July 21st - August 3rd, 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 The Limestone Health Facility Spotlight On Pauline Theresa Garlen... Pauline Garlen is one of those folks who didn’t start out in the South, but is forever glad she finally got here and lived... Page 5
Special Feature
By Ali Elizabeth Turner
It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since 15-year-old Jessica Elkins died suddenly from meningitis. Her death was a shock to her family, friends, and this community—literally one day this lovely and loving Athens Continued on page 15
Sue Edgemon: A Grand Warrior And A Great Cook... Athens has lost a woman to cancer who can be described in a number of ways, not the least of which includes... Page 7
Slinkard On Success We Must Seize The Day... I realized an important aspect of life after a recent visit with my mom -- it stops for no one... Page 9
July 21 - August 3, 2017
Forever Fighting Meningitis 5K in Memory of Jessica Elkins
The Women’s Resource Center Of Athens 30th Anniversary Dinner Featuring Pam Tebow By Ali Elizabeth Turner You read it right; famed NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow’s mom Pam is going to be here Continued on pages 17
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July 21 - August 3, 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 Paul Foreman Sandra Thompson Rosemary Dewar Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Tim Lambert Tina Cook Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Dr. Shanna Ndong
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Limestone Health Spotlight . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Tina's Tales . . . . . . . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23
July 21 - August 3, 2017
Athens Now Is Ten Years Old! It was ten years ago this month that Wayne and Deborah Huff started Athens Now: information & inspiration, and I have had the adventure of a lifetime being a part of it since 2010. It is actually Jerry Barksdale’s fault that I got started with the paper, and I will cheerfully and forever always hold that over his head. Wayne and Deborah had contacted him about doing some front cover advertorial writing, and his reply was, “I can’t, but I think I know someone who would be good at it.” That led to my having a lively breakfast meeting with Wayne at Cracker Barrel that lasted for hours, and an observer of our meeting, who is also a friend, said with a laugh, “You guys were clearly discussing something important, so I thought it best not to interrupt.” That “something important” would eventually serve to radically alter the course of my whole life and career.
ing my junior year in high school, and that was during the Ice Age.
For a year I wrote for Wayne and Deborah, enjoying their family, being treated like family, and then in 2011 they decided to sell the paper. My adventuresome husband Steve felt that it would be a good idea for us to buy it, and I did too, but boy, was I scared. Besides writing A Ballad For Baghdad, which certainly was a challenge in its own right, the sum total of my experience with anything remotely resembling producing a publication was when I was on yearbook staff dur-
guy. However, if I had been a police officer watching this transaction, I would have had cause to think that perhaps something nefarious was occurring, and probably at the very least would have flashed some lights and asked to see some ID.
The day “the deal” went down, we met at Jack’s on Highway 31 in Athens, and on the hood of the car Steve counted out the many bills it took to make Athens Now ours, which Wayne then put in his pocket. Wayne and Steve laughed over the fact that it looked like a drug deal. Steve has always been way more comfortable with carrying cash than have I, and most of the time I am glad that he is that kind of
So, the deal was done, the handshakes were made, the copies of the contracts were signed and dispensed, and I was essentially tossed in the pool of production and told to swim. I don’t think I was as scared to go to Iraq as I
was to entering the world of community newspapers! Thankfully, I had my Heavenly Father; the Huffs; Steve; and my uber-talented, kind, patience-of-Job production guy Jonathan Hamilton to give me ballast. Ever so slowly I got to the place where I didn’t feel like I was going to throw up on Publication Day, which is the first and third Wednesday of every month. They believed in me when I had little reason to believe in myself, and just thinking about it as I write this puts
a knot in my throat. I also have had an amazing crew that has worked hard to provide articles, do the editing, the website, help with delivery, and more. You know who you are, and that is why I thank you from the bottom of my heart every time we publish a new edition. Clients have become comrades-at-arms, and have cheered me on. They have also stretched and challenged me to grow on the inside in any number of ways, and I am deeply
grateful. Because of their investment in Athens Now, in an era when newspapers are dying, we are not. Our plucky little paper is defying the odds, and I remain stunned. We are now read all over the US and even the world, and no one could have anticipated that the antics of folks in Athens, AL would go global. Speaking of “throat knots,” the “repeat offenders” who create that chronic condition in my upper alimentary canal, are the many people, oftentimes complete strangers, who come up to me on the street or in the grocery store and say things like, “You’re the Athens Now lady! I read your paper from cover to cover every time it comes out!” It never fails to floor me, especially when I get mail that accuses me of denying the Holocaust or producing trash. You have no idea what your support has meant to me, to us, especially during the times I have hit the wall and wondered, “Why was it we decided to do this, again?” And so, my dear, dear readers, please know that my heart is full, my eyes are moist, and it’s all your fault. Thank you again, and here’s to another ten years!
Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com
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All Things Soldier
Operation Good Neighbor by Ali Elizabeth Turner
One of the things that stood out to me as well to Iraqis when I was in Baghdad from ’04 to ’07, was the medical and humanitarian care that was given by our troops to civilians, the injured, and even the enemy. The same is true in Israel, something that has been well documented, even by people who live in nations that want to destroy her. The care provided by the IDF is so well known throughout the Middle East that, for example, residents of devastated Syria leave at nightfall to sneak to bases in the Golan Heights to get treatment and help. They go back under cover of dark so they are not detected, which, ironically, could lead to their death. The IDF op is called Operation Good Neighbor, and the looks on the faces of the “treaters” as well as the “treated” says it all.
As one male medic replied when asked why he did it: “To help someone whose life is in danger, to do this simply without a motive or agenda, to help because you can.” A female medic said, “It’s very fulfilling to know that you can make a change.” Another female medic’s answer was, “It really is [a] feeling of purpose, both of purpose and of value of human life.” A burqa-clad Syrian woman whose identity had to be concealed said, “I arrived in Israel through the border in order to take care of my child, and no matter how much we thank Israel, we still owe her. We thank them very much because they take care of our injured and help our children.” But the one that gets me the most is a little Syrian girl who is coloring with crayons and for safety’s sake has
to keep her back to the camera. Her tender little voice says, “I love Israel a lot. I wish I could be here.” I ran into this in Iraq more than once: Arabs who loved Israel and wanted the freedom to be able to say so.
Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)
$7
August 21st
11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm
Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4
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It is also well known that Syria has been using what are known as “civil war spillover” tactics, i.e., they pretend to be fighting only their civil war while they launch attacks on Israel, and yet the citizens of Syria know that it is the Israelis who will help if they get caught in the crossfire. So, why am I bothering to write about another army’s medical and humanitarian efforts? I have two reasons. The first is that I am very tired of the continual Hamas propaganda that accuses the IDF of war crimes, though Hamas and others are the ones using women and children as human shields when Israel defends itself after being attacked. It is astonishing to me to read the comments of people, Americans in particular, who believe those accusations and never bother to check to see if they’re true. “Fake news” is real, and Israel is not immune. The second is to discuss some new battlefield medical technology that is be-
ing used by the Israelis that saves lives by stopping bleeding through the use of balloons. It is called Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta, or REBOA, and is used when a person is about to bleed out from a traumatic aortic injury. A catheter balloon is placed into the aorta and then inflated, which stops the bleeding. I have no doubt that soon, when the IDF is fully trained in this procedure, Syrians are going to be some of the ones who will benefit. Why? Here is a quote from an Israeli doctor by the name of Yitzhak who is excited about REBOA: “In Israel, we tend to be busy with trying to live fulfilling lives or dying at the hands of our enemies. IDF medics risk their lives to give correct care to everyone, including wounded Syrians across our border, humanitarian aid to people all over the world and even medical care to our enemies.” I don’t think we’ll be hearing a comparable quote from a Hamas doc any time soon.
July 21 - August 3, 2017
The Limestone Health Facility Spotlight On Pauline Theresa Garlen by Ali Elizabeth Turner Pauline Garlen is one of those folks who didn’t start out in the South, but is forever glad she finally got here and lived the majority of her life here. She was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1936, right in the middle of the Great Depression, and her father worked in the coal mines. As was often the case in those days, everyone in the family did what they could to contribute to help the family, and Pauline worked at the local “5&10.” Yes, for those of you who might wonder why in the world they were called that, it really was true that there were many, many things you could purchase for a nickel or a dime. And, Pauline would like you to know
that there was a time that she seriously considered becoming a nun! However, when Pauline was around 20, she met and married Johnny Lee Garlen, on the 28th of May, 1956. Johnny was from here, and here is where they lived. They had two children, John Edward and Kathleen Romane, and they found a way to make it work. “I was Catholic,” she told me, “and Johnny wasn’t.” Johnny’s mom taught Pauline how to pick cotton, as well as a number of other things, and they were happy. Much later in life she worked for several years for Dr. Nauman Quereshi here in Athens, and he encouraged her to go to nursing school. She
went to Calhoun, got her degree, and credits Dr. Q for encouraging her to become all she could. Pauline has several favorites, and one of them was to bake and decorate chocolate chip cakes. That began back when she lived up North, and her reputation grew as someone who could make la pièce de résistance when it came to some child’s birthday. Her favorite food to eat? Fried chicken. Her favorite color? Red Her favorite actor? Clark Gable Her favorite actress? Betty Grable. We talked about the fact that Miss Grable’s legs were insured for nearly a million dollars “back in the day,” or so the story goes. Her favorite movie? Gone With The Wind Her favorite book besides the Bible? Not surprisingly, Gone With The Wind Her favorite President? JFK. We also talked about the day he died and what an impact it had on us both. Biggest change in her lifetime? “Moms going to work. When I was young, no one worked outside the home if they were married or had kids.” As far as Limestone Health is concerned, Pauline could not stop talking about how impressed she has been as a rehab patient. “”It’s
July 21 - August 3, 2017
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a beautiful place,” she said, and she especially loves the arts and crafts projects. Ladies from Hospice come and teach crafts in their spare time, and she has completed several drawing and painting projects. She also said she’s getting real “good at cards.”
Pauline has a number of staff members of whom she is quite fond, and one of her favorites is Kanisha, who works in Activities.
We closed our time with a hug, and I asked her what she would want young people to glean from her life. She thought for awhile and said, “Follow your heart.” Lovely advice from a lovely woman.
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Calendar of Events Free Hepatitis Testing July 27th
Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month
In support of World Hepatitis Day, the ALC-Family Resource Center is partnering with THRIVE Alabama to provide free, confidential testing for residents. Testing will be available from 10am to 2pm. We are located at 406 S Jefferson Street right next door to Dub's Burgers. (HIV tests will also be available as well.)
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
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. Register at the following link: www.imathlete.com/EVENTS/WHFROC5K2017
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.
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.
Houston Memorial Library Book Sale Aug 5th
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.
Too hot outside? Come on in and browse our bargains at Houston Memorial Library and Museum’s next book sale. We are located at 101 North Houston Street in Athens. 9am-noon. 10 paperbacks or one hardback are only $1. Grab a real deal for yourself and get 12 hardbacks for $10. We will have every genre available with new books being added all morning long. Escape the rest of the summer heat with a good adventure. Our sales are busy, busy, busy with many repeat customers. Come find out what they already know – great books at great prices. Please remember that 100% of the money collected will go directly to repairing and renovating the Houston Memorial Library and Museum. Call Deb on her cell with questions at 610.304.9390.
6th Annual National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp July 26th - 30th
Professional Ethics workshop Sept 22nd
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 Page 6
ALC-Family Resource Center will be hosting a Professional Ethics workshop (4 CEU) with Dr. Mike McLemore on September 22nd. The cost to attend is $20 pre-registration; $25 at door. Seminar location: Revival Bldg (303 W Washington St, Athens, AL). 7:30am to 12:30pm. Refreshments and door prize drawings. Contact Tina Cook at 256-230-0880 or email: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com for more details.
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
Special Feature
Sue Edgemon: A Grand Warrior And A Great Cook by Ali Elizabeth Turner
Athens has lost a woman to cancer who can be described in a number of ways, not the least of which includes “a grand warrior and a great cook.” Her name was Sue Edgemon, and I first met her at a Juice Plus+ team meeting held at her home back in 2003, and I loved her from the get go. She battled cancer literally for decades, and her “independence” from it was recently declared just after the 4th of July. Sue was truly the sweetest of “cancer combatants,” and the whole way she lived her life, from what she ate to how she lived to what she said touched
her family and all of us deeply. She fought hard and beautifully, and I have no doubt that the lifestyle choices she made extended her life for years. We will miss her greatly until we “get to where she’s gotten to.” In her honor we are publishing what we call in our house “Sue’s Guac,” but perhaps it would be better described as “Sue’s Superb Guacamole.” It is the best I have ever had, and I lived in Mexico for almost two years! Enjoy with abandon, because it is tasty and terrifically healthy, and a tribute to a wonderful woman who finished well.
Sue’s Superb Guacamole
Ingredients: 4 or 5 avocadoes Juice of 1 lime Red onion, finely chopped 1 or 2 jalapeños (depends on size and level of hot desired), finely chopped 2 T fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Roma tomato, finely chopped
Spices: 1 1 1 1
t. t. t. t.
cumin white pepper garlic powder sea salt
Cut the avocadoes and use a spoon to scoop flesh out of skins. In a bowl, mash the avocadoes into the lime juice. Stir in 2 tablespoons or more of red onion. Add the jalapeños. Mix in the cilantro. Add the tomatoes last, mix, and season to taste with the spices. Very easy to make! Hope you enjoy. July 21 - August 3, 2017
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
“Hide Your Goat,” Part 2 by Ali Elizabeth Turner “We DO have to say this,” Mayor Ronnie chuckled as he pointed to a particular chapter heading. If you are “just joining us,” every other Monday when the mayor and I get together, we work our way through another bit of Steve Gilliand’s humorous and hard-hitting book entitled, Hide Your Goat: Strategies To Stay Positive When Negativity Surrounds You. The name of the chapter to which he pointed was “Discover Your Goat— The Courage To Recognize Who You Are.” I answered him by saying, “Ouch!” And then, “OK, let’s do this.” My response was one of those that you make by faith when you don’t really want to. I mean, I think it’s safe to say that MY goat tries to “bleat” me to death and chew on me every day, doesn’t yours? Gilliand’s point in this chapter is that before you can successfully hide your goat so no one can find it and get it, you have to dis-
cover that you have one in the first place. Fearlessly “taking an inventory,” as it’s called in most 12-Step programs, is never easy. This chapter has quotes in it from everyone from philosopher James Allen to famed entrepreneurial mentor Zig Ziglar. It could be the subject of many more Ronnies, but for this installment, we will highlight a few observations that really stood out to us both. Gilliand starts out by asking some questions, some positive, some negative, to help with the search-and-discovery of one’s goat. Are you a worrier, a giver, a faultfinder, or are you humble? Are you a gossiper, a jealous person, or an attention seeker? Are you controlling, do you get too angry, and what do you do when no one is looking? Mayor Ronnie had done a lot of underlining and highlighting in the section that asked the question, Are You A Giver? Being a true giver brings the great-
est joy, but is exceedingly rare. As Zig Ziglar said, “If you help enough people get what they want, you will always eventually get what you want.” That is one tough walkout, whether you are a mayor, a mail carrier or a mom. While the commitment to embrace this kind of per-
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sonal growth should never expire this side of heaven, all of it occurs in steps. Gilliand gives a reason to keep after it when he says, “Until you have the courage to recognize who you are and the willingness to develop areas of your life that need to be changed, someone or something will always get your goat.”
Mayor Ronnie knows that something that got our collective Athenian goat, and rightfully so, was when Pilgrim’s Pride bailed and left behind what has become an inarguable eyesore. He has been dealing with the Pilgrims as well as their pride, the many other people who have everything from ideas to demands as to what should happen there, potential developers, and the folks who want no money spent to remedy the situation, period. He has been working on the Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken, er, Goat situation for years, and I have no doubt that he won’t rest until there is an excellent solution for our city. And then there’s the upcoming budget season; dealing with that topic tends to make my goat have triplets, but the mayor actually looks forward to boxing with the budget. More on that soon! Clearly we had lots of goats that needed herding, and much to pray about, so we did, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.
July 21 - August 3, 2017
Slinkard On Success
We Must Seize The Day by D. A. Slinkard
D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store I realized an important aspect of life after a recent visit with my mom -- it stops for no one. My mom suffers from dementia and it is devastating for the individual and the surrounding family members who feel the strain of seeing the person and the impact the disease has on their loved one. I was rushed with so many memories from years past that I knew I couldn’t speak with her about them because she simply didn’t have the ability to remember to way back when.
only thing to hold on to is the memories that others have for us. Though I write this article today, there is a chance that she has no recollection of my visit or me telling her that I love her. Instantly the Latin words “carpe diem” or “seize the day” are prevalent to me as I
of lies? Tony Robbins once said, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Yet we, as humans, are creatures of habit who continue to do what we have always done before. This is where we must decide to go a different route, change the course
How do we make this impact? We must cutout the distractions that currently plague us. I want you to think about the distractions you have on a daily basis. How many times have you thought to yourself, “I’m going to just check Facebook” and the next thing you realize hours have passed by.
Though I hold tight to the many memories of my youth, with the involvement of my mom and the role she played in my early years, I know that they are just that, memories. I understand now that I cannot get back today what I took for granted yesterday. How many more of us are facing this cold, hard reality today? We never know what the future holds for us and we know not what success and failures lie ahead in our lives as time unfolds before us. Seeing my mom living in a shell of who she was really tugged on an emotional string for me and made me realize that I want to live my life to the fullest because there may come a day when the
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understand the approach that is necessary for all of us to achieve success in our lives. How many times do we say, “I’ll do that tomorrow,” and it turns out that was the biggest lie we told ourselves today? Why continue the strings
our lives are headed and set out in a new direction. We must seize the day and take a full blitz approach to the way we live life. There may be a time in which we cannot recall how things used to be but we can impact how things are for us today.
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Maybe you think I’m going to just check the news or see what email just came through and now your entire day has been thrown off course because you allowed yourself to get distracted. Seize the day. What steps can you take to make the most of your life? Another big
lie that I hear is, “I just don’t have time.” We all have 168 hours in a week, and some do what others cannot do. Why? If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way to accomplish it. If it’s not, you’ll make an excuse. The difficulty comes into not making an excuse. It goes back to the biggest lie of doing it tomorrow. Spoiler alert - Tomorrow never comes! How we overcome this pitfall that many people face is to set out each day with a purpose. We must live each day with the purpose to seize the day. We must know what it is we want to accomplish, and we must take action. We all know what we need to do but few of us actually take the necessary action to accomplish our dreams and our goals. This proves that knowing is not enough. Life is about action. Anyone who has ever done anything great before will tell you it required them to set their lives in motion. All it takes is knowing what needs to be done and then setting out on taking the necessary steps to put the knowing in to motion. Making a point to seize the day will keep your life headed in the right direction. Go ahead and do today instead of putting off tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late.
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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum
Meet Rhonda McMullins, A Military Spouse That Keeps on Giving! by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum It has been said that one of the hardest jobs in the military is that of the military spouse! These are the individuals that are often left behind to keep the home fires burning while their spouses are serving their country, either on a daily basis or in times of war and deployment. In many cases the spouse is the only thing that keeps them going even in the most unbearable conditions. Most spouses do this while also coping with the pressures and stressors of their own job and while often raising a family. Today I would like to say “Thank You” to our many outstanding military spouses and introduce you to one right here at home. It is with pleasure that we welcome Rhonda McMullins to our Veterans Museum family. Rhonda was born in Athens and was raised in Capshaw, AL.
she was promoted through the training and job classification sections of Human Resources. She worked with civilian and military supervisors to make sure that training and job requirements were met for mission accomplishment at Elmendorf AFB. One year she was responsible for job audits and classification for Eielson AFB in Fairbanks. During this time Rhonda travelled monthly via military plane to achieve on-site job audits and establish a
good understanding of their mission and their issues of isolation. One of her most memorable moments of that assignment was during a winter visit when she stepped out of the plane and was met with -48⁰ Fahrenheit! “I thought my lungs were going to freeze during the short walk to the terminal! I was used to extreme weather in Anchorage but nothing could have prepared me for that. Then to finish me off, when I arrived at my billeting that evening
Rhonda and her husband Danny have always been very patriotic. She says she had a wonderful example of volunteering and serving my fellow man from her mother. “It was woven into my life at an early age; so it was a natural progression
to start our married life together serving our country.” After the couple retired from the Air Force in 1994, they were called into a totally different type of service…the ministry. “We continued in the service of ministry for 20 years here in the North Alabama area. We also had the opportunity to go to foreign countries as temporary missionaries. If you have not had this blessing/selfcheck experience, I would highly recommend it. This is indeed the most wonderfully blessed nation in the world, and we have God and our military members to thank for this liberated, blessed and rich life that we have.” Rhonda joined the volunteer staff at the museum in the spring of 2016. One of the reasons Rhonda chose to volunteer at the Veterans Museum was because of her cousin Command Sgt Major (CSM) Billy Duncan and his devotion to the military. “He was instrumental in the operations of the museum, and I had always looked up to him and admired his commitment to serving our country. I wanted to carry on our family legacy in whatever small way that I could.”
After joining the Air Force (AF) in 1974, her husband Danny spent 20 years serving in Inventory Management and the Computer Programming field. Sometimes Rhonda and her children were lucky enough to accompany him on various training and assignments, but most of the time they stayed at home and anxiously awaited his return. They had a wide variety of assignments including Columbus AFB, MS; Mildenhall AFB, RAF UK; Charleston AFB, S.C.; and Elmendorf AFB, AK.
Rhonda and her husband Danny have just celebrated 45 years of marriage. They have two beautiful children, Chris and Jaime, and they have been blessed with 12 grandchildren! “Did I mention that they are all very smart, loving and beautiful! I have to say it’s a wonderful and full life!”
While keeping the home fires burning, Rhonda also worked for the Air Force. She started out in the staffing department, and during the course of 14 years
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the heat was on the blink; it was 50⁰ in my room. When I called down to complain they asked me if I needed an extra blanket! Oh well, you know the saying that whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger!”
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
PlayAction Sports
No Such Thing as “Summer Break” for Local Athletes by Tim Lambert
email: playactionsports@hotmail.com Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! Some of you reading this may remember when summer vacation was about a three-month-long affair. Not these days— especially if you’re an athlete. For some families, their “vacations” consist of following their kids’ teams as they compete almost until the time school starts back up. To each his own, I guess. At least a couple of local teams are making the most of it. The 11-yearold Limestone Legends finished 2nd at the Dizzy Dean state baseball tournament back in June, winning their Red division with wins over Arab and Pell City before falling to Blue division winner Corner in the title game. The 13-year-old team from Limestone County swept through their bracket, defeating Huffman, Gardendale and Spain Park to take the crown. Both teams went on to play in the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Mississippi. The Athens Gators have posted several wins at various meets since their swimming season started in early June. Boys and girls teams both won at Marshall County, TN by a combined score of 374231. They followed that up with a home matchup with Florence where the girls came out with a 187 win while the boys were defeated 208-164. The Gators claimed a combined 43 gold medals against Lawrenceburg. A home meet against Fayetteville ended in a split
July 21 - August 3, 2017
with the Athens girls winning 147-137 and the Gator boys coming up short 148-120. The teams swept Sheffield by a combined score of 389-265 before dropping a meet against Shelbyville 328-288. The Gators came back to win the ARPA district 1 championship with a combined score of 2899 to Florence's 1793 and Sheffield's 1732. A meet at Sewanee resulted in a
eastern Underclassmen Shootout at Troy which featured six teams from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The rising senior pitched for Alabama Team 1, going three innings in an 8-5 win over Team Tennessee. The games were sponsored by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association. Anderson was picked in the 40th round of the Major
been playing for Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference for the past three years where he led the team with a .329 batting average, 74 hits, 7 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .551 slugging percentage. He also holds the school record with 25 doubles. Two Athens High grads signed scholarships in recent weeks. Tionna Moore will continue her basket-
day. The Lady Golden Eagles' Alexis Woods and Lauderdale County's Allie Craig Cruce competed in girls' basketball on Wednesday. West Limestone's Baily Browning was on the softball field on Tuesday. Tanner's Dexter Fuqua was in Thursday's football game. ABS and Lindsay Lane were two of 108 schools who finished this past school year with no fines or ejections. The schools were honored at the AHSAA Sportsmanship Luncheon as part of All-Star Week. Upcoming events and registrations:
Registration for Athens Boys and Girls Football Association is $75 in July. Call 777-0326. fifth-place finish for the team. Michaela Williams of Athens finished third at the recent Alabama Women's State Amateur Golf Championship in Montgomery. Michaela, a 2016 graduate of Athens High School is now a member of the team at the University of Tennessee. Younger sister Ally also posted a previous win in the 16-18 division of the AGA Junior Golf Championship with a three-day total of 219.
League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers. He had previously signed to play with Mississippi State and will stick with the Bulldogs for the time being. He is the first James Clemens Jet to be selected in the draft. Athens native Gregory Lambert was drafted by the San Diego Padres. The left-fielder, who graduated from Madison Academy, has
ball career at Gadsden State while Luke Simpson will play baseball at Alabama A & M. Local athletes took part in various games during this past All-Star Sports Week in Montgomery. James Clemens' Kaley Arnett along with Athens High's Mary Arlin Bunnell and Sean O'Connor played in soccer games on Tues-
Youth fall baseball registration ends July 30 for ages 5-12. Youth fall softball registration ends July 31 for ages 5-12. Fee is $50. Call 233-8740.
The Rogersville Chamber of Commerce and Town of Rogersville will cohost A Night with Coach Gene Stallings at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum August 3 at 6:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, call Kate Brown at 247-9449.
Athens High's Jacob McNairy and James Clemens' Jordan Anderson and Garrett Brown were named as part of the AllHuntsville Region baseball team. McNairy also participated in the South-
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Clean and Green
Accidental Litterbugs? by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Imagine it is a beautiful morning and you are off to run errands. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and along the roadside you spot…trash! Why would someone just throw trash out like that with no concern for the environment or the ugliness it creates?
Tobacco products account for nearly 38% of all U.S. roadway litter. It is a fact that many people who would never think of littering anything else, may not think
discard it before entering. This would include stores, theatres, restaurants, schools, etc. We need to take the extra minute to look for receptacles and use them.
•Discard tobacco products properly. •Never leave trash behind. Leave the area better than you found it. People are the only liv-
Let’s back up a minute before we judge someone for their litterbug behaviors. There is more than one way for trash to become litter. According to a study by Keep America Beautiful, motorists and pedestrians contribute a combined 70% of littered items; however, not all of this trash has been carelessly tossed from car windows. Vehicles with loads that are not properly secured, including trash collection vehicles, or loose trash in truck beds account for a large portion of roadside trash. Often, drivers are completely unaware that they have just broken the law. Also contributing to roadside litter are trash containers not properly secured with a tight fitting lid. Placing loose trash in a container without first bagging it can easily cause a littering situation when the trash can is dumped. In these cases, most guilty parties are completely unaware that their actions have created a litter situation.
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twice about flicking cigarette butts out vehicle windows, tossing them in ditches, or stomping them on the ground. In fact, trillions of cigarette butts are littered every single year! The chemicals and poisons that leach from cigarette litter have a huge impact on the environment. Pedestrians litter most often at transition points – areas where individuals consuming a food or tobacco product must
Tips To Avoid Being An Accidental Litterbug •Securely cover all trash receptacles and don’t set out loose bags. •Bag all trash before placing in trash can. This not only helps when cans are dumped, but keeps the trash more secure in the trash trucks. •Cover your loads securely and keep loose trash out of truck beds.
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ing creatures that use packaging, eat at fast food restaurants, use vehicles for transportation, or purchase tobacco products. Therefore, people are solely responsible for every bit of lit-
ter created. We realize that sometimes littering is accidental, but that doesn’t mean it is ok. All we ask is that together we take greater care. KALB staff and board members invite you, your neighbors, club members, and others to take a stand against the litter problem in Limestone County. SPEAK OUT! Voice your opinions about litter – how it reflects a lack of community pride. STAND UP! Support this non-profit organization or others who are working to make our community better with your taxdeductible donation. STEP OUT! Adopt a roadside to keep clean, or organize a neighborhood pride day. KALB will help! You can count on us for trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers. If you need guidance on beautification projects, we have connections! We will provides tips on how to be successful. Just ask! Together….the only way to get it done.
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
July 21 - August 3, 2017
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Page 13
The Millennial Mind
Liberty Or Servitude: Choose Wisely by Rosemary Dewar There are many issues of importance concerning the woes of local communities. Instead of looking inward for a solution, the choice to petition the federal government is often pursued. Reaching out for a federal government subsidy should only be considered an absolute, last resort. Unfortunately, it seems to be a default setting for those who manage city and state regulations in order to pacify their constituents. Resolutions are rarely reached when community limitations continue to mount. Should travailing communities want lasting relief, it is best that they find strength to be with a neighbor, while maintaining moral principles as well as responsiveness toward another. The federal government was never intended to intertwine itself with the states’ common functions. States were to govern themselves to the point of nearly absolute independence. Any cooperation with the federal government was largely limited to self-defense. When the Founding Fathers used the word “welfare,” they did not mean a subsidy funded by national government. Today many citizens and state representatives have severely corrupted the original meaning of the word “welfare” to the point that they have contrib-
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uted to the unstable conditions found in their communities. Domestic overcrowding combined with high government funding consistently results in the increase of single-parent families, low labor participation, substandard education, inferior urban infrastructure, increased mortality rates, and exponential
growth of crime. Current state representatives have proven that they do not trust their constituents to govern their own communities, so much so that they have chosen to make sure they will not be able to. Founding Father James Madison advised the division between the sovereignty for states, the federal government, and its citizens. He was well aware that “the cabals of the few” were as much a threat as an over-eager
governing body. In the anticipation that citizens would be so enamored with liberty, Madison hoped that “the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess the most attractive merit than the most diffusive and established character.” No matter which side of the aisle
one currently analyzes, this concept is foreign, except to an honorable few. It was Thomas Jefferson who stated, “I prefer dangerous freedom over quiet servitude.” The Judeo-Christian perspective asserts that freedom and deliverance from injustice are given in such a way that it is truly impossible for mankind to strip it away from each other permanently. A legislative title
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will not, and cannot alter that. The only way to preserve it is to do one’s part. Take responsibility, and be accountable. No one is going to give any mind to what someone else cares for until it is proven valuable. Once an individual creates a solution that makes other people’s lives more bearable, it benefits the indi-
vidual and the surrounding community. This contributes to the overall welfare of society. Was the government needed? No. Should the government get involved? Not if it can be avoided. Individual liberty is selfdetermined. Should one be persuasive enough to convince others to benefit from another’s loss of liberty, they are no better than those who believed that bondage is acceptable. Whether the sub-
ject is healthcare, education, infrastructure, and/or communal aid, any measure of liberty lost is bartering for a partnership with chaos. Should a community be determined to achieve self-sustained advancement, it is imperative that it looks inward. Want to witness charity, morality, justice, and revitalization? Get a mirror. The only non-metaphysical obstacle standing in the way suffering societies is its citizens. Most neighbors are not foes. Most carry the same hopes and fears as the next neighbor. One is usually aware of one’s own needs, which are also frequently shared by one’s neighbors. It is an individual’s responsibility to care for their neighbor as well as their brother. Many, if not all, social ills can be addressed and resolved by a small contingent of people who care about the same issue. And, it can be accomplished without any assistance from a mayor, a state representative, or a president. To bog down the governmental system with every little complaint without considering what the individual can accomplish, robs each person of a measure of liberty. This consistent carelessness will lead to the disintegration of care and justice.
July 21 - August 3, 2017
Cover Story
Forever Fighting Meningitis 5K in Memory of Jessica Elkins by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
High School cheerleader “who was friends with everybody” was fine, and within a few days she was gone. I spoke with Jessica’s mom, Michelle, and her older sister, Emilee Elkins Daws, at length about their ordeal, as well as what they have done since then to heal, to reach out to other bereaved families, and to raise awareness about meningitis. “This community has helped us so much, and supported us through this,” Michelle said through tears. She continued, “There have been many events—Chick-filA sponsored runs, there have been beauty pageants, tea parties, luncheons, you name it, the support we have received has been unbelievable.” Michelle was candid about her grief, and said that for the first few years their family was simply in shock. Nothing can prepare anyone for the loss of a child, and anyone who has experienced it knows it’s not something you ever get over, you just do your best with God’s help to get through it. Michelle also spoke of the signs that she and others have received that Jessica is in heaven, as well as the fact that Jessica confided with youth group friends not long before she passed that she “could not wait to get to heaven.” Michelle said, “God prepared her, and God took her.” Perhaps the best way to express it is through the Celine Dion song, “Fly,” which is on the Meningi-
July 21 - August 3, 2017
tis Angels Jessica Elkins website: Fly, fly little wing Fly beyond imagining The softest cloud, the whitest dove Upon the wind of heaven's love Past the planets and the stars Leave this lonely world of ours Escape the sorrow and the pain And fly again Fly, fly precious one Your endless journey has begun Take your gentle happiness Far too beautiful for this Cross over to the other shore There is peace forevermore But hold this mem'ry bittersweet Until we meet Fly, fly do not fear Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear Your heart is pure, your soul is free Be on your way, don't wait for me Above the universe you'll climb On beyond the hands of time The moon will rise, the sun will set But I won't forget Fly, fly little wing Fly where only angels sing Fly away, the time is right Go now, find the light
class reunion for the kids she went to school with,” Michelle told me. She has already heard from several of Jessica’s classmates, and they are getting the word out. The proceeds from the 5K will go to Athens High School, Part of Michelle’s beginning to “get through it” was to go to work at AthensLimestone Hospital just a few months after Jessica’s death. It was there that the support of the whole hospital staff strengthened Michelle when her loss was fresh, and they have continued to provide support in the fight against meningitis. The Elkins’ church family at First Baptist has been right there, too, as well as Jessica’s former classmates, many of whom are still in touch with the Elkins family. The family has been very active in raising awareness about this mysterious disease that can be viral, bacterial or fungal, and takes about 80 lives per year in the United States. As a result of their work, the State of Alabama passed a law called the Jessica Elkins Act requiring schools to provide specific information about meningitis in the infectious disease packet given to students beginning in the sixth grade. For several years there has been a scholarship in Jessica’s memory for students from Athens High
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The Elkins kids: from left, Jessica, Michael and Emilee Daws School. They have given away thousands of dollars, and this year’s award was in the amount of $2000. There is also an organization known as the Limestone Area Community Foundation which has been of great help, and Michelle wanted to be sure to thank Martha Jo Leonard for all that she has done to help with the scholarship fund. This year Jessica would have turned 25, and the 5K is going to be on her actual birthday, September 23, 2017. “We are going to have a balloon release, and are hoping to have the race serve as a kind of
Athens State University, and Limestone County School scholarships, as well as continue to raise awareness and fight meningitis. The 5K will start at 8 a.m. on the Athens Courthouse Square, and the race route is laid out on the ArcGIS Jessica Elkins Forever Fighting Meningitis 5K website. For more information, go to www. tinyurl.com/jessicael kins5k. The Elkins family sincerely hopes you will come and join them, both in the fight as well as the celebration.
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Health and Fitness
Smoking and Your Health by Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. I find it hard to believe I have never written about smoking! I was just driving home from one of my classes listening to talk radio and the topic was smoking. I was surprised to hear smoking (nicotine) is the most addictive drug – more than heroin, and 25% of all people who try smoking become smokers. Unbelievable! Do not even try it. It stinks. It causes bad breath. Longterm smokers get smoker’s cough and smoker’s voice and smokers’ face (wrinkles). Still want to smoke? Below are some more serious statistics from the CDC. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths. Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following combined: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Illegal drug use Motor vehicle injuries inci-
More than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the United States. Smoking causes about 90% of all lung cancer deaths; and more women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.
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Smoking can increase your risk for cataracts. It can also cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is damage to a small spot near the center of the retina, the part of the eye needed for central vision.
Smoking causes about 80% of all deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased over the last 50 years in the U.S. Scared of developing cancer? Listen to these statistics from the CDC. Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body: Bladder Blood (acute leukemia)
myeloid
Cervix
Alcohol use Firearm-related dents
of your teeth and gums and can cause tooth loss.
Colon and (colorectal)
rectum
Esophagus Kidney and ureter Larynx Liver Oropharynx (includes parts of the throat, tongue, soft palate, and the tonsils) Pancreas Stomach Trachea, bronchus, and lung
Smoking also increases the risk of dying from cancer and other diseases in cancer patients and survivors. If nobody smoked, one of every three cancer deaths in the United States would not happen. We all know the relationship between smoking and heart disease, strokes, and respiratory diseases and we still smoke. But the CDC still has more statistics.
clefts in infants Smoking can also affect men’s sperm, which can reduce fertility and also increase risks for birth defects and miscarriage. Smoking can affect bone health. Women past childbearing age who smoke have weaker bones than those who never smoked. They are also at greater risk for broken bones. Smoking affects the health
Smoking is a cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus and can make it harder to control. The risk of developing diabetes is 30–40% higher for active smokers than nonsmokers. Smoking causes general adverse effects on the body, including inflammation and decreased immune function. Smoking is a cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
My advice is to not start smoking. Quit if you are smoking. Vote to increase taxes on all tobacco products. For help quitting, talk to your health care provider.
Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and affects a person’s overall health. Smoking can make it harder for a women to become pregnant. It can also affect her baby’s health before and after birth. Smoking increases risks for: Preterm (early) delivery Stillbirth (death of the baby before birth) Low birth weight Sudden infant death syndrome (known as SIDS or crib death) Ectopic pregnancy (often referred to as tubal pregnancies) Orofacial
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
Cover Story
The Women’s Resource Center Of Athens 30th Anniversary Dinner Featuring Pam Tebow by Ali Elizabeth Turner
d continued from page 1
in Athens on Saturday, August 12. Why? She is here to help the WRC celebrate its 30 years of saving lives by helping women to choose life, and to make sure the WRC can e continue to do so for the r next 30 years.
n .
e
,
The entire Tebow family is known for their faith, closeness, and transparency, and in particular Tim (who is known as “Timmy” in his family) and Pam who have been on the national stage for several years for a variety of reasons. Tim was the first homeschooled student to win the Heisman and did so when he was a sophomore and Florida Gator. He was the first round draft pick for the Broncos, had a stellar football career in college as well as pro, is now playing minor league baseball, and has taken serious heat for his purity. Tim has been a sportscaster, and in particular has a heart for disabled and terminally ill children. He is recognized for his charitable work and being what I call “the real deal,” the kind of guy who knows he’s imperfect, forgiven, blessed, and just a regular Joe. Pam and Tim inadvertently created feminist furor when he appeared to tackle her in a lighthearted “choose life” advertisement sponsored by Focus On The Family during the 2010 Super Bowl. Although Tim lost all of his sponsors, pollster George Barna has determined that over 5 mil-
July 21 - August 3, 2017
lion viewers changed their views on abortion as a result of the ad. However, did you know that if it had not been for his mom’s faith and passion to choose life over self, there would have been no Timmy? The family was in the mission field in the Philippines, and Pam became gravely ill while pregnant. The doctors told her that she needed to have an abortion in order to live, and she refused. Pam was told that Tim was like a
“tumor,” and while it’s hard to imagine anything much more insulting or less supportive to say to a patient, the family to this day turned it around and teasingly calls him “Timmy the Tumor.” For her part, what Pam says is, “Well, we chose to trust God. At the time, it didn't seem like a courageous choice. It was the only thing that we knew to do, and we wanted to trust God with that little boy we had prayed for." The result was a young man who will no doubt be a household name for decades to come long after he is not able
to make a living through sports, either on or off the field. The Tebows have had a specific effect on more than one Athenian. I know of one business which has been an Athens Now client for many years whose owner received the same abortion recommendation as did Pam for the same medical condition. Thankfully, that couple chose life and have been blessed with a precious baby girl. Joe Carlucci, owner of Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria and member of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church was fascinated with Tim Tebow for years and watched Tim’s life closely. He even went so far as to make a pizza with a picture of Tim on it, which became a local phenomenon on social media. Joe will be the first to tell you that at the time he made his Tebow pizza, he was not a born-again believer; it was Tim Tebow’s life, example and testimony that were powerfully used in Joe’s life to cause him to give his life to the Lord. “That guy gets hit every day, whether it’s by the media or other players, and he keeps going, and keeps giving,” Joe said. If Joe ever gets a chance to meet Tim face to face, he is planning on telling him, “God used you to get me saved.” The Women’s Resource Center hopes you will come for an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and delicious food, and that you will help them continue to protect the lives of women and their pre-born babies for many years to come.
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Tina's Tales
Is Addiction More Than A Plague Of Shame, Sin And A Weak Will? by Tina Cook Director, Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center There’s a quote I heard that resounded in me: “Religion is for those who don't want to go to hell; spirituality is for those who have already been there.” I dug a bit deeper and learned the following: In the dictionary, religion is described as an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to the supernatural, and to spirituality. Spirituality is defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary and worthy of admiration. According to the dictionary definition of religion, addiction is to be
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looked upon as shameful, sinful, and encompassing those who lack selfcontrol. In my opinion, this helps more sanctimonious people feel better about themselves by placing sin safely within categories, levels, degrees of, and ranks. One could easily feel superior as simply a prescription taker and a secret adulterer when compared to a strung-out addict and a known prostitute. Someone could hide behind words of condemnation blasted loud and long about how those sinful folks are going to hell for their apparent sin. They could spout scripture and verses to support all their rantings, even spread
gossip galore to keep focus on the shameful life of those people and off the sin of self. And, why not, since most people do a form of it every single day? One would just be part of the organized collection in the cultural system by doing so. But, that is not the road Jesus calls His followers to walk, because it is not the road He walked. He calls us to walk along the road of spirituality, not religion. He did not condemn those whose sins were obvious to all or whose lives were filled with outward shame. He offered them grace, mercy, and a way out! The Bible tells us
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over and over that we are to be like Jesus, and Jesus Himself was set apart from the worldly views of religious folks. The story of the tax man and the Pharisee found in Luke 18:9-14 assures us that the humble will be made right with God, not the proud. James 2:1013 states that if anyone is guilty of even one sin, he is guilty period. That is why we are instructed to be merciful, because we will ALL be judged by the measure of mercy we have shown to others. As a practicing addict, I did shameful and sinful things that make me cringe at times when I think of them. I have suc-
cumbed to desires seemingly greater than my ability to withstand. The same is true for me as a young girl before drugs ever entered my body, as well as since 2011 as I have been a recovering addict living for Christ. And, so I shall always fall short. Therefore, I will continue to walk the path of humble spirituality as Jesus commanded, not the road of religion as others may choose. I am thankful that I walked the hellish road of addiction so that I can view the world as shameful and sinful instead of judging people that way; that I know true strength is not found in holding on but rather in letting go. We are all in need of a graceful, merciful Savior because by default we all sin. In 2 Corinthians12:10, it states plainly: “That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Though this passage focuses on the sufferings endured as a result of living for Christ, it makes clear that weaknesses develop humility, which is key to embracing the true strength needed to face the troubles of this world. Perhaps this paramount truth is best phrased by John the Baptist: “He must become greater... I must become less.” (John 3:30)
July 21 - August 3, 2017
The View From The Bridge
Ingredients to Marriage Success… by Jackie Warner Jackie Warner
Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
me these last 20 years. I have given him the best of me and the worst of me. Remember, the “For better or worse” part you vowed to do. The “worse” will come and sometimes stay for a while, so we have to “plan” to love through it all and decide that leaving is not an option.
So, I first have to say that I am not a marriage counselor per say, but I am married. This month my husband and I celebrate 20 years of marriage. Wow! A lot of hard work. Yes, I am still working overtime to get it right! I think back to the day that we shared our vows and said “I do”! I really did not fully understand the journey I was about to embark upon. Quickly, I realized what a work of patience this really meant. We fast forward 20 years and yes, I think I can share a thing or two in regards to real ingredients for a healthy marriage. I have 20 years in and still don’t have all the answers, but I do know that if you want it to last, you both have to work at it. It really takes 3 things: Faith in the Lord, you and your spouse. When you and your spouse exercise faith to overcome the woes and more woes that enter into your life, you begin to build strength that binds you and keeps all that junk from taking you away from each other. Marriage is tough; it is hard and rough -- so it’s no wonder many just throw in the towel.
As I close, I say it again, I am no marriage counselor, but I do attest that it is hard work to have a successful marriage. You both have to want it and then decide to work for it. 1. Trust: Be totally accountable to each other. Trust is earned planning and preparation for the marriage and not the plan to stay married. After all the wedding cake is gone and the presents are opened, it time to live and thrive together. Well…did you take time to really get to know what that meant to one another? I still find myself asking my husband, “So what does our future look like?” I feel it is important for us to look at where we are to know where we are go-
ing. It is critical to identify possible road blocks, to discuss with each other if there is indecisiveness on either part... You have to talk to one another and not at one another. It is extremely hard because you see this person day in and day out. You see the good, the bad, and the “I-did-notknow-it-was-in-you crazy stuff.” Yes, you know what I mean.
2. Talk to each other: Healthy communication is key - verbal and nonverbal 3. Take care of yourself
(the physical and mental): Do what you can to look and feel good for yourself and your spouse.
4. Forgiveness: Yes, it will happen; talk about it; be open and real
5. Laugh: Have fun and be intentional about sharing and smiling
6. Support & Encouragement: Support each other in success and failure; know and be there for each other Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/
I personally thank my husband for putting up with
I remember choosing my wedding colors, burgundy and cream; picking my wedding invitations; and planning the reception menu. When you are a “young couple to be,” it is easy to get caught up in the
July 21 - August 3, 2017
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Horse Whispering
B. U. I. L. D.
Building Unity In Linguistic Diversity by Deb Kitchenmaster Have you heard of “BOB” who was inducted into the Iowa baseball hall of fame as a “player of baseball” on the thirteenth of May 2017? That would be my brother, Bob Williams, from Newton, Iowa. Have you heard of Bob the Builder – the animated show where Bob is a building contractor? Bob the Builder specializes in masonry, along with his colleague, Wendy, and various “NEIGH”bors, and friends. Yes! I’m a sister AND I do hang out with our future generation from time to time. Baseball requires practice, more practice, keep practicing; show up, be on time, focus, rhythm, and teamwork. Building requires counting the cost, blueprint, materials, a plan, strat-
egy, timing, vision, intention and connections. The foundation you lay is extremely important because this is the space on which you build and play!
“B”
– Build. Please join me in the horse corral. Let’s start with “warm up.” This would be the space and time that you are engaging in groundwork activities with your horse. Warm up is a strong foundational block for setting your horse up for success. Warm ups could include playing games with your horse or starting with a simple pattern of a figure “8.” Your intention is to BUILD confidence in your horse so that it becomes a part of your horse’s character. For example, when a horse puts their ears back they are unsure. It’s in those times you don’t want to push
him. Just back off a little bit and come back to it. You are more aware of the horse than the exercise. You want to be clear with your horse but HOW you ASK him is really important when your intention is to BUILD. Be very clear what warm up is and what advancement is. If I’m going to advance a horse’s riding, my warm up is just about warm up. I’m simply warming my horse up for when I saddle up and ride. If I’m wanting to do something more progressive on the ground, then my ride will be quite casual. Bottom line, if it’s intense on the ground, it’s going to be casual and relaxing on the horse’s back. If it’s casual and relaxing on the ground, then it’s going to be more intense on the horse’s back. You know your warm up is successful when you can
say YES to these 3 questions. Is my horse calm? Is my horse connected? Is my horse responsive? Once I get all three, I’m done and it’s time to ride.
“U” – Unity; in order for us to have TRUE UNITY it is important we learn how to satisfy our horse’s needs. The TWO most sensitive places on a horse are their mouth and where the apples come out (their blind spot). Have you heard or even said, ‘This horse has a hard mouth.”? No such thing. There are horses with dull minds because the rider is continually in their mouth. The horse NEEDS to experience that when you pick up the reins, your hands will be light, polite and respectful. There are exercises you the rider can do to disconnect your hands from your body when you
ride (Positional awareness of your elbows). There’s nothing you can’t do when you and your horse are one. It’s like ballroom dancing. You and your horse are a unit. The only letter missing from unit to make unity is the ‘y.’
“I”
– In, it’s an inside thing. You can sit at a piano but the music comes from INSIDE. You can sit on the back of a horse but the riding comes from INSIDE. The eye of your understanding is INSIDE.
“L”
– Linguistics is the origin of language. The difference between “soda,” “pop,” and “cola” is language. When I say “WHOA” to a horse it means ALL four feet stop and stand still even if it’s just for a moment. It does NOT mean slow down; it means STOP. EVERYTME. Consistency of language between you (leader) and your horse (follower) is possibly the most efficient building tool.
“D”
– Diversity is variety, range and mixture. Each breed of horse has its strengths and weaknesses. Some horses are introverts, extroverts, right brain, left brain. KNOW your horse and BUILD. Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections www.corralconnections.com 256-426-7947 Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
Mental Health Minute
Is There An App For That? by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.” - Richard Moss As a mental health professional, one of my favorite parts of my work is getting the opportunity to listen to my client’s life stories. About 90% of the time, during the first session, my client becomes tearful, and usually makes a statement about just needing to talk to someone. That intake session is generally devoted to me listening and the client spewing out everything that has built up inside…sometimes “emotional vomit” that has collected over a lifetime. Afterwards, my client often reports feeling “lighter” and healthier, in my opinion, mostly because they have shared their struggles with another human being. All of my life I have worked with people. And I can honestly say that I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of humanity, to the point where I have nothing left to give. But I am seeing a change in my clients that I find unsettling. I have been a psychotherapist for over ten years, and have worked with adults of all ages. Here are some of my observations (not based on any scientific study):
spending HOURS their phones.
on
4.Clients acknowledge spending HOURS playing video games. 5.Clients acknowledge spending HOURS on their computers. 6.Clients spend time interacting others.
less with
7.Clients have difficulty communicating with others. Notice a pattern? I submit to you that we are creating a society of
human beings who are choosing isolation, but are craving connection. Nothing can replace the relating of two individuals in conversation. There is no app for that! Mental health counseling involves talking to each other! WHAT!? Yup, we are connecting on the most basic level, through dialogue, and that can be disconcerting for some. So, what do I recommend to combat this trend of separation from each other?
I’ll let you know next time... Lisa Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides
her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.
1.Clients are making less eye contact. 2.Clients have difficulty naming one close friend. 3.Clients
acknowledge
July 21 - August 3, 2017
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Medical Update
Epigenetics Series: Fundamentals by Dr. Shanna Ndong
The analogy I often use for genetics is that DNA is the cookbook for the human body, residing inside the nucleus of every cell. RNA transcribes the genes (recipes) to make whatever proteins the cell needs. The human genome contains approximately 20,000 genes. DNA is made up of billions of repeating nucleotide molecules and is organized and condensed with proteins into chromosomes in the nucleus in preparation for cell division. This article is the first in a three-part series that explores the exciting and rapidly evolving field of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of inherited processes that can alter gene expression. In the 1970s, it was discovered that mechanisms other than the DNA sequence itself are important in determining the expression of genetic traits and can be passed to offspring. DNA methyla-
tion and acetylation are two such mechanisms. Methyl groups can become permanently attached to cytosine, one of the chemical bases in DNA, and can replicate with it through generations. The attachment of methyl groups significantly alters the gene it binds, inhibiting its transcription. Other molecules, called acetyl groups, were found to play the opposite role, unwinding DNA and making it easier for RNA to transcribe a given gene. An important concept to mention when discussing epigenetics is genomic imprinting. We inherit two working copies of most genes, (one from each parent) but with imprinted genes, we utilize only one working copy. Depending on the gene, either the copy from mom or the copy from dad is epigenetically silenced through the addition of methyl groups during egg or sperm formation. Uniparental disomy (UPD) occurs when a person receives two copies of
a chromosome, or part of a chromosome, from one parent and no copies from the other parent. UPD can occur as a random event during the formation of egg or sperm cells or may happen in early fetal development. In many cases, UPD has no effect on health or development because most genes are not imprinted. However, one of several genetic disorders can result from UPD if imprinted genes are involved. The most well-known conditions include Prader-Willi syndrome, which is characterized by uncontrolled eating and obesity, and Angelman syndrome, which causes intellectual disability and impaired speech. Both of these disorders can be caused by UPD or other errors in imprinting involving genes on the long arm of chromosome 15. A number of important conditions may result from external or environmental factors. It is now well accepted that conditions in the womb can
determine later risk for a number of diseases through epigenetic mechanisms, including obesity, diabetes, allergies, asthma, and heart disease. The mother’s nutrition, including vitamin levels (particularly folate, B vitamins, and choline) and blood glucose, as well as mental health and substance abuse history, have all been shown to influence the methylation patterns of key genes in her offspring. Since DNA methylation is a common mechanism for inactivation of genes, diets high in methyl-donating nutrients may help to alter gene expression, particularly during early development. A mother’s diet during pregnancy (and conception) and an infant’s diet can affect the epigenome (and health) in long-lasting ways. Diets that are rich in folate and choline are essential during these periods. In adulthood, too little of these nutrients can result in hypermethylation, but it is typically reversible with changes in diet.
A number of dietary supplements are of particular interest in the field of epigenetics. Many of these compounds display anticancer properties and may play a role in cancer prevention. I will discuss this topic further in the next article in this series (The Epigenetic Diet and Cancer). Heavy metals are widespread environmental contaminants and have been associated with a number of diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases. Several studies have established an association between DNA methylation and environmental metals, including arsenic, nickel, and cadmium. Various other environmental pollutants that have been linked to disease through epigenetic mechanisms include pesticides (testes and ovarian dysfunction), air pollution (heart and lung disease), and bisphenol A, BPA: hormone disruptor (increased cancer risk). There is strong evidence that experiences can cause epigenetic changes and that psychological and behavioral tendencies are inherited. A parent’s or grandparent’s exposure to emotional trauma may not only impact their mental health, but animal studies have shown changes in methylation patterns in the brains of their children and grandchildren. This field of research is called behavioral epigenetics, and it will be the subject of the third article in this series.
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July 21 - August 3, 2017
Foreman’s Forum
What Would You Do? by Paul Foreman Last month I heard about just two of many news stories of young teens who listened to their parents and followed a carefully thought out plan in case of an emergency. Do you have a plan? Have you rehearsed a plan to follow in case of any disaster such as a home invasion, tornado,
him? What if he does not just stand there and let you shoot him? What if your gun is in the night stand down the hall in your bedroom? Is the gun loaded? Do you know how to load it? When is the last time you ever shot the gun? Is the ammunition so old that it might not even work
go? Is there be someone sleeping in another room, in your line of fire? There I go again, more “what if questions.” In a dangerous situation, these are some things which you need to plan for ahead of time. As the bad guy comes crashing through the sliding glass door is not the time
Numerous times we would make use of an old abandoned building, or even an abandoned house for more realistic training.
fire or medical emergency?
anymore?
to stop and think about it!
Now I could go on and on with a few dozen more “what if” questions. You need to be asking yourself at least the questions I have mentioned here and have the answers! Many of the answers will depend on the layout of your home, the strength of your doors. A very important part of your plan will depend on if there are other family members in your home. Have you thought about your shots missing? Where will missed bullets
When I was a training officer for the Sheriff’s Department in Florida, the rookies had to ride with me for their 14-week training period after they finished the academy. When they completed the field training, they were turned loose on the world. Well, what if the whole time the rookie was in training with me, we never encountered a bank robbery in progress? The answer to that was to rehearse different scenarios during that training period.
bad guy with a gun pointed right at you! Ok, that one is easy. How about you see the bad guy with a gun, BUT your children are in the bedroom right behind him? How about you are coming out of the shopping mall and a bad guy is coming at you with a knife, but behind him are dozens of other shoppers? These are just a few of the possible incidents that could happen to you. What would you do?
This past week in one of the senior centers, I was giving one of my programs about firearms safety. The discussion came up about what to do if you wake up during the night and found someone breaking into your home. One lady stated that she would just “shoot the guy.” I told her that might not turn out to be so easy to do! What if he has a gun? Are you just going to stand there in your living room and shoot
July 21 - August 3, 2017
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That is what YOU need to do too! In my firearms classes, we train with some targets that present various scenarios. For instance a target has a picture of a
Several times, I have had
students tell me they have a gun stored on the top shelf of a closet. I ask them, “Is it loaded?Are you ever going to be able to get to your gun, find the ammunition, load the gun and then confront the bad guy?” The first half of the class is all about SAFETY. I teach you how to check to see if it is loaded or not. I teach my students, using “dummy ammo” or fake plastic bullets before we ever get into using live ammo. I want my students to be able to be very familiar with their gun, before we go out to the range and shoot. When driving a car and someone pulls out in front of you, do you have time to stop and think, “Let’s see, that I think this is the brake, there’s the gas pedal, and I am pretty sure that’s the clutch.” Guess what, you just wrecked! It is the same with you handling a gun in an emergency. Everyone who owns a gun for self protection should be trained! 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.
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