personal training and fitness profession “for all the wrong reasons.” She had worked out off and on after her first pregnancy, but by her own admission had been more of a couch potato. By the time her second child was born, she says she couldn’t afford a gym membership. “Becoming a group fitness instructor made it so I could get paid as well as have free day care while I worked out,” she said. It was in 1991 that she received her first of many group fitness instructor certifications, and while getting a good workout and free day care may have been her motivation back then, it is easy to see now that her true passion is giving the kind of personalized training that can help someone handily achieve their fitness goals. “I do not work out with my clients,” she said. “That session is not for my personal workout, it is for focusing on them,” she said emphatically. She has clients as varied as former Athens City Councilwoman Dr. Millie Caudle, who is in her 80s, to a young woman who is a helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan, home on leave. She is equally adept at challenging clients of both genders at any level of fitness to becoming
their personal best. So, what is a “boutique gym?” Just like a boutique retail clothing outlet, a boutique gym is small, not at all designed to cater to the masses, and offers a much higher level of personal care, training and attention. Balance Personal Training’s Fit Lab, located in Athens at 800 US Hwy 72 W., Suite L does not have the kind of equipment often seen at other facilities, such as treadmills, elliptical machines, or weight lifting benches and spotters. Rather, it operates out of a “functional fitness” approach, with your own body weight serving as the lion’s share of the “equipment,” enhanced by a few specially selected pieces that give maximum results in less time. At the Fit Lab there are spinning bikes, Rus-
no one made you feel like a piece of meat. I had first become aware of kettlebells while I was
sian kettlebells, smash balls, sand bags, and the TRX body weight suspension system. I attended a Mega Blast beginning at 6:30 am on Saturday, Aug 9th in order to experience firsthand what Fit Lab had to offer, and I was impressed. I was most interested in learning how to use kettlebells, a set of weights developed by the Russians and used extensively for decades throughout the former Soviet bloc. At the Mega Blast, there were people of all sizes, shapes and skill levels, and everyone went at their own pace. “Miss-3Percent-Body-Fat-With-ASix-Pack” was right next to several who could not make that claim, and the encouraging, cooperative energy in the room was palpable. Everyone was helping each other, and
in Iraq, but had no experience with them, and wanted to learn more. The history of kettlebells is as enigmatic as it is interesting. Kettlebells are thought to have originated in Greece, and then migrated to Russia in the early 1700s. The weights were initially designed to be the counterbalance that would determine how much a load of grain weighed, and during slow times the workers would use the weights to increase their
August 15 - September 4, 2014
Debbie Kulmer, owner of Balance Fit Lab, demonstrates the use of kettlebells, and helps a “Mega-Blaster” with her form.
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strength by swinging them. Eventually competitions arose and the rules were codified. In 1948, it was hailed as the official “folk sport” of the Soviet Union, but women were not allowed to compete in “kettlebell sport” until the 21st Century. Debbie would like to specifically thank Steve McGlockin of the Lions’ Den for taking a chance with her when she introduced kettlebells to North Alabama. “I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if he hadn’t taken a chance with me when no one else would,” she said. Debbie travelled to Michigan to get her training, and while some certifications can be achieved in a day, the training she took lasted for a week. “It was brutal, and worth it,” she said. Learning how to use them at first is not easy, but totally enjoyable. Debbie requires that someone come in for a separate training session on the kettlebells before they join a Boot Camp class, Mega Blast, or any other group activity. “Safety is always going to be our greatest concern, and people are going to be safer and get better results if
they are trained properly.” I couldn’t agree more. In addition to the Mega Blast that I attended, Balance Personal Training LLC’s Fit Lab also offers the following specialty classes: Urban Boot Camp, SPINNING 8 Week Weight Loss Program, Train2Run, and X-TREME Fitness Makeover. If you are looking for a “boutique gym,” Balance Personal Training’s Fit Lab is it. If you are looking for a highly trained and experienced trainer who can strike the balance between “drop and give me 20,” and cheering you on as though you were running the 4 minute mile for the first time, Debbie Kulmer is your gal. For more information, please give her a call at 256777-2519, or email her at balancept@gmail. She is also on Facebook at Balance Personal Training’s Fit Lab.
Balance Personal Training’s Fit Lab 800 US Hwy 72 W, Athens, AL 35611 256-777-2519
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
Sonny, Cher, And Fixing Potholes by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie will be the first to tell you that he could not have become who he is today if it were not for his wife, Sandra. Recently the two of them had a new opportunity to demonstrate a near half-century of successful partnership while attending the Athens High School Class of ’64 reunion, which was held at the Athens Senior Center. AHS is Sandra’s Alma Mater, and Mayor Ronnie graduated from Tanner High School in 1962. Jackie Greenhaw produced yet another memorable event, with Athens City Attorney Shane Black playing the part of Dick Clark of American Bandstand. “Dick” brought the Markses onstage as the last act, and their job was to impersonate Sonny and Cher. They lip-synced the Bono’s monster breakout hit, “I Got You, Babe.”Sandra was Sonny, toting the flowers that would illustrate the line in the song that says, “I got flowers in the spring,” and our ever-reserved-and-ohso-shy Mayor was Cher, complete with a long wig, and a long dress. “Dick Clark” said that this would probably be their only performance . . . ever. Pity.
that we met was one of those days, even though the fun he and Sandra had enjoyed over the weekend had been considerable. We had much about which to pray. The ongoing challenge for a conservative mayor, no matter the size of the city, is to strike the balance between helping the city to function well, (essentially as a civic business that draws new business to it while studiously avoiding becoming “the Company store,”), and to maintain prudent fiscal as well as constitutional philosophical responsibility.
works for the City. That would be the Human Resources Director. After 16 years of service, Sharon Saey, the City’s HR Director, retired on the 31st of July. “She did a good job, and filling her place is not going to be easy,” Mayor Ronnie told me. “We have 20 applicants, and at least 10 would be great at it,” he added. It is going to take between 30 and 60 days to go through all the applications and find the person who is the most qualified and the best fit for the City of Athens corporate culture.
One of the things that a city needs to do continually is improve its government operations, and Athens has a staff of over 350 to manage and lead effectively. The department heads are essentially responsible for their own teams, and all of the employees have someone whose full time job is to look after everyone who
We talked about all the infrastructure improvements that are being made— roads, sewers, sidewalks, and the reopening of Old Highway 31, with the replacing of the former bridge that has long been closed. The new bridge and road will come out right across the road from the Athens Wal-Mart on 72. “The developers put
Being in the public view always puts a person in the position of drawing criticism, and while Mayor Ronnie’s joy is as legendary as his sense of humor, I have seen him at times prayerfully wonder just what should be the best next step in his service to our city, a calling he takes most seriously. The Monday
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about 300,000 dollars into the road project, so that the road that goes through there will serve the community well for a long time,” he added. He also mentioned that the “new Old Highway 31” will also open up the land for business and easy commercial access, and in other locations there are more potential economic developments that are looking like a “lock” for Limestone County, a blessing indeed. We took a look at what is still to be mined from Seamless City, and in the chapter on Improving Government Operations, George W. Bush is quoted as saying that one of the most important things a mayor can do is make sure that he “fixes the potholes.” It is a simple enough concept, and the idea is that if a city can stay on top of its potholes, it can handle whatever else can come its way.
What not only could, but is definitely coming our way is growth, and our Athens City School system is preparing for both building new schools, and the 64 year old Athens Middle School is going to need an overhaul. Regarding other “overhauls,” Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant has upgraded its entire security system, both in terms of resources and the training of its personnel. We have talked often in years gone by of the need for a much higher level of protection at the plant since 9/11 made it clear that there are those whose purpose in life is killing themselves and us because we are infidels, and the upgrade is a definite answer to prayer. Being optimistic while being “a watchman on the wall” in regard to public safety is another balance he has to seek. “Public Safety has always and will always be our number one priority,” he said. Currently he is happily slogging through the budgets with Annette Barnes. “She is sharp,” he said, and again I thank God that we have people who both love to do it and are good at it.
As always, the time flew by, and thankfully we had time to pray before he had to go to a difficult meeting with a disgruntled citizen. It was indeed a “day in the life,” and that is how Ronnie rolls.
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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum
Mr. Callander Goes To France! by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum
Amazing things are continually happening at the Alabama Veterans’ Museum! Our August 2nd Coffee Call was certainly no exception. This month we
were lucky to receive a very special donation from one of my favorite heroes, Mr. Sherwin Callander. The following is a bit about how he came to make this donation.
If you have watched the news, picked up the paper, or have been on Facebook recently, you have probably heard of Mr. Callander and his invitation to return to France
Visit smart.athens.edu to get started. Page 10
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for a D-Day remembrance ceremony. Well, getting there was an adventure in itself! A WWII hero who was actually stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked (but was lucky enough to be away from port), Callander landed at Utah Beach as part of the invasion on the French beaches. When invited back by the French government for a 70year remembrance ceremony, Mr. Callander, didn’t realize he was going to have to pay his own way. However, thanks to his granddaughter, Elaine Oakes, and the media, he was able to raise over $10,000 to finance the trip.
lander was declared a citizen retroactively. He did still take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. Upon hearing of his dilemma, the officials with Immigration declared him a citizen since birth and his passport was expedited just in time to board the plane!
Thinking the hardest obstacle was behind him, imagine his surprise when he went to get a passport and they told him he was not an American citizen! Born in Canada in 1920 to an American mother and Scottish father, he believed he was a citizen all his life. “I went through all my schools saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag every morning. You had to do that when I went to school. And then I joined the Navy. And nobody asked me for proof before until I wanted to go to France.”
Upon his return, he realized he had money left over and he decided to donate that money. “I never realized there were so many wonderful people in the world who were willing to help a stranger. And my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for what you said and what you donated! With excess funds, we are donating to the Athens Veterans’ Museum in Athens, AL where I am a member--they are needing to add on to their building for all the artifacts they have stored in their attic. The rest will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Thanks again!”
Callander could not provide proper documentation to prove his citizenship for a passport. Prior to 1994, one could only be granted citizenship through their father’s side. Luckily that was changed and Mr. Cal-
While in France, his adventure continued. He attended the French National Assembly, had lunch with United States President Barack Obama, was serenaded by young Polish girls, and even gave Nancy Pelosi his business card, which if you have never seen says “so many skirts, so little time.” All of this while celebrating his 94th birthday!
Daily we walk in the shadows of heroes; Mr. Callander is truly one of them.
August 15 - September 4, 2014
Press Release
Mike Blakely, Sheriff
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office P.O. Box 889 Athens, Alabama 35612 (256) 232-0111 Phone (256) 233-6473 Fax www.limestonesheriff.com _____________________________________________________________________________
by Paul D. Cain
ports to the field through today’s sheriff’s office the mobile data terminals and the unique responAugust 8, 2014 sibilities they face every Today the Limestone in the cars. day. By incorporating This system is very user County Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor Lt. Tammy From: Sheriff Mike Blakely those needs we believe friendly and the training rolled out the second Waddell describes mapping changes with phase of a three-phase this week has resulted in we have developed the the new ADSi Computer Aided Dispatch Press Release information technol- a seamless transition for most thorough software product on the market our employees and data system that went live today at the Limestone ogy project that we have today for sheriffs across systems alike. The feaCounty Sheriff’s Office to Dispatchers Ross been developing for the last several years. This tures of the systems will this Country.” Hargrove and Nick Thompson. Today the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the second phase of a threemorning we moved into enhance our mission and information technology projectefficiency that we have been developing for the last several will increase a phase Computer Aided Disyears. This morning we moved into a Computer Aided Dispatch system that has been for our dispatchers and patch system that has alike.for The result developed and tailored specifically Limestone County. It will also share data across been developed and tai- deputies will be getting the right lored specifically for the same platform with the Jail Management System that we implemented last year, help to the right place in Limestone It will and the County. Records Management System that is being developed. also share data across the the quickest time for all same platform with the our citizens, and saving The new CADSystem system will replace numerous all the relevant data in thepen-and-paper duties the dispatchers have Jail Management process. routinely conducted the years with an electronic command and control system that we implemented lastthrough The company that develyear, the Recordsmonitor real-time. theyand will constantly With the enhancements and mapping, every call oped the software is ApManagement System that should be dispatched in 45 seconds or less. We will soon be adding Automatic Vehicle plication Data Systems, is Location being developed. to all our patrol vehicles so they too, can be monitored real time as they The new CAD system Inc. (ADSi) and they are respond to calls throughout the county. This will also extend the writing of reports to the will replace numerous based in Southaven, MS. field throughduties the mobile datahave terminals in the cars. been developpen-and-paper the They On Thursday, Sheriff Blakely was invited to attend the Limestone County dispatchers have routine- ing software for law enCooperative Board of Directors meeting at the Belle Mina Substation. One forcement, courts, fire, lyThis conducted through theuser system is very friendly and the training thisofweek hasimportant resulteditems in aon seamless the most the agenda was to honor Mr. H. L. King for EMS, and the US Military years with an electronic transition for our employees and data systems alike. 54 The features of the systems years of service to the people ofwill Limestone County as a member of the for over 30 years. Joel command and control Board. Photo from left to right, back row: Gregg Blythe, Jimmy Newby, H. L. enhance our mission and will increase efficiency for our dispatchers and deputies alike. system they will con- House, CEO of ADSi reKing, Tony Black, Matt Haney, Sheriff Blakely. Front row: Stan Usery, Brent The result be getting the right the right place in the quickest time for all our marked “Wehelp aretoproud stantly monitorwill real-time. Shaw, John Curtis, and Perry McNatt. Photo courtesy of Roy Crossfield. citizens, and saving allthe the relevant data in the process. Limestone County With the enhancements and mapping, every call Sheriff’s Office went live this morning with CAD should be dispatched The company that in developed the software is Application Data Systems, Inc. (ADSi) and as we add another module 45they seconds or less. We are based in Southaven, MS. They have been developing software for law will soon be adding Au- to their system. We look enforcement, courts, fire, EMS, and the US Military for over 30 years. Joel House, CEO tomatic Vehicle Location forward to going online remarked “Wewith are proud the phase Limestone County Sheriff’s Office went live this their next for toof allADSi our patrol vehicles CAD as we add another module Records Management by to their system. We look forward to going somorning they too, with can be monithe end of the year. Sheronline next tored realwith time their as they re- phase for Records Management by the end of the year. Sheriff Blakely has helped us spond to calls throughout Blakely has helped us iff in development by sharing the specific needs of today’s sheriff’s in development by sharthe county. This will also office and the unique responsibilities they face every day. By incorporating those needs extend the writing of re- ing the specific needs of
we believe we have developed the most thorough software product on the market today for sheriffs across this Country.”
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Clean and Green
Run It... Walk It... Jog It: 11th Annual Duck & Run 5K and Fun Run by Lynne Hart Packet pickup and late registration will be held on Thursday, September 18th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville, and on Friday, September 19th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the KALB office, 125 East Street in Athens (across from Big Spring Memorial Park). Race day registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. All registered runners will receive a race t-shirt and goody bag. Pre-registration will guarantee size.
Looking for a run that is mildly challenging in which you can choose your own pace? The KALB Duck & Run 5K on September 20, 2014 is for you! Our certified run will take participants through historic Athens with tree lined streets and lovely homes. The course also winds through downtown Athens and the Courthouse Square. The 5K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the Fun Run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Each will begin and end at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. Last year, race day was overcast and rainy. This year we are hoping we’ll be singing the lyrics of Jesus Jackson’s song “I Must Be Running On Sunshine”; however, the race will go on rain or shine! As a fun and helpful addition, Pam Hartmann of Retrobics will be there with lively music to help everyone warm up for the race!
Awards and Prizes A 5K awards ceremony will follow shortly after the run. Registration
Why Do We Fundraise?
Pre-registration is $20 and must be postmarked by 9/13/14. Late and race day registration is $25. Fun Run registration is $10. Registration can be completed online at www.Active.com or www.KALBCares.com.
KALB is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are freestanding. In other words, we are not a department of the city or county. We are grateful for appropriations provided to us by the County Commission and City Council, but that money does not fund our entire budget.
Packet Pickup / Late Registration
Awards will be presented to the first place overall participants, first place masters (over 40), and to the first three finishers, both male and female, in each age category. A Mid-Pack cash award will be presented and a cash drawing held. Winner of the cash drawing must be present to win. HealthSource Massages HealthSource of Athens staff will be present to provide $1/ minute massages. This is not limited to race participants! Anyone can enjoy a massage! All proceeds from the massages will be donated directly
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to Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, so be sure to bring some cash.
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Although our annual budget is small compared to some organizations ($70,000), this money must cover salaries of one part-time and one full-time employee, utilities, office supplies, insurances, phone and Internet service, and events for the year. As you might imagine, KALB must be very frugal and wise in our spending...and we are! Fundraisers such as this race, our Wacky Quacky Ducky
Derby rubber duck race, and membership drive as well as donations help to bridge the gap that is left after appropriations. It isn’t easy keeping our programs going throughout the year while working hard to fundraise as well; however, it is something that is necessary for all non-profits. Proceeds from this event will benefit the work of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, whose mission is to empower citizens of Athens and Limestone County to take greater responsibility for enhancing their community environment. This mission is reached through programs such as Adopt-A-Spot, Elk River cleanups, providing Clean and Green opportunities at outdoor community events, taking environmental education into city and county schools, our annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, and much more. KALB is very grateful to all sponsors of this event. We offer special thanks to Fleet Feet Sports, McClary Ford, American Leakless Co., Pepsi, Eastside Pharmacy, and Limestone Drug. More information, including a course description, can be found at www.KALBCares. com, or contact Eric Patterson at duckandrun5K@ yahoo.com or call 256-2338000.
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com
Become a Fan
August 15 - September 4, 2014
Cooking with Shelley
Let’s Get Crockin’
by Shelley Underhill
I’ve never really been a crockpot kind of girl. The most action my pot has ever seen is at Christmas when I break out the barbecue sauce and those little cocktail wieners! Well, all of that has changed... My mom recently joined a crockpot recipe club online and she has gotten some really good recipes from them. And better yet, she has cooked them too. Everything from crockpot bread to meatloaf (which by the way was superb, Mom!)
This week I want to share the turkey chili. Again, I have never really been a turkey kind of girl, only at Thanksgiving. But this was so good I just had to share it with you. Hope you enjoy...Let me know if you try it. Send you questions to shelleysdesk@gmail.com
What you will need:
2lb ground turkey - fried and drained 1 cup onion - chopped 1 cup green pepper - chopped 2 cloves minced garlic 1 28oz can stewed tomatoes - undrained 2 16 oz cans kidney beans - undrained 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. cumin 2 Tbs. chili powder After turkey is prepared, put all ingredients together into crockpot and let simmer for 7 to 10 hours.
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Community Garden Growing Strong
Matthew Brannan and his team of volunteers prepared the beds and planted the gardens.
Daisy McCormack accepting produce from the Community Garden at the LCCI food pantry
Let’s Get Ready to Celebrate! Country & Rock Collide at the Milky Way Farm Show Barn Friday, August 22nd • Doors open at 6pm • Music at 7pm
Entertainment by Matt Prater and Mike Curtis & Second Creek Folks wanting to attend can purchase a $15 ticket by going to www.milkywayfar.org, emailing info@milkywayfarm.or or calling 256-710-8826 or 931-808-2281
Fun night of Music, Food, Drinks & Desserts All proceeds go to Helping our friend, Bill Davis, re-open
Hickory Barn BBQ Destroyed by the April 26th tornadoes. Davis has purchased the old 6,000-square-foot Catfish Inn building on U.S. 72 in Athens and plans to re-open Hickory Barn BBQ, just in time for college football season.
ome! Ya’ll C Page 14
Milky Way Farm Concerts Sponsored By Budweiser • Shoals Outdoor Sports • Tommy Wilcox Great Outdoors www.athensnowal.com
Ya’ll C ome! August 15 - September 4, 2014
Cover Story
J&G Variety: Gearing Up For Hunting Season And The Holidays by Ali Elizabeth Turner
continued from page 1
nearly 40 years. Their store is located at 14535 Hwy 72 in Athens, and it is a legend in our town and beyond. Danny and LaDonna have found a way to give their store, (which Danny’s parents started in a less than 900 sq feet block building) the feeling of being both local and global as to their wares, and they have come to need every inch of the blue 30,000 sq foot building that today houses J&G to do so. They travel to trade shows on the West Coast as well as Texas, and look for the highest quality merchandise at the best possible prices, whether it be silk flowers, tools, camping supplies, home décor or items for pet care. However, I can say from experience that the store has the “hometown feel” that can only come from outstanding and personal customer service. Speaking from the “flower side of the house,” J& G is unique because it has more than 1,000 silk saddle arrangements on display, and close to 1,000 silk vase inserts to choose from. “Most florists have less than 100 arrangements on display,” Danny told me. In addition, they have every type of tool you could ever want or need, and all under one roof. This unusual “arrangement” came about as the result of James and Gayle Vaughn, (Danny’s parents,) opening up a small convenience store about 38 years ago with the usual gas, milk, eggs, bread, soda, and ice. Gayle started doing silk flower arranging, which were mostly created
for memorials, and it wasn’t long before that was the big draw to the store. They then moved from a 900 sq ft shop to a 5,000 square ft store, which was added on to a total of 5 times until it became the 30,000 sq ft store of today. James and Gayle realized that the husbands needed something to look through while their wives shopped for silk flowers, and the idea of “Variety” grew much bigger. They added tools with such wellknown names as DeWalt, Skil, Black and Decker, and others, and the rest is history. No other place in the Tennessee Valley can you find such brilliantly colored and carefully crafted arrangements, and at such reasonable prices. LaDonna, along with Wanda Johnson, Jody Taylor, Linda Blackwell, Brittney Chandler, (Danny and LaDonna’s daughter,) and Debbie Jeffreys are the first ones you’ll meet and see hard at work when you walk in the door. They have always taken great care of me, and one time calmly put the last touch on a ribbon cluster before we had to get out of the store due to a storm. They are so good at what they do that people come from New York, Michigan, Indiana and all over Alabama to select either an existing arrangement on display, or have one custom made, and flower making supplies have to be ordered
August 15 - September 4, 2014
J and G’s fantastic floral crew: (front row L-R) Debbie Jeffreys, Jody Taylor, Brittany Chandler. (back row) Wanda Johnson and Linda Blackwell
by the container full to keep up with the demand. The containers with flowers for the holidays will be starting to arrive soon, and as always, the store will be buzzing. Danny told me, “No one has this level of visual display. A person can go through
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the boxes of loose flowers, and pick exactly what they want for their custom order piece. No one beats our prices, either,” he told me. That is because they deal in volume, both buying and selling. They also check to make sure that the colors don’t run, and while all outdoor arrangements will eventually fade, their colors stay brighter longer. Speaking from the “hunting/hardware side of the house,” (which is held down by Danny and Zack Zirbel,) J&G is more than ready for dove season, which starts September 1st.They have added a new line to their tactical supplies called “Voodoo,” and still have a lot of Red Rock equipment. “Both are high quality, made from good material,” Danny told me. J&G Variety also carries holsters, cross draw vests, ghillie suits, all
weather backpacks, range bags, and parachute cord, along with camping and survival gear. One of the ghillie suits looks like it’s made out of Spanish moss, and they have several types of camo netting. They have cast iron cookware, percolators, camp stoves, and they even have a flashlight that shines 500 yards! So, if you are looking for anything from wedding flowers to welding supplies, come visit J&G Variety, now in its third generation of operation.
J and G Variety
14535 Hwy 72, Athens AL, 35611 Phone: 256-232-6695 Hours: Mon-Sat 9-5 info@jangvariety.com Page 15
James Curtis Turner For Limestone County Commission, District Three by Ali Elizabeth Turner
This is the second of four pieces that will appear once a month until the November 2014 election, and will discuss some of the concerns and goals James Curtis Turner has for his district in Limestone County. He has made a point over the years of making himself familiar with what
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goes on in the county and how to make it run smoothly. He is a faithful attendee of County and Athens City Council meetings, asks lots of questions, is familiar with the budget, and is an excellent listener. He brings to the election season decades of experience dealing with critical functions in a nuclear plant, being responsible literally for the safety of the lives of millions. One of his concerns, even though he is not running for a position on the School Board, is bullying. He has kids and grandkids, and the idea that kids (and even their parents) engage in behavior that can contribute to a child choosing to take their own life
because of something that has been sent into cyber-space is untenable. “The kids learn by example,” he said, and lays the blame for what they are allowed to do at the feet of the parents. He applies his distaste for bullying to politics as well. “I’m here to win, but if I have to win by convincing a child that bullying is the way, winning is not worth it,” he told me. “I’d prefer to run on a Christian premise,” he said. If James Curtis Turner sounds like someone you would like to have as part of the Limestone County Commission, then he would appreciate your vote in November.
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August 15 - September 4, 2014
Cover Story
OnMark Physical Therapy On County Line Road: Freedom Of Movement, Freedom From Pain by Ali Elizabeth Turner
continued from page 1
several invasive corrective surgeries. It was that experience that caused her to know that she wanted to be in the medical field and help people. Prior to receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012, she earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Jacksonville State here in Alabama. While awaiting acceptance to physical therapy school, she became licensed as a massage therapist, specializing in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. It was during her father’s stint at Ft. Lewis in Washington State that she fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, and when the opportunity arose to go to Pacific University for physical therapy in Beaverton, OR, she and her husband, Brandon, jumped on it. She says getting her doctoral degree in physical therapy has “been a good fit,” which is especially important, as her baby girl is not quite a year old. This office of OnMark Physical Therapy is located on County Line Road in
Madison on the east side of the Publix Shopping Center. The address is 12110 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35756. Becky could not do what she does as Clinical Director of the Madison location without her office coordinator, Melissa Hurst to support her and their patients. One of the things I like about the whole OnMark team, (besides the fact that they are genuinely caring and highly professional,) is that they have areas of expertise that they have developed specifically and greatly enjoy practicing personally. If a patient has a specific need where Dr. Becky “shines,” Dr. Tyler Tucker, Clinical Director of the Athens OnMark location, will often send one of his patients to her, and vice versa. For example, with a sparkle in her eye, and enthusiasm in her voice, Dr. Becky says, “Orthopedics are my baby, and I love it” She then proceeded to take me to “med school,” and explain in laymen’s terms things like vestibular balance
training, unilateral and bilateral vestibular loss. These conditions have to do with overcoming dizziness and vertigo that can develop as a result of a fall or stroke, and occur most often in the elderly. “To my knowledge, this is the only facility in Madison that helps people with these kinds of conditions,” she told me. In addition, the OnMark facilities are the only ones in North Alabama that use the ASTYM system to help patients who are being impeded in their functionality by soft tissue restrictions. Basically, the ASTYM approach is to use a trademarked pieces of
acrylic plastic to skillfully apply pressure to the affected area so the tissue below can begin to realign stimulate the bodies own healing process. It usually takes 8-10 treatments to stimulate the body’s healing response and cause it to actively resorb the tissue, and there are no side effects or down time. There are a number of applications for ASTYM, including carpal tunnel syndrome, post surgical scarring and/ or fibrosis, trigger finger, plantar fasciitis, low back pain, wrist sprains, tendonopathies, and more. Dr. Becky is also currently pursuing a residency and certification as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. She
is receiving additional training in “Differential Diagnosis,” which will equip her with additional skills in order to discern if a person wanting treatment in her clinic actually belongs there. In other words, because the problems associated with identifying the source and successfully treating pain and discomfort can be baffling for a health care provider, it is in everyone’s best interest
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to be able to explore the problem with a “fresh set of eyes” in order to see if the Physical Therapy approach and philosophy are going to be things unto which a potential patient will respond. I appreciate knowing that Dr. Becky is spending her own money to become more skilled at helping patients avoid spending their money unnecessarily while in the pursuit of orthopedic wholeness. I also got a chance to watch her at work, and she is firm and gentle, as well as professional and friendly. OnMark also uses what is known as the “dry needle” method to help unlock blocks or knots that can form in the middle of muscles by using fine filament needles. Dry needling stimulates the release of endorphins, which reduces pain, and de-activates trigger points at the cellular level. These are only a few of the treatments that are available for patients who are in pain, have had surgery, or need to correct problems through non-surgical treatments, and OnMark Physical Therapy on County Line is certainly a place where you will receive the best of care.
12110 County Line Road, Madison, AL 35756 Phone: 256-232-9001 FAX: 256-233-1001 Email: dmorris@ benchmarkpt.com Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8am-6pm and Friday, 8am-12pm Page 17
Health and Fitness
Rheumatoid Arthritis by Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is often called RA, is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is supposed to protect your health by attacking bacteria and viruses that could make you ill. However, with rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system is attacking itself, specifically your joints. This abnormal immune response results in inflammation that can damage joints and even organs. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in preventing joint destruction and organ damage. About 1.5 million people in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis. About three times more women than men have it. In women, it often begins between 30 and 60 years old; in men, it usually triggers at an older age. The severity varies between different people, and symptoms can change each day. Sudden increases in symptoms are called “flares.� These flares can last days or months. Typical rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include pain, fatigue, and swollen, reddened joints accompanied by long periods of stiffness in the joint in the mornings. The joints frequently affected are the wrist and hand. If a joint on one side of the body is affected, usually the same joint on the
other side is also affected. There is not currently a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are medications to help reduce the inflammation, ease the symptoms, and slow the progression. For best results, a physician should monitor the inflammation and flares with exams and blood tests to determine how your medications are working. The goal is remission, where you have very little inflammation. Self-management is very important with rheumatoid arthritis. Staying physically active is the key to keeping your joints flexible. Too little movement can lead
to joint stiffness. You need strong muscles to help protect your joints. When you are in pain and your joints are stiff, exercise is probably the last thing you want to do, but when you have rheumatoid arthritis, regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself and your joints. In the long run, regular exercise can actually reduce overall pain. Exercise strengthens bones, which is especially important with rheumatoid arthritis. This is especially important when you frequently take steroids for flares, as thinning bones and osteoporosis are side effects of long-term use of corticosteroids.
aerobics, biking, or using an elliptical machine. Resistance exercise can be with weights, elastic tubing and bands, small balls, etc. Stretching is important to maintain range of motion around your joints. Exercises to probably avoid are those that put a lot of stress on a joint such as high impact aerobics (jogging or
running) or heavy lifting. Before starting an exercise program, it is important to talk to your rheumatologist or physician. He/she can suggest a safe exercise program for you. This may include working with a physical therapist or a certified personal trainer.
With rheumatoid arthritis, your exercise routine should include aerobic exercise, resistance work, and stretching. Recommended aerobic exercises for people with rheumatoid arthritis include lower-impact activities like walking, swimming, water
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August 15 - September 4, 2014
The View From The Bridge
The Juggling Act Of ParenthoodAnother Ball Just Dropped! Jackie Warner
Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
by Jackie Warner
wave each morning.
As a working or stay at home parent, keeping all those balls in the air gets very difficult. Let’s face it, it’s truly a juggling act. We as parents and grandparents have the best intentions when it comes to making sure our children have everything they need and a whole lot of what they want, but then tend to forget to include the plan of action in making in all happen smoothly. The start of school is finally here. Yay!-Some peace of mind for a change. Who are you kidding?! It’s off and running again to morning car line, multiple practices, phone tree reminders, school meetings and afterschool pick-ups. Not at all one school, mind you, but multiple schools; and did I add they need to be picked up at the same time?! How in the world do we make this work? And yes, the next question as your child opens the door to get in the car after you have rushed across town hoping that you are not the last parent: “I am hungry, what’s for dinner?” Or better yet, “Can we stop at McDonald’s?” Oh, the things we want to say, but instead hold our peace and ask, “Honey, how was your day?” Finally, we make it home, tackle the homework assignments, eat that takeout we picked up because we were too tired to try
2.Organization is essential! Have a place for everything. Select a space for keeping up with your children’s school related actions, and then create a rule for your children to clean out their book bags daily. Place all of their notes, calendars and announcements in an assigned folder that you review at a designated time each day. 3.Hold your children accountable and make sure they complete their chores. This includes cleaning up after themselves, folding and washing their clothes, assisting with dinner and preparing what’s needed for their upcoming events. 4.Ask for assistance from peers and other parents you trust, and and cook, and prepare for bed. Then a few hours later the alarm goes off, we hit the snooze button one last time, and we are off and running again. STOP! Let’s find some balance in the chaos before we lose our sanity. 1.Start by planning ahead
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then do the same for them.
5.Remember, there is no such thing as perfect balance, so don’t set unrealistic goals. We can only do so much. Look ahead at what’s on the horizon, and make plans accordingly.
6.Be sure and put yourself on the calendar for rest and relaxation so you have the energy to handle the next juggling act. Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@ gmail.com Check out upcoming events: Website: http:// thebridge-us.yolasite. com/
and getting things prepared and ready the night before. Assist your child with picking out clothes and making lunch and snacks for the next day. Fix breakfast sandwiches on the weekend and freeze them so they are prepared and ready for the micro-
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Horse Whispering
Animal “B.E.S.T.”: Because the B.E.S.T. Animal Is A Healthy Animal by Deb Kitchenmaster Making one single phone call (to inquire if my friend had an extra wormer in her inventory) repositioned me into a new dimension with horses. I was invited to attend a clinic to learn about Animal B.E.S.T. Graciously receiving answers from several questions that had arisen, due to the fact I had never heard of this before, I made a quality decision to attend. Animal Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique (Animal B.E.S.T.) is energy work, which balances the body and updates memory patterns so animals can heal. This powerful technique provides your animal with increased immunity, pain relief, behavior stability, stimulated cellular and tissue repair, and increased performance. As an Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner, I feel for the pulse in the animal. This pulse is an energetic pulse, which may feel like a vascular pulse, but there are not necessarily any major blood vessels where you are touching. It is really an energetic pulse. Often the pulse will be a slow, rhythmic one, which may feel different in each of your hands when you first feel it. This
spasms, licking, salivating, chewing, yawning, digestive sounds, moving away from or into the point of pressure, or a noticeable change in breathing patterns. Some not-so-obvious signs would include a relaxing or lower-
is common and demonstrates the imbalance in the animal’s energetic pattern. By holding the pulse until it balances out the same in both of your hands, you will synchronize the animal’s pattern, an indication that interference has been removed. There are varied responses to the Animal B.E.S.T. treatment in both distinct and subtle ways. Some obvious reactions you might observe would be muscle
ing of the head and neck, a “dreamy” softening of the eyes, changes in facial expressions, including a relaxing of the mouth, chin or ears. Sometimes with Animal B.E.S.T., when energy is shifting, the animal may become uncomfortable and want to strike out. I would like to share with you someone’s experi-
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ence with Animal B.E.S.T. “The results that I’ve seen when my own horses have been BEST’d by Deb Kitchenmaster have truly been remarkable. Most recently my old retired quarter horse Doc has experienced some significant pain associated with founder and hip trouble. His pain was to the level that I had thoughts about having him humanely euthanized. However, I believed that as long as he continued eating his meals and greeting me every morning with a nicker, then I wouldn’t give up on him. But I felt so bad to see him in pain. The traditional pain medicines were pro-
of the BEST, Deb had him walk a small figure eight pattern a few times. With each pattern I could see that he was putting more weight on his bad foot! I was so amazed, and thankful for any bit of pain relief that she could provide. I don’t know the ‘hows’ of BEST, but I do believe in the results. Thank you Deb and the BEST Program!”
The training and the information I have shared with you in this article comes from Morter Health System, 215 W. Poplar St, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756. Telephone: 800-874-1478 or visit www.morter.com.
Thank you, Dr. Morter for touching my life that I might reach out and touch others. Thank you Julie and Greg. And last but not least, I want to thank the donkey that is seen from highway 53 in the Ardmore area. After passing my written exam and B.E.S.T.“ing” the stallion I was assigned to, my training required ten case histories on animals. While driving my Mustang convertible on Hwy 53, I was contemplating if this is what I wanted to pursue at this time in my life. In that moment of contemplation a donkey began braying and I chose “pursue.” Thank you Donkey!
viding him with some limited relief but I wanted more, so I turned once again to the BEST program. During Deb’s treatment I could see Doc getting more relaxed Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster and “tuned-in.” He started to groom me (something he Corral Connections: had never done before), as Connecting with LIFE Deb was balancing out his through a horse energy flows and breaking Animal B.E.S.T practitioner down the blockages. As part dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com
August 15 - September 4, 2014
August 15 - September 4, 2014
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Medical Update
Back-To-School Nutrition Primer: Give Kids A Healthy Head Start On Academic Success courtesy BrandPoint content (BPT) - Parents arm their kids with a plethora of school supplies, new attire and the latest technology to prepare them for a successful school year. But one of the most important components of academic success is often overlooked: nutrition. “Having adequate nutrition provides children with the energy they need to learn, and increases their ability to stay on task, to concentrate, focus and solve problems,” says speech pathologist Lauren Zimet, an expert on oral motor/feeding and picky eating, and founder of The Healthy Foundations Program. “When nutrition is inadequate, there’s an increase in moodiness and irritability and a decrease in perseverance and patience.”
For a child who loves French fries, try creating healthier versions like organic baked potato fries, sweet potato fries, or zucchini or squash fries.
Zimet notes recent studies have shown that brain development in young children is negatively impacted by inadequate nutrition. This affects learning in school as well as overall function throughout the child’s lifetime. She reports that many of her clients find that incorporating a few powerful fruits, vegetables and supplements into a child’s diet improves brain growth
and fosters success at school. 1. Avocados for comprehension-Avocados are rich in a fatty acid known as oleic acid, which builds myelin, an important part of the white matter of the brain. Myelin helps information travel through the brain and can assist kids’ comprehension of complex topics in school. 2. Berries for memoryBerries are full of antioxidants that are great for boosting brain power. Berries are sometimes referred to as “super fruits” because most of them contain fisetin and flavenoids, which are great for improving memory. Blueberries are particularly great snacks for supporting brain health. 3. Omega-3 for focus and energy-The brain is made up of 60-70 percent good fat. Healthy fats, such as omega-3s, support the brain in the area of focus, attention and memory, and they provide long-term energy too. The body needs
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these fats to build healthy brain cells and hormones, as well as to absorb certain vitamins (A, D, E, K). Experts agree that the safest, most reliable source of omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) is a high-quality fish oil supplement. Nordic Naturals offers several options in flavors that are appealing to children. Have a selective eater? Picky eaters may not be getting the nutrients essential for optimal brain health and academic success. Zimet suggests several techniques to help parents get nutrients into their kids’ meals: •Camouflage. Hide healthy new foods in small quantities within foods kids already love. For example, it’s not hard to slip some butternut squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato puree into the orange color of macn-cheese. •Bridge new foods. Take a food that your child already likes and create something healthy, bridging off the color, texture, taste, or look.
•Lead by example. Parents who want children to eat healthier must make nutrition a priority in their own life as well. Eat and snack on fresh foods and take an omega-3 supplement daily. When a parent models healthy eating in front of a child, it normalizes it for the child. Keep in mind that coercing, bribing, or forcing the child to eat new foods can also result in power struggles and be counterproductive. It also gives the child the message that healthy eating is difficult. Patience and normalizing is key. •Get creative with smoothies. Smoothies are fun, healthy snacks that are like treats to kids. It’s easy to make tasty, nutritious smoothies. Frozen ripe bananas make a great smoothie base - then mix in a little unsweetened almond milk, rice milk, or water. Add some of your favorite fruits. Strawberries make the smoothie red, raspberries make the smoothie deep pink or brighter red, and blueberries turn the concoction purple! Sneak in some avocado, which has no discernable taste when ripe, and the creamy texture is ideal for smoothies.
August 15 - September 4, 2014
Security Savvy
Game Day Safety
by Brian Black, Operations Manager of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 It’s football time! Whether you go to your local high school game, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Nashville or Atlanta, there are some things you need to do to make sure you have an enjoyable time, and not experience unexpected loss of property or injury while at the game. Much like a coach prepares his team for all situations on the football field, you need to be prepared for all situations when attending the game. One of the first things you need to be aware of is traffic flow in and out of the stadium area. Make sure you know what roads are inbound and outbound to the stadium. Remember, on game day, streets that are normally two-way may become one-way, and some that are usually open may even be closed. When you arrive and are looking for a place to park, make sure you park in a well-lit area. This will not only help you find your vehicle after the game, but it also will provide a safer environment in which to park. Most well-lit areas will have some type of security presence, be that cameras or roving patrols. We all want to park as close to the stadium as possible, and most of the time, stadiums have businesses and homes close by. You may be tempted to park in these private property areas, but be careful if you do, and make sure you have permission first.
cle towed at your expense. If you decide to park at someone’s house, there is no guarantee that the homeowner will protect your property. It is doubtful that their homeowner’s insurance will cover any damages. Make sure that you place any valuables in the trunk of your car, or cover any items that you may leave in your vehicle. This way when people look into your vehicle, it will be harder for them to know what you are leaving behind. Even better, leave valuables such as computers, tablets, or other electronic equipment at home. Ladies, when you are walking to the stadium, if you carry a purse, place the
strap over your neck and carry the purse between your elbow and body. Men, place your wallet in the front pocket of your pants rather than you back pocket. If possible, take very little cash with you. Keep your children within arm’s reach at all times; never let them wander around unattended. Walk to the stadium using welltravelled paths, and don’t go through areas that are not lit. Be aware of those around, you never know who is watching you and waiting for you to make a mistake.
how much cash you are carrying. Remember, not everyone at the game is there to watch the game. When you find your seat, you should still be aware of those around you. Now you can sit back and enjoy the game a little easier knowing you have done all you can do to protect your family, yourself, and your property.
After the game, you need to be on alert again. Wait in the stands to let the crowds move out so there is less risk of getting injured by the mass of people trying to leave. Take the same precautions leaving the stadium as when you arrived, and you should have an enjoyable time without any incidents.
When you arrive at the stadium, keep your family close together. Use cash to make your purchases, but be careful not to show
Most businesses do not allow game day parking and may have your vehi-
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