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August 7 - August 20, 2015

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399

Pizza Joe And Tim Tebow

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

Special Feature

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Come Celebrate Life With The Robertsons... On August 29th at 5 pm in the Limestone County Event Center, fans of Duck Dynasty and supporters of the pre-born alike are in for a real treat... Page 5

Did you know that Joe Carlucci, (owner of Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria near Starbuck’s in Athens), once made a pizza for NFL superstar, Tim Tebow? Did you know that it was all the rage in the sports world, or that the Tebow Pizza was on ESPN? And more importantly, did you know that with opening kickoff just around the corner, “Pizza Joe” has some wonderful plans for our local high school football season?

Special Feature Ted’s Lock & Key: Fast, Quality Dependable Service... A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to find out just how true the tag line for Ted’s actually is... Page 7

From The Vets’ Museum Who Inspires You?... Honor the fallen while challenging the living and sign up for the 9/11 Heroes Run-Athens, Alabama today... Page 8

August 7 - August 20, 2015

Continued on pages 15

Xtreme Nutrition And Smoothies: The Best Recommended “Stack” For Weight Loss By Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now readers know that I have been a big fan of Josh and Shelley Cagle, founders and owners of Xtreme Nutrition and Smoothies, since they opened their first store in 2010. They are both hard working, “products of their products,” and I have watched with pride as they Continued on page 17

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Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Joel Allen Sandra Thompson Teresa Todd Lynne Hart Jerry Barksdale Cindy Bridges

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 7 From The Vets’ Museum . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Cindy . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . 20 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22

August 7 - August 20, 2015

Why The “Flap” Over The Confederate Battle Flag?

I have decided to share my Publisher’s Point spot with Buzz Estes, life long resident of Athens, and it was not an easy decision to make. The reason for my struggle is that as a youth I came to believe that the Confederate Flag was the obvious and undisputed symbol for racism in America, and I have spent my whole life fighting racism. However, when someone bothers to set forth irrefutable facts that may fly in the face of what is commonly believed, they deserve to be heard, even if it ruffles some feathers. I often say, when it comes to controversy, “Let the story be the story,” and it will balance itself out. May this serve to bring people of all colors together around the truth that most often is not as simple as it seems, and may Truth itself set us free and heal the divide in our land. One of the main factors in the extreme dislike, even hatred, of the Confederate Battle Flag is due to one of the most successful propaganda programs in history: that the War for Southern Independence (popularly known as the “Civil War”), was ALL AND ONLY about slavery. No war was ever all only about one thing. The idea that the Trojan War was only about Helen of Troy is a great romantic myth. The War for Southern Independence was, like most wars, over economics. Very simply, the Southern states were furnishing 75 - 80% of the money for the Federal Government through tariffs and taxes with less than 40% of the population and getting nothing in return. The South had lost its political clout and could not prevent the U.S. government from imposing higher and higher taxes and/or tariffs. It was very similar to the cause of the revolutionary war. The Federal Government refused to officially acknowledge the Confederacy, but had unofficially promised that the Federal troops would be removed from Ft. Sumter while secretly dispatching a convoy of men, supplies, and weapons to reinforce it. The “First Shot” fired in Charleston was not the first shot of the war. Federal Forces had fired at Ft. Pickens prior to that, but that was not reported by the newspapers like Ft. Sumter. The Battle of Ft. Sumter began 12 April, 1861. If the freeing of the slaves was the main issue, why was the Emancipation Proclamation not issued earlier? The North was losing its will to

fight as the deaths and casualties mounted, higher and faster than anyone thought possible. In the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) 16 July, 1861, the North’s casualties were 2,950 and the North lost. In the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) 30 August, 1862, the North’s casualties were 13,830, and again the North lost. In the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), 16 September, 1862, the North’s casualties were estimated at 22,000 and most historians called it a tie. Is it a coincidence that the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was issued the week af-

results of the war. It was done because it let the North claim the moral high ground, and thus take attention away from the plundering and pillaging that accompanied their army everywhere they went. After cities like Atlanta and Charleston were evacuated, officers would escort their wives through some of the vacated homes so they could pick out the furniture that they wanted shipped home. Gen. Butler evicted people from their home in New Orleans because he wanted to use it for his home and headquarters. When he finally left, he packed up much of

ter that? Carefully read a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, and it states that it is a WAR measure which was intended to weaken the South’s economy and possibly strengthen the Northern Army. If it were only a great humanitarian gesture, as many want to believe, why did it exclude the northern slave holding states of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri? Why did it also exclude 14 parishes in Louisiana? By this time in the war, most of Kentucky and all of Louisiana were under Union control. Why was it not as important for those states to free their slaves? The point is that the war was NOT to free the slaves, although thankfully that was one of the

their furniture and shipped it to his home. According to the 3rd Amendment of the Constitution, this kind of action was entirely illegal. The hypocritical charade of these “Christian Soldiers fighting to free the slaves” is being continued today, and even expanded upon. It is the major reason for the HATE projected on the Confederate Battle Flag. The Federal Government reinforces this attitude with their placards on National Park Service Civil War Battlefield Visitor’s Centers that state “From Civil War to Civil Rights.” Yes, there definitely have been racists who have illegally usurped our flag for their use, but that could not be prevented

any more than average Americans who were angered at illegal aliens burning, spitting upon, and stomping Old Glory on national T.V. But did you notice that in the BIG 1928 K.K.K. demonstration in Washington they were carrying several hundred Stars and Stripes? No Confederate Battle flags were to be seen. No slave trading ship ever flew the Confederate Battle Flag, but many flew the Stars and Stripes. In 1991, a national racist organization passed a resolution at their National Convention to “get rid” of the Confederate Battle Flag because they decided it “offends” them. Knowing that, it is much easier to understand how that horrible slaughter in June of the 9 people in Charleston by an obviously deranged man could create such an instant firestorm of protest against any Confederate symbol. Their network of professional agitators was connected, loaded, capped, and ready to fire. All they were waiting for was the command to “FIRE!” This group may have had a reason to protest several years or decades ago, but in my opinion, now all they are really doing is driving a wedge between blacks and whites in this country. Karl Marx would be very proud of them.

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

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All Things Soldier

Fitness And Fatness In Our Armed Services by Ali Elizabeth Turner

I am going to take a risk and broach a dicey subject, (especially here in the State of Alabama,) and I have no desire to offend anyone. People for whom I care deeply are in a fierce battle against obesity, and I am their champion, as are other Athens Now columnists and clients. I am blessed to own two businesses, the newspaper and my Juice Plus+ Franchise. Our multi-billion dollar Juice Plus+ corporation is committed to “inspire healthy living around the world.” I have had my own struggles with weight, and I am not here to shame or wag fingers. However, we need to have a frank discussion about what has just happened as far as lowering fitness standards in our military, and that is going to step on some toes. As of Aug 4th, the Navy announced

port of our troops from the top down, and an estimated 15% say that their “commitment is waning.” Trust for the CNC is down to 15%. Contrast that with the fact that 1400 sailors were drummed out of the service because they couldn’t meet the fitness requirements, and for the first time in six years, recruitment quotas are not being met. Hopefully now you are starting to get an idea of the depth of the mess in which we find ourselves.

that it was embracing a “more realistic standard,” when it comes to the body fat composition of its sailors. As a matter of readiness and the overall ability to defend us, this, in my opinion is a dangerous move. I observed first hand while I was in Iraq that the National Guard in particular had people, (fine people, I might add,) arrive in country with a serious weight problem. Good hearted career soldiers would take them under their wing, work with them, and get them to a literal “fighting weight,” which as far as building morale was a positive thing. However, this should not be something that is addressed on

the battle field; this needs to be taken care of beforehand. Why am I making such a big deal about this? Because when a soldier is

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

both overweight and out of shape, they cannot do the job for which they signed on, and that is to protect and defend. Our armed services are experiencing a literal “squeeze,” and it is not just confined to fitting into one’s uniform, or being able to “drop and give me 20” without ending up in sick bay. There has been a systematic, (and in my view, intentional) lowering of morale. Everything is under attack: morality, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, sup-

It was my honored and professional duty to build the morale of our troops for three years while living in the combat zone that was Operation Iraqi Freedom, and this set of mixed messages is not only unacceptable, it is truly crazy-making. You cannot on the one hand lower fitness standards, morality standards and freedom of religion standards, and on the other hand decry the fact that you cannot get anyone to be willing to sign up, even for a brief season of their life, to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States of America. Something indeed is going to have to give, and the odds are that it will not be in our favor.

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11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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Special Feature

Come Celebrate Life With The Robertsons by Ali Elizabeth Turner On August 29th at 5 pm in the Limestone County Event Center, fans of Duck Dynasty and supporters of the pre-born alike are in for a real treat. Alan (the “un-bearded” oldest brother of the brood), along with his wife Lisa, will be the guest speakers at a gala fund raising event to help the Women’s Resource Center expand its services and find a larger location. The Women’s Resource Center is the new name for the crisis pregnancy center long located on Marion St, and is a part of the national right-to-life organization

known as Care-Net. Alan and Lisa have recently published a book called A New Season: A Robertson Family Love Story Of Brokenness And Redemption. Here is what Lisa andAlan have to say about their story, which includes a crisis pregnancy: Lisa: “I thought it was important to include because there are people out there who this has happened to...I had one girl tell me she has cried herself to sleep just about every night for the last 25 years after having an abortion, and nobody else

knows about it. She regretted it all this time, but she just can’t seem to find a place of healing from it. So I thought it was a very unique thing for somebody who is in our position to say, ‘Look, I did this. And you can find healing and comfort from Jesus in it.’” Alan: “We wanted to write our story, and [my past] has everything to do with our story. We just wanted to put it out there — the good, the bad, the ugly, but also what

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God has healed us from and brought us through.” “Finding a place of healing” is exactly what the Women’s Resource Center is all about whether you, a friend, or a family member have had an abortion. Or, you are currently in a crisis pregnancy, the Center will show you what kinds of positive, life-affirming and lifeprotecting options are available for you and your baby. It has been my experience that crisis pregnancy centers always have a staff, (whether paid or volunteer) which has an unusually high level of compassion. That is certainly the case with the Director, Amy Wright, as well as the Client Advocate, Angie Williams.

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While interviewing Amy, I asked her point blank if she had an abortion story, knowing that in the crisis pregnancy culture, this is not at all considered to be “none of anyone’s business.” “No,” she told me, and added, “but there was a time when I was not walking in the path God had for me, and I know what it is like to feel lost.”

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She then told me a story that so perfectly illustrates the positive effect our particular center has had in our community. A young woman came into the Center when it first opened, and she was pregnant. Because of the loving, non-judgmental care she received, she chose to let her baby live, and gave her baby girl up for adoption. That child has gone on to be

August 7 - August 20, 2015

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an American Idol contestant, and will be performing at the gala. The food for the gala will be catered by Zeke’s of Ardmore. The tables will feature linen cloths and will be beautifully set with six people to each table, making for an upscale theatre/dinner atmosphere. Already there have been several sponsored tables purchased for $400, and individual tickets are $50. Happily, because of the support already given by our community for the cost of the event, all ticket proceeds will go toward “birthing” the dreams of the Women’s Resource Center. The Center has several needs that they hope will be met as a result of the gala and the live auction. To begin with, they are out of room. They have been at their same location for 15 years, and have outgrown it. They now have an ultrasound machine, which greatly increases the chance of the expectant mom choosing to let her baby live, and they need to get a second one. They also need to put a nurse on paid staff to administer the ultrasounds. (In our state, this job cannot be done by an ultrasound technician.) Amy reminded me that every “life has a potential and a future,” and if you want to be a part of a fun, inspirational, and worthy “night out on the town,” please come to Celebrating Life on August 29th.

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Calendar of Events Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo Aug 7th - 8th

Cost is $10.00 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets: First Baptist Church Athens 256-232-0602 FBCAthens.org

John Barnes Park. Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. Grab the bucaroos and bucarettes for an evening of bronco busting, roping and more as Outdoor Rodeo of the Year 2014 recipients bring back the family-fun to North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. Raffles for Adams Western Wear $250 Gift Certificate are $3 per chance. Rodeo Queen forms available at Ardmore Police Department and Adams Western Wear. Advanced tickets are $12 for ages 13 and up; $8 for ages 6-12; and children under 5 are free. Gate prices are $15 for ages 13 and up; $10 for ages 6-12; and 5 and under are free. Advanced tickets are available at Adams Western Wear, Ardmore Police Department, Ardmore City Hall, Ardmore Town Hall, Reliance Bank, First National Bank, and Peoples State Bank. For more information: ardmorepdreserves@hotmail.com

23rd Annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days Aug 7th - 8th

Farm Heritage Grounds. 20147 Elkton Road, Athens, AL. Come see in action the equipment that has fed America - gasoline engines, steam engines, antique tractors, cars, trucks, horse drawn equipment and more. Primitive camping is available for the weekend event. No hook-ups available. Full concessions available. Flea market, Parts and Craft Vendors too. Admission Ages 12 and up $5.00, children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, contact David Hargrove at 256-431-6226, Allen Dement at 256-4310619, Marvin Putman at 256-431-2316 or Mike Hodges at 256-2065926.

Singing in the Park Aug 14th

Big Spring Memorial Park. Intersection of Beaty and Market Street, Athens, AL. Rain Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72 Athens, AL. Join sponsor Champion Chevrolet of Athens for an evening of music in the park at 6:00PM with this month’s featured artist - Athens State Community Band for two hours of music. Free. For more information: 256-232-5411

Downtown Athens, AL. Come enjoy the music, dining, art and shopping from 5:00PM-9:00PM. Activities for the family. Cruise-In on Washington and Jefferson Streets. www.fridaysafterfiveathens. com

First Baptist Church. 201 East Hobbs Street, Athens, AL. Join First Baptist Church Athens, Limestone Baptist Association and Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions for an evening with Brodie Croyle and Tommy Bowden. Dinner at 5:00PM with the main event starting at 6:45PM. Tickets are limited to 500 and are first come, first serve.

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John Barnes Park. 30515 Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. Join the Ardmore Quarterback Club invites your one of the biggest 1 day shows in the Mid-South. Rain or Shine from 10:00AM-3:00PM. For more information: 256-614-5542

Canning Class with 1818 Farms Aug 16th

Albany Bistro. 1051 Grant Street SE, Decatur, AL. Join Chef Jakob Reed of Albany Bistro and Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms for a hands-on class in Canning. Participants will learn the entire canning process, what equipment is needed, which vegetables and fruit work best. Participants will leave with a pint jar of one of the items to be canned. Cost is $30.00. To register: 1818farms.com/products-page/ classes/

Athens-Limestone County Homebuilders Clay Shoot Aug 21st

Limestone Hunting Preserve. 28755 Coggins Road, Ardmore AL. Details to be announced. www.athensalabamahomebuilders.com/ clay-shoot.html

Senior Lunch Matinée Show with Copeland Road Barbershop Quartet Aug 27th

Yesterday’s Event Center. 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy the sounds of Copeland Road Barbershop Quartet. Cost is $10.00 and includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups welcome. Events begin at 11:00AM - Seating, Opening, Announcements, Blessing, Lunch with the show kicking off at 12:00PM. Cancellation policy applies. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com

EHS Band Boosters Car Show Aug 29th

Friday After Five Aug 14th

Men’s Night Out Aug 15th

Ardmore Car Show Aug 15th

Elkmont High School. 25630 Evans Avenue, Elkmont, AL. Muscle cars, street rods, Ratt rods, custom trucks, antique class, and late model vehicles will roll into Elkmont for a day of cars. Vehicles: Preregistration $15.00; Day of Registration $20.00. Spectators are $5.00 and ages 10 and under are free. For more information: Mike Ikard 256-431-0542 Registration forms: elkmontband.org

Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Aug 29th

John Barnes Park. Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. This annual event is held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park and offers live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, delicious festival food and all types and colors of crape myrtles. www.ArdmoreALTNChamber.org

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August 7 - August 20, 2015

Special Feature

Ted’s Lock & Key: Fast, Quality Dependable Service by Ali Elizabeth Turner A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to find out just how true the tag line for Ted’s actually is. I had pulled in and parked in the lot of the Athens Post Office, and was texting a client whose son had tragically and suddenly died. I then did what most of us have done at some point in time: I hopped out of my truck and realized I had locked my keys in the car. Fortunately, I had my phone, and through the kindness of a stranger and fellow Post Office patron who came and told me how much she enjoys Athens Now, I found myself at Ted’s Lock and Key, located at 1214 N Jefferson Street in Athens. I explained my dilemma, was the recipient of their wonderful level of customer service, and can truly say they DO provide “fast, quality dependable service.” I get the privilege of telling the rest of the town the details! After my “kind stranger” took me back to my car, it was only a few minutes before Josh, (the middle son)

was there, and he clearly knew what he was doing. He was quick, polite, professional, friendly, and I went straight back to their shop to tell his Daddy so. Ted’s Lock & Key is family owned and operated. The Lanksters have three generations of men involved in the business, and all of them treated me like a queen. Owner Ted Lankster is from Athens, and their family goes back many generations. He was a single dad, his wife Deborah was a single mom, and together they have a son. The Lanksters met at church, and in addition to running both the locksmith “side of the house,” as well as the used car lot, Ted also pastors a church. His son Trey is married, with a son, and handles most of the key making as well as the service calls. Her son Josh does some of the mobile service, and was the one who came to my rescue. At 17, Tevan is working part time and learning the trade. Most of the time Ted focuses on managing the auto sales, but at times he is out

in the field, as well. “We love North Alabama,” he said, “and we have a large ‘lock-out radius,’” which means they literally will go the extra mile to come and take care of folks like me. “We also keep our prices about twenty dollars less than what they charge in Huntsville,” he added. These days being a locksmith involves a lot more, due to changes in security systems and the use of transponders. Each year they take 16 CEUs worth of courses to stay current with the trends. “We have a number of commercial accounts, too,” said Ted, “including Platinum Mortgage,” and they get a lot of opportunities to use their upgraded knowledge and skills with commercial accounts as well. We also understand the need to get it right the first time, especially from a security standpoint.” Everyone who works at Ted’s Lock & Key is FBI fingerprinted. The company is also licensed, bonded

Trey Lankster of Ted’s Lock & Key and insured. Even though I now had my own customer service story, I still needed to ask the question, “Why should I come to you?” He answered with confidence, “We can meet any locksmith need.” He also has 25 years experience, and his sons and he have stayed current with the business. “We are centrally located, and can get to our customers quickly, even when we are on duty for the 24 hour/7 days a week emergency lockout service.” It takes a high level of commitment to the community to be a business owner whose job description includes being available day or night, and the Lanksters have certainly paid their dues.

Ted hopes that eventually the boys will take over the business, and that he will be able to pursue the ministry full time. But until then, Ted will be at the helm of Ted’s Lock & key, and hopefully won’t have to lose too much sleep because of “damsels in distress” like me!

Ted’s Lock & Key

1214 N. Jefferson St Athens, AL 35611 Office hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, on call 24/7 Phone: 256-232-1922

The crew of Ted’s Lock & Key from left, Josh Gandy, Ted Lankster, Tevan Lankster, Trey Lankster

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Who Inspires You? by Sandra Thompson,

Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Honor the fallen while challenging the living and sign up for the 9/11 Heroes Run-Athens, Alabama today at http://www.travismanion. org/. The theme for the race is “If not me, then who…” and is sponsored by the Travis Manion Foundation. Use code CB1 So the Alabama Veterans’ Museum and Archives gets the credit. Come support your hometown race in Athens, Alabama. Heroes include veterans, 1st responders, citizens, and military members. Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/911Heroes-Run-Athens-Alabama/1425206924453271?fref=ts

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Tourism

Athens’ August Activities

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Clay Shoot will be held on August 7th at the Limestone Hunting Preserve & Sporting Clays located on 28775 Coggins Road, Ardmore, AL. Chamber members are welcome to shoot as a 4 man-team for $550 time begins at 8:30AM till 11:30AM and lunch is included in registration. 256-232-2600. Can you believe it has been 23 years the Annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days have been taking place? Come and enjoy the fun on August 7th and 8th. The Farm Heritage Grounds are located at 20147 Elkton Road, Athens, AL. You will see the equipment in action that has fed America for decades. See the Fast Crank Competition, Slow Race, Skillet Throw (for the ladies) and the Pedal Pull for the kids. The Fish Fry is at 5:00PM on Friday and entertainment at 5:30PM. Ages 12 and up $5.00, children 12 and under are free. Contact David Hargrove at 256-431-6226, Allen Dement at 256-4310619, Marvin Putman at 256431-2316 or Mike Hodges at 256-206-5926.

Our August 14th Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association and Champion Chevrolet will present the Athens State University Community Band at ASU Founder Hall lawn. The theme, “A Night at the Movies” will present tunes from our favorite movies. Come hear this incredible band play music from James Bond, Disney, The Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, The Pink Panther, Danny Elfman and John Williams. This will be the last Singing for the 2015 year. Please mark your calendar and note the new time of 6:30PM as they commence to perform for this magical night under the trees at historical Founders Hall. Rain location will be in the ASU Gymnasium. www.VisitAthensAL.com The second Friday of the month, you can stop downtown after you finish work. On

August 14th come downtown to “Fridays After Five” on the Square in Downtown Athens, AL. You can enjoy music, dining, art and shopping from 5:00PM-9:00PM. www.fridaysafterfiveathens.com First Baptist Church located at 201 East Hobbs Street, Athens, AL will have Men’s Night Out on August 15th. They are bringing to Athens an evening with Brodie Croyle and Tommy Bowden. Dinner will be at 5:00PM, with the main event starting at 6:45PM. Tickets are limited to 500 and are first come, first serve. Cost is $10.00 per person. First Baptist Church Athens 256-2320602 FBCAthens.org. Enjoy the Family Fun Day in the Park on August 15th in Big Spring Memorial Park 106 North Beaty Street Athens, AL. Join the Family Resource

Center for the kick off of their new program Baby Talk from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Games, music, face painting and prizes. Yesterdays Event Center will have their Senior Lunch Matinee on August 27th with the Copeland Road Barbershop Quartet. Yesterdays Event Center is located on 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. The show and lunch is only $10.00 and includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups welcome. Events begin at 11:00AM for lunch, with the show kicking off at 12:00PM. Cancellation policy applies. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com Aug 29th come to the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival at the John Barnes Park, Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. This annual event is held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes

Park and offers live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, delicious festival food and all types and colors of crape myrtles. www.ArdmoreALTNChamber.org Car Shows and Cruz-In The Ardmore Boys and Girls Club invite you to bring you unique collectible car or truck to the 10th Annual Cruz-In at the Ardmore Sonic DriveIn located at 26909 Main Street Ardmore, AL. on August 6th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Share the nostalgia and memories of yesterday. There is no fee and no judging. Donations appreciated. The Ardmore Quarterback Club invites you to one of the biggest 1-day shows in the mid-south. On August 15th, the Ardmore Car Show will be held at the John Barnes Park 30515 Ardmore Ridge Road Ardmore, TN. The show will take place rain or shine from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. For more information, call 256-614-5542. The EHS Band Boosters Car Show will be held on August 29th at the Elkmont High School located at 25630 Evans Avenue Elkmont, AL. Muscle cars, street rods, custom trucks, antique classics, and late model vehicles will roll into Elkmont for a day of cars. For more information: Mike Ikard 256-431-0542. Registration forms can be found at elkmontband.org.

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Clean and Green

Volunteers Are The Heart Of KALB by Lynne Hart

I have conversations with our office manager, Leigh Patterson, frequently about the value of our volunteers and how much they are appreciated. Leigh and I comprise 1.5 employees (Leigh works part time), so the two of us could never in a million years accomplish what this organization does without the hundreds of volunteers we engage with over the course of a year. The KALB Commission consists of volunteer board members who oversee the organization. These volunteers are the foundation that keeps KALB on solid ground. Without these men and women and all the event volunteers that step up when needed, KALB could not exist. So what have we done lately? KALB tries to have a presence at community events as often as possible. We started the year off with our Tree Seedling Give-Away at the Home and Garden Show in Athens. Hundreds of seedlings in a variety of species were given away to Limestone County residents to help replace the thousands of trees that were destroyed during tornado seasons. This is the 4th year we have teamed up with the Alabama Forestry Commission - Limestone Division to make this happen. In March, 87 volunteers showed up in West Limestone ready to join the Elk

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School is about to start (always too soon), and KALB staff and volunteers will once again be doing Classroom Presentations teaching students about their role in caring for our environment. A variety of topics can be covered including the dangers of litter, why we recycle, creating a garden that welcomes wildlife, water conservation, the importance of trees, and lots more. Programs are designed to meet the needs of the teacher and the age group. Two retired teachers volunteered to help with presentations this past spring because we had so many invitations!

During the month of November, KALB presents the program at all county 5th and 6th Grade 4H Club Meetings. Working with the Extension Office’s 4H Coordinator allows us to reach hundreds of students with an environmental message. Next year, we will add the 4H clubs in the city schools to our agenda.

You will see KALB’s presence at the Old Time Fiddler’s Convention as nearly 100 volunteers Leading up to our hand out litter Earth Day & Outdoor bags, provide opL to R -- Donna Cotton and Amy Cotton EXPO, volunteers drew portunities for reat the Home & Garden Show in Athens up designs for exhibitor cycling to guests placement, then redrew and vendors, and A group of dedicated volthem when the event help keep the was moved due to weather unteers have worked to college campus grounds predictions. Others hung make the Farmer’s Mar- clean during the weekend posters, made phone calls, ket Community Garden event. built bird feeders, pre- a great success this year. pared the supplies for the Several baskets of prorecycled crafts, and helped duce were taken to the brainstorm ideas. Dozens LCCI Food Pantry in Athof volunteers worked at ens to be distributed to our the EXPO, many behind neighbors in need. Volunthe scenes just making teers worked with Athens things happen. There were State University and the nearly 2,000 attendees and Truancy Intervention Proa record number of ex- gram (TIP) bringing tohibitors, which has made gether students, parents, it necessary to move to a and KALB volunteers to tend the gardens. larger location in 2016!

There is so much more to KALB. This article doesn’t even touch on the work done by our Athens-Limestone Beautification Board and the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center! If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. We truly love and appreciate our volunteers!

L to R: Bonnie Foster, Art Foster, and Eric Patterson - KALB volunteers know how to have fun! River Canoe & Kayak Trail Cleanup. Those 87 volunteers removed 4,850 lbs. of trash and debris from the river and surrounding land areas. That is over a ton LESS than what was removed from the same area by a similar number of volunteers the year before. Our message is being heard.

Several volunteers have joined the Adopt-ASpot Program by agreeing to keep a roadway or walking trail picked up monthly. KALB provides trash bags, gloves, litter grabbers, as well as cash rewards to organizations when an adopting group or individual fulfills the requirements. Interested? There are locations available for adoption.

Become a Fan

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

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August 7 - August 20, 2015

Cooking with Cindy

Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese by Cindy Bridges, owner of Cindy Lou’s Deli Ciao, y’all! Green tomatoes go from the frying pan into the fire with a Southern-Italian twist. Using white (rather than brown) balsamic vinegar in the marinade brightens the color of the grilled tomatoes, but the salad’s flavor is exceptional with either. The fresh basil and

mozzarella are very nice additions to this dish which is so easy to make and absolutely delicious. This is also a great way to eat tomatoes if the acid of a ripe tomato is too much.

What you will need: ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup white (or brown) balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 medium-size green tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices (about 2 lbs.) 1 (16 oz package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions: 1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag; add tomatoes, seal, and shake gently to coat. Chill 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 350 – 400 (medium-high) heat. Remove tomatoes from marinade, reserving marinade. Grill tomatoes, covered with grill lid, 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until tender and grill marks appear. 3. Arrange alternating slices of warm grilled tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle with reserved marinade; season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with basil.

August 7 - August 20, 2015

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Health and Fitness

How Much Sleep Do We Need? by Janet Hunt Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Back when I was in school and starting a career, many people (myself included) in the U.S. associated professional success with getting as little sleep as possible. Now, after much research has been done, science has come to realize that chronic sleep deprivation isn’t just bad for business, it’s detrimental to our health. Doctors are saying that chronic lack of sleep along with sedentary living can lead to serious health consequences, including weight gain, obesity and all those chronic illnesses associated with obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes. Sleep needs and sleep patterns vary significantly from one person to another, but in general, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that healthy adults have a basic sleep requirement of seven to eight hours a night. The National Sleep Foundation, reported that four to five hours of sleep per night typi-

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cally need nine hours of sleep a night to function well.

Below are some suggestions for good sleep: •Set regular sleep and wake up schedules, even on weekends

•Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music

•Exercise regularly and finish your workouts at least three hours before bed time cally isn’t enough and can lead to serious physiological and neurobehavioral consequences. Lack of sleep has been linked to the following adverse consequences: •Increased risk of driving accidents •Higher odds of obesity due to an increased appetite caused by sleep deprivation •Impaired glucose tolerance

leading to an increased risk of diabetes and heart problems •Increased risk for psychiatric conditions including depression and substance abuse •Decreased ability to pay attention, read signals or remember new information When it comes to healthy living, getting enough sleep works hand in hand with eating right and getting exercise. Lack of sleep can trigger the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, and an increase of insulin production, which then promotes fat storage and is associated with weight gain. Two other important hormones are ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin signals your brain that it’s time to eat. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body makes more ghrelin. Leptin, on the other hand, cues your brain to put the fork down. When you’re not getting enough sleep, leptin levels plummet, signaling your brain to eat more food. A study by the University of Chicago in young adults found that restricting sleep to four hours a night for a week brought on the same glucose and insulin level characteristics that are

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seen in diabetics, which the investigator cautioned can be a pathway to obesity. Sleep suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation for children and teens differ from those of adults. They suggest that children need much more sleep than adults: Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 need 11 to 13 hours of sleep while schoolaged children up to age 12 need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Most teenagers typi-

•Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows

•Create an environment that is dark, quiet and a comfortable sleeping temperature

•Use your bedroom for sleep and sex (do not watch TV in bed, use a computer or read) •Eat 2-3 hours (or more) before bedtime •Stop smoking •Make sleeping a priority

•Avoid caffeine and alcohol near bedtime

August 7 - August 20, 2015

Cover Story

Pizza Joe And Tim Tebow by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

With my notepad in hand, and as I was following Joe around the kitchen of Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria while he speedily prepped for the lunch rush, I learned he is an avid football fan. The NY Jets are his favorite team, and when Tebow was playing for the Jets, Joe custom made a pizza for Tim’s birthday. I don’t know how he did it, but he actually formed a picture of Tim that was made out of cheese, and when it was browned to perfection, it looked exactly like him! He also put “3:16” at the bottom, an obvious reference to the fact that Tim has never been afraid to be open about his faith. Joe loves the guy, and says he “loves what he stands for.” As far as our local high school football scene is concerned, Joe has a commitment to use his award winning pizza making “gift” that he knows “is from God” to be a blessing to our youth. Joe’s will be a safe and fun place to come and celebrate after a game, and when there is a home game for Athens, East Limestone, West Limestone, or Tanner, Joe’s hours will be extended. Youth groups are also finding out he makes the best pizza, bar none, and are starting to come regularly. In a word, “the word” is getting out. Joe can create scrumptious as well as nutritious prepractice or pre-game “fuel” for the gridiron guys in the form of individually prepared meals, and the contract to do so with the local teams is just about finalized. He will make anything the coaches think their players need, from steamed veggies to turkey to other items, and all are exactingly pre-portioned. However, after the game, the chances are it is going to be

August 7 - August 20, 2015

Bear Bryant and Nick Saban on pizzas, and could do so for your fall football parties. Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria is not only about pizza. He offers a full line of custom catering for all kinds of events, or for busy people on their lunch hour. If the tasty ancient grain, quinoa (pronounced KEENwah) is part of your dietary regimen, Joe will see to it that it is especially yummy while being good for you. He’ll do fresh salads, foods that will help with dropping unwanted pounds, and there really is no limit to his creativity. One of his customers, Gloria Cooper from the Jamie Cooper Show, had this to say of his custom catering: “We love Joe’s healthy meals. Affordable, delicious, and most of all he does the meal prep for us. Perfect for grabbing when hungry so you don’t grab something unhealthy when in a hurry.”

“pizza as usual,” whether the team won or lost. “We will also feature post game specials,” he said. After school gets back in, Joe’s is going to sell pizza by the slice at a price just about any student can afford, so look for special offers later this summer and early fall. That is a crazy good deal for pizza any day of the week, and more so for a slice that is made by a multi-award winning pizza “maestro.” Brainstorming with Carlucci is a blast, and the guy has no end the most slices within a short and specific amount of time, and he will personally donate $200 to the sports program of the winning team.

of ideas of things that can make life in Athens more fun for kids. He wouldn’t tell me all of them, but this I know: during football

season he is planning on having a pizza eating contest, but with a special twist. He will have the local high school teams square off and see who can eat

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In addition, Joe can do pizza making parties for birthdays and other events, even for younger school age kids. The kids get to try their hand at pizza making, and with a careful bit of watchful help, they even get to put their pies in the custom made brick pizza oven, bake them, and take them back out again before they dive in and devour them. Joe has also done the face of

All you have to do is call or come into Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria and place your order ahead of time. How many places these days offer what is on the menu, and are equally willing to do special orders? Not many, and you owe it to yourself to get a taste of this. I can tell you from experience that you will be glad you did, and I have a strong feeling that from football season and beyond, the place is going to be packed.

Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria

1260 Hwy 72 Athens, AL 35611 Hours: Mon-Wed, 10:30-8, Thur-Sat, 10:30-9:30, Sun 11-3 Phone: 256-667-2299 Facebook: Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria Page 15

Jerry’s Journal

Daddy Supported Law Enforcement by Jerry Barksdale Together We Stand, a community organization supporting local law enforcement and first responders, triggers memories of Daddy. He supported law enforcement in his own unique way and, on at least two occasions, worked directly with the Sheriff. The first time was when I was about 5 years old. I was playing in the dirt with my toy John Deere tractor when I saw a cloud of dust approaching down the dirt road. Not far behind was another cloud of dust. Daddy skidded into the front yard in his old black Plymouth and ran into the house. Close behind was a Deputy Sheriff. The next time I saw Daddy was the following Sunday afternoon when Mama and I stood on the sidewalk looking up at him waving to us from

behind bars in the Limestone County Jail. The Deputy had seen Daddy driving down the road, and assuming he probably had a bottle of moonshine in his car, gave chase. Daddy barely had enough money to purchase the pint, much less pay a fine and court costs. He stomped the accelerator. The old Plymouth was no match for the new County Ford. Back then, possessing alcohol was considered a major offense. Poor folks were easy pickings. To my knowledge, Athens Country Club where liquor flowed freely, was never raided. Daddy was a kindhearted, hardworking, twomule cotton farmer back in the 1940’s. When his back ached from pulling a nine-foot cotton sack from dawn till dark, there was no pill to relieve his pain. A nip of whiskey gave temporary

relief. He drank an occasional cocktail straight from the bottle several times during the day, and especially on weekends. Mama hated alcohol. It had destroyed her parents’ marriage when she was a little girl. Daddy got high on alcohol and Mama got high on religion. She encouraged him to attend church and often quoted Galatians 5:19-21, that drunkenness would keep him from inheriting the Kingdom of God. Daddy had read the scripture too. “Fornicators are on top of that list,” he said. “Drunks are near the bottom. And I ain’t going to church with a bunch of fornicators.” That set Mama off like a Roman Candle. The more she quoted scriptures, the more Daddy drank. She launched a different offensive – pouring out Dad-

dy’s whiskey. He would save up money, buy a bottle from a bootlegger and hide it in the smokehouse, looking forward to cocktails on the weekend. When I was seven years old, I joined forces with Mama. I peed in Daddy’s bottle. Poor Daddy, he couldn’t win. “Boy, don’t ever do that again,” he said to me. He spanked me only once and that was after I kicked Sylvia Turner off the couch when I was 5 years old. She was tickling my toes. My kids never peed in my bottle of single malt scotch, probably because they were sneaking nips. Mama relied heavily on scriptures. “Your sins will find you out,” she often said to me. That happened in 1972 when my son, Mark was 6 years old. Carol and I had moved into our new home. We lived perfect lives, attended church three a week and pretended that hog dung didn’t stink. I was your basic hypocrite. We had invited a dozen or more of our young church friends over one evening and while we sat chatting in the living room, Mark appeared in our midst, proudly holding up a bottle of Jack Daniels. “Look what I found Daddy!” I had hid the bottle under a blanket in the bottom of an Army footlocker located in a closet beneath the stairway. I blushed and tried to shift blame. “I-I don’t know where that come from…” “It was in your trunk,” he said. I was nailed. After Mama’s scripture quoting and whiskey pouring campaign failed, she took another approach. She would pretend to get drunk! Her behavior would demonstrate how intolerably repugnant drunks are, and Daddy, seeing that would instantly quit drinking. She staggered, wobbled and babbled. It didn’t

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work; Daddy thought she was funny. In 1947, when I was in the 2nd grade at Piney Chapel, we were tenant farming cotton on Bean Road. After cotton was “laid by,” Coy Johnson and I went back in the woods to build a log cabin. While nosing around, we saw a metal contraption with a snout and coiled wire. It scared us. We tore out to the house and told Mama. “It looked like a snouted monster,” I said. “And smelled like puke,” added Coy. It was a boutique distillery where Daddy hand crafted fine whiskey from organically grown corn. The following day, Sheriff John Sandlin chopped the snouted monster to death with an axe. It was hush-hush subject in the family. Years later when Mama was in assisted living, I asked her about the snouted monster. “Mama, was that Daddy’s whiskey still?” She dropped her head, embarrassed. “I’m afraid it was.” “Did you call Sheriff Sandlin?” She hesitated for a long time. “I believe I’ll take the fifth on that,” she said. Alcohol brought Daddy down and broke up our family. Many people can’t handle alcohol. I know; it killed my son, Mark. Fortunately, not everyone can say their father supported law enforcement in the unique way that Daddy did, and that’s good news. But we take our parents as we find them; honor and lift up their goodness and help them when we can. I have learned one valuable lesson is life: don’t be too judgmental of others. Nowadays, I like to think that I’ve progressed from being a basic hypocrite to a more enlightened one. I may be on a roll.

August 7 - August 20, 2015

Cover Story

Xtreme Nutrition And Smoothies: The Best Recommended “Stack” For Weight Loss by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

have gone on to grow their business, their brand, and most importantly, grow as people. Every time I interview them, I learn something new about health and nutrition, and today was no exception. The focus for this advertorial is weight loss, something about which we as Alabamians need to be serious. We are the second most obese state in the Union, and Xtreme Nutrition & Smoothies has products and ways to help reverse that trend. In the body building supplement business, when people purchase several products simultaneously to consume with the intention of creating a synergistic effect, the “trade term” is buying “a stack.” It is usually 3 or 4 key items, and Shelley walked me through her favorite stack. The products also happen to be what has become the best

August 7 - August 20, 2015

selling stack in the store. Their most popular product is a protein powder called Dynatized ISO-100. Shelley told me that it is “the fastest-acting,” and it provides 25 grams of protein per serving. According to industry standards, a person who is in the process of permanently shedding pounds needs to consume one gram of protein for every pound of their desired body weight. So, if I wanted to weigh 120 lbs, I would want to shoot for consuming 120 grams of protein total per day. Of course that can come from all kinds of sources, as long as it’s clean. “This product is high in purity, and it has no fillers,” she told me, and added that people need to check for that whenever they are purchasing protein powder. “Protein is not cheap, and some big box stores sell an inferior product that may cost less, but is a poorer grade, and you won’t get the same results at all.”

Both Josh and Shelley are committed to health, fitness, and looking good. They also want to feel good. They have a ritual that they have followed every year for the 12 years they have been married. Come January, they begin to prepare for their vacation at the end of May, which is also their anniversary. They always go somewhere tropical, and for the last few years have happily found themselves in Florida. Long before they opened their first store on Hwy 31, Shelley used a product called CLA, which she described to me as being an “Omega 6, and it’s not a stimulant.” CLA comes under the category of being a fat burner. The purpose of a fat burner is to give energy and curb appetite, and Xtreme Nutrition carries various products with different levels of intensity. CLA stands for “conjugated linoleic acid,” which means it is a fatty acid that actually helps decrease fat. CLA has other health benefits, too, and studies suggest it can help fight cancer and reduce all kinds of inflammation. She told me about one study that was done on a large group of overweight women. They were to do two things: take CLA for 90 days, and do nothing to change their diet or increase their exercise. “They had 2% less body fat at the end of the 90 days,” Shelley said. As far as the previous

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reference to being a “product of the product,” by the time Shelley hits the beach each year, she has “more definition and is more toned, without increasing the intensity of my workout.” She then added, “When we opened the shop, we knew this was a line we wanted to carry.” If you are interested in a fat burner that is a stimulant, they have two choices, Sinerate, which is their own proprietary blend, and Synedrex, which is more potent. “Sinerate is medium intensity, and is our best selling fat burner by far,” she said. Please understand, when they are talking about the word “stimulant,” they mean that these products are for people who are comfortable with drinking coffee or an energy drink. Shelley ALWAYS tells people to check with their doctors before taking anything, and will offer samples in order to make sure that product is the right fit after they have checked in with their health care provider. Another product in “the stack” that is gaining in popularity due to its effectiveness is called

MCT oil, which stands for medium chain triglycerides, and it’s made from coconut and palm oils. In the past, these oils have gotten a bad rap, but as strange as it may sound, you need to eat fat to shed fat. MCT oil can be a big help, and now the other health benefits of the oils are gaining attention in the scientific world. As we closed our time together, Shelley asked me to make sure that people understand that “You can’t eat poorly, not exercise, pop some supplements in your mouth, and expect to get results. Weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise.” If you are serious about tackling and winning with your weight, and doing it in a way that will bring healthy results, the crew at the Xtreme Nutrition shops is waiting to help.

22041-B Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35613 Phone: 256-233-0005 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7:30, Sat 10-5 Facebook: Extreme Nutrition & Smoothies Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Career, Life, and Leisure by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 It is official: Fall catalogs are available at the Center for Lifelong Learning. These catalogs are chock full of lots of activities. For those who are CAREER minded, we are offering four new online classes – Responsive Web Design, $109, and Understanding the Cloud, $109. Both are available Sept 16, Oct 14, Nov 12, and Dec 10. Conflict Management, $245, and Workplace Ethics & Etiquette, $145, are offered September 8 through October 2. Conflict Management is 24 hours or 2.4 CEUs and Workplace Ethics is 16 hours or 1.6 CEUs. Both courses are approved by HRCI for 16-hour general credit toward recertification through the HR Certification Institute. Look for more information on our website

– www.athens.edu/CLL - or call us at 256-233-8260. We will begin a new Lunch and Learn Series: Transformational Leadership. Classes will be offered once a month during the lunch hour beginning Thursday, October 8, with Self-Leadership, $25. Those who can attend five sessions and do the homework assignment will earn a Leadership Certificate. ServSafe Training, $175 is scheduled September 14, from 8:00am – 5:00pm. The fee is $175 which includes the textbook, study guide, and exam. You need to register by August 31.

After Five with Spirit of Athens. There will be lots of activity, discounts, food, and fun on the Square that

When you have some

If your LIFE is too busy for classes, you might want to come by The Center for our events. August 14, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, we will be participating in Friday

night. Tour our beautiful facilities, pick up our new fall catalog of classes and events and don’t forget to stop by Square Clock Coffee® for a Fiesta Fruit Smoothie. Grab your family and friends, park your car and enjoy an evening on the Square in downtown Athens. It is not too late to register for the Memphis/Tunica trip, September 21-23. Registration has to be in soon, but we still have a few spaces. Come with us to see Elvis’ home (Graceland), shop and eat on Beale Street, and visit the Tunica Museum. The fee is $229 double occupancy, $299 single. Fee includes transportation, hotel, entry fees, and four meals – 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Check

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out the website for more information on trips happening at the Center.

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LEISURE time, you might want to check out the Blacksmith classes. We offer Basic Blacksmith, $85, Blacksmith Project, $85, and Intermediate Blacksmith, $95. If Sewing is your thing, we have a class for that. There are also several music classes offered. We offer private lessons in violin, piano, and guitar. You will need to call Wanda Campbell at 256-233-8262 for spaces available. We offer 15-, 30-, 45- and 60-minute lessons. Fees are determined by time. If you want to learn about rhythm, we are offering a new class – It’s All About the Rhythm, $75. This class is for teens and adults. Join us in forming a rhythm section that will learn to perform, create,

improvise and collaborate over a variety of musical genres including pop, jazz, country, rock, blues and classical styles. Barry Kay will lead rehearsals, providing instruction, conducting the group and providing personalized practice tips and arrangements for a few rhythm section tunes based on the instrumentation and the skill level that we have sign up. The 3rd and final session will culminate in a concert for friends and family which will showcase students’ work. Students need to bring their own instruments, however an electronic stage piano will be available for use by the first keyboard student to sign up & request it. Sheet music will be provided. Classes are offered on Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Center, starting October 13. Everything at the Center is too much fun. Stop by to talk with us about what you want to learn. Call us at 256-233-8260 or email us at CLL@athens.edu.

August 7 - August 20, 2015

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Dog Barker

Why Have A Dog? by Joel Allen

I witness this all the time driving down the road. A doghouse sitting out there someone’s yard (you know who you are) with the dog chained to the doghouse. Some dogs I have seen are chained within three feet of the doghouse, and cannot move at all. The owners should be ashamed of themselves. I hear these same people tell me, “Oh, I love my dog!” If anyone loves their dog it will show in the treatment of their dogs. Proverbs 12:10 “A righteous man regardeth the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”

Anyone who knows me knows that I am like a drill sergeant with my “babies” at home, but, they are well taken care of and they know I love them all. When there

are seven Great Danes in one house, a person has to show them who is Alpha. No, I do not beat them. I

just raise my voice, and that ends any challenge to my “authority” (using my South Park voice there).

Back to the “chainers” as I call them. If it is what they think is necessary to chain their dog, then let me give them an alternative. How about a cable run so they can burn some energy? I can tell everyone this: most dogs that are chained up are dying for their family’s attention, hence the jumping up and putting their paws on anyone who comes within reach of their chain. If they wish that to stop this behavior, then they need to start walking the dog more and spending time with them. If not, then the jumping and pawing is the fault of the family. Why have a dog if you are going to ignore it? Was it the novelty of having a dog? Was there a promise made that the dog would be given the attention it should have, and then was it too much trouble? Or was it someone in the family who stated that the dog would be outside after they were brought to their new

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home? Do that dog a favor and take him/her to a family who will bring it into a loving relationship. Dogs are social animals and they have feelings too. They give us one promise in life: they promise to give us their life and companionship. They ask for the same from us, so don’t be selfish: let them truly live.

Lastly, I love my family but if they ever had me choose between them or the dog, everyone knows I would choose the dog every time. That is the only relative that gets chosen. “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

August 7 - August 20, 2015

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Daring To Develop Dreams by Ali Elizabeth Turner

It is time for our kids to head back to school, and Mayor Ronnie was full of thoughts about the year ahead. Both of us have spent time in the classroom as teachers, and have no end of respect for the job our teachers are being called upon to do, as well as the sacrifices they make. Though it’s not easy to discuss, we agreed that teachers have to function far more as parents than was the case when we were kids, or, for that matter, when we were teaching.

We have another new dilemma. We have some kids who are hungry, and a number of kids who are overfed and undernourished. We have parents who are scrambling to make ends meet. However, there is some good news, coming from Academy Award winning actor Jeff Bridges. He and a man named Billy Shore have teamed up in a non-profit organization called No Kid Hungry, and are working from the private sector to deal with both issues: food insecurity and obesity. Strangely, some of the states that have the highest childhood obesity issues are also the ones with the highest levels of food insecurity.

What Jeff is particularly focused on is the importance of breakfast for kids. He said, “It’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We’re talking about brain food, man!” He actually goes to the schools himself to serve the kids, and No Kid Hungry is making a difference all across the nation.

No doubt it is tough to believe in dreams when you are hungry, but we were later blessed to hear about a man who worked hard through the lean times, became successful, and came back home to Athens

August 7 - August 20, 2015

and wishes for teachers, kids, parents and the community to have a great school year.

Mayor Ronnie said Murrah’s announcement to support local arts and the programs for children offered by High Cotton Arts cultivate the dreams of our children. He said adults can encourage children to reach their dreams, or they can kill those dreams quickly. Murrah’s endeavors along with High Cotton Arts are providing that encouragement.

the Murrah family piano is on loan to High Cotton Arts. Mayor Ronnie mentioned at High Cotton that he under-

stood as a former public school educator the enormous pressure teachers are under, and expressed his support, prayers

I asked if kids were going to be allowed to gently play the piano as it “lives” in the Art Incubator, and Roger’s sister Tina seemed to think that was a good idea. We’ll see what they decide, but in the mean time, we are blessed to be in “High Cotton,” and it is time for all of us to roll!

with the purpose of helping adults and kids alike dream. Legendary country songwriter Roger Murrah was at the High Cotton Art Incubator on August 3rd, along with his sister and brother-in-law, and he has given our town a special gift. While it took the whole Murrah family chopping cotton in order to survive, Roger’s dad traded a truck for a 1929 Howard upright piano so his kids could have a chance to discover music. Because of the strength of their family and faith, the kids never had the sense of being poor. They would make music by the hour after the chores were done, and we got to hear some of it live. Appropriately, the song they sang was “High Cotton,” and

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Medical Update

August Is National Breastfeeding Month by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN

According to a call to action supported by the Surgeon General of the U.S., breastfeeding is “one of the most highly effective preventive measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant and herself.” This breastfeeding campaign, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has a goal to “empower women to commit to breastfeeding by highlighting new research showing that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity.” In many states in the U.S., breastfeeding is no longer the choice of new mothers for meeting the nutritional needs of their newborns. This is especially true in Alabama. The national average of women who have ever breastfed is 76.5%, while Alabama reports only 60.4%. This number is lower in only 4 other states, 2 of which are in the “Deep South” and includes Mississippi (50.5%) and Arkansas (57.7%). In addition, the number of

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So why is breastfeeding so important? Is it really any better for your baby than pre-packaged formula at the grocery store? With so much information readily available at our fingertips and the click of a few buttons on the Internet, it can get overwhelming to find good sources. There is always “new research” coming out on every topic under the sun, and breastfeeding is no exception. So let’s take a look at what some of the leading scientific researchers in the U.S. have to say. Health Benefits of Breastfeeding1 •Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. •Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma. •Children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. •Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syn-

drome (SIDS). •Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding2 •Families who follow optimal breastfeeding practices can save between $1,200 and $1,500 on infant formula in the first year alone. •A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that if 90% of U.S. families followed guidelines to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the U.S. would annually save $13 billion from reduced medical and other costs. •For both employers and employees, better infant health means fewer health insurance claims, less employee time off to care for sick children, and higher productivity. •Mutual of Omaha found that health care costs for newborns are three times lower for babies whose mothers participate in the company’s employee maternity and lactation program. Why isn’t breastfeeding more

common, then? Below are some key barriers, as discussed by the U.S. Surgeon General3: •Lack of Knowledge: While breastfeeding is considered a natural skill, some mothers may need education and guidance. Providing accurate information can help prepare mothers for breastfeeding.

•Employment and Child Care: Employed mothers typically find that (1) returning to work and (2) lack of maternity leave are significant barriers to breastfeeding.

•Lactation Problems: Sometimes babies have a tough time getting good at breastfeeding and an experienced lactation specialist can provide assistance. Most of these are avoidable if identified and treated early, and need not pose a threat to continued breastfeeding.

•Health Services: Health care systems and health care providers can improve mothers’ breastfeeding experiences by pursuing and obtaining the training and educational opportunities they need in order to fully support their patients.

•Poor Family and Social Support: Fathers, grandmothers, and other family members strongly influence mothers’ decisions about starting, continuing, and accommodating breastfeeding. •Social Norms: Many people see breastfeeding as an alternative rather than the routine way to feed infants. •Embarrassment: The popular culture’s view of breasts as only having a sexual purpose com-

Jennifer Reed breastfeeding her daughter (whose birth I had the pleasure of attending) at the Huntsville Big Latch On 2015, a kickoff event to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week

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pels some women to avoid breastfeeding. Improving support for women to breastfeed can help them better accommodate the demands of everyday life while protecting their infants’ health and can be accomplished at no risk to their own modesty.

Photo courtesy: Pitter-Patter Photography

As is my usual habit, I have picked a topic based upon national health observances that are getting media attention each month. August just so happens to be National Breastfeeding Month. August 1st-7th is World Breastfeeding Week, which has been celebrated for 22 years, and is recognized in over 175 countries around the globe. The mission of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is to “focus and facilitate actions to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.”

Alabama mothers still breastfeeding exclusively at 3 and 6 months is low at 23.5% and 11.9% respectively.

There are many ways to help new mothers increase their knowledge and skill in regards to breastfeeding. An excellent book written on the subject is “Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding,” written by world-renowned midwife, Ina May Gaskin of The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee. There are certified lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups in many areas, including North Alabama. To find a La Leche (which is Spanish for “the milk”) League group, visit http:// www.lllalmsla.org/lll-groups/ alabama-groups/. Another great resource for breastfeeding support is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Visit www.ilca. org to find a provider in your area. Protect your newborn by committing to breastfeeding him or her for at least 6-12 months, or longer if you can! 1-http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/ breastfeeding/factsheet.html 2-http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/ breastfeeding/factsheet.html 3-http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/ breastfeeding/executivesummary.pdf

August 7 - August 20, 2015

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August 7 - August 20, 2015