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July 7th - July 20th, 2017

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

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

Special Feature A Night With Coach Gene Stallings... Alabama means “home, sweet home.” A large part of that mentality is attributed to none other than Alabama football... Page 5

Slinkard On Success Just Keep Smiling... Sometimes in life, the only thing you can do is smile. Maybe you’re ready to eat at a restaurant only to find out the establishment has... Page 9

Learning As A Lifestyle Summer Is Not Over Yet!... There is still a lot of summer left. At the Center for Lifelong Learning, we have eight camps available for... Page 18

The Totally Grand Tower Garden ®

By Ali Elizabeth Turner When futurist and horticulturist Tim Blank was still in high school in Western North Dakota, his family saved up and took a vacation to Disney World. The trip would serve to change the trajectory of Tim’s whole life, because of all the theme parks that they saw, the one that grabbed him was Epcot. He said, “Epcot was the place of the future, and it was very inspirational to see all the various nationalities working together, and all the technologies. What stood out the most to me was Continued on pages 16-17

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July 7 - July 20, 2017

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Anna Hamilton Teresa Todd Jerry Barksdale Rosemary Dewar Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart

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 . . . . . . . . 10-11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . 16 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . 19 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Calling All Green Bronx Machinists And Gangsta Gardeners

A few years ago, I was attending an international Juice Plus convention in Phoenix, Arizona and I heard a presentation by an award-winning teacher from the Bronx who had revolutionized the lives of the kids in his classroom as well as their families by teaching them how to garden. Many had never seen live produce, let alone had had the chance to eat it. What became known as the Green Bronx Machine started a ripple effect which has now been felt around the world. The teacher’s name is Stephen Ritz, and hands down he is the most passionate educational presenter I have ever heard. His energy is boundless, he refuses to accept that things cannot be changed, and he has even lost close to 50 pounds since he started urban gardening in the New York City public schools. His battle cry is “Si, se puede,” which in Spanish literally means, “Yes, it can be done.” He had all 7,000 of us on our feet and hollering his battle cry. What is it that he claims can be done? The areas known as “food deserts,” which are a component of urban blight in large cities can in fact be overturned. The result is healthier kids, better grades, healthier families, educational opportunities, business opportunities, and the chance to get a literal tiny taste of the pleasure Adam must have felt in the Gar-

den. Stephen makes indoor wall gardens, tears up streets in the Bronx to make raised bed gardens, and makes extensive use of the Tower Garden to power his Green

ers,” and they are bringing the revolution in a way that is providing food and building community. Ron “envisions a world where gardening is gangsta, where cool kids know

Stephen Ritz

Green Bronx Machine

Bronx Machine. He has even gotten Tower Gardens into the White House, has been commended by the Pope, has been the subject of several TV shows and interviews, and gives one of the best Ted Talks ever. On the other coast of America in Los Ron Finley Ron Finley Project Angeles, Ron Finley heads up the Ron Finley Project. He shares their nutrition, and where the same passion as Ste- communities embrace the phen, with a slightly more act of growing, knowing, artistic and philosophi- and sharing the best of the cal approach. He says he earth’s fresh-grown food.” has started what he calls He plans to turn “food a “horti-cultural revolu- deserts into food forests,” tion,” and has had particu- garnering a number of larly good success with positive spin offs in the gang members. He calls process. Communities are his kids “gangsta garden- built and healed when they

come together to grow produce and work with the land and each other. Finley also sees gardening as an art form. He is not interested in telling people what they should plant. Instead, he recently said in an interview conducted by Dr. Caroline Leaf that he tells prospective gangsta gardeners “That plant is going to be purple and 12 feet tall. You are going to see it every day, so make sure it is something that you are going to enjoy.” He is a firm believer that you can have beauty and bounty in the same space. Gardening is what we were made to do, and we have allowed ourselves to get disconnected from our original assignment: “to tend and keep” gardens. There’s a whole lot of healing in horticulture, and good stuff in gardens. Recently it was discovered that soil has substances in it that function as anti-depressants without all the side effects. It builds bodies, minds, and communities, and it’s an idea whose time has indeed come again.

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

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All Things Soldier

“Un” Of The Many Reasons To Defect From The North Korean Army by Ali Elizabeth Turner Kim Jong Un, the spoiled, young, megalomaniacal “diary-of-a-mad-buffoon” dictator of North Korea is known for a number of things, including starving his people, even his soldiers. The only members of the North Korean armed forces who are given enough to eat are those in the Special Forces. In order to survive, some soldiers sneak into China to get food and then sneak back into North Korea before they are shot for desertion. It is alleged that Kim feeds his troops as little as two potatoes a day, while Un, (shall we attempt to say kindly) struggles with his weight. The Sun, out of the UK, recently reported the following based on the accounts of those who have made it to the South: “Half of those [of all ground troops] were returned home

suffering from the effects of malnutrition.” “Soldiers are given home leave to recover. Most are too weak to even walk by themselves, so their parents pick them up and feed them back to health.” “When they improve they go back to the army.” “The lucky ones serve in the special unit, or serve under good officers who take care of them.” “The unlucky ones die of hunger before their parents have a chance to help them. The only thing these parents pray for is the safe return of their sons.” Meanwhile, back at the “Pyongyang Ponderosa,” Un feeds his addiction to ultraexpensive Emmenthal Swiss cheese, which results in the incremental increase in the size of his waistline. He does

so to the tune of nearly one million dollars a year, and with regard to his troops, they are Korean equivalent of “red-headed stepchildren.” He has also required that every other man in North Korea who was given the same name at birth as Kim change their name to

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

July 17th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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something else so he can be the one and only Kim Jong Un. Recently two North Korean soldiers defected to the South, which brings the number of North Koreans (both civilians and soldiers) who have risked life and limb for freedom to a number upwards of 30,000. This is no small feat, as the Demilitarized Zone has been filled with mines, “to keep South Korea out,” but everyone knows Un lined the DMZ with mines in order to keep everybody in place. One walked across the DMZ; the other swam across a river on a makeshift foam raft. Both surrendered to the South Koreans, and it is because of these two as well as the others that anyone has any understanding of just how bad it is. They are issued one set of summer clothes every two years, and allegedly their boots are so poorly made that it causes the wearer great pain. Nonetheless, the North Korean ground troops form one of the largest armies in the world, and the question is, how could they survive any ground-based offen-

sives? The answer is that they could not, and apparently Mr. Un does not care, due to the fact that his sights are set on a nuclear offensive that will obliterate anyone who stands in his way.

Another very sad thing about the North Koreans is that they have been so brain-washed that those who have defected and have been “de-briefed” by South Koreans amply demonstrate a startling inability to follow any train of logic or produce logical assertions of their own. This was one of the ways Germans were controlled: literally your cognitive thinking skills devolve when you don’t have the proper type of nutrition to support the parts of the brain that were made to figure things out. Rape of female soldiers is routine and not prosecuted. I must admit I almost feel sorry for them. And if the French Revolution is any indicator of what could happen, Mr. Un just might say, “Let them eat kimchi” one too many times and wished he hadn’t.

Until then, may we pray he is nixed from getting handy with the nukes.

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Special Feature

A Night With Coach Gene Stallings by Ali Elizabeth Turner Alabama means “home, sweet home.” A large part of that mentality is attributed to none other than Alabama football. Alabama football means tradition, and nothing says Alabama tradition like Coach Gene Stallings.

Town of Rogersville, AL will co-host “A Night with Coach Gene Stallings” at the FlorenceLauderdale Coliseum is Florence, AL. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., featuring a catered dinner and speech delivered by Coach Stallings.

Though retired from coaching, Stallings has continually inspired us via radio programs and speeches given across America. Hailing from Paris, Texas, Stallings ensures availability to meet with fans and football followers alike.

Over the years, Stallings has built a large following, as his speeches and lifestyle inspire thousands. Attendees can expect an incredible night of storytelling, life motivation, and a good ole’ time with the Football Hall of Famer himself.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 is no exception. The Rogersville Chamber of Commerce and

Coach Stallings recently suffered a stroke, and was hospitalized for a brief time. The Rogers-

July 7 - July 20, 2017

ville Chamber has been in constant contact with Stallings, and he assures us that his health is improving. Stallings has laughed, joked and continued about his business as if nothing can stop him— and it can’t. Stallings is taking a summer hiatus for recovery, with the Rogersville Chamber fundraiser being his first event following the break.

phone (256-247-9449), email (chamber@rogersvillealabama.com), or website contact (www. visitrogersvilleal.com).

Ticket sales are also available online via TicketLeap at www. Rogersville.Ticketleap. Com.

According to Director Kate Brown, “The Chamber is honored by his commitment to this event. We pray for a speedy recovery, and are grateful he is taking time to rest and recuperate. Mr. Stallings is an inspiration to everyone he meets, so we join his many admiring fans in wishing the best for him.” For ticket sales and more information about the event, contact Director Kate Brown at the Rogersville Chamber of Commerce by

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Calendar of Events love to meet you. You get to have a great time while supporting local mental health services in your community. Purchase your tickets or make a sponsorship online at www.mhcnca.org. If you have any questions, please call (256) 566-8530 or (256) 2607325.

Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

Singing on the Square July 21st

Limestone County Courthouse. Marion Street, Athens, AL. Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for a free concert starting at 6:00PM with Matt Prater. Rain location is the Vietnam Veterans Bldg., 17915 W Elm St, Athens.

Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10am - 2pm to answer gardening questions.

Foster & Adoptive Parent Meet, Greet and Eat July 22nd

306 BBQ. 23101 U.S. Highway 72 in Athens. 3:00PM. Be prepared to learn how you can help children in foster care as a Foster and /or Adoptive Parent through a presentation by our Resource Workers. Food and Drinks will be provided. Limit 25 slots. Info or RSVP Amanda Patton 256-216-6437 by July 17.

SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday

11:30am – 12:15pm. This class will meet every Thursday at East Limestone Senior Center at 25820 Nick Davis Rd. SilverSneaker™ Stability is a group exercise class designed specifically to keep participants “safe on their feet”. This class will include standing and walking exercises that will be beneficial in decreasing the risk of falling. Chairs are encouraged for warm-up and cool-down only. Donations for the class are accepted. For additional information, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@gmail.com.

6th Annual National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp July 26th - 30th

The camp is expected to host approximately 700 campers. Campers will display their newly learned skills during a fantastic production featuring both the Junior Camp (ages 5-11) and Senior Camp (ages 12 and up). For more information about National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp (NYVMC), please visit their website, http://www.southsiderogersville.org/nyvmc.html

Sophisticated Swingers at Yesterday's Senior Lunch Matinee Show July 20th

15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens. All seating is reserved $12.00 each, groups are seated together. Doors open 10:30am, events start at 11AM with seating, opening announcements, blessing, and lunch, with show beginning about 12 noon. Approximately a one hour show. They have bus parking available, e-mail reservations are required info@yesterdaysevents.com.

BBQ & Blues - a fundraising event to benefit the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama July 20th

Supporting a worthy cause has never been this much fun. There will be plenty of great BBQ and the evening’s musical entertainment will be the award winning and internationally renowned, Microwave Dave and the Nukes. This is one of the best blues bands in the world! It is going to be an exciting evening – come out and join the fun! Our welcoming committee would Page 6

2nd Annual Will Haney Foundation Race of Champions 5K & Fun Run July 29th

Shirts are guaranteed to those who register by July 14th. Since we had wonderful sponsors, donations & runners/walkers last year we have been able to award $1000 scholarship each to 2 graduating seniors going into nursing, pay rent for a family whose dad lost his job because he was taking their daughter to chemo treatments, pay a utility bill for a family because they had to keep the heat on more due to their child fighting Leukemia, gave gas money to a family so they could travel back & forth for treatments and just recently gave money to Breanna Smith who is battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. No matter if you are a runner or a walker please consider making plans to get in a little exercise on July 29th for a very worthy cause. 100% of net proceeds will fund the Will Haney Foundation 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. You can register at the following link: www.imathlete.com/EVENTS/ WHFROC5K2017

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

“Hide Your Goat,” Part 1 by Ali Elizabeth Turner Due to the holiday, we met on the morning of Wednesday July 5th after a fireworks display the night before that Mayor Ronnie felt was “the best ever.” Central Church of Christ, which is located right across the street from Athens High School Stadium, did their annual community cookout, and some people arrived at noon in order to get the best possible spot for viewing the stellar 13-minute pyrotechnic party to be held at nightfall. Both the cookout and the fireworks served to remind our town of our blessings, and our prayers certainly need to go up for the city of Chicago. “Hot time, summer in the city” seems to be what they are facing there in Chi-town, and lest we think it could never happen here, let’s humbly remember that it doesn’t take much to start a whole lot of trouble when people’s souls are hot and dry. After we compared notes on our respective holi-

days, as well as Mayor Ronnie’s recent birthday, he whipped out a book that he felt would be the topic of possibly several installments of What Makes Ronnie Roll. It’s called “Hide Your Goat,” by Steve Gilliand. The subtitle is “Strategies To Stay Positive When Negativity Surrounds You.” The brand that is on the cover as well as throughout the book made me laugh out loud: it’s a truly gorgeous goat with a brown paper bag over its head. Hence, the visual reminder to not let people “get your goat,” or stated another way, for staying positive in the midst of flying schmutz— that of others or even your own. Be at peace, my dears, schmutz is simply a rich Yiddish word for “garbage or refuse.” Steve Gilliland is a Hall of Famer when it comes to public speaking—everyone from Coca-Cola to Boeing, IBM, Marriott, and about 250,000 people a year get to hear about

successful step-dad, and has reconciled with his kids. He talks about all of them in his presentation, and his love for them is as palpable as the humor with which he tells their stories. Besides thanking his wife Diane, who has been through a lot with this chap, Steve says the following:

Steve’s mess-ups as a dad and husband back in the day when he allowed his “goat to be gotten.” It cost him dearly—including failed marriages and estrangement from his kids, and then he went to work to “get his goat” properly tethered. The result is a number of lessons that can improve the quality of life of every Athenian, which is one of the many pur-

poses of this column. As I have so many times, I told Mayor Ronnie I was ordering my own copy, and I need to guard his autographed copy like the treasure that it is until mine arrives. One of the things that Gilliland said in the foreword to Goat brought a lump to my throat. He is now happily married, is a

To my sons, Stephen and Josh, who have stood by my side in the midst of my most challenging times, I am forever grateful. Your unconditional love and support was my inspiration to change my life and to make you proud to call me “Dad.” To my stepsons Adam and Alex, who have provided me with a second chance to be a father, not just a parent, and who have taught me some valuable lessons: your strength during challenging times has been a great example of how to keep balanced in the midst of distress.”

Neither of us had really considered before that there can be a difference between being a parent and a father/mother. Hide Your Goat is challenging me to explore that difference and, as a mom and step-mom, excel at what I discover.

Mayor Ronnie had a meeting and I had a newspaper to put together, so we prayed for wisdom with our kids and spouses, and expressed anticipation and gratitude for all that is ahead. Then, it was time for Ronnie to roll.

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July 7 - July 20, 2017

Slinkard On Success

Just Keep Smiling by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store

Sometimes in life, the only thing you can do is smile. Maybe you’re ready to eat at a restaurant only to find out the establishment has run out of the food you wanted. Or maybe the flight you rushed for was delayed by nearly 3 hours. Better yet, the hotel you had booked had a major pipe burst, and your room was no longer available. Possibly, you find out the news that your dog (more like a child), ruptured a disc in his back and would be paralyzed for the remainder of his life. We have all been there when it seems like Murphy’s Law is becoming a way of life. The abovementioned events all happened to me in the course of forty-eight hours. Talk about trying my patience! I was beyond frustrated and found myself ready to crawl back in bed, slide under the blankets, and pull them snug above my head. I have faced adversity in my life and I always seemed to handle it nonchalantly. Yet, here I was being beaten up with life, one event after another. This thing called being an “adult” was no fun for me.

were also afflicted with the disease. That stopped me in my tracks. The pity party I had already begun throwing myself suddenly meant nothing as this lady had more things to be worried about than I did. She said one thing that really resonated with me and that was, “Sometimes in life, the only thing you can do is smile.” I felt horrible for the situation she currently faces, and I felt even worse that I actually felt sorry for myself. What we can learn from this story is that when we think we have it tough, there will always be someone else out there who has it tougher than we do. Sometimes people give up

because they think there are no other options to life and they feel they are at their wits end. Truth be told, though, we should use the story above to energize us to face life’s obstacles in stride. There’s a quote out there that says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, because it’s all small stuff.” I cannot help but nod my head in agreement as I write this article. In the world of business, when we face that uphill battle we must realize that it’s not over until it’s over. Each day we must press forward and maintain the positive approach to our everyday lives. We must maintain a positive outlook even when the events unfolding around us suggest

otherwise. If you find yourself facing struggles in life, just know that someone else has it tougher than you do. What you take from this knowledge is that someone who was in a similar situation as you has also been able to persevere. Whether life is good or bad is a matter of opinion. Sometimes, being tested in life is a good thing because we are able to see how far we can go by how far we have been. Instead of focusing in on the negatives, we need to bring the positive highlights to the forefront. We need to find the best in situations as opposed to looking at what has gone wrong. When we do, we are able to realize just how

lucky we are. In fact, the things we take for granted are sometimes the very things that others set their life’s goals and dreams upon. We must count our blessings and strive to be better tomorrow than we were today. There will always be times we feel the pressures of life, but what matters most is how we respond. We can either throw the pity party for ourselves and have others feel bad for us, or we can take the approach of the lady mentioned above and look at life and just smile. Good times, bad times, no matter the season we are in, we must realize that “Sometimes in life the only thing you can do is smile.”

I found myself being outof-balance with life and my positive “can do” attitude was suddenly facing the test of tests. Then it happened. I met a lady who told me she was having a bad day as she found out that her uncle was suffering from cancer. It didn’t stop there, though, as she went on to tell me that her dad and her mom

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Tourism

July Happenings in Athens by Teresa Todd, TMP President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Jul 6th, 7th, & 8th -Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival opens at 309 East Forrest Street (at the corner of Beaty and Forrest Street across from Athens Middle School) in Athens from 6:30PM-9:30PM. Tickets are $0.50 each, 1 ticket for each ride. Concessions available. Jul 8th -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00AM-12:00PM with local producers, growers, and entertainment. Jul 8th -- Heartland Angler Bass Tournament Div 1 Wheeler Lake/ Elk River (Lee-Hi Boat Ramp at US 72 in Athens) from safe light until 3:00PM for the weekend angler. Membership: $35; Tournament Fees: $50; Lunker: $10. Matt Leicher can be reached by phone at 256-7779843 or by email at aldeerhunter23@yahoo. com.

(dine in or carry out) from the Village Pizza of East Limestone will benefit the County for a Cure Relay for Life team. Gift Certificates will also be available to purchase. For faster service, call ahead and place your order at 256-232-3388. Jul 13th, 14th, & 15th -Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival opens at 309 East Forrest Street (at the corner of Beaty and Forrest Street across from Athens Middle School) in Athens from 6:309:30PM. Tickets are $0.50 each, 1 ticket for each ride. Concessions available. Jul 15th -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00AM-12:00PM with local producers, growers and entertain-

ment.

com.

Jul 15th -- Mud Volleyball for a Cure with County for a Cure at Swan Creek Park (100 U.S. 31N in Athens) from 8:00AM5:00PM. Come cheer the teams as the mud flies and helps fight cancer.

July 21st -- Singing on the Square, Limestone County Courthouse (Marion Street Athens, AL). Join the AthensLimestone County Tourism and sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick GMC for a free concert starting at 6:00PM with Matt Prater. Rain location is the Vietnam Veterans Building, located at 17915 W Elm St, Athens.

Jul 20th -- Sophisticated Swingers at Yesterday's Senior Lunch Matinee Show (15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens). All seating is reserved. Tickets are $12.00 each and groups are seated together. Doors open at 10:30AM, events start at 11:00AM with seating, opening announcements, blessing, and lunch. The show begins about 12 noon, and lasts about 1 hour. Bus parking is available. E-mail reservations are required; contact info@yesterdaysevents.

Jul 8th -- Jake Marlow Memorial Tournament (Elkmont High School 25630 Evans Avenue in Elkmont, AL) pits mixed teams at bat. Teams entry is $150.00. For more information, please contact Stephanie Fleming at 256278-8233. Jul 11th -- 2nd Annual Pizza For A Cure with County for A Cure at Village Pizza of East Limestone (15728 East Limestone Road in East Limestone) from 11:00AM9:00PM. A portion of all sales

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Jul 20th, 21st, & 22nd -Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival opens at 309 East Forrest Street (at the corner of Beaty and Forrest Street across from Athens Middle School) in Athens from 6:30-9:30PM. Tickets are $0.50 each, 1 ticket for each ride. Concessions available. Jul 22nd -- Athens Satur-

day Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00AM-12:00PM with local producers, growers and entertainment. Jul 26th - 30th -- 6th Annual National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp. The camp is expected to host approximately 700 campers. Campers will display their newly learned skills during a fantastic production featuring both the Junior Camp (ages 5-11) and Senior Camp (ages 12 and up). For more information about National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp (NYVMC), please visit their website, http:// www.southsiderogersville.org/nyvmc.html. Jul 27th, 28th, and 29th -- Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival opens at 309 East Forrest Street (at the corner of Beaty and Forrest Street across from Athens Middle School) in Athens from 6:30-9:30PM. Tickets are $0.50 each, 1 ticket for each ride. Concessions available. Jul 29th -- Athens Saturday Market (409 South Green Street in Athens) from 8:00AM12:00PM with local producers, growers and entertainment.

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/AthensSaturdayMarket

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The above events are listed at VisitAthensAL.com. If you have events or activities you would like to have listed on VisitAthensAL.com, please email your information to Cayce@VisitAthensAL.com

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Tourism (continued)

Limestone County: Take A Paddle Adventure Down The Elk River

The following information about the Elk River is taken from limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/canoe-and-kayaking Elkmont, AL - The Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail offers a true paddling adventure in North Alabama. This 21.9 mile Class-1 route along the Elk River begins at Elkmont just west of I-65 at Exit 361 and ends at Wheeler Lake at Joe Wheeler State Park.

to the Tennessee/Alabama state line. Continue straight for 6.6 miles to the Elk River.

The beautiful Elk River is the perfect place for canoeing and kayaking in Limestone County. The water is challenging, and the scenery changes with the seasons. In the spring, you will enjoy the white Dogwood, and the Redbud trees blooming along the riverbanks are breathtaking. Scenery along the route includes untouched forests, towering bluffs and peaceful, rolling meadows. With five easy inand-out points, the Elk River's water levels are TVA Dam controlled, which means good canoeing even during dry summers.

• Site 3 – Easter Ferry Road (10.3 river miles)

The route begins at Elkmont, AL a short drive from I-65, at Exit 361. Turn West on Sandlin Road. Once in Elkmont,

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The five sites for easy inand-out along the river are as follows: • Site 1 – Veto Road • Site 2 – AL Hwy 127 (6.2 river miles from Site 1)

• Site 4 – AL Hwy 99 (15.9

river miles) • Site 5 – Elk River Mills (21.9 river miles) Riders may be picked up at any of the sites. For specific instructions to reach each site, visit https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/ parks-and-recreation/ canoe-and-kayaking/. Richard Martin Rails To Trails Elkmont, AL - The 10.3mile trail winds its way past the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. The trail offers a backto-nature greenway for hikers, bikers, joggers, bird watchers, horseback riders as well as naturalists, students, and historians. The trail head is in the picturesque & historic downtown of Elkmont AL. Trail hours are daylight to sunset. Due to horseback riding on the trails, motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails.

(All Photos on this page are courtesy of AthensPlus.com/DonTodd)

turn right onto Upper Ft. Hampton Road. Proceed 0.1 miles and turn onto Veto Road. Go 5.2 miles

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Clean and Green

Household Hazardous Waste by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful When you think of hazardous waste, do you think of caustic and deadly chemicals spewing from a factory or laboratory? Well you might be surprised at how many items considered hazardous waste are sitting on shelves and under cabinets in your homes and garages. Items used in our homes fall under a different set of rules and are referred to as Household Hazardous Waste. Although these items do not fall under the same strict regulations as hazardous waste, special handling is recommended at time of disposal. The following are some examples of HHW materials you may find in your homes. This is not a complete list. Automotive fluids: oil, anti-freeze, fuel, brake fluid, etc. Household cleaners: bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, oven cleaner, drain cleaners, etc. Home maintenance: varnish, stains, oils, mouse/ rat poisons, etc. Lawn and garden: fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Miscellaneous: pool chemicals, photo chemicals, old chemistry sets, etc. According to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), the best way to manage HHW is to avoid creating it. Buy only what you need. Check the label for the Precautionary Statement and choose the least toxic product to do

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the job. Look for the following words: Caution indicates a mild hazard Warning indicates a moderate hazard Danger or Poison indicate an extreme hazard. Best Disposal Practice The very best method of disposal is at an HHW collection where materials will be handled by a company licensed in transportation and disposal. The first and last collection for Limestone County residents was held in 2008. We believe it is well past time for our residents to have at least one HHW collection annually. KALB is working with the Athens City Coun-

cil and the Limestone County Commission to make this happen. If you would like to see an HHW collection for AthensLimestone County, send us an email letting us know. You may also contact your city council member and/or county commissioner to let them know you would like this service. Reducing HHW In Your Home Glass Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to dry. Furniture Polish: Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in one pint of mineral or vegetable oil and wipe furniture.

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Rug Deodorizer: Liberally sprinkle carpets with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Silver Polish: Boil two to three inches of water in a shallow pan with one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for two to three more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat as necessary.

lents: When using these products, reapply frequently for best results. Motor Oil: Accepted at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center. Transmission Fluid: Check with local repair shops to see if they will accept it for recycling. CFLâ€™s: Accepted for recycling at Loweâ€™s.

All-Natural Insect Repel-

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

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July 7 - July 20, 2017

Cooking with Anna

Oh No! Where’s The Vinegar?: Summertime Fresh Cabbage Slaw by Anna Hamilton Summer in the South is full of picnics, backyard barbecues, and neighborhood block parties, all breaming with some of the most delicious potluck dishes. As children, we are taught to bring our best dish to these parties. On one such occasion I was tapped with bringing the Cabbage Slaw. Now, I love making Cabbage Slaw. I love cooking with all summertime vegetables, but cabbage happens to be one of my favorites. The night before the party, I gathered all my ingredients on the counter. My loving husband sat on a chair in the kitchen, and we discussed our work days as I began to grate the cabbage. I moved on to my onion and in mid-grate, I turned to him in a panic, “I don’t have apple cider vinegar! You can’t make good slaw without vinegar.” In his calming manner, he assured me that it would be ok. We could get back out and

go to our 24 hour mega-mart or we could just use something else. Panicked, I began to look through our cabinets for some substitute because no one wants to go out at 11pm for apple cider vinegar. In a moment of desperation, I spotted a jar of dill pickles in the refrigerator door. At first I was unsure of using pickle juice in place of vinegar; I mean, who puts pickle juice in cabbage slaw? But the more I thought about pickle juice, the more I began to like the idea. I made the dressing for the slaw and slowly added pickle juice until it had the right amount of kick. The result of my panic and my husband’s cool head turned out to be one of the best cabbage slaws I have ever made. I hope you enjoy this slaw with your family, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on a classic recipe.

CABBAGE SLAW

2 lb. head of cabbage, grated 1 large onion, grated Dressing: 1 ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup dill pickle juice ¼ cup sugar 2 sprigs fresh dill ½ teaspoon celery seed ¼ teaspoon celery salt Salt and pepper to taste

What you will do:

Grate cabbage and onion in to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste. Once dressing is combined, pour dressing over cabbage and onions and mix until combined. Let sit in refrigerator for at least two hours. For the best flavor, allow it to sit overnight.

July 7 - July 20, 2017

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Page 13

The Millennial Mind

A Defenseless State Of Anxiety by Rosemary Dewar The manner in which one leads is as important as the one placed in leadership. One may lead either by Providence or paranoia. As a leader, he can either make peace with his enemy or he can make an enemy out of anyone. When everyone is the enemy, defense by any and all means can be justified. Monarchies and their kings were always more threatened by the enemies within than with a competing nearby country, and little has changed today. Within a republic, significant incontrovertible logic is essential for the proper functioning of law and order. If the United States were an aircraft carrier, paranoia would be a hole blown in the hull from the insideout. Instead of addressing the needed repair, the crew would be left pointing their

fingers at each other. The ship would eventually sink. Because of the behavior of the kings and queens of England, the kingdom they were intent upon protecting changed family lines by the means of rumors, paranoia, speculation, and eventually war. America’s system of government is not so easily manipulated by its leaders. The American mainstream media and the Left continue to behave otherwise. The mainstream media hold fast to the idea that they possess a monopoly on the belief systems of the public. They almost seem to long to become the fourth branch of government, regardless of the approval rating of the administration. Although the anti-Federalists feared the possibility of accidentally instituting a ruling-

rights “are endowed by our Creator,” they were ready to defend a freedom that was unlike any other.

class with the implementation of an Executive Branch, many governing structures were developed to counteract that threat. The President is not a king, Congress is not a royal court, and the Supreme Court is not a Parliament. They were not meant to be. Anti-Federalist Samuel Bryan stated, “…free government, can only exist where the body of the people are virtuous, and… in such a government the people are the sovereign and their sense or opinion is the criterion of every public measure; for when this ceases to be the case, the nature of the government is changed, and an aristocracy, monarchy or despotism will rise on its ruin.” The American constitutional republic is structured in such a way that law cannot be approved or enforced if it

Samuel Bryan

runs contrary to fundamental constitutional precepts. This structure can be weakened and compromised, should a governing branch suspend the original intent of our founding documents. The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights are meant to stand the test of time, not bend at that the point in time they are being tested. The Judeo-Christian perspective asserts that a king is installed by those who reject the authority of the Creator. A king brings taxes instead of offerings, war instead of peace, and bondage instead of freedom. Those who wanted a king said they wanted to be like “other nations.” The Left wants America to be like Canada, Denmark, Sweden, or Australia. Our Founding Fathers wanted America to be nothing like any government of the past. When they wrote that our

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The Left continues to believe that they can serve two masters: the public and themselves. Those that they politically prop up are not divinely appointed royalty, and the press does not hold royal court. The intrigue that they weave and spin in order to influence authority is without substance. Should centrists and conservatives deign to play the same game the Left has played, they will see the same losses the Left is experiencing. As expressed by the hero Westley in the classic film, The Princess Bride, “We are men of action. Lies do not become us.” Choose to lead by Providential wisdom and integrity. A seemingly innocent act of dishonest compromise will gain no reward. Those that talk will only talk, but those that act will reveal what they believe is actually defensible. It is essential to learn that rich and open debate is paramount for the prevention of acting out of fear or indulging one’s paranoia. If one is to be ruled, it is most beneficial that one rules oneself.

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Health and Fitness

Heat and Exercise by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your body. Both the exercise and the outside temperature increase your core body temperature. To help cool itself, your body sends more blood to circulate through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which then increases your heart rate. If the humidity is high, your body has additional stress because sweat doesn’t readily evaporate from your skin. That pushes your body temperature even higher.

helps sweat evaporate and keeps you cooler. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb heat. If possible, wear a light-colored, wide-brimmed hat. • Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening, when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors. If possible, exercise in shady areas — or do a water workout in a pool. • Wear sunscreen. Sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself.

Heat-related illness Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, you sweat heavily and you don’t drink enough fluids. Heat illnesses include: • Heat cramps. Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions, mainly affecting the calves, quadriceps (front of your thighs) and abdominals. Affected muscles may feel firm to the touch. Your body temperature may be normal. • Heat exhaustion. With heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises as high as 104 F, and you may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting, weakness and cold, clammy skin. If left untreated, this can lead to heatstroke. • Heatstroke. Heatstroke is a

life-threatening emergency condition that occurs when your body temperature is greater than 104 F. Your skin may be hot, but your body may stop sweating to help cool itself. You may develop confusion and irritability. You need immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage, organ failure or even death Pay attention to warning signs During hot-weather exercise, watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. • Muscle cramps • Nausea or vomiting • Weakness • Headache • Dizziness • Confusion If you develop any of these

symptoms, you must lower your body temperature and get hydrated. Stop exercising immediately and get out of the heat. If possible, have someone stay with you who can help monitor your condition. Remove extra clothing or sports equipment. Drink fluids — water or a sports drink. If possible, fan your body or wet down your body with cool water. If you don’t feel better within 30 minutes, contact your doctor. If you have signs of heatstroke, seek immediate medical help.

may have a lower tolerance to the heat. Reduce your exercise intensity and take frequent breaks. • Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a key factor in heat illness. Help your body sweat and cool down by staying well hydrated with water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. If you plan to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider a sports drink instead of water. • Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose fitting clothing

• Have a backup plan. If you’re concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building. • Understand your medical risks. Certain medical conditions or medications can increase your risk of a heatrelated illness. If you plan to exercise in the heat, talk to your doctor about precautions. Heat-related illnesses are usually preventable. By taking basic precautions, your exercise routine doesn’t have to be sidelined when the heat is on.

How to avoid heat-related illnesses When you exercise in hot weather, keep these precautions in mind: • Watch the temperature. Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat alerts • Get acclimated. If you’re used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first when you exercise in the heat. As your body adapts to the heat over the course of one to two weeks, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. • Know your fitness level. If you’re unfit or new to exercise, be extra cautious when working out in the heat. Your body

July 7 - July 20, 2017

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Page 15

Cover Story

The Totally Grand Tower Garden

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

a special ride at Epcot called ‘The Land.’” From that point on, Tim knew he wanted to be involved in technology that could feed people. He got his degree in horticulture, went to work at Epcot as an intern, and eventually became their head horticulturist and green house operations manager. While working for Disney, he also did research for NASA and the US Department of Energy. In 2005, Tim left Epcot, and formed Future Growing, LLC, a company that took the things that Tim learned at Disney World, combined them with some ideas of his own, and would serve to make it possible for people to grow their own food just about anywhere. “This dream I had that was rooted all the way back in my childhood, about doing something for humanity, finding a better way of growing food, it’s finally coming to fruition,” Tim

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stated. Some of the early projects include the first roof top garden-to-table farm for a restaurant in Manhattan, as well as an indoor growing system inside O’Hare International Airport that supplies produce for the 67 restaurants throughout the facility. Tim knows full well that there are people like me who do not possess a very green thumb nor a great deal of time, and would nonetheless like to garden. So he contacted the Juice Plus company to see if they would be interested in producing the Tower Garden for the consumer. In 2011 the Juice Plus Company began production, and I purchased my Tower Garden in February of 2013. It was a match made in heaven, and I can now say with confidence that I am a happy and successful gardener, growing everything from Bok Choy to more personal confidence to baby eggplants. I watch with

delight as my little seedlings turn my Tower into something reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Because of the aeroponic/ hydroponic technology, things grow three times faster with over 98% less water, 90 % less land, and with 30% greater yields. You can actually start to harvest some vegetables (such as lettuce) in as little as three weeks! Tower Garden produce is nutrient dense, better tasting, and better smelling. Researchers at the University of Mississippi found that the yields of plants grown with aeroponic/ hydroponic technology were more than 30% bigger on average compared to organic soil-based produce. Here’s the breakdown by crop: • Basil – 19% increase • Chard – 8% increase • Red kale – 65% increase • Parsley – 21% increase

• Bell pepper – 53% increase • Cherry tomatoes – 35% increase • Cucumber – 7% increase • Squash – 50% increase Looking further, the study also measured total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants in the produce grown. Phenolics are compounds that the

My Personal Tower Garden Progression:

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plant produces to protect itself from insects. Flavonoids are also involved in a plant’s defense system as well part of its communication system, and antioxidants repair free radical damage in the human body. It turns out aeroponic and soil methods yield produce with comparable nutritional value. So, how does it work? There is a pump in the middle of the 20 gallon reservoir that sends

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Homeland Trading on Hwy 31 near CVS. They have a perky little miss by the name of Katy, herself quite enamored with their Tower Garden, and shown throughout this article. “She loves it,” John says, “and she eats everything we grow on it.” Research also shows that kids who are involved in growing vegetables are far more prone to eating the fruits of their labors. The Tower Garden serves as a fine backdrop for some quality daddydaughter time. You can grow your “market” on your patio, in your house with grow lights, and on the deck of your city apartment. There are 19 Tower Gardens in Los Angeles accessible to homeless peo-

A bounty of cucumber vines spilling over the side and onto the ground

water and the organic, patented Tower Tonic whole mineral solution up the center of the tower, and the solution bathes the roots on the way back down. Normally this is done in 15 minute increments, with 15 minutes of bath followed by 15 minutes of air set to a timer. The sound of the water is so soothing that it is like having a personal fountain in addition to a personal farmer’s market. My neighbor likes the sound of it so much that I told him he could come over and listen any time he wanted to. I also gave him permission to har-

garden projects. Boys and Girls Clubs across America have them, as do long term care facilities, which use them as part of their activities and therapy platforms. There is a Boys and Girls Club Tower Garden-based culinary school and catering service in Memphis, an extensive school Tower Garden project in the Bronx, and there are even Tower Gardens in the White House. The possibilities are nearly endless, and if you want to learn more, go to www.towergarden. com. Your thumb will be greener, your body will be happier, and your wallet will be thicker with what you save.

vest anything he wanted to while we were on vacation recently. I had plenty to share, and things grow back quickly. There are over 155 types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits that can be grown using the Tower Garden system, including melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, marigolds, calendulas, edible pansies, nasturtiums, and so much more. At present, it is not possible to grow root vegetables, but I would not be at all surprised if they don’t come up with a way to do that, too. Another Athens Now client who is a raving fan of

Little Katy McGrew tending to her family's Tower Garden

the Tower Garden is John McGrew, who along with his wife Amanda owns

ple, and Tower Gardens have become the basis of several urban community

Tower Garden - it’s truly and totally grand!

July 7 - July 20, 2017

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Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Summer Is Not Over Yet! by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 There is still a lot of summer left. At the Center for Lifelong Learning, we have eight camps available for children. Starting the week of July 10, we have Hip Hop Camp and Soccer Camp. Pop! Lock! Break! The Hip Hop Camp explores the most popular dance craze in the world. Learn highenergy steps that you can combine with your own freestyle form to create the perfect hiphop combination. Family and friends will be amazed when you show off your latest moves. No previous dance experience required. Hip Hop Camp is offered Mon-Thu, from 9:00am – 12:00pm, in the Mezzanine of the Center. The fee is $95 and you can register online or by calling our office at 256-233-8260. Soccer Camp is also offered the week of July 10, Mon-Thu, from 9:00am – 11:00am. The fee is $75.

to 12:00pm while the Art Explorers from 5-7 years old will meet from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Camp runs Mon-Thu, July 1720, and will be held at the Center. The fee is $65. Gross Science and CSI for Kids will be held on the Athens State University campus in Waters

Hall, Room N302. Gross Science is a fun exploration of the slimy, smelly, weird things that happen in the human body. This camp is scheduled Mon-Wed, 9:00am to 12:00pm, July 17-19. The fee is $75. In the CSI for Kids camp, you'll be amazed at the mysteries you can solve simply by

using your keen eye, profiling skills, and analytical expertise! Be a modern-day sleuth, and put your detective skills to the test. Camp is scheduled Mon-Wed, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, July 17-19. The fee is $75. The last week of July, our camps will be held

at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur. Monday through Thursday, July 24-27, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Art Explorers will be exploring art mediums and having a creative time. From 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Dr. Seuss’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Camp will have different STEM challenges based off Dr. Seuss' classic books. Build a tower for Yertle, have a Butter Battle, play with Oobleck, and much more! Great camp for kids who love to create and build! The fee for Dr. Seuss’ STEM Camp is $115. You can find out more about our camps by calling 256-233-8260 or check out our webpage www.athens.edu/CLL. We look forward to seeing your children at camp.

The week of July 17 there will be four camps – two Art Explorers, Gross Science, and CSI for Kids. The Art Explorers camps focus on each child's creativity through the use of imagination and art mediums. Campers will discover different themes and various techniques to express themselves artistically. Be prepared to get messy -- each day will be a brand new art adventure! The camp for 8-12 year olds is scheduled from 9:00am

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July 7 - July 20, 2017

Jerry’s Journal

Long Road to Taos: Part 1 by Jerry Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com July, 2015. The morning was hot and muggy when my good friend (and sometimes red-head) Pat and I departed Elk River headed to Taos, New Mexico in a Hertz rental car, leaving “Little Red,” my faithful Toyota pick-up parked. Pat had an aching back and couldn’t ride 1,200 miles on a bench seat. The rental had adjustable bucket seats that reclined like a bed. A Sundrop, two Advils, and a pillow and she was soon happy and snoozing. The long road to Taos beckoned me as it has done since I first went there 32 years earlier. It was there while sleeping in the Sangre de Cristo mountains overlooking the Rio Grande River that I found a measure of peace to calm my troubled soul. Like the churning waters of the Rio Grande, my life has rushed onward: divorce, remarriage, followed by another divorce, death of my parents and first born, and finally retiring after 43 years of law practice. I didn’t miss the law. After all, working in a pie factory would soon grow old. Many months earlier while returning home from an Auburn football game, a texting woman slammed into the back of a car occupied by Pat. She was darn near killed. Her scalp was sliced open; right eye dangling from the socket, face crushed, teeth pushed back, three broken ribs, lacerated liver and both pelvis fractured. I keep her pumped up. “Sweetheart, as soon as they straighten your nose and level your eyes you’ll look just fine.”

July 7 - July 20, 2017

And she does – maybe even better than before. “Tannertested girls” (similar to the Good Housekeeping seal) don’t complain. Pat grew up driving a Farmall, chopping and picking cotton, and milking cows. After raising a daughter as a single parent while working full time, there isn’t much that daunts her. “Make do” is her motto. She has one weakness: she can’t pass a shoe store without going inside. Our plan was to stop over in Santa Fe and visit my 19-year-old grandson who had recently moved there to find that “something else” as I had done in 1985. It was raining soup, and his bowl was upright. He had just landed a good job at the Anasazi Inn. “Joshua,” I said earlier, “we can get a room at Budget Inn for about $70 bucks a night. Can you beat that?” He’d replied, “Papa, a weekend at the Anasazi is $1,200.” Ridiculous! My first house payment was $72 dollars a month, and had two bedrooms and a carport. Later, we planned to drive up to Taos and visit my daughter, Shannon who had moved there 16 years earlier with a psychotic dog and no job. She has done well. Now, she has two dogs, a cat, a job, and a growing music career.

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 that the opening burned my lips. Late afternoon we were chasing a setting sun across the wind-blown plains of western Oklahoma. Route 66 runs along I-40. During the Great Depression, it carried thousands of poor and hungry “Okies” from the Dust Bowl to California to pick fruit and vegetables. The 1960’s TV program “Route 66” had been one of my favorites. Two young drifters in a Corvette drove from place to place on the highway searching for adventure. “Wanna play Route 66 and stop at a house and see if there is any adventure going on?” I asked Pat. “Wanna get shot?” she deadpanned. We exited at Shamrock, Texas and ate supper at Big Vern’s Steakhouse. Route 66 runs down Main Street where the famous art-deco style Conoco station featured in the movie Cars is located. Shamrock boasts the “tallest water tower of its class in the State of Texas.” Imagine that! And it

cost $6,560 dollars to build in 1915. “What’s Shamrock known for?” I asked our young, tattooed waitress. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.” Black clouds, filled with heat lightning lay low on the western horizon as we headed to Amarillo. The day had been long. Near midnight, we looked for a motel room. I arrogantly declined a smoking room. After four more stops, my arrogance had dissipated to desperation. Finally, a Microtel. Sunday afternoon, we reached Santa Fe and drove to Joshua’s small adobe house at the end of a dusty road set among sage brush and juniper bushes. It was located inside “Creativity for Peace Camps,” whatever that is. Very Santa Feish. Santa Feans spend a lot of time searching for “energy centers” and identifying “walk-ins” (aliens who inhabit humans). They don’t have time for real southern

fun like tractor pulls and coon hunting. After a fine meal of burritos smothered in red at Maria’s, we visited the historic downtown plaza where the Santa Fe Trail ended its 800-mile journey from Missouri. Pat and Joshua went to TJ Maxx – “just because” (read shoe shopping). Pat believes that a woman’s happiness and health resides in her shoes. I moseyed around the plaza and checked out a tall monument erected in 1868. Engraved on one side was: “to the heroes who have fallen in various battles with __________ Indians in the territory of New Mexico.” “What was the missing word?” I wondered. No doubt, someone had been offended. Yep! The word “savages” had been chiseled out. If the Indians had erected the monument, I wonder what it would have said about the New Mexicans… TO BE CONTINUED…

It was 101 degrees when we stopped at Ft. Smith, Arkansas for a late lunch at Cracker Barrel. Down south, heat gives folks something to talk about. I remember chopping “Johnson grass” out of a corn patch in scorching July heat when I was a kid and the water jug was so hot

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1st Annual Yard Sale Fundraiser For THE ARK!

July 15 • 7am - 3pm

Paws & Whiskers Boutique 14899 Old Banford St • Athens, AL 35613 Call 256.497.4314 To Sign Up! MINIMUM donation to set up is $10 That money will go to the ARK and you keep the money you make from sells. Any items are welcome and you are free to advertise anyway you wish Paws & Whiskers will be spread the word on Facebook and by distributing fliers around the area.

Athens FIREWORKS Show July 4th, 2017 Sponsored by the City of Athens, Limestone County and Athens-Limestone Tourism Association

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July 7 - July 20, 2017

Mental Health Minute

Mental, Spiritual and Emotional Health by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “What we think, we become.” - Buddha

The last words that a client sees when they leave my office is this quote from Gautama Buddha. I recently met with a young lady who was struggling with understanding the difference between our thoughts, our feelings, and our spirituality. She could not grasp that while these components are separate, they are also intertwined with our bodies to create our whole being. The health of one affects the health of the others.

This is my definition of mental health: a state of well-being in which the mind realizes the person’s potential, can deal with the daily stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make contributions to the community. That’s a tall order, isn’t it? This is why how we think pretty much determines how we live and why taking care of our thoughts is so important. This is my definition of spiritual health: the capacity for love, forgiveness, joy, compassion, fulfillment, faith, hope, values, and morals. We all have the capacity. It is a matter of choice and typically includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves. Most of my clients are searching for meaning in life. Even the most severely men-

July 7 - July 20, 2017

tally ill adults who come to my office have a desire to FEEL that their life matters. And finally, my definition of emotional health: an awareness of what you are feeling and the ability to deal with those feelings, whether they are positive or negative. Emotionally healthy people can feel stress, anger, resentment or sadness, and know how to manage their feelings. The word that comes to mind is resilience . . . striving for a life of wholeness, balance, and contentment despite problems or setbacks. So, what do your emotions, thoughts, and spirituality have in com-

mon? They all originate in that amazing organ called your brain. The brain, body, emotions, thoughts, and soul form the whole person. By recognizing and dealing with each part of the whole within the whole, we can learn how to have a more vital and satisfying life.

her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and provid-

ing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

I often tell my clients that the work we are doing in each session STARTS with their mental health and AFFECTS their mind, body, and spirit. Until next time…Lisa Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides

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Medical Update

What Is A Midwife? by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN

In the United States, there are 4 different types of midwives with a varied range of training, scope of practice, and experience. Of those, 3 hold national certifications and credentials. The history of the word midwife is derived from two Middle English elements: mid meaning with, and wife meaning woman. Therefore, it simply means being “with woman,” specifically during childbearing.

one of honor as a “granny” is someone whose age and wisdom are to be revered. They were regarded as elder healers, not just midwives. They had a certain spiritual authority, and considered midwifery a deep calling, just as many of today’s midwives do. As doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology gained popularity in the20th century, the campaign against midwives (especially the Af-

traditional midwives left, however they are becoming fewer and further between. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) According to MANA, this a type of direct entry midwife (one who does not have prior education as a nurse) trained in out-of-hospital settings. CPMs are credentialed by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)

(even if they attend a MEAC accredited school) similar to what other healthcare professionals call clinical internships. Apprenticeships generally last 3-5 years, sometimes longer. When the necessary requirements are complete and both student and preceptor have agreed that she is ready, the application is submitted to NARM. Upon review, the certification exam is scheduled, along with a skills validation.

Traditional / Lay Midwives (TMs) According to the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA), TMs are those who for various reasons choose not to hold certifications and/or licenses. They may or may not have training (formal or informal) in the art and science of midwifery. Many believe that they are responsible to their communities, midwifery is a contract between a woman and her midwife, the practice of midwifery should not be legislated at all, or women have the right to choose their care provider irrespective of legal status. They practice solely in out-of-hospital settings. Midwives have been the traditional attendants of birth dating all the way back to Biblical days in Exodus. In colonial America, many were charged as witches and executed in the Salem Witch Trials. In the South during the 19th and 20th centuries, TMs were referred to as “Granny midwives.” Most were of African Americans or Appalachian descent. The title was given them by the government and was derogatory, suggesting ignorance. However, some referred to themselves in this way to redeem the offensive term, making it

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rican American/granny midwives of the South) began to impose various restrictions on TMs’ practice through legislation. In the South, Jim Crow laws further outlawed midwifery. Women like Onnie Lee Logan and Margaret Charles Smith from Alabama have long since died, taking many of the secrets of traditional midwifery with them. I recently read a letter of one midwife who is returning to the roots of traditional midwifery. Though it is not the path I or many others would choose, her story brought tears to my eyes while deepening my commitment to become a midwife and promote the instinctive nature of birth again. There are some

and trained in the midwifery model of care, practicing in freestanding birth centers and homes. One desiring to pursue this path obtains an experienced CPM as a mentor/ preceptor with whom they will work side-by-side to learn the skills necessary for practice. Some who obtain this credential have degrees from schools accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) while others do not and have been trained via self-study of the same books and materials as Certified Midwives (CMs) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). These midwives complete an extensive apprenticeship

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If both are passed, the CPM credential is awarded. As of 2017, Alabama joined a growing number of states who license and regulate the practice of CPMs. Prior to this, CPMs could be prosecuted and convicted of a class C misdemeanor, incurring fees and jail time. Women wanting the option of home birth were (and are) forced to drive out of state for this type of midwifery care. Though the law has been passed, it will take time to set up a state midwifery board and begin issuing licenses. Certified Midwives (CMs) This is another type of direct entry midwife who has a bachelor’s degree in a health-

related field who attends graduate school, obtaining a master’s degree. The training is similar to that of a CNM. Practice standards are also similar but without the nursing component. They can practice in any setting (hospital, freestanding birth center, or home). These types of midwives are still relatively rare and not utilized in many states. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) Certified Nurse Midwives are midwives trained in the disciplines of both nursing and midwifery. They hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in midwifery. They are mostly trained in hospitals, and most CNMs practice there; however, their scope of practice allows for practice in any setting. They care for women across the lifespan, from puberty to menopause and beyond. They are classified as primary care providers, specifically in the realm of women’s health. Many hold a dual certification as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). WHNPs function essentially the same as CNMs, but are not trained in labor, birth, or newborn care. CNMs are legal to practice in all 50 US states, as well as many other countries due to the vast scope of their training. In spite of the recent passage of the CPM law, CNMs in Alabama are not currently able to practice in out-ofhospital settings due to the Alabama laws governing advanced practice nurses. Very few in the state are able to practice to the full scope of their training, even in the hospital. It is my hope as a CNM student that this too will soon change.

July 7 - July 20, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

A.D.D.: Three Tactics A Criminal Will Use by Paul Foreman There are three techniques that criminals consistently use against their victims to subdue or incapacitate them so they can take what they want. Some bad guys might only need to use one technique, while the truly talented ones may use all three. I’m going to call them A.D.D., which stands for Ambush, Distract, and Disparity of force; be on the lookout for them. Hopefully if you are aware of them, you can avoid being a victim and having them used against you. Ambush. This means to lie in wait for, to attack by surprise, or to lay a trap for. The bad guys have the advantage of choosing the location of an attack. Just as a deer hunter carefully selects the location of his deer stand, experienced criminals do not randomly choose their victim, time, or location of attacks. A thug

planning to rob you of your purse or wallet is not a random act of violence. These criminals have a reason when they chose a certain location, time, or victim. The reason is because doing so helps them in the commission of their crime. For instance, just this past week I was sitting in my truck at a local bank waiting for my wife who was inside making a house payment. My truck has a huge red, white, and blue bald eagle on the doors with the words “Firearms Training” in big gold letters. While I was sitting there, a man came out of the bank with a smile on his face and said to me “I guess nobody is going to rob this place with you sitting here. No self-respecting criminal is going to pick this location to rob!” A successful ambush is accomplished when one or more conditions tip in favor

of the attacker. The most valuable of these conditions are the element of surprise and the physical condition of the victim. Simply put, the bad guy knows if you can’t see him coming and can’t run from him, he can take and do whatever he wants and leave. He doesn’t have to risk getting into a fight with you and getting caught. Distract. Criminals will use this technique to divert your full attention from being aware of the danger, especially if you are just trying to be courteous. Not all thieves pretend to ask for the time or for directions. A typical distraction might be when the bad guy is asking for help, saying his car is broken down. The smart ones know how to pretend to be a good person just like you and me long enough to disguise their intentions and distract us from the danger-

ous situation we don’t even know we are facing. Disparity of force. This is a decided physical or armed advantage over another. In self-defense, a violent aggressor’s power to kill or cripple an innocent person is commonly referred to as ability. All three elements— ability, opportunity and jeopardy—must be present in order to establish that use of deadly force to defend yourself is justified by law. A young child with a stick standing fifty yards away, does not meet the “deadly force” requirement needed to defend yourself with a firearm. But, if one or more attackers who are bigger, stronger and possibly armed confront you when you are smaller, and weaker, that shows a clear disparity of force. No matter what tools of defense an individual has for protecting themselves in the event of attack, it is the

attacker who has the advantage and, therefore, the disparity of force.

This is true for at least two reasons. First, the criminal not only has the advantage of using whatever weapon he has, he also knows when and where the attack will occur. The bad guy will probably be able to get in the first blow. Second, no self-respecting thug will attack someone that can easily defend themselves. For a man to successfully overpower most women, he needs nothing more than his advantages of weight, speed, size, and strength.

If you are familiar with ambush and distraction strategies (which usually will happen before the element of disparity), you will be able to read warning signs that add up to danger. Knowing the signs, you can refuse to be the easy prey the bad guys are seeking. Just knowing how to shoot a gun will NOT make you attack proof. Get proper training in self defense techniques and how to safely and properly use your firearm. Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County Florida who is now living in Athens, Al. He is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For self defense firearms training, Paul can be reached through his website, www. Paulforeman.com, or e-mail at Captureman@ PaulForeman.com To Join the NRA and protect your 2nd Amendment Rights, go to www. PaulForeman.com and click on the NRA Eagle.

July 7 - July 20, 2017

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