Athens Now 1-1-21

January 1st - January 14th, 2021

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425 Degan Wilder: 256-426-2493

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

Special Feature Athens Main Street’s Annual Report For 2020 And A Look Ahead To 2021... Early in 2020, downtown Athens had an approximately 90% occupancy rate, retailers reported strong sales, and restaurants... Page 5

Herbs & More: Making America Healthier, One Person At A Time By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Clean, Green And Beautiful Lessons And Blessings From 2020 And Moving Forward In 2021... It’s finally time to welcome in a new year. I am afraid 2020 is not a year that many of us will look back upon fondly... Page 12

Cooking With Anna Milestone... This Wednesday, I turned 40 years old. When I was a young girl growing up, I imagined what my life would be like when I was old. You see, when you are little, 40 seems old; now... Page 13

January 01 - January 14, 2021

The Unsinkable Mollie Clem

No one is sorry to see 2020 go, and that includes Roy and Gwen Williams, as well as their crew at both of their stores. For many years we have done an Athens Now article around the holidays or the beginning of the new year because it’s the time of giving and for making a fresh start, and this year was no exception. However, what WAS different was that this year in October they lost a loved one unexpectedly, and some of this article is going to be dedicated to Mollie Clem, and to celebrate her impact on us. Perhaps most interestingly, we are going to learn how Continued on pages 16-17

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January 01 - January 14, 2021

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor

Why 2021 Has To Be Wild

Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Sales & Distribution Degan Wilder

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Leigh Patterson Anna Hamilton Joel Allen Steve Leland Jerry Barksdale Nick Thomas Roy Williams Blake Williams

Traditionally, the op-ed pieces that are written when an old year passes and a new one is born confine themselves to looking back and looking ahead, and that is not a problem. Making them fresh, however, can be. That had been my intention, but it was one of those times when nothing “took.” On a personal note, 2020 had been a remarkable year. In August we celebrated my mother, Mary Ellen Hersman White’s, 100th birthday via a Zoom call that united cousins, siblings, and friends through the miracle of modern technology; people who had not seen each other in decades still reconnected even though we could not physically gather in one place as my mother’s predecessors had when they became cen-

tenarians. It was a memorable moment. And, it also seems surreal that just four days ago, my mother passed away; and again, because of the ability to Facetime her while a most-kindly caregiver named Gerald held the phone, I sang some of her favorite songs to her for about 20 minutes. For me it has been one of those “only-one-set-offootprints-showing-upin-the-sand” moments, and I know I am being carried in the strongest of arms because right now I can’t walk under my own steam. In reality, we never really can, we just tell ourselves that we do. And it is here that I would like to attempt to express the inexpressible: never will I be able to thank people appropriately for their manifestations of love to

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar Of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Special Feature . . . . . . . 11 Clean Green And Beautiful . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Steve's Corner . . . . . . . . 14 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

January 01 - January 14, 2021

me and my family. So, bringing this Point back to the title, why is it that 2021 has to be wild? Simply, because as of January 1, there are too many things that need to come to a tipping point to be resolved to any degree. In my view, the fierce, uncivil seas have to crash like a wave on the shore and most likely be messy if some of the things about which we have been screaming at each other are to be hammered out. No matter the cost, there must be a straight, truthful path hewn through a tangled, swampy jungle. We have to decide who we are going to be as a nation. The contested election has shown me how much I don’t know about the Constitution, a document I have studied at the college level, routinely cite, and genuinely love. There are so many things that have emerged: the mechanics of elections, the insane lengths that people will go to in order to justify corruption to ensure a desired political outcome, and all the unseen possibilities that may rock a nation that has always experienced a peaceful transfer of power. We could see ourselves behave as the Psalmist described as those who “stagger about like drunkards at their wits’ end,” and may need to stumble

hard, skin our knees and noses, and get right with our Maker before we are able to get back up to any significant level. The year 2021 needs to be wild because it looks like nothing else will get our attention, and God knows we can’t hit the snooze button and go back to sleep.

That being said, what brings me comfort is what then comes in Psalm 107 right after “the staggering:” Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses. He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he brings them unto their desired haven. I have no way of knowing how bad things need to get before they get better, I just know that they will get better because it is promised by the One who cannot lie. Buckle up, we are heading into turbulence. And, I can say from the bottom of my heart, that no matter how long it takes, the best is yet to come! Happy New Year!

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

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All Things Soldier

The Power Of Paint by Ali Elizabeth Turner Over the last decade, I have discussed many times how transformational were the three years I worked for the DOD from 2004-2007 at various bases in Baghdad, and that I would go back again in a heartbeat if I felt like I was supposed to. Especially dear to my heart were the holidays, because when you are in a combat zone and you are not guaranteed to finish out the day, having people and reasons to celebrate made the day all that more special.

powerful, and here is the proof.

One of the things I always enjoyed was the creativity of the soldiers when it came to making their offices, quarters, tents, “hooches” or hovels into something that felt like home, and many of us followed suit. The following is a description of people stationed at Bagram in Afghanistan coping during COVID and using the “power of paint” to make life better for themselves and others. Art therapy is

Estella’s “hooch” was a shipping container with a door on the front, which is what I lived in as well; and trust me, some of the most important people on base are the HVAC folks who keep you from cooking or freezing by keeping the temperatures reasonable. She started out by painting floral and mountain scenes on the light switches and electrical boxes on the inside of her hooch.

Estella Juarez works for the Army as a civilian contractor, and when she had been in Afghanistan for about seven months, she got news that her nephew had died. He was in Colorado, and COVID made it impossible for her to travel to his funeral. She was grieving, homesick, and fighting feelings of isolation; so she decided to use her artistic skills to improve her surroundings.

Then, Estella got a hold of red paint at the hazmat yard, and painted her door. She loved coming home to some bright color, but then the idea took off to make the whole row of hooches look like a photo she had seen of a charming street in Puerto Rico. So, door by door, she sanded, painted,

and transformed each one, and it became a movement. Some people on base came to help, others donated things like tape, scrounged up brushes, and fulfilled that statement that we heard often: “Adapt and overcome, it is the Army way.” She managed to custom blend some paint to

the exact blue of the water in Florida for one guy, and people sent artificial ivy to make it look even more lush. It became known as “Ivy Lane.” “La pièce de résistance” (French for the centerpiece, or the most important part of something like a meal) was the T-wall (which protects from bomb blasts) at the end of the row being painted with a seascape that made it look like it led down to a seaside Greek island town called Santorini. That art was the work of a guy by the name of John Ye. John was Estella’s neighbor, is a children’s author and illustrator, and also works for the Army. Estella then ziptied solar garden lights to the wall so you could see it at night, and said, “It pulls the whole thing together.” The impact of this community art project was described well by Estella when she said, “You forget you are in a war zone for a little bit.” Indeed it does.

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January 01 - January 14, 2021

Special Feature

Athens Main Street’s Annual Report For 2020 And A Look Ahead To 2021 by Blake Williams Early in 2020, downtown Athens had an approximately 90% occupancy rate, retailers reported strong sales, and restaurants were steady during the week and were packed on the weekends. Athens Main Street had six or eight separate serious inquires on finding buildings to open new restaurants. Athens Main Street’s design team was busy helping our merchants with signage and façade assistance. In February, we held a recordsetting Chocolate Walk. Then in March, COVID-19 struck our community. While some community organizations took it to the house for a few weeks, Athens Main Street chose not to, because all of the success in 2019 was at risk. The Athens Main Street board was ready to pitch in, and we went to work. We knew things were about to get very bad for our merchants. Main Street America advised that downtowns across the nation would see a 25–35% business failure rate and possibly the same for local nonprofit Main Street organizations. Preparing for pandemic On March 14, one day after Gov. Ivey declared a state of emergency, Athens Main Street contacted Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and asked permission for designated parking spaces, which allowed us to institute curbside pickup for any of the merchants and restaurants that wanted to stay open.

We ordered signage and sandwich boards and delivered them to anyone that wanted one. A few of the merchants not only instituted curbside pickup but also direct shipping and home delivery. Several merchants also created or updated websites and e-commerce. The Athens Main Street promotions team pulled together to help with social media -- from videos, live Facebook sales, and graphics promoting that we were still open -- which all worked well. Data showed people were home and online all the time.

months of the pandemic, the state of Alabama would issue new state health orders and information. Athens Main Street, with help from Main Street Alabama, Main Street America, and local officials and merchants, worked to gather and share information. Athens Main Street board president Shane Black was key in helping our merchants understand new updates and information. Outdoor dining best practices in how to open safely, but we knew we needed something compelling to get folks who may have become comfortable in their own homes ordering online to come back to downtown.

Individually, our retailers have around 1,000 to 2,000 followers on their business accounts. Between Athens Main Street’s three platforms, we have a following of more than 10,000 people. Our analytics showed we reached hundreds of thousands of people. The promotions team created the FACES campaign to remind everyone that our small businesses are made up of their neighbors, friends, and families. These are the people that support your ball teams, sponsor your events, and employ your kids. We also did a number of shop-local campaigns. One campaign that did exceptionally well is the “This Place Matters” campaign. We shared images and videos of our iconic places and traditions. These efforts were vital for reminding people to shop in Athens first. During the first several

January 01 - January 14, 2021

As the restaurants were allowed to open back up with only 50% capacity, we knew expanding the outdoor dining footprint was vital. Mayor Marks was instrumental in getting the outdoor dining expanded. Athens Main Street rented temporary barriers that were needed due to adhering to state Alcohol Beverage Control regulations.

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In addition, Athens City Schools loaned us tables to put on the courthouse lawn. They were a huge hit. We had to give them back at the end of summer but fundraised enough to buy new ones, and now they are permanent. During the summer, we celebrated restaurant week and promoted all of our restaurants. As merchants got ready to reopen, Athens Main Street passed along

This is when Athens Main Street formed The Square Arts & Entertainment District. We researched other successful entertainment districts, met with Athens City Council, Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson, and Mayor Marks. With the unanimous vote by the Athens City Council, The Square Arts and Entertainment District opened June 19. Our design committee, especially Scott Smith, was instrumental in getting everything designed. Smith and Mark Brooks with Optimal Geo sponsored the first round of blue cups. In addition, they sponsored the umbrellas you see all around town. Mayor Marks and the city Continued on Page 23

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Calendar of Events Play Outside Day January 2

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

Polar Bear & Chili Cook Off ​January 2

Redstone Harley-Davidson (15100 AL-20W or Exit 3 Greenbrier on I-565 in Madison) from 12:00PM-4:00PM with Redstone HOG Chapter 4052. Chili Cookoff is open to all - Anyone can bring chili to be judged. Anyone that wants to judge will pay $5.00 for a ticket. That ticket will be put in cup/bucket of the chili you like. Judging will be 10:30AM-11:30AM. The winning chili will receive a gift card. All proceeds will go to Lilies of the Valley, a non-profit for women with any gynecological cancer. Polar Ride-KSU 12:00PM approximately and is a short, sweet ride with route TBA. The ride is open to public. Live music and giveaways to enjoy.

Dyno Shootout ​January 9

Redstone Harley-Davidson (15100 AL-20 or Greenbrier Exit 3 of I-565 in Madison) from 11:00PM-4:00PM with live music, food trucks, giveaways and a revved up Dyno Shootout for $200.00 prize in each category: Stock to Stage 2; Stage 2 to Stage 3 and Stage 4 to Stage 5. Dyno space limited, RSVP by dropping by or call 256-38-6868.

Martin Luther King, Jr Day Observed January 18

Local governments, area agencies, attractions, restaurants and shops may be closed or have modified hours of operation in observance of this holiday. Please call ahead to confirm availability and hours. ​

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity March January 18

With the Limestone County NAACP starting on the southside Limestone County Courthouse (West Washington Street) in downtown Athens to the Limestone County Event Center/ Alabama Veterans Museum. Lineup will begin at 8:45AM; procession will start at 9:00AM. Free and open to the public.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program January 18

At the Limestone County Event Center/Alabama Veterans Museum (114 West Pryor Street in Athens) with the Limestone County NAACP featuring student essay winners, special presentations, music and presentation of awards starting at 9:30AM. Light refreshments will be served after the program. Free and open to the public.

Chocolate Walk February 6

With Main Street Athens in downtown Athens, AL. Ticket holders enjoy a chocolate treat, sweet deals, and a chance to win a door prize from each participating merchants during this prelude to Valentine's Day. Only 300 tickets available for this chocolate affair! Early Bird Tickets: $6.00. Tickets TBA

Chicken Stew ​January 16

With Piney Chapel Fire and Rescue (22115 Piney Chapel Road in Athens) starting at 10:00AM. Pre-order to ensure your Chicken Stew through a member of the Piney Chapel Fire & Rescue or by calling Assistant Chief Chris Teeples 256-9980194. $25.00 per gallon, $15.00 per half gallon; and $8:00 per quart. Monies benefit the department.

Will be from Friday, Feb 26 at 12:01AM to Sunday, Feb 28 at 12:00AM to give shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe weather preparedness items free of state sales tax. Reference sheet available online.

For the health and safety of our volunteers and the public, we regret that the VVA Spaghetti Day has been canceled until further notice. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Due to health concerns, the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives Coffee Call scheduled for Saturday, January 2, has been canceled.

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Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday February 26 - 28

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January 01 - January 14, 2021

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Capacity Building In 2021 by Ali Elizabeth Turner We had all just come off of a challenging Christmas, and Mayor Marks made us laugh with the story of a tussle he had had with a tube of Super Glue which had been stuck to the bottom of a drawer, and then it became his worst nightmare. It was a laugh we all needed. He then proceeded to tell me about a guy who had changed the culture of his family by getting with his kids in front of the bathroom mirror and doing zany stuff, telling jokes or stories, until laughter became so contagious and deep that before anyone was cut loose for the day, the entire tribe had experienced at least 30 seconds of a good belly laugh. It has become a part of that family’s morning ritual. It has been shown that successful, productive people typically embrace and empower themselves by using only a few minutes at the beginning of the day to do something consistently that gets and keeps them going. “Laughter is healthy,” said the mayor. He then continued, “Not laughing at someone, of course, just finding good things to laugh at.” A desire to improve the

effectiveness of the morning ritual is what inspired Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author Robert Glazer to write the book which will serve as the first 2021 Ronnie series of discussions on how to build community, strengthen a team, and become one’s best self. It is called Friday Forward. Mayor Ronnie heard about the book at a conference of the League of Municipalities, and felt like this one was “next.” Some of the best ideas are those upon which one just stumbles, and Glazer had attended a leadership conference which stressed the importance of the morning ritual. In his case, it meant getting up 30 minutes earlier every day to read something edifying, but the problem was that most of what Glazer explored just wasn’t “working for him.” He did, however, have a fat file of all kinds of inspirational stories that he had collected; so he started there and found his mornings and productivity were improving. Eager to “pay it forward,” on Fridays he would send one of them

to his team to send them off for the weekend, and they loved them. The team then began to “hit forward” to people they felt could benefit as well, and the “Friday Forward” movement was born. Now Robert Glazer has around 5 million readers, podcasts, and more, and is a

strong example of the Law of Unintended Consequences. Glazer’s original goals had been to be true to his commitment to improve himself and to bless his team. The result is now described as Inspiration & Motivation To End Your Week Stronger Than It Started, and God knows, we could all use that! Years ago, when Mayor Ronnie was still a part of DHR for the State of Alabama, he would tell people that most parents can sleep well at night if they know that their children are well -physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Interestingly, Glazer sets up the

book with the idea of there being four capacities, all of which need to be built. The categories are spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual. The goal of the book is what is referred to as “capacity building,” i.e., intentionally and consistently fill and strengthen all four, and watch what happens. Liz Wiseman, herself the NYT best-selling author of Multipliers and Rookie Smarts, describes it this way: Friday Forward is a rich collection of stories and essays that burst with insight and wisdom. But don’t just read this book—savor it and share it. Let it inspire you and all your colleagues to live and work at your very best.” “This is a wonderful book, and I encourage everyone to read it,” said Mayor Ronnie. He then added, before we prayed, “Stay safe and healthy—we’ve got to flatten the (COVID) curve. And then, once again it was time for Ronnie to roll.

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Slinkard On Success

Persistence Beats Resistance by D. A. Slinkard D.A. Slinkard would love your feedback. You can contact him at da.slinkard@gmail.com

This is my first article of 2021, and I wanted to start out on a positive note. This year I have the honor of celebrating 18 years of marriage with my wife, Mindy. Eighteen years! This is 17 ½ years longer than some people gave us when we said, “I do.” Yep, people were betting against us, and why not? We were two young kids in what some referred to as “puppy love.” Do not get me wrong, I love dogs but by no means were these naysayers trying to paint a fuzzy picture for us, and they knew we were doomed. After all, we did have a whirlwind romance in which history saw our first date on October 9, 2001, and I found myself on bended knee within a month of that first date. I knew I loved Mindy the first time I laid my eyes upon her. In

the

beginning

though, she did not feel the same way. My mom told me Mindy was playing hard-to-get, and honestly, I did not like this kind of playing. I mean seriously, who likes to be told “No” repeatedly? No one does, and the fear of rejection is why so many people fail in life. I have learned so much from my wife that has helped me in the business world. The first lesson learned prior to finally getting my first date with her is that “PERSISTENCE BEATS RESISTANCE.” I asked her out on a date once, and she said “No.” I asked her twice, I asked her three times, I asked her four times, and the answer was still “No.” I found different ways to ask her out. Make that five times, six times, seven times…same response. With every resistance she was giving me, I was beginning to

January 01 - January 14, 2021

feel the pressure. I loved her, she loved me; she just did not know it yet. Eighth through tenth time, it was always an adamant, “No.” Eventually, upon asking for just one date on the thirteenth time, I was finally given the answer I wanted, “I’m going to church on Tuesday night. If you want to, you can meet me there.” Did I want to? Was that even a question? Of course, I wanted to, or I would not have risked being the fool twelve times over.

bit of resistance, and we decide that maybe that big account we wanted to win, well maybe it does not matter as much as we thought it did. Or maybe that girl who has caught our eye, well maybe there is some other fish in the sea for us. If it is romance you are after, I highly suggest that you pay attention to the amount of persistence you use because if you are not careful, you may get a nicely crafted letter from the judge warning you to not persist so much.

I had finally worn her resistance down with my persistence. If I had not stayed on the trail like a bloodhound dog, I would not be blessed to have my beautiful wife today and our two blessings, Abigail and Johana. What you can learn from my past failures turned success is that too often we give up too easily. We face the slightest

In life, though, we are going to face difficulties; and those who do not, can be found in cemeteries. I remember being a child and my dad telling me, “Son, it’s not how many times you get knocked down, but what counts is the number of times you get back up.” What my dad was really saying was, “Son, persistence beats resis-

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tance.” If you are up against a tough or difficult situation, do not give up. The best way to beat any kind of resistance is to counter it with massive action. The more action you take, the more traction you are going to be able to gain. When you get the action flowing, you will suddenly find yourself being able to knock down any barriers in your way. You will become unstoppable and whatever you desire, you can achieve. So, the next time you face a struggle and think about giving up, I want you to ask yourself how your persistence is. If you are stubborn enough to keep going, you will eventually get what you want. For those of you who are wondering, I am the head of the household, but my wife is the neck because the neck is what turns the head.

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Tourism

Our Backyard, Your Escape – Athens-Limestone Alabama by Cayce Lee Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Athens-Limestone County, Alabama, is conveniently located at the “Crossroads of North Alabama” – with access from I-65, I-565, U.S. Hwy 31, U.S. Hwy 72, and countless state and county routes. This convenience makes the area the perfect playground for getting outdoors, with an abundance of trails, waterways, prime fishing grounds, and RV parks awaiting you. These marvelous gems are tucked among the emerald greenways and luscious landscapes of our blooming and friendly communities. No matter what your escape requires, you'll find options in Athens-Limestone County. RVing, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, birding, or just simple relaxation - there's a playground for everyone. Limestone County is served not only by the Tennessee River but the Elk River and offers water that is suitable for rafting, fishing, and water sports. The Wheeler Lake and the Elk River host several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Cabela King Kat Tournament, Alabama Bass Trail – Wheeler Lake, City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Tournament, as well as smaller tournaments for the weekend angler like the Friday Night Bass Tournament, Saturday Night Tournament, Bama Blues Catfish Tournament and the Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament. Anglers will enjoy the chance at three different kinds of catfish, three different kinds of bass plus bream, crappie, sauger and other species.

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From enthusiast to lazy-day pacer, there’s a trail to suit your needs in the AthensLimestone area, with over 30 trails, tracks and treks to choose from. If you'd like to keep things in an urban environment, the city of Athens offers several trails featuring the history and architecture of Athens, including the Columns and Culture Trail, Beaty Historic District Trail, and the Athens Historic Volksmarch, or just enjoy any one of the tracks dotted throughout Athens-Limestone. The Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails is a 10.3 mile trail starting just south of the northern border of Alabama in Veto and traveling through Civil War historic site of the Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle before continuing through the heart of town of Elkmont to finish at Piney Chapel Road north of Athens at CoffmanMitchell Park. Walkers, bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy this scenic trail through nature along the reclaimed railroad that once served as the L&N Railroad connection between Louisville and Birmingham. The Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail winds its way through Limestone County for nearly 90-miles of history, scenery, and adventure - perfect for a road trip in the family car, your classic cruiser, or testing the curves with your motorcycle. Several of Limestone communities are highlighted along the way with options to stop at sites including historic churches, cemeteries, and nature areas. The Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail is a great way to link

( t o f t f s t t a W e t s

the trails and attractions of the Richard Martin Railsto-Trails, Marbut’s Bend Accessible Nature Trail, Athens-Limestone County African-American Heritage Trail, Athens-Limestone County Civil War Trail, and the Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail.

at Northgate RV Park at Exit 354 or Swan Creek Park at Exit 347.

RVers have the option of views and location in AthensLimestone from the shores of the Tennessee River to the heart of Elkmont. RVers are always welcome in AthensLimestone with RV parks conveniently located to attractions, waterways, and the interstate simply by choosing one of the conveniently located RV parks. Cowford Landing and Riverview RV Resort have access to the bass-rich Tennessee River and boat launches, walking trails, and convenience station. Mill Creek Park visitors can choose to pull the RV in and enjoy access to the town of Elkmont, the Noah Bike and Antique Car Trail, the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails, and Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail. While RV visitors looking to spend their time in historic Athens can choose to make their home

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Music lovers will enjoy the variety of venues offering music in every corner of Athens-Limestone -- from jamming on the river with Lucy’s BARge to toetapping fun in the heart of Athens with Mac’s Sports Bar and Steakhouse to several choices just over the border in Minor Hill, TN, and Ardmore, TN to enjoy. Music is a big part of life in AthensLimestone and you’ll find it featured at many festivals, including the “Granddaddy of them all,” the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Art lovers will find opportunities dotting Athens-Limestone as well with Creator’s Corner and Jack and Jill’s Clayhouse in Ardmore or High Cotton Art and The Broken Brush in downtown Athens where you can unleash your inner Picasso. You’ll find arts and crafts at many of the festivals through the year, like the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

among them.

W p h t fi a t g A t i t y n c a p

Hungry? Athens-Limestone offers over 100 restaurants to choose from to tickle your taste buds from your chain favorites to momand-pops. Whether you’re in Ardmore, Lester, Tanner, Elkmont, Athens, or points in between, you’re never far from a place to grab a meal. You can find dining options under “Plan Your Visit” at VisitAthensAL.com under H “Restaurants.” w Athens-Limestone Tourism s has created brochures high- t lighting available trails, n tracks, and treks in the greater Limestone County area, including Ardmore, Mooresville, Lester, Elkmont and Athens. These brochures are available at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center, 100 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or by visiting www.VisitAthensAL.com under “Plan Your Visit” or using the “Contact Us” form to request a copy. You can also reach the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center by calling 256-2325411.

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Family First

5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Photographer For Family Portraits courtesy BrandPoint content (BPT) - During a year that has been like no other, one thing is clear family is more important than ever. Between the family members you've spent every moment with to those you dearly miss, the bonds between you are stronger than ever. What better way to celebrate your loved ones than to have a professional portrait taken? While everyone with a phone these days also has a camera, the truth is that the photos you may find social media-worthy are rarely good enough to hang on your wall or give to the grandparents. And taking a quality photograph of an entire family that you really want to frame and cherish for years to come? That's nearly impossible to accomplish - unless you're a professional photographer.

phers of America (PPA). Not only do these tests demonstrate their strong technical abilities, but they also show that they have met a high standard of proficiency in photography. A PPA Certified Professional Photographer is especially skilled at capturing high-quality images under any condition. 2. The pros understand how to bring the best out of your family Experienced professional photographers are gifted at capturing the unique personalities and relationships of your family. Professionals are able to talk to family members, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable, whether they are very young children or reluctant teens. They know how to arrange the family group

and create poses that are both natural and photogenic. They understand what will look great in a photograph and what will accurately capture the moment in time. 3. A professional portrait creates a timeless family heirloom Just as you are unlikely to ask your cousin to snap your wedding pics with his smartphone, relying only on a family member's skill with their phone's camera for a photo you want to keep forever is not a safe bet. Instead of relying on a smartphone and digital files alone, you can ask a professional photographer for a variety of print options - to create meaningful and treasured holiday gifts, suitable for family members near and far. A beautifully framed,

Here are some reasons why hiring a professional photographer is the best choice for your next family portrait. 1. Professional photographers are highly trained Professional photographers really understand how to use the tools of their trade, including how to compose a photograph, using the subtle art of lighting and optimal background settings to their best advantage. And Certified Professional Photographers must pass a rigorous exam and a Technical Image Evaluation by Professional Photogra-

January 01 - January 14, 2021

stunning family portrait on the wall makes a wonderful statement. A masterful family photograph is a work of art that creates a striking focal point for any room. It captures a moment in time you will appreciate even more as your children - and grandchildren - grow and change over time. These images are keepsakes whose stories you'll tell time and time again, and will treasure forever. 4. A photo session with a professional is a great experience Using a professional photographer is a memorable experience from beginning to end. Perhaps unlike your previous experiences trying to wrangle the family for an impromptu photo session run by you or your

spouse, your family's session with a pro will be stress-free, because a professional photographer can help guide you throughout the process. From preparing for the session to wardrobe choices, backgrounds and other tips, you and your family won't have to worry. You can just relax and enjoy the process. You'll not only have the great photos to show for it, but also beautiful memories of a truly remarkable and unique experience with your family. 5. Professional photographers are business owners When you hire a professional photographer, you know that you're getting someone who is willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best possible images. As business owners who thrive on customer service and satisfaction, professional photographers continuously aim to produce products that exceed customer expectations. When you hire a member of the Professional Photographers of America, you are ensuring that you're hiring a photographer with substantial technical abilities. The investment in an experienced professional photographer is an investment in a high-quality family keepsake. Interested in finding a professional photographer in your area? Visit F i n d A P h o t o g r a p h e r. com.

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Clean, Green And Beautiful

Lessons And Blessings From 2020 And Moving Forward In 2021 by Leigh Patterson - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful ter grabbers. Meetup location will be at the intersection of Lucas Ferry Road and Harris Station Road. Call 256-233-8000 or email KALBCares@gmail.com if planning to attend or with questions. Masks and social distancing will be required when with a group.

It’s finally time to welcome in a new year. I am afraid 2020 is not a year that many of us will look back upon fondly. This past year has presented its own set of challenges. These challenges have affected our lives day by day. Some days it felt as if we were all on a sinking ship with no lifeboats. Although 2020 has had its difficulties and hard days, we have proven that we can move forward with goals and plans in mind and make necessary adjustments and changes as needed to be able to face each new day. Even still, we have no idea what is in store for us in 2021, and we can thank the year 2020 for teaching us that lesson for sure. There have been so many lessons learned throughout this year. We all learned to be flexible and to adapt to changes. We learned the meaning of “social distancing” and implemented it into our daily lives. Patience was learned through quarantining. Another lesson learned has been appreciation for the time spent with family and friends. We have had to limit our time and our visits with friends and family, especially elderly loved ones, which has been truly painful for all involved. Here at KALB, the challenges that we faced as an organization pale in comparison to what some have gone through over the last year. We were able to navigate these challenges successfully, and we managed to have an overall good year. Though we were not

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Laverne Gilbert and Mayor Ronnie Marks volunteering at a cleanup event able to host our annual Earth Day and Outdoor EXPO or Duck and Run 5K events last year, we still were able to host cleanup events, virtual Earth Day activities, our first Cash for Trash Challenge, the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby, and a Household Hazardous Waste Collection (the first in 12 years!). Our annual membership drive was an overwhelming success, thanks to our members’ generosity. We had help from amazing volunteers, including our three volunteer boards, and those who helped with events or cleanups. We truly had many blessings to count last year. MOVING FORWARD IN 2021

Moving forward with the new year, KALB has several events already on the calendar. We would love for you to join us for our cleanup events, and for you to take advantage of our Household Hazardous Waste Collection this spring! Here are some of the events we have coming up in the next few months: 3rd ANNUAL CLEAN UP AT SWAN CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Monday, January 18, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join KALB as we clean up this area near the river. KALB will provide trash bags, gloves, vests, and lit-

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Chemists working at the household Hazardous Waste Collection TRASH ATTACK AND ELK RIVER CLEANUP March 6, 2021 KALB invites all interested citizens to enlist the help of friends, family, clubs, and other groups to help clean up litter from Limestone County. KALB will provide trash bags, gloves, litter grabbers,

food, and more. More details to come! HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION April 10, 2021

Our 2020 collection was such a huge success that we are holding another event in the spring! Start gathering your household chemicals for proper disposal. This includes cleaning solutions, auto fluids, pool chemicals, fertilizers, insect repellants, rat poisons, paints, and more. More detailed information will be forthcoming closer to event time. Watch this paper and our Facebook page for details. Location to be determined.

These are just a few of the events that we are looking forward to in 2021. If changes need to be made, we are ready to be flexible and navigate any challenges that may come our way thanks to all that we have learned over the last year. We invite you to join us in our continued efforts to make Athens and Limestone County cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. From the staff at KALB, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe new year!

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8000 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com January 01 - January 14, 2021

Cooking with Anna

Milestone by Anna Hamilton

research and prayed about it. We soon went on our first date, and I knew that I was going to marry him. At age 33, I walked down the aisle to the man God had been preparing for me my entire life.

This Wednesday, I turned 40 years old. When I was a young girl growing up, I imagined what my life would be like when I was old. You see, when you are little, 40 seems old; now that I have turned 40, I feel as if it is still quite young. At the ripe old age of 40, imagined I would live in an old farmhouse with 2 children, a boy and a girl. I would be a homeroom mother, baking cookies and sewing pilgrim costumes for the Thanksgiving program at school. My husband and I would have been married since college, and we would be members of the local country club. We would have looked like a picture straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Without the support of my husband, I don’t think I could have faced the fact that I will not be able to have children. He has been by my side, a constant source of strength and a marvelous example of faith. God has always given me more than I have prayed for in my life. I prayed for a husband, and God sent me the absolute best husband on the planet. I have prayed and begged for children. As tears flow down my cheeks as I write this, I trust that the Lord will provide my heart’s desire for children. It may not be in the way that I had always imagined, but it will be in the best way for my husband and me to be parents and in our longing bring glory and honor to God.

Isn’t it funny that when you think you have made the best plans for your life, God takes them and makes them so much better? When I graduated college, I thought I knew the boy I would marry. Even though it was not a good relationship, I held on to that childhood dream so tight because I didn’t have full faith that God would truly provide for my dreams. God continued to work on my life, even though I held with clinched fists onto what I thought I needed. I was sad and depressed; I felt betrayed by God and felt as if my prayers only reached the ceiling of my bedroom as I lay crying most nights. I felt as if my dreams were slipping through my fingers. I found myself getting older and nothing had gone according to “my” plans.

As I reflect on my 40 years on this planet, I know I still have a lot to learn. I continue to pray and ask God for things I would like in my life. My prayer has changed over the years, however, instead of just asking God for a list of things like a child at Christmas with Santa Claus, I now ask in every request for the Lord to give me what I need, not what I want. You see, the Lord is much wiser than I will ever be. I pray for continued wisdom and guidance as I am still striving to be the person God wants me to be in this life.

Looking back now, the Lord set in motion a series of events in my life that lead me straight to the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. You see, I changed my prayer from, “Lord, please let me marry this man,” to “Lord, please let me see others the way you see them.” My youngest brother was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and was in the CCU at UAB for several months. Every weekend, I would drive from Tennessee to be with my family and my brother. While there, we met a musician from Russellville who invited us to a show they performed every month. A few weeks later, I was able to attend the show and that’s when I spotted the man who would become my husband. I knew the moment I saw him that there was something different about him. I did a little

This year has brought about so many challenges but so many opportunities and blessings. My husband and I have started our own business, and I quit my corporate job. We have taken a huge leap of faith and have been extremely blessed. We are not taking one blessing for granted, and we are relying on the Lord to continue to provide as we lean on him for guidance and understanding.

Vintage Vegetable Soup Ingredients:

1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup diced carrots 4 cups cabbage, chopped 1 cup green beans 2 bell peppers, chopped 2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups sliced zucchini 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes 6 cups beef broth (feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth) 2 Tbsp tomato paste 2 bay leaves ½ tsp thyme ½ tsp basil Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

This week’s recipe is a vintage classic, just like me! My mother would make this soup when she felt like she needed to eat something healthy, but filling and comforting. I still love this soup today and make it when I want something warm and comforting to eat, without any guilt. You probably know it as weight-loss soup. I just know it as delicious! I hope you give it a try this winter and feel free to change up the veggies to make this your own. You can also add chicken, turkey, or ground beef, if you like. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Ephesians 3:20-21

In a large pot cook onion and garlic over medium heat until slightly softened. Add carrots, cabbage, and green beans. Cook an additional 5

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I don’t know what will happen in my life in the next 40 years, but I do know that it will be a wonderful journey. I know that if I continue to place God first in my life, the blessings will continue to come. I know that I will face hardships, but I know that if I keep my focus and faith, I will prevail. I know that the Lord will continue to be in control of my life, even when the world seems to be falling apart around me. I find myself happier than I have ever been and feel the Lord’s blessings pouring out over my life. Without the Lord’s guidance and blessings, I would have nothing to show for my life.

minutes. Then stir in bell peppers, tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add zucchini and broccoli. Simmer an additional 5-10 minutes or until softened. Remove bay leaves before serving.

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Steve’s Corner

Bear One Another’s Burdens? by Steve Leland

Galatians 6:2 (KJV) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. How do we bear one another’s burdens? Telling someone, “Be warmed and filled!” doesn’t really take any weight off of their back. And, yes, to bear means to lift their burden and carry it for them. “Be blessed!” is a rather nice salutation, I mean, at least it’s not a curse, but it doesn’t go very far in the “Easing-of-Burdens Department.” “My blessings upon you!” could be quite helpful if you actually have some blessings that are transferable. There is one surefire prayer that I know of that will get down under their burden

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and put you shoulder-toshoulder with them. It is the prayer that Daniel prayed way back when. Daniel had been taken captive, through no fault of his own, during the latest smack down that Judah was subjected to due to their lack of submission to Yah’s will. Daniel was watching his “Ps” and “Qs” while being subjected to some rather vile treatment over in Babylon. It wasn’t like he was a visiting guest from a captured nation, abuse was the name of the game. He reminds me of my favorite Bible character, Joseph, in that his eyes weren’t on his navel. These guys didn’t complain, even though they had every earthly right to. His heart was towards his country and his countrymen. Here is the beginning of his

prayer: Daniel 9:4-5 (KJV) 4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments. Notice specifically the “We have sinned” statement. Had he been part of the sin? No. He would have been too young to have been included before he was abducted, and he was obviously doing his best to follow Yah since then. So why the “We” thing? I have found that it is called

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“identificational” repentance. It’s when you join with the afflicted one on their level and pray, “Father forgive us, for we have sinned.” It is the opposite of the distancing that happens when we pray “Father forgive them, for they are a hot mess.” Can you see how the second prayer elevates the praying person above the other? “We”, “us”-- words that include. “But,” you might protest, “His sin is bad and I don’t do those things!” Maybe you are all perfected and everything, without spot or wrinkle, but my little secret is that I’m not. I always plan on attaining perfection by my next birthday, but I’ve blown every one of them so far. The bright side of all that is that I can easily come up with a current

failure in my own life so I can readily get on board with that “we and us” thing in joining with someone in identificational repentance. Where this really stretches a feller is when the other party isn’t all that interested in repenting. It gets even rougher when they don’t believe that they have done anything wrong. We can let Job be our measuring stick, though. He was offering sacrifices for his children in case they had sinned. How much more can we sacrifice a little pride when we see someone struggling? Whether you are kneeling beside them with your arm over their shoulder, or you are miles apart, the words are the same…“Father forgive us, for we have sinned.”

January 01 - January 14, 2021

Health and Fitness

A Fresh Outlook

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

I believe we all would agree that 2020 did not go as originally planned. I understand that the changes we have all had to make are not really ones we desired. Masks are not fun to wear, and we forget them frequently and have to walk back to our cars for them, which is super inconvenient. But we wear them out of respect for others and in the hope of protecting ourselves. The canceled family and church gatherings and restrictions in shopping, dining out, and travel is something never imagined by most of us here in the USA. The loss of loved ones and the pain of extended separation from others has made life emotionally challenging. And if all of this is not enough, job and school procedures are now drastically different, causing a new level of stress at times, to say the least.

rounding this pandemic, it does not completely prevent the shift in our part of the world. This shift demands change, which is not an area in which most of us seem to excel. However, while I do not recommend conforming to the world surrounding you, I do highly suggest you adapt to it. Keeping the same routines are great if they are working, but when they become more of a fight than a function, it

is time to change!

must truly live and learn.

As we enter this new year, I would encourage you to put the past behind and not waste energy fighting the necessities of our world. Choose to embrace what you must and adapt to life so peace and success are found again. Put the energy you may have been using to resist our new normal into developing positive new ways of approaching life. We

Prioritize life, put pencil to paper and write goals and needs in life, and do not forget a few wants as well. Pull out a hard copy planner, not a phone or computer, it will help you to visualize and keep life less cluttered, more routine and better organized. I know we live by our phones; add it to your phone after writing it and keep the written to

be looked at daily as a double-check. A new year is not needed for a fresh start, but it certainly provides a good time to embrace new things, especially after such a life-changing year. I hope that we can soon say that new ways to approach life have been learned, and adapted routines have begun in order to form habits of success in this new world.

Since March, we have endured so much in our country, and while our special town has been spared from the most intense happenings sur-

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Cover Story

Herbs & More: Making America Healthier, One Person At A Time by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

the Williams tribe had to apply to themselves the principles of multifaceted health that they have long preached to others in order to handle grief well. Though it has been tough, they have been able to serve others in challenging times such as these. Mollie Clem was Gwen’s mother, and as Herbs & More’s matriarch, she was an iconic presence in the store. “She was the first one here to open up, and the last one out every night,” said Roy. I can say that she was one of

many “moms” that have loved me in the decade we have owned the paper, and with a smile she always expected me to hand her the latest edition when I would come in to do deliveries. She would also talk to me about various articles that she enjoyed, and I was honored to see her own copy of Athens Now right next to her Bible. Mollie was one who possessed a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, a healthy dose of sass, an uncommon work ethic, a heart to help, and an absolutely unshakeable faith. Two weeks before

Where Mollie held court Page 16

she died, she demonstrated in the store that she could still do a squat and stand back up. When she was at Vanderbilt in the few days before she passed, she was ministering to everyone who was around her and comforting them. Roy was quick to note that, “The Vanderbilt staff was amazing.” When the doctors suggested the possibility that if she came through surgery it might would leave her paralyzed, she just looked at them and said in true Mollie fashion, “Y’all ain’t cuttin’ on me.” That was that; she and Gwen planned her celebration of life, and the next day she “was gone on home” at the age of 82. Roy and I talked at length about what they did, how they were a “product of their own product” when it came to experiencing bereavement in the midst of the strangest year ever. “Well, the first thing, and the most important thing was faith. We know without a shadow of a doubt where she is and that we will see her again. The support from the people around us carried us, especially in the first few days and weeks. Herbs & More has always been a landing place for this community, and they were that for us,” he said. He also mentioned how grateful he was for

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The Herbs & More Crew

Co-founders, Roy and Gwen Williams (back), Lana Woody (l), and Abby Cooper (r) their staff, and how even though they grieved together, they stepped up to fill the unfillable void left by the Unsinkable Mollie Clem. I asked Roy, “What else did you do, change, take, or increase that you found helpful?” He said, “As far as lifestyle was concerned, we had to be careful to not eat too much ‘funeral food.’ It’s easy to eat too much of stuff that is not going to build your health during a tough time. Gwen and I counteracted that by eating a lot of salads We try to lean toward eating live food. Exercise was another thing. I have always done it, but hiking out in the wilderness to have alone time with God helped with the stress. Then there was the BEMER mat that we

have in the shop. Every day when Gwen came in, she would go get on it.” BEMER stands for Bio-Electric-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation, and the therapy uses a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field to stimulate capillary tissue. Herbs & More has a lovely room where you can experience the benefits of this FDA Class II-cleared consumer medical device. They also have a set of WBV (Whole Body Vibration) machines, which reduce stress and increase circulation, along with an infra-red sauna. I have used all three of these machines, and can attest to their benefit. Quite frankly, my intention by grace in the new year is to get back into what

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before COVID was my weekly Herbs & More routine, and would encourage you to do so as well. Roy says that it is not at all uncommon for people to “just have the feeling that they need to stop by, and then they tell us that all of it, the people and the products, are an answer to prayer.” “Sleep is super important during a time of grief,” said Roy, and he added, “and that is where both Gwen and I struggled for a while. We took a supplement called Somatomax that helped us to sleep without all the side effects. It raises dopamine, and also helps with body building.” There were other allnatural supplements that were beneficial as well. “Remember,” Roy said, “We can either use God’s things from creation or we can lean on Man’s concoctions, and we have found that it is better to go with God’s. CBD oil was helpful, and something else that we all took was a product that we can’t keep on the

shelves. It’s called True Calm, and it’s made by NOW. It contains valerian root, magnesium, GABA, (which comes from certain teas and fermented foods, and helps with mood), magnesium and niacin, along with a few other food-based ingredients. “Essential oils are powerful, too, because the oils get right past the blood-brain barrier and get right to work,” said Roy. We both remember the days when essential oils were looked on as fraudulent, and it is encouraging to see that mainstream medicine now recognizes their many benefits. We moved on to goals, dreams, and plans for 2021. While we all know that nothing in life or society is ever guaranteed, here is what Herbs & More plans to do in the coming year: • Upgrade/update the website and their online presence. They have made a major investment to put all the online buying ports, the Athens Now Alternative Approach articles, the podcasts, newsletters, and radio shows under one umbrella.

January 01 - January 14, 2021

• Roll out a new product for weight loss called AOD-9604, which stands for Anti-Obesity Drug. It comes in a dropper bottle, works from the premise that peptides can be powerful in winning the battle of the bulge, and has received the FDA’s GRAS designation. (GRAS stands for Generally Regarded As Safe, and the FDA does not assign this category lightly.) For more information, see Roy’s latest Alternative Approach article in this edition. Finally, Roy and Gwen wanted to reacquaint our readers with the core values of Herbs & More -- what they believe and

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why they do what they do. “People need to know that they have a choice when it comes to their health and what they do with their bodies. Even Benjamin Rush, the first Surgeon General of the United States, fought hard to have the concept of Medical Freedom be spelled out in the Constitution, and told George Washington that the day would come when he (Washington) would have wished that Rush’s request had been granted. History tells us that not long after that, Washington was subjected to blood-letting, and mercury was put in him to help him get better. It didn’t, and now we know why. When

President Trump signed ‘The Right To Try’ Act, which gives terminally ill patients the right to try experimental/alternative drugs and treatments, it opened up a lot of doors and hopefully will help things to change. Our company is called NEWtritional Care. The word ‘Care’ may be the last word of our title, but it is always the first thing on our minds.” Stop by Herbs & More today, and experience care, community, and maybe even some “Mollie stories!”

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January 01 - January 14, 2021

Jerry’s Journal

All God’s Dogs Going To Heaven by Jerry Barksdale

Doggone it! It finally happened. The country has gone to the dogs. I’m not talking about the lying, corrupt, political class in Washington who take and squander our money and impose laws on us and exempt themselves. No, I’m referring to tail-flapping, loafing, car chasing biscuit eaters. Since the beginning of time, dogs have mooched on the generosity of humans. Now, they want to go to Heaven. Not Dog Heaven, mind you, but Baptist and Church of Christ Heaven. Recently, I was listening to talk radio host, Matt Murphy, when a woman called and said God put dogs on Earth to teach us to love. (I thought Jesus came to do that, but I won’t be picky.) She said that dogs will go to heaven with their masters, and quoted scripture to back it up.

two bird dogs and a yard dog. The hounds lived inside a wire pen attached to the side of the barn that resembled a Japanese labor camp. The bird dogs slept under the house, and the yard dog slept on the front porch. They were fed cornbread every dayjust like Mama fed us. That tasty Southern power food that makes our women smart, our men handsome, and our dogs fat. The only good dog I know is Marley, my only granddoggy. She lives in Taos, New Mexico, with my daughter Shannon, and is the apple of my eye. Okay, I admit I’m jealous of dogs. I’ve dated

women who would rather stroke their dogs than me. How would that make you feel? I don’t approve of dogs’ well-known laziness (“he’s lazy every day”). They don’t work or pay taxes or join ObamaCare. I say, sic the IRS on them. Elvis took notice too. “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog and you ain’t no friend of mine.” If Elvis said it, it’s gotta be true. The radio caller’s statement raises many questions in my mind. If the master goes to hell, will the dog automatically follow? Or, what if the master has led a saintly life and his dog has spent his days chasing cars and

Will there be cars and cats to chase in Heaven? What about a leash law and dog pound? Who will pick up dog poop on the streets of gold? Unitarians would do it happily, but I doubt any of them will be present. I suggest Baptists. They are always doing good works, and no doubt would volunteer, provided they are fed plenty of fried chicken and potato salad. Will dogs have to attend church on Earth in order to qualify for Heaven? If so, will they have to tithe and attend Sunday School too? Instead of St. Peter,

will dogs be met at the Pearly Gates by a St. Bernard? Humans are the only form on Earth held to a strict moral code set forth in the Bible and similar writings. Why is that? Why can dogs fornicate with impunity, and humans be sent to hell for the same behavior? There has been a double standard for too long. If dogs are going to Heaven, they should have to stop fornicating, get a job, and walk the chalk line like the rest of us. What about Muslim dogs? Will they get 72 whelps on arrival in Heaven? Hindus believe when they die, they will be reincarnated and come back in a different life form. Wouldn’t it be justice if a dog came back as a cat and is chased by a dog every day for eternity? I hope to go to heaven when I die, but doggone it, I don’t want to be there with a pack of dogs scratching, licking their privates, and humping my leg. Anyway, I’m allergic to dog hair. I’m no Bible scholar, but I do know that dogs ate Jezebel. That’s enough evidence for me. There are exceptions. My sweet granddoggy, Marley deserves to go to Heaven, along with seeing eye dogs, drug sniffers, bomb dogs, and K-9s.

I like dogs as well as the next fellow, as long as they don’t chase me when I walk, or come over and poop in my yard. But I don’t want to spend eternity stepping over dog poop and listening to a pack of hounds barking all night long. That sounds more like hell to me. Heaven is supposed to be a place of tranquility and peace where a soul can escape that kind of annoyance.

I’ll stay tuned to Talk Radio. No telling what I can learn. No doubt cats will soon be meowing for a place in Heaven pretty soon.

I don’t dislike dogs – only those owned by others. When I was a kid, we owned 17 foxhounds,

January 01 - January 14, 2021

biting joggers? Will the bad dog get a free ride to Heaven on the master’s good record?

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Dog Barker

Time Marches On... by Joel Allen

Hello, folks! Ever wonder where the time goes? I do, especially when I look at Ollie Girl, my Merle Dane and realize she is up in her years. I think she is approximately 10 years old. She still plays like a puppy most of the time, and yet there are times where she gets tired and just wants to curl up near me. Her face isn’t as vibrant as it once was. In fact, when someone looks at her they see that her face is white with age. When she gets up, she groans a little more on some days than others. A few years ago when I noticed this, I started her on a supplement called turmeric. The results were almost immediate, and I found that with this supplement her pain was almost nonexistent.

same for us. I have to say this, I am no veterinarian; so do your own homework and decide what to do on your own. Yes, it works great for senior dogs. I only use it to improve their quality of life as they live out their days as seniors. I have seen turmeric take a completely incapacitated dog (from the pain) and give them back their ability to move with less pain. Every dog is different in size and weight; so when giving this supplement, consider the dosage according to weight. Check with your vet too. With Ollie Girl, because of her size, I give her an 800mg pill with each meal. She eats twice a day. Where can anyone get

turmeric? It should be attainable at your local pharmacy, big store such as Walmart or Target, and can be bought online. Be aware of false supplements online. There is just as many counterfeit supplements as there are real. I go to www.pipingrock.com and deal with that site. I have not been steered wrong by them yet. They have more than just turmeric; they have a huge selection of other supplements, and not just for our animals. My Ollie Girl was playing with the younger dogs today, and I had to stop her because she thinks she is a puppy again and appears to have that spring in her step like when she was a puppy. She stole

Now, as always, this is where I state that you need to do your own research before trying this. I researched this homeopathic alternative and started Ollie Girl on this at the first signs of arthritis. She has been going strong ever since; and if I miss giving her a dose, by that evening she will be in pain and yelping every time she gets up or down out of her bed. As I have stated, I have researched this herb and found that it has been known to help with inflammation, arthritis, and migraines or headaches. I read stories of people loving their animals enough to give them this little wonder and how many of them lived better in their last years with their families because of this. Turmeric is also good for us, the humans. It works the

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Houston’s tennis balls and would not give them back, LOL. Let that serve as a warning to everyone who uses turmeric -- keep an eye on your seniors because this will make them feel young again, yet their bodies can’t take the beating it once could. Remember this so that injuries can be avoided. Lastly, I wrote this article for those of us who have senior animals. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to hear your dog cry out and feel as if there is nothing that can be done for them but to put them out of their misery. This article is for those families faced with this decision; and I always discourage euthanizing unless it is extremely nec-

essary. As I state in all my articles, “Be thankful for the time you have with them always.” My time with Zues was so quick. Eight years blew by like a puff of wind. I can only say that I look forward toT being reunited with himi again at the end of my lifem here. I know that he waitsn for me as all do that loveh me. I wish everyone ai Happy New Year! c

“Remember to love your s dogs because they love m you. Maybe not the way W you want them to, like c chewing up your favorite t shoes or what not, but s that is just love chew- i ing. Be thankful for the c time you have with them M s always.” f Joel Allen m 256-651-2211 g b T o fi y o c s i a r

1 R f i c a u t g m a B w t g a s a

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January 01 - January 14, 2021

Mental Health Minute

Your Mental Health Theme for 2021 by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

y r

“Healing is hard. . Staying wounded is e harder.”

y oThank goodness 2020 mis over! The past twelve

months have been like no other. After all we have been through, there is a real need to take a compassionate look at self-development and mental health in 2021. With the new year comes the temptation to seek change through self-criticism, unrealistic expectations, or comparison to others. My hope for you is to shift from these unhelpful ways of thinking to more vibrant, healthy, goal-seeking, and habitbreaking new thoughts. This year, when thinking of self-improvement, find things that work for you, regardless of what others are doing. I encourage you to ask for support or accountability if needed. Let’s look at some theme categories:

now is the time to evaluate the relationship you have with yourself. Your self-relationship is crucial to your overall wellbeing and to creating healthy relationships with others. Ways to improve your relationship with yourself include: Invest in yourself by spending 15-30 minutes a day doing something you enjoy. Write down positive things about yourself to use when your inner critic is shouting at you. Act as if you were your own best friend and be kind when you feel you have failed. Do something to wind down and relax at the end of each day. Take a few minutes each day to appreciate any small wins you achieve. 2. Nourish your body. Physical activity can have a positive impact on your mood. It can re-

lieve stress and increase self-esteem. It can reduce anxiety and depression. Resist the urge to join the latest fitness gym or diet plan. A better idea would be to take a deep breath, pause, and choose to work out in ways that work best for you. You can get others involved in your goals. Social support can be a great motivator, and sharing your experiences, goals, and achievements can help keep focus and maintain enthusiasm. Before diving into a new fitness program, ask yourself what you want to get out of being active. Would you prefer to be indoors or outdoors, engage in individual or group activities, and/or integrate movement into your daily life (walking, gardening, housework, etc.)? Physical activity

1. Accept who you are. Resist the urge to strive for an entirely new you in 2021. “Cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, ‘No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.’” (Brene Brown). You will be rewarded if you take time to approach personal growth, habit change, and goals with kinder self-talk and positive affirmations. Maybe

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is available to all, has few costs attached, and can be tailored to your needs. 3. Intentional actions. After the holiday break, checking back in to reality can feel hectic or cause you to launch back in to autopilot. For 2021, try bringing intention into your actions by being present in the moment. This helps you to counter the urgency to sprint when January arrives. If you can pay attention to the now, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, you are better able to manage them. Take a minute each day to bring intent into your being. Try doing some breathing exercises or a body scan check-in, head to toe. Mindful walking brings aware-

ness to the sensation of walking…how you feel when your feet touch the ground, how the muscles feel in your legs as you move, etc. Mindful listening brings awareness by tuning into your environment, listening to the sounds around you. 4. Me time. “Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving me,” Jamila Woods. Sometimes life can become overwhelming, especially when you’ve got expectations of the exciting opportunities that come with having a whole new year ahead of you. When you feel your balance isn’t quite right, pause to be your own best friend. Ask yourself what small changes you can make to your lifestyle and what ways you can treat yourself with more kindness. Suggestions include: watching funny movies, going hiking, setting aside some prayer or meditation time each day, painting or drawing, “unplugging” from your devices, and spending time with positive people. Now it’s back over to you. What is your theme for 2021? 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

“New Year’s Resolution” Easiest Weight Loss Ever by Roy Williams Start 2021 with a new technology that has double-blind studies proving its effectiveness. Not only is it a resounding success in animal studies, it has also proven to do the same in humans. The studies confirm that there are no side effects, do not interfere with medications, and have no negative effects on other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. What you will learn from this article is that a wellknown chemical called human growth hormone (HGH) is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. As we age, we produce less HGH and the results can be devastating with symptoms that include weight gain, especially around the waist, hips and thighs; thinning skin; wrinkles; age spots; bone loss; and other agerelated disorders. As our HGH levels continue to drop, we begin to produce brown adipose tissue, which is a really stubborn or hard-to-lose fat. Many studies show that a specific part of the HGH molecule is responsible for helping us maintain lean, shapely, healthy looking bodies. Thanks to a new technology, we can

not only identify and isolate that important part of the HGH molecule, we can reproduce it in a lab using peptides that are naturally occurring in your body. As you slowly increase this peptide that fits these specific receptors, losing weight becomes second nature. According to the double-blind studies, “The brown adipose tissue from AOD9604 and HGH significantly reduced the size of the brown adipose tissue mass by 20% and 31% respectively, over a six-

month time frame.” Even though it is not fast, the results seem to last when the peptide is kept at the proper levels; and that is easy using a new nasal spray delivery system. What is AOD-9604? AOD stands for AntiObesity-Drug that does

May help treat obesity Even though the study targeted obesity, it should be just as effective for those who only wish to lose a few pounds or maintain a youthful weight. Other products suppress appetite or the rate of food absorption. This peptide has a high capacity to help burn fat. It triggers the release of fats from the fat cells. It is especially effective in reducing stubborn fats in the abdominal area.

HGH has been around since the 1970s by prescription because it had to be injected directly into the body. Over time, oral sprays were introduced that could be ab-

sorbed through the oral mucosa, and then transdermal lotions were also made available. What makes AOD-9604 unique is the delivery which is done using a nasal spray two times a day. Thanks to this delivery system, the important part of the HGH goes directly into the blood where it can be transported throughout the body. How It Works: AOD-9604 works in research dealing with obesity. It not only has the potential to help improve metabolism but also to build muscle. The healthier and stronger the muscle, the more body fat you

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formation of non-fatty food into fat in a process called lipogenesis

not require a prescription. It is one of the only peptides that has already been recognized by the FDA and has been given the GRAS label, which means Generally Recognized As Safe. Peptides are naturally occurring in your body; therefore it is easily utilized without toxicity.

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will burn. The bodies of obese people may have trouble burning fat. AOD-9604 mimics the hormone, which stimulates fat metabolism. It, therefore, may promote faster weight loss by improving metabolism. It also enhances the functioning of beta-3 receptors making it different from other chemicals used for obesity. Studies Show That AOD9604: May reduce body fat May stimulate lipolysis, which helps the body break down brown fat for energy May facilitate the repair of cartilage May have favorable regenerative properties Could prevent the trans-

Unlike the injections, lotions, and sprays that were very expensive, the nasal spray is easy to use and is surprisingly affordable. Just spray in each nostril, morning and evening, and over time weight loss naturally happens, like turning the clock back to a time when you were much younger. This Week’s Special: Go by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen or call 800-745-4408 with this article and get 30% off your first bottle. You may also wish to listen to Roy’s radio show on WKAC in Athens or WBTG in Sheffield or go to www.nhcherbs.com and click on the microphone and listen to the one titled “Anti-Obesity Supplement.” Your Friend in Health, Roy P. Williams

January 01 - January 14, 2021

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC January 01 - January 14, 2021

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Special Feature

Athens Main Street’s Annual Report For 2020 And A Look Ahead To 2021 by Blake Williams nors.

Continued from Page 5 council recognized the success of outdoor dining and agreed to make it permanent. They worked with a local ironworks company to design and install permanent barriers, which the city funded. It all came together to make a lovely statement of a vibrant downtown.

If you think Athens Main Street has made a difference in our community, please support us. You can financially contribute to Athens Main Street, you can advocate for downtown, but most importantly, you can shop and eat downtown!

Athens Main Street tried new things to bring folks downtown at a more measured pace, such as our “Win the Window” contest, held over a twoweek period. In the midst of all this, Nutrition on the Square opened, The Broken Brush Art Studio expanded, and Square Clock Coffee and Epiphany Boutique moved to Jefferson Street.

Lastly, just to leave you with a few exciting announcements -- the focus of our design team beginning in 2021 will be the renovation of the UG White Alley. We have raised funds to create a beautiful throughway, with a hardscape walking surface, planters, tables, chairs, murals, and lighting.

Saturday market Athens Saturday Market had a very good year, in terms of the number of farmers, artisans, patrons, and sponsors. The market committee created a gathering spot with lovely hand-painted furniture and food trucks every weekend. Limestone County Commission built new tables for our vendors, replaced the electrical, and installed much-needed fans. We were able to continue providing our farmers and artisans a place to sell their wares while following COVID-19 protocols. Bouncing back While we accomplished a lot of good, we didn't go without some bad. We lost four businesses downtown. Merchant

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Looking ahead

sales were affected by the temporary closure at the start of the pandemic. We knew we needed a good, strong holiday season to help end the year on a high note. Our first holiday event was the Christmas Open House, held the weekend before Thanksgiving. The weather was great, and merchants reported a good weekend overall. After that, Athens Main Street partnered with several community organizations to host the annual Christmas parade. Blake Williams, who led the Christmas in Limestone County committee and is on the Main Street promotions committee, made sure merchants were set up for success through advertising and promotions. The county commission livestreamed the parade from the historic courthouse lawn and reached people from all over the country.

Our last Main Street event of the year was our 10th annual Sippin’ Cider Festival. We were also blessed with good weather for this event and had a great crowd. Many merchants ran out of cider while welcoming multitudes of outof-town or first-time visitors.

Additionally, we hope to create the trailhead of an

audio tour that will share stories of our downtown. In February, Main Street will host Chocolate Walk. This spring, we are looking forward to hosting a spring arts festival throughout downtown. We are hoping by summer, we can again hold Fridays After Five in conjunction with Tourism’s Summer Concert series. Be sure to like and follow us on social media and bookmark our website, athensmainstreet. org, so you can be the first to know when details are announced. If you have any questions, reach out to Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson at tererichardson@athensmainstreet.org.

Community support Thanks to a grant from Athens Utilities and TVA, we were able to secure additional marketing to attract more people to downtown Athens. Our advertising efforts reached more than half a million people. We would not be where we are without our generous stakeholders which include the City of Athens, Limestone County Commission, CDPA, Martin & Cobey, Hand Arendall, Morell Engineering, Cast Products, Ming Commercial Real Estate Group, Bryant Bank, and some very generous private do-

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