Athens Now December 20, 2019

December 20th, 2019 - January 2nd, 2020

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature The Gypsy Market On Market: Eclectic And Elegant...

LuLu Walker was born and raised in Michigan, but had the great privilege of living in Jerusalem from the ages of...

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Herbs & More: Here To Help For The Holidays And Always

By Roy P Williams and Ali Elizabeth Turner

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

America is the most blessed nation on earth. God has provided us with a country full of resources that has helped us feed our people, and many people around the world. Our form of government has Continued on pages 16-17

Special Feature Jonathan Walker And Farmers Insurance: Relationships And Resources...

Jonathan Walker grew up in Florida and honorably served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of ...

Page 10

From The Vets' Museum Meet MSG Robert Willis Utecht!...

This has been an absolute stellar year for the Alabama Veterans Museum, so many good things happening that I cannot even begin to...

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Publisher’s Point

“Let’s Roll” Now Applies To “Crèche Craziness”

Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Sandra Thompson Anna Hamilton Jackie Warner Wanda Campbell Deb Kitchenmaster Nick Thomas Roy Williams Rosemary Dewar Tim Lambert

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . . 19

For the past several years, the Hanukkah/Christmas edition of Athens Now often has taken time to remind people that our freedom to celebrate the holiday season in the public square is under attack.

The point is not to sully the season any further than has already occurred with Black Friday starting in July and Jesus nowhere to be found on TV. It is to lovingly sound an alarm while we wish complete strangers “Merry Christmas” in stores and on the streets.

Essentially, as nuts as it sounds, parts of our badly divided culture feel it is somehow inappropriate to show an angel whose only “crime” is to announce “Peace on Earth, toward men of goodwill” near a publically-owned building.

Thankfully, in our town we don’t have that problem, as proven by the Christmas parade of two weeks ago, but that doesn’t mean that we never could. I came up with the term “Crèche Craziness” to describe an irrational fear of spying a Nativity scene in plain view of all.

The word “crèche” comes from the French language and technically means "manger.”

A crèche vivant is where live actors, and perhaps animals, are present. The other term with which we are more familiar in the 21st century is Nativity. All of it means a threedimensional representation of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus in a manger, and depending on how elaborate, shepherds, wise men, animals, angels, and a star. And, in case you are worried, if someone decided to put one on the Court-

Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . 22

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house lawn, it would not mean that the First Amendment had been cut out of the Constitution.

I was talking with my trusty copy editor, Yvonne Dempsey, about my chosen topic for this Publisher’s Point, and she chuckled as she told me that when she was a kid, a major department store in her town that happened to be Jewish always had one large display window dedicated to the Nativity, and I replied that it was the same in my hometown of Seattle. No Christmas decorations went up until the day after Thanksgiving, and every downtown department store had a Nativity scene. Times have sadly changed, but times might be rolling political correctness out to sea and the will of the people back to shore.

Except for revisionists, everyone knows the people of this great country never had a problem with the meaning of Christmas until the very end of the 20th century.

I am thinking tongue-in-cheek of making 2019 the first year that Athens Now gives out an annual “Crèche Craziness Award.” This year’s inaugural winner would be the mayor of Rehoboth Beach, a small town in Delaware. Mayor Paul Kuhn told townsfolk in general and the Knights of Columbus specifically (by way of ordinance) that after 80 years, they could no longer put a Nativity scene on the circle in the middle of town.

Photo: Cape Gazette

Publisher / Editor

I am pleased to announce that the citizens of Rehoboth Beach are just not having it.

The first act-of-pushback was made by a couple who created a rolling Nativity scene and placed it in the flatbed of their pickup. They have been rolling all over town, careful to be mindful of parking ordinances and hours allowed to park, and have not broken the law. Emboldened by Mike and Pam Pichola’s decision to give a new meaning to, “Let’s roll,” ten shopkeepers near the circle, who had previously just made winter scenes in their storefronts put up their own Nativity scenes. Some even put the scenes outside their shops, careful to not obstruct traffic or violate the ordinances that apply to sidewalks. In addition to the actions of the Picholas and the shopkeepers, it seems that the whole town has gotten involved. Restaurants, hotels, cafes, hair salons and several people who have historical homes in full few of the “sanitized” City Circle have put crèches outside their establishments or in their

driveways. The mayor was apparently surprised, “They got kind of upset about the fact that we weren’t allowing it there,” Mayor Paul Kuhns told news station WMDT in Salisbury, Maryland.

He then added, “But the city policy is not to have religious displays on public property or city property. We didn’t want to be exclusive.” Hmmmm-, how is that working out for ya, Mr. Mayor? I guess we’ll know by your next election.

Meanwhile,” back at the ranch” and from our crew to you, a Happy Hanukkah, a most Merry Christmas, and a New Year full of hope and peace to all of goodwill in this part of Earth known as Athens!

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

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All Things Soldier

Gary Sinese And The Snowball Express

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Gary Sinese, who became a household name as “Lt. Dan” in the movie, Forrest Gump, made a promise in 2006 to a soldier that he would take the soldier’s family to Disney World if he lost his life protecting us. Fulfilling that promise led to the formation of the Gary Sinese Foundation, the Snowball Express, and the Lt. Dan Band, which all serve soldiers and the families of soldiers in different ways. At Christmas time, the Snowball Express sponsors a trip for the families of the fallen.

Recently, Sinise partnered with American Airlines and Disney to take 1,000 family members to an all-expense paid, 5-day trip to Disney World. He flew with them and recorded their joy.

“The important ingredient is that these kids meet each other and they know they’re not alone,” Sinise said. “They make friendships that last a lifetime.” Families from over 87 cities around the world got a chance to visit the “most magical place on Earth.”

The kids are always ac-

companied by a surviving parent or guardian.

This year is the 14th anniversary of the Snowball Express.

Sinise has always desired that the families of the fallen get to have an amazing holiday as part of the healing process.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of these families,” he said. “I love them and I want to just do something to of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell added this: “Thank you for all the things you have done for our men and women who have served our nation. Not only what you’ve done for them but for their children, what you’ve done for their families, what you’ve done to help them rebuild their lives.”

help them through.”

Gary Sinese is one of those guys that can be accurately called “the real deal.” He has nev-

er been a soldier, but did an excellent job of portraying one. In particular, his role as “Lt. Dan” gave us a beautiful and brutal idea of what ‘Nam vets went through after they came home close to 50 years ago. In the movie, the way that he fights with Jesus and then rebuilds his life is something that inspires me to this day.

In spite of his great success as an actor, Sinese has not let it go to his head, and you don’t see

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him on the front of the tabloids. Instead, he has paid it forward, and not just with the Disney trips. Last year, a touching tribute video was made that featured people as politically diverse as Robert DiNiro and Patricia Heaton. Tom Hanks brought Sinese to tears when, at the end, he said in his Forrest Gump voice, “Thank you, Lt. Dan.” In addition to Tom Hanks, retired four-star Army General and former Chairman

“Lt. Dan” has also partnered with the Disabled American Veterans organization and, in addition, has been all over the world with his band to entertain our troops. Though he is not a soldier, I know from experience that soldiers love few people as strongly as civilians who make it a quiet and ongoing part of their lifestyle to support our soldiers. Merry Christmas, Gary Sinise, and thank you from all Americans who support those who serve. You make us proud, and God bless you!

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Special Feature

The Gypsy Market On Market: Eclectic And Elegant

by Ali Elizabeth Turner LuLu Walker was born and raised in Michigan, but had the great privilege of living in Jerusalem from the ages of 13-17. Part of that time, LuLu worked in one of the many open-air markets in the Old City, and it was there that her grandmother affectionately nicknamed her “the Jewelry Gypsy.”

This was because even as a young person, her love and knowledge of semi-precious stones won her both an excellent reputation for that as well as in sales; but she never imagined she’d one day be the owner of her own shop in Athens, Alabama.

LuLu’s shop is called the Gypsy Market on Market, and she sells jewelry, antiques, up-cycled furniture, and clothing, all under the watchful eye of her parrot, Mango, the shop’s mascot.

Gypsy Market, which is located right next to Dobb’s at 108 W Market St in Athens, had their grand opening and ribbon cutting through the Chamber of Commerce in October, and word is getting around as to just how elegant, eclectic, and affordable are her pieces.

During the time I did this interview, a woman who was a professional interior designer came in and exclaimed how beautiful the shop was. Not long after that, another woman came in for the first time, broke into a smile while she said, “Wow, you have a lot of beautiful things here,” unexpectedly found the perfect gift, and left with an even bigger smile.

LuLu and her husband, Dr. Darrell Walker, moved here from Nashville as part of the team that opened up Aspen Dental on Hwy 72 next to Panera Bread. While living in Nashville, LuLu had three shops, each specializing in one thing; and it is here in Athens that she pulled all of her expertise together

and put her favorites in one place. “I decided to live my dreams and open a shop,” she told me. She did that task almost single-handedly in 10 days, and the result is several rooms of treasures to discover, enjoy, and take home. “It is the blend of everything I love,” she told me, and we all know that in order to be successful in any venture, you have to love people as well as what you do. LuLu most definitely does both.

LuLu and I share a spe-

cific love of the blue semiprecious stone known as lapis, and she has several stunning pieces from all over the world. “We sell more lapis than any other stone in the shop,” she said.

A man came in who is also a “lapis lover” and familiar with LuLu’s offerings.

He was particularly enamored with a new lapis cuff that had arrived recently.

LuLu’s shop has estate jewelry, fresh water pearls from India and Thailand, and she also makes her own jewelry.

What else can be found at Gypsy Market? Lots of silver pieces, many of which remind me of my mother’s

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area, should I come to Gypsy Market on Market. She thought for a moment, and replied, “Affordability, especially the gemstones. We are clean and organized, and have pieces that are diverse and eclectic. There are lots of bright colors, lively music, and the whole store is comfortable.” (And, there is Mango the parrot, who loves to chew on the pages of Athens Now.) Come and

and grandmothers’ collections. There are tea sets, vases large and small, serving pieces, and salt and pepper shakers, many of which are silver. Silver is making a comeback, in case you didn’t know, and now is the time to get in on that trend. The Gypsy Market on Market carries several pieces of furniture, some of which are antiques in pristine condition and others have been up-cycled.

“It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do,” LuLu told me with her trademark grin. They have a handmade wooden headboard with ethnic fabric inserts, a few choice lamps, and a round

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hassock that has an ornately carved base and a brightly colored quilted top. If there were a place for it in my house, I would buy it!

Some of the clothing at GMOM is new, and others have been gently worn.

There is a coat with a fur collar that could have come from my mother’s closet, and right next to it, a long, flowing, contemporarilystyled purple cardigan that could dress up anything from a tunic or dress to a pair of jeans. As is the case with everything else in the Market, clothing prices are most reasonable.

I asked LuLu why, when I have several choices in the

explore the Gypsy Market on Market, and leave with a new friend and unique gifts for your loved ones or yourself!

The Gypsy Market On Market

108 W. Market Street Athens, AL 35611 256 444 2156 www.gypsymarketon market.com Facebook and Instagram: Gyspy Market on Market Holiday Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10-8, Sunday 10-7

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Calendar of Events Houston Memorial Library and Museum WINTER HOURS

Coffee Call January 4

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue - Thurs 10am-4pm • Fri 10am-1pm • First Saturdays - 10am-1pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library. We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.

Veterans of all wars and their families are invited for breakfast and fellowship from 8:00AM-9:30AM at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archive (100 West Pryor Street in Athens). 256771-7578.

Ardmore Tinsel Trail December

Families everywhere are encouraged to get outside the first Saturday of every month and play in public parks, enjoy trails, hit the waterways, explore greenspaces and just play!

Limestone County offers over 20 trails to explore including walking, cycling, horseback riding and kayaking – perfect for all ages. For more information: 256-232-5411.

Along Ardmore Avenue near Ardmore High School in Ardmore, Alabama. Enjoy an array of trees decked with amazing collections of baubles and lights decorated by area businesses and organizations.

Bethlehem Walk December

Mable Hill Baptist Church. 3778 Ready Section Road in Ardmore, Alabama. This sensory experience walk-through of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus is born from 6:30PM9:00PM. Free. Large groups are requested to call ahead 256420-8172.

"The Christmas Story" Drive-Thru Story ​December

"The Christmas Story" Drive-Thru Story of the Birth of Jesus at Emmanuel Baptist Church. 1917 U.S. Highway 72W in Athens. 5:30PM-8:30PM. Free.​

New Year's Eve Party December 31

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4401 McLean Drive in Rogersville.

8:00PM-2:00PM. Packages start at $225.00 and include room for two, Prime Rib Buffet for Two, New Year's Eve Party featuring McTazz Band, Toast at Midnight, and Breakfast for Tow on New Year's Day. Must be 21 and up. Party only tickets available at the front desk night of event. Cash bar available.

For reservations: 256-247-5461.

Alabama Music Series: The Pine Hill Haints January 3

The Loft above Village Pizza. 222 West Market Street in Athens. 7:30PM-10:30PM also featuring the local group, The Redeemers. Hosted by Athens Art League. Sponsored in part

by Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, Steelcase, Valley Mowing Company and Village Pizza.

Cost: $10.00 at the door.

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Play Outside Day January 4

Elkfest with VINYL Revival January 4

18855 Upper Fort Hampton Road in Elkmont. Starting at 6:00PM with a variety of live accts featuring Acoustic, Jazz, Indie, Rock and more. Cover charge applies (goes to the bands) and free soda and water.

15th Annual Hunter Bauer Memorial Blood Drive January 12

First Baptist Athens. 201 East Hobbs Street in Athens.

12:00PM-5:00PM in the Family Life Center/Gym. The drive honors local Athens Middle School student, Hunter Bauer, who died in December 2004 from MRSA (Methicillianresistant Staphylococcus Aureus). Every donations made in your community stays within your local hospitals. Reserved slots available at LifeSouth.org

American Red Cross Blood Drive January 13

Ardmore Public Library. 25836 Main Street in Ardmore, TN. 12:00PM-5:00PM in the Children's Room. Advance scheduling available at RedCrossBlood.org

The American Legion Post 49 Annual Oratorical Contest on the Constitution.

January 18

For Limestone County High School students, Grades 9 thru 12.

10:00 am. This is an opportunity to compete for scholarship monies and enhance your knowledge of the consititution.

No cost to compete For more details email or call: Dean Crafton, Chairman Post 49 Oratorical contest, 256 497 9638, athensgoldbug@gmail.com

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Special Feature

Jonathan Walker And Farmers Insurance: Relationships And Resources

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Jonathan Walker grew up in Florida and honorably served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. During his career, he led several Aircraft Maintenance Units, and at one point had close to 250 guys who answered to him. After leaving the Air Force, Jonathan spent several years working in the Texas oil business in sales, and did well. He married a woman from our area, a Sparkman High School grad, and started a family.

The Walkers have three kids, including a set of twins, and they decided to move to Athens to be closer to grandparents. At first, Jonathan figured that with his background, the logical next step would be that he would find a job on the Arsenal.

However, Jonathan like so many Americans had the desire to own his own business. He also wanted to be a part of an industry that genuinely helped people, and began to look into becoming an agent for a reputable insurance company. Jonathan and Farmers found each other, and Farmers was particularly interested in opening up new agencies in North Alabama.

Jonathan hung out his shingle this past July.

By way of history, Farmers has been around since 1928, and was started in Los Angeles, California, in a tiny office by two men by the name of John C. Tyler and Thomas Leavey. They came from

vironment, they became the first major insurer to offer a discount for alternative-fuel vehicles. They opened the University of Farmers, voted No. 1 corporate training center in the country by Training magazine, to provide their agents and employees with the best of the best in insurance education.

Regarding giving back to the community, Farmers has donated millions to the March of Dimes, has sent agents out of their area to help with claims after disasters have struck all over America, has sponsored the Famers Open PGA Tour, and more. Farmers is proud

humble beginnings; Tyler had been born in a sod hut in South Dakota, and Leavey had been raised on a dairy farm in Humboldt County. They wanted to meet the needs of those who were growing and producing food in California, known back then as the Bread Basket of the World. “Field agents” at that time literally went field-tofield to meet farmers on their tractors. The Great Depression hit, and Farmers helped both their clients and their communities. As bad as the economy was, when a major earthquake hit in 1933, Farmers became the first insurance company to offer comprehensive auto coverage. The directive from the

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

home office was, “Pay them. Pay them all.”

Farmers backed our soldiers in World War II, and developed products for their clients that were most helpful after the war was over. In the ‘60s, Farmers became the first major insurance organization to offer a monthly payment plan that wasn’t a finance plan and that didn’t charge customers any interest. They started drive-in claims service and offered uninsured motorist coverage as well as policies providing discounts to drivers between the ages of 30 and 60.

In the ‘70s, they became the first to offer a discount for nonsmokers, and have had several firsts in the decades since.

Farmers leads in catastrophe response, and are often the first mobile catastrophe fleet on the ground to serve communities affected by disasters. As part of their commitment to the en-

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to serve more than 10 million households with more than 19 million individual policies across all 50 states, through the efforts of over 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 21,000 employees.

Jonathan particularly enjoys helping fellow entrepreneurs as well as veterans. Because he is the actual owner of his business, he is able to offer sig-

nificant discounts for current military service members, first responders, and former military service members. It is important to Jonathan for people to remember that this is a veteran-owned business.

He also enjoys writing policies for business owners -ones who have launched out, taken the risk, and need coverage to make sure they protect their assets and their families’ futures. He can also offer significant savings when you bundle your policies.

When Jonathan was considering becoming an agent, he asked himself these questions: “Why not help the community?

Why not have a business that is built on relationships and excellent customer service?” Just as when he took an oath to protect our country and us when he joined the Air Force, Jonathan is ready to offer that same commitment to the people of North Alabama. Give him a call today for a noobligation quote. He is ready to serve you.

Jonathan Walker Farmers Insurance 814 Palmer Rd, Ste B-3 Madison, AL 35758 256-325-0560 jwalker@farmers agent.com Page 7

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Celebrating The Season And Our City

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie had just come from another “Scotland Skype” (or more accurately a Zoom) session held at Athens Elementary School with our sister city, Stonehaven. Earlier this fall, children from AES had the privilege of “going to Scotland” in real time via the marvel of technology, and were invited by Stonehaven’s mayor to produce art to decorate one of the historical buildings there known as Kinneff Old Church. They had even been offered cash prizes for their work, and today was the day that the winners were going

to be announced. Scotland’s Aberdeen University hosted the event, and the kids were asked a number of questions about our local and national history. “History is so important for our kids,” said the mayor, and was glad they were getting a chance to understand why. The students also learned about the Scottish Cowboys who worked in the Austin,TX area during the 19th century westward expansion from the Scots themselves. “Who knew?” we both said with surprise.

One of the guests from the

Athens “side of the pond” was Mrs. Rene Brown, who moved here from Scotland in 1964. She and her husband had owned a meat market, and back in the day in their spare time they loved to dance. She was asked by the Scots what was the toughest thing to adjust to when she first moved here, and her response was “getting used to the heat.” The kids learned firsthand what it is like to immigrate to a country and become a happy part of it.

Speaking of “happy part,” there had been so much to celebrate here in Athens,

Alabama, with respect to the holidays, the official recognition of our Bi-centennial, and community activities that make this place so special. The weekend had been the unveiling of the 16 commemorative monuments in Bi-Centennial Park in Montgomery. Governor Ivey talked about the good parts of our history, and those which are less than stellar. She said, “It’s not only a story of our past, but more importantly, it’s about where we intend to go, and it’s up to each of us to help chart that course. Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Ala-

bamians, let us now go into our third century confident of this, our future is guaranteed to be brighter if we travel this road together.”

Back in Athens, the mayor mentioned, “The streets were packed for Sippin’ Cider,” and Saturday night the 14th was also the Police Banquet. Friendship Church was the host site for the North Alabama Mental Health holiday party, one of many events for struggling people in our area.

One of the things that especially spoke to the mayor was watching families working together, parents and their kids as well, who were focused on other families struggling at Christmas time. One dad told Mayor Ronnie that his son “was in training” as they gave out gifts at Lincoln-Bridgeforth.

It is always a joy to hear Christmas music that reminds us of the “Great Gift” we have been given, and nothing tells the story better than Handel’s Messiah.

We heard a stirring performance of the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the First Baptist Church Annual Christmas Concert, and were beautifully reminded of our blessings.

Before we prayed, Mayor Ronnie said with joy, “Our city is a wonderful place to live. We have lots of challenges, and lots of opportunities.” We took the opportunity to pray, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll, but not before he wished all of Athens a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Slinkard On Success

Jesus Christ The Same Yesterday, And To Day, And For Ever

by D. A. Slinkard The end of the year is upon us, and the only thing you can do now, in 2019, is reflect back on what your successes were and what your failures were. We all have things that went well in 2019 and things that did not go as we had hoped for. If 2019 was a rough year for you, the good news is the year is about to flip over to 2020. If 2019 was a good year for you, the good news is the year is about to flip over to 2020. You read it right, good or bad, bad or good, the year is about to flip over to 2020.

Are you ready? Are you prepared? I believe people think they are ready, but when it comes time for the rubber to meet the road, this is where the friction happens.

Many times people sit on the sidelines waiting for life to happen.

You have just a matter of days to get your mindset right for 2020.

What are you going to

do about it? If this past year was a good year, how are you going to build off it leading into the new year?

focus around and direct it towards others, we could make some serious change for the positive.

These are valid questions that many times we forget to answer. Oftentimes, we do not even think about them when we should use this time of the year to focus in on becoming better in the new year. Some people do not want change, they like the way things are and despise change in their life. I think about water -- if it stays the same for too long it becomes stagnant. We see this in all phases of life, and we need to make some waves.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. If you have been getting negative results with your living, just stop. Stop doing what you have been doing and change your thinking.

My life changed when I realized I was a sinner on my way to Hell. This realization is very sobering, especially when we live in a time in which people think the God of the Bible will conform to their lifestyle. We live in a time in which people think of God only as loving and will not judge them.

I am not talking anything radical, but we all personally need to look from within and ask ourselves, “What else?”

What else can I do to make myself better, my community, those around me? Too often, we want to focus on what is in it for us, but if we would just turn our

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

News flash -- Psalm 7:11 tells us that, “God judgeth the righteous, and

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God is angry with the wicked every day.” We need to chew on this for some time and maybe realize our lifestyle is not so pleasing to God. It comes down to four simple principles. The 1st principle is we are all sinners on our way to Hell. The 2nd principle is that because of our sin nature there is a penalty to pay for the sins (crimes) we commit. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death...”

The 3rd principle is God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross and pay the sin debt for everyone. Not the elect, not the few, but Jesus died for everyone. He died on the cross at Calvary, he was buried, and three days later he arose from the grave. This is the Gospel. The 4th principle is to put our trust in

Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you want a spectacular 2020, put your trust in Jesus Christ. We try to evaluate a person's success by what they have and do not have, but we judge on material things when we need to judge based off spiritual matters. Do you believe a person CAN KNOW when they die whether or not they will go to Heaven or Hell? If you would like to know how to get to Heaven, I offer this invitation so you can write me an email to da.slinkard@ gmail.com. I want to help show you so you can get it settled. Someone may be reading this article doubting me, and that is okay because I put my trust in Jesus.

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Meet MSG Robert Willis Utecht!

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

This has been an absolute stellar year for the Alabama Veterans Museum, so many good things happening that I cannot even begin to list them all. I would like to take the time to say “Thank You” to everyone! I would like to thank the Limestone County Commission, the Limestone County Legislative Delegation, the City of Athens, and everyone in this wonderful community. I would like to also thank our dedicated Board of Directors, our hardworking staff, and, of course, our awesome volunteers…We certainly could not do what we do without this whole team coming together. And 2020 is going to be anther AWESOME year!

Now, I would like you to meet one of those wonderful volunteers, MSG Bob Utecht. Bob was born on Oct 27, 1948 in Maryville, KS. After graduating high school, he decided college was just not for him, so instead, he decided to learn a trade. Since the Vietnam draft was going on, he thought he would like to have a say in what job was selected for him, and he took it

upon himself to join the Army. He enlisted on Dec. 4, 1967. He chose the Army because it provided the most choices for a technical trade. He chose to be an aircraft mechanic because he felt this would provide a variety of opportunities for long-term employment, and boy, was he ever right!

Bob did two tours in Vietnam and was also stationed in Alaska, Florida, Germany, and finally completed his military career at Redstone Arsenal in 1988.

After over twenty years in the Army, (he said he did 20 years just to see if he liked it!) he realized there were opportunities for him outside the military. Bob went to work for a civilian helicopter maintenance company called COBRO; he then went to work for AVION Solution as part of an Army “in sourcing” program, and he decided to retire for the second time shortly after that.

Bob is not just an asset to the museum, but an essential member of a number of organizations in the Athens community.

He is a member of the VFW and a member of the North Alabama Viet-

nam Helicopter Pilots Association. The NHVPA restored a helicopter gunship that traced its history back to the unit it flew with in Vietnam, and it ended up to be the 170th Buccaneers; Buc 3 was its call sign. Bob was in the 170th and flew in Buc 9, he flew many missions as a wingman to Buc 3 (small world!).

Bob has been volunteering at the museum for almost a year now. He

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feels that everyone has something they can give back to the community, and he felt the museum was a good fit for him.

He feels Athens is the greatest when it comes to recognizing its veterans, and that the community is a very giving community, not only to its veterans but its churches, schools, and various groups throughout the city. Bob would like to see something interactive

in the museum, such as a helicopter flight simulator for the kids, or as he says “the kids at heart!” Well stay tuned, Bob; you might just get your wish!

Bob’s wife, the love of his life, unfortunately passed away in 2017.

He has a son that lives in Minor Hill, TN and a daughter that lives in St. Peters, MO. Come and let Bob give you a tour, he is here on Mondays.

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

PlayAction Sports

Changes Announced For Some Local Schools For Next Year; Winter Sports Hit Their Stride

by Tim Lambert Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! email: playactionsports@hotmail.com

As they do every two years, the Alabama High School Athletic Association presented their fall sports reclassifications for the 2020-21 school year. In past years, the AHSAA had used attendance numbers from 10th through 12th grades of each school to determine how to classify each school; however, this year, the decision was made to use 9th through 11th grade numbers.

The only local schools seeing classification changes were Elkmont (Class 4A to Class 3A) and Athens Bible School (Class 1A volleyball to Class 2A). Region/area changes included Athens High (Region 7 to Region 8 in football, Area 15 to Area 16 in volleyball) and Tanner (Area 16 to Area 14 in volleyball).

Scoring milestones were recently achieved by county basketball players Jireh Rogers (East Limestone) and Madison Lewis and Chesney Widner (Ardmore). Rogers got to the 2,500 point mark while Lewis and Widner both reached 1,000 points.

More local athletes also signed scholarships to continue their athletic careers: James Clemens’ Logan Morris (Alabama-baseball), Zach Taylor (UAB-football), Jim Roberts (Martin Methodist-bowling), and Brandon Evans (Montevallo-lacrosse); Athens High’s

Lady Red Devils beat Westminster.

James Clemens

East Limestone's Austin Harvell is corralled

by Ardmore defenders (Credit: Dean Baucom) Dylan Johnson (UAH-baseball), Alaina Taylor (UAHbasketball), and Tucker Reed (UT Martin-baseball); East Limestone’s Olivia Crouch (Calhoun-softball) and Hannah Riddle (Columbia Statesoftball) and Elkmont’s Haven Kirby (UNA-softball).

James Clemens football coach Wade Waldrop was selected as the Class 7A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Football Coaches Association.

The Jets finished the season at 9-3 overall, making it to the second round of the playoffs where they lost to Hoover 2320 in overtime.

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Local highlights since our last column: Ardmore Varsity basketball teams swept Clements, the boys defeated Priceville and Madison County, and the girls stopped Elkmont and Lindsay Lane.

Athens Bible Both varsity basketball teams posted wins over Cherokee and Woodville. The ABS boys topped Oakwood Academy; the Lady Trojans turned back Whitesburg Christian.

Athens High Basketball teams swept James Clemens and Decatur, the boys defeated Phil Campbell and Southside Gadsden at the Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Bash, while the Lady Golden Eagles recorded victories over Brewer and Mortimer Jordan in the Encore Classic. More girls’ wins came over Grissom, Hartselle, and Russellville. At the sectional swim and dive meet, Connor Hill

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was first in the 100-yard butterfly and breaststroke and Troy Young took the 500-yard freestyle.

Clements Both boys and girls basketball teams got wins over East Lawrence. The Lady Colts also beat Elkmont.

East Limestone Boys and girls teams had sweeps of Clements, Elkmont, Ardmore, Madison County, Tanner, and Bob Jones. The Indians turned back Sparkman, James Clemens, and Madison Academy; the East girls topped Red Bay. Elkmont Boys’ victories came against Danville, Clements, Lexington, Ardmore, and Tanner; the

At the swim and dive sectionals, James Clemens posted first places in the men's and women's 200-yard medley relays and freestyle relays, Lusiana Levan won the intermediate medley, Ashley Ahrens and Alec Benzek were first in the one-meter diving, and Beau Broussard won the 100yard backstroke. At the state swim and dive meet, the James Clemens girls finished eighth in 6A-7A, with the Jets placing tenth as a team. Individually, Beau Broussard came in second in the 100-yard backstroke. James Clemens' boys put up overtime basketball wins against Sumter Central and Athens; the Lady Jets defeated Deshler and Grissom.

Lindsay Lane

Lindsay Lane's boys defeated Clements, Whitesburg Christian, Ardmore, and New Hope. Sweeps came against R.A. Hubbard and ABS. Tanner

Both Rattler teams beat Clements and Colbert County. The boys have victories against Hatton; the Tanner girls topped Brook, Sheffield, and Elkmont.

West Limestone

West Limestone's boys defeated Lexington, Vinemont, Lauderdale County, and Brooks; the Lady Wildcats turned back Decatur.

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Clean and Green

Our Gift Of Thanks And Gratefulness

by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful erings and share important information that affects us locally.

All year long, KALB is seeking your help to create a healthier, better environment here at home in Athens and Limestone County and globally.

We ask you not to litter and to pick up litter whenever you can.

We ask you to recycle and add new materials to your list of recyclables as you are able.

We ask you for financial support so we can continue the important work of educating our citizens, young and old.

We ask you to volunteer at our events so we can make a difference in this community.

We ask you for in-kind donations so we can have successful fundraisers and meet our budget needs.

We ask you for so much, and so many of you come through for us.

And for that we are so very, very grateful!

THANK YOU for allowing us to enter your classrooms and show your students why it is important to care about the world around them.

THANK YOU for inviting us to speak at your club meetings and gath-

THANK YOU to our volunteer commission and board members who make it possible for KALB and its related boards -- Athens-Limestone Beautification Board and Athens-Limestone Recycling Board -- to continue to function efficiently and as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

THANK YOU to our many community volunteers who step up to participate in our many events. Our Trash Attack and River Cleanup and #OneBagChallenge would not have made an impact without YOU! Our Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, Duck and Run 5K, and Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby could not have taken place and been successful without each volunteer and participant.

THANK YOU to our very generous business community members who have helped support us and our events over this year and past years. Your generosity closed the gap in our budget needs allowing us to continue to share our important message.

THANK YOU to the City of Athens for your continued generous support

of KALB, the AthensLimestone Recycling Center, and the AthensLimestone Beautification board and for demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance these services provide to this community. We are so very grateful.

THANK YOU to the Limestone County Commission for continuing support of our Recycling Center and Beautification

Board, for helping during KALB cleanup events, and for understanding the value of this organization to the citizens of Limestone County.

So as we end 2019 and move into a new decade, we thank each of you whose decisions and actions have made a positive impact on the environment in Athens-Limestone County,

whether seen or unseen.

Everything you have done and continue to do helps improve our water quality, our air quality, the protection of our local wildlife, and the beauty of our hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, and pasture lands.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com Page 12

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Cooking with Anna

The 12 “Angel Eggs” of Christmas

by Anna Hamilton I have indulged, I’ve eaten healthier options the rest of the meal.

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas. It seems like since the month of December began, my husband and I have been on the run from one Christmas function to another. You know as well as I do, that coming face to face with delicious Christmas goodies can derail all the hard work you’ve done this year to make yourself a healthier you.

My solution to this problem has been to bring something I know is healthy, delicious, and that will have universal crowd appeal. I have been struggling with keeping the straight and narrow over the holidays but have done fairly well. Now, I’m not saying that I haven’t had the occasional holiday cookie or a piece of that homemade caramel cake I made for Thanksgiving. Whenever

My recipe for this last issue of the year is a true Christmas theme. Everyone loves the 12 days of Christmas, so I am offering the 12 “Angel” Eggs of Christmas. This time of year, no one needs anything deviled in their lives, so Angel Eggs it is! These eggs are great alternatives to all the heavy appetizers floating around this time of year, and with the 12 different versions, you are sure to find one that will become your favorite.

Go ahead! Indulge! Enjoy Christmas and all your holiday activities, but take the time to make some healthy choices so that once January 1 comes around, you will already be headed in the right direction.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Recipe #24: Angel Eggs—12 Ways Base Recipe:

Classic Eggs:

Avocado:

½ ripe avocado mashed 1 tsp Dijon mustard 3 tsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp dried tarragon 1/8 tsp black pepper Diced green peppers for garnish

12 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced in half ½ cup mayo ½ tsp sea salt

2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp pickle juice 1/8 tsp pepper ¼ tsp paprika, plus more for garnish

Directions:

Smoked Salmon:

Bacon and Cheese

Slice each egg in half lengthwise and scoop out the egg yolks into a large bowl; mash into a crumble with a fork. Mix in mayo and salt. From there, choose your favorite variety and mix well.

Fill each egg white half with the delicious yolk filling.

Enjoy!

2 tsp Dijon mustard 3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened 2 tsp lemon juice 1/8 tsp pepper ½ tsp dill, plus more for garnish

1 Tbsp capers, finely chopped 5 Tbsp minced smoked salmon

Broccoli and Cheese:

3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened 2 tsp lemon juice 1/8 tsp pepper ½ tsp dill, plus more for garnish 1 Tbsp capers, finely chopped 5 Tbsp minced smoked salmon

Sun-Dried Tomato:

2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp vinegar 1/8 tsp pepper 1/3 cup finely chopped broccoli 1/3 cup grated cheddar, plus more for garnish

2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp vinegar 1/8 tsp black pepper 3 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped 1/3 cup feta, crumbled 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

Southwestern:

Buffalo Chicken:

1/3 cup buffalo sauce 2 Tbsp sour cream 1/8 tsp black pepper ½ cup cooked chicken chopped 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbled

2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp hot sauce 1 ½ tsp lime juice 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 Tbsp finely chopped jalapeno peppers 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

Spicy Chili:

Ham and Cheddar:

4 tsp sriracha 2 tsp lime juice ½ tsp smoked paprika 1/8 tsp black pepper

Chipotle and Salsa:

2 tsp lime juice 1/8 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp finely chopped canned chipotle chiles 3 Tbsp salsa

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Dill Pickle:

2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp dill pickle juice, or more to taste 1/8 tsp black pepper 2 tsp fresh dill 2 Tbsp minced dill pickles

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2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp vinegar 1/8 tsp black pepper 1/3 cup chopped ham 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

Page 13

The Millennial Mind

To Hope Is To Live

by Rosemary Dewar

any other substance.

Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo is the story of a young man that is unlawfully convicted, and is left to die in his ignorance. Instead, God brings him back from the precipice over and over again. His emotional state swings from gratitude to rage several times. Each time, he puts the finger on the scale that enhances his ene-

you a measure of innocence you will eventually feel you cannot afford. Human vengeance is a drug, and kicking that addiction will bring you to the brink no differently than kicking

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mies’ frailties. He doesn’t have a care for the bystanders that manage to get caught between his guiles and his execution of cosmic justice. That is, until a young child and a friend’s fiancé are

W t o o t t s o f o t y s f n i c m i r

fallen prey to his enemies’ fates. The Count’s numb heart is awakened when having to sacrifice his vengeance in order to deter it from dispatching someone who is purely innocent. The one thing the Count commanded his friend to do was to hope. Upon his farewell, the Count stated, “…

Until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human

The Count of Monte Cristo - Copyright 2002. Touchstone Pictures.

Many like to believe they are justified in their anger, and dream of being the instrument of justice. People don’t realize the responsibility and weighted grief that comes with wrath. You may have been wronged, but does that give you every agency to execute what you see fit as justice? It absolutely does not. Attempting to do “God’s work” will cost

wisdom is summed up in these two words: wait and hope.”

Glen Beck’s latest publication, Addicted to Outrage, is a picture of the current of state of the loudest people in our contemporary culture. Each firebrand and their acolytes are at-theready to execute judgement on the opposition.

Glen explores and avails his journey by substituting one addiction with another. Glen sees how we may be contributing to the very anguish we

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are walking through.

There are many important matters we should be discussing in order to keep us together instead of aiming to eliminate the people or person we have been made to believe is the source of all our misfortune. With that type of fury, one act is not enough. The obsession will find something new to annihilate. Either you seek meaning in everything and everyone, or you will “discover” every reason to excuse their value. Eventually, you will end up looking at yourself in all that guilt, and no hope.

Whether the prison be crafted by the mind or

T a t p c e y t s p p an actual enemy, you n solely have possession W of your freedom. The a instant you see yourself w equal to God, it will be p the instant you believe t there is no one great n enough to redeem you. p Glen explains that he did not know that rules could free him until he apprehended his addiction. You also won’t be free until you recognize that there is someone greater ruling over you that has the jurisdiction to pardon you and your frailties.

Like the Count of Monte Cristo, if I could sum up the wisdom of God, it would be to trust and live.

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Y t i f w

Health and Fitness

Mindset Is Everything

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

We tend to focus on things such as the number on the scale, what size our clothes are, our job title, our physical abilities, our various possessions, and so the list goes on... but the controlling factor of all this is often overlooked. The mind is the key to ANYTHING you decide to do and the success or failure which follows. If the mind is not in a good state, there is a trickle effect which cannot be stopped. Your mindset is everything; it is the control center of the rest.

I am talking about your emotions about food.

You cannot be successful in changing your eating lifestyle if you feel like it is torture. If you cringe at the thought of the healthy foods you need to be eating and feel like you are being punished by not eating the junk, then you will ultimately fail. No one will live in perpetual “torture” by choice, not to mention that during the time you do stick to it, you will be miserable and in a constant bad mood. The goal of weight

loss may be achieved but more than likely will not last and have some other negative cost in your life.

Your mindset has to be thoughts such as, “I am fueling my body so I can achieve my goals of feeling good and looking my best, not treating myself like a trash can, thereby feeling and looking like one too.”

Does this mean that you will always be excited to eat your greens? …absolutely not! But because you have your mind set on the ultimate goal, it is

The real key to living a healthy life is maintaining a healthy and positive mindset. You can still attempt and even accomplish what you set out to do, but there will always be something that happens which affects the process or outcome in a negative way.

When you decide on a clean, all-natural, whole food-based approach to life you have to adjust your mind, not just what you are putting in your mouth.

Yes, there is an education side to this when it comes to the actual food, but that is not what I am speaking of.

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

worth it and therefore becomes a habit that rewards you far more than the moments of tasting cake and candy bars. The “cheat” no longer feels good because your mind knows you do not want to pay the consequences. The confidence and energy that eating well brings becomes far more valuable, and therefore, the mind is in a much more positive state which allows you to stay the course.

I also just have to say that this all applies to exercise as well! You cannot think

of it as punishment and expect to make it a lasting part of your life. The mind has to know it is a positive part of living the life you desire.

The holidays are here and the new year is approaching. This is usually the time most all of us fall off the healthy-eating wagon, at least some. Don’t stress over a few extras here and there, life should be enjoyed, but remember your goals and remember what that healthy eating feels like. Maintain a positive mindset about food! Focus on the energy and confidence you’ll have if you keep things under control, not to mention the wonderful feeling in mid-January when all your clothes still fit and just thinking of the scale doesn’t fill you with immediate anxiety! Keep all this in mind, and you will have a fantastic start to a brand new decade focused on positive mindset and an overall healthy lifestyle.

For more information regarding a personalized general/sports nutrition plan or personal training contact me at Prime Performance 423-805-0870.

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Page 15

Cover Story

Herbs & More: Here To Help For The Holidays And Always

by Roy P Williams and Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

created more freedom than any nation that has ever existed.

Because of the freedoms this nation has fought and died for we can own land, travel, worship however we choose, and ”We The People” have the ability to help maintain our freedoms by voting for the men and women that we believe will support this wonderful way of life.

Christmas is a perfect example of our freedoms.

This special holiday is all about our freedom of religion. As the saying implies, the reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What is so cool about this great nation is that even if you don’t believe in God, the Son of God, or anything else that has to do with Christ, you are still welcomed to celebrate and enjoy our freedoms and holiday. You can choose to participate in the celebration, or to celebrate in any way you choose.

During this special time of year, let me encourage you to be grateful. In the Bible, we are encouraged to be thankful in all things, to treat others the way you would like to be treated, and to understand that “God’s love never fails.”

Even if you don’t believe in Christ as the Son of God, or if you choose to believe that he was just another man that

lived and walked the earth, it might do you good to read about His principles. For a long time, I studied the words in red in an old King James Version of the Bible, and it came clear to me that if everyone lived the way He taught, it would change the world for the good of all mankind. To this day I can find no one that says what Christ taught would cause harm.

During this special time of year, let’s try to find the good in other people. May we strive to be kind and compassionate toward others. One of the main principles of Christ’s ministry is to help those in need. There are so many people, even in a wealthy nation like America, that are hungry, homeless, have lost loved ones, or are lonely for whatever reason. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone decided to help those people? Believe me, when you do that, you will be the one that will be blessed.

At 64 years of age, I can testify that the more people that I help get what they need, the more my needs are met. It is an unwritten, universal law; what you sow you shall surely reap. If you feed the hungry, you will be fed. If you give a drink of water, you will receive a drink of water in return.

So, be thankful, especially this time of year. I challenge you to go out of your way to help others, to put others first, to be kind, and to be grateful or thankful for all the blessings you have in your life.

For me, Christmas is all

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about being thankful that God loved the world so much that He gave us His only Son, and that everyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life. It is also about family and friends, and sharing all the wonderful ways God has blessed us.

As children, we all learned a song that said, “Santa Claus is coming to town. He knows when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake; he knows when you have been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.”

Yes, we were taught to be excited because Santa Claus

was coming to town. For Christmas, let me remind you who we should be excited about: Christ the King, who is coming again.

In the 139th Psalm, David says, “You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven You discover my thoughts. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with Your powerful arm You protect me from every

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

is consistent with how we have been created to offset the negative effects of technology that is either inherently damaging, or is just being misused.

“We have gotten disconnected from ourselves, from

side.” In the 136th Psalm we are reminded over and over again that, “God’s love never fails.”

From all of us at Herbs & More, NHC Herb Shop ad NEWtritional Health Care, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams As I chatted with Roy about where Herbs & More has been, and where it is “going and growing,” he repeatedly emphasized the importance of helping people as the central value embraced by the entire staff. They have a theme for 2020, and it’s “Human Engineering.” Now, before you think that means something out of the laboratory of a mad scientist, the concept is utilizing beneficial technology that

our brain and our body. For example, we were made to move. If we ignore that and just stay in front of a computer screen all day, our feet go numb because they aren’t being used. We develop “tech neck” from too much smartphone usage, and too much blue screen exposure is not good.

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

What can help? Three technologies as well as massage, which are all available at Herbs & More. The first is Whole Body Vibration (WBV), which was developed by the Russians as well as NASA to help restore bone density and circulation to the bodies of people who literally had been floating in space too long in the International Space Station. I have personally interviewed people who could not walk before they started using a WBV machine.

The second is the Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation Mat, (BEMER) which is approved by the FDA and is used by the Swiss Olympic team. Our bodies are wonderfully designed to emit and receive low level electro-magnetic energy, as does the earth, and humans need exposure to the right kind of that energy in order to help cells with circulation, absorption of nutrients, regeneration, and waste disposal. It even helps the body cope with grief, and is incredibly relaxing.

The third is the infra-red sauna, whose light and heat help with de-toxing the body and the mind, helps with anxiety and depression, and improves circulation. And don’t forget the good ol’ fashioned benefits of massage as administered by a

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highly-trained and experienced massage therapist!

Jason Mitchell has helped too many folks in North Alabama to count.

Roy and Gwen Williams have always enjoyed helping entrepreneurs, and in finishing up the interview, I had the joy of chatting with Elizabeth McClary, whose clothing line, Happy Threads, is featured at Herbs & More.

Elizabeth came up with the idea of providing high-quality, affordable “spirit wear” when her daughter was having so many “Spirit Days” each year at school. Eliza-

beth told herself, “I can do this,” and set out to make unique, reasonably-priced, age-appropriate clothing that does NOT use local logos and is not monogrammed. Instead, she gets the “Athens-Is-Amazing message” out through her own designs, and uses sublimation and screen printing for her hats and Tshirts. The Herbs & More/ Happy Threads Boutique also carries customizable leggings, tunics, scarves, and sweaters, and is just one more bit of proof that they are here to help during the holidays, and always!

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Merry Christmas/ Frohe Weihnachten

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 other legend says that Krampus (a big scary monster) travels with St. Nick to scare the bad children. In another region of Germany, Krampus become Black Peter (a small elf creature) who carries a whip to whip the bad children.

Black Peter is also a legend in Scandinavian countries.

When I was young, we lived in Germany. Germany was a great place to celebrate Christmas.

A big part of Christmas celebrations in Germany is Advent. Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas represented in a calendar. Advent means ‘coming’ in Latin. Christians use the four Sundays before Christmas to remember the real meaning of Christmas.

There were several types of Advent Calendars in German homes.

Traditional ones were made of a wreath of Fir branches with 24 decorated boxes or bags hanging from the branches.

Each bag was filled with a gift.

In the US, we have paper Advent Calendars with a compartment for a small candy or gift.

The Advent wreaths in churches in Germany

held four candles. The first candle represented Isiah and the prophets who told of Jesus’ coming. The second candle

represented the Bible.

The third candle represented Mary, mother of Jesus, and the four candle represented John the Baptist. During the Christmas ceremonies at church, a separate special candle was lit for Jesus.

Christmas trees are a very important part of German tradition. They have been around since the late middle ages. If there are young children

in the house, the tree is secretly brought into the house and trimmed by parents on Christmas Eve as if Father Christmas brought it.

You see, Santa or St Nicholas comes on December 6 and brings small toys or candies to the children. St Nicholas comes in the night and delivers the presents for children who put their shoes by the door. An-

Christmas in Athens is just a few days away.

The staff of Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning want to take this opportunity to wish you health, happiness and a wonderful holiday season. We will be closed from December 13 to January 1 but you can find course information on our website – www.athens.edu/ CLL. We will reopen on January 2.

Intermediate Sign Language will begin on January 6 to February 28 at the Center for Lifelong Learning. The Brown Bag Lunch Series: The Great Debate will begin again on January 23 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. This is a continuation of the series that ran in November.

For those who are interested in publishing that novel you have in the draw, How to Publish Your Book will start on January 22 from 11am1pm. This video series will end on March 11.

Hope to see you at the Center in the new year.

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December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

The View From The Bridge

Your Seat At The Table Through Influence & Voice

by Jackie Warner

Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters December is here.

Wow! What a year it has been. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families. As we look to 2020, I bring no New Year resolutions but a question of purpose for your journey...my journey and the journey of those around us. What are you doing with your seat at the table?

If you have a seat at the table, then don’t just sit! Leverage it for the good of all. There are too many individuals holding a sit at the table, bringing very little, if even any value.

Having the seat means recognizing that it comes with responsibilities.

Your seat at the table is a place where influence and power are wielded, and every person must take it seriously if she or he wants to participate.

Those of you who have the power and authority to choose the participants at the table should choose wisely and not get confused with choosing safe.

But the selections must come with a purpose of inclusion and real

progressiveness instead of group think.

Remember to not confuse having a seat at the table with having a voice. Speak Up! 1. Give voice to those who need it 2. inclusion

Promote

3. Listen to learn and then share 4. Get up and out of the seat -- Don’t lose perspective 5. Move over to make room for extra seats 6. Contribution and work are required when holding the seat 7. Debate and question when necessary Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridge-us. yolasite.com/

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

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Page 19

Horse Whispering

What’s In A Name?

by Deb Kitchenmaster The past few months have drawn my attention to names.

A beautiful woman showed loving kindness to me at the death of my mother. Her name is Suzanne.

Returning to Alabama after the funeral, loving kindness was showered upon my parched soul by another beautiful woman. Her name is Susie.

Think about it. When a couple realizes they are having a baby, what is one of the first things they begin to ponder?

What name will we give this child? Everyone recognizes himself or herself by name.

The question is, how does a name influence a person’s character? The one thing which separates human beings from the animal kingdom is the human mind, which has the ability to reason on a conscious level (which may put this statement in question if you have names such as Nancy, Adam, or Jerry and hold a congressional seat). To think consciously, one must use language. If I did not have a name, how could I identify myself? If I had no name, who would I be?

Let’s look at these two names and then I will tell you about

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horse naming. Suzanne has given you an idealistic nature with a desire to help others.

Your initiative often causes you to be the first to act when you see a need. You are sensitive and very easily hurt and offended. Your feelings are strong and you tend to react intensely to situations. A leadership position appeals to you because you enjoy directing others rather than being directed. Susie gives you the desire for success and financial accumulation and the confidence and drive to go after your ambitions, regardless of obstacles. You believe in speaking directly and to the point, so you are candid and abrupt.

You tend to feel very frustrated in being unable to realize your ambitions fully. An extremely independent and self-sufficient person, you dislike taking orders or advice from anyone (but GOD, that is!).

When we bought our first Morgan filly, we also purchased a breeding as long as Mystical Lark (stallion) was still around. Three years later, we made the decision to breed our beautiful graceful mare Arianna (meaning great grace) to Lark. I’m thinking “fire” and “wind” names, until the foal was on the ground and I got a

word!

This foal was to be named after a young woman I had come to know through my daughter during her days at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas.

Her name is Sung. She was born in Korea and bundled up to be placed on some garbage pile in a section of town where someone then heard a sound and discovered the infant.

She was placed in an adoptive agency where she was adopted

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by a couple in the States. Triumphant Sung’s Praise (aka Praise) was our first foal. This foal was one with a name to declare the Love of God by extending His nailed scarred hands to rescue a beloved child, and bring her into triumphant praise by demonstrating how love cancels fear.

tion received in naming each one! You think that might have something to do with her statement?

A teenager has a conversation with an angel one day. He tells her she is going to conceive a child when the Holy Ghost comes upon her. This child will be a male child. You will give him the name JESUS. He will save his people from their sins. His name means Emmanuel, which being interpreted is “God with us.”

God has given JESUS a name which is above every name.

MERRY CHIRSTMAS!

Years later another foal birthed. Ruhamah (aka Ruie) is a Hebrew name which means one who has received compassion. Getting the horse trailer ready to trailer Ruhamah, I had an open vision of my birth.

I clung to the safety strap in the trailer as compassion for I’d like to wish my ‘Horse my mother overflowed regard- Whispering’ friend and sister, ing my conception and birth. Audrey, a blessed MERRY Years later, foaled in Alabama, CHRISTMAS to her and her Masako was on red soil. Her four-legged companion Susie. name is Japanese, feminine, Your NEIGHbor, meaning righteousness/justice.

Deb Kitchenmaster A horse instructor friend, DotCorral Connections tie, told me she’s been around all kind of horses but there was 256-426-7947 something about my horses; Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner they were therapeutic and they horsinaround188@gmail.com knew it! There was instruc-

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

Mental Health Minute

Connectedness and Mental Health

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“Only through our connectedness to others can we really know and enhance the self. And only through working on the self can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others.”

- Harriet Lerner Do you remember way back in January, when we talked about rather than making resolutions, we would pick a word to make our focus and direction for the year? I hope you followed through and picked your word of purpose.

I will now share with you that my word was -- connection. I wanted to work toward making meaningful connections both within myself and with others. I have been striving to meet with those in the community who share my passions and interests. I have rekindled friendships and made new friends. I have intentionally “connected” with those who push me to be a better person and have a positive impact in my life. I also worked on connecting within myself…searching for what I believe, who I am, and who I want to become. I can honestly say I have experienced a year of growth toward my goal of connectedness. What I came to realize was that our positive connections have a profound effect on our mental wellbeing. Conversely, the lack of connectedness can negatively impact our social relationships, psychologically and physiologically. Let’s look at the ways isolation can harm, and connection may

improve, our mental health.

Lack of connectedness breeds loneliness. And unfortunately, loneliness is infectious.

Believe it or not, studies have shown that people seem to “catch” loneliness from one another. As people become lonelier, they move to the edges of social networks, creating a kind of domino effect. This means that when one person reported an increase of one day per week of loneliness, his or her close friends also reported an increase. And as people become lonelier over time, they begin to trust others less and less, creating a nasty cycle of seclusion and social isolation.

Physiologically, loneliness may contribute to inflammation. Several studies have shown that people who reported being lonelier had higher biomarkers of inflammation, increased activity of inflammatory genes, and decreased activity of anti-viral genes. Loneliness seemed to also cause an elevated activity of the sympathetic nervous system -- our flight or fight response. In particular, loneliness appears to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal alignment, which regulates the stress hormones’ role in the stress response.

tween loneliness and depression, where over time, each one contributes to the other.

Taking this further, studies suggest that loneliness is a stronger predictor of mental health than mental health is a predictor of loneliness. And lastly, loneliness can affect cognition, maybe even increase dementia risk. Loneliness has been linked to problems with attention, executive function, and cognitive function. A study of 12,000 participants for ten years, showed that those who reported being loneliest had a 40% greater risk of dementia.

Social connection is perhaps the KEY factor in mental wellbeing. As much as loneliness can hurt us, social connectedness seems to not only undo these effects, it can protect our overall health. When looking at social connection and wellbeing, one seems to predict the other. People with stronger social connections report being the healthiest and happiest. In fact, social

connectivity over a lifetime was the single most significant factor in predicting happiness and longevity. Even on a day-to-day scale, social interactions with casual acquaintances predict happiness, which suggests that we might not need to have only deep interactions to appreciate the psychological benefits of connection. The other piece of social connection is that it’s not just about inflammation and stress hormones…it provides mental and emotion comfort and increases resilience to trauma and anxiety. For people who have experienced serious sufferings, stronger social ties predict better outcomes. One study showed that people who mindfully boosted their social interactions and compassion had significantly reduced feelings of stress and discomfort, further confirming the profound effect of social connectedness on both our perceived stress levels and wellbeing.

Finally, relationships can create context for finding purpose and meaning in our lives. Relationships provide perspective to understanding the world and making sense of its ways. For example, when we struggle to make a decision, sometimes communicating the issue to another person can provide the insight we’re searching for. Coming together with a community in a shared activity or goal can lessen the load of existential dissatisfaction we may feel these days.

I look forward to selecting my word for 2020 and hope you will do the same. I wish you an emotionally happy and mentally thriving new year!

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.

Loneliness is deeply connected to depression. This is related to the stress connection, but has a kind of chicken or egg situation. Does loneliness lead to depression or depression lead to loneliness? Most likely, a little bit of both, with each one contributing to the risk of the other. One of the symptoms of depression is social isolation, and if you are continuously lonely, your mood may suffer. There is a reciprocal relationship be-

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

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The Alternative Approach

Human Engineering The Future Of Health Care

by Roy Williams At NEWtritional Health Care, Herbs & More, and NHC Herb Shop, 2020 is truly an exciting time because of where we are headed. Our goal has always been to “Make America Healthy One Person At A Time.”

It is not your doctor’s responsibility to prevent disease. It is not the nurse’s responsibility to make sure you are healthy. It is not the pharmaceutical companies’ responsibility to cure disease.

When Americans take responsibility for their own health and know the truth about the human body’s ability to prevent disease and heal, we as a nation will experience less disease. Taking responsibility for your health and making the logical decisions to remain healthy will, over time, reduce the cost of health care by billions of dollars annually. Recognizing that the only thing the pharmaceutical companies have to offer is to make you more comfortable while you continue in the disease process will set you free to make better decisions.

In the year 2020, we will

group to become bigger and stronger. That’s adaptation.

The same is true in reverse. When you sit at a desk or behind a computer screen for hours a day and become less active, your body will naturally develop weaker and smaller muscles. That’s adaptation.

be sharing more of the truth about health and prevention of disease with you. We are calling it Human Engineering, and the possibilities are endless. Your body already has the ability to remain healthy and to repair itself when it is damaged or diseased.

Let me go on to stress, no synthetic drug will prevent or reverse disease.

They are totally designed to treat symptoms of disease. Not one cell in the human body is dependent on synthetic drugs for survival.

For your body to prevent disease, you must have a healthy immune system and the nutrients necessary to continually manu-

facture healthy cells. The same is true for healing and reversal of disease.

Please do not allow anyone to convince you that if we continue to throw more and more money and research toward the modern-day healthcare system, they will eventually solve all our health problems.

Remember, the only way to solve any problem is to stop the cause of the problem.

They have no interest in prevention at all. There is simply no money in it for them.

Our future as a nation depends on we, the people, knowing the truth then acting on it. Over the next 12 months, we are going to introduce a Human Engineering program that is relatively easy, takes less time than anything we have seen before, and is so cost effective that almost everyone will be able to afford it.

Best of all, the Human Engineering we are talking about is working with the human body and al-

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lowing it to do what God designed it to do in the first place. When God made humans, the original design would have lasted indefinitely. As we moved away from the original design, our bodies became less efficient and more prone to break down.

For example, it is a wellknown fact that the human body remains stronger, more flexible, and has fewer breakdowns when we are active. Even the brain works better and is more efficient when the body is active.

Our society has been moving away from physical activity for decades, and as a result, we are suffering from obesity, weaker bones, poorer coordination, weaker circulatory systems, toxic buildup, lymphatic disorders, and softer muscles.

It’s all about adaptation, which is what our body is programed to do. Stress a muscle group on a regular basis and it doesn’t take long for that muscle

What is really happening is a disconnection. Ever heard the saying that if you don’t use it you will lose it? It is true whether you are talking about muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, circulation, nervous systems or mental agility.

Even the immune system is programed to be as strong or as weak as is necessary. When you take too many antibiotics, your immune system becomes weaker.

When you take pain killers, your body will not produce its own anti-inflammatories or the hormones that can naturally ease pain.

As we introduce Human Engineering, you will see the human body become stronger, healthier, more efficient, better balanced, and even look and feel more youthful.

It is truly going to be one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys in human adaptation.

Let us help you make the connection.

Stay tuned for more.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

December 20, 2019 - January 02, 2020

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