July 1st - July 14th, 2016
AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425
See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature
Athens Limestone Hospital Welcomes Dr. Shanna Ndong And Dr. Sasha Acelajado To Their Internal Medicine Staff
Southerland Boutique Athens: Where Little Girls Now Have A Shop Of Their Own... In December of 2015, Athens Now carried a story about Southerland Boutique, one of the new businesses that had just opened in the renovated... Page 5
By Ali Elizabeth Turner On June 25th, I had the pleasure of interviewing two doctors who are new to Athens, but certainly not to the practice of internal medicine. Dr. Shanna Ndong is an “Alabama girl” who hails from Anniston. She graduated from the USA Medical Center
Special Feature
Continued on page 15
Lambert Law Firm: Representing Families... Michael Lambert of Lambert Law, located just off the Square next to Dobb’s Shoes on Market Street, graduated from... Page 9
Re-Elect Ronnie Marks For Mayor Of Athens Tourism
Fun Summer Activities For The Whole Family... The fun the kids have been waiting for since last year arrives with the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival is back!... Page 10
July 1 - July 14, 2016
By Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie Marks has been keeping watch over Athens since 2010, and has always had a clear vision and plan as to what constitutes solid and profitable city management. He says, “Our job is to provide good government and services while being fiscally responsible, and I always have the same five basic areas of concern that must all be addressed if I am going to do my job.” They are: Continued on pages 17
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Glad Days And Sad Days
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Web Design Teddy Wolcott
Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Tammy Wilkinson Rachel Clark, RN BSN Teresa Todd Joel Allen Jerry Barksdale
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Tammy . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23
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On June 22nd, 2016, around 125 people gathered in the upper floor of the Center for Lifelong Learning to celebrate the courage of one man, Judge James Horton, as he stood against the tide of Depression era Jim Crow racial hatred, and set aside the conviction of Haywood Patterson. Patterson, along with several other black teens, had been accused of raping two young white women in Scottsboro. The case was legendary, and I grew up knowing about it, having learned about it in social studies in the 1960s. Somehow, for many years after moving here, I had missed the fact that history was made with the stroke of a pen on the second floor courtroom of our own Limestone County Courthouse. I’ll never forget the day I was in that very courtroom for a reception, and happened to look at the modest brass plaque commemorating the event. It was both surreal and pleasantly stunning, and I “felt proud,” as we say in the South. Years ago, not long after we moved here in 2000, I had the chance to become acquainted with Judge Horton’s grandson, John, but never knew the depths of his granddaddy’s courage until I heard John speak at Calvary Assembly in Decatur. How stirring and refreshing it was to hear the story from the
standpoint of waging spiritual warfare, and it was a joy to see John again at last week’s celebration. I was reminded of what can happen when one just man chooses to stand for the truth, and it strengthened my resolve to do so, even when it costs me. At the celebration, there were young, old, black, white, and Hispanic people, as well as Judge Horton’s progeny, all gathered together to hear the reading of all manner of letters, both in support as well as condemnation of Judge Horton’s actions. It was a “glad day,” one that made me feel so honored to be a part of this community.
historic Trinity school site was vandalized, with more than a score of windows broken, and other damage done to the building. The vandals were fairly young, and thankfully, at least at this time, there is nothing that suggests that this was racially motivated.
And then, on Wednesday, June 29th, we had what I would call a “sad day.” The newly restored PinchamLincoln center at the
I looked hard at the picture featured here of Richard Martin gazing out the broken windows; an elderly white man who has publically talked about what it was like to be raised on racism, and then what it was like to make a conscious decision to come away from such a despicable and dysfunctional personal philosophy. He has turned away from the beliefs of the past to the point that he has worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore not just Trinity, but the legacy of relationships that were broken as a result of decades of segregation. It is difficult to see the wistful pain in his face, and it is indeed a sad day. But this I know: even though I have only lived in Alabama for 16 years, broken windows will be replaced, broken glass will be cleaned up, and vandalism will be repaired. And, we as a city will continue to do the work to heal more than a building. We will prize even more deeply our history, continue to walk the path of true restoration, and we will have many more glad days real soon.
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 Benghazi Brain Melt by Ali Elizabeth Turner
Recently I subjected myself to viewing 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, an extraordinarily difficult movie to watch for a number of reasons. As is always the case with films of that genre, the language is predictably dreadful, and I understand why guys in those kinds of situations get to the place where they use it. I am not saying it’s ok, I am just saying I understand it. I have been around them, either before they go out, or after they come back from missions, and sometimes “golly” or “darn” just don’t support the depth of what they experience. The violence portrayed is what it is, and most likely it is not as bad as what actually happened. But
what is different about 13 Hours, as opposed to other films about the life and actions of the Special Forces teams such as those portrayed in Lone Survivor or American Sniper, is that 13 Hours does a superb job of illustrating the maddening frustration of our Personal Security Detail teams in not being able to save Ambassador Chris Stevens, not being able to get clearance to go help, not getting support that could have turned the tide. It is heart breaking to imagine what they went through. It exposes the fill-in-theblank disastrous actions, or more importantly, disastrous inactions of our State Department during the watch of Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for the President of the United States. If she wins, she would be the Commander in Chief, and I cannot begin to get my head around what that would be like for all of our soldiers, and most
Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)
$7
July 18th
11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm
17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4
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especially for the Special Forces. It is stunning to me that this woman is not already behind bars, but yet another statement was made recently by Mrs. Clinton that I don’t think can be rescued or reframed by those who would claim that her other famous boo boos were taken out of context. The fact that it happened on the heels of my having seen 13 Hours put it solidly into the realm of the surreal, and much more difficult to endure while keeping a civil tongue in my head. Here is what she said: "Libya was, uh, a different kind of, um, calculation. We didn't lose a single person." “We didn’t lose a single person?” Wasn’t Ambassador Stevens a person? What about Glen Doherty? Sean Smith wasn’t a soldier, but he was an Information Officer, and by most people’s definition, an IT guy is a human being, even if you wrongfully label him a geek. Tyrone Woods had
a one year old little boy, and had been a SEAL, as had Doherty. I don’t have any ability to even guess what it was she was thinking, or perhaps, more to the point, what she wasn’t thinking when she made her statement, but I will do my best to resist what I have come to call the “Benghazi Brain Melt.” It is the strategy that if you just drag something out long enough, or obfuscate skillfully enough, eventually everything will go away, and you won’t be held accountable for your actions. While I have a sickening feeling that she will skate and avoid prison the same way her husband did, I am comforted by the deep conviction that she will have her day of reckoning, and that Someone much more just than am I will not cave in to her current command that “It’s time to move on from Benghazi.” Hopefully we won’t have to wait until then.
July 1 - July 14, 2016
Special Feature
Southerland Boutique Athens: Where Little Girls Now Have A Shop Of Their Own by Ali Elizabeth Turner In December of 2015, Athens Now carried a story about Southerland Boutique, one of the new businesses that had just opened in the renovated buildings located just north of the Courthouse Annex. The boutique is the one with the diagonally positioned door, and the shop is charming, sports the original exposed brick, utilizes repurposed furniture, and old-style metal pipes are used as the clothing racks. Southerland Boutique is owned by Amy Hobbs Boone, who grew up being in business, and the Hobbs family is well known in our area as entrepreneurs and business owners. Amy spent 14 years of her career working as a multimillion dollar producing real estate agent. Her husband, Daniel, owns a contracting company. She has always enjoyed fashion, but it was the challenge of finding age appropriate clothing at a reasonable price for her daughter Taylor that moved her toward her latest venture. For a few years, she had her own clothing “shop” that was mostly online. In 2012, she converted a spare room in her home into a boutique, largely purchased her inventory online, advertised it on Facebook, and she told me, “I would even deliver the orders to people in my car.” She did so well that in 2014 she opened the first Southerland Boutique in Ardmore, and named it after her mother’s maiden name. It is located at 29976 1st Ave East, across from the Methodist Church.
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cute, innocent, soft, sweet and modest, and at a good price,” said Amy. She also added that, in her experience, “Little girls still want to look just like their mothers.” Amy went to market, found exactly what her clients had told her they wanted, and both stores now carry clothing in sizes 5- 14. Recently she added shoes by Pierre Dumas, and, as illustrated, little girls can now
It is now July of 2016, and yet another opportunity for Amy became available in the form of a shop right next door, connected to the Athens store by way of an arched doorway. She decided that this was the time to give little girls their own special boutique, and began to search for clothing lines
She told me more about what led her to add little girls’ clothing to the selection at Southerland. “Our clients were looking for things that were
that reflected the same desire she had when Taylor was younger: to find attractive, age appropriate fashion that is fairly priced. One of the things Amy has found that she loves about having two shops that are adjoined is that now there is one building, with one central counter where clients can receive the best possible service.
get shoes that look “just like Mommy’s” for a good price. “Nothing on the girls’ side is over $40”, said Amy, and she works very hard to keep prices as low as she can. The girls’ shop carries tank tops, sun dresses, regular dresses, shorts, and leggings. Most are casual, there are a few that would work for a wedding or church, and there are also such items such as hair bows and other accessories. Some of the features that set Southerland Boutiques apart include: a huge selection from which to choose, new items arriving each
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week, the sales people are friendly, down to earth and personable, and they are all fashion smart. “We work hard to make sure our staff is well trained, and able to serve our customers,” she said, and I can say from experience that they are and they do. Back to school clothing is going to arrive later this month, just in time for school heading back in session. Although weather has been unusually hot lately, it actually works in the favor of moms and their girls, because the latest trends can be purchased now and worn when it’s cooler, and summer clothing can be bought on sale and worn while it’s still hot. If you are looking for a full service boutique that will help you or your little girl look sharp without straining your pocket book, then make your way to Southerland Boutique in Ardmore or Athens, and let Amy and her staff help you find just what you are looking for.
Southerland Boutique - Ardmore 29976 1st Ave East Ardmore, AL 35739 256-423-4444 Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-2
Southerland Boutique - Athens 105 East Market Street Athens, AL 35611 256-262-4755 Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5 FACEBOOK: Southerland Boutique INSTAGRAM: southerlandboutique
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Calendar of Events Master Gardener Classes Registration Open
The next session of Master Gardener classes begins Thursday, August 11. Application deadline is August 5. Seats are limited and fill quickly. Classes meet every Thursday evening from 5pm – 9pm for 13 weeks. Classes include horticultural and environmental topics of interest to the home gardener. For more information and an application visit: https://mg.aces. edu/limestone/ or call Janet Hunt, Limestone County Master Gardener president at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@ gmail.com.
through June 30th. Kickoff meeting is July 7th and training will begin July 11th. Register for this training program through the City of Athens Parks and Recreation Department at 256-233-8740. For more information about the program, contact Eric Patterson at ericdpatterson@yahoo.com.
Henry River Honey Jul 15th
Limestone County Courthouse, Marion Street, Athens, AL. Join the Athens-Limestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for a free concert starting at 6:00PM with Henry River Honey. Be sure to bring your camp chair.
Mud Volleyball Registration NOW OPEN
2016 Mud Volleyball. Athens Swan Creek Park. Saturday, July 16 at 9:00 AM. Why play Mud Volleyball for CASA of Limestone County? Mud Volleyball is CASA’s primary fundraising event each year. Your fee is used to provide services for homebound seniors. Primary services include transportation to medical appointments, construction of wheelchair ramps, winterization, etc. CASA depends on outstanding volunteers who provide these services. You may register by coming to the CASA office at 912 West Pryor St., Athens, AL, mailing registration to CASA at P. O. Box 749, Athens, AL, 35612, or register online. Please call Glynda Walker (CASA Director) at 256-777-1038 for more information, or email her at casalimestone@gmail.com.
Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Jul 7th, 8th & 9th
309 East Forrest Street, Athens, AL. Join the Athens Lions Club Thurs - Sat from 6:30PM-9:30PM for 10 rides including a small ferris wheel, rocket ships, swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachute rides, bigger swings and the scrambler. Also we have bingo and concessions available. We serve sandwiches, french fries, popcorn, sno cones, funnel cakes and drinks. Tokens to ride are $.50 each and all monies go to local charities.
Singing on the Square July 1st
Limestone County Courthouse, Marion Street, Athens, AL. Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism and sponor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for a free concert starts at 6:00PM with DJs and Friends. Be sure to bring your camp chair. For more information: http://www.visitathensal.com/3/singin-on-the-square.htm
5K Training Program Jul 7th
Have you ever wanted to run a 5K but had no idea how to prepare? Here is a class to teach you how. Registration is currently open Page 6
11th Annual Cruz-In Jul 21st
Sonic Drive-In, 26909 Main Street, Ardmore, TN. Bring your unique collectible car or truck and share the nostalgia of yesterday from 6:00PM-8:00PM. Come out check out the cars and support Ardmore Boys and Girls Club. Donations Greatly Appreciated. No Entry Fee. No Judging. YETI Cooler Raffle.
Senior Lunch Matinee Show Jul 21st
Yesterday's Event Center, 15631 Brownferry Road, Athens, AL. Join Yesterday's for a complete lunch, including drink and dessert for $11.00, and entertainment featuring Sophisticated Swingers with your favorite oldies. Doors open 10:30AM, event begins at 11:00AM, and showtime is at noon, with a show length 6075 minutes. Groups of all size welcome. Bus parking available. Cancellation fee may apply. Pre-reservation required, send reservation email to: Info@YesterdaysEvents.com.
Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Jul 23rd
John Barnes Park, Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. This annual event is held at the Ardmore, TN, John Barnes Park, and offers live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, delicious festival food and all types and colors of crape myrtles. www.ArdmoreALTNChamber.org.
WILLPower Race of Champions 5K Run / Walk 2016 Jul 30th
Will Haney Foundation Race of Champions. USTAF Certified. Open to all ages. 7am sign in, 8am run/walk, 1 mile fun run immediately following, 10am Awards. Water and refreshments will be provided. 5k is $25 and Fun Run is $15. Tshirt included and guaranteed to all who pre-register by July 15th. Register online at www.willhaneyfoundation.org.
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Special Feature
Lambert Law Firm: Representing Families by Ali Elizabeth Turner Michael Lambert of Lambert Law, located just off the Square next to Dobb’s Shoes on Market Street, graduated from Athens High School in 1989. He enlisted in the Army in 1988, and stayed in until 1993, having served in Special Forces. He came away as a Staff Sergeant, and began the next season of his life. He attended Calhoun, and graduated from Alabama with degrees in history and political science. He then entered Cumberland School of Law in 1996.
He graduated in 1999, and his thesis was on the 2nd Amendment. I know from having talked to him on a number of occasions that Michael’s time in the Army as well as in college trained him to be a dedicated warrior, or perhaps it is more accurate to say that it was drawn out of him. That intrinsic “warrior spirit” shows up in the way he fights for his clients, and upon asking him why I should choose him should
of case is everything.”
I need legal representation, he responded quickly. “I will walk you through the good, the bad, and the ugly of your case.” He also genuinely loves his clients, especially with respect to Family Law. He is one of a few lawyers who will do anything to save a marriage if he can, and is pleased to report that in the course of his practice six couples in the last 18 months were able to reconcile and avoid divorce. He is open about the fact that his own marriage was transformed at a weekend
Marriage Encounter held in Cullman, and wants to pass that blessing on. If divorce is unavoidable, he works very hard to insure an equitable outcome for all. With respect to other aspects of Family Law, Michael also does adoption cases, custody cases, as well as seeing to it that reasonable child support is secured. He loves to help when a child has either been left in a home wrongfully, or has been removed
Michael is married to Glenna, who was a molecular biologist, and has been a biology teacher at Sparkman in Madison County for 14 years. She was also present for our interview, and her input was invaluable. They have two daughters, and Michael says that “The best part of my day is when I come home, we sit down as a family to watch a movie, and someone is fussing with someone else over whose turn it is to sit with me.” If that is the type
from a parent when that clearly was not in the family’s best interest. He firmly believes that the practice of law “is supposed to be about justice,” and he has tried some unpopular cases because it appeared to him that otherwise injustice would prevail. “What are your favorite kinds of cases?” He smiled and replied, “Civil rights cases. I am talking about a concept of civil rights being much greater than whether someone is white or black.” He told me that “children, the disabled and the elderly are the only ones in our society that are truly entitled.” He has a special fondness for adoptions, because the parents “want to stand for that kid, they are truly choosing to parent. It is the ‘happy side of
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law.’ I have actually seen a biological parent come in to a courtroom and say, ‘I love my child, but I know that I cannot raise her.’ That mother wished the new adoptive parent well, (who also happened to be the stepmother), and thanked her for being willing to step up and raise that child.” Another aspect of Family Law that is particularly challenging is dealing with sexual abuse, and it is one about which he is especially passionate. “Dealing with abuse that never gets reported is difficult, and I have also dealt with cases where I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the abuse never happened. In the State of Alabama, if you are found guilty of sexual abuse of a child, it can mean you are in for life, without parole. Attention to detail in either type
of family law attorney for whom you are looking, then Michael Lambert is ready to serve you.
LAMBERT LAW FIRM www.Lambert LawFirm.net Michael C. Lambert
Family Law Divorce Adoption Child Support Juvenile Court Appeals Phone: 256-431-4129 Email: mlambert005@ yahoo.com Fax: 256-217-4811 Page 9
Tourism
Fun Summer Activities For The Whole Family: July 1st – 14th by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association growers, producers and artisans. Activities for the kids. Live music. AthensSaturdayMarket.com
The fun the kids have been waiting for since last year arrives with the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival at 309 East Forrest Street in Athens is back! Now through July 30th, the kids can come out on Thursday through Saturday and enjoy the carnival from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. The Kiddie Carnival will be closed on July 4th so that workers may enjoy the festivities with their families. On July 1st our Summer Concert Series continues with Glenn Hall and DJs and Friends at the Vietnam Veterans Bldg 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL. Athens-Limestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick - GMC bring you this great oldies concert at no charge. It begins at 6:00PM. Be sure to bring your lawn chair as there are a limited number of chairs. For more information, visit www.visitathensal.com/3/ singin-on-the-square.htm Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives 100 West Pryor Street Athens, AL has their monthly Coffee Call July 2nd. All veterans and their families are invited to the museum for breakfast and a time of fellowship with fellow veterans at 8:00AM. Contact 256-7717578 for more information. Later, head to the Downtown Square to see the Cars and Trucks at the monthly Cruise In, Downtown Athens, AL. Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, truck or unique vehicle and park on the square to share your love of automobiles with other enthusiast from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. Shop the bou-
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The next Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre will be held on July 9th at the Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road Elkmont, AL. Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning “Chief Cheese” Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals. Two Seating options: 5:30PM and 7:30PM. Cost is $75/person. To view their menu or make a reservation go to www.bellechevre.com/ creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/
tiques and stores, and enjoy a meal downtown at one of the restaurants. The July 4th Athens Firework Show will be held at Athens High School Stadium 100 U.S. Highway 31N Athens, AL. The sky above the Athens High School Stadium (no seating in stadium) will be filled with a colorful display of fireworks after the sun has gone down. Location and directions: From Interstate 65: Take Exit 354 south and travel three traffic lights. Location on left. Parking is available at adjacent businesses along U.S. Highway 31. Spectators can bring blankets and chairs to sit outside the stadium and around the Athens Recreation Center and Swan Creek Park areas. Weather conditions permitting, the show will start at dark, which should be between 8:45 to 9 p.m. Central Church of Christ next to the Athens High School stadium
on U.S. 31 will host the 4th of July Community CookOut, which is free and open to the public. Starting at 6 p.m., the church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks as long a supplies last. The band “Dean” will perform at 7 p.m. In addition, there will be cornhole tournament, face painting, games and activities for the children. Spirit of Athens begins their Fridays After Five on July 8th in Downtown Athens.
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Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, arts, antiques, music and more as the doors stay open later. Come out and join us on the second Friday of each month (July - October) for Fridays After Five in downtown Athens. On Jul 9th Athens Saturday Market comes alive at the Limestone County Farmers Market Pavilion 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Join the Athens Saturday Market from 8:00AM to12:00PM Noon for local
To complement the Kiddie Carnival, the Donnell House will be staying open Jul 14th, 15th & 16th for Family Fun Days at the Donnell House. Donnell House 601 North Clinton Street Athens, AL. The historic Donnell House will be open for families to enjoy each evening from 4:00PM-6:00PM for free. We will be glad to tell you more about beautiful Limestone County. Visit our website at www.VisitAthensAL.com email – info@VisitAthensAL.com call 256-232-5411. “We have what you love about the South!”
July 1 - July 14, 2016
Hepatitis C Awareness & Education Program FREE Event for ALL Veterans, spouses and families! Hosted by the Alabama Veterans' Museum in Athens, AL Date: July 12, 2016 Time: 11:30am Location: Alabama Veterans Museum 100 Pryor Street, Athens, Alabama Program Information: Lunch
11:30am-12:00pm
Welcome & Introduction:
12:00pm-12:05pm
Vietnam Veteran Presentation:
12:05pm-12:20pm
Clinical Educator Presentation:
12:20pm-12:40pm
Question & Answer Session:
12:40pm
OPTIONAL RSVP to e-mail: VVA@medmatrx.com or phone: 925-377-3037 For More Information: Visit www.hepchope.com or Call 1-844-4-HEPCHOPE today to get live support
July 1 - July 14, 2016
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Clean and Green
Are Mosquitoes Driving You Batty? by Lynne Hart flat roofs.
There is so much talk about regarding mosquitoes these days, especially with the threat of the Zika virus. Currently, all cases of Zika in the U.S. have been acquired during travel outside of the country; however, concern over disease-carrying (vector) mosquitoes has increased. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, there are about 60 different species of mosquitoes in Alabama. Some carry disease (vectors), some are nuisance species (bloodsuckers, but not vectors), and some are beneficial species. The beneficial mosquitoes actually feed on the “bad” mosquito larvae helping reduce their numbers. To most of us, a mosquito is a mosquito, period. So how can we control mosquitoes around out home? The Extension Office offers these tips: •Get rid of anything on your property that will hold water, such as tires, tin cans, bottles, tubs, etc. •Clean roof gutters and drain
•Stock ornamental pools with mosquito-larvae-eating fish. •Change the water in birdbaths, fountains, and troughs at least twice a week. •Use plants that attract other insects such as dragonflies and certain aquatic beetles that feed on mosquito larvae. •Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and empty them when not regularly used. •Drain standing water and turn over unused wading pools and other containers that collect rainwater. •Cover rain barrels with window screen to keep mosquitoes out. Chemical-Free Answer Pesticides can be harmful to mosquitoes’ predators as well as the mosquitoes. There is one chemical-free method of defense against pesky mosquitoes: bats. I know some of you immediately thought about rabies and tangled hair! The truth is, bats are gentle creatures. If you leave them alone and let them fill their bellies with the bugs that bug you, they won’t be interested in you at all. If a bat ever does look like it’s aiming for your
head, you probably have a bug flying near you that it wants for dinner. Scientists have tried to get bats to get into human hair without any success. Bats groom daily and are very clean. Less than half of 1% of all bats actually have rabies. You are more likely to contract rabies from an unvaccinated dog or cat. However, that certainly doesn’t mean you should handle them. As with any wild animal, you must use caution and common sense. Bats are incredible creatures and one of the most beneficial animals around! One small brown bat can feast on up to 1,200 insects in one summer night – 8,400 in one week and 36,000 in one month! Can you imagine what a family of bats could do to help reduce mosquitoes on your property? Farmers love bats! They will feast on the insects that can cause damage to crops which helps reduce the cost of insecticides. The next time you see a bat flying across the evening sky, remember those 1,200 mosquitoes that will be history by morning. Try to see them in a more positive light. Bats truly are misunderstood creatures.
Win a Bat House
If all of this makes you want to put out a “BATS WELCOME” sign, here is your chance. Visit our Facebook Page – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful – like our page and leave a comment about why you would like to win a bat house for your property. We will select a winner on July 18th. If you’d like to build your own bat house, they are quite simple. Visit the National Wildlife Federation at http://www.nwf.org/GardenFor-Wildlife/Cover/Build-a-Bat-House.aspx for information and plans. Search for bat house plans on the internet and you will find a variety of sizes and styles. We’d love to see photos!
Become a Fan
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com Page 12
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
Cooking with Tammy
Summer Blush Popsicles by Tammy Wilkinson, owner of Arabella's Cakes and Catering
Summer Blush Popsicles It’s HOT out there! This week, I used my new Vitamix to make a refreshing, cool treat that is actually good for you and keeps you hydrated in the heat. I found this recipe in the cook book that came with the Vitamix, and I was glad that I tried it, and hope you will be too. Ingredients:
½ cup (120ml) water 3 cups (400g) grapes, red or green 2 Tablespoons (30ml) agave nectar or honey (optional) 2 cups (300g) frozen unsweetened peach slices (I used fresh peaches) 1 cup (150g) frozen unsweetened raspberries (I used fresh raspberries)
Instructions: Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Smoothies program. Press start. Allow machine to complete programmed cycle, using the tamper to press ingredients into the blades. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze. Preparation time: 10 minutes Copyright 2013. Vitamix Corporation. Used by permission.
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Program: Smoothies
Yield: 4 ¼ cups (1L)
Note: You can still make this even if you don’t have a Vitamix. If using a different blender, simply add ingredients and blend until smooth.
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Health and Fitness
More Food Myths by Janet Hunt Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Over the years that I have been working in gyms, teaching fitness classes, and training one-on-one, I have heard the wildest diet and nutrition stories. One of the biggest problems is food manufacturers’ marketing. Much of the information they publish is inaccurate and misleading. Below are some myths and the actual truths. Myth #1: Extreme calorie cutting helps you lose weight. The energy balance equation says a person must use (burn) more calories than they consume to lose weight. That is true, but the quality of the calories also matters. Processed and packaged weight loss foods are not metabolically satisfying. Your body needs whole foods. Also, extremely low calorie diets ignore your body’s signals for food. If you do not eat when you are hungry, or do not eat for long periods of time, then your resting metabolic rate is reduced. Myth #2: Reduced-fat foods are healthier. No, they are only lower in fat. In the past, reducedfat foods were promoted as healthier options than full-fat foods. Therefore, many of the food manufacturers came out with low-fat dressings and other low-fat processed foods. But to make these low-fat foods taste good, the food companies increased the sugar content. Now, with all the
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trients. Sweet potatoes have higher vitamin A; however white potatoes have more potassium and magnesium. Both potatoes are about equal in fiber content, protein and vitamins C and B6. Neither potato is a good choice when fried or loaded with butter or brown sugar!
are not. Over the past few years, white potatoes have been labeled as “bad” because of the glycemic index diet, but both white and sweet potatoes are full of nu-
rave about gluten-free, food manufacturers are doing the same when removing the flour. Some fat is needed in our diets, but it needs to come from healthy sources – nuts, lean meats, healthy oils, etc. Myth #3: Carbohydrates make you gain weight. Excess of any macronutrient (fat, protein or carbohydrate) can end up in weight gain. The average person should consume 45
Myth #5: Eat dairy to get your calcium. Many of us are concerned about bone loss and osteoporosis. Throughout our lives, we have been told to drink milk and eat cheese. However, there are non-dairy, calcium rich foods available: beans, dark leafy greens, rhubarb, broccoli, almonds, turnips, bok choy, dried figs, tofu and bony fish. Fewer dairy products usually means fewer calories.
-65% of their daily calories from carbohydrates. But the reason carbohydrates have a bad name is because most people lack balance or choose the unhealthy fried or sugar- dominated options. The healthy carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are close to their natural form (not processed). Myth #4: Sweet potatoes are good for you and white potatoes
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
Cover Story
Athens Limestone Hospital Welcomes Dr. Shanna Ndong And Dr. Sasha Acelajado To Their Internal Medicine Staff by Ali Elizabeth Turner
continued from page 1
in Mobile. She has worked in Chicago as well as at the prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, which is where she met her husband. She is the mother of 13 month old triplets, two girls and a boy, and wanted to come back to Alabama to raise her children and be nearer to her family. She has focused mostly in a Public Health setting on treating the underserved, and loves the fields of prevention and genetics, especially with respect to cancer.
I honestly thought (when I heard that they both went to the University of South Alabama), that they had become “buds” in med school, and had decided to pursue this new venture based on an old friendship when the clinical positions became available. Not true! It was the system that put them together, and it’s easy to see that it’s a great match. The other thing that I noticed was already they have blended their backgrounds and philo-
health information, communicate with the physician and staff, and view their lab results. It's usually located in the waiting room, so that patients can easily register for it, and it’s one of our long term goals for our clinic.” On the other hand, Dr. A is used to a less techno-dependent system, which works especially well amongst her senior patients who might be a bit intimidated by the concept of using a secure computer portal.
empower her patients to the extent that they are in charge of their course of treatment and action as much as possible, and she is along more to advise as well as assist. As stated above, her great loves are genetics and prevention, and her idea of an especially good day at work is when she can help a patient uncover the genetic mysteries of their personal predisposition toward
Dr. Sasha Acelajado, (who goes by “Dr. A”), completed medical school in the Philippines, graduated in the top 10% of her class, and specialized in treating hypertension. She practiced and was board certified there, but essentially had to start all over when she came to the United States. She studied at UAB and also at USA Medical Center in Mobile, and finished up her residency in June. She is the mother of two children. When I met with these two highly competent and compassionate women, I was struck by a number of things that made me think they would be a good fit for me if I ever needed their respective and combined set of skills, knowledge and experience. The first was the fact that they had only met a couple of days before, and amongst all the boxes and stresses of moving into a new clinic setting, they clearly enjoyed each other.
July 1 - July 14, 2016
sophical approaches to practicing medicine. Dr. Shanna describes herself as being in love with technology, and explained to me how much she enjoys utilizing what is called the “patient portal.” She said, “The patient portal allows patients to access their
I asked them if they had a philosophy or mission statement with regard to the practice of medicine, and here is what Dr. Ndong said: “I want to be the co-pilot, or better yet, the flight attendant.” By that she meant that she wants to
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cancer, and nip it before it gets a chance to harm. Dr. A’s specialty is internal medicine, and she says that she “loves chronic conditions, especially hyper-tension, diabetes, and poor kidney func-
tions.” I laughed out loud, because I had never heard of a doc who “loved” the stuff that so often doesn’t budge, especially because frequently a patient is noncompliant with specific regard to their lifestyle issues. Her “best day ever” had to do with helping a man in his ‘60s, suffering from several chronic conditions, and who could best be described as a “grumpy old man.” Step by step she was able to help him turn his health around over several months, even beating some conditions he had had all his life. Prior to Dr. A’s care, he just thought he had to put up with everything, and didn’t have much reason to live. He announced with joy and gratitude that he “was no longer a grumpy old man!” The new clinic is going to be opening on August 15th, but is taking appointments now for things like annual physicals and other non-emergency chronic conditions. The clinic will be located at 710 West Hobbs Street, in the building with the blue roof, slightly northeast of the Sanders Street entrance to Athens Limestone Hospital. The number to make an appointment is 256-2626380. I think we have been blessed by the arrival of these two dedicated physicians, and we welcome you both to Athens!
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
Cover Story
Re-Elect Ronnie Marks For Mayor Of Athens by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
• Public Safety - “That is the most important. If the city isn’t safe, the rest doesn’t matter.” These days that also includes having in place a social media service that is “timely, true, and accurate.” • Jobs and Economic Development - “People need to be able to support their families, and several businesses have come to Athens in the last several years, with more on the way.” • Education - “If our kids are going to live well and be productive, we must be vigilant about giving them a quality education. After all, they’re the ones who will be running this city after we’re gone.” • Improving Governmental Operations - “We must continuously look at avenues to enhance services for citizens.” • Quality of Life - “My goal is to make Athens so attractive that even if kids move away from this city for years, they’ll come back and settle here because it is home.” Another high priority under Mayor Marks’ tenure has been addressing infrastructure, which includes a $4 million sewer project to expand toward Mooresville Road and accom-
July 1 - July 14, 2016
modate growth. As for streets, the city is receiving $14 million in ATRIP funding to improve drainage, surfacing and safety of main thoroughfares with the city’s match being $3 million. Another $1 million has been allocated for paving local streets. What else has been accomplished since Mayor Marks took office? While he will be the first to tell you in no uncertain terms that everything that has been accomplished as been the result of people working together in that special “Athens way,” here are some of the things that stand out: • The Athens Police Department officers now all have body cameras, and were one of the first in the state to do so. New patrol cars have been purchased, and Fire and Rescue is working collaboratively with fleet designers on a state of the art fire truck to improve its aging fleet. • Over 100 structures that had been designated as abandoned or unsafe have been torn down and removed. Also, 15 houses were repaired and brought up to code by their owners. • More than 107 million dollars have been invested in industrial projects within the city limits, and these have resulted in over 500 jobs. • Athens Utilities, the City of
Athens, Limestone County and the City of Huntsville have worked together to bring in such major businesses as GE Aviation, Remington and Polaris. • A new high school is under development on U.S. 31 with Athens Middle to be moved to the old high school upon completion. • The All Kid’s Dugout at the Sportsplex has been repaired and renovated, resulting in it being accessible for those with all abilities. • Athens was the first city in Alabama on the Interstate 65 Corridor north of Birmingham to construct a public Compressed Natural Gas filling station, which means cleaner energy, energy independence and savings to the city. The new City Hall is the home of what has been referred to as the “one stop shop” for builders who are in need of permits, inspections, and personal help with navigating zoning requirements as well as other regulations. This greatly streamlines the old process and saves the city money. We also have a much greater level of information available to us with regard to “all things Athens” through the creation of the grant coordinator/communications specialist position.
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Mayor Marks had this to say about the city he serves with joy: “The City of Athens is located in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, (being No. 65 in the nation), according to the Census Bureau. In addition, our county was the top in economic development for job creation in Alabama this year. I want to keep this energy level going for our city.” If positive leadership with proven results is what you are looking for in a Mayor, then re-elect Ronnie Marks on August 23rd.
Ronnie’s CV Personal ► Married 48 years to Sandra Neal Marks ► Son: Rhodney Marks & Daughter: Laura Marks Johnson, and husband, Matthew. ► Grandchildren: Abby Marks (Age 16), Mollie Marks (Age 14), and Quinton Marks (Age 3). ► Member & Sunday School Teacher at Friendship Methodist Church
Education ► MSW Degree, University of Tennessee, Nashville, TN ► BS Degree, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL ► Tanner High School, Tanner, AL
Military Experience ► 1968 -1970 - US Army (69-70 - Platoon SGT, 1/46 - 196th Lt Inf Bde, Vietnam) ► 1970 - 1978 - Alabama National Guard, Athens, AL
Work Experience ► Nov 3, 2010 to present - Mayor, City of Athens, Al Chief Administrative Officer for day to day operations of the City. The City of Athens has approx. 380 employees and an annual budget of $27M General Fund and $138M Utilities. ► 2014 Graduate of Advanced Certified Municipal Official League of Municipalities ► October 2004 - Nov 2010 - City Council Member, City of Athens, AL ► Sept 2005 - Feb 2008 - Field Ops Manager for Gov. Bob Riley's Emergency Relief Fund for Hurricane Katrina Victims. Board and Achievements ► City of Athens Planning Commission, Limestone County Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Veterans’ Museum & Archives, Executive Committee, Legislative Committee, & Finance/ Administration Committee with Alabama League of Municipalities, Limestone County Foundation on Aging, Past Member of AthensLimestone Hospital Board of Directors. ► Member of Athens Rotary Club, 2007 to present ► Member of City of Athens Relay for Life Team *2015 NAACP Community Leader of the Year Award *2014 University of North Alabama Political Service Award ► 2013 North Alabama Excellence Award from Industrial Development Association ► 2012 Vietnam Veteran Citizen of Year Award, Chapter #511 Lifetime member of Vietnam Chapter #511 Alabama State Council
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Learning As A Lifestyle
It’s Never Too Late: Summer Fun Still Going On by Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Summer does not seem like a good time to learn with the children out of school. But school is not the only way to learn. This summer, the Center for Lifelong Learning has sponsored several successful camps. Our first camp, Archery Camp, filled quickly and had a waiting list. The kids in that camp learned to shoot arrows and practiced for tournaments. From Cows to Cotton was almost full as well. We had nine children in that camp. This was a chance for city kids (and farm kids) to get close to animals and crops. The group visited Mrs. Margaret Barnett’s fields where Mr. Darryl Adams was housing some cows. Mrs. Barnett has new born kittens so it was doubly fun to visit and see “farm animals.” We also visited the Tennessee Valley Experimental and Extension Center farm on Mooresville Rd. Mr. Chet Norris explained wheat, corn and
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cotton crops to us as well as telling us that cows drink a bathtub full of water each day. WOW! At the Farmers Co-op, we picked up some plants to put in our gardens. One student, Raiden, was very excited about his jalapeño pepper. Thanks to Mr. Cooper and Ms Amy, we finished off the camp making home-made butter and ice cream. But it is not too late to get into camps. We still have July camps waiting. You can register by phone at 256-233-8260, on the web at www.athens. edu/CLL, or at our offices 121 South Marion Street. The week of July 11th, we will offer three camps. The first one is Chess Camp for ages 8-12. The game of Chess focuses on strategies which are long term goals and tactics which are short term goals. This camp is for kids who want to learn chess, and for kids who already know how to play. Camp is scheduled July 11-15, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Center for
Lifelong Learning. The fee is $45. Art Explorers will also be running that week – July 11-15, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. This camp will use a variety of media to explore the creative side of the children. Ms. Valerie Alexander has been the teacher for this camp for three years, and always has a great program. The fee is $55.
Robyn Locke and will center on hieroglyphs, cave drawings, and famous artists and their techniques. This camp is scheduled July 11-14, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur. The fee is $95. Two other camps are offered in July – The Great Brick Adventure, ages 5-13, July 1821, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm,
at the Center for Lifelong Learning, and Gross Science, ages 8-12, July 25-27, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Center for Lifelong Learning. You can find out more about these camps, and all of our camps, on our web page – www.athens.edu/ CLL. Remember, learning is fun at camp!
We will be offering Ancient Art in Decatur for ages 12 and up. This camp is taught by
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
What Makes Ronnie Roll
Dr. Sisk And The Little Engine That Could by Ali Elizabeth Turner For the July 1st Ronnie column, the Mayor set up a meeting with Dr. Tom Sisk, who heads up the Limestone County schools. We met in Dr. Sisk’s office, and were treated to a preview of a new video that has been produced to promote the Career Technical Center. Honestly, the production was so good, that it made me wish I was back in high school and could enroll in not just one, but many of their programs, and Mayor Marks was equally enthusiastic.
It is what has been made available to the kids, and the way it was developed, improved, and upgraded. Dr. Sisk went to “the captains of industry” in our area and beyond, and asked, “What do you need from our kids?”
They responded with a number of things that went way beyond competency and literacy, but also included attitudes, general ethics, and work habits. There are now 23 career paths that can be taken, with two more
Mayor Ronnie happened to notice that Dr. Sisk had a copy of The Little Engine That Could on the credenza in the office, and, as the man who dons his own Dr. Seuss hat to read Horton Hears A Who to primary school kids, Mayor Marks jumped up, whipped out his phone, took a picture of the book cover, and requested that we use it to illustrate this edition’s column.
“Certified diesel mechanics were one of the biggest needs that local industry leaders told us they needed,” said Dr. Tom. Another thing I found impressive about the promotional video as well as the literature that Dr. Tom asked me to take with him was that industry leaders indicated what they were willing to pay these kids when they graduated. This ranged from entry level positions to what they could expect if they made their chosen field a permanent one, and let’s just say, it’s more than I make!! Right now the CTC is undergoing extensive remodeling and renovation, and with over 500 students graduating this past spring, it is forecast that next year there will be 1,000.
Mayor Marks and Dr. Sisk are also very glad that the former stigma that was long attached to a “voc-tech” track as being for “just blue collar workers” is fading away at warp speed, and thankfully so. No longer does anyone feel that the only people who are truly educated are those who have finished university, and the CTC is living proof of that.
“You know,” he said, as he returned back to the conference table, “This perfectly illustrates what is happening at the Career Technical Center.” Dr. Sisk smiled, and the two of them concluded, “Limestone County Career Technical Center is not the Little Engine That Could, it is the Little Engine That Will.” I added that it could also be referred to as The Little Engine That Does.
Mayor Marks finished our time by telling Dr. Sisk that he “had never seen the energy level in this office as high as it is,” and he thanked “Doc” for all his hard work. Then, as is always the case, it was time for Ronnie, and this time, Tom, to roll.
So, why is what is going on at CTC so special?
July 1 - July 14, 2016
in the offing, and which will be unveiled in October. They range in scope from health science to fire fighting to computer assisted design to robotics to culinary arts to auto and diesel mechanic certification.
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Dog Barker
Focus by Joel Allen Who likes a dog that is confident? When people see Zues and me, they notice that he will look them in the eyes. In my opinion it is important for a dog to be able to look anyone in the eyes. After all, the old saying is, “The eyes are windows to the soul.” I can tell a lot about a dog by their eyes. What is funny is that the same can be said about us. There are those who don’t like a dog who will look them in the eyes. These are the people who feel challenged if an animal can out stare them. Eye contact is a key ingredient for communication between a dog and a
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human. If a dog will not look someone in the eyes, they have a lack of confidence or trust. Sometimes this dog will cower when someone reaches for them. Sometimes it is a case of insecurity and can lead to dog bites. Remember one thing for certain: if the dog is adopted, don’t rush them into accepting their surroundings too quickly. Allow them at least two weeks to acclimate to their new home and warn anyone in the family accordingly. Now, let’s talk about how we are going to train that canine to be a confident and focused dog. First, watch your dog and ob-
serve what it is they really (and I mean REALLY) like. Do they like treats? Do they like toys? Maybe something that squeaks or makes a noise? Do they prefer just playing fetch? Or maybe even an ear scratch? Find the most likely reward, and that will be the tool we will use. Once we have found the reward the dog really likes, take the reward and say your dog’s name as the reward is moved to your eyes. What we want here is the dog to make eye contact with us. They are going to follow the reward, and the key is to take the reward up to your eye level while looking at
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them. It has to be right when pupil to pupil eye contact is made. When that happens, give the reward immediately and praise your dog. Be very patient because this may take many tries. Remember, if you become frustrated the dog will also become frustrated. Regardless of the reward, work with your dog at least twenty minutes a day and I promise you will see a great benefit come out of this. This method can also help dogs with behavior issues, but it must be applied properly. I know this was something simple to explain, but
if anyone has questions come and see us at the Pet Depot on Saturdays around 2:30 pm, and we will gladly answer your questions and show techniques that can help. “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”
Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211
July 1 - July 14, 2016
Jerry’s Journal
Get Tattooed And Get Rich by Jerry Barksdale
The epic Southern novel, Gone with the Wind, describes Scarlett O’Hara with “skin so prized by southern women and so carefully guarded with bonnets, veils and mittens against hot Georgia sun…” A perfect description of Mama. Her skin looked like buttermilk and was beautiful and unblemished until the day she died at age 82. Skin is our largest organ. It protects us against invading pathogens that seek to attack our bodies as well as insulating and regulating our temperature. It can be a thing of beauty. Mama was born in 1916, long before folks in America began defacing their skin with graffiti, piercing, and cooking in frying beds. Piercing was unheard of, except for putting rings in hogs noses to keep them from rooting out of their pen. Mama didn’t go to the cotton field at daybreak with the rest of us. First, she first had chores to do. There was well water to draw and fill the black iron kettle in the backyard where she washed our clothes. After wringing and hanging them on the line to dry, she cleaned house, cooked dinner and finally dressed in her work outfit. She arrived at the cotton patch around 9 a.m. clothed from head to toe and looking like an Arab sheik. Her bonnet, made from a Martha White flour sack and snuggly tied beneath her chin, enclosed her head. She wore one of Daddy’s work shirts buttoned to the top; loose fitting jeans and gloves made from old socks with the ends cut out
July 1 - July 14, 2016
allowing her fingers to poke through. No ray of direct sunlight touched her white skin. At bed time, she plastered her face with Avon cold cream. Back then, women took great pride in their skin – like Scarlett O’Hara did. Tattooing, piercing, and frying would have been unthinkable. When I was a kid I saved my cotton picking money so I could attend the County Fair and see what we called the “freak show:” a two headed calf, bearded woman, and the tattooed lady. That kind of entertainment has “gone with the wind.” Nowadays, you can go to Walmart and see tattooed ladies all day long for free. The first time I saw a tattooed lady outside the County Fair was in court many years ago. Her name was Rebel, and she had a garland of flowers tattooed around her ankle. I mentioned to my client that it was strange to me. “Heck, that ain’t nothing,” he said. “I know a guy who has a gopher rat tattooed on his privates.” Ouch! How drunk was he, and how many men did it take to hold him down? In 1995, while interviewing a WWII Veteran, I noticed an American Flag tattooed on his forearm. It was upside down. “Aww, I was drunk,” he said embarrassed “and so was the tattoo artist.” It’s a rite of passage for servicemen to get a tattoo. I got mine in Juarez, Mexico when I was 16. It seemed the cool thing to do, along with smoking. When I was young, tattoos were simple like: “I love Mom” on a man’s shoulder or perhaps a girlfriend’s name over an arrow piercing a heart. Now, I see what
looks like chicken scratching tattooed on arms and necks. It must be “I love mom” written in a Chinese dialect, I don’t know. Why do people get tattoos? To paraphrase Henry David Thoreau, a monkey in Hollywood gets a tattoo and all the other monkeys want one too. Monkey-see-monkeydo. Young people – called millennials– have a need to express themselves. It’s normal. My generation wore Mohawk haircuts before moving on to long, scraggly hair. A classmate dyed one half of his hair orange and peroxided the other half. Nothing much changes in life, just names and locations. Brittany Howard, lead singer of the Alabama Shakes, of whom we are immensely proud, has the shape of Alabama tattooed on her right shoulder and a red heart designating Limestone County. Pretty smart. It promotes her band and her business. It gave me an idea. Unfortunately, millennials are saddled with college debt, can’t get a job and many have to live with their parents, eat Mama’s cooking and sleep all day. I have a solution for them. Express your inner self and earn money – lots of money. Turn your skin into a walking billboard! NASCAR drivers sell space on their race car and coveralls to STP, Good Year, Coors Light and Pennzoil. They earn big money. So why can’t you? Since retiring, I live on a fixed income while the cost of Viagra, Dulcolax and prune juice is rising. My medical co-pay shot up from $15.00 to $40.00 per office visit. Pretty soon I’ll be back drinking Pabst Blue
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Ribbon. I need more income. I propose to sell tattoo space on my chest to Pfizer Pharmaceutical that says “BODY POWERED BY VIAGRA.” On my arms, “WANT TO SUE? CALL ALEXANDER SHUNNARAH, NOW.” Tattooed across my forehead will be “BRAIN FUELED WITH DEWAR’S SCOTCH,” and on my rump, “PROTECTED WITH PREPARATION H.” I figure I’ll soon be picking up seashells at Gulf Shores and sipping Mint Juleps. Millennials, you can cash in too! Guys, a gopher tattooed on your privates would be an excellent D-Con ad, but I wouldn’t advise it. Women are afraid of rats, even dead ones. Women are creative and clever. A notable local and classy lady told me she is having “MOM” tattooed on her rump. I can just hear people on the beach oohing and ahhing, “How sweet.” When she stands on her
head, it says “WOW.” Clever, huh? Full figure folks can really cash in. They have more skin available to sell more ad space. Unfortunately, the wormy-looking runner types will miss out on this financial opportunity. They won’t have enough skin for a beef jerky ad. Times have changed for sure. I bet if Scarlett O’Hara were alive today and you saw her on the beach at Gulf Shores, sipping a Mint Julep, she’d be wearing a string bikini, her skin cooked to a crisp, “I love Rhett” tattooed on her rump, and a hog ring in her nose. Yes, the wind has changed. Tattooing is a 2-3 billion a year industry. Artists earn $100,000 plus annually. An even more profitable business is outpacing tattooing: a multi-billion dollar industry removing tattoos. The wind always shifts.
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Medical Update
ibly soiled.
Summer Safety by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN
It’s time for another 3-day summer weekend! Independence day is now upon us, and many of us have plans for how we will spend our extra time off work. For many people, it is a time to get together with friends; to eat, drink, and be merry, hang out by the pool or beach, and watch fireworks shows. Increasingly, more people are doing their own displays rather than travel and deal with crowds and traffic. However, it is imperative that we remember to be safe as we enjoy our holiday. Each year, people wind up in hospitals due to injuries from fireworks and other summer activities. Here are some tips to enjoy your holiday weekend plans, yet stay safe while doing so. Fireworks According to the Red Cross, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a show put on by professionals. If you choose to go this route, stay at least 500 feet from the area where fireworks are being ignited. If you choose to shoot your own fireworks at home, be aware of your state’s law regarding which fireworks you can legally enjoy in your own back yard. Some states outlaw various types of fireworks, while others do not.
time, and NEVER re-light a dud. •Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Also, do not store in direct sunlight as this could ignite firework. •Never throw or point at people, vehicles, homes or other buildings, or flammable materials. •Never mix fireworks and alcohol. Save the alcohol for after. Never stay in an area where unsafe practices are used. In addition to being dangerous, it could also be illegal. Grilling Grilling injuries are common, especially during the summer months when more people are enjoying backyard barbeques. A few safety tips specifically pertaining to the grill: •Never leave grill unattended. •Always use grills outdoors. •Keep children, pets, and any unnecessary people away from the grill while in use. •Grill in an open area away from tents, trees, houses, decks, or anything else that
could be flammable. •Use tools made for grills that have long handles so as to avoid burns. •Never add additional starter fluids to charcoal bricks that have already been ignited as this could cause a flare up, and burn the user. •Follow manufacturer’s recommendations while using the grill. A few food safety tips: •Thoroughly cook meats; consuming raw or undercooked meats could increase your chance of food borne illnesses, especially with chicken or pork. •Don’t re-use platters or utensils for after cooking due to potential for contamination. •Make sure items requiring refrigeration are cooled appropriately. Do not leave these foods sitting out for extended periods of time. Bacteria replicate more rapidly in heat. •Use hand sanitizer frequently when hands are not visibly soiled. Wash with soap and water when handling raw meats, or when hands are vis-
If you choose to shoot off your own fireworks: •Never give fireworks to small children. •Adult supervision is required at all times, even with teens and older children.
If you are planning a trip to the beach that will include swimming in the ocean, make sure you and anyone you are with is able to swim. Never swim in an area without a lifeguard present. Always follow posted regulations. Other tips include: •Stay alert to weather conditions. Watch for flags and other postings regarding safety. •Avoid alcohol while swimming in open water. •Swim with a buddy. •If you have young children or inexperienced swimmers, utilize life jackets in open water or other floatation devices if in a pool. •Protect your neck and back. Don’t dive into shallow waters, especially headfirst. •Adult supervision is necessary when children are around water. It is easy to fall and drown, especially with small children. •Be aware of known and potential plants and animals in the water. Some may be dangerous. Others can wrap around limbs causing injury or death. •Be aware of current patterns and potential for rip currents. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current, then swim toward shore. If unable to swim,
•Stay away from piers and jetties as rip currents often exist in these areas. Sun Protection Sun exposure can be hazardous. Not only is it linked to skin cancer, it can wreak havoc even in the short term and lead to illness, injury, or even death. Some tips for soaking up some sun safely include: •Limit exposure between peak hours of 10am and 4pm. •Wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen, and reapply at least every 2-3 hours. •Drink plenty of water, and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty in order to avoid dehydration. •Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can further dehydrate. Instead choose water, coconut water, or electrolyte infused drinks without excess sugar. •Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. •Wear shoes to avoid burning your feet on hot surfaces. If outside for extended periods, especially in the very young or elderly populations, monitor for symptoms of a heat stroke which include red, hot skin, changes in consciousness or confusion, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing. If you or someone else has these symptoms, call 911 and move them to a cooler place if possible without injuring yourself or them. Begin to cool them with slowly by misting with cool water or placing cool cloths or towels on exposed skin. Keep them lying down and watch for issues with breathing. Stay safe this holiday weekend, and all summer. Happy Independence Day; may we never forget what others sacrificed to make this country great, and what this day is all about.
•Keep water nearby in case it is needed. •Wear eye protection when lighting. •Light only firework at a
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Beach/Water Safety
float or treat water until out of the current, then head for shore.
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July 1 - July 14, 2016
Foreman’s Forum
Could The Media Help Stop Crime? by Paul Foreman As well as writing for Athens Now, I research and write for another publication. I especially focus on news stories of law abiding citizens exercising their right to defend themselves by using a firearm. I do NOT find these news stories anywhere in the mainstream media. I find all these self defense news stories on web sites which cater to patriotism, self defense, and firearms, etc. Sometimes I find stories of self defense on the more conservative cable news shows, such as Fox News, or The Blaze. Occasionally, I might find stories on the local news TV channels of small towns around the country. Stories about a life being saved, by a gun, do NOT seem to fit the main stream media’s “Anti Gun” agenda. My point is: the mainstream media does NOT report these types of stories. Just this past week, I commented on a self defense incident reported by Fox News. A young lawyer named Kristi McMains wrote her story several months ago, on a day which had been designated as “Gun Violence Awareness Day.” In her own words she wrote, “The night I was attacked, I fought like hell for my life before reaching for my gun. I kicked, I screamed, I had all ten fingernails ripped off and bloodied from scratching and trying to fight my way out of a literal life and death situation. Ultimately, I accessed
July 1 - July 14, 2016
Entertainment TV, and read violent, online web sites. What would happen if those criminals, when they were young, had seen and read stories about criminals getting shot by a citizen who were trained how to use a firearm safely and properly? How many crimes of violence, or even property crimes could be prevented because the would be criminal heard for many years as he grew up how he could get shot or killed breaking into someone else’s home?
my gun, shot my attacker multiple times, and saved my life.” (Found on foxnews.com).
talized and raped. The suspect is believed to be a career criminal recently released on early parole.”
She was able to use her legally concealed firearm and shoot her attacker, saving her own life, with a GUN! Why is there a gun violence awareness week? How about having a “Victim Awareness Week?” This woman was so traumatized by her experience, she left the town she was living in and moved back to her hometown to recover and be near her family.
Guns do NOT cause violence. Guns do NOT kill people. People kill people! Short prison sentences cause gun violence. Liberal bleeding heart judges cause gun violence. Early release of violent criminals causes gun violence. Shall I go on? Taking the Bible, prayer, and God out of our schools is what causes violence. Guns can and do save lives every day.
I am totally convinced the “mainstream” media would have rather reported, “Today a young woman lawyer’s lifeless body was found dumped in a ditch. She was bru-
Have you ever heard or read a news story about a “Gun Free Zone” preventing gun violence? I have read of stories, too numerous to list here, of
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mass shootings in “Gun Free Zones.” What would happen, if every night on the 6 o’clock news, there were two or three stories about law abiding citizens saving their own lives or the lives of others with a gun? Now, I don’t think for a second that the typical thug reads my article and thinks, “Wow, I better not do any ‘stop and robs’ tonight, the clerk might be armed!” I doubt if the typical burglar reads the NRA magazine about citizens defending themselves with a gun and thinks, “I could get shot trying to steal my neighbor’s jewelry.” But I do believe these low life criminals watch TV, especially violent TV or
How many stories of innocent, law abiding citizens do you hear about on the evening news defending their families with a gun? How many stories of criminals getting shot do you hear about on one of the entertainment channels that young people watch on TV? When was the last time your child came home from school and told you how his teacher explained to him what could happen if he committed crimes against his neighbors?
I challenge my readers to clip this page out and mail it into their favorite TV channel, or maybe even send it to your local school board. Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County Florida. He is also an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, AHA Certified Instructor in First Aid, CPR & AED. For firearms training. Paul can be reached through e-mail at Captureman@PaulForeman.com or his web site, www.PaulForeman.com
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