July 5, 2013

July 5 - July 18, 2013

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Coldwell Banker Realty...

Premier Structures: Dan Mankins, New Owner, Same Commitment

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

By Dan Mankins

The Frame Gallery 30th Anniversary Celebration And Sidewalk Sale...

Tony Cooper and the crew of Frame Gallery cordially invite you to come and celebrate thirty years of business in Athens on... Page 5

With new ownership, people think of change.

Change is inevitable in the construction business, especially with the onset of new codes and regulations. Construction companies have to adapt to their environment, and we at Premier Structures will experience some change, but the foundation upon which we were built will remain.

Premier Structures was started by the late Mr.

Special Feature

Continued on pages 15

Inez’s Soul Food For Real: Where There’s Love In The Cookin’ And The Folks Who Serve It...

Two months ago I wrote a Publisher’s Point article that was entitled “A Day In The Life,” in which I chronicled a typical “mad dash day” around Athens that was made... Page 9

Big Daddy’s Mufflers: Cool “Tips” In More Ways Than One Tourism Athens Saturday Market: Produce, Pets and Patriotism...

Coolbone Brass Band of New Orleans, pet parade and fresh food at July 6 market....

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

By Ali Elizabeth Turner More than one economist has said that it will be the entrepreneurs, the folks who slug it out in the free market, (often on more than one business front) who will be the ones to play a significant role in the revitalizing of our economy, and more importantly, our nation. Why? Because the ingenuity, faith, hard work, risk taking abiliContinued on page 17

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Logan and Brandon Matlock, owners of Big Daddy’s Mufflers

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Holly Hollman Joel Allen Janet Hunt Jim Doyle Wanda Campbell Will Anderson Dan Mankins J. Patrick Boyett, DO Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 9 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 11

Helen Keller On Optimism Ivy Green, located in Tuscumbia, is the birthplace of Helen Keller, and one of Alabama’s state treasures. It is one of my favorite places on earth, and I never get tired of either going by myself or taking guests, which I did the last weekend of June. The Helen Keller Festival is held in June and July, where there is a parade, and sold out performances of William Gibson’s famous play about Helen called The Miracle Worker. Ivy Green stays open later, and the whole community gets involved in making the festival a success, from organizing the parking, to ushering at the play, to acting, to running the concession stand.

I have seen all of the versions of the movie several times, studied the production notes, facilitated a presentation of the 1961 version of the film at ASU’s Center for Lifelong Learning Classic Film Series, have attended live presentations of The Miracle Worker in Issaquah, WA, and most recently, in Tuscumbia, and yet, I don’t expect that I shall ever truly plumb the depths of the impact of the lives it portrays.

One of my guests, who was deeply moved from the moment she walked into the Keller house, recently sent me

this quote from Helen’s book published in 1903, the year before she graduated from Radcliffe. The book is called Optimism, and says the following: “…I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty and joy to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. It is my service to think how I can best fulfill the demands that each day makes upon me, and to rejoice that others can do what I cannot.”

How in the world does one “rejoice that others can do what I cannot?” I only have one answer, and that is the specific working of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. Everything about such a philosophy assaults our over inflated sense of self-importance and personal destiny, and it needs to, or we can kiss our country goodbye.

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task…” For openers, she graduated from Radcliffe, and was the first deaf and blind person to do so (with the help of Annie Sullivan, who attended all her classes and signed the lectures into her hands.) I wonder, if Optimism was published in what would have been her junior year, did she have doubts about graduating, and did this

Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12

In the last few years it has come to light that Helen even fell in love, and accepted a proposal of marriage. Her mother put a stop to the wedding after reading the announcement of the upcoming nuptials in the newspaper of Helen’s deceased father. Yet, Helen went on, and she lived an extraordinary life without being loved in ways that so

Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 The World According to Will 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . 24

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the prospect of successfully completing her studies fit into her goal of “a great and noble task?” She wrote over 14 books, traveled the world, learned how to speak, was in the presence of nobles, rulers and Presidents, inspired millions, and I wonder if at the end of the day her perception was that any of those accomplishments qualified as “a great and noble task?”

many of us take for granted.

Was that the “great and noble task?” To learn to live a full life without a mate with which to share it?

Helen also said that “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” I think if we would choose to see life as Helen did, we may indeed have more optimism, and perhaps accomplish our own “great and noble tasks.”

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

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All Things Soldier

All Things Soldier: Rewiring The Brain To Help PTSD Sufferers

by Ali Elizabeth Turner I was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) over 20 years ago as a result of an assault that occurred when I was 18. The attack involved being handcuffed, and resulted in fractures and contusions. I have been blessed to receive outstanding therapeutic care from professional Christian counselors, and in the last 40+ years I have only had 4 incidents that could be construed as “flashbacks.” The last one related to the traumatic event as a teenager occurred about 20 years ago, and the power of the memories has weakened greatly, thank God. After I was diagnosed, I received a double Master’s degree in Ministries (in counseling and music,) and worked with PTSD sufferers, most of whom were women who had been assaulted. I knew when I went to Iraq that the chances would be good that I may have to face down events that were traumatic with specific regard to living in a combat zone, and was so glad that I had access to teams there who were on duty for that specific purpose. Early care is important in lessening the effects of PTSD.

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eyes would lock into a specific pattern of darting and rotating. She discovered that if she could have them follow specific patterns of hand movements to counteract the trauma-based eye movements while she stood in front of them, the brain would be forced to “look” at the incident differently, and essentially re-wire itself. It has to do with the

I had one moderately severe incident after I returned home in 2007, and thanks to all the training and care I had received, got through it by myself.

While it was intense, taking a long nap after it was over pretty much knocked it out, and I have been fine ever since.

But I will tell you, I don’t enjoy the 4th of July like I once did, and the first R and R I took after a year in Iraq I nearly broke my husband’s hand during the fireworks! The second year, my year end R and R occurred around the same time, and this time I managed to just squeeze hard.

Just recently I became aware of a modality that has been highly successful in the treatment of PTSD, and hearing the testimony of its effectiveness in the life of a ‘Nam vet (with whom I had been present

when he had an episode,) inspired me to give hope to soldiers and civilian PTSD sufferers alike.

The treatment is called EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement De-sensitization and Reprocessing.

The simple explanation is this: Dr. Francine Shapiro, a psychologist, noticed in dealing with her PTSD patients that when they were recalling a traumatic event and re-experiencing it to some degree, their

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electrical currents that run in our brains, and making them go someplace else.

This results in allowing the damaged part from the traumatic incident to heal, and the memory to no longer “take over.” The concept is simple, there are no drugs involved, and there are excellent certified EMDR practitioners here in Alabama as well as Tennessee and Georgia.

I will tell you this, I intend to “take back” the 4th of July, and “declare my independence” from wanting to dive on my stomach when an M-80 goes off in the dark at Athens High.

My goal is to beat this bad boy by next year, and if you are a PTSD sufferer, just know that there is solid, scientifically proven help for you in the form of EMDR. May God bless and heal you, and if you are a veteran, thank you

for your service.

July 5 - July 18, 2013

Special Feature

The Frame Gallery 30th Anniversary Celebration And Sidewalk Sale

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Tony Cooper and the crew of Frame Gallery cordially invite you to come and celebrate thirty years of business in Athens on Saturday, July 27th from 10am to 4pm.

Refreshments will be served, there will be door prizes, a chance to view original pieces by such world famous artists as Salvador Dali, Peter Max, and Miro in the shop’s gallery, and the opportunity to get some fine prints and other items at greatly discounted prices. Also on display in the shop’s gallery will be the work of Mark Moore, a local artist who has won international awards.

Tony is an artist himself, as well as an artisan framer, and his work has been commissioned all over the United States. I have had the great joy of being one of his customers as well as he being one of mine, and everything I have had him frame I have been more than proud to either give away as a gift or hang in my own home.

Some of his recent work, including original paintings of the Courthouse and Kreme Delite, will be on display in the gallery. Tony is taking orders for high quality canvas reproductions (known as giclees,) beginning in July so that they can be ready in time

for the holidays.

One of the things that causes him to shine is his ability to repurpose items and find new ways to use unusual materials for framing. He loves to take things that may otherwise look ruined, and put them in just the right frame or shadow box and completely revitalize them. The iconic rusty early ‘50s Ford that shows

Special exhibit of world famous and outstanding local artists ing a party, and I spent nearly two decades in the catering business! “I want to celebrate the rich heritage of art we have here, and I want to show gratitude and appreciation to the people of Athens and Northern

“People come in here who are from Arizona to New York,” he said, and his gallery is one of the largest in Athens. He says “Athens is a great place to call home,” and to show you how firmly he believes that, you need to come to the Frame Gallery on July 27th and get refreshments for your tummy and art for your soul.

1949 Ford “repurposed” as Tony Cooper’s business card up on his business card not only brings back memories of the white one we had when I was very small growing up in Seattle, but the photo itself is a great pic, eye catching, and well composed.

As we talked about what he wanted to see happen as a result of the celebration and sidewalk sale, he said with enthusiasm, “I want people to know that they don’t have to go to

Tony Cooper’s latest painting of the Limestone County Courthouse July 5 - July 18, 2013

constant battle with technology and imports produced in countries that essentially use slave labor. “Making referrals keeps us all in the game,” said the official Daniel Moore football litho distributor, and “staying in the game” is empowered by shopping locally.

Paris or Italy to see great art.

There is great art and there are great artists right here in North Alabama, and I want people to discover that.” He continued, “I have lived in North Alabama all my life, and the area resonates with the works of artists, potters, musicians, you name it.”

Tony has done work for Art On The Square, as well as many custom pieces for people in Athens, and is just as passionate about helping other artists as he is getting his own work “out there.” Last year Athens Now did a piece on a young man named Lance McLemore, a remarkable artist who graduated from UAH, and Tony had an exhibit of Lance’s work in the gallery section of the shop. Tony also did the installation of Lance’s show when it was exhibited at UAH as part of his senior project.

I have rarely seen a host more excited about throw-

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Lance McLemore exhibit at UAH

Alabama for 30 years of business. I also want people to understand what good can happen when local people shop local,” he added.

Then he added something that warmed my heart, may sound surprising, and is not, if you know Tony at all. His major competitor in the area is on the Square, and he has no problem at all referring clients to them if he knows that he cannot meet a potential customer’s needs. Some of this stems from his generous spirit, some of it is good business sense. “If I help them, it helps me,” he told me. Custom framing, like so many things that used to be considered an art, has to do

Frame Gallery

701 N Jefferson St Athens, AL 35611 256-232-3202 www.frame-gallery.com Facebook: Frame GalleryAthens Alabama

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Calendar of Events Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Now - Aug 3

Thursday-Saturday night of each weekend, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (CLOSED JULY 4TH). There are rides for kids along with great concessions and bingo! The rides are: small Ferris wheel, rocket ships, small swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachutes, large swings and the scrambler. For safety and maintenance reasons, no adult riders on any of the rides. Concessions available include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, french fries and cokes.

Also available are the crowd favorites of cotton candy, dippin’ dots and funnel cakes. The private birthday parties are available June 1st through June 26. Private parties for the month of August will begin on August 6 thru August 31. The Kiddie Carnival is located at the intersection of Forrest & Beaty streets, just across from Athens Middle School. For more information or updates see our Facebook Page also: Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival.

Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call Jul 6 at 8:00 AM

Singing on the Square sponsored by Champion Chevrolet Jul 19 at 6:00 PM

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the free concert featuring Dixon Todd and Southern Splendor Chorus

Rogersville Bluegrass Festival Music Championship Jul 19 - 5:00PM - Jul 20 - 9:30AM www.RogersvilleBlueGrassFestival.com

CASA Mud Volleyball Tournament Jul 20

Enter your team early. About 100 teams will be competing for the championship. Contact: 256-232-5751, casalimestonecounty.org.

Fee to participants

AL Championship Tractor & Truck Pull (Tanner) Jul 26 & 27

All veterans are invited to the museum for breakfast and a time of fellowship with fellow veterans. Contact 256-771-7578.

Cruise In Jul 6 at 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The monthly Cruise In is held the 1st Saturday night of each month - Apr - Oct. Bring your antique vehicle and park around the square.

Enjoy delicious dishes offered by our downtown restaurants. Come early and check out the great buys at the downtown businesses. Be sure and get you an ice cream cone at Limestone Drug or milk shake at Kreme Delight. Make it a family night. Contact Tom at 256-4579179.

Come join us for a PARTY IN THE CREEK!! The party is by boat only. From the Tennessee River, go north on the Elk River. Go under Lee Hi Bridge (Hwy 72 bridge) and swing a left into Anderson Creek.

Party on right in the mouth of the creek. The party will be on the top deck at the General Jackson’s River Camp! Kozmic Mama will begin at 3pm. Get there early for a great spot to anchor out and party the afternoon away.

Our Camp is right around the corner! To register, visit the Pro Shop or contact Micky Wolfe: micky@canebrakeclub.com or (256) 232-2412, ext. 2. $80 per child (includes all instruction, tee gifts, and refreshmentsy. *Members only - Not a Canebrake Club member? Visit ttp://www.canebrakeclub.com/belong/membership/ membership.html?menu_id=52 for membership information!

Family Movie Night “Aquamarine” Jul 17 @ 2:30PM

Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo Aug 2 & 3 Contact: 256-423-2146. Fee

Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days Aug 2 & 3

7th Annual Elk River Boat Party Jul 6 at 3:00 PM

Junior Golf Camp at Canebrake Club Jul 8, 10-12, 15, 17-19, 22, 24-26 9:30 AM. - 11:00 AM each day

This Tractor Truck Pull is one of the best in the nation. Make your plans today to attend at Tanner High School. Contact: 256-497-4309, 431-1292 or 256-233-7077. Fee

Antique Tractor ride on Aug 2nd on the Rails to Trails; Hays Mill to Elkmont. Contact: 256-431-6226, 256-431-0619, 256-431-12316 Fee

Hilltop Arts Society Festival Aug 3

The festival features music and the arts. The genres of music vary, giving everyone a chance to see a wide diversity of music around the area on a great day in the country. The Lineup includes: Banditos Birmingham, AL; Clear Plastic Masks - Brooklyn, NY; Spiral Down South - Athens, AL; John and The Conners - Auburn, AL; Riley Downing - Holt, MO; Estoria - Athens, AL; Kudzu - Decatur, AL; Sleep Through Storms - Decatur, AL; and Andrew Lynn & Co. Athens, AL. There will also be an area for local performers to show their talents to the public. Lots of food and drinks from vendors, as well as local artists. Children under 10 years are admitted free! Visit our website http://reddevilrockshow.org/, for more information and upcoming news on the event. More info and tickets at http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/400728! Vendors and artists email us at reddevilrockshow@gmail.com or hilltop.arts@yahoo.com or message us here on Facebook.

Athens-Limestone County Public Library

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Friends to Elect Eric Smith Sheriff PO Box 1470 Athens AL 35612

July 5 - July 18, 2013

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Tourism

Athens Saturday Market: Produce, Pets and Patriotism

By Holly Hollman Coolbone Brass Band of New Orleans, pet parade and fresh food at July 6 market

matoes, corn, squash, beans and cucumbers,” said Market Committee Chairwoman Laurie Glenn.

Shopping for fresh, local produce just got jazzy along with pet-friendly and patriotic.

She said other produce that is beginning to come in plentifully includes peaches, blueberries and blackberries.

For the July 6 Athens Saturday Market, there will be a pet and children’s parade led by the Coolbone Brass Band of New Orleans.

Steve “Coolbone” Johnson grew up in New Orleans and played with several brass bands until Hurricane Katrina disbursed players throughout the country.

Johnson settled in North Alabama.

“We also have vendors who are providing coffee, hummus, goat cheese and other products,” Glenn said.

The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. The Coolbone Brass Band will

Members Shelman “Drew” Miller on tuba Reginald “Reggie” Hill on trumpet Daniel “Muddy Waters” Newton on saxophone Brian “B.B.” Brownlee on trumpet Isaac “Jolly” Jolly on trumpet Steve “Coolbone” Johnson on trombone

“We in North Alabama are fortunate that Coolbone settled (here) and brought jazz with him,” said Patrick Chesnut, entertainment chairman for the market committee.

The Athens Saturday Market Committee will also hand out patriotic Mardi Gras-style beads and patriotic tattoos in honor of the Fourth of July being this week. Children can make Uncle Sam Mardi Grasstyle masks or a crown.

“Of course the market is to promote buying fresh produce from local farmers, so we want to emphasize that we have vendors with to-

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perform from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The pet and children’s parade will start at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about the Athens Saturday Market and its weekly programs, go online at www.athenssaturdaymarket.com.

Coolbone Brass Band

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Special Feature

Inez’s Soul Food For Real: Where There’s Love In The Cookin’ And The Folks Who Serve It

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Two months ago I wrote a Publisher’s Point article that was entitled “A Day In The Life,” in which I chronicled a typical “mad dash day” around Athens that was made by yours truly in the process of getting Athens Now “put to bed.” In it I talked about the blessing that is Athens, even though I was under the gun and dealing with several production-related crises. I want to reference that article in order to tell you about Inez’s Soul Food For Real, and the wonderful story behind it.

“Back I zipped over the railroad tracks to Inez’s Soul Food For Real, where Salena Cain had made lunch for me with love. I got a hug from Ms. Salena, who sent me on my way. I felt like a kid whose mom had carefully prepared my lunch, and you could taste the love in it.” Unbeknownst to me, that was one of the many important lessons Inez Turner Freeman, (in whose honor the café is named,) taught her granddaughter, Salena. “Always fix your children’s plate with a mother’s love,” she would say, and I can say from experience that Ms. Salena has learned her lesson well.

Inez Turner Freeman was born in 1916 in Athens, and died in 1995. Her grandmother, Glovenia Yarborough, had been a slave belonging to Hence Yarborough. Mr. Hence fiercely loved Glovenia, married her in 1877, and they had ten chil-

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dren. Glovenia picked up the nickname “Governor” because kids especially had a tough time pronouncing her name.

Ms. Inez’s mother, Lily was one of those ten kids, and married Maxie Turner. Inez married the love of her life, James Freeman, and they had seven children: Johnny Mack, Zellar Rich, Ollie Turner, James Wesley, Mary Catherine, Shirley Ann and David Darnell. Six of the seven are still alive.

Given the times, I am amazed at the courage of the Yarborough family, especially Hence and Glovenia. It seems that the good things they instilled in their children regarding courage, integrity, honor, love, hard work and godly values were passed down to and through their progeny, and Salena has much to say about the things Inez modeled for her as a child.

“My grandmother was the one that people would go to when they needed help, often when no one else knew what to do.

Her home and heart were the kind of places where you could ‘lay your head down’ and be safe, and she would take on the ‘tough cases.’ As a child, living in her home on Hine Street, she would take me with her to the Square. She would call the Mason Freeman Cab Company to take us to the Square (because Inez never drove,) and drop us off at the corner where Bennett’s is now. I would watch her go to stores like U.G. White and

Beasley’s, and pay what she owed as recorded on the ledger, on the first of the month, just like she said she would.

We would go from store to store, she would chat and ‘love

The Yarbrough Family

Inez Turner Freeman 1916-1995 on people,’ and it didn’t matter what color they were. She would introduce me to the store owners, and the people we met, and I wanted to be on my best behavior. We would end up at Nelson’s Burgers, (just over the railroad tracks and north of the Courthouse Annex.) When we were finished eating, she would ask to use the phone to call the cab to take us back home, and she paid the store owner for the phone call. She took me up under her wings, and she taught all of us, ‘First, treat people right. And as long as it’s right, then no matter what, you stand your ground.’”

One of the most powerful lessons Salena learned from her grandmother was about the kind of love that “hopes all things, bears all things, believes

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all things and endures all things,” and the “stage” was the home of a prominent Athens family where Inez worked as a domestic. The family had a disabled child who would viciously call Inez the “N word.” To the child Ms. Inez said the following: “Regardless of what you call me, I am going to take care of you.” Ms. Inez told the child’s family what was going on, and thankfully they put a stop to it. Salena said, “I never one time heard my mother or grandmother say they hated anyone in their heart.”

Salena added, “Every holiday, our family went to her patio, where there was lovingly prepared food in abundance every-

where. She didn’t use or have recipes, ‘just a pinch of this or that,’ and her favorite spices were salt and black pepper.

She made sure that her sons knew how to cook as well. Everyone learned.”

Inez apparently made biscuits and fried chicken that should have been world famous. In addition, there was banana pudding, peach cobbler, blackberry cobbler, chess pie, pecan pie, and on it went. You will find the same fare at Inez’s Soul Food For Real, and know before you cross the threshold that this is a place just off the Square where you can get a marvelous meal, and if you should want one, a loving hug.

Inez’s Soul Food For Real

102 E. Washington St, Athens, AL, 35611 Lamont and Selena Cain, Owners We Offer Catering, Event Planning, And Facility Rental Hours: Sat, closed, Sun, 10:45-4:30, Mon, closed, Tue, 11-5, Wed, 10:45-4, Thu, 11-5, Fri, 10:45-5 Phone: 256-233-4046 s.caprifree@yahoo.com facebook: Inez’s Soul Food For Real

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Keeping It Safe And Always Celebrate

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Last “Ronnie” we began a discussion about a book that is equipping the mayors of Alabama to see the blessing that is a small city to its residents, and how to make it more so. The Gift Of Community, by Gary McCaleb is something we are going to be talking about for awhile, and the topic of public safety, especially in the context of yesterday’s 4th of July celebrations is an important one.

Sometimes in the safety culture we have developed, (where it nearly seems like one needs to wear a helmet just to go to the mailbox,) we can almost get kind of sour when it comes to celebrating national and local holidays. The balance between celebrating joyously something as important as the birth of America and not blowing yourself up in the process can be a tricky one.

Mayor Ronnie actually has experienced the dreadful aftermath of someone getting killed by fireworks on the 4th, and it is something that he is concerned about every year. This moves me to the skill set that

July 5 - July 18, 2013

any soldier, (including our mayor, even before ‘Nam,) develops in the process of being in a combat zone. It is is what is known as “situational awareness.”

Situational awareness is just a fancy way of saying “pay attention to your surroundings,” and it means way more than wearing protective eye wear if you are setting off fireworks.

“The blessing of community” means we keep a constant eye out for danger and dangerous people without becoming suspicious and small inside. We have a wonderful town, and our crime rate is low.

But we can’t be naïve.

If we make a point of just paying attention to our surroundings and the people in them as a matter of course when we are out and about, we can continue to keep our crime rate low by “keeping it safe.” That means things like not having your nose in your ‘droid and texting while you are walking across a parking lot at night, but it can also mean being ready to help someone who just had the bottom fall out of their grocery

bag.

“The blessing of community” is also seen when we come together for holidays, such as the 4th of July. “The 4th is about way more than cook outs with family, and watching the firework display from the field near Athens High School. “It is about recognizing what this country means,” said Mayor Ronnie. As someone who came to so deeply appreciate our soldiers and the country they defend perhaps later in life than most, I for one am glad we have a mayor with combat experience gained during one of the most unappreciated and misrepresented wars in American history.

There

is

an

able reservoir of strengths and experience that is learned in combat like nowhere else. It causes you to think several moves ahead while you are on your feet, and is part of “keeping all things safe,” so that we can indeed have “the blessing of community.” However, it is also something that can

be developed by anyone, and in days gone by, was expected of all.

So, what is expected of us? “Be safe, and always celebrate,” says our Mayor. And that’s another thing that makes Ronnie roll.

indefin-

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Clean and Green

What I’m Learning About Fruits And Vegetables...And Why You Need To Know, Too

by Lynne Hart

What could be more important than the food that we serve our families? We all know that eating well-balanced, nutritious foods will support good health.

So, how do we know that what we are eating is nourishing our bodies?

dissolved solids in the juice. The higher the brix value, the higher the nutrient content in your produce and the healthier they are for you.

Do we simply look for produce that looks and smells good? As our community garden team has recently learned, it’s just not that easy.

Healthy plants create complete proteins which contain high nutritional value. These complete proteins cannot be digested by insects, eliminating the need for use of chemical pesticides. Healthy soil con-

taining proper levels of organisms and nutrients is the critical starting point for growing produce that will provide the healthy nutrition our bodies need to be healthy and fight illness. In a perfect world,

this would be the way all produce was grown. Too often, poor farming practices deplete the soil which then grows produce having low nutritional value and increases the need for chemical pest control.

So how can we know the level of nutrition provided by the fruits and vegetables we buy or grow ourselves? I was recently introduced to a piece of equipment called a refractometer . Mr. Kevin Bryant of Turf Doctor, Inc. explained that a refractometer measures the brix of plant juices. Brix are a measure of the

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Our team decided to put this to the test. We purchased a zucchini from a local produce market.

Brix values for a zucchini are as follows: 6=poor, 10=good, 14=excellent.

Our zucchini had a brix value of 2.8. This zucchini never would have made it to market without lots of pesticides to keep insects from devouring it first. In Mr. Bryant’s words, “We are starving ourselves with full bellies.”

If you’d like to learn more, our community garden team will be offering free educational opportunities to the public as the garden begins to take shape. We will learn more about how to prepare garden soil for optimum results, how to control pests naturally, how to measure the nutritional value of our produce, and more.

Be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook and through our monthly eNewsletter. If you don’t receive our newsletter, just send us an email letting us know you would like to receive them.

Stick with us and together we’ll learn to grow a healthier community!

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Ms. Tammy’s Fruity Chicken Salad

by Shelley Underhill

What a treat! Late last week, Ms. Tammy stopped by and dropped off some fruity chicken salad. I just had to share her recipe with you. Some of you may remember Tammy; I have featured several of her recipes

over the years. She always has something good to share.

Tammy is best known for her “New Orleans Cuisine.” She is also the owner and operator of ARABELLA’S CAKES & CATERING and she’s always

cooking up something good!

You can reach her at 256-2060165 for more info.

I hope you try this salad and let me know what you think. You can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com. Enjoy!

What you will need: 1 12.5 oz. can of chicken (white meat) 2 red apples - chopped 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup brown raisins 1/2 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup Blue Plate mayo black pepper to taste Combine all ingredients together; mix well.

Serve chilled with crackers.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Music and Books It is time to mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Kudzu Chronicles – A Southern Writers Event on the Square. Kudzu is scheduled for Saturday, September 7th this year. A special committee is planning this event that brings published authors to help you learn how they got started writing, or what you need to know to get published. Three talented authors – Tim Hollis, Jacquelyn Procter Reeves, and John Mantooth – have accepted our invitation to tell their personal stories.

Several local authors – Kelly Kazek, Jerry Barksdale, Ali Turner, and others – will join them on panels and be on hand at the book bazaar to answer questions and sell/sign books.

John Mantooth is an award-winning author whose short stories have been recognized in numerous year’s best anthologies. His debut novel is The Year of the Storm. He lives in Alabama with his wife, Becky, and two children.

Tim Hollis began writing when he was seven years old and simply never stopped. His first professional experience came when he was hired as an editor to polish and refine the works of other local writers, and he eventually found the time to complete his first book in 1990. Hollis has published a new book nearly every year since including See Alabama First: A History of the State’s Tourism Industry (History Press, May 2013) and the forthcoming Toons in Toyland: The Story of Cartoon Character Merchandising (UPM, Fall 2014).

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Historical writer Jacquelyn Procter Reeves, curator of the historic Donnell House in Athens has published her most recent book Murder Untenured an account of the background of former UAH professor and murderer Amy Bishop,

by Wanda Campbell

tant directors Lynette Pope and Frank Holmes. Beth Andrews serves as the accompanist for the group. Currently the Chorus has around 20 members with a goal to find more talent to increase that number to 50.

The Center for Lifelong Learning will be holding auditions for new members. Anyone who has officially registered or performed with the group since 2011 will not be required to audition.

To audition, contact the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning by phone at (256) 233-8260 or by e-mail at cll@athens.edu. Audition times have been set on July 13, 14 and 15 at various times.

New members will be notified by July 22.

Dr. John Butler

Learning never stops at the Center for Lifelong Learning. We hope to see you there.

which Reeves self-published.

Watch for more on Kudzu Chronicles on our web page – www.athens.edu/CLL - or our Facebook page - https://www.facebook. com/#!/KudzuChronicles.

If books are not your thing, you might be interested in the Athens State University Community Chorus. The Chorus has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June of 2014. This will be the first time the group has been asked to travel to New York to be featured in a concert setting.

The chorus was started in 2011 at Athens State’s Center for Lifelong Learning and is under the direction of Dr. John Buttler and assis-

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Cover Story

Premier Structures: Dan Mankins - New Owner, Same Commitment

by Dan Mankins

continued from page 1

Will Evans, and his wife, Helen Evans. In 25 years, they were able to build a reputable company that has survived through two major recessions. I believe that this was accomplished by being honest and doing what you say you’ll do.

There have been many construction companies that have come and gone in those 25 years, and I hope to continue what Mr. and Mrs. Evans started.

I have twenty years experience in construction, starting with residential construction in the early ‘90s, moving into industrial construction in the late ‘90s, to commercial construction in the early 2000s. I have been with Premier for almost 10 years, and have recently purchased the business from Mrs. Evans. In my time with the Evans family, I have learned a lot about the construction business, and also how to treat people. In

days gone by, before I started at Premier, at times I worked for people where the dollar was all that mattered. By contrast, Mr. Evans always told me to do what I thought was right, and the money

July 5 - July 18, 2013

would take care of itself. My background is more from conventional construction where it’s block, brick, and

our size, we can’t do some projects as efficiently or as economically, and that’s not good for the company or

our city, and even the whole North Alabama area.

One new addition to our services is a roof coating

the customer. We do have a lot of repeat business, however, and I believe that is a testament to Mr. Evans.

I am looking forward to the future of the business and of

division. The roof coating division will be working with those customers who have deteriorated metal roofs which are in need of replacement or leak

wood, whereas, Premier Structures has been known more for metal buildings. My plan for the future is to blend both types together. We will also expand our design build team to encompass residential construction where there is a need.

I plan to introduce several new aspects and services to our business in the near future. I

stoppage, but who don’t want to take on the expense of replacing their roof. This added ability will allow us to reach more customers and provide them with other options on maintenance of their existing buildings.

We can offer this option on commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings that have rust issues or leak issues. We also can offer 5, 10, and 20 year warranties on the roof coating. I believe that this will be a service that we can offer our customers that is hard to find in our area.

We have begun work on several new projects: Athens High School auditorium and cafeteria renovation, Belle Chevre Creamery in Elkmont, and Woodville Football stadium.

The variety in the size and scope of these projects reflects our company’s ability to bring customer satisfaction. Belle Chevre is in a charming historical building with all the accompanying challenges involved in renovation and restoration, the school projects are larger and more utilitarian. All are receiving the same customer care and precision construction for which Premier Structures has become well known, and we are looking forward to many years of serving the North Alabama area in years to come.

Premier Structures, Inc.

want to be able to meet any construction need where we can provide the most valuable service. There are some needs that we know we can’t meet, and I realize that. With a company

General Contracting Design / Build 2311 S Hine St Athens, AL 35611 256-232-2500 256-232-2092

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Cover Story

Big Daddy’s Mufflers: Cool “Tips” In More Ways Than One

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

scene, too, and the family had to wait until Todd could fly in from a Midwestern nuclear plant to be with them. The trial is pending, so the details can’t be discussed here, but one of the bullets struck Brandon in the arm, the other in the back, and for awhile it was uncertain as to how much use of his arm he would regain. But, happily, the Matlocks are tough, God is good, Brandon is on the mend, and Big Daddy’s is open for business.

ties, strategies, integrity, and spirit of adventure are exactly what got this grand experiment called America going in the first place.

Todd Matlock, his wife Tina, and his two sons, Logan and Brandon are just what I am talking about here. My blessed lot in life these days is to get to tell the stories of everyday Athenians who accomplish what they set out to do, and most often “leap high buildings in a single bound” in the process.

Todd and Tina arrived in Athens two decades ago, and opened Moonwalk Party and Rentals at 27430 US Hwy 72 as a part time venture. “When we came to Athens, no one knew about inflatables,” Todd says. Since then, the “single bound” into party and event rentals became, amongst other things, leaping safely about on inflatables at grand parties held everywhere from Florida to Kentucky, and from the time they were little, the boys worked the business, and Tina held it all together while Todd did his other job.

Todd’s “other identity” is a consultant for nuclear plants, especially during the inspection process. When the outdoor party season dies down in the winter, he is busy making sure that places like Browns Ferry don’t become Three Mile Island, and travels to nuclear plants all over the country. To say that the man is gifted when it comes to all kinds of machinery and what makes them tick is an understatement, and it seems to have been passed down to the boys.

When just starting out his career, Todd was put in a position as part of an interview process

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for a job with a packaging supply company where a disabled “mystery machine” was placed in front of him, and he was told to fix it. He asked two questions, first, “What does it do?” and “Where is the on/off button?” He fixed it post haste and got the job. Todd has an Associate’s degree in electronics and a Bachelor’s in business administration, and as a young father he “met himself coming and going” when it came to getting an education and providing for his family.

Todd was doing what he enjoys on several fronts, and firmly believes that “if you do what you

love, you’ll make money.” He appreciates the opportunities he has had, especially because it has made it possible for their whole family to work together.

He also understands, when it comes to inflatables, that safety is key, and the Matlocks have always made sure their reputation was sterling, resulting in their customers being able to trust them.

In addition to the other two businesses, Todd and the boys would work on cars, and they all had a knack for it. The boys

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especially loved to install mufflers and pipes at their home, mainly for their friends, and the idea of opening a custom muffler shop behind Moonwalk was born. The boys particularly enjoy installing custom “tips,” (the heavy duty chrome mufflers that help to “trick your truck.”) It was going to be the boys’ “leap” into the free market, a building was built, the tooling finished, (complete with lifts,) and they were getting ready to open when tragedy temporarily brought their plans to a grinding halt. Their already strong faith was run through the fire and purified.

In September of 2012, Brandon left Moonwalk on his motorcycle and was heading west toward the Athens Lowe’s. The short version of what happened next is that a complete stranger shot him, and but for the intervention of God, a retired state trooper and crack EMS/Med Flight teams, he would have bled out. Logan was on the

The boys are experienced welders, and Logan told me that one of his recent accomplishments was to put a turbo charger designed for an 18 wheeler on to his pickup truck.

His grin over his triumph was infectious. Logan and Brandon feel that one of the things they bring to the market is that they “know what young people want, especially the custom stuff.” While they specialize in performance exhaust, tips, mufflers and converters, they also do minor repairs and oil changes, and Logan told me that Big Daddy’s “has the largest assortment of tips in the area.”

“Tips are what make your truck look and sound better,” he said, and he and Logan are waiting to show you just how much. The other tips are, work hard, do what you love, trust God, stick together, and watch what happens. Oh, and the name “Big Daddy?” That’s what the boys put on their caller ID for their dad…

Big Daddy’s Mufflers 27430 US Hwy 72 Athens, AL 35613 256-777-6972 256-431-7002 256-431-0368 Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5

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Health and Fitness

Healthy Feet

by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.

Wear good shoes. Purchase low heeled shoes that fit well and have plenty of room for your toes.

Replace these shoes regularly. By wearing high heels and poorly fitted shoes, you can increase your risk of developing hammertoes and bunions.

As you age, ligaments and tendons in your feet stretch causing them to grow; therefore don’t buy shoes without trying them on.

Shoes that are too old will no longer hold your heel firmly in place and the sole will not absorb shock as effectively.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Too much weight on your feet will wear your feet out and affect your gait and posture which then may cause problems with your

knees, hips, back, and even shoulders.

Often you are born with minor defects in your feet which become more serious as you put on weight.

Walk. Walking is a great cardiovascular exercise plus it strengthens and stretches the muscles in your feet. Remember the adage: “I you don’t use it, you lose it.” If you sit

all day without walking, the muscles in your feet will get weaker which results in more difficulty walking and maintaining your balance.

www.facebook.com/ElkmontBakery

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July 5 - July 18, 2013

Like me on

The World According To Will

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

Putting Life In Perspective

It’s been quite a few weeks in the world of politics, with vitriol being spewed on a variety of fronts— from liberals who “won” the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) case wishing that Justice Scalia, who wrote the dissent, be cast into hell (really, you’d think they’d be too busy celebrating to be angry) to characterizing the Voting Rights case as a throwback to the 1960’s.

This week has been a milestone in my life, and I’d like to share it, not out of egocentrism, but to put life into perspective.

On January 2 of last year, I was prepping for my radio show, and, as is often the case, I was daydreaming. I had five topics going at once, all of which were about halfway developed.

I decided to go to the bank just to take a break; the errand, I reasoned, would take about 20 minutes, and then I would be fresh to finish preparing for my show.

It was a beautiful day, after all, and I just needed a little sunshine.

I got to the bank, made my transaction, and then…and then I don’t know what happened.

I lived just north of the border back then, in a little town in Tennessee called College Grove. There are lots of curvy two lane roads, and it hadn’t rained much last year, so deer were running about during the day. I was

July 5 - July 18, 2013

driving a 90’s-era Buick when I hit a tiny hickory tree—three inches in diameter—that changed the course of the last year.

On paper, I should have died. On paper, if I didn’t die, I should have lost, at the very least, my right foot, and perhaps one or both of my legs. I was life-flighted to Vanderbilt, where the amazing medical team there saved my life. I’m happy to report that I’m walking now, and I have all of my body parts.

There’s a plethora of directions I could go here, but since this is only one column (the analogy is having only a couple of hours as opposed to all

day on the radio), suffice it to say that since the accident, my perspective on life has changed. It sounds generic, I know, but neardeath experiences will do that.

The court cases mentioned above are important, but not life-changing. Ditto with regard to most (to be clear, not all) policies emanating from Washington. If you listen to my radio show, the chances are that politics is a sport of sorts for you, like Alabama football or Braves baseball. At the end of the day, your team either wins or loses.

But that’s not what really matters in life (and here comes the sappy part).

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Your relationship with your loved ones is far more important than your devotion to a political party or a baseball team.

And you never know what can happen from moment to moment.

I say that not to make anyone paranoid, but to urge everyone who reads this to wake up with thanks-

by Will Anderson

giving in his or her heart, making sure that any conflict, argument, or any other trivial caca (that means poopie in Spanish) doesn’t eclipse the blessings that stare us all in the face each day.

Be sure to tell your family how much you love them today. And go Braves.

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Dog Barker

Keeping Your Dog Safe

by Joel Allen It is our inherent responsibility to keep our Canine Family Members safe, out of harm’s way. There are many who either don’t believe this or really just don’t care.

Some examples would be the lack of keeping them from roaming the neighborhood or running the roads. They can easily cause trouble like a car accident, destroy someone else’s property, and even make a mess like getting into the neighbor’s trash. I had that kind of problem one time. I took responsibility for a “foster dog” who would jump my fence and get into the neighbor’s trash.

No matter how many times, I would go clean it up.

Eventually, I had to rehome her to a place she

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gets the love she desires and she cannot jump their fence.

Another problem I have seen is where dogs chase cars.

I know there is no leash law in the county, and I know that some people think it is ok for their dog to roam unmonitored. Think on this, what would you do if they caused a car accident? How would the

“Law” apply to you if your dog was the reason the person was injured or killed? Do you not love your dog enough to protect them from harm and keep them up?

One more example, from my own personal experience, is from taking a drive onto a dirt road named Monarch Way. It is actually a dirt drive and I take it to visit my parents on occasion.

Yes, it is here in Athens, but in the county. If you

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drive down it, you will almost always be harassed by a few small dogs, and the people that live there don’t seem to care. I have even tried to reason with one of them, and all I got was threats that if I hit their dogs, this or that would happen to me.

I urged them, for the sake of their dogs, to keep them up. I even stated that I was a Dog Trainer and I did not want anything to happen to their dogs because I love dogs. To this day they still will not keep their dogs safe.

So, what do you do in this situation, if your dog is running loose?

Ask yourself, do you love them?

Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”

What will you do now?

I suggest either a wireless invisible fence or a fence of some kind.

Chaining up a dog tends to mess with their mind, in my opinion so I don’t recommend that. And if you want to build a fence and need help, call me.

If I am able, I will gladly come and give you a hand, especially if you are trying to do the right thing and protect that Canine Family Member.

God Bless You.

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

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Medical Update

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by J. Patrick Boyett, DO - OrthoSports Athens, LLC

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder that affects the quality-of-life of a large portion of the population.

Many patients suffer with carpal tunnel without realizing what their diagnosis really is, and what the treatment options are. Carpal tunnel syndrome has been associated with overuse type jobs. With the onset of the computer revolution, the keyboard has been a common source of blame for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel include numbness and tingling in the hand.

Specifically, the numbness and tingling involves the index finger, the long finger, the ring finger, and part of the thumb.

This numbness, tingling, and burning are often associated with an aching pain that radiates into the forearm and occasionally even shoulder pain.

The patients often complain that the symptoms awaken them from sleep at night. Many times they describe the sensation, when

they awaken from sleep, with symptoms such as they need to shake their hand to make it “wake up.� If left untreated, carpal tunnel can progress to grip loss and atrophy of the hand muscles. When carpal tunnel symptoms begin, they are usually intermittent, but when left untreated they are typically progressive.

The underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of a nerve within the wrist called the Median Nerve.

This nerve has 2 functions in the hand. First, it provides sensation to the index, long, and ring finger and portions of the thumb, thus resulting in the symptoms described above.

Further, there is one branch of the Median Nerve that causes the muscles of the palm and thumb to function, and when affected it results in weakness in the hand and grip loss.

The anatomy of the carpal tunnel involves 9 tendons and a single nerve that traverse through a tunnel that has been named as the carpal tunnel.

This tunnel is roughly located

at the junction of the hand and wrist. The structure of the tunnel is a tight fibrous band of tissue that does not expand and will not accommodate for swelling. Because the canal does not have the ability to stretch, when swelling occurs within the tunnel it causes compression of the contents of the tunnel. The tendons tolerate this pressure, but the median nerve which traverses through the tunnel with the tendons does not. However, the cause of the swelling is usually from the tendons. The idea is that the tendons within the carpal tunnel become swollen from overuse. Each tendon is surrounded by a smooth slick layer called synovium, which when aggravated, it swells.

It is this swelling that is the underlying cause of carpal tunnel and ultimately causes compression of the Median Nerve.

Evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome occurs first with the physical exam. There are several specific physical exam findings that strongly indicate

carpal tunnel syndrome. If physical exam findings are present, most physicians will proceed with a test called an EMG or nerve conduction velocity. This test is done by providing an impulse externally to the arm with electrodes that measure how fast impulse travels. If there is compression to a nerve such as in carpal tunnel syndrome, this will result in a positive test.

Treatment options for carpal tunnel include bracing. Bracing immobilizes the wrist and allows for the swelling within the carpal tunnel surrounding the tendons to improve with just simply rest. One issue that makes this less effective is that although we can immobilize the wrist itself, fingers still need to work. Some of the tendons traversing the canal, function to create movement within the fingers. So, despite bracing there is still motion within the carpal tunnel, and still a source for friction and swelling.

However, bracing is effective and is a good option, especially early on. Anti-inflammatories also may be a good treatment option and function as a good adjunct to bracing.

A n o t h e r conservative treatment option is to consider injection therapy. With this treatment, a steroid is injected directly into the carpal tunnel usually under needle guidance using ultrasound.

The steroid acts as a very potent anti-inflammatory and reduces the swelling within the carpal tunnel.

This takes pressure off the nerve and symptoms improve.

Unfortunately, this

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may not be a permanent fix and often times symptoms will return. However it is a useful treatment option in some situations.

When conservative treatment fails, patients will likely be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for surgical treatment.

The surgical treatment for carpal tunnel is an outpatient surgery which can be done under local or general anesthesia. Most surgeons prefer general anesthesia.

A minimally invasive 2 cm incision is typically made over the base of the palm and wrist and the carpal tunnel is released. This effectively turns the tunnel into a trough. This does not affect the function of the contents of the canal but allows for release of pressure and removal of friction caused from the swelling within the canal.

By removing the friction and pressure, the swelling resolves and the cycle of compression is stopped. Carpal tunnel surgery is extremely successful and most patients are able to return to full use of the hand within 3 weeks. Time off work is minimal, provided the patient can perform their work duties with minimal use of the operative hand for about 2-3 weeks. It is not uncommon for patients to have surgery on a Thursday or Friday, and return to limited duty work on Monday.

If you suffer from symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, I would encourage you to follow up with your orthopedic surgeon or your primary care doctor, and not ignore your symptoms.

Without some type of treatment, your symptoms are likely to progress. However with treatment, there is a high rate of success and improvement in quality of life.

July 5 - July 18, 2013

Security Savvy

What Are We As Parents Teaching Our Children About Sports And Being A Good Sport?

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group

I believe that people that play professional sports should be held to a higher standard of behavior. The reason is, we pay to see them play their sport, and we bring our children to these events so that they can aspire to play like their hero. Then we see the real truth, i.e., that it’s all about the draw and how much money these professionals can bring in. How many of these heroes have broken the law and been forgiven because of the money they make for a franchise?

What kind of a message does that send to the children that look up to them? So if you are a great athlete, you can forget about what is morally and legally the right thing to do because you know you will get away with it? It is too bad that sports have become a money machine, and the players have forgotten the fans that got them there, especially the young ones. I like watching Triple A Ball because those kids play their hearts out for the love of the game, not for the money.

Next time you are at a peewee football game, look at the faces of those kids, especially when they make a touchdown or a great tackle.

That’s what the sport is supposed to be all about.

What is this new situation where if your team loses a game, everybody gets a trophy? What does that teach a child? To me it teaches children there are no consequences or disappointments.

It reinforces the idea that no matter what, you will be rewarded anyway. I believe it takes out the competitive drive to try harder next time.

I was involved with both

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any of them in a hurry!

When I lived in Boston, I would go to see the Patriots play but to my disappointment, being pushed and shoved was not uncommon.

Then when the beer hits people, it becomes a little more exciting trying to stay out of harm’s way. Do not misunderstand me, not all spectators are like the few that can ruin it for others.

sports and Drum Corps when I was young, and believe me, my team did not win every time. We got together as a team, and practiced harder so that we could win that elusive first place. It built character, and is something that our professional teams need to address. It seems to me that camaraderie is dead, and that the players themselves are being played by their own managers/lawyers.

I love that a player would leave his team to join up with a stronger team, so that they

can win a RING. What happened to “Let’s try next year as a real team that cares for each other?”

Now let us go into the stands at these games, whether football, baseball, soccer, etc.

Again, what are we teaching the children? I have seen parents acting out like inmates at a prison with explicit language, gestures toward the officials, at other parents, and even sometimes escalating into violence over a game. Why?

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Just recently we all read about a young man who was upset with a call during a high school soccer game, and he punched the official.

The ref later died from his injury. How awful! How does a family survive that kind of violence? In another case, a patron had been attacked just because he was rooting for the other team in front of his child. What about soccer crowds in other countries, where people are actually trampled and crushed at a soccer event? I won’t go to

There is a sport that has, I believe, kept its followers calm and courteous. It’s golf, a gentlemen’s sport. I believe that golf teaches both sportsmanship and integrity. You don’t see the crowds getting all worked up and threatening the officials, because it will not be accepted. The only real threat watching a golf game would be being hit by that little white ball that went awry. No people have been trampled at a golf outing that I have heard of.

I don’t see lawyers and managers swaying a golfer telling them who to play against, or which tournament to play in.

Parents, be careful at sporting events with your children.

Set a good example for them, teach them the true meaning of sportsmanship and camaraderie, and that it’s not bad to lose; just don’t give up.

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Jerry’s Journal

Yet Another Man Trip

by Jerry Barksdale It was another “Man Trip,” this time to Fort McClellan in Anniston. Naturally, women weren’t allowed. We didn’t have time to stop for pedicures, shoe shopping and other such foolishness.

Retired Athens cop and Alabama Veterans’ Museum President, Jerry Crabtree was self-appointed tour guide and driver. Museum Board Member, Bill Ward, a retired mathematician, served as unofficial trip humorist. (Have you ever met a funny math teacher?) Retired ASU Business Manager and Board Member, Ewell Smith, with his handy Iphone was the IT man.

The stated purpose of our trip was to visit the German POW cemetery at Fort McClellan, tour the Berman Museum of World History, followed by a fine lunch at the Victoria. However, our real purpose was to get out of the house, get out of town and discuss the personal lives of everyone who came to mind during the two hour and thirteen minute and 118 mile trip. Believe me, I learned a lot. Ewell pulled up a photograph on his Iphone of a beautiful chick in a bathing suit. We played “Guess who?”

“Marilyn Monroe,” I offered.

No one knew her identity.

It was Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffith show. Unbelieveable. Ladies, keep eating potato chips and pork rinds and the same thing will happen to you.

We discussed the sad state of world affairs and concluded that we are in a real mess. When the Pope gives up and jumps ship, you

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know things are really bad.

Crabtree, a retired Sergeant from the Alabama National Guard, followed the “old convoy” route taken over the last years by local guardsmen traveling to summer camp. It’s scenic, and we saw plenty of chicken houses along the way. We turned off of Interstate 65 to Alabama 67 at Priceville, and headed

southeast toward Attalla. At this historical intersection of U.S. 431 and Alabama 278, Crabtree pointed out where the convoy always stopped and the guardsmen always took a pee break. Dang! And I didn’t bring a camera.

Arriving at old Fort McClellan, (closed by the Feds in 1999) we located the POW cemetery situated on a sunbathed hill overlooking piney woods, a couple of magnolia trees, and large oaks which offered shade. Too bad the men buried there can’t witness its simple beauty. The patch of ground is home to

three Italians and 26 Germans who died in captivity across the South during WWII. A German Brigadier General, Hans Schuberth, is buried next to a private. A camp was once located near the cemetery, constructed in 1943 that held 3,000 POW’s.

A larger camp was located at Aliceville, Alabama.

Afterwards, we toured Fort

McClellan. Originally established in 1917 and named after Yankee General George McClellan, it was once one of the largest camps in America. The spit and polish days of yesterday were gone. Weeds grew in asphalt cracks. Old shabby buildings were vacant. The once manicured parade ground where a half million citizen soldiers had marched to the call of cadence over years past was weedy as a cow pasture. Homeland security had blocked off roads and occupied several of the buildings.

We had luncheon reservations at the Victoria, a fine

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restaurant located in a large and beautiful Victorian-style house built in 1888 on a hill overlooking Guintard Avenue. I was confused.

“Are we in Attalla?” I asked.

“Let me review the article before you turn it in,” said official trip humorist, Bill Ward. “You might have us in Mississippi. This is Anniston.”

Inside, I asked him where the men’s room was located?

“Down the hallway, at the back door and behind a tree,” he replied.

He doesn’t know it, but in the next Man Trip Story, he’ll be referred to only as “the smarty-pants passenger.”

White table clothes, delicious food and excellent service made it a classy restaurant. A meat and three was only $9.95. Fresh Gulf Amberjack was available. It’s a country Inn with guest rooms furnished with period furniture. Guys, if you want to get out of the doghouse, take

your favorite woman down for overnight. She will love the place (256-236-0503).

After visiting St. Michael’s, a gothic Episcopal church built of sandstone in 1887 – it resembles a British Castle – we headed to the Berman Museum of World History. Unofficial tour guide, Crabtree mistakenly took us in the Museum of Natural History located next door.

I’m about to demote him for incompetency. But the tour was worth it, and I was fascinated by large rattling copperhead behind glass.

Kids would love this museum. Finally we arrived next door at the Berman Museum. Farley Berman Anniston enlisted in the Army following Pearl Harbor, and spent most of his service in military intelligence. While in North Africa he met Germaine, a French National, who worked in French Intelligence. “I was spying on her and she was spying on me,” Berman later recalled.

I guess they liked what they saw. They married and returned to Anniston and later established the museum.

The large and roomy twostory building is chock full of 8,000 artifacts “from the rugged American West to the exotic far east….”

Remington, bronzes, oil paintings, jade sculpture, ancient and modern weapons, suits of armor, photos, clothing and even a gatlin gun are there. Hitler’s Civil Service is one of a kind.

Check it out at www.bermanmuseum.org.

It was a great trip with great guys. I learned a lot. Imagine Aunt Bea was once a hot tamale...

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