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February 21st - March 5th, 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 Danny Barksdale For Limestone County Commissioner, District 2... Danny Barksdale has lived in Limestone County all his life, save for the four years he served our country in the US Army... Page 5

Special Feature

The 2020 Athens Community Home Design Show Is Coming On March 27-28 By Ali Elizabeth Turner Save the date! Several Athens area firms and private individuals are banding together to Continued on page 15

The Second Annual Wells Clayton Whitworth Memorial Fundraiser

Emily Geary Law: “… Nevertheless She Persisted”... Emily Geary and her mother were best friends, and one of the last gifts that Emily’s mom gave her before she passed was to ask her a question: “Do you remember what you wanted to... Page 7

Cooking With Anna Risk Taker... Last year I decided to become a healthier person, and the journey has been amazing. I have developed a much healthier lifestyle and have gained so much... Page 13

February 21 - March 05, 2020

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In June of 2018, Chad and Kelley Whitworth went through something that no parent should ever have to face: the stillbirth of Chad and Kelley Whitworth

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Continued on page 17

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

Publisher’s Point

Focus On The Farmer

Publisher / Editor 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 Deb Kitchenmaster Wanda Campbell Roy P Williams Tim Lambert Jackie Warner

His dreadful performance at the Wednesday night debate notwithstanding, Democratic Party presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg has made an unfortunate stir recently with regard to comments made in England in 2016 about farmers versus people who work in information technology. What is fascinating is that several people of completely opposite political positions feel that he was insulting the people who grow our food. People for Bernie tweeted the following: Time and time again we see Bloomberg insulting the middle class and the working class, union members and not yet union members Maybe it's time for pundits to stop pretending he's just another candidate

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5

Bloomberg is an oligarch spending his play money to buy the White House And in this corner, we

have the president’s son, Donald J. Trump, Jr. who said in his tweet: Bloomberg wouldn’t last 3 seconds as a farmer... but like his comments on minorities, you can tell he really hates regular hardworking Americans. He will never fight for them because he couldn’t care less about them. The context of Bloomberg’s speech is contained below, and I’ll leave it to you to determine if he was actually being patronizing, or if he was oversimplifying, and then comparing and contrasting in order to make a point. If you think about it, the agrarian society lasted 3,000 years, and we can teach processes. I can teach anybody – even people in this room, so no offense intended – to be a farmer. It’s a process. You dig a hole, you put a seed in, you put dirt on top, you add water, up comes

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6

corn. You can learn that. Then you had 300 years of the industrial society. You put the piece of metal on the lathe, you turn the crank in direction of arrow and you can have a job. And we created a lot of jobs. At one point, 98% of the world worked in agriculture. Today it’s 2% of the United States. Now comes the information economy and the information economy is fundamentally different because it’s built around replacing people with technology, and the skill sets that you have to learn are how to think and analyze. And that is a whole degree level different. You have to have a different skill set. You have to have a lot more gray matter. It’s not clear the teachers can teach or the students can learn. And so the challenge of society is to find jobs for these people. … He SAID he wasn’t trying to offend anyone, and that may be true. But just

Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10

in case, I would like to take this opportunity to focus on the farmer, because I know in my heart that farmers are taken for granted, and I simply want to use this space to say, “Thank you,” and “We can never repay you.”

Consider this: whether or not a farmer goes to Ag school, they sign up for life-long learning. They must need to understand soil, bugs, seasons, weather, crops, animal husbandry, machinery, debt management, politics, market trends, and how to land on their feet when it all goes sideways, sometimes in the middle of harvest. They embody grit and resilience, work around the clock, raise families, fall into bed exhausted, and re-invent themselves as many times as it takes. They feed us; we literally owe them our lives…end of story.

So for me, I’ll let everyone else fight over what Mike meant and focus on the farmers in my family and elsewhere by saying to the 2%, “You are the absolute best, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.”

PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13

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

Health And Fitness . . . . . . 16 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

February 21 - March 05, 2020

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All Things Soldier

Iwo Jima, 75 Years Later by Ali Elizabeth Turner

On February 19, 1945, American forces began what would become one of the defining battles of World War II, and it came to be known simply as Iwo Jima. The iconic image of Marines banding together to plant the American flag on a pole is one of the most famous of all time, and to this day remains a symbol of those who will do anything to fight for our country and keep her free. Iwo Jima lasted until March 26, 1945, when it was declared that the US had taken the island. It came at huge price in form of 7,000 US dead and 20,000 injured. The Japanese lost 20,000 and the stories of there being more bodies than beach are no exaggeration. President Trump noted the anniversary of the campaign and its significance by saying, “In the long record of American heroism in combat, few episodes capture the indomitable will and the stouthearted spirit of the American warrior better than the triumphs on the island of Iwo Jima in early 1945.”

bloodiest and most costly in all of World War II, but it also gave rise to some of the greatest examples of patriotism and heroism in our nation’s history,” Trump said. “We honor those who answered the call of duty and ensured that the forces of freedom emerged victorious in that fateful battle,” Trump said in a statement Wednesday. “As a nation, we remain forever indebted to the Greatest Generation,” he added. Iwo Jima is famous for many things, including the battle’s role in winning the war, as well as the fact that no other battle in American history

has had more Medal of Honor recipients. Of the 27 medals given for Iwo Jima, 22 went to Marines and 5 went to members of the US Navy. When you consider that for the entire course of the war, 80 Marines total received the Medal of Honor, the fierceness and significance of the Battle of Iwo Jima takes on a new meaning. There are only a few men left who were there on that blood-soaked island, fighting for their and our freedom. One is a man by the name of Herschel “Woody” Williams, who is one of the Medal of Honor recipients, and is 96 years old. Woody was

21 years old during the battle and was 5’6” tall. He wanted desperately to join the Marines but was too short. The day came when the Marines lowered their height requirements, and Woody signed up. He operated a flame thrower, did his job lethally, and like so many of the Greatest Generation, came home to his sweetheart and made a humble yet amazing life. But what impresses me the most about him is that to this day he holds no ill toward his enemies. “I was raised in an era where the family taught you that you do not kill anything. Not even a bird. Nothing, unless

there’s a purpose for it,” Woody says.

“I know there’s no way you can win a war without eliminating the other party. That’s war. But there’s still something within every human being of sound mind that says, ‘There’s only one life. You can’t restore it.’ [The Japanese] never did anything to me personally,” Woody says. “They were trying to do something to my country, and I wasn’t gonna let them do that.” Thank you, Woody, and God bless you as you travel our great land and tell others the incomparable story of Iwo Jima.

The president continued by saying, “Seventy-five years later, we pay tribute to the immeasurable sacrifice of those killed in action on Iwo Jima, and we honor the heroic efforts of all who took part in one of the most costly and significant battles in our country’s history.” “The fighting on Iwo Jima was some of the

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

Special Feature

Danny Barksdale For Limestone County Commissioner, District 2 by Ali Elizabeth Turner Danny Barksdale has lived in Limestone County all his life, save for the four years he served our country in the US Army, where he specialized in communications preparation, encryption, and transmission during the latter part of the Cold War. He was stationed in Turkey, and also served the National Security Agency in Alaska, as well as at Ft. Meade, Maryland. He got his degree in business administration from Montevallo University, and much of his career was in facilitating the management of the finances of the companies for which he worked. It was there that he learned that “fiscal fitness” is something that any company, household, or government agency must embrace if they are going to survive, let alone flourish. As a man of faith, Danny was prayerful about his decision to run for the District 2 position, and his over-arching desire is to see to it that the tax dollars of Limestone County residents are used prudently and proactively. That means that public funds are consistently used well, the citizens get their money’s worth on any project, and there is transparency throughout. The following are Danny’s thoughts regarding his vision for serving as Commissioner from District 2: The position of ‘Road Commissioner’ has changed over the years. We have, and rightly so, dropped the ‘Road’ part of the title. Maintaining our roads is only one important part of what the County Commission does. They now also manage $40 million in revenue and a $15 million general fund budget. They allocate funds for each county

ture. Additional needs will put more stress on the county budget. Our County Commission will need to look for ways to cut costs, spend wisely, and eliminate waste. There is not a government entity in the world that does not have waste, and Limestone County is no exception. A good steward of taxpayer funds means that an elected official is as frugal with government money as they are with their own. Too often, it

department and plan for future growth and services. While the administrative functions of county government are not as obvious to us in our daily lives as the current condition of our roads, they are just as critical to the future growth, development, and quality of life in Limestone County. What is often overlooked is that poor management today equals worse roads and worse problems for the future. If we want better roads in the future, we need fiscally responsible leadership now. A County Commission candidate should be evaluated on management skills, their vision for the future, and a heart to serve the people, as well as road conditions. A good example of this is the County's

February 21 - March 05, 2020

purchase of unnecessary property like the L&S Shopping Center, and expensive building projects like the Event Center. This money could have, and should have, been used for roads, or to prepare for future needs. Unnecessary spending has landed Limestone County over $15 million in debt, and in a poor position for future growth. As we move forward, Limestone County will be facing a whole new set of problems with Huntsville moving into Limestone County. Additional infrastructure needs and issues related to population growth will become more and more important. We should not lose sight of the bigger pic-

• Holding Commission meetings in the evenings, much like the City of Athens, so that more citizens could attend. Also, providing internet live-streaming of all meetings to ensure transparency. • Improving roads and infrastructure in District 2, as well as throughout the county, in order to get ahead of and manage well the growth that is coming

The Danny Barksdale Family

is forgotten that county tax money comes from the single mom working hard to put food on the table, the farmer working 15 hour days, and the factory worker that is looking for overtime just to make ends meet. Unlike government, they must cut costs, spend wisely, and eliminate waste. It is time that Government learned from their example. If Limestone County manages their spending wisely, there will be no need for County debt and there will be no need to raise taxes. That should be our goal. If elected, some of the other things Danny would like to

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implement include:

to our area. • Planning for schools and other community services. • Having a plan for the future that is well-organized, avoids costly mistakes, and prevents the county from going further into debt. If these are the kinds of changes you would like to see in District 2 as well as throughout Limestone County, then Danny Barksdale is humbly requesting your vote in the Primary on March 3. For more information, give Danny a call at 256-4311477, or visit his Facebook page at Danny Barksdale for County Commission.

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Calendar of Events Houston Memorial Library and Museum WINTER HOURS

2020 Hound Dog Half Marathon February 29

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.

In Elkmont. Benefiting Elkmont Track and Cross-Country Teams at 7:00AM. The 13.1 mile race winds through scenic Elkmont including a portion of the Richard Martin Rails-toTrails. To register, visit ItsYourRace

Empty Bowls Luncheon February 21

With Limestone Baptist Association at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church. 1300 Lindsay Lane in Athens. 6:45PM-9PM with guest appearance Jonathan Evans. Tickets at Eventbrite $10.

At Revival. 305 West Washington Street in Athens. 11:30AM1:00PM benefiting projects that address hunger in Athens and Limestone County inlcuding LCCI Food Bank and backpack projects like Full Tummy. Tickets: $15.00 includes your choice of soup provided by local restaurants and a choice of handmade pottery item to take home.

Becoming A Kingdom Man: A Night with Tony Evans March 5

Front Porch Friday: Michael Honea March 6

The Warten House B&B. 121 North Jefferson Street in Athens. 7:00PM-10:00PM. Free and open to all. Bring a snack to share with others and BYOB and a lawn chair.

Vibe Night February 22

March Cruise In on the Square March 7

High Cotton Arts. 103 West Washington Street in Athens. Starting at 6:00PM with Hedone with a mix of neo-Soul and Jazzy Indie Rock, Joe Canada with Rock infused Jazz, and Luke Smith with a solo Acoustic act. Free and open to the public.

Downtown Athens. 6:00PM-9:00PM. No judging, no trophies-just show and shine; enjoy the shops and eateries around the Square. All cars, trucks, and bikes welcome.

CommUnity Breakfast February 25

Getting Dirty at the Library: Wetland Ecosystem March 10

With Guest Speaker Peggy Allen Towns at the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning. 121 South Marion Street in Athens. 8:30AM-10:00AM. Author of "Duty Driven: The Plight of North Alabama's African American during the Civil War" and "Scottsbor Unmasked: Decatur's Story" will share her passion for history, genealogy and local history. Free and open to the public. Tickets at Eventbrite

With Limestone County Master Gardeners at the library. 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 11:00AM-12:00PM presented by Karen Malone. Free, no registration required.

28th Annual Poke Sallet Follies: Back to the Follies March 12 - 14

Athens Senior Center. 912 West Pryor Street in Athens. A night full of skits, music, and comedy featuring the talents of local officials, first responders, and local citizens with dinner at 7:00PM and show starting at 8:00PM.

Way Down in Alabam': Finding Old-Time Fiddlers and Their Tunes February 26

At the Athens-Limestone Public Library. 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 6:00PM-7:00PM with Joyce and Jim Cauthen.

Athens Forever Gala February 29

With Athens State University. Carter Gymnasium, 300 North Beaty Street in Athens. 5:30PM-10:30PM as the event officially kicks off Athens State's Bicentennial Campaign. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30PM, plated dinner at 6:30PM, Entertainment by The Flashbacks Dinner Band. Cocktail attire required. $75.00 per guest Tickets available at Eventbrite Page 6

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IT'S TIME AGAIN!!! VVA Spaghetti Day 3rd Monday Of Each Month March 16

Vietnam Veterans' Museum. 17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. Supports college scholarships for local high school students. Eat in or take out. Cost is $8 a person, $4 for children under 12. Call ahead for large groups or take-outs. 256-431-3213. February 21 - March 05, 2020

Special Feature

Emily Geary Law: “…Nevertheless She Persisted” by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Emily Geary and her mother determined to pay it forward were best friends, and one for the people of North Alaof the last gifts that Emily’s bama. mom gave her before she So, what happened in between passed was to ask her a ques- leaving teaching school and tion: “Do you remember getting admitted to the bar? what you wanted to be when First, Emily realized that there you were a little girl?” Em- was no getting around the fact ily replied, “I always wanted that her mother was right, and to be a lawyer.” Her mother after teaching school for four then looked to the bottom years, she quit and became a of Emily’s soul and said, paralegal for 15 years. She “Promise me that you will loved the firm for which she do that.” Now, why would worked, and had a boss who a mother who was already intensely proud of the young professional woman that was her daughter say such a thing? Because as honorable of a profession that teaching elementary school is, and as dedicated and good as Emily was at it, the mother that knew and loved her daughter best knew that for Emily, teaching was “Plan B,” not “Plan A.” Lady Justice Thus a long journey began, and late in 2019, a dream became a reality in believed in her. Then the the form of a pleasant office day came when he said to on Cloverleaf whose sign her, “I don’t ever say this simply reads, “Emily Geary to anyone in your position, Law.” Emily will be the first but you need to become a to tell you that she could lawyer.” Destiny was knocknot have realized her dream ing again, and the woman without the help of her hus- with a degree in education band, Brian, her family, and from Murray State University her church family; and she is in Kentucky applied to Bir-

mingham School of Law and got accepted. That was her next big step. I have learned many things in the times I have spoken at length with Emily, and one is that most law schools do not allow students to work at all while they are studying law. Birmingham Law School does, and Emily worked full time, and drove to Birmingham on Saturdays to go to law school. She started law school in 2010, graduated in 2014,

is good news regarding Emily’s dad—he is much improved, and getting excellent care under the watchful eye of his children.

and was admitted to the bar in 2019. In between that time, life happened in a way that was her “baptism of fire” when it comes to forging her deep love of what is known as elder law. After Emily’s mom passed, her dad went downhill quickly, and Emily and her brother were having to begin the process of navigating the rough “currents” of guardianship, conservatorship, and power of attorney. As tough as it was, it prepared her for what she does best, and that is to be a tireless advocate for the elderly and children, our most vulnerable citizens. There

February 21 - March 05, 2020

Emily Geary, Attorney at Law

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Emily configures her schedule so that she can go visit her clients at home or in whichever facility they reside. Some are at the end of their lives and have thanked her deeply for her assistance in getting their houses in order. Others just need to make changes in their wills, or other legal aspects of their lives, and Emily loves the fact that because she owns her own firm, she can tailormake her services and schedule to meet their needs. Her commitment to her elderly clients is that she will “seek to preserve their income and assets for use while they are alive.” Emily and her husband Brian were married in 2008, and are the owners of Geary Farms. They are firm believers in sustainable agriculture, raising organic produce, and treating the land well. They have all kinds of livestock, but the “heart stealers” are the baby

goats. A couple of months ago, a nanny did not survive giving birth, and Emily became a “goat-mama.” She had to bring her baby goat to the office in order to feed her every few hours, and the goat was both crate trained and housebroken. Elderly clients would come in, see Lady Justice, hold her, and become visibly calmer within just a few minutes. Animal therapy is a real thing, and everyone was amazed at how much the presence of Lady Justice helped clients in need. Emily Geary Law specializes in elder law, adoptions, guardianship, conservatorship, power of attorney and social security disability cases. Emily does not do divorces, but she does prepare wills, estates, and handles bankruptcies. She does so in the environs of a charming, comfortable office, and she fights hard for her clients. If you choose to have Emily Geary represent you, you will have as an attorney a woman “who believed that she could, so she did,” as well as a woman of whom it can genuinely be said, “Nevertheless, she persisted.”

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Amazing City, Part 4: The “Zing” in Ama-zing by Ali Elizabeth Turner

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We talked about how negatively powerful and actually addictive focusing on bad news can be, and the mayor said, “An Amazing City is full of happiness.” He also talked about our responsibility to spread it, good news, that is. The Mayor’s Youth Commission had spent some time at the Birdie Thornton Center, where there was music, singing, happiness, joy, and savant, if you will. There is a member of the Birdie Thornton community who, if you tell him your birth day and year, can instantly tell you what day of the week you entered this world. The kids were amazed by amazing people in our “Amazing City.” He said, “We left energized.” That is the power of joy and happiness, more so when it comes from an unexpected place.

are amazing things happening everywhere, you just have to be able to open your eyes and witness it. Some days, that’s harder than others.” Author Jim Hunt describes “Zing” as the thing for which a city is most famous, and it must always have an aspect of beauty to it. For Paris, it’s the Eiffel Tower; for Washington DC, most often it’s the Washington Monument. In Philadelphia it can be anything from the Liberty Bell to Constitution Hall, or the 72 steps up which people regularly run in order to re-create the triumphant run of Rocky Balboa. “Zing” can also be a thing, a place, or an event,” says Hunt. In Athens, we have beautiful sites, historic sites, and wonderful events. But truly, the Zing for Athens is its people, and the joy and happiness they spread. Our time had sped by, and what remained was to pray for this town that is indeed Ama-ZING. And then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

“I have been thinking a lot about joy and happiness,” said Mayor Ronnie as we started our time together. We have spoken many times about what a difference it makes when people go out of their way to live a life of joy, even when it’s difficult, and how infectious that commitment to joy can be; what a difference it can make. Over the weekend he had taken his grandson Quinton to Dave & Buster’s in Huntsville to see the release of a Christian rap song and video entitled, “Unidentified?”—written by a former student in the Mayor’s Youth Commission by the name of Devante Crook. The “human video” showed Devante as a protecting angel in the life of a young woman. “It was really good,” he chuckled.

We talked about the massive Courthouse tree which had fallen as a result of all the rain, and the

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“response of the responders” throughout the recent storms. It had been a thing of beauty in its own way, those guys out once again in the storms restoring power. We then moved to the chapter in The Amazing City that is called, “Zing.” Recording artist Sarah McLachlan has a saying at the beginning of the chapter which reads, “There’s beauty everywhere. There

February 21 - March 05, 2020

Slinkard On Success

How To Have An Excellent Attitude by D. A. Slinkard If you want success, you need to feel it deep inside your gut. You need to see yourself achieving the success in your mind. You need to breathe the air and know you are going to have success. Everything about you needs to radiate the success you are going to achieve. When you believe in yourself, you will begin to surprise yourself and start to gain momentum. Our problem in the world today is we have too many people who want to think negatively and do not know how to think positively. In fact, I would say it has always been this way where too many people thinking negatively. The difference we have today is that so many people are medicated and doped up that even if they wanted to think positive thoughts, they could not because they cannot feel anything due to what doctors are prescribing. The world I grew up in is much different than the world my girls are growing up in today, and it seems that everyone is the victim. We need to stop the victim mentality and begin to look at ways out. We need to start looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. It seems our society is growing bleaker and bleaker, but the truth of the matter is we live in a time in which many things are thriving. The economy is thriving, business is booming, yet we still cannot get over our negativity hump when it comes to our attitudes. My suggestion for anyone struggling with their attitude and mood is very

Using the word, Excellent is going to take some work because you are going to want to fall back in the old habit of saying, “I’m good” or “I’m okay”; but keep using the word Excellent. Before too long, you will notice your mood and your attitude start to change. It took me several weeks to get this concept down, and I will give credit where credit is due. Jeff Hamm, a successful business owner in Athens, is the person who got me to change my response to how I am doing.

simple. I pride myself on the attitude and approach I take, and I believe it starts with the beginning of our day. From the moment you wake up, I believe it is important for you to decide right then you are going to have a good day. Go ahead and decide before you get out of bed that you are going to make today be an important day. Immediately, you are already off on the right path to changing your attitude.

evokes a change in your attitude, you probably do not need to be listening to the radio or watching television if you are trying to change your attitude to a positive mindset. I believe the next step is the most crucial. The number one question people ask every day is, “How are you doing?” The answer you give is the most crucial step in how your attitude is going to

go. Many times, we answer with words, such as “Good” or “Fine”; but instead we need to expand our vocabulary for answers this question. The next time someone asks you how you are doing, I want you to reply, “Excellent.” Talk about changing a person’s day! You will get a variety of responses because people are not accustomed to hearing this kind of answer.

Talk about being an attitude changer -- telling people you are excellent when they are just okay; you are going to feel so much better. You may be saying, “But I don’t feel excellent.” I get that and, in the beginning, neither did I. But you know what they say about a lie -- if you tell a lie enough times and make it believable, it will eventually become the truth. So eventually, you will feel excellent. And you will find your attitude changing if you just put into practice what you have here read today.

The next important step is to get your mindset right. A lot of times people want to listen to music, talk radio, or sports on their drive in to work; instead, use this as a time to reflect about how your day is going to go. Instead of listening to the negativity of the world of politics, plan out how you are going to thrive today. This is important because many times we get our emotions and our attitudes worked up over things that are beyond our control. If the name Pelosi or Trump

February 21 - March 05, 2020

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Meet SGT Shannon Thrasher host of the Two Gun Charity Match! by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum With a new year come exciting new events, and on April 18, 2020, it comes in the form of a 2 Gun Pistol Match! This match will be hosted by Sergeant Shannon Thrasher. Thrasher is a combat veteran of the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Operations Command. While in the Army, he participated in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm. In 1992, Thrasher returned to his home state of California to begin his career in contract security and law enforcement while continuing to serve our country in the National Guard -- participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as working as an Executive Protection agent in the private security sector. He moved to Alabama in 2002 to advance his career with the Limestone County Sheriff’s De-

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partment as a Deputy Sheriff, and continue operations as a Personal Protection Specialist (P.P.S.) providing close personal protection to VIPs, CEOs and at-risk clients. Mr. Thrasher currently serves as Senior Sniper on the department’s Special Response Team. He holds qualifications as a Tactical Operator, Tactical Medic, Police Sniper, Personal Protection Specialist, and is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (E.M.T.). Additionally, Mr. Thrasher currently serves on the instructor cadre for the FBI law enforcement firearms instructor course. As an F.B.I. Certified Firearms Instructor for handgun, shotgun, submachine gun, and patrol rifle, he brings 20 plus years of real-world, practical experience to the law enforcement officers and civilian students he instructs.

This event will be held at a private range in Elkmont and will consist of four to six different stages. Using both a rifle and handgun, the competitor will shoot at stationary steel, reactive steel and paper targets. Scoring will be done on a “total time” basis. The accumulated time of all stages, plus target points, minus penalties, equal total time. That is the final score. The top three shooters will win a cash prize. There will also be food, drinks, raffles, and door prizes; so even if you are not competing, come out and join the fun. Cost to enter is $50.00 per person. Sign up at our website http://www.alabamaveteransmuseum.com/2gun.html or at brownpapertickets. com. Rules/Safety requirements are posted. For more information contact Sandy at the museum 256-7717578

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

PlayAction Sports

Turning The Page From Winter To Spring 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

Basketball has wrapped up for most of our local teams so far; baseball and soccer are getting their starts with other spring sports close behind. First of all, congratulations are in order: James Clemens track coach Drew Bell was named as the NFHS South Section Girls' Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. James Clemens also placed second in Super Varsity Division I at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando. Athens was third in Super Varsity Division II. Highlights since last month: Ardmore: Basketball teams swept Lindsay Lane and Tanner. The Lady Tigers topped West Limestone. Area tournament eliminations came at the hands of Madison Academy. Athens Bible: The boys’ basketball team overcame St. Bernard, Gaylesville, Shoals Christian and Waterloo; the girls got wins over Whitesburg Christian and Cherokee. First-round area tournament victories came against Oakwood Academy (boys) and Whitesburg Christian (girls). Both teams were stopped by Lindsay Lane in season-ending losses. ABS baseball edged Elkmont. Athens High: On the basketball courts, the Golden Eagles eclipsed Ardmore; the Athens girls got by Muscle Shoals, Austin and Columbia. Both teams beat Russellville. Both teams lost to Muscle Shoals in the area tournament, but the girls advanced to the sub-regional tournament as runner-up. They got past Cullman be-

fore falling to Carver in the regional semi-finals. At the state indoor track meet, Hamilton Pressnell was fourth in the boys’ 6A 60-meter hurdles. Baseball wins came against Austin and North Jackson. Soccer teams notched victories against Elkmont. The Golden Eagles also defeated Westminster. Clements: Boys’ and girls’ basketball teams defeated East Lawrence. The Colts overshadowed Wilson. The season ended for boys and girls with losses in the area tournament to Lauderdale County and Lexington. East Limestone: Varsity basketball teams recorded regular season wins over Ardmore, Clements, and James Clemens; the Lady Indians defeated West Limestone and Decatur. The boys and girls also claimed Limestone County basketball tournament championships, defeating Tanner and West Limestone. At the area tournament, both teams eliminated Madison County. The Indians won the tournament, beating Madison Academy. They got by Russellville in the sub-regional before losing to Fairfield in the regional semi-finals. The girls were runners-up to Madison Academy and came up short to West Point in sub-regional play. The boys’ bowling team got to the second round of the state tournament before being eliminated by Oak Mountain. Elkmont: Basketball teams prevailed over Westminster. The Lady Red Devils claimed a victory over Danville. Teams were taken out of the area tournament

February 21 - March 05, 2020

West Limestone's Branson Owens drives against Haleyville in the regional semi-finals (photo credit: Dean Baucom) by Brooks and West Limestone. The girls’ soccer team chalked up wins over Hazel Green and Tanner. James Clemens: Basketball teams defeated crosstown rival Bob Jones. Area tournament eliminations came with losses to Austin. Shateaya Ligon and Audriana Blakely were first and second in the girls' long jump at the High School JV track meet. Blakely was also second in the 400-meter dash and third in the 60-meter hurdles, while Ligon finished third in the 60-meter dash. At the state indoor meet, Cadence Huntsinger won the girls' 7A triple jump, and Ligon finished third in the girls' long jump. On the baseball field, the Jets turned back Scottsboro and Moody. The girls’ third-ranked soccer team defeated St. John Paul II.

and Lexington; the Lady Lions held off Colbert Heights. Both teams took ABS out of area tournament play and won area titles over R.A. Hubbard. The Lions topped Woodville in the sub-regional and then lost in overtime to Jacksonville Christian; the Lindsay Lane girls were defeated by Valley Head in the sub-regional. Tanner: Basketball sweeps came against Sheffield and Elkmont. Area tournament action saw the Rattlers defeat Colbert County and the girls come out on top of Tharptown. The Tanner boys slipped past Sheffield for the area crown, while the Lady Rattlers advanced to the subregional despite a loss to Hatton. The boys eliminated

Sulligent and the girls beat Addison. Both teams fell in the regional semi-finals to Vincent (boys) and Cold Springs (girls).

West Limestone: Boys’ and girls’ basketball teams denied Elkmont and Tanner; the boys turned back Ardmore and East Limestone. In the area tournament, the West girls eliminated Elkmont and were runners-up to Brooks before losing to Rogers in the sub-regional. The Wildcats also were area runners-up to Brooks and came out victorious after three overtimes with Deshler in the sub-regional. A regional semi-finals win against Haleyville set them up with a rematch with Brooks in the finals.

Lindsay Lane: The boys’ basketball team won over Geraldine, R.A. Hubbard,

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Clean and Green

Win B-I-G Cash For Trash! Seriously! by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

When I say you can win BIG CASH, I’m not kidding!

KALBCares@gmail. com and ask to be added to our mailing list.

Anyone who can see knows there is a HUGE litter problem in Athens and Limestone County. Sharon and Byron Geiger were traveling along Limestone County roads recently and were disgusted by all the trash. They made up their minds they were not going to just complain, but would do something to help the situation.

Litter Hotline

Sharon and Byron Geiger are proud to announce that Indorama Ventures in Athens will sponsor the WIN BIG CASH FOR TRASH INDORAMA CHALLENGE! Here is how it will work: The Challenge will begin on Saturday, March 14 during the annual Limestone County Trash Attack and will continue through noon on April 24. Anyone who cleans up both sides of a half-mile

stretch of heavily littered roadway anywhere in Limestone County during that time period will have their name entered into a drawing for some pretty exciting cash prizes! Lucky volunteers will have a chance to win $1,000, $500, $200, $100 and MORE! The drawing for cash prizes will take place at the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO on April 25 at Athens State University. The more you clean, the more chances to win! Volunteer or group names will be entered into the drawing for the cash prizes for each half mile of heavily littered roadway cleaned. So

the more you clean up, the more chances you’ll have to truly clean up with prize money.

one person does the work, a group name will be entered into the prize drawing.

Participants must preregister, letting us know when and where they intend to clean, including as detailed a description as possible of the half mile of road. Before and after photos will be appreciated so we can tell the story. We will soon have online registration available on our website. Participants may also contact KALB by email or by phone. Once the cleanup is complete, the work will be verified. Once verified, the volunteer’s name will be entered into the drawing. If more than

2020 Trash Attack and Waterway Cleanup On March 14, KALB will sponsor the annual Trash Attack. We hope to have lots of groups and individuals out on roadsides, on and along the Elk and Tennessee Rivers, and any public lands and waterways picking up the tons of trash that are out there. All areas must be within Limestone County. Details will be coming soon on our Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Facebook page and in our monthly eNewsletter; so be sure to watch for it. If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, please send your email address to

We know most people understand the negative effects litter has on their communities and realize the cost of cleaning it up falls back on taxpayers and businesses. KALB would love to see our county cleaned up, more enforcement of the litter and illegal dumping laws, and a major shift in attitudes about litter.

While one person can’t do it all, one person CAN make a difference. One way to help is to report litter incidents you witness. You do not have to be involved beyond the reporting. Just call 256-233-8000 or email KALBCares@gmail. com and provide the following information: Date and time, location, tag number, vehicle description, and what you witnessed. We’ll take care of the rest.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The Lorax

Become a Fan

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

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

Cooking with Anna

Risk Taker by Anna Hamilton

Last year I decided to become a healthier person, and the journey has been amazing. I have developed a much healthier lifestyle and have gained so much (not pounds) in the process. This year, while I am continuing my healthy lifestyle, I have decided to take chances in life and break from my same-o routine. Routine can be a great thing, but it can also make you stationary. Being stationary in life can cause you to become complacent and not willing to take risks. When we are children, we don’t second guess our choices. We have gusto, we have no fear, we take risks, and we have fun. I want to start stepping out of my comfort zone and taking more risks this year. Now, I’m not ready to jump out of a plane, but I do want to put myself out there. I want to put my name in the hat at work for a promotion. I want to make a new friend. I want to travel to new places and try new things. I want to truly embrace life and enjoy it with my family around me.

Some of us are afraid to take a risk because we do not want to fail. Failure is not a bad thing. We learn from our mistakes and are able to give it another try with wisdom. Winston Churchill said this about failure: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Failure is not the end of your journey, it can be the beginning. What have you always wanted to do but never had the courage? Do it this year! Take that risk. Take a chance on yourself! I am embracing the new challenges this year in my life. I’m stepping out on faith and am inviting you to do the same! This week’s recipe is a delicious, healthier version of French onion soup. It is sure to be a family favorite. Pair this French onion zucchini bake with chicken or beef to round out a fabulous meal. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

French Onion Zoodle Bake Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups zucchini noodles (or two medium sized zucchinis) 1 small yellow onion, sliced thinly 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup beef broth 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a skillet preheated to medium heat, melt butter. Place onion into skillet and cook for a few minutes. Add salt, pepper, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir and cook for another couple of minutes. Add beef broth and cook until onions are golden brown, about 12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the onions from burning. Next, spray an 8 X 8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl combine zucchini noodles and French onion mixture. Pour the French onion zoodle mixture into the dish and top with Swiss cheese. Place

February 21 - March 05, 2020

in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

Cover Story

The 2020 Athens Community Home Design Show Is Coming On March 27-28 by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday.

form a “boutique” approach to the traditional spring “home and garden show” venue, and you are invited to participate as well as attend. Cotton Row Companies and Athens Now, along with vendors of all kinds will be hosting the event to be held March 27 and 28 at the Cotton Row warehouse located at 1620 Lindsay Lane in Athens, just south of First National Bank. The hours will be 6-9 p.m. on Friday, and 9

The idea of a “curated” event is the brainchild of Zach Walker of Cotton Row Companies. “Every city in our area has one (meaning some kind of spring home design exposition) and we want ours to have a smaller, more community feel while bringing in excellent people who can show you how to design or improve your indoor and outdoor living space, as well as enjoy it,” Zach told me. The weekend is designed to

bring the community together in creativity, and to see what’s possible, from do-it-yourself projects to high-end custom opportunities. It also has as part of its mission the idea of collaboration. The tickets are going to be $10 for individuals or a family of any size; but if you bring cans of food, the cost will be $3, and food will be donated to Limestone County Churches Involved (LCCI) to help with hunger in our area. Why is this important to do

in the spring of 2020? In a word, if local vendors who themselves live, work, worship, and play here support and invest in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States of America and go on to “get to know their neighbors, new and old,” then it serves to be a way to help us grow well at a grassroots level. People are excited as well as nervous about how fast we are growing, and if we come together for a weekend market with a greater purpose, then we might just grow a stronger community that manages to keep its charm. It’s about investing in local businesses, having local businesses investing in the event as well as the community, and making our amazing Athens even more so. What will the 2020 Athens Community Home Design Show look like? Cotton Row Warehouse is going to store their furniture inventory for the weekend to make room for the booths. While the warehouse has 7,000 sq feet, you need to claim your indoor slot soon. Outdoors there will be some of the larger displays, food trucks, a bouncy castle, things for the kids to do, and more. While Cotton Row Companies and Athens Now are the presenting sponsors, there are other sponsorship opportunities that are packed with value for your business, large or small. The Sponsor Guide is as follows: Tier One, $750 • Professional 60-second biz overview video for social media distribution • Business mentioned in Athens Now vendor highlight

February 21 - March 05, 2020

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article • Large logo on T-shirt for distribution at the event, and everything included in Tier Two More than $2,000 in value Tier Two, $500 • 3 custom-branded social media posts for distribution • Medium logo on T-shirt for distribution at the event • Professionally written press release or business overview, not to exceed 250 words More than $1500 in value Tier Three, $250 • Business mentioned from official Facebook event page • Small logo on T-shirt for distribution at event • Interview on the live broadcast/podcast hosted by Zach Walker at the Home Design Show event booth More than $1,000 in value There will also be tables available for home-based businesses for an entry fee of $100, and your business does not have to be specifically tied to the “home and garden” theme in order to exhibit. Athens Now is pleased to inform you that we are now read in scores of countries, and last year had more than 1.3 million hits in our online version. The bi-monthly hard copy version is 4,000 with distribution all over North Alabama. Come and get in on the ground floor of what we hope will become a grassroots movement that will build our community for years to come! To register, go to homeshow@cottonrow.com.

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Health and Fitness

Destress By Bringing The Outdoors In courtesy BrandPoint Content (BPT) - This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to destress. The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature's sanctuary indoors. 1) Fill your home with photos of nature Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view. 2) Let in more fresh air and natural light Today's homes are built tight-

er and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living - such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more - inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow,

helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night. 3) Fill your home with natural scents Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you'll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.

4) Meditate or do yoga in the morning Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day. Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed. 5) Go green with your dĂŠcor Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding

greenery or even fruit into your dĂŠcor. The possibilities are endless - use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way. 6) Use natural cleaning products

Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You'll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.

From boosting your home's natural light to going green and adding plant life, it's easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights.com.

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February 21 - March 05, 2020

Cover Story

The Second Annual Wells Clayton Whitworth Memorial Fundraiser by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

their son Wells at 39-weeks gestation. Wells was their second child, and every aspect of the pregnancy had been textbook. Their first child, Miller, had been breach and had needed a C-section. The C-section for Wells had been scheduled, and the morning of the planned section Kelley noticed he wasn’t moving as much. At the time, she and Chad weren’t concerned or alarmed. And then, it was discovered that his heart had simply quit beating. For reasons that no one has ever been able to determine, Wells sadly passed away before taking his first breath, appearing to be perfect in every way, and weighing over 7 pounds. “The support that we received from everyone -- friends, family, the Huntsville Hospital staff, people we didn’t even know -- was amazing, and we never saw a bill for the funeral,” Kelley told me. Because of the wild animal that is bereavement, especially the grief attached to the death of an infant, the Whitworths are forever grateful for the counseling and therapy they received. One of the ways that they chose to cope and heal was to raise funds specifically to cover funeral costs and provide counseling for young families who had just lost a child. Kelley told me, “Our area has so many new families moving in and is transitory because of the Arsenal. How in the world do they handle something like this? We had our family and friends close by to take care of us; how can we take care of others who face this away from their families?” Wells died nearly two years

ago, and Chad and Kelley first started their fundraising efforts soon after in connection with Huntsville Hospital. And just two months ago, Kelley gave birth to another son, Sawyer Tuck. He goes by Tuck and has been a great blessing to his parents, his brother, and everyone who has known the Whitworths. Because at first all of their work was in connection with the hospital system’s foundation, they were only able to help families who had delivered at Huntsville or Madison. They encouraged wouldbe donors for those families to give money to the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Then last year they came up with a novel idea, and that was to have a pheasant shoot with all proceeds going to help their cause. They wanted to be able to help wherever they found the need, and they just received their own 501(c)(3) status for the Wells Clayton Whitworth Memorial Foundation. On Saturday, February 29, in a field in Madison on Hwy 20, the Second Annual Wells Clayton Whitworth Memorial Foundation Pheasant Shoot will be held beginning at 9 a.m. The family came up with the hunting theme, and it has been highly successful. Kelley told me that over 1,000 pheasants will be purchased, and they are expecting twice as many hunters to attend this year. While this is an admittedly unusual way to raise funds, because Chad’s family and friends are avid hunters, it’s

February 21 - March 05, 2020

working. From the early days of fundraising until now they have raised $40,000, and are expecting this year to be even better. Here’s how it works: two shooters at a time have their own round bales out on the edge of the field, and have designated times to go out to the bales. A few pheasants are released at a time, the hun-

ters take aim, and trust their expertise will find its targets. Last year they sold 40 bale spots at $600, and this year their goal is 80. They only have a few slots left, so if you are planning on participating in the shoot, go immediately to www.wcwmf.com to register. There are also raffle prizes and giveaways. Last year’s items included a YETI cooler and hunting related

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Miller Whitworth helping his daddy at last years shoot pick up pheasants. Ben Cole in the background.

items; and Cabela’s will be offering prizes as well. One of the encouraging things for the Whitworths is how support is growing for their cause, and it’s not just come from people who have walked a similar path. You can donate at their website, and do not need to participate in the shoot. There are sponsorships available, as well as tower positions. The City

of Madison firefighters are doing the cooking for the event, and there will be BBQ chicken and Boston butt, potato salad, coleslaw, lots of desserts, and someone there to process the bagged pheasants. Obviously, this talk that I had with Kelley was not an easy one, and I will never forget it. I was so impressed by the fact that their family has moved ahead to help others, and she said something that touched me deeply: “We want Miller, our oldest son, to understand to help others through tragedy.” And from the website: Our hope is that our son’s name may be a small light in the darkness that families experience during their time of loss. If this is a cause you want to support, either by participating in the shoot, volunteering, or donating, go to www.wcwmf.com today.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

What’s Happening by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Here is a listing of what is happening at Athens State’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Winter/Spring classes are available on the website – www.athens.edu/ CLL - and you can call us at 256-233-8260 for information about any program. February On February 25, from 8:30 -10:00 a.m., we will host the CommUNITY Breakfast in partnership with Athens State’s Kares Library. This breakfast will feature Peggy Allen Towns. She is a historian, genealogist, and author. Towns’s books include Duty Driven: The Plight of North Al-

abama’s African Americans During the Civil War and Scottsboro Unmasked: Decatur’s Story. The breakfast is free but reservations are required. You can RSVP on Eventbrite or call us at 256-233-8260. Also on February 25, come see or participate in the “best one block Mardi Gras Parade.” Gather on the Courthouse Square starting at 5:30 p.m. There are activities for the children and lots of fun for everyone. March On March 6, we will host a Movie Review from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. In a good movie, the purpose of special effects is

to keep the audience immersed in the film. In great movies, the special effects enhance the emotional and narrative content of the film. The featured movie is Inception, a 2010 science-fiction action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who produced the film with his wife, Emma Thomas. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a professional thief who steals information by infiltrating the subconscious. On March 25, we will host The Essentials of Cooking with Spices video series from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lesson 1 will feature Chiles from Mexico for Every Palate. The meal will feature a Red Mole with chicken, rice, and vegetable. The fee is $25 which includes spices and the meal. March 26, we will begin

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T b t t W 1 a t p l m s d a

N 2 1 1 i s L

H J c W p h

Experiencing Hubble, a two-part series. Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has taken more than a half a million cosmic images, and astronomers have published more than 7,000

F L m h scientific papers based 1 on HST data. In this course, we will discuss the scientific stories behind 5 of HST most spectacular images. Before we know what is happening, our Summer Camps flyers will be available. It is never too early to plan for summer. What are your children going to do this summer? Watch for information on the website – www.athens.edu/CLL. Summer programs will include sports camps, STEM camps, art camps, and so much more.

February 21 - March 05, 2020

The View From The Bridge

As We Celebrate and Remember our African American History and Heritage… by Jackie Warner

Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters This month honors the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. The celebration began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher. It became a monthlong celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. NAACP: On February 12, 2019, the NAACP marked its 110th anniversary. February 12, 1909, was chosen because it was the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Heavyweight Champ: Jack Johnson became the first African American man to hold the World Heavyweight Champion boxing title in 1908. He held onto the belt until 1915. First Lawyer: John Mercer Langston was the first black man to become a lawyer when he passed the bar in Ohio in 1854. When he was elected to

the post of Town Clerk for Brownhelm, Ohio, in 1855, Langston became one of the first African Americans ever elected to public office in America. John Mercer Langston was also the greatuncle of Langston Hughes, famed poet of the Harlem Renaissance. Famous Protestors: While Rosa Parks is credited with helping to spark the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her public bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 – inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott — the lesser-known Claudette Colvin was arrested nine months prior for not giving up her bus seat. Supreme Court Justice: Thurgood Marshall was the first African American ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson

and served on the court from 1967 to 1991. Eminent Scientist: George Washington Carver developed 300 derivative products from peanuts among them cheese, milk, coffee, flour, ink, dyes, plastics, wood stains, soap, linoleum, medicinal oils, and cosmetics.

First Senator: Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi from February 1870 to March 1871. First Woman Representative: Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. She was elected in 1968 and represented the state of New York. She broke ground again four years later in 1972 when she was the first major party African American candidate and the first female candidate for president of the United States. Self-Made Millionaire: Madam C.J. Walker was born on a cotton plantation in Louisiana and became wealthy after inventing a line of African American hair care products. Oscar Winner: In 1940, Hattie McDaniel was the first African American performer to win an Academy Award— the film industry’s highest

February 21 - March 05, 2020

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honor—for her portrayal of a loyal slave governess in Gone With the Wind. First Black Billionaire: Before Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan joined the billionaire’s club, Robert Johnson became the first African American billionaire when he sold the cable station he founded, Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 2001. First Black President: In 2008, Barack Obama became the first black president of the United States. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-facts 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/

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Horse Whispering

My Tribute To BIG SKY by Deb Kitchenmaster How do you write an article with 23 years of ink in your pen? I guess one letter at a time, one word at a time, and one highlighted memory at a time. Suitcases packed, cowgirl boots on my feet, and a Morgan Breeders book in hand, my husband and I headed to Montana, or Big Sky Country in the fall of 1995. Open range scenery was breathtaking. The people we visited, who had Morgan horses, had a long driveway, at least a mile long. By the time you approached the house, a cup of fresh coffee was waiting for you. We have met such lovely, kind people, and Ed and Bonnie were two of these. As we turned the bend to their home, my eyes fell upon a mare with a bay foal at her side. I said out loud, “I need that horse.” My head asked, “Where did that come from?” My husband gave a glance that said, “You’re not well, are you?” We spent the afternoon learning Iron Forge Starman was the sire; QT was the dam of the little colt, foaled on June 20, 1995, named Big Sky. We had the blessing of meeting Be Blue, Grand National Western Pleasure stallion champion winner for three consecutive years and Reserve World ThreeYear-Old Western Pleasure Champion and sire of Starman, and Something Blue (sire of Be Blue). After returning home I could not get Big Sky off my mind. I gave a call to Ed and asked him what his intentions were for Sky. Reining horse on their working ranch was his response. One year later, I

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received a phone call from Ed. That morning their daily Bible reading was Matthew 21:2-3. Verse 3 says…”Say that the Lord needs them” (donkey & colt). The Holy Spirit impressed upon their souls that “Debbie needs this horse” -- the exact words that came out of my mouth when my eyes be-

Sky had sensitivity when breeding. Some stallions don’t, Sky did. When one of our mares settled (conceived), that mare would be in Sky’s pasture with him up to foaling. Some stallions’ lot in life is breeding and stalls. In my tribute to BIG

ed me to KNOW I am HIS child, I belong, I am accepted and I am approved by HIM because of the finished work of the cross by Jesus, His shed blood, and resurrection life. This is ETERNAL LIFE that you may KNOW…KNOW genuine grace that brings intimacy and a solid rooting and grounding in Him. Sky’s bow ushered me into eternity. God used Sky to bring honor into my life.

held the bay colt. Little did we know that visiting Big Sky Country would actually bring Big Sky into lives? Sky had such a presence about him. He was so confident in being present, so he was. He could locate you, your motives, and intentions like no other horse I have come to know. Sky had a high play drive. The knucklehead ripped up two Eggbutt balls. They are different than the jolly ball, and much more costly. Sky ended up being blessed with an EquiSpirit ball, and he loved batting that around in the round pen. He brought many laughs from our bellies. When Sky would get too full of himself, I would put a mare in with him that was not in heat. In five minutes, his attitude was adjusted, and he was much easier to handle.

SKY there is a highlighted memory I’d like to share: Honor – I’d been out of state for a semester working on my bachelor’s degree. Got in late from my flight and the first thing in the morning, pajamas still on, I head to Sky’s paddock. Coming down the hill he sees me and then he does something I will NEVER

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Saturday, February 8, 2020, I was with Sky in his stall when he suddenly dropped and exhaled for the final time. I miss you my friend. I am grateful for over two decades with you.

forget. He bows! The Spirit of the Living God comes strongly upon me and I hear, “I need you to get this.” I stop. “What is it I need to get?” The answer to my question came, which was, Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster “the manifestation of the sons of God.” Romans 8:19 Corral Connections says, “For the creation waits 256-426-7947 with eager expectation for Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner the children of God to be revealed.” Abba Father want- horsinaround188@gmail.com

February 21 - March 05, 2020

Mental Health Minute

The Concept of Self by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“Too often fear is fiction madly running amuck, all the while madly tracking ‘muck’ across the floor of fact.” - Craig D. Lounsbrough We all have a sense of self. Whether that sense of self is positive or negative is based upon our experiences in life and our perceptions and assessment of ourselves. If our selfassessment was always accurate, I would have no need to write this article. However, the problem is that our perception of ourselves is often distorted. In psychology, there are several terms that are used, sometimes incorrectly and interchangeably, that relate to the self. These words are self- concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-confidence. Let’s take a look at each of these expressions individually to gain a clearer understanding of how they affect who we think and feel we are.

more negative description of self. Some aspects of self-concept can be purely statements of fact without any evaluation as to whether it is good or bad. Examples of these statements would be, “I have a college education,” or “I work fulltime.” Those with average to high self-esteem have a self-concept that can recognize limitations without a judgement attached. For example, stating, “I don’t have a good sense of direction,” can just be a statement of fact, without attaching feelings of good or bad. What is self-esteem? Selfesteem is the feeling of regard or respect you have for yourself. A person with positive feelings of self is said to have high selfesteem. However, self-esteem can refer to specific areas, as well as a general feeling about one’s self. For example, you may

have low self-esteem regarding your appearance and high self-esteem about your ability to perform your job. Those with low self-esteem often express the characteristics of feeling unhappy, anxious, inferior, or impatient. Unfortunately, these folks often determine goals and direction in life based on what others might want or need. As you might expect, low self-esteem tends to lead to negativity. Characteristics of high self-esteem include feelings of responsibility, commitment to goals, sincerity, and forgiveness. People with high self-esteem are positive and appreciative. They tend to have internally-based values, choosing what they believe/feel over the expectations of others. What is self-efficacy? Selfefficacy is your belief in your ability to accomplish some specific goal or task,

What is self-concept? Self-concept is a factual description of how you perceive yourself. If your perception is distorted, then this description may not be an accurate picture of who you are. But to be clear, your perception is an accurate statement of what you believe about yourself. Self-concept is derived from selfesteem, self-efficacy, and self-confidence. So, for example, if you have a low self-esteem, your selfconcept may lean toward a

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usually attached to your feelings of competency. Competency can vary from one situation to another. For instance, you may feel capable competing in a particular sport, but may not feel competent speaking in front of a group. Thus, overall self-efficacy may not be completely accurate, since you are assessing general feelings of competence in a variety of tasks or situations. Those with low self-efficacy are often fearful -- afraid of risks, uncertain in decision-making, and frightened of failure. Low selfefficacy often results in impression management. Impression management is the attempt to control how others might perceive you in order to be seen more positively. Characteristics of high self-efficacy include accurate self-evaluation and a willingness to take risks. Taking calcu-

lated risks increases your chances of success and often leads to a sense of accomplishment. Even when you fail, if you have a high self-efficacy, you tend to view mistakes as opportunities for improvement.

What is self-confidence? One of the most obvious characteristics of high selfefficacy is self-confidence. Those with self-confidence approach tasks or situations with a sense of their ability to be successful. Those with self-confidence have a trust in their abilities, qualities, and judgments. This confidence tends to lead to more positive experiences, which increases their abilities, which increases self-confidence. This positive cycle in itself leads to increasing self-efficacy even further. Psychologists have long noted that a person can possess self-confidence in performing a specific task (cooking a good meal or writing a good story) which is self-efficacy even though that person may lack general self-confidence. Conversely, one can be self-confident and still lack the self-efficacy to accomplish a particular task, such as story writing.

Take a few moments to think about these terms and how they affect your goals, decision making, and even purpose for your life.

Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

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The Alternative Approach

Osteoporosis - What I Would Do by Roy Williams Osteoporosis or bone loss is affecting more people today than ever before in history. Not because the ability to diagnose is better, but because the Standard American Diet (SAD) is lacking the minerals necessary to maintain healthy bones. When diagnosis of bone loss began years ago, predominately women over the age of 70 had any bone loss. Today the average woman will have the beginning stages of bone loss by age 36 and full-blown osteoporosis by 48. Men now diagnosed with osteoporosis is at an all -time high. What has changed over the last few decades? In 1931, the U.S. Senate had the farm lands tested and proved that the soils were over 80% depleted of the minerals that were necessary to maintain good health. The scientists warned us then that if we didnâ€™t figure out a way to replenish the soils, we would see degenerative disease increase to epidemic proportions. We did not replenish the soils; instead, we began using fertilizer, which is only 3 of the 79 miner-

als needed. The results are degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, cancer, stroke, arthritis, bone loss and many more that are all tied directly to mineral deficiencies. Over time, your body becomes more and more acidic. Acid is the enemy of your bones, teeth, and most major organs of the human body. Americans drink too little water and too many liquids that are acidic. We drink coffee, which has up to 208 forms of acid in the coffee bean itself; tea, especially black tea which is acidic; and alcohol, which turns to acid in the body. But the worst of all liquids Americans consume are soft drinks. Most soft drinks fall in a range of 2.3 to 2.4 on the pH scale. When you understand that 7.00, on the pH scale, is neutral and everything below that number becomes more acidic, you begin to understand just how dangerous soft drinks can be to your bones and overall health. It is estimated that it would take 32 eight-ounce glasses of water with 12 pH alkalizing drops in each glass to overcome the acid

in just one 10-ounce soft drink. Remember, cancer loves acid. Your blood must maintain a pH of 7.3 or you will die very quickly. In order to maintain a blood pH of 7.3, your body will pull alkalizing minerals from your bones and use them to maintain 7.3. Over time, your bones and other organs become weak. Osteoporosis is simply weak bones which are lacking minerals. Remember, most diseases are deficiency disorders. What I Would Do Now that you know what causes osteoporosis, letâ€™s cover what I would do if I were diagnosed with it. The first thing that I would do is stop consuming coffee, black tea, alcohol, and most important of all, stop all soft drinks. I would also take the following products: Ultra Bone Health: To balance my pH I would replenish the minerals

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that make up bone density with Ultra Bone Health. As the name implies Ultra Bone Health contains all the most important minerals that your body needs to grow strong bones. Humic Minerals: To make sure my body has every mineral I may choose to take Hu-Minerals, either in liquid form or capsule. This will assure me that I am getting all 79 minerals and trace elements that are necessary for overall health. It will also help me maintain alkalinity and at the same time support my organs, hair, skin and nails. HGH Liquid Spray or Cream: For those who wish to go the extra mile, research has shown that the human body will build stronger bones and reverse many symptoms of aging when you increase your human growth hormone levels. Here are just a few of the benefits of using this incredible product: an 8.8%

increase in muscle, after six months, without exercise; 14.4% loss of fat without dieting; higher energy level; enhanced sexual performance; greater cardiac output; improved immune function; stronger bones; and mood elevation. Remember, it takes 2 years to grow healthy bones. Be patient and follow these instructions for best results. God designed your body to maintain strong bones throughout your life provided it has the raw materials that are necessary to do so. These products will most-definitely support bone health and help maintain a healthier pH. For more information go by Herbs & More in Athens or call 800-7454408 or go to www.newtritionalhc.com. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

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February 21 - March 05, 2020