August 18th - August 31st, 2017
AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425
See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature Welleswood Wedding Venue: Southern Elegance And Comfortable Beauty... Just this past June, Lisa Elkins began to realize a longstanding dream, that of opening a... Page 5
Limestone Health Facility Spotlight On Doris Fielding... Doris Fielding was born at home on Cotton Belt Road on June 16, 1931. Her daddy farmed and it’s easy to... Page 7
From The Vets' Museum 3rd Annual 9/11 Heroes Run... It is time once again to honor the fallen while challenging the living!... Page 10
ACE LLC. SOLAR: Your Total Energy Partner By Ali Elizabeth Turner Coming off the biggest year ever for U.S. solar installations, local installer ACE, LLC. SOLAR is proud to be named one of the top Continued on page 15
The 2017 Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation Crystal Cup Tournament: Golfing For Good By Ali Elizabeth Turner For nearly 20 years, the Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation has held a golf tournament for the purpose of raising money to purchase highContinued on pages 17
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
Publisher’s Point
Ripe For Riots And Then Revival
Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Copy Editor
Yvonne Dempsey
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Web Design Teddy Wolcott
Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Paul Foreman Yvonne Dempsey Tim Lambert Rosemary Dewar Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Kimberly Hobbs Dr. Shanna Ndong
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Limestone Health Spotlight . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets Museum . . . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Kimberly . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 View From The Bridge . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . . 20
Studying people trends and history has always been something I have enjoyed, and it is an odd sensation indeed to have become old enough to have a long look back and understand in a whole new way that Solomon was right when he said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” My specific reference is to the lethal unrest in places like Charlottesville, and their accompanying ability to keep us riveted to the screen in passive helplessness. I endured the ‘60s as a young, idealistic socialist radical, and things like Charlottesville were, for a period of about seven years, nearly an everyday occurrence. And trust me, we would have laughed “snowflakes” to scorn for expressing the need for “safe places” if someone dared to disagreed with us. In my day, the Occupy Wall Street types of events of just a few years back were not accompanied by catered organic chicken dinners and time planned in to the digital protest planner to check to see if you were trending on Facebook. There was no bottled water, and you were on your own for food. We bounced along on hard wooden floors in the back of Ryder trucks, and once there was one twin mattress to sit on with which my keister never made contact. If I say much more I am going to sound like a Monty Python movie clip that starts with “We had it tough,” and that is not my point. In spite of Charlottesville and the presi-
Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23
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dent daring to say that there was wrong on both sides, I actually am full of hope because of what I know about history in this country. Before I get to that, I do need to talk about what happened during the ‘60s for a minute in order to give some perspective. Beginning in August of 1965, major riots like what we saw in Ferguson began to occur seemingly back to back,
July of 1967, and 26 people died. Also in July of 1967 was the Detroit riot; 43 dead, over 2,000 buildings destroyed. The 1968 Democratic Party National Convention had violent demonstrations. 1970 was Kent State, 4 died, 1970 and ’71 were the D.C. demonstrations, and I have two friends who were there, one of whom at that point was a friend of Bill Ayers of
The early '70s Jesus People Movement, where hippies and ministers collided, and the results were life changing for all.
and they were with regard to all manner of subjects. They centered around race relations, the Vietnam War, feminism, generalized rebellion; we were against anything and everything we called “Establishment.” We rejected our parents’ morals, work ethic, hygiene, and faith. Some of us became violent lunatics when the prevailing slogan was “Make love, not war.” It was utter madness. The Watts riot was in August of 1965, 34 people died, $40 million dollars of damage. Newark, New Jersey was in
the SDS, and is now a Christian and a conservative publisher of books, films, and a global internet news service. Then, something happened. Parents began to pray, and God began to hear. There was something called the Jesus People Movement, and it began in the midst of the utter emptiness of hippie hedonism. On the beach, people were having genuine encounters with their Savior, sometimes even while they were still stoned. Just like in the book of Acts, there were visions and dreams, and by
the droves brand new baby believers began to tell others. Was it messy? Sure. I don’t think many preachers here in Athens would be comfortable with someone’s witnessing technique starting off with “Dude, Jesus can get you higher than whatever it is you are smokin’ right now,” and I get that. But it grew, and it was powerful. Billy Graham knew it was God, David Wilkerson and Chuck Smith did, too, and by 1973 there were over 40,000 kids in Texas Stadium praising God at an event called Explo ’73, and it didn’t stop there. I believe that the prayers of desperate parents rescued a generation, and I believe it is going to happen again, and soon. If you look at the history of revival in America, the darkest times of unrest are what cause it to be birthed. I wish it were not so, but typically people only look upward when everything is falling apart, or seems to be. So, you have a choice. You can wring your hands, or you can hit your knees. Whatever your choice, get ready, because we are ripe for revival, and revival can be downright restive.
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 Infectious Innocence Of In The Stairwell by Ali Elizabeth Turner In a week when we have had historical statues being pulled down, political races heating up, and North Korea rattling its saber, it’s refreshing to have this edition of All Things Soldier be relatively fluffy. In The Stairwell is an a capella all-guy singing group comprised of United States Air Force Academy Cadets. The unusual name of the group comes from an Academy tradition of relegating new cadets to gather in the Academy’s stairwell for social gatherings. Being “sent to the stairwell” is a combination of punishment, discipline, and a privileged spot, and clearly it has great acoustics. For years they have performed on and off the Academy campus, and
slowly began to gain a reputation as a solid performing group. Stairwell was first formed in 2004, and they have gone on to gain national notoriety through the Season 12 series broadcast of NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
As of Wednesday night when we went to print, they had advanced to the semi-finals. I have been cheering them on all season, in part because I have become unexpectedly acquainted with the parents of one of the contestants.
Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)
$7
September 18th
11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm
Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4
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While their vocal production is impeccable, one of the things that makes them so endearing is the awkwardness of their choreography. It is this combination of clumsiness and charm that I don’t think could be an act. It is just who they are, and America has gone wild over them. Another thing about them that has captured our hearts at least in the South is their unfettered patriotism. They absolutely love the prospect of potentially being in harm’s way in the service of their country. “We love America and we love to sing” couldn’t be more powerful or simple. It makes me wonder, what if we joined them? What if we just decided that we were not afraid to love America, warts and all, and we were not afraid to sing in the shower or on the street? What if we chose to believe that for this great nation it is worth being in danger, and if our dance is a bit dumb, who
really cares? At the end of the day, we could say that we danced, and no one stopped us. For my part, it is my hope that In The Stairwell does well in the finals, though they are up against some stiff competition from a variety of other contestants. They have also been humble and genuinely sportsmanlike when dealing with winning. It is what I would expect from those who are being trained to be “officers and gentlemen,” and it is a joy to behold. Lastly, the bond of pure loving unity that has been forged by In The Stairwell as a result of the years that they were having to hangout “in the stairwell” is powerful. These guys genuinely care about each other, and win or lose, I do believe that they will remain friends forever. They are of every color and background, with a common purpose that I hope becomes infectious.
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Special Feature
Welleswood Wedding Venue: Southern Elegance And Comfortable Beauty by Ali Elizabeth Turner Just this past June, Lisa Elkins began to realize a longstanding dream, that of opening a genuine Southern wedding venue in Athens, Alabama. Lisa is a Florida native with an “Athens attachment” her daughter and grandchildren live here, and her sister Tammy Jones works with the property manager of the Gilbert family land holdings. Lisa’s niece lives right behind the elegant plantation that for several years has been known as Madelyn’s in the Grove. “Let me know the minute it becomes available, if it ever does,” Lisa would tell Tammy, and when it popped up for lease in May, Lisa was ready to move. She retired from 27 years at Oldcastle Lawn and Garden Supply in Florida, and relocated here. Her husband Richard owns an auto supply store in Florida, and backed her bold move with blessing as well as financial investment. “I absolutely could not take this risk if it weren’t for Richard, Tammy, my family and my friends. I am so grateful I can hardly express it,” she told me heartily. The whole crew has worked for months from sunup to nightfall to get the house and grounds at 1005 Elkton Street in Athens ready
to open this fall. Captain T.L. Wells owned the first home on the property, which unfortunately burned down. The property we see today with its long drive, gorgeous oaks, eight fireplaces, stained glass windows, beveled glass doors, old-style porch swing and sturdy wooden Amish rockers was purchased by the Gilbert family in 1908. They have owned it ever since. In Captain Wells honor, Lisa decided to name her business Welleswood Wedding Venue, but her dream is much greater than for weddings only. “I love people, and I love bringing people together. I want this place to be busy with weddings, family reunions, bridal showers, baby showers, high teas, seasonal and holiday events, and more,” she said. For many years in Florida, Lisa had an event business on the side, and in preparation for “going big,” she began to collect all manner of event supplies from elegant serving pieces to Royal Albert china, to linens, to silver tea and coffee sets, to holiday decorations to theme props. She is ready for just about anything! On Monday, August 21, which is the same day as the total so-
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lar eclipse, Lisa is going to have her Open House/ Soft Opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to come tour the grounds, get some information, see what’s possible, dream some, enjoy refreshments, and wish her well in her new endeavor. On Thursday, September 7, at 4 p.m. she will have both a ribbon cutting ceremony through the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Grand Opening celebration immediately following. The Grand Opening
The Welleswood Women: from left, Lisa Elkins and her sister, Tammy Jones
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will feature wedding and event planners, Jeannie Pirtle of Nip and Tuck Florist, Keith Zemnes of KBZ Photography, Metropolitan Disc Jockey and Special Event Lighting, wedding cake, and more! The upstairs at Welleswood is ready for the bridal party, and is beautifully appointed. The bride has her own dressing room, the bridesmaids have theirs, there are several vanities in each room for applying makeup, and a salon chair for doing hair. “Most often the guys want to get dressed somewhere else,” Lisa said, “but if they want to do that here, we can pull the doors to the parlor closed, and they will have plenty of room to get ready and still not see the bride and bridesmaids.” Many couples get married between the columns at the top of the steps, and the stairs function as perfect descending staging for the wedding party. Some prefer to tie the knot at the bottom of the steps; some enjoy saying their vows between the oaks or in the garden. Whatever the outdoor configuration, Lisa
has 150 white wedding chairs as well as 15 round tables and linens for outside on the lawn. For an indoor wedding, a party of 75 can be comfortably accommodated, and Lisa is very flexible, ready to meet the needs of her guests. As I sat out on the expansive wraparound porch in one of the Amish rockers interviewing Lisa and meeting Tammy, I was overwhelmed with the sense of timelessness and peace that pervades Welleswood. I felt as though I had stepped back in time to an era when people were not in so much of a hurry and took the time to fully enjoy what the French call ambience, the “character or atmosphere of a place.” The trees, the songs of the birds, the horses next door, the porch swing, all of it made me wish I could be the mother of the bride one more time. Add to that Lisa’s commitment to truly serve her guests and be present and prepared for anything, and I truly believe Welleswood Wedding Venue is going to soar.
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Calendar of Events
7th Annual Elkmont Band Booster Car Show Aug 26th
Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month
Elkmont High School, 25630 Evans Avenue in Elkmont. 10am2pm. Registration is $20.00 (includes admission for 2 people). Admission: $5.00 for 11 & Up; Free for 10 & under. Concessions, vendors and live music. More info: Mike Ikard 256-431-0542; Mark McChristian 256-206-2498; or Farrah Simpson 256-777-6019.
Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com
"Build a Better World" Storybook Ball Aug 26th
Library Community Room, 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 4pm-6pm. Food, Fun, and Entertainment. Tickets: $20.00 per adult; $15.00 per child ages 3 and up (with paid adult); Ages 3 and under free. Tickets at the Circulation Desk or website, no tickets at the door.
Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday
Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10am - 2pm to answer gardening questions.
100 Year Celebration with Capshaw Baptist Church Aug 27th
14944 Dupree Worthey Road in Harvest, Al. 10:30AM with speaker Chip Dean, former Youth Pastor. Old Fashioned Pot Luck and Singing afterwards.
SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday
11:30am – 12:15pm. This class will meet every Thursday at East Limestone Senior Center at 25820 Nick Davis Rd. SilverSneaker™ Stability is a group exercise class designed specifically to keep participants “safe on their feet”. This class will include standing and walking exercises that will be beneficial in decreasing the risk of falling. Chairs are encouraged for warm-up and cool-down only. Donations for the class are accepted. For additional information, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@gmail.com.
Professional Ethics workshop Sept 22nd
ALC-Family Resource Center will be hosting a Professional Ethics workshop (4 CEU) with Dr. Mike McLemore on September 22nd. The cost to attend is $20 pre-registration; $25 at door. Location: Revival Bldg, 303 W Washington St, Athens, AL. 7:30am - 12:30pm. Refreshments and door prize drawings. Contact Tina Cook at 256230-0880 or email: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com for more details.
Shades of Bluegrass Festival Sept 29th - 30th
Back 2 School Expo 2017 Aug 19th
9am - 2pm. 17915 W. Elm St. Free admission. Door prizes, face painting, free parking. Small business owners will be set up under one roof for your shopping needs! This will be a great opportunity to buy unique gifts and shop in the cool indoors! Indoor shopping in the Cool!! Share with Friends!!! #shoplocal
Limestone County Summer Fair Aug 22nd - 26th
Limestone County Sheriff's Arena on AL-99 past the Elm Street intersection in Athens. Free parking. Gate Admission: $5.00 per person; 3 and under Free gate admission. Gate admission includes access to the Petting Zoo, the Dynamo Dogs and Vendor Lane. Armbands are $25.00 each; individual ride tickets available.
Rogersville, Al, Recreation Park, Optimist Drive. Friday 6pm 9pm, Saturday 1pm - 9pm. Admission: Friday $8, Saturday $10, both days $15. 12 & under free. Featuring: Friday - Pine Mountain Bluegrass, Iron Horse, Shades Of Bluegrass. Saturday - Grammy Winners Shawn Camp, Charlie Cushman, Johnny Warren And Kent Blanton. There will be a Shade Tree Band Contest SAT. First Prize is $400 and will perform at 8pm. Judging by audience begins at 5:30. Concessions available, venders welcome. For more information contact Facebook page - Shades of Bluegrass Festival. Dale Weathers @ 931-629-2285, Teresa Weathers @ 931-629-2413, Larry Weathers @ 256-710-3469, Bill @ Weathers Bros. Music 931-762-6055.
4th Annual Rivalry Run 5K Nov 18
Starting at 8 am. The website to sign up is rivalryrun5k. itsyourrace.com and registration is $25. Page 6
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
The Limestone Health Facility Spotlight On Doris Fielding by Ali Elizabeth Turner Doris Fielding was born at home on Cotton Belt Road on June 16, 1931. Her daddy farmed and it’s easy to tell that chopping cotton is not something that she misses at the ripe old age of 87! She went to West Limestone High School and graduated in 1949. One year later she married the love of her life, John Robert Fielding Jr. They were introduced to each other by a relative, and were married for 64 years. Together they built a thriving Harley-Davidson business, and raised two boys. She told me that when Johnny was on the road for business, he would call home every night. “We weren’t rich, but we had enough,” she said. They loved to travel as a family and would take a road trip every year. Doris especially loved Mexi-
co. She also loved being on the back of a Harley, and showed me a model of a Harley proudly displayed in her room. Within three years, beginning in 2014, Doris tragically and suddenly lost her husband and two sons to heart attacks, and the shock has been tremendous. She has been very thankful for the support she has received, and her faith is what has pulled her through.
stands to reason that “favorite foods” were near the top of this Spotlight column’s usual list.
As a family, the Fieldings fellowshipped at Market Street Church of Christ, then Salem Church of Christ. They were very active in both churches. For awhile Doris attended Athens State University back when it was Athens College. Miss Doris is quite well known for her cooking, and has even won cooking awards; so it
Favorite Psalm 23.
Favorite color? Green. Favorite food to cook? Chicken. Her Chicken Crunch Casserole is one of her dishes that is award-winning, and will be featured at the end of this article. Favorite food to eat? Potato salad. scripture?
Favorite hymn? “Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross.” Favorite book? With The Wind.
Gone
Favorite movie? Gone With The Wind. Favorite actor? Clark Gable.
Favorite actress? Maureen O’Hara. Favorite entertainer? Elvis Presley. Favorite President? JFK. “Losing him was like losing a member of the family. He was such a family man; that’s why I admired him.” Biggest change? “Losing my family.” She is also sad to see how the American family has fallen apart. Doris says that her time at Limestone Health “could not have been better. It’s clean, the conditions are great, and they treat you like family.” She especially loves the free music concerts, and enjoyed making ice cream during one of the planned activities. Best advice to young people? “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule.” Always excellent advice, from the lips and heart of a woman who knows she is highly
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blessed.
We have included Doris Fielding’s award-winning Chicken Crunch Casserole, courtesy of the Athens News Courier. Chicken Crunch Casserole ¼ cup chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cups diced cooked chicken 2 hard boiled eggs, diced 2 tbsp. chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery ½ can chow mien noodles ½ can water chestnuts, chopped ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Mix all ingredients except almonds. Spoon into a baking dish that has been lightly oiled. Bake 30 minutes at 325 F. Remove from oven and sprinkle with almonds.
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
“Without A Vision…” by Ali Elizabeth Turner “…the brownfields perish.” Mayor Ronnie was just back from Prattville, where the ADEM-sponsored Brownfield Conference had been held, and he was on fire with vision for brownfield reclamation. I had to ask what a brownfield is, as I had never heard the term. Basically it’s any type of urban site with any manner of blight, such as having been abandoned or being toxic. Pilgrim’s Pride and Love Canal are good examples, along with the recent water pollution crisis in Flint, Michigan. This conference was about having a vision for reclaiming and repurposing brownfields, and after the long process of dealing with our own inarguable eyesore, the conference was “just what the doctor ordered.” “What some folks may not know is that we are
not the only ones dealing with abandoned Pilgrim’s Pride plants,” said Mayor Ronnie. “There’s another here in Alabama, and one in Arkansas,” he added. He has a vision for what it could be that keeps him going as he negotiates the particulars of restoring a blighted sight. “So far we have passed the Phase One ADEM test, which is for above ground pollution, and we are waiting on the Phase Two below ground test results, and those will be posted for the public to view,” he said.
perimeters, the spring running through, a plaza, picnic areas, recreational sites, playground equipment, walking and running trails, and much more. “This is one of the
Pilgrim’s Pride is a 31.7 acre plot that has the potential to become our city’s Central Park. There is a conceptual drawing of various possible ideas for development such as mixed-use, which could include businesses and homes along the east and west
This is a concept illustration
most exciting opportunities, to take a blighted property and create a million-dollar project that can positively impact our city,” said Mayor Ronnie. He is looking into a number of funding sources, which include local legislation, grants, and investments.
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He also is glad that its timing coincides with the city’s bi-centennial. “It’s a bi-centennial opportunity,” he said. Essentially it would be a celebratory gift we give
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to ourselves that would give back long after we are gone. The tentative cost of the land is $550,000, which has been negotiated down from Pilgrim’s original asking price of $4,000,000. There would be walking access to the new high
school, and sidewalks put in to accommodate the increase in foot traffic that would connect the park to the rest of the city. One of the things that impressed me was the commitment to repurpose as much of the empty buildings as possible. Outfits like Habitat for Humanity would stand to benefit from all manner of building materials, thus reducing the costs of what is known in the business as “deconstruction.” The mayor has already heard from many developers who are interested in being involved, and is looking forward to moving ahead.
Another reason to get going on the project is health and safety related. The standing water now makes Pilgrim’s Pride a mosquito-producing plant, rather than a chicken-processing plant, and there are big water moccasins who think they own the place.
“We are involved in a number of projects to make Athens a better place,” said Mayor Ronnie, “and are forming staff teams to concentrate on the new Sportsplex as well as Pilgrim’s Pride,” he added. One of the things he heard at Prattville was, “You can’t give up on a blighted site; you have to have a vision for what it can be.” So then, like we always do, we prayed, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.
August 18 - August 31, 2017
Slinkard On Success
Become Obsessed With Accountability by D. A. Slinkard
D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store Have you ever taken the time to notice how much we blame other people for our own downfalls? Turn on the news, open a newspaper or listen to the conversations from the local coffee shops, it seems that someone is blaming someone else for the pitfalls of our world, of our country and our society. To me, it seems we lack accountability on all fronts. I’m not turning this into a political diatribe, but I will say that the next time we go to point fingers at someone else, we need to realize we have three fingers pointing right back at us. As I reflected on the accountability sentiments, I started seeing our societal demise coming to fruition all in that word, accountability. There was the friend who was rushing home from work because a work conference lasted longer than it should have. He was caught speeding and felt that the ticket he received wasn’t his fault but was the sole result of his boss being long-winded. Wrong way of thinking. I was at a store the other night and heard a customer blame the cashier because the customer left her debit card at the checkout. Excuse me? How is the debit card being left at the checkout the cashier’s fault when the debit card being used has the chip? The customer was at fault, not the hourly cashier. Again, wrong way of thinking. I listened as a small
child blamed her parent for the bad grade she received on a school art project because the parent didn’t buy the right crayons. Again, wrong way of
people have the wrong way of thinking. Now it’s your turn. Have you been placing blame onto others that you really need to take personal
book recently and a quote that stood out to me was, “there is no such thing as failures in life. There is only results.” I have to admit that I really, really
failure. Not true. If we are not getting the results we want, then we must change the way we go about our business. Examining what works and what doesn’t work enables us to hold ourselves accountable for our results. The next part is the truly fun part, and that is becoming obsessed about that which we desire. If you want success in a particular area then you must become obsessed with that area. The last article was about defining your priorities and this is no different. Think about how successful your priorities will be when you become obsessed with them?
thinking. Did the parent correct the child and teach about that word accountability? Nope, and once again, we have the wrong way of thinking. The examples are endless when it comes to accountability or the lack thereof. What we must do is begin to take control of our lives and realize that we are responsible for the life we have and the life we don’t have. Everything that we have gotten thus far in life is because of what we have and have not done. We cannot blame others for our failures when we are the ones that are responsible, yet too many
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responsibility for? We are all guilty of this, but we must first realize there is an issue. When we are able to lift ourselves up beyond the point of blaming others, we are able to hold ourselves accountable for what happens and doesn’t happen in our life.
liked that quote because of how true the statement is. If we are having success we don’t want to change a thing in how we are going about our business. However, if things are going bad we are quick to look at things in terminology of success and
How many times do we treat what we want to be successful at as merely a hobby? Are we going to have success? Are we going to be motivated to hold ourselves accountable? To find success in what is important to you, you must learn to become obsessed with becoming the best. When you have that obsession to succeed, you will no longer have to worry about whether or not you will hold yourself accountable.
I truly believe that if we want success in certain areas of our life, there are two things that need to happen. We need to hold ourselves accountable for the results we get, and we need to become obsessed with what we want to achieve. I was reading a Tony Robbins’
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From The Vets' Museum
3rd Annual 9/11 Heroes Run by Yvonne Dempsey
Limestone Veterans Burial Detail member and Alabama Veterans Museum volunteer
It is time once again to honor the fallen while challenging the living! Join us on September 9, 2017 for the 3rd annual 9/11 Heroes Run! Our run is just part of the bigger effort to unite communities internationally with one goal - to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and in the wars since: veterans, first responders, civilians, and military forces. A large portion of the funds raised through the 9/11 Heroes Run are invested back into the race communities to support local veterans, first responders, troops and military families. The remaining proceeds support the Travis Manion Foundation; from the previous two races over $4,500 was donated back to the Veterans Museum for various programs. Many
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have
asked
“Where does the rest of the money go, and what does the Travis Manion Foundation do with it?” From the Travis Manion Foundation website, here is where “the rest of the money goes!” The mission of the Travis Manion Foundation is to “empower veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, ‘If Not Me, Then Who...’ Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their postmilitary lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes live on in the next generation.”
As reported, over 90% of the proceeds donated back to the foundation goes to Program Services including Veteran Transition Workshops, which aid service members in leveraging their strengths, passions, and skills to thrive personally and professionally in their post-military lives. It also supports the “Character Does Matter Program” presented by Johnson & Johnson, which engages veterans and families of fallen heroes to inspire young adults to live with character, develop their leadership skills, and activate them to serve their communities in honor of fallen heroes. To date, over 200,000 young adults have been inspired to live with character and serve their community; over 60,000 veterans and survivors have been sup-
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ported by the program. There are now more than 55 annual 9/11 Heroes Runs at different locations across the country and the world, and over 4,000 volunteers have been activated to support these programs! Our run, which begins and ends at the Alabama Veterans Museum, will start at 7:00 a.m. Am-
ber Godwin Loggins (sister of our fallen hero Lance Corporal Adam Loggins) will speak at the opening ceremony. Please help us get the word out about the race. For more information, contact the museum or Whitney Hollingsworth at 256-6517507. For information about pricing and signup deadlines or to register visit h t t p : / / w w w. t r a v i s manion.org/?post_ t y p e = t m f _ 9 11 r u n _ race&p=5479#. A pancake breakfast will be held at the museum on August 19, 2017 from 8:00- 10:00 a.m. to help raise money to support the race. Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee for the low price of just $5.00! Come on out and support both of these events. The museum is located at 100 W. Pryor St. in Athens, AL.
August 18 - August 31, 2017
PlayAction Sports
New Champions And New Challenges by Tim Lambert
email: playactionsports@hotmail.com Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! Since our last report, a couple of local teams produced favorable results, the last local head football coaching job was also filled just in time for fall practice, plus another local high school athlete committed to continuing his career at the next level. The 13-year-old Limestone Hammers completed an unbeaten streak that went through the Dizzy Dean State Tournament and World Series. The Hammers began play in the World Series in Southaven, Mississippi and smothered the Germantown Allstars 17-1. They went on to blister Hazel Green 15-1 and shut out Grenada 11-0. The team advanced to the finals and a rematch with Grenada claiming the title with a 14-2 victory. The 10-yearold Limestone Wild Devils also made the World Series, but lost to Albany 14-5, followed by a close 4-3 decision to Hayesville before being eliminated by Calhoun County 6-0. The North Alabama Flames Elite basketball team won the Super 100 national tournament last month in Atlanta. The team includes Tony Shoulders, Takorian Porter and Myles Fewell from Athens High; J.T. Farrar and
Austin Harvell from Clements; Juvonne Shanes and Connor Smith from Lauderdale County; Tommy Murr from Lindsey Lane; and J.J. Jones from Tanner. The Athens Gators finished their season at the state meet in Opelika last month. While the Gators didn’t win, several swimmers received medals for their efforts. Ardmore head football coach Clint Legg resigned his position at last month's Limestone County Board of Education meeting and was hired as assistant principal at East Limestone. Andrew Smith, an assistant who is also the Tigers' baseball coach, was named interim football coach. Lindsay Lane also announced that Charles Morrison would become their new baseball coach. Although Morrison played at Wallace State, this is his first time to coach the sport at the high school level. Athens High pitcher and second baseman Jacob McNairy committed to play at Alabama. McNairy went 8-3 last season with a 1.93 ERA, 68 strikeouts and eight walks in 61 2/3 innings. His fastball has been clocked at 90 miles per hour. He also hit .407 with 18 doubles and 39 RBIs.
13-year-old Limestone Hammers capture Dizzy Dean World Series title August 18 - August 31, 2017
Athens High pitcher/second baseman and Alabama commit Jacob McNairy with Tom McClung on Applebee's Tailgate Talk Team Alabama took the Southern Junior Cup, going undefeated in singles matches on Day 2 to win the golf competition with 19.5 points. Mississippi and Arkansas tied for second place at 10.5. Athens High junior Ally Williams was part of the team, paired with Spanish Fort's Padric Sim. In preseason football rankings, James Clemens is opening their year at the fifth spot in Class 7A. Tanner is sixth on the Class 2A poll. High school football season is coming up and PlayAction Sports will be bringing Limestone County and James Clemens action to you via internet stream at www. pasnetwork.net. Replays of select games can be heard on Sundays at noon on 1080 AM WKAC. You can also download or listen to games on demand anytime by going to the website. Here is our schedule of games you'll be able to hear
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(subject to change):
East Limestone vs. Tanner
August 25 Tanner vs. West Limestone
November 3 Clements at St. John Paul II
August 31 James Clemens vs. Gardendale
Coverage for each game will begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring your radios to the game and hear our coverage on 105.3 FM while you watch.ÂŹ
September 1 Elkmont vs. Ardmore September 7 East Limestone at Mae Jemison September 8 James Clemens at Bob Jones September 15 Clements at Lexington September 22 James Clemens vs. Sparkman September 29 West Limestone vs. Elkmont October 6 James Clemens at Grissom October 13 James Clemens at Huntsville October 20 James Clemens at Buckhorn October 27 James Clemens vs. Hewitt-Trussville November 2
Upcoming events and registrations:
There will be a free Learn to Play Lacrosse clinic hosted by Huntsville Lacrosse at Bob Jones High School Turf Field on August 19 from 1011:30 a.m. for boys and girls ages 7 to 17. No experience or equipment necessary or pre registration required.
Ardmore will have a softball camp August 22 from 5-7 p.m. for grades 1 through 5. Cost is $20. For more information, contact stephen. baugh@lcsk12.org. There will also be a volleyball camp August 26 from 1:304:30 p.m. Cost is $35. For more information, call Kristin Bates at 423-5950.
Athens adult softball registration is going on until August 31. You must be 18 years of age. For more information, call 233-8740.
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Clean and Green
It’s Duck Season At KALB! by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Yes, it is definitely duck season at KALB and all you have to do is walk in our office door and it will be obvious. We have rubber ducks, Duck and Run 5K ducks, and a cute Little Duckaroo sharing space with us! Everyone in Limestone County benefits from the work we do, even those who don’t know us or haven’t financially supported us. During our fall fundraising season, everyone has the opportunity to provide financial support while having fun along the way. We know there is something going on that will fluff your feathers!
Starting and ending point of this run is Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. This mildly challenging, certified course (AL10016JD) takes participants through beautiful historic neighborhoods and downtown Athens. T-shirts, race bags, Midpack Award, a cash drawing and great snacks are always part of this event. For information on the
or glass. Ideas are endless. There are only a few guidelines and, of course, decorations must be tasteful. Ducks must be decorated and on display by 9/1/17 so that votes can be collected for “Best Decorated Duck – People’s Choice” award. There will also be a “Judge’s Choice” award. Organizations without a storefront that
Even we can’t believe this is our 17th year to race those cute rubber ducks down the spillway at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens.
DUCK AND RUN 5K Run it, walk it, or waddle it! Just don’t miss it! The Duck and Run 5K has been taking place annually since 2004. Registration is open for this run taking place on Saturday, September 16th at 8 a.m. Pre-registration fee is currently $20 and must be postmarked by 9/9/17. Late and race day registration is $25. Online registration is available at www.raceroster. com, and a printable form is available at www. duckandrun5K.com. Late registration and packet pickup will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 14 at Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville, and Friday, September 15 at the KALB Office located at 125 East St. in Athens.
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Racing ducks are getting a bath in preparation for the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby.
Duck and Run 5K, contact Eric or Leigh Patterson at duckandrun5K@yahoo. com. QUACKY DUCK DECORATING CONTEST Businesses and organizations are invited to participate in this new and fun event. KALB will provide a “naked” duck to be decorated with imagination! Make it beautiful, make it whimsical, or make it reflect your business. Just make it fun! Participants can paint it, clothe it, cover it with jewels, ceramic,
Athens Arts League and Duckagroo: Previews of two ducks entered into the Quacky Duck Decorating Contest. Duckaroo was decorated by KALB and Duck was entered by Athens Arts League. would like to participate are encouraged to partner with a business that would be willing to display their duck for more exposure. For more information on the Quacky Duck Decorating Contest, visit www. KALBCares.com and click the EVENTS tab, email KALBCares@ gmail.com or call 256233-8000. WACKY QUACKY DUCKY DERBY KALB’s rubber duck derby has been taking place annually since 2001!
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We are currently rounding up our prize list, and we are happy to welcome American Leakless Company as our new Diamond Duck Sponsor! This company has been very supportive of KALB and we are so pleased to share our growing partnership. Online duck adoptions are now open. Individual ducks can be adopted for a $5.00 donation to KALB. Dunkin’ Donuts Quack Packs are available for a $25 donation and include 6 ducks (1 free) and coupons for Dunkin’ Donuts items! Don’t forget to
name your ducks just for the fun of it! KALB will be at the Grease Festival and at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention and will have duck adoptions available. Our list of prizes is great again this year and includes the $1,000 American Leakless Co. Grand Prize, 4 Park Hopper Passes to Disney World, a $250 Osborne’s Jewelry gift certificate, and many more additional prizes! Don’t forget, KALB members received a coupon for $5 off 5K registration or one free duck in the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby. So, come on and have some fun while supporting a great organization!
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
Cooking with Kimberly
Fried Green ‘Maters by Kimberly Hobbs
I know summer is coming to an end, so let’s scurry and get some more of these delicious summer goodies in! I love fried green ‘maters so much I wish that I could can them! Oh, I've tried freezing them, the maters that is, but the outcome just wasn't delectable to say the least. But I remember my
granny going out into her garden and picking some juicy maters to slice to eat with our supper. This is one of the most requested food items asked to cook whether it’s served as an appetizer or to accompany a meal for they are deelish! I serve them with an onion relish that puts them over the top!
Fried Green ‘Maters Directions:
You will need at least 4 good-sized, really firm green tomatoes. Slice them into thick slices (1/2in). Use a dutch oven or skillet with 1/2c. vegetable oil for frying. Get it really hot (360⁰). In a bowl mix 2 eggs and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk together and add a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl mix 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs, 1 1/2 cups yellow corn meal; salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, place 1 cup of flour. Dip tomato in the flour, then buttermilk, and lastly panko mixture. Fry 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. (If you can let your tomatoes marinate in the buttermilk at least 20 minutes, it makes a world of difference) Enjoy!
August 18 - August 31, 2017
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The Millennial Mind
Pity The World by Rosemary Dewar For those who have any doubts, if you are ever approached by another who demands your silence and compliance, they are not conservative. America’s pop-culture has shown a blatant example of how they wish the world to be. It is a despotic nightmare. One’s thoughts, words, and expressions are no longer one’s own, according to the left. Any “resistance” is met with scorn and retribution. A cascade of recent events has exposed the political left’s core. Senator Bernie Sanders is releasing a book later this month titled Bernie Sanders’ Guide to Political Revolution. I don’t know how much more Leninesque one can get, but this is bordering on impersonation. Vladimir is noted to have stated, “Give me just one generation of youth, and I'll transform the whole world.” The senator seems to have no qualms following in the footsteps of a leader that lead tens of millions to slaughter. Actress Lena Dunham reported two airport attendants to American Airlines for having a private conversation about the social transsexual issue. Since their opinion dissented from her own, Lena felt compelled to hope for a reprimand. After sharing her experience on Twitter, American
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Airlines stated that they were “unable to substantiate” her claims. Lena operated on the assumption that she could become a covert operative of the group-think of the left. Actress Chelsea Handler expressed inane appreciation after hearing that Germany arrested Chinese tourists for giving the Nazi salute in front of the Reichstag building. Of course, it is distasteful. So is depriving someone of their right to free expression. The liberty to be stupid is a two-way street, whether we like it or not. Furthermore, Google first admonished and then terminated an employee by the name of James Damore for distributing a ten-page informative memo regarding Google’s haphazard approach to accomplishing “equality” and “diversity.” Damore’s detractors framed him as a hateful, ignorant, sexist bigot for refusing to comply. So much for diversity of thought. It is reported that fiftyfour percent of Google employees did not agree with the decision to dismiss. It can be expected that much of the American public shares this disappointment.
be ushered in by the conservative religious right. We see this mirrored in culture. Author Kurt Vonnegut held the opinion that the concept of socialism was simply misunderstood. He stated, “It isn't moonbeams to talk of modest plenty for all. They have it in Sweden. We can have it here… Even so, I would like to see America try socialism. If we start drinking heavily and killing ourselves, and if our children start acting crazy, we can go back to good old Free Enterprise again.” After his dystopian novels, he didn’t seem much the wiser. Although he meant to create a satire, he depicted precisely what authors George Orwell and Ray Bradbury expressed. Alan
Moore’s
V
for
Vendetta has the same fatal flaw. In this realm, the conflation of religion, conservatism, and totalitarianism is made again. It is an absolute mockery of the concept of conservatism. The character V expresses, “And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors… soliciting your submission.” It should be observed that only one side of our government is demanding conformity and censorship. The petition for safe-spaces from alleged micro-aggressions is strongly resisted by those who hold conservative ideals.
The left’s consistently amorous flirtation with fascism can best be explained by Jonah Goldberg’s Liberal Fascism and Dinesh D'Souza’s The Big Lie. Until the left recognizes that they have celebrated division and subjugation that is justified by their own warped view of morality, it is uncertain that they’ll change. The Judeo-Christian worldview loathes the idea of unwarranted judgment. God doesn’t strike a human dead within the millisecond of the very first sin committed.The left is all too anxious to use their version of morality to judge those who disagree with them. Should the culture remain estranged to liberty, the left will never find the peace it claims it desires.
The overindulgent left has yet to reconcile the fact that once liberty is limited to one, it becomes limited to all. It continues to be believed that the hand of totalitarianism will only
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
Cover Story
ACE LLC. SOLAR: Your Total Energy Partner by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
solar contractors in the United States by Solar Power World magazine. They achieved the rank of 44th for top solar developers in the country. ACE, LLC. SOLAR also achieved a rank of 328 out of over 5000 solar companies.
is ACE, LLC. SOLAR, which is the commercial construction outfit that is doing a brisk business all over the Tennessee Valley on down to Cullman. The second is ACE ENRGI SOLUTIONS LLC., which monitors every aspect of the client’s energy usage, production and savings. The third is ACE INSURANCE LLC., which provides insurance for their clients at greatly reduced rates because there is no middle man.
Chuck Boggs, CEO of ACE, LLC. SOLAR shared with me that, “We take care of every part of the project, not just the construction and installation. We make you a Speaking of projects, 3D picture of what your Athens Now featured project will look like. We an interview with Dan write the grants. We Summit 2016 BK award winners: (L-R) William Boggs work with TVA to - Vice President Operations, ACE, LLC. SOLAR, Brian achieve the correct “BK” McCarthy - CEO, President, Energi Insurance Services Inc., Chuck Boggs - CEO, ACE LLC. SOLAR program. We craft the agreement with the National Small lieve in the sun! As Annie your local utility Business Admin- said…‘the sun will come company; we guaristration, he has out tomorrow, bet your antee the system spoken with every bottom dollar that tobumper to bumper sitting U.S. presi- morrow, there’ll be sun.’ for 6 years.” He was dent starting with ACE, LLC. SOLAR does joined by Terri SutRonald Reagan, all the work for our cusphin, the Customer has been a part tomers so they can conRelations Manager, of solar seminars centrate on their day-towho added, “We do held various high day activities. We make not subcontract any profile venues, and it easy; we are a one-stop 2016 SPI Awards: (L-R) Roger Moran, Rakesh V. Murthy - Solar/Battery part of a project; we Technology Specialists, ACE LLC. SOLAR, Chuck Boggs - CEO, ACE LLC. SOLAR, even has spoken shop and your total, acWilliam Boggs - Vice President Operations, ACE LLC. SOLAR, Michael Harmon own our own equipwith Alabama’s tive-energy partner.” Vice President Engineering, ACE LLC. SOLAR ment, and we do all own U.S. Secre- We finished our time with cial facilities with over 2 the work. We also Mankins, owner of PSI, mega watts of solar pan- tary of State, Condoleezza Chuck telling me about a monitor your energy pro- earlier this spring showRice. Chuck also served new service they will be duction as well as usage casing their coming on els installed. ACE, LLC. for eight years as the presshowcasing in December. 24/7, and produce a re- board with solar energy, SOLAR will save their ident of the Pulaski Boys’ “It’s an electrical storage port once a month so you beginning with their own customers millions of dol- and Girls’ Club. system that will take you lars on their electric bills. can track your savings.” company. Dan said that he Solar is for everyone who I asked Chuck to tell me off-line, and it is EPAChuck has watched the expected to shave at least pays an electric bill each why, when people have friendly,” he said. That bugs get worked out of $6,000 dollars off of his month and wants to re- choices in the region as will clearly need to be the the solar industry to the utility bill. On September duce or eliminate it. well as nationally, should topic of another discusextent that he and his 15, the Cinemagic Theater they pick ACE, LLC. SO- sion, but for now, if you partners have been able in Athens, AL will host a Chuck brings substantial LAR as the contractor for are considering going soto start three industry celebration of their new- experience to the table, their project; he smiled lar for your business, you award-winning business- ly installed solar system. which stems from not only and answered, “Most need to call ACE, LLC. es that are all solar-relat- Other projects include having had a long and people are not aware that SOLAR today at 931construction ed. They are located in a package stores, liquor successful sunlight striking earth’s 638-4639 for your comhistorical building right stores, funeral homes, career, but in educating surface in just one hour plimentary consultation. across from the Giles poultry farms, storage public officials about the delivers enough energy to You can also go online at County Courthouse in facilities, welding shops viability of solar energy. power the world economy www.acellcsolar.com for Pulaski, TN. The first and auto related commer- As an active member of for an entire year. We be- more information.
August 18 - August 31, 2017
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Health and Fitness
Fiber by Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Eating healthy may improve your health and lower your need for prescription drugs. Dietary fiber is a component in plant based foods that is linked to a wide range of improved health outcomes, including lower cholesterol, better blood sugar regulation, improved intestinal health, greater satiety (feeling of fullness), and lower rates of certain types of cancer. Fiber is found naturally in plant foods that should comprise the greater part of a healthy diet. The typical American diet includes only about half of the daily recommended amount of fiber, primarily due to the amount of processed foods we eat. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 30 grams of fiber per day in your diet; and here are five great fiber sources. Legumes Legumes are a class of vegetables that include beans, peas, and lentils. They are some of the most versatile and nutritious foods available. Legumes are typically low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. They also contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Because they are a
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large pear has 7 grams of fiber, while a large Asian pear contains 10 grams. Stick with fresh pears because canned pears usually have added sugars and less fiber (because fiber degrades over time and is generally lost during the canning process). Peas
good source of protein, legumes can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol. Canned beans are affordable and a convenient way to get your legumes. Try subbing pinto beans for meat in your next batch of chili (or add less meat and more beans), add black beans to your burritos or canned beans to your salads, or whip up a batch of lentil soup. If you’re concerned about sodium, rinse the beans under running water first. This will eliminate about 30 percent of the sodium. The fiber in legumes ranges from 5 to
8 grams per half-cup serving. Berries While fruits and vegetables both contain fiber, fruit generally has more fiber per serving than do vegetables. One cup of berries, for example, contains 4 to 10 grams of fiber (about twice that of an apple). Blackberries and raspberries have 8 grams fiber per cup, while elderberries top the chart with 10 grams per 1-cup serving.
roles or baked goods. One ounce of wheat bran and oat bran yields 12 grams of fiber, whereas raw corn bran packs 22 grams of fiber per ounce. Pears Many fruits contain 2 to 3 grams of fiber per serving, but pears contain two to three times that much. A
Peas are one of the few members of the legume family that are commonly sold and cooked as fresh vegetables. Black-eyed peas pack 6 grams of fiber per half-cup, and even green-pea powder is popping up with 4 grams fiber and 4 grams protein per 1 ½-tablespoon serving. To check out the fiber content of some of your favorite foods, visit the USDA Nutrient Database website at http://ndb.nal. usda.gov/ndb/search. For more help with a healthy nutritious diet, talk to a registered dietician or a certified Health Coach.
Bran There are many different types of grains that contain bran. Oat bran, for example, contains soluble fiber, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels. The bran found in corn, wheat and rice is largely insoluble fiber, which can help fight constipation. Highfiber cereals often include bran in their ingredients. Or if you don’t eat cereal, sprinkle bran on fruit and yogurt or add into casse-
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
Cover Story
The 2017 Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation Crystal Cup Tournament: Golfing For Good by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
ly-specialized medical equipment for our awardwinning “Hometown Hospital.” This year the tournament will be held on Thursday, September 14, at the Canebrake Golf Club, with a rain date of September 18. Canebrake is a championship course, and the Foundation wants to thank them once more for hosting the Cup. This year’s format will again be a 3-person scramble. Entry fee includes per player, a mulligan package (one power drive and two mulligans), a gift package, access to the practice range. Lunch will be provided by 306 BBQ and begins at 11:30 a.m. The pizza will be specially made by Joe Carlucci of Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria, and will be served during the awards ceremony. There is a shotgun that begins at 1 p.m. There will be a 50/50 cash drawing, and according to Ray Neese, Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation Board President and Crystal Cup Golf Tournament Chair, “There will be two flights, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners in each flight.” The Crystal Cup is one of 3 major annual Foundation fundraising events, all of which have served to upgrade the Emergency Room, purchase state-of-the-art “smart beds,” procure a special table used in joint replacement surgeries, and provide the means to make the mother and baby wing one of the best in the area. Leah Beth McNutt,
who organizes the charitable events for the Foundation said, “Last year we were able to meet our fundraising goals, and want to thank everyone who supported us. We could not do what we do without the continued involvement of this community. We are excited about this year’s project and looking forward to meeting our goals once again.” The proceeds from the 2017 Crystal Cup will go towards the purchase of a brand new GE Panda is $20,000.00, and there are several levels of sponsorship available for the Crystal Cup as well as the other fundraising events dedicated to its procurement. For more information about this year’s Crystal Cup, please contact Leah Beth McNutt at 256233-9557, or leahmc@ alhnet.org. We hope we can count on your continued support, and thank you for believing in your Hometown Hospital! iRES Infant Warmer for the Mother/Baby Unit. The unit will replace, and upgrade, the warmer in the hospital’s C-section Room, and will make it easier to care for healthy as well as sick or compromised newborns. The scale automatically weighs the newborn, which negates the need to remove the baby from under the warmer. Its design keeps the baby warm while keeping the caregiver cool, and the Panda is portable. This unit will also improve resuscitative efforts when
August 18 - August 31, 2017
and if the need arises. The warmer utilizes the latest technology in providing thermoregulation of the newborn. The design is sleek, and increases ease of access to the infant for both the caregiver as well as the family. The iRES is equipped with a color display screen to improve communication among the care team, and features a handsfree alarm system for infection control. The cost for the new warmer
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Learning As A Lifestyle
Strengths – Based Leadership by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 We are about to launch our 3rd Annual Lunch and Learn Leadership Certificate Program. This year our theme is Strengths-Based Leadership based on the book – Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. This certificate program explores our individual strengths as leaders with a concentration on how to best optimize those
strengths in our professional and personal lives. The Strengths-Based Leadership Certificate Program meets in Athens at the Center for Lifelong Learning on the second Thursday of the month, beginning October 12. There are six meetings scheduled to complete the course. If you are planning to earn the Strengths-Based Leadership Certificate, you must complete the following: attendance / participation in five of
the six monthly meetings; complete required reading assignments in the textbook; and submit a text summary (book report). You can also attend the meetings without working towards the certificate program. This year we are expanding the program to the Decatur area. We will meet at the Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 Second Ave, NE, on the second Tuesday of the month. This Lunch and Learn features our Coordinating Lecturer, Dr Robert White and several guest speakers. The program begins with a networking lunch from 11:30 a.m. – noon. Speakers will begin their presentations at noon, and you will be ready to go back to work about 1:00 p.m. Lunch is included in the fee for the program.
you don’t plan to earn the certificate, you can register monthly. The fee for the monthly meeting is $30. You will have to purchase the textbook separately at a cost of $30. We will begin taking registrations for the series September 1. Remember we are also taking registrations for Dance classes and Yoga. The Dance classes will start with the Waltz. Waltz is the best dance to learn because it is the foundation for many other dances. Dance lessons increase poise, confidence, and are good exercise. Taking lesson is a wonderful “date night.” Waltz is scheduled on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., September 7 – September 28, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. The fee is $50/person. You can register online at
www.athens.edu/CLL or call us at 256-2338260. Yoga is Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in the mezzanine of the Center for Lifelong Learning. The fee is $5 per session. This is a Level One Class connecting postures (asanas) with breath, flowing from one posture to the next. The class includes standing and floor postures while elevating the heart rate to a moderate level. This means you will be breathing moderately but still able to speak. The teacher will show ways to increase and extend the pose or keep the pose at a beginner level knowing the participants will enjoy the class but see progress in a short time if they stick with it. Bring own mat, wear comfortable clothing.
The series fee is $175, which includes all six sessions, handouts, the textbook, and your lunch at each session. If you are not sure you will be able to attend all of the sessions or
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August 18 - August 31, 2017
The View From The Bridge
Jackie Warner
Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
Stop Giving Discounts - Know Your Worth! by Jackie Warner
Value is defined Noun- the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something Verb - consider (someone or something) to be important or beneficial; have a high opinion of I hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer and got a chance to enjoy life just a little bit more than you have in the past. This month my topic is self-worth and how we all have the opportunity to invest in each other. Are you taking too much from someone or giving too
little? I remember when I was a little girl, not more than 7or 8 years old. My grandfather would ask me this question, and I wasn’t quite sure how to answer it but I did. He asked me “Well, did you see anybody you liked today better than you did yourself?” Being 7 or 8, I remember saying to him, “Yes I did.” He scolded me and said that you never want to like anybody better than yourself! Ever! I think back so many years ago and now realize that he was preparing me to love me first and to know that I had worth without any
doubt, to be comfortable with myself, and to truly know my self-value. Today, are we as parents and role models speaking genuine worth into our children, grandchildren and loved ones? This is not a boastful or proud self-worth, but a lesson of love for self that allows them to truly love and care for the life they have. I remember while waiting at the bus stop over the years, I would always tell my daughters to radiate from within - “shining brightly like stars” - just before they would step on the bus for school. I loved them hard, but most of all I taught them to love self and know their worth.
August 18 - August 31, 2017
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Make the investment because there are so many missed opportunities. Our children look for their worth in all the wrong places - other people as evident in our high divorce rates and bad relationships, drugs, money, material possessions … the list continues. Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/
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Horse Whispering
Preparation H by Deb Kitchenmaster Preparation for a 9,000 mile tour was underway. Map, dates, specific connections were being made as a dear friend, Brian, who I met twenty-seven years ago and haven’t seen for 25 of those years, was getting ready to leave Canada and come to the United States. He was going to be involved in an event known as the Awaken Life Tour, 2017. Brian attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas, the same year my daughter was a student; that’s how we met. Interestingly enough, he is a rapper! Last year he was recording another album and one of the raps brought me to his heart. Silence was broken and a simple phone call reconnected us.
came attentive and willing to receive feedback from her horse. Confidence is being willing to try, becoming sure of what you’re doing, learning from mistakes, and functioning with an absence of fear. When confidence grows after showing up again and again, being with your horse, demanding is replaced with leading. It’s a process.
ficulty focusing; is my heart racing or my palms sweating?” And isn’t it amazing that out of all the names Abba Father could give for the Holy Spirit, it is The Comforter! Almighty God knew we would be uncomfortable in our lives and Comforter would simply make sense. What a great opportunity to build an enjoyable relationship with the Holy Spirit; the exact same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.
As you can imagine, the preparation that was required to tour 9,000 miles took time, focus, and communication. It’s very much like the preparation that takes place when you connect a human with a horse. When you’re traveling that distance, you want to set yourself up for
As perfect, unfailing love was tapping out unforced rhythms for each mile of this tour, our presence, our home, and our horses became part of the preparedness. What a joy and a delight to see Brain again, and meet his wife and two beautiful daughters! Their first visit was after they left Arkansas, and their second visit was when they returned from Florida. Each time we enjoyed horse activities. The youngest daughter is a confident, enthusiastic horse lover with some understanding and limited experience with horses. Groundwork was a new experience and reading a horse’s body language was an entirely novel way of connecting with a horse for this young lover of horses. What was interesting to witness was the outgoing, almost demanding personality of this nineyear-old become respectful once she was in the round pen with her horse. She be-
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success. Check tires, oil, fluids in your motor home; clothing; food; and water for the journey. When connecting with a horse, you want to set your horse and yourself up for success by doing the following three things: •Learn how to read your horse properly. It is here I will talk about the horse’s ears, swishing of the tail, the
eyes, head set; things like that. •Know how to respond to your horse. Is my horse scared or defiant? Do I smack or do I rub? Am I to be firm or friendly? •Utilize equine psychology, as it is an important tool. Simply put, is my horse responding to me because I am making him or because the horse wants to?
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What about you? Do you realize there is a preparation involved in learning? Ninety percent of people quit their goals before ever achieving them because of not liking what they “feel.” Many people “want it” but few people “get it.” It’s not about them or the program, it’s a lack of understanding how we learn. We ALL have a comfort zone. It’s a zone where we feel normal and neutral because there aren’t any challenges and we are comfortable. However, all learning occurs outside this zone. It’s my responsibility to step outside my comfort zone, and when I do, to pay attention to what I’m feeling.
Go ahead, receive comfort from the Holy Spirit as you step out of your comfort zone onto the edge of learning. Once you get there, feel the sensation and stay long enough to give your brain and your body a chance to occupy this new position. Discomfort can change in one of three ways: 1. It can be neutralized, with the result being a sense of wellbeing. 2. It can be changed to a completely different emotion. Fear/anxiety can become confidence/courage. 3. It can stay, but not control us. An example would be public speaking, which brings discomfort right up to approaching the microphone. We learn to cope with it and do it anyway!
It all comes down to using a Two magnificent opportuni- lot of Preparation “H,” and ties open wide to me when “H” stands for horses! I choose to do so. I become Your NEIGHbor, aware when I have a physiDeb Kitchenmaster cal sensation of discomfort, Corral Connections which is accompanied by www.corralconnections.com internal rumination. I have 256-426-7947 to ask myself, “What am I doing?” or, “Am I having a Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner headache, a tummy ache, dif- dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com
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Mental Health Minute
The “S” Word by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “I cried out as loud as I could, but no one heard me; I was too far from the people.” From Something by Hans Christian Anderson This is a sad story. And it needs to be told. A. Man spent many years working at a job that started out being something that he enjoyed, and even found somewhat fulfilling. As time went by though, he realized that he liked what he was doing less and less. He became short with his coworkers. His home life became unhappy. The longer he stayed in his position, the less motivated he became to try to
fix anything. It was just easier to stay where he was and complain. Eventually, A. felt himself becoming less and less connected to the world. He could not express his frustration and sadness. It seemed like no one cared anyway. He could sense what was left of his old life slipping away, being replaced with constant loneliness, isolation, and dread. Some people noticed, some didn’t. But no one took the time to check on A. He came to believe that his life no longer mattered, so he ended it. At his workplace, the people were shocked.
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Some even cried. A counselor was called in to meet with A.’s colleagues to help them “process.” The counselor asked for memories and stories about A. No one could think of any. No one really knew him…or took the time to. Their tears were not tears of grief, but rather because that response was expected. Two weeks later, the workplace was back to the way it was before, as if A. had never existed. What is happening to us? I do not want to believe that we have become so callous, uncaring, and selfish that A. Man commits SUICIDE and his co-workers (some for
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20+ years) do not even know his wife’s name! When “friends” said that they had no idea that A. Man was hurting so, I want to tell them that they should have. In most cases, those considering SUICIDE put out all sorts of signs. They want you to notice. They want you to ask if they are okay or need to talk.
care, but I can suggest that you spend some time with others, even those you don’t know. Ask how someone is doing and actually listen to the answer. In my next article, I will share some concrete material about SUICIDE attention and prevention. Until then, are there people in your life who might need you to notice them today?
The “s” word is SUICIDE. There. I have written it and acknowledged it. Our culture has definitely made strides in recognizing the need for action when symptoms are presented. But treatment cannot be provided unless YOU notice. I can’t make you
Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.
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Medical Update
Epigenetics Series: The Epigenetic Diet And Cancer by Dr. Shanna Ndong In part one of this series on epigenetics (“Fundamentals”) we reviewed some general definitions and concepts and gave an overview of the topic. Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in gene expression that, unlike mutations, are not caused by changes in the sequence of DNA. These are mechanisms that help to turn genes off and on, and include DNA methylation and acetylation, respectively. Cancer is caused by an imbalance in the mechanisms that control cell reproduction. Loss of reproductive control in cancer cells can occur due to random gene mutations, exposure to high-risk environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g. poor diet, smoking, alcohol, obesity), or rare inherited cancer syndromes (e.g. BRCA mutations and increased risk for breast/ ovarian cancers). The loss of control of cell proliferation can be due to genetic mutations and epigenetic abnormalities. Epigenetic changes are potentially reversible and are targets for the development of future nutritional, drug, or dietary interventions to treat or prevent genetic conditions including cancer.
foods and in dietary supplements alter epigenetic processes by interfering with the activities of methylation enzymes. I will review some of the foods that have been shown to have cancer preventative and therapeutic properties with epigenetic targets below. Folate Folate is one of the B vitamins and is obtained solely from food (green vegetables, beans, grains, and pasta). Folate regulates the biosynthesis, repair and methylation of DNA, whereas deficiencies in folate can initiate cancer due to disruptions of these processes. Low folate intake is reported to contribute to the development of several different cancers, including breast, cervix, ovary, brain, lung and colon. Green Tea (EGCG) EGCG, the major polyphenol in green tea, has been extensively studied as a
potential demethylating agent. In cell culture and animal models of lung, colon, bladder, liver, prostate, breast and skin cancers, the most commonly observed anti-cancer mechanisms of EGCG include inhibition of proliferation and induction of programmed cell death. Soybeans (Genistein) Genistein is one of the many phytoestrogens contained in soybeans and is a demethylating agent. Several epidemiologic studies showed a relationship between a soy-rich diet and cancer prevention. These studies arose from observations that in Asian countries, such as Japan and China, where diets are high in soy products, the incidence of breast and prostate cancers is relatively lower. Furthermore, migration studies showed an increase in prostate and breast cancer incidence in Asians after immigration
Nutrition can potentially affect epigenetic processes at multiple points in DNA methylation. Nutrients are the main source of methyl groups or act as coenzymes for methyl transfer and DNA synthesis. A number of phytochemicals found in plant
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to the United States, suggesting that environmental factors and changes in lifestyle, particularly in dietary practices, affect these types of cancer. Berries (Resveratrol) Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes, peanuts, and berries. It is concentrated in the skin of grapes, so the process of crushing and mashing grapes for winemaking results in high levels of resveratrol in wine. It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, bloodsugar-lowering and other beneficial cardiovascular effects. It has been found to have anti-cancer activity against colon cancer in human clinical trials. Several studies using animal models for non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer all showed anti-tumor effects.
Cruciferous vegetables Members of the Brassicaceae family include broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage. They have anti-inflammatory properties and contain chemicals that stop cancer cell growth and stimulate programmed cell death. High rates of cruciferous vegetable consumption have been associated with lower risk for bladder cancer. Laboratory studies on human prostate, colon, and breast cancer cells have all shown positive anticancer effects of cruciferous vegetables and their metabolites. Additional foods that have been shown to prevent cancer through epigenetic mechanisms are human breast milk, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, selenium, curcumin (turmeric), and caffeic acid (thyme, sage). It’s important to keep in mind that much of this research is in its infancy and many of these studies have been performed in the laboratory or on animals. In general, most of the foods listed are healthful and would be a great addition to your diet, but I suggest that you speak to your doctor before beginning any supplements as they may interact with medications you are already taking. Stay tuned for part three of this series called “Behavioral Epigenetics” where I review evidence that experiences can cause epigenetic changes, and psychological and behavioral tendencies are inherited.
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Foreman’s Forum
What Is A Defendable Position? by Paul Foreman In several of my recent articles, I have used the term “defendable position.” Protecting yourself from harm in the home or out on the street is NOT military combat or even a football game. Maybe I should not admit this, especially in Alabama, but I am not much of a football fan. Oh, I do watch an important game or three during the season. I always try to watch when Alabama beats Auburn or Georgia because I love to rag on my brother when either of his teams lose. But I digress. In both football and the military, a certain number of casualties are expected. In the self-defense world, casualties on your side are NOT acceptable! Another set of terms used in selfdefense is “cover” and “concealment.” Cover can be a bulletproof area to hide behind, whereas concealment can be something as simple as a wall or bushes so the bad guy can’t see you. When I was first a cop in the early 70s, we had several damaged old U.S. Post Office mail boxes at the gun range. They were solid steel, welded and riveted and would stop most handgun bullets. These are still around, but you don’t seem to see as many as you once did. BUT, in a gunfight they make excellent cover. Big tree trunks, concrete or brick walls are a few other great “cover” areas.
Not many of us will have a solid steel U.S. Post Office mail box in our living room, but there are other areas in a home that are almost as good. Typical construction in this area is wood frame with brick for the outside walls. Corners are reinforced with ex-
2x4s or even 2x6s built into the frame around doors. When retreating to a defendable position, crouch down as low as you can, exposing as little of your body as possible. Use what we call a “quick peek” if you hear the intruder coming closer.
the “high ground” and the bad guy must enter a deadly area to get to you. If you are building or planning to build a new home, plan to have a “safe room” included at the time of construction. Adding a safe room later can sure mess up a good floor plan and be
Should you shout a warning? Yelling, “Stop! Police!” as usually required by our buddies in blue, may actually be dangerous for an innocent homeowner and would “give away” your defendable position. If you believe the bad guy already knows where you are, then that’s possibly a different situation. Yelling out, several times, “I have already called the police! They're on the way!” Even better, “I have a gun, it’s loaded, and I know how to use it!” Now would be a good time to “rack” the shotgun. The sound of a shotgun slide racking back will strike fear into anyone but the most drug-crazed miscreant.
Plan and rehearse your self-defense plan. Actually walk through and practice shouting that warning.
tra lumber to support the doors and windows. I have even seen 22-caliber bullets cut right through today’s white pine building lumber. Yellow pine is a lot tougher, and I have seen bullets bounce off and even leave sparks when hitting yellow pine. Driving galvanized nails into yellow pine will break a few hammers. When faced with defending yourself in your home, plan ahead and seek out corners that will have three or four
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Heavy furniture can also make excellent cover, such as a chest of drawers full of clothes. Beds, the bigger the better, are good cover. Again, crouch down low and gain an advantage. The bad guy is most likely looking at his own eye level for you, not down at his knees. Refrigerators are good for concealment, but today they are mostly plastic or very light weight sheet metal. The top of a staircase is an excellent place to take cover. You have
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much more expensive. Many new homes today are including tornadoproof safe rooms which can certainly be used as an excellent defendable position. Always have a spare cell phone plugged in and charged nearby, in your safe room, or defendable position. Have your address written out and taped on the back of your emergency cell phone. Sounds silly? Our brains can sometimes do strange things during stressful events.
THE Remember: BEST GUN FIGHT YOU WILL EVER BE IN IS THE GUNFIGHT YOU AVOIDED! Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County Florida, now living in Athens. Paul is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For self-defense firearms training, Paul can be reached at his web site, www.Paulforeman.com or e-mail at Captureman@ PaulForeman.com To join the NRA and protect your 2nd Amendment rights, go to Paul’s web site and click on the NRA Eagle.
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